[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6554115,"mediaKeyId","5030925-77e0d86dd98f11ea28235628a99e87db","parentId",5030925,"title","Council approves rezoning of vacant parcel on North Downs to neighborhood commercial","audioSeconds",208,"startMs",7001000,"endMs",7209000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5030925-77e0d86dd98f11ea28235628a99e87db&start=7001&end=7209","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5030925-77e0d86dd98f11ea28235628a99e87db/thumbnail_7001000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6554115/Ridgecrest/Kern-County/California/Council-approves-rezoning-of-vacant-parcel-on-North-Downs-to-neighborhood-commercial","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554115-fb360203a4d964dc1b61064af654f0e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150851&Signature=AJOtzNwiGBneXWkCIVfAPixJmonWFWr0Fg6H2beIryqK-o44Xch5zA6RwLUbrerNwqK7QuQ8OppIGbcqDyEBRZNLZLrohKX8aJFG6AzNJGvyV2s2EVySF2Z0SKBiAfb87xEkaE7nJ2EEkDUklOUSFbj3NUzOw1IzQpjQ0TM9riRKsz5ZiicvqBdkLcoXNsLbThpQUlx7MS7jeyGnp~9Ik0H3nhNswx4kXimPYpjnkTmtNhD9uUyAe77DEQF8O4byG9jSkzLy-HYfoNjdi7AtKZ-O~J1unq0xtnCLXi-IoHIuT~mmtUXVGMTJvfdrAU6Oa9hendjFtT2nQFxS2tuAwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Ridgecrest","date","2025-06-19T15:41:38Z","article","On June 18 the Ridgecrest City Council conducted a second reading and adopted Ordinance 25-01, rezoning a vacant parcel on North Downs (APN 453-014-090-000) from RSP (public use) to Neighborhood Commercial.

City staff said the parcel is privately owned and appears to have been zoned public use when adjacent property was owned by Sierra Sands. The property owner supported the request, and the rezoning aligns the lot with neighboring commercial parcels the owner already controls.

No public opposition was raised during the hearing. A motion to waive full reading and adopt the ordinance passed on a 5–0 roll-call vote with Mayor Endicott and Councilmembers Blades, Rajaratnam, Heyman and Gorman voting aye.

Staff noted the zoning change merely reclassifies the parcel’s allowable uses under the municipal code; any future development would require applicable permits and compliance with zoning standards.

The adopted ordinance will take effect according to the city’s ordinance-adoption schedule unless appealed or otherwise legally challenged.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Council Meeting 6/18/2025","oneSentenceSummary","On second reading the council adopted Ordinance 25-01 to amend the city zoning map for a vacant parcel on North Downs between West Ward and West Grama, rezoning it from public use to neighborhood commercial. The ordinance passed unanimously.","taxTitle","Ridgecrest, Kern County, California","taxId",52022,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6554119,"Council approves phased increase to landscaping and lighting assessment for Zone 3",455,6525000,6980000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5030925-77e0d86dd98f11ea28235628a99e87db&start=6525&end=6980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5030925-77e0d86dd98f11ea28235628a99e87db/thumbnail_6525000.jpg","/articles/6554119/Ridgecrest/Kern-County/California/Council-approves-phased-increase-to-landscaping-and-lighting-assessment-for-Zone-3","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554119-534f6e667abbc918b58a8ccac0620454/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150851&Signature=Uyn0ufAznzptFC930Gpmg~QGuh9F4cx8POHesGCuedKb1apJcMp8CN6oEEfChbjb8u3TlBIUrtOHt-i0lvkmC9knFY6pc~G~RPSmUBwtfsmvCENfXn3Cu~qS~Ccshg5a1xePf9lGZiYlVbkU2pJcEZDqmEyuoWkl1V4cGz6h-wivFkhq-RE3r52aDHE9vC9n5p8h79Hfnaro3t9aysM6jHFS8WP0JeLAOQM3bDby1dKOdXwvFZGKaeknGCu5sjhcAINuNdWrj8T~gmUp9N55idJs334vUwkxcnLs~~RcE9f7nlmBrdWlu5hUPsPyo2rMePMI~D9~rbdJPYqI2qZ4lA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ridgecrest City Council voted unanimously June 18 to finalize the Consolidated Landscaping and Lighting District engineer’s report for FY2025–26 and to adopt a staff recommendation to phase in restored assessments for six parcels in Zone 3 over four years.

Staff told the council that four parcels in Zone 3 had been set at a reduced levy of $100 per year and two parcels had been assessed $0 in prior years, creating an arrears condition for the district that had required supplementing maintenance costs out of the general fund. To remedy the shortfall while limiting immediate impact on property owners, staff proposed and the council approved a phase-in at 25% the first year, 50% the second, 75% the third and 100% the fourth year, in addition to the allowable annual increase of up to 3.5 percent.

