[{"_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",6504789,"mediaKeyId","5550246-67333a41cd4d1b9c25049f6587015a22","parentId",5550246,"title","Council hears report on Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority; members and residents clash over communication and adjudication issues","audioSeconds",463,"startMs",1144000,"endMs",1607000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5550246-67333a41cd4d1b9c25049f6587015a22&start=1144&end=1607","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5550246-67333a41cd4d1b9c25049f6587015a22/thumbnail_1144000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6504789/Ridgecrest/Kern-County/California/Council-hears-report-on-Indian-Wells-Valley-Groundwater-Authority-members-and-residents-clash-over-communication-and-adjudication-issues","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504789-08b35152c6945192d5ddd574f6043c7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770615079&Signature=ME55p6rFPeDj5OjWr9qDGNxp~4yatWEdc5Ings-cM9ywDDAaXxtudBRPrNnG11VPayCJl1mVYEzoF2pNPSHghkVXokfS~VEkoa-ZIofmP4ORc5ILKJ5p67YhEUToxFzObqX8L8i5BRFrNy5~pP2SkhepyyZ6QPPoXEHlFhzCnf6JzUuj32lxU0kicUWzUkvu8FhVyWKWh0ecDRjoY2SY-19nJVklwKAQf~2YiHcNKp3VS-NrpK3XHOJJm8312yVNIGbJZXRWePLQb59thUGHf~Zup0Hcedkwtz3AF0cNT8WHDWhrNfc5lWGBNgUWq1boiCq4Y-njVRvV9mutNHjRfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Ridgecrest","date","2025-08-07T14:40:50Z","article","Ridgecrest City Council on Aug. 6 heard a report on the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) and related public comments about the basin adjudication and communications.

Councilman Hayman summarized the Groundwater Authority meeting of July 16, 2025, saying the primary agenda item was discussion about launching a Facebook page to improve communications. “Basically, that entailed putting together a Facebook page for the GA to be able to communicate with the public,” Hayman said. Board members and members of the public raised both positive and negative aspects of a social-media presence, and the Authority decided to continue the discussion at a later meeting.

Hayman also reported brief updates from the water-resources manager including ongoing repairs at the Rademacher site and progress on Rose Valley well drilling. He said Rose Valley work is moving toward completion and the wells are being put into a monitoring phase after earlier drilling encountered rock and the drill site was adjusted. Hayman told council he would push for more details about seismic research mentioned by a presenter (described as monitoring and research into basin characteristics) at a future meeting.

Council members and staff discussed social-media risks and moderation. Councilman Blades argued social media can be an effective information-distribution tool if used without engagement and with comments turned off; other members urged consultation with legal counsel and moderation plans to reduce liability risks.

During public comment by telephone, two residents raised substantive concerns that related to the groundwater adjudication and the IWVGA’s actions. Caller Mike Sonant summarized a proposed statement of decision issued by Superior Court Judge William Kloster on July 28 in Phase 1 of the basin adjudication. He said the judge’s proposed findings included that federal-reserve water rights do not extend to non-reservation property and that water not serving a reservation’s primary purpose is not part of a federal reserve right. Sonant quoted City Manager Ron Strand’s Facebook post and criticized the Groundwater Authority and the city; he claimed numbers for water and money in disputes (remarks attributed to the caller) and urged residents to “demand accountability from the Groundwater Authority and the city of Ridgecrest.”

Another caller, Mike Neal, criticized city strategy and transparency on legislative efforts and on consultant-drafted assembly bills tied to the groundwater plan. He said he watched the court proceedings and argued the judge’s proposed decision undermines an all-or-nothing claim that the Navy “owns all the water” in the valley; Neal urged residents to support the local water district and voiced concern about legal strategies discussed by the city and GA.

Council members did not take formal action during the agenda item. Hayman said he would ask the GA for follow-up information on the seismic research and for more detail about well monitoring at the next meeting. No council votes or directives to sue or to appeal the judge’s proposed statement of decision were made at the Aug. 6 council meeting; public callers described possible appeals and legislative efforts but those would be actions outside today’s recorded council discussion.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 8/6/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council members discussed a recent Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority meeting where members debated creating a Facebook page and heard updates on well drilling and seismic research. Public commenters raised concerns about a proposed court decision on the Navy's federal-reserve water right and criticized local officials' public statements.","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},6504794,"Council introduces ordinance setting commercial landscape maintenance standards, amid public concern over private-property mandates",1502,2408000,3910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5550246-67333a41cd4d1b9c25049f6587015a22&start=2408&end=3910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5550246-67333a41cd4d1b9c25049f6587015a22/thumbnail_2408000.jpg","/articles/6504794/Ridgecrest/Kern-County/California/Council-introduces-ordinance-setting-commercial-landscape-maintenance-standards-amid-public-concern-over-private-property-mandates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504794-02d932255217745d6627d5931ffedd3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770615079&Signature=AFp8k6JLpFKYZ4esKtqYFfqxd2TntHamN-zpElzZAn8ILJHp0VEdhz07cX4n5mXTqRseqPBCNyyfOUBvKZ-u6MvaPUjOM9PlSlC~p1J5RI7lksZsKlR59w-IV13U82Ad9ya~OVd32P3Y7uonCOtaqExG8wKLkLUKMy6FzG6CEKi6wPT-mhAh3U5OS4zVYs1PhoJ~d7DLkRhJK7uXPDKg3P~SfOCe3eqkYurRl8~U3XPq~bEGFSS6uKdaG6qAMSthmepXN5OjwX4AWh8o4Uf5mtcBcDWe-1Qc2JClwEgtvild1AzcCHarE6KXHprX8J6CZ-TqpTFJM~ozgj2KWeuP1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ridgecrest City Council on Aug. 6 voted 5-0 to introduce by title an ordinance amending the Ridgecrest Municipal Code to set standards for commercial landscape maintenance.

