Mayor Michael Davies with representatives of WM during Monday night's Tehachapi City Council meeting. From left are Davies, Frank Vasquez, Ashley Cortes and Brenda Higgins.
Recent road improvement projects throughout the city of Tehachapi are wrapping up. City Manager Greg Garrett told members of the City Council Monday night that he is especially proud of work done in the Arabian Estates area of the city.
Streets in Arabian Estates -- located on the north side of Highway 58 east of the Tehachapi Eastside Cemetery -- were in very bad shape prior to recent work.
Councilman Phil Smith noted that voter support of Measure S -- a one-cent sales tax approved in November 2022 -- made the work there possible.
Garrett said the city put down about $2.7 million worth of asphalt in recent weeks, with funding coming from state and local sources.
He also provided a preview of work planned for next year, including repaving every street on the north side of the railroad tracks, including work on alleys.
Valley Boulevard, Dennison Road and other streets will also see improvements as the city plans to spend about $2.5 million more to protect and rehabilitate streets.
Garrett added that the city is in discussion with CalTrans about the old maintenance station on West Tehachapi Boulevard, which the state agency will replace sometime next year with a new facility currently under construction near Tractor Supply on Industrial Parkway.
Because CalTrans will be doing significant work on Highway 58 with the Keene Pavement Project and truck-climbing lanes scheduled to begin in June 2026, the city has proposed that the old building be remodeled to house CalTrans engineering staff for that project.
Also during Monday night's meeting:
* City Clerk Tori Marsh conducted a swearing-in ceremony for Ryan Hulse, a police officer who came to work for the city several months ago. Police Chief Richard Standridge introduced Hulse and said he is a Tehachapi resident who was previously a police officer in California City and brought 12 years of experience to the job. Hulse also served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Former California City Police Chief Jesse Hightower was on hand to pin Hulse's new badge on his uniform.
* Mayor Michael Davies issued a proclamation celebrating Edwards Air Force Base and Space Force anniversaries. Community Engagement Specialist Mya Acosta read the proclamation, noting that the U.S. Air Force recently celebrated its 77th anniversary and Space Force marked its 5th anniversary. Along with Plant 42 in Palmdale and NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center, operations at Edwards contribute an estimated $2.3 billion annually to the regional economy.
* Davies also presented a certificate of recognition to WM for continued community support. Acosta noted that WM's "in kind" sponsorship of many community events has significantly contributed to the success of those events and programs. Ashley Cortes, Frank Vasquez and Brenda Higgins of WM were present for the recognition.
* The council voted unanimously, with all present except Jeanette Pauer, to approve a notice of completion of the Valley Boulevard Recreational Park Project. Garrett and several council members commented on the success of the park project. Development Services Director Jay Schlosser thanked his staff for their hard work on the park and said they are very proud of recent recognition from the American Society of Civil Engineers Southern San Joaquin Branch related to the park.
* Heard a report about the recent Bike Rodeo held by the police department in conjunction with Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District. A $2,000 grant from the Kern Council of Governments helped purchase 40 bicycle helmets given away at the event.
Claudia Elliott is a freelance journalist. She can be reached by email: [email protected].