Public Safety

So you haven’t noticed, Tehachapi has been smothered with a wave of smoke from nearby forest fires. According to a notice issued by kernair.org a few days ago says the smoke impact is due to a recent shift in upper level winds and down slope winds at night.

The notice states…

Residents are advised to restrict outdoor activities in those areas impacted by smoke.

Smoke from the Piute Fire and wildland fires in several parts of the state are continuing to create air pollution problems for both the desert and mountain regions of eastern Kern County. Recent shifts in the upper level winds and downslope winds at night are expected to increase the smoke impacts from the Piute Fire on the Kern River Valley and nearby communities. These smoke impacts can vary greatly from one community to the next. Residents in areas where they can see smoke on the ground or can smell smoke are advised to use caution and avoid being outside when smoke is present. If conditions worsen, people in a “high risk” group, who do not have an air conditioned residence, may need to move to an air conditioned shelter or leave the area in order to reduce their exposure to the smoke.

Exposure to smoke and other particle pollution may cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks, acute bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections. Short-term exposure to particle pollution has been linked to heart attacks and arrhythmias in people with heart disease, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality when smoke is present. Everyone should reduce prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion.

For more information, call the Kern County Air Pollution Control District Office (661) 862-5250.

Everyone, please close your windows and doors, turn the AC on low and stay inside today… you don’t need to be breathing this bad air.

Don’t have AC.. head over to the Hitching Post Theater.. they’ve got AC… make it a double feature. Then consider a taco or burrito at any one of our great local Mexican eateries.

On Monday July 7th, at 1:30 PM, TPD officers were called to a Tehachapi residence regarding a felony assault investigation. The parents of a 13 year old developmentally disabled boy had discovered that their son had been assaulted by two teens at West Park on July 6th.

The investigation revealed that at about 5:30 PM on July 6th, a 17 year old male and a 16 year old male had pushed the 13 year old to the ground and then placed a lit “Piccolo Pete” firecracker into the rear pocket of his jeans. The 13 year old was unable to get the firecracker out of his pocket before it burned through the jeans, causing second degree burns to the victim. An unknown bystander did offer the victim a water bottle to try and stop the burning. The victim was later treated at Tehachapi Hospital.

Based upon the descriptions and first names of the suspects, officers located and arrested one of the teens at West Park at about 4:30 PM. The second suspect was located and arrested at his home about one hour later.

Both suspects, Tehachapi residents, were booked into Kern County Juvenile Hall on charges of 12309 PC – Use of a Destructive Device Causing Bodily Injury, 245 PC – Felony Assault, and 12608 H&S – Unsafe Use of Fireworks.

Case # 08-07-1022
Prepared By: Jeff Kermode -Chief of Police

We’re all looking forward to a fun week here in Tehachapi. It’s a short work week and there is lots to do. Happy Fourth of July.

Weather:
Temperatures shouldn’t be too hot this week with expected highs ranging between 79 – 81 and clear / sunny skies all week.

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
83° | 56°	79° | 56°	81° | 54°	81° | 52°	81° | 52°

This Week in History:

June 30, 1865 – 8 alleged conspirators in assassination of Lincoln are found guilty
June 30, 1936 – 40 hour work week law approved (federal)
July 1, 1862 – Congress outlaws polygamy (1st time)
July 1, 1903 – 1st Tour de France bicycle race begins
July 2, 1901 - Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid rob train of $40,000 at Wagner Montana
July 2, 1940 – Hitler orders invasion of England
July 3, 1852 – Congress authorizes US’s 2nd mint (San Francisco, Calif)
July 3, 1950 – 1st time US & North Korean forces clash in Korean War
July 4, 1776 – Declaration of Independence-US gains independence from Britain
July 4, 1898 – US flag hoisted over Wake Island (Spanish-American War)

Whats Happening This Week in Town:
- Wednesday: Souza Family Vineyard Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
- Thursday: Farmers Market
- Friday: July Fourth Celebrations / Activities

Today, June 20 is the summer soltice.. the longest day of sunlight of the year in the northern hemisphere. For a more elaborate and correct description check out Summer Soltice on Wikepedia.

Here’s wha’s happening in Tehachapi…

Read more…