Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of Tehachapi, available exclusively at Mountain Coffee House.
15 oz ceramic mugMicrowave safeDishwasher safe
Community
Tehachapi is a mountain community where railroad history, aviation, wind energy, and wide California landscapes meet. The famous Loop, historic depot, sailplanes, downtown, and surrounding peaks give residents a distinctive sense of home and travelers a memorable reason to stop.
The collaboration
My connection to Tehachapi began through one of Matt’s good college friends, who grew up there. Matt spent a summer with him and his family, and over the years they have been so kind and loving toward us. Our families have grown close.
On our most recent visit, we talked about the idea of making a Tehachapi Mug. Not long afterward, I sat down and began drawing it. Researching the town was fun, especially discovering more of its railroad history than I had known before.
The finished mug celebrates a place connected to people we love. It is available through Mountain Coffee House, where it has continued to find a warm response.
The story behind the mug
Inside the illustration
The working railroad loop is an internationally recognized feat of nineteenth-century engineering.
The restored depot preserves the story of the railroads and the legendary Loop.
Rows of turbines across the pass reflect the area’s long connection to wind energy.
The surrounding peaks and high valley give the community its distinctive landscape.
Local storefronts and civic buildings form the walkable heart of town.
Mountain winds and nearby glider activity celebrate Tehachapi’s connection to flight.
Journal · Behind the drawing
A friend's hometown became the reason to look closely at a California community.
Read the story
