Tehachapi, California
Encyclopedia
Tehachapi is a city incorporated in 1909 located in the Tehachapi Mountains
between Bakersfield
and Mojave
in Kern County
, California
. Tehachapi is located 35 miles (56.3 km) east-southeast of Bakersfield, at an elevation of 3970 feet (1,210.1 m). The area is known for the nearby Tehachapi Loop
(a popular railfan
site), Tehachapi Pass Wind Farm
, The Indian Point Ostrich Ranch, proximity to Edwards Air Force Base
, and excellent environment for gliding
. Ten miles to the west at Keene, is the National Chavez Center, established to share the legacy of Cesar Chavez. A maximum security prison, the California Correctional Institution
, also known as the Tehachapi State Prison, is in the area. The population was 14,414 at the 2010 census, up from 10,957 at the 2000 census.
(NRHP) and was the oldest building in downtown Tehachapi until it burned in June 2008. The building had been in the final stages of becoming a museum. It is since been rebuilt using the original plans with only minor modifications to meet modern building codes. The new depot was dedicated on June 5, 2010.
On July 21, 1952 Tehachapi was devastated by a magnitude 7.5 (Richter scale) earthquake
(USGS, SCEC) on the little known White Wolf Fault
.
One possibility for the origin of the name Tehachapi comes from the Kawaiisu
language. The name may be derived from the word for "hard climb" or tihachipia, according to the Tomi-Kahni Resource Center.
, the city has a total area of 10 square miles (25.9 km²), of which, over 99% is land.
was 1,445.7 people per square mile (558.2/km²). The racial makeup of Tehachapi was 9,426 (65.4%) White, 1,297 (9.0%) African American, 206 (1.4%) Native American, 238 (1.7%) Asian, 21 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 2,725 (18.9%) from other races
, and 501 (3.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5,466 persons (37.9%).
The Census reported that 8,487 people (58.9% of the population) lived in households, 6 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 5,921 (41.1%) were institutionalized.
There were 3,121 households, out of which 1,199 (38.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 1,504 (48.2%) were opposite-sex married couples
living together, 418 (13.4%) had a female householder with no husband present, 181 (5.8%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 194 (6.2%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
, and 18 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 879 households (28.2%) were made up of individuals and 428 (13.7%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72. There were 2,103 families
(67.4% of all households); the average family size was 3.34.
The population was spread out with 2,599 people (18.0%) under the age of 18, 1,542 people (10.7%) aged 18 to 24, 5,891 people (40.9%) aged 25 to 44, 3,115 people (21.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,267 people (8.8%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.4 years. For every 100 females there were 234.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 283.0 males.
There were 3,539 housing units at an average density of 354.9 per square mile (137.0/km²), of which 1,841 (59.0%) were owner-occupied, and 1,280 (41.0%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.2%; the rental vacancy rate was 12.2%. 4,913 people (34.1% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 3,574 people (24.8%) lived in rental housing units.
of 2000, there are 10,957 people, 2,533 households, and 1,709 families residing in the city. The population density
is 1,144.0 people per square mile (441.6/km²). There are 2,914 housing units at an average density of 304.2 per square mile (117.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city is 57.17% White, 13.80% Black or African American, 1.35% Native American, 0.74% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 23.82% from other races, and 2.97% from two or more races. 32.70% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 2,533 households out of which 35.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.5% are married couples
living together, 14.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.5% are non-families. 28.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.59 and the average family size is 3.19.
In the city the population is spread out with 18.5% under the age of 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 42.7% from 25 to 44, 16.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 224.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 270.0 males.
The median income
for a household in the city is $29,208, and the median income for a family is $40,030. Males have a median income of $50,446 versus $26,023 for females. The per capita income
for the city is $18,220. 20.4% of the population and 17.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 24.5% of those under the age of 18 and 15.5% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
The highest recorded temperature was 106 °F (41.1 °C) on July 27, 1934. The lowest recorded temperature was -5 F on January 14, 1932, and December 3, 1958. Annual precipitation averages 11.08 inches (281.4 mm) and there is measurable precipitation on average of 42 days annually. The wettest year was 1983 with 27.77 inches (705.4 mm) and the driest year was 1989 with 4.3 inches (109.2 mm). The most precipitation in one month was 11.59 inches (294.4 mm) in March 1983. The most precipitation in 24 hours was 3.4 inches (86.4 mm) on March 1, 1983. The snowiest year was 1967 when 62 inches (1,574.8 mm) fell. The most snow in one month was 44 inches (1,117.6 mm) in January 1933.