No public speakers addressed the hearing. Councilmember Gorman moved to adopt the staff recommendation and the motion passed on a 5–0 roll-call vote (Mayor Endicott, Councilmembers Blades, Rajaratnam, Heyman and Gorman voting aye).

The phased approach is intended to bring Zone 3 assessments into alignment with other district parcels while reducing immediate financial pressure on the affected properties; staff said a future 218 hearing would be necessary to increase assessments above statutory caps, if required.

The council also received a brief clarification that the EBU (equivalent benefit unit) construct is the mechanism used to distribute district costs among properties; the engineer calculates EBUs at the district’s establishment and the city can increase current assessments only within statutory limits without a separate ballot proceeding.","The council authorized a four-year, phased restoration of previously reduced assessments in Zone 3 of the city's Consolidated Landscaping and Lighting District, adopting staff's recommendation to phase in the levy to address arrears caused by long-standing reduced charges.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6554124,"Council approves FY2025–26 drainage benefit assessment; EBU increased to cover flood damage",164,6363000,6527000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5030925-77e0d86dd98f11ea28235628a99e87db&start=6363&end=6527","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5030925-77e0d86dd98f11ea28235628a99e87db/thumbnail_6363000.jpg","/articles/6554124/Ridgecrest/Kern-County/California/Council-approves-FY202526-drainage-benefit-assessment-EBU-increased-to-cover-flood-damage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554124-d021ba197b42eecbb1563e16c771e829/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150851&Signature=CGNDPPTfNkQL~UiiSAUkuyTIB9EaIuLd6~ysW6xCtPC3ZsjZ3c0DhZpFG~NuX5lfVyVTz0SEnaW4w9hlhISJQneJ7zgPxDG~q4EaxJl7OM1FZwBODZNEXrfjDB35zP3l3iYCZ25keDi1Jq~xFiV9T343Eec3odOuFxAP5Sm-d50XEgBYh2jSouONVhGOcOanYG-2D-VQ3gUwC-ifbytVr33PdlltCHL9bsBEfy~qisa3Sf-SFJIw-tlap4caKppSSH0KXf06A-~C3AqQR9yfQjMHLP8Ex5h0yyPJAqHJw3uax-PqOMnmanBdZ-~8UTTmY~hAAM6dTidQ3gf1sVdERg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ridgecrest City Council on June 18 voted to finalize the preliminary engineer’s report and proceed to levy assessments for the city’s Drainage Benefit Assessment District for fiscal year 2025–26.

Mayor Endicott opened the public hearing and staff described the annual report. City staff said the only change from the prior year was an increase in the equivalent benefit unit (EBU) from 32.12 to 91.87 per unit, an adjustment the presentation said was primarily to cover damage caused by Hurricane Hillary. Staff noted the new EBU remained well under the district’s maximum allowable assessment.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing. Councilmember Gorman moved to adopt the resolution; the motion carried on a 5–0 roll-call vote with Mayor Endicott, Councilmembers Blades, Rajaratnam, Heyman and Gorman voting aye.

The council’s action authorizes staff to finalize the engineer’s report for FY2025–26 and move forward with the assessment levy as described in the report.

The council did not amend the maximum EBU; staff said any increase beyond statutory limits would require a separate 218 hearing under California law.","The Ridgecrest City Council adopted a resolution finalizing the preliminary engineers report for the Drainage Benefit Assessment District for FY2025–26, raising the equivalent benefit unit (EBU) to address Hurricane Hillary damage. The vote was 5–0.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6554129,"Council hears presentation on AB 1413 and AB 1466 as residents press for transparency on groundwater adjudication",3152,403000,3555000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5030925-77e0d86dd98f11ea28235628a99e87db&start=403&end=3555","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5030925-77e0d86dd98f11ea28235628a99e87db/thumbnail_403000.jpg","/articles/6554129/Ridgecrest/Kern-County/California/Council-hears-presentation-on-AB-1413-and-AB-1466-as-residents-press-for-transparency-on-groundwater-adjudication","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554129-607e79aa593585cbbae4317d0953cd90/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150851&Signature=WF7i0d9Oc~8CE6s0I6cgah-ltmwvTUy28mkfBYG9fmfqJIOVx5c9EaYsH9tnfbmn6ZrfXnsDoGFohymM9ivwwGo9QEljEdxBugqpnM3FILoeQYT818xKZyowO~8Z1BDN6ScZZ7YXKDeqq8sk7YTOCnYw7CSCWqqlSMjS4JIpsunyFyhXTwqKbo~QRiAAl-n~qz0EHE-8qqDlf~Pv~q4RDeu4~f9ZeyiOJ-G~siCfIVwhfa1dTi4rUwylbqnkLxzvbJPdgdmtS8N67Yxc-7K2WGzKL2iOgpxr8KohHYyiL5hNAwWetJSEf3hgxv4yCDjyOQkcY5bjt2XWqC4BswBcjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Michael McKinney, the city’s contracted lobbyist, and Kyle Burchard, legal counsel to the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA), briefed the Ridgecrest City Council on the status and substance of Assembly Bills 1413 and 1466 during the council’s June 18 meeting.

