Tehachapi council adopts updated wildfire severity maps, OKs downtown entertainment zone and park equipment contract

The Tehachapi City Council voted unanimously on multiple measures Tuesday, adopting updated fire-hazard severity zone maps provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, approving an ordinance to establish a downtown entertainment zone under state law, and awarding a contract to install outdoor exercise equipment at Warrior Park.

The measures, each approved by 5-0 roll call, came after staff presentations and limited public comment. Council members also heard an on-the-record request from Honor Flight Kern County for donations to a June 14 fundraiser and learned of an anonymous $15,000 donation to add two large trees at Railroad Park.

City staff said the council-adopted maps use CAL FIREdesignations (very high, high and moderate) and will guide future building-code and vegetation-management steps in affected neighborhoods. Corey Costello, assistant city manager, outlined state legislation under consideration that could create grant programs or new standards to help homeowners with "home hardening" costs in higher-risk zones. Costello referenced bills discussed by the League of California Cities (identified in the meeting as AB 8888, SB 616 and AB 261)…