, 6 miles (10 km) from the Garlock Fault
and 30 miles (48.3 km) from the San Andreas Fault
. Tehachapi is best known for the 7.3 quake on the White Wolf Fault
in 1952. At the time, the earthquake was the largest in Southern California in the twentieth century and the largest since the 1872 Lone Pine earthquake. It was felt as far away as Reno
, Nevada
. Twelve people died in the quake and severe damage was done to buildings and rail lines in the area. The 1857 Fort Tejon earthquake on the San Andreas Fault
had an estimated magnitude of 7.9 but there is no record of the local effects of this quake. The Garlock Fault
last ruptured approximately 500 years ago.
The Tehachapi Pops Orchestra, founded in 2006 by Deborah Hand, plays an eclectic blend of popular and jazz music, as well as original compositions.
, a local theater group, the Tehachapi Community Theater, performs in the recently restored downtown BeeKay theater.
is a weekly newspaper published in the city.
, an effort is underway by the Tehacahapi Media Foundation to initiate a local web-based radio station.
Tehachapi Mountains
The Tehachapi Mountains , regionally also called The Tehachapis, are a mountain range in the Transverse Ranges system of California in the Western United States...
between Bakersfield
Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield is a city near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley in Kern County, California. It is roughly equidistant between Fresno and Los Angeles, to the north and south respectively....
and Mojave
Mojave, California
Mojave is a census-designated place in Kern County, California, United States. Mojave is located east of Bakersfield, at an elevation of 2762 feet...
in Kern County
Kern County, California
Spreading across the southern end of the California Central Valley, Kern County is the fifth-largest county by population in California. Its economy is heavily linked to agriculture and to petroleum extraction, and there is a strong aviation and space presence. Politically, it has generally...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. Tehachapi is located 35 miles (56.3 km) east-southeast of Bakersfield, at an elevation of 3970 feet (1,210.1 m). The area is known for the nearby Tehachapi Loop
Tehachapi Loop
The Tehachapi Loop is a long 'spiral', or helix, on The Union Pacific Railroad through Tehachapi Pass, in south central California. The railroad line connects Bakersfield in the San Joaquin Valley to Mojave in the Antelope Valley. The loop takes its name from the circuitous route it takes, in...
(a popular railfan
Railfan
A railfan or rail buff , railway enthusiast or railway buff , or trainspotter , is a person interested in a recreational capacity in rail transport...
site), Tehachapi Pass Wind Farm
Tehachapi Pass Wind Farm
Wind development in the Tehachapi Pass began in the early 1980s. The area hosts a multitude of wind farms, comprising one of California's largest wind resource areas. The pass is undergoing much repowering activity...
, The Indian Point Ostrich Ranch, proximity to Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located on the border of Kern County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County, California, in the Antelope Valley. It is southwest of the central business district of North Edwards, California and due east of Rosamond.It is named in...
, and excellent environment for gliding
Gliding
Gliding is a recreational activity and competitive air sport in which pilots fly unpowered aircraft known as gliders or sailplanes using naturally occurring currents of rising air in the atmosphere to remain airborne. The word soaring is also used for the sport.Gliding as a sport began in the 1920s...
. Ten miles to the west at Keene, is the National Chavez Center, established to share the legacy of Cesar Chavez. A maximum security prison, the California Correctional Institution
California Correctional Institution
California Correctional Institution is a state prison located in Cummings Valley, west of the city of Tehachapi in southern California. It is a supermax...
, also known as the Tehachapi State Prison, is in the area. The population was 14,414 at the 2010 census, up from 10,957 at the 2000 census.
Area history
The original SP railroad depot was the beginning of the downtown core. It is now on the National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
(NRHP) and was the oldest building in downtown Tehachapi until it burned in June 2008. The building had been in the final stages of becoming a museum. It is since been rebuilt using the original plans with only minor modifications to meet modern building codes. The new depot was dedicated on June 5, 2010.
On July 21, 1952 Tehachapi was devastated by a magnitude 7.5 (Richter scale) earthquake
Earthquake
An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. The seismicity, seismism or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time...
(USGS, SCEC) on the little known White Wolf Fault
White Wolf Fault
The White Wolf Fault is a fault in southern California, located north of the intersection of the San Andreas Fault and the Garlock Fault, and north of the Tehachapi Mountains. It is classed as a reverse fault with a left lateral component...