The presentation outlined a legislative effort to reduce conflicts between the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and comprehensive groundwater adjudication proceedings. McKinney said the bills would “create a mechanism to remove the conflict between the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and the Comprehensive Adjudication Act,” and described how the legislation would require challenges to a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) to proceed by a validation action under Code of Civil Procedure section 1085 rather than by a de novo review inside an adjudication.

The bills’ backers say the change would provide certainty for public agencies implementing sustainability measures and limit the ability of a court in an adjudication to set a safe yield above a validated sustainable yield. McKinney told the council that AB 1413 and AB 1466 have passed policy and fiscal committees and the Assembly floor and were pending in the Senate at the time of the briefing.

Why it matters: proponents argue the bills reconcile conflicting statutory processes so GSAs can finance and implement sustainability projects without the risk of decades-long adjudications overturning the locally developed GSP. Opponents say the bills could limit litigants’ ability to fully contest water-right claims and could disadvantage small well owners and disadvantaged communities in adjudications.

McKinney summarized three concerns raised by the Department of Water Resources (DWR): the potential for adjudications to alter or delay sustainable-yield decisions, the risk of conflicting management plans, and the long timelines of adjudications that may delay required SGMA implementation through 2040. He said AB 1413 would direct courts to use a validation procedure and would limit a court’s ability to set a safe yield higher than the validated sustainable yield; AB 1466, he said, would clarify standards of review and require the court to consider small farmers and disadvantaged communities when proceeding with an adjudication.

McKinney used the Indian Wells Valley as an example: he said there have been two validation actions filed in the valley, one of which remained pending, and that “there are approximately in the Indian Wells Valley 8,000 members of the community” who could be treated as de minimis users under current law if procedures leave them effectively defaulted out of adjudications. He also described pending technical amendments to AB 1413 that would narrow the bill’s application to basins with state‑approved GSPs validated by a court and would codify periodic review of GSPs.

Council and staff responses: Mayor Endicott and several councilmembers asked clarifying questions about the bills’ origins and effects. McKinney said the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority and Fox Canyon were primary proponents but that the legislative language on file had been drafted with input from DWR and legislative counsel; he also disclosed he is paid by both the city and the IWVGA.

Public comment: the council allowed an extended public comment period. Dozens of residents and stakeholders urged greater transparency and a fuller public process before the city expresses support for state legislation. Tom Wignick, a Ridgecrest resident, said the council should “start listening to the people” and hold public deliberations before endorsing positions in Sacramento. Ron Kasinski, who identified himself as a director of the Indian Wells Valley Water District, said he heard “a lecture” from McKinney and disputed some of McKinney’s statements, urging a deeper debate with other experts. Several residents asked who had drafted the bills, and McKinney answered that the authors and state agencies had produced the language after earlier local proposals were rejected by the Legislature. Aaron Crutchfield, editor of the Daily Independent, read the IWVGA legislative update language aloud and asked McKinney to clarify the record; McKinney said the IWVGA is a primary proponent but not the bill author.

Speakers also raised procedural concerns: some speakers said two council members had indicated city support for the bills without a full council vote and asked the council to rescind any letters or to place formal action on a future agenda. Others asked for additional expert presentations representing opposing viewpoints and for greater access to IWVGA meetings held during the workday. A number of commenters asked for the city and the water district to coordinate a single public forum to address conflicting maps and recharge estimates.

Outcome and next steps: the briefing was a presentation only; the council did not take formal action on either bill during the meeting. City staff and council members noted that because the item was listed under “presentations” the Brown Act does not permit an immediate vote. Several speakers and council members asked staff to prepare a future agenda item if the council wishes to consider an official city position or letter on the legislation.

Questions and concerns raised at the meeting focused on (1) whether the bills shift review from local administrative processes to courts, (2) whether the bills adequately protect small and disadvantaged users in adjudications, and (3) whether the city’s engagement and any letters of support were handled with sufficient public notice.","City lobbyist Michael McKinney and legal counsel Kyle Burchard briefed the Ridgecrest City Council on two state bills aimed at reconciling the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act with groundwater adjudications. Residents raised concerns about due process, local input and the city's support for the bills; the council took no formal action.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves rezoning of vacant parcel on North Downs to neighborhood commercial

Council approves phased increase to landscaping and lighting assessment for Zone 3

Council approves FY2025–26 drainage benefit assessment; EBU increased to cover flood damage

Council hears presentation on AB 1413 and AB 1466 as residents press for transparency on groundwater adjudication