Planning staff explained the ordinance applies to commercial properties only and is intended to replace subjective enforcement with measurable standards for landscape coverage, plant types and maintenance. The ordinance adds a definition of “hardscape” (decomposed granite, rock and similar materials), sets minimum landscape coverage in commercial parking and establishes planting targets, including tree, shrub and ground-cover coverage at maturity. Staff said the ordinance references the Indian Wells Valley Water District approved plant list for water-efficient species.

“We wanted to come up with a standard that we thought would work, but still maintain water efficiency,” planning staff member Heather said during the presentation. She showed an example from a commercial site that removed dead trees and shrubs and then installed artificial turf and hardscape with water-efficient plants, while preserving a mature tree.

Council and staff emphasized the ordinance includes exception language for sites where standards are infeasible because of utilities, confined lots or other physical constraints. “If the site is already existing and doesn't really work, then we're still gonna work with them and they're not gonna get a tree in,” Heather said, describing how staff would work with property owners on phased compliance.

During public comment two residents raised objections. One caller said applying new landscaping requirements to long-established commercial properties could feel like an “unfunded mandate” if owners are asked to pay for retrofits. A second caller urged caution about imposing new private-property obligations and warned of possible legal challenges.

Council members said the ordinance is largely regulatory guidance for sites already in disrepair and noted staff intends to allow time for compliance and to phase improvements for larger properties. The council first waived full reading of the ordinance and then introduced it by title; staff said a second reading is scheduled in 30 days before final adoption.

The ordinance sets numeric targets discussed at the meeting: a 5% landscape requirement for certain commercial areas, a 25% tree coverage target at 10 years’ maturity, 5% shrub coverage at maturity and ground-cover requirements that can include approved hardscape. Staff and council said the intent is progressive implementation rather than immediate enforcement for large sites.","Ridgecrest trustees voted to introduce an ordinance that would set minimum landscape coverage standards for commercial properties, require drought‑tolerant plantings and allow exceptions; residents raised concerns about costs and unfunded mandates during public comment.",{"_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},6504799,"Ridgecrest authorizes funds to buy battery-electric transit vans using LCTOP award",97,2280000,2377000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5550246-67333a41cd4d1b9c25049f6587015a22&start=2280&end=2377","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5550246-67333a41cd4d1b9c25049f6587015a22/thumbnail_2280000.jpg","/articles/6504799/Ridgecrest/Kern-County/California/Ridgecrest-authorizes-funds-to-buy-battery-electric-transit-vans-using-LCTOP-award","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504799-2334dc81496b544631db043b44cc159a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770615079&Signature=naEqJk0qh-PAleesgXMXZVlD80fFWoxloUS2rqQyQ9R4r36S8CisON5avicICQyOzk3VUPk8vYmp9w5ZVWFci8rayHZ2ApP7b4PE4VvMqnNp9~F4ILbGn4MhD8LGiA0zoI7Trprw1Cb~Zl6obPiuupnGuDTsV1SsIWZL888YgIDBLQdDuSqg7mw6BzMzHZQv2-FvjlqLhKOZMt~Cv4FQNlcaWn~NDLqF5LILRuyk7Y5t0qCMBtlThCqUeN8MRoczLzF2FmAg~Kg1E~Nxrpwj9bC6h47wC2ocxYheQbTvC286Mv-~dKJa13Eqzp11yHZwf9UPvUvuGmrDnMoe~xxmzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ridgecrest City Council on Aug. 6 approved an amendment to the fiscal-year budget to allow purchase of battery-electric transit vans using previously awarded Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) funds.

A transit department staff member told the council the city plans to buy five vans in the coming year. “One of those vans will be purchased 100% with LCTOP funds,” the staff member said. “The other 4 will be purchased, using a pendant CMAQ project.” When council members asked for unit cost, staff said the per-vehicle price is $127,178.