.
One possibility for the origin of the name Tehachapi comes from the Kawaiisu
Kawaiisu language
The Kawaiisu language is an Uto-Aztecan language spoken by the Kawaiisu people of California.-Classification:Kawaiisu is a member of the Southern Numic division of the Uto-Aztecan language family.-Linguistic Environment:...
language. The name may be derived from the word for "hard climb" or tihachipia, according to the Tomi-Kahni Resource Center.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 10 square miles (25.9 km²), of which, over 99% is land.
Demographics
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Tehachapi had a population of 14,414. The population densityPopulation density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,445.7 people per square mile (558.2/km²). The racial makeup of Tehachapi was 9,426 (65.4%) White, 1,297 (9.0%) African American, 206 (1.4%) Native American, 238 (1.7%) Asian, 21 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 2,725 (18.9%) from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 501 (3.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5,466 persons (37.9%).
The Census reported that 8,487 people (58.9% of the population) lived in households, 6 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 5,921 (41.1%) were institutionalized.
There were 3,121 households, out of which 1,199 (38.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 1,504 (48.2%) were opposite-sex married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 418 (13.4%) had a female householder with no husband present, 181 (5.8%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 194 (6.2%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
POSSLQ
POSSLQ is an abbreviation for "Persons of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters," a term coined in the late 1970s by the United States Census Bureau as part of an effort to more accurately gauge the prevalence of cohabitation in American households....
, and 18 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 879 households (28.2%) were made up of individuals and 428 (13.7%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72. There were 2,103 families
Family (U.S. Census)
A family or family household is defined by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes as "a householder and one or more other people related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. They do not include same-sex married couples even if the marriage was performed in a state...
(67.4% of all households); the average family size was 3.34.
The population was spread out with 2,599 people (18.0%) under the age of 18, 1,542 people (10.7%) aged 18 to 24, 5,891 people (40.9%) aged 25 to 44, 3,115 people (21.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,267 people (8.8%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.4 years. For every 100 females there were 234.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 283.0 males.
There were 3,539 housing units at an average density of 354.9 per square mile (137.0/km²), of which 1,841 (59.0%) were owner-occupied, and 1,280 (41.0%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.2%; the rental vacancy rate was 12.2%. 4,913 people (34.1% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 3,574 people (24.8%) lived in rental housing units.
2000
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there are 10,957 people, 2,533 households, and 1,709 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
is 1,144.0 people per square mile (441.6/km²). There are 2,914 housing units at an average density of 304.2 per square mile (117.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city is 57.17% White, 13.80% Black or African American, 1.35% Native American, 0.74% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 23.82% from other races, and 2.97% from two or more races. 32.70% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 2,533 households out of which 35.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.5% are married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 14.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.5% are non-families. 28.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.59 and the average family size is 3.19.
In the city the population is spread out with 18.5% under the age of 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 42.7% from 25 to 44, 16.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 224.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 270.0 males.
The median income
Income
Income is the consumption and savings opportunity gained by an entity within a specified time frame, which is generally expressed in monetary terms. However, for households and individuals, "income is the sum of all the wages, salaries, profits, interests payments, rents and other forms of earnings...
for a household in the city is $29,208, and the median income for a family is $40,030. Males have a median income of $50,446 versus $26,023 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city is $18,220. 20.4% of the population and 17.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 24.5% of those under the age of 18 and 15.5% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Climate
Tehachapi is known for its four-season climate. It can be sunny and relatively warm in the morning, cloudy and windy by noon, and snowing by nightfall. The wet season is generally November through May, although thunderstorms are likely during the summer. Average temperatures range from 88 °F (30.6 °C)/58 °F (13.9 °C) in July to 52 °F (10.6 °C)/29 °F (-1.1 °C) in January. The area typically collects 15-20 inches of snow each winter. There are an average of 31.1 days with highs of 91 °F (32 °C) or higher and an average of 94.8 days with lows of 31 °F (0 °C) or lower annually.The highest recorded temperature was 106 °F (41.1 °C) on July 27, 1934. The lowest recorded temperature was -5 F on January 14, 1932, and December 3, 1958. Annual precipitation averages 11.08 inches (281.4 mm) and there is measurable precipitation on average of 42 days annually. The wettest year was 1983 with 27.77 inches (705.4 mm) and the driest year was 1989 with 4.3 inches (109.2 mm). The most precipitation in one month was 11.59 inches (294.4 mm) in March 1983. The most precipitation in 24 hours was 3.4 inches (86.4 mm) on March 1, 1983. The snowiest year was 1967 when 62 inches (1,574.8 mm) fell. The most snow in one month was 44 inches (1,117.6 mm) in January 1933.
