Tehachapi City Council honors five local women in Extraordinary Women program

The Tehachapi City Council honored five local women at a standing-room-only meeting as part of the Extraordinary Women Recognition Program, and one honoree will be recognized at the April 6 meeting.

The Tehachapi City Council held a standing-room-only meeting where it honored five people through the Extraordinary Women Recognition Program. The program celebrates Women's History Month by recognizing local women who inspire, lead and make an impact in the community. Mayor Joan Pogon-Cord presented awards and praised the honorees' dedication and service. One honoree, Maryann Paciullo, was not present and will be recognized at the April 6 meeting. Recognitions and council notes: - The five honorees were Kristen Baquerizo (owner and founder of Wild Roots Style Company), Cheryl Graham Wilson (longtime volunteer at the Tehachapi Visitor Center and The Historic BeeKay Theatre), Shawny Patrick (operations and HR director of Tehachapi Vineyard Church), Carol Larimore (president of the Have-A-Heart Humane Society Board of Directors), and Maryann Paciullo (chairwoman of the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District Board of Directors and owner of Tehachapi's McDonalds). - The city said the honorees “represent the many ways individuals contribute to making our community stronger” and noted their dedication, service and strength of character. - Mayor Pogon-Cord highlighted Baquerizo's volunteer work with Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue, Wilson's role as an ambassador for Tehachapi, Patrick's contributions to community events and inclusive programming, and Larimore's work growing Have-A-Heart Humane Society. - The council declared March Red Cross Month and noted the local Red Cross responded to 201 home fires in the past year. - The council directed staff to publish a notice of intent to appoint someone to fill the vacant city treasurer position; the appointee would serve until the next general municipal election results are certified in November. - The council awarded the Tucker Road Fencing Project to Yukon Fence for $99,000 to install fencing from the north side of the Tucker Road Bridge to the eastbound Highway 58 off- and onramps. Summary: The recognitions highlighted long‑time volunteerism and leadership across local businesses, nonprofit groups and civic boards. The council also handled routine municipal matters, including a Red Cross month declaration, steps to fill a vacant treasurer post, and a contract award for a local fencing project; Maryann Paciullo will be recognized at the April 6 meeting.