City of Tehachapi receives Rotary's January Peace Baton

The Rotary Club of Tehachapi presented its January Peace Baton to the city in recognition of the city's partnership on the 12 Days of Christmas food drive, which helped distribute boxes to more than 130 families and seniors.

The Rotary Club of Tehachapi presented its January Peace Baton to the city of Tehachapi in recognition of the city's support for the 12 Days of Christmas food drive. The Peace Baton is a perpetual trophy meant to foster peace, unity and service, and is given to individuals, groups or organizations that make a meaningful impact supporting Rotary's work. Mayor Joan Pogon-Cord and Community Engagement Director Key Budge were present to receive the award. Rotary leaders praised the city's role in organizing and delivering holiday food boxes. Key details: - The city helped publicize the event, collect donations, and coordinated distribution to more than 130 families and seniors across the greater Tehachapi area. - Community Engagement Director Key Budge entered recipient names and addresses into the city's routing software despite being ill before distribution, which kept deliveries on schedule. - Public Works Director Tyler Napier stepped in to coordinate distribution on the day of the event. - Dozens of employees from the city, police, and the service districts of Golden Hills, Stallion Springs and Bear Valley delivered boxes to seniors and families in Tehachapi, Golden Hills, Stallion Springs, Bear Valley, Alpine and other areas. - Rotary President Suzie Andreas-Bervel described the Peace Baton as a symbol of teamwork, continuity and a shared commitment to service. Summary: The award recognizes the city's cooperation in ensuring the food distribution happened on schedule and reached many households. Undetermined at this time.