What does the name ‘Tehachapi’ mean?

There is no place like Tehachapi – and no other place named Tehachapi. So just what does the name mean?

While searching the west for the U.S. government to find a railroad route to California, Lt. R.S. Williamson and his scout, Alexis Godey, in August 1853 made their way to the Tehachapi Valley and Indians who told them that their name for the creek running there was “Tah-ee-chay-pay.” Williamson did not record the meaning of the name, however.

Weather

Weather-wise, Tehachapi is unique

Tehachapi is a unique place, climate-wise. Its elevation, positioning between mountain ranges and location on the edge of the Mojave Desert result in weather unlike adjacent areas. Wind is common (and the source of a burgeoning wind industry). Snow can be expected during winter and spring, but rarely lasts long. Summers are pleasant and much cooler than the San Joaquin Valley to the west or Mojave Desert to the east. For a number of years the slogan, “Land of Four Seasons,” was promoted – and locals joked that it was not uncommon to have all four seasons in one day. Indeed, the Tehachapi Mountains sometimes seem to conjure up weather that doesn’t show up on the predictions from the National Weather Service. Average precipitation is 12.6 and the summer and fall are generally dry. Weather can vary considerably depending upon elevation and micro-climates exist (making possible agricultural endeavors, such as vineyards, which might not be expected.

Tehachapi: a guide to our communities

The modern development of Tehachapi began in 1876, when the railroad was completed. An earlier settlement, once called Williamsburg and now known as “Old Town” was founded in the 1860s and was an important station on the road between the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. Old Town declined when residents gradually relocated to nearby Greenwich, the first name for the community now known as Tehachapi.
The City of Tehachapi incorporated in 1909 and for many years was surrounded by ranchland. Development of ranches in the mid-twentieth century has continued and a number of unincorporated communities – all part of Tehachapi – have developed. These communities offer a variety of amenities with just about as much diversity as the natural surroundings.

Communities and developed areas (in addition to the City of Tehachapi) include:

Where to get information

VIEW our 2011-12 print edition Tehachapi Visitor Guide

Greater Tehachapi Area
Chamber of Commerce
209 E. Tehachapi Blvd.
(661) 822-4180
www.tehachapi.com
Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed from 1 to 2 p.m. for lunch

Getting Around Tehachapi

Tehachapi News Staff

Public transit:

• East Kern Express provides inter-city service Monday through Saturday between the communities of Bakersfield, Keene, Tehachapi, Mojave, Rosamond, and Lancaster. Passengers may transfer to other regional carriers in Bakersfield, Mojave, and Lancaster. For information call 1-800-323-2396 or 1-800-560-1733 or online: www.co.kern.ca.us/roads/kernregionaltransit.asp

Getting to Tehachapi

Tehachapi News Staff

Most people travel to Tehachapi by private vehicle, but there are other ways to get to and from town.

Where is Tehachapi?

Tehachapi News Staff

Long before California became a state, the mountain pass known today as the Tehachapi Pass was used by native people as an important trade route and the people known as the Kawaiisu (or Nüwa in their own language) settled in the nearby valleys, perhaps around 2,000 years ago.

Schools

Tehachapi Unified School District
400 S. Snyder Ave., Tehachapi, CA 93561
(661) 822-2100
www.teh.k12.ca.us

Carden School
20419 Brian Way, (661) 822-9565
www.cardenschooloftehachapi.com

Helpful information

www.tehachapinews.com – website of Tehachapi’s hometown newspaper

www.seetehachapi.com – website of the Tehachapi Tourism Commission