Earthquakes
Downtown Tehachapi is 15 miles (24 km) from the White Wolf FaultWhite Wolf Fault
The White Wolf Fault is a fault in southern California, located north of the intersection of the San Andreas Fault and the Garlock Fault, and north of the Tehachapi Mountains. It is classed as a reverse fault with a left lateral component...
, 6 miles (10 km) from the Garlock Fault
Garlock Fault
The Garlock Fault is a left-lateral strike-slip fault running approximately northeast-southwest in the Mojave Desert of southern California. It runs for much of its length along the southern base of the Tehachapi Mountains...
and 30 miles (48.3 km) from the San Andreas Fault
San Andreas Fault
The San Andreas Fault is a continental strike-slip fault that runs a length of roughly through California in the United States. The fault's motion is right-lateral strike-slip...
. Tehachapi is best known for the 7.3 quake on the White Wolf Fault
White Wolf Fault
The White Wolf Fault is a fault in southern California, located north of the intersection of the San Andreas Fault and the Garlock Fault, and north of the Tehachapi Mountains. It is classed as a reverse fault with a left lateral component...
in 1952. At the time, the earthquake was the largest in Southern California in the twentieth century and the largest since the 1872 Lone Pine earthquake. It was felt as far away as Reno
Reno, Nevada
Reno is the county seat of Washoe County, Nevada, United States. The city has a population of about 220,500 and is the most populous Nevada city outside of the Las Vegas metropolitan area...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
. Twelve people died in the quake and severe damage was done to buildings and rail lines in the area. The 1857 Fort Tejon earthquake on the San Andreas Fault
San Andreas Fault
The San Andreas Fault is a continental strike-slip fault that runs a length of roughly through California in the United States. The fault's motion is right-lateral strike-slip...
had an estimated magnitude of 7.9 but there is no record of the local effects of this quake. The Garlock Fault
Garlock Fault
The Garlock Fault is a left-lateral strike-slip fault running approximately northeast-southwest in the Mojave Desert of southern California. It runs for much of its length along the southern base of the Tehachapi Mountains...
last ruptured approximately 500 years ago.
Community Orchestra and Theater
Tehachapi boasts two local orchestras. The Tehachapi Community Orchestra, founded in 1998 by Gayel Pitchford produces 5 free-to-the public concerts each year, with familiar selections from the classical canon. This orchestra and its founder's vision were profiled in the Sept/Oct 2005 issue of Symphony magazine.The Tehachapi Pops Orchestra, founded in 2006 by Deborah Hand, plays an eclectic blend of popular and jazz music, as well as original compositions.
, a local theater group, the Tehachapi Community Theater, performs in the recently restored downtown BeeKay theater.
Media
The city has several local publications; The Tehachapi NewsTehachapi News
Tehachapi News is the local source for news and events affecting the residents and businesses in Tehachapi, California. The newspaper is published every Wednesday and is available through home delivery and at rack locations throughout the area....
is a weekly newspaper published in the city.
FM radio stations
Two FM radio stations broadcast from Tehachapi, however they originate in neighboring towns and feature no local Tehachapi programming:- KKZQKKZQKKZQ is a commercial radio station registered to Tehachapi, California, and broadcasting from Palmdale, California to the Antelope Valley area...
(100.1 FM; Tehachapi, CA) - KSRYKSRYKSRY is a radio station broadcasting a modern rock format as a simulcast of KYSR in Los Angeles, California. KSRY serves the Antelope Valley from its tower in Tehachapi, California. The station is owned by Clear Channel Communications.-History:103.1 FM was started by George Chambers in 1981...
(103.1 FM; Tehachapi, CA)
, an effort is underway by the Tehacahapi Media Foundation to initiate a local web-based radio station.
External links
- Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce
- Tehachapi News
- Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park website - KawaiisuKawaiisuthumb|Kawaiisu FamilyThe Kawaiisu are a Native American group who lived in the southern California Tehachapi Valley and across the Tehachapi Pass in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains to the north, toward Lake Isabella and Walker Pass...
Native American Village, near Tehachapi