Tehachapi recognizes police chief and finance department; chamber and market managers preview fall events

The meeting included several community announcements and recognitions. City staff honored Police Chief Richard Sandridge for receiving the POST executive certificate and recognized the finance department for receiving the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for the annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.

Chief Sandridge was invited to speak briefly and described the POST executive certificate as the pinnacle of the POST (Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training) certificates and a culmination of a career of work. Staff and council members praised his leadership and noted the department's staffing growth and public feedback.

Finance Director Hamed Jones accepted the GFOA certificate on behalf of the city and said the award reflects a commitment to transparency and reporting beyond generally accepted accounting principles; staff noted this was the city's seventh consecutive year receiving the award and that State Senator Shannon Grove had sent congratulatory remarks.

Public comment and community reports included a presentation by Claire Scott of the Tehachapi Chamber thanking the city and partners for support of Mountain Festival (noted as a long-running community event) and previewing vendors, bands and family amenities. Market Manager Jessica Garner thanked city departments and vendors for collaboration during the farmers market season and described the market as a team effort with public-works and police department support. Representatives from the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks District (TVRPD) also thanked the city for partnership during Parks and Recreation Month.

Council and staff praised the city's event partnerships and the upcoming Mountain Festival weekend activities, noting the 5K, rodeo and concerts on the schedule. Staff said two farmers markets remain for the season (dates not specified).