October 11, 2025 was the annual Apple Festival in Tehachapi. Begun in 1998, it has become a tradition that draws visitors from far and wide to enjoy a day dedicated to all things apple. The Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society had our traditional booth in the Festival. The Spin Wheel had very nice offerings for the children and adults. All who wanted to try their luck at winning a nice natural treasure. There was a good crowd of visitors all seeming to enjoy the great atmosphere of the Festival, even though the weather was a bit chilly. Remember to put the Tehachapi Apple Festival on your calendar for next year. And a rock, mineral, or crystal treasure will be waiting at the Spin Wheel for you.
On Saturday September 13 about a dozen members and guests of the Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society gathered at the Senior Center for a presentation by Rick Homan on desert safety. The very informative talk covered every area from planning a trip to what to take. And how to stay safe while offroading in the desert and mountain areas we often take field trips into. Rick has vast experience with safety and rescue as a professional in the field. All the attendees of his talk learned much new knowledge which will be of practical value for the rest of their lives. After the instruction class many of the group drove out to Clay Mine Road and into the desert for some 4 wheel driving. It was just a bit more challenging than we usually do with the club. But the view from the top of the hill was fantastic. Rock hounding was done at three sites along the way. More buckets of rocks were taken home by all. A great day of learning and exploring. Thank you Rick for sharing your years of experience and knowledge with us.
At this year's Mountain Festival the Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society hosted its yearly Gem Show at the Senior Center. The parking area and inside of the building was filled with vendors selling all manner of wonderful items from rocks to jewelry with precious gemstones. Our spinning wheel was enjoyed by young and old and raised money for the club. On the patio out back of the senior center there were hundreds of slabs of rocks cut by club members at our workshop which were for sale. Display cases of fossils and meteorites along with a display case of the work done at our workshop, and another of the item from the Wednesday classes held at the Art Center were enjoyed by the visitors. Slabs and larger specimens of rocks were bought by many guests of the gem show, who took home wonderful items for their next project or for display. It was a great time of fun for all the members who participated also. YouTube by Hunting with Rocks with David
On Saturday July 23 the weather was unseasonably cool and offered an opportunity to have a field trip to Castle Butte one of our favorite local rock collection spots. A big turn out with perhaps 20 members in attendance. Ten vehicles formed the caravan to out beyond California City. Far more people attended than are in the picture. Buckets of agate, jasper, chalcedony were picked up. Even another piece of the rare ripple marked sandstone was found again by Ron Ray. It did get quite warm later in the day, but sneaking in a great field trip to the desert in July was an enjoyable time for everyone. Come and join us next time for some good rock collecting fun.
The Tehachapi Senior Center provides very needed services to the community. The center also provides space to other organizations and clubs in our town. Every year the Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society shows its appreciation to the Senior Center for the use of the facility for their monthly meetings and other activities by holding a Yard Sale in the front parking lot of the Senior Center. All the proceeds from the Yard Sale go to support the fine work of the Senior Center. Consider making a donation of usable items next year. Look for flyers that will be posted around town early June with the details.
The Tehachapi Valley Gem & Mineral Society annual potluck dinner was held Saturday, May 10th at the Tehachapi Senior Center. By a unanimous show of hands and voices in a previous meeting we were again treated to Ron's Famous Brisket. We were all presented with a wonderful array of side dishes and desserts brought by fellow members, and we all brought our appetites. There was also a carrot cake brought by someone, (name later if possible), as a thank you to all of our wonderful board members. The carrot cake was delicious and even had a rock border. Everyone had a great time and no one went away hungry.
The Tehachapi Valley Gem & Mineral Society heads out to the world famous Borax mine about once a year and it is always a fun, informative and exciting trip.
By Jim Tobin On Saturday, February 8, there was a well attended field trip out to Pine Tree Canyon. There was some wonderful recoveries of many colors of jasper and agate. The collections were made both east and west of the huge pipeline which is part of the California Aqueduct System. I tumbled up a lot of the rocks.