TehachapiNews.com

Tehachapi’s Salvation Army unit lifted up Old West Ranch fire victims

Tina Ford

Bruce Burson was just one of the Old West Ranch fire victims helped by the Tehachapi Service Unit of the Salvation Army.

The unit, under the direction of Marget Willer, provided for the most pressing needs — food, clothing, temporary shelter — as well as long-term power needs (Old West Ranch is off the grid).

Community unites to rebuild home for Old West Ranch resident

Tina Ford

On Feb. 24, workers installed seismic piers under the double-wide mobile home that Rimer Homes of Bakersfield had donated to Bruce Burson of Old West Ranch.

The piers were the last major detail Burson needed to secure a permit from Kern County so he could occupy the home.

No jail time for fire starters

Jeff Goodman, The Bakersfield Californian

The men accused of starting the Old West Ranch fire will not spend time in prison.

Daniel Gentle, 47, and Michael Kulikoff, 24, each pleaded no contest Feb. 18 to a misdemeanor charge of operating a device that kindled a fire, according to the Kern County Superior Court website. Felony charges of causing fire to an inhabited structure were dismissed. Each man paid $515 in fines and was given three years probation, court records show.

Union Bank helps West Fire victims

The Union Bank Foundation donated $5,000 to the Tehachapi Salvation Army to assist with relief and recovery efforts related to the West Fire that recently ravaged the community.

“It is truly inspiring how the community of Tehachapi has joined together to help each other through this tragedy,” said Kelly Saunders, vice president and branch manager, Tehachapi. “The Union Bank Foundation was created to support the communities that the bank serves and this community certainly deserves a helping hand during this difficult time.”

West Ranch fundraiser involved many helpers

The Board of Directors of Funds for Freedom has expressed thanks to everyone who helped with the West Fire Relief Music Festival and help the victims of the West Fire.

“Without the help of the following organizations and individuals, our participation would not have been possible,” said spokesperson Jenny Miller.

Concert raises funds

Tina Ford

The West Fire Relief Music Festival got off to a mellow start at Philip Marx Central Park on Saturday, Aug. 28, with the blues/rock sound of the band Five Yard Dog.

The Santa Clarita-based band was the first on the schedule at 9 a.m.

Wind workers help firefighters

Mark Powell

For months, Old West Ranch resident Brent Scheibel spoke out against the impending Alta-Oak Creek Mojave wind project because of its proximity to his property.

Then the West Fire broke out in Old West Ranch July 27, one day after ground was broken on the project operated by Terra-Gen.

Vacation Bible School kids donate $530 to Burson family

The kids at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School designated their daily offerings through the Salvation Army to Bruce Burson and his family who lost everything in the West Fire.

The VBS program prepared by McAvoy Family Ministries from Queen Creek, Ariz., had the theme “Super Heroes” which focused on how God works through ordinary people, including children to share the good news about Jesus and his love for us.

West Fire was first assignment for local ‘therapy dog’

Mark Powell

Sir Duke, a 3-year-old golden retriever, isn’t the only dog in town.

He might be top dog, however, when it comes to helping Tehachapi residents cope with stress.

WEST FIRE RELIEF MUSIC FESTIVAL

Annette Kirby

WEST FIRE RELIEF MUSIC FESTIVAL

"The second 'hottest' event of the season!" ~ Bert Bockover, An Old West Ranch landowner

Concert, other efforts planned to help fire victims

Mark Powell

There will be no shortage of chances for Tehachapi residents to assist the victims of a fire that recently overwhelmed Old West Ranch.

There also will be no shortage of volunteers apparently.