Hi, my name is Yvette Stave and I moved here to Tehachapi from Orange County in 2007.  I wanted my son to learn the true meaning of small town community living through experiencing small town parades, community functions, and making life time friends..  I like the idea of my son growing up in a community instead of a city.  I want him to have a better chance at an education thru a community that supports each other, rather then a city where the children seem to get lost.

I am proud to have been a part of several different charity events here in town.  In 2010, I organized a fundraiser for a friend with a very sick child to help pay medical expenses, then participated in the Tehachapi “Relay for Life” event for the American Cancer Society by not only walking for a cure, but in helping to raise money and awareness.  When tragedy hit our community by the way of fire,  and I helped with the “West Fire Benefit Concert“.  Most recently, I helped with a candle light vigil in honor of the kids who have been taking their own lives because of being bullied.

I like being a part of community events.  I like helping others when I can and I like being able to make a difference in not only my son’s life, but in the lives of those around us. To me, this is being part of a community.  Helping each other when we can. I am a part of Tehachapi ABC not only because I have a child in the public school system who has been bullied, but because no child anywhere should ever have to go through it.  I believe Tehachapi ABC will not only help to bring this already close community even closer, but it will show that when people come together for a great cause, change can be made.

Don’t be afraid to stand up for someone, even if your standing alone.  It is the right thing to do.

My name is Steven Vogel, and I am honored to serve as the very first president of the Tehachapi Anti-Bullying Coalition! I have lived in Tehachapi since age 13, and have continuously been committed to making a positive difference for my generation and the next through collaborative partnerships, public relations, and community outreach. I feel that I accurately understand the needs of our schools and community.

I have attended Kaplan College, graduating with credentials in Medical Assisting, attended Bakersfield College studying Journalism, and am currently attending the University of Phoenix working toward the attainment of a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business with a concentration in Public Administration and Management.

I have 2 brothers and 1 sister, aged 22, 19, and 15. One of my brothers attends Whitworth University in Washington State studying Music Education; one attends Bakersfield College studying Music; my sister currently attends Monroe High School as a direct result of being bullied during her middle school years.

As a community member, I am involved with a number of organizations that focus on the positive development of the next generation of young people, including the Arts, Science, & Technology Committee of Tehachapi, and Have a Heart Humane Society. It is imperative that we as a community develop partnerships in an attempt to prevent the ostracization of our young people from their peers. I have learned that each person, young and old alike, has a story to tell and that we cannot judge a person simply because of our initial perceptions!

I have decided to get involved with Tehachapi Anti-Bullying Coalition, specifically, because I am committed to making a difference and creating an atmosphere free from violence for our young people. I am dedicated to making a difference in our community and strongly encourage you to get involved!