Staff asked the finance director to allocate the unbudgeted LCTOP funds into the city’s transit vehicle fund to complete the purchase. The council approved the appropriation by motion; the vote was recorded as 5 ayes, motion carries.

Questions from council focused on vehicle configuration and capacity. Staff confirmed the vans are 9-passenger vehicles: “8 and 1 wheelchair,” the presenter said, describing an 8-passenger configuration plus one wheelchair position.

The staff presentation did not provide vendor names, delivery timelines or the total appropriation figure included in the council report; the staff member said the city has accumulated multiple years of LCTOP funds for this purchase. Council members did not request further public comment and approved the motion.

The vote authorizes staff to proceed with allocating the funds and moving toward procurement for the electric vans; details such as procurement method, delivery schedule and long-term operating costs were not specified at the meeting.","Council approved moving forward with an appropriation to purchase electric transit vans using accumulated Low Carbon Transit Operations Program funds; staff said the city plans to buy five vans and one will be fully covered by LCTOP funds.",{"_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},6504803,"Council approves Caltrans program supplement to start South Mahan Street reconstruction phase 1",178,953000,1131000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5550246-67333a41cd4d1b9c25049f6587015a22&start=953&end=1131","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5550246-67333a41cd4d1b9c25049f6587015a22/thumbnail_953000.jpg","/articles/6504803/Ridgecrest/Kern-County/California/Council-approves-Caltrans-program-supplement-to-start-South-Mahan-Street-reconstruction-phase-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504803-7f1a90c0c52e798150692a1286b5898f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770615079&Signature=WBCEJ0DLruaMFoV80ylqtC3nXDydDtRLF5a5C9kZJGYEFrfS~ZilqAFzy9V3sRRg2KwZzCg7wkBtEr88hEU41m33~BSPBVzpTskYEZKYuHIXJipwPSsdj1uVD4V2aOT678hde26VBw6UEl~WkSeazztprpcG2nFdIT4F9KO2EkcSHOs2-i52eEjsE9J4SYpHhsqccdKkngvP5Dgu4lFaUtCnFKfJ3Q4Y7q98nKT3F1CG---tV~wElAq~~3P5ptIOQuK3-wk~9IS~bX0u4ycIi5o5Xm8oLrBRyuER13l-ynFtPRHkcfTMAswrZ70votXGHwYjtmo4ISJmmT6TP4SySw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ridgecrest’s City Council on Aug. 6 approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to sign Program Supplement Agreement F050 with the California Department of Transportation to begin Phase 1 of the South Mahan Street reconstruction, Bowman Road to Dolphin Avenue.

The agreement will allow the city to receive a finance letter from Caltrans and bill incrementally as work is completed for a $1,637,000 award from the Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP). “This item is a standard agreement that’s typical with all of our state and federal grants,” said Mister Reid, a city staff member presenting the item. “With the signing of this document, it will authorize the state to give us a finance letter, which will then allow us to bill as the project's being completed for the $1,637,000 that we received from the competitive grant.”

Council members and staff discussed how the project was structured for two phases. Reid said the project was taken to Caltrans as a combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 package; schedule A covers Phase 1 work and schedule B covers Phase 2. He described the city's bid strategy: the city would write the bid so that the basis of award could be A+B (both phases together) but the city would reserve the right to award Phase A only or to add Phase B later if additional grant funds are secured.

Reid also addressed apparent inconsistencies in the staff report about matching funds. “When we set this project up, the project was set up and taken to the state with phase 1 and phase 2 together,” he said. “The program supplement agreement is, the local match can be changed if we do not receive the phase 2 portion of the funds.” The staff report says the total matching funds could be nearly $2,000,000 while also noting the city’s local match would be roughly $500,000; Reid explained that those figures reflect different assumptions depending on whether Phase 2 grant funding is awarded.

Council voted 5-0 to approve the resolution. No members asked for additional public comment during the item.

Implementation details, including a construction schedule and the final local-match obligation if Phase 2 funding is not received, were not specified at the meeting. Staff said the bid package would be written to allow flexibility in awarding phases based on funding availability.

The council’s approval moves the project into the Caltrans financing process; the city will receive the finance letter needed to begin billing for awarded RSTP funds and proceed to procurement and construction steps.","Ridgecrest approved a program supplement with Caltrans that enables billing for a $1.637 million regional transportation grant to rebuild South Mahan Street, with council discussion of local-match structure and phasing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears report on Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority; members and residents clash over communication and adjudication issues

Council introduces ordinance setting commercial landscape maintenance standards, amid public concern over private-property mandates

Ridgecrest authorizes funds to buy battery-electric transit vans using LCTOP award

Council approves Caltrans program supplement to start South Mahan Street reconstruction phase 1