Tehachapi News

larger view

Tehachapi’s Radio Shack, also known as Kapy’s Electronics (so named for a mustached parakeet), is privately owned and independently operated by Ted and Chelley Kitzmiller. This means that as a private dealership — not a franchise — they also sell a variety of brand name consumer electronics, toys and games as well as a unique selection of original photography and gift   items. 

“The customer’s always right even when they’re not!”

This is the local Radio Shack motto, upheld by the four employees who rotate shifts to give Ted the occasional day off from the store’s 7-day work week. Last year, one of those lucky employees was treated to a cruise, courtesy of one of the many district awards Ted receives from Radio Shack, based on the store’s purchases, not their sales. 

Twenty years before settling into their current Tucker Road location in the Albertson’s shopping center, the Kitzmillers first opened the local Radio Shack’s doors in 1988, at a small Curry Street location. A move to Old Towne later led to a family business partnership with Books & Crannies, which is now solely owned and operated by the Kitzmiller’s daughter, Gina Christopher. 

While Ted’s realm is gadgets and gizmos, Chelley Kitzmiller, represents the business’ “warm fuzzy” side. A dedicated animal lover and “foster mom,” she is one of the co-founders of STOP — Save Tehachapi’s Orphaned Pets. Radio Shack is a local donation station for the local non-profit organization dedicated to building a shelter for Tehachapi’s orphaned pets. On the counter, a digital photo frame displays STOP’s pets currently available for adoption, and the business regularly participates, promotes and donates generously to STOP fundraisers. 

One claim to fame that no other local business owner can boast of is Ted’s designation as Tehachapi’s  “Acorn Shaman.”

When local Weatherman Miles Muzio learned of Ted’s unique ability to predict the weather based on the reading of acorns, he was featured in a special news segment demonstrating his “prognosticating” abilities. (See video oline at www.tehachapinews.com)

Later, the Tehachapi News featured him again, as he predicted the only pre-Halloween snowfall ever recorded in the area. According to the acorns, says Ted, no snow until after the New Year. But just to be safe, ask for a free a local weather update when you purchase your consumer electronics at Radio Shack. And be sure to tell Ted not to take any bad acorns.

Radio Shack is located at 1121 West Valley Blvd. Hours: Open 7-days a week, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. M-F, 9-5 Saturdays and 11 a.m. - 3p.m. on Sundays. Phone:(661)822-4512.