Ridgecrest public meetings in 2022
29 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council adopted Ordinance 22-06 to implement a locally controlled transactions and use tax for city services. The council also appointed leadership roles and assigned members to various city committees and boards.
- Adopted Ordinance 22-06 imposing a locally controlled sales tax (5-0)
- Appointed Solomon Rajaratnam as Mayor Pro-Tem and Kyle Blades as Vice Mayor (5-0)
- Approved appointments to city committees, boards, and commissions (5-0)
- Authorized City Manager to execute agreements with California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (5-0)
- Authorized examination of sales or transactions and use tax records (5-0)
- Approved December 7, 2022 meeting minutes and November 8, 2022 election results (5-0)
Finance Committee
The committee reached a consensus to bring a draft $14 million bond Measure P plan to the City Council for further discussion. Members also reviewed tax revenue updates and discussed the creation of a General Fund Policy.
- Approved agenda
- Approved draft minutes from 11/08/2022
- Consensus to bring $14 million bond Measure P plan to City Council
City Council
The City Council approved four major infrastructure contracts for street improvements, chip sealing, paving, and a sewer project. The council also approved the 2023-24 ROPS and administrative budget for the Successor Agency and the Kern County CDBG program application.
- Awarded $1,393,102.00 contract to Bowman Asphalt, Inc. for Franklin Ave. Street Improvement Project (5-0)
- Awarded $1,178,760.00 contract to Pavement Coatings Co. for FY22 Measure V Chip Seal Project (5-0)
- Awarded $4,611,445.15 contract to Griffith Co. for FY22 Measure V Paving Project (5-0)
- Awarded $6,294,235.00 contract to EverLevel Holdings to construct Phase II Sewer Project (5-0)
- Approved $108,000.00 amendment to construction engineering agreement with Willdan Engineering (5-0)
- Approved 2023-24 ROPS and administrative budget for Successor Agency to the Ridgecrest Redevelopment Agency (5-0)
- Approved FY 2023-2024 annual application for Kern County Community Development Block Grant program (5-0)
Quality of Life Committee
The Quality of Life Committee reviewed community recommendations for a new pool design and set a goal for groundbreaking by June 2024. The committee also received updates on Parks and Recreation projects and upcoming community events.
- Approved agenda
- Approved minutes
City Council
The City Council approved the draft minutes from the November 2, 2022, regular meeting. The council also agreed to cancel the January 4, 2023, meeting due to the Christmas holiday.
- Approved draft minutes of November 2, 2022 meeting (4-0-1)
- Agreed to cancel January 4, 2023 meeting
Finance Committee
The committee approved the agenda and the minutes from the October 11, 2022 meeting. Members reviewed revenue tracking, first-quarter budget expenditures, and the city's fiscal health rating with the California State Auditor. No new policies or contracts were voted upon.
- Approved agenda
- Approved draft minutes from 10/11/2022
City Council
The City Council approved a new five-year contract for City Manager Ronald Strand and the creation of a Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director position. The Council also authorized a professional services agreement for the 2023-2031 Housing Element and approved funding for banquet hall floors at the Kerr McGee Community Center.
- Rejected the Todd claim (Unanimous)
- Approved draft minutes from October 19, 2022 (4-0-1)
- Accepted grant from CA Dept of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (4-0-1)
- Accepted State of California Office of Traffic Safety Step Grant (4-0-1)
- Created Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director position (4-0-1)
- Approved new five-year contract for City Manager Ronald Strand (4-0-1)
- Approved American Rescue Plan Act funds for Kerr McGee Community Center banquet hall floors (4-0-1)
- Approved professional services agreement with Realty Planners Group, Inc. for 2023-2031 Housing Element (4-0-1)
Quality of Life Committee
The Quality of Life Committee requested that the FY23-24 CDBG application be used to install dugout and bleacher shade at the Leroy Jackson Sports Complex. The committee also approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from October 4, 2022.
- Approved meeting agenda
- Approved minutes of the 10/4/2022 regular meeting
- Requested CDBG project for dugout and bleacher shade at Leroy Jackson Sports Complex
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission approved a site plan for two hotels on S. China Lake Blvd. and a conditional use permit for a mural at 139 Balsam Street. The commission also approved a property abatement for 126 S. Sunset St.
- Approved abatement for 126 S. Sunset St. (5-0)
- Approved Site Plan Review 22-04 for Home 2 Suites and Woodspring Suites (5-0)
- Approved Conditional Use Permit 22-01 for mural at 139 Balsam Street (4-0, 1 abstain)
Police Logs
The document is a police log detailing officer activities and citizen reports. It lists various calls for service, including traffic stops, medical aid, and hazardous condition reports.
- Grand theft report of keys and laptop from a vehicle on S McCall St
- Petty theft report of alcohol stolen from Albertson's on S China Lake Bl
- Arrest of Takoda Swearngin for public drunkenness on W Alene Av
- Report of a student making terrorist threats at Murray Middle School (found unfounded)
- Shoplifting report at Home Depot on N China Lake Bl involving a red F150
Police Logs
The Ridgecrest Police Department documented police activity and service calls for April 10, 2022. The logs detail various incidents including traffic stops, domestic disturbances, and arrests.
- Arrest of Josue PerezDavalos for driving under the influence at Del Taco on N Norma St
- Arrest of Stacy Cramer for driving under the influence at Marshall's on N China Lake Bl
- Arrest of Ruben Sigala on S Sunset St with $25K bail
- Report of a stolen gun on N Broadway St
- Report of a pitbull biting and chasing people on W Ward Av
Police Logs
This media bulletin details police logs including arrests, welfare checks, and medical aid requests. The report covers various incidents occurring throughout the day and night in Ridgecrest.
- Arrest of Paul Matthew Vanderwerf for driving on a suspended license
- Warrant arrest of Tommy James Flournoy for battery
- Arrests of John James Gronniger, John Robert Gronniger, and Lyndel Virgil Davis for trespassing
- DUI arrest of Sky William Lewin at Fastrip Food Store
- Domestic violence documentation on N Robalo St and N Balsam St
Police Logs
The Ridgecrest Police Department documented various police activities, including arrests, traffic stops, and emergency responses. The logs detail incidents ranging from medical aid requests to criminal reports and patrol checks.
- Arrest of Derek Burr at Albertson's on N Norma St with multiple charges and bail amounts up to $150k
- Arrest of Jessica Arguijo and Markus Cubit on E Ridgecrest Bl with bail amounts of $25k and $1k
- Report of terrorist threats involving a person threatening to shoot someone at W Drummond Av/N Inyo St
- Arrest of Curtis Alan Sarad Jr on S Lincoln St with $30k bail
- Arrest of Mario Abundis on N Peg St with no bail
Police Logs
This media bulletin details law enforcement activity occurring throughout the day in Ridgecrest. The log includes various incidents such as arrests, traffic stops, animal control calls, and welfare checks.
- Arrest of Richard Perrine on W Plumblossom Ct for PC 647(f), PC 647(h), HS 11364, and HS 11377
- Arrest of Glenn Blanton on S Sunland St involving a $6,000 fine/value and VC 12500(A)
- Warrant arrest of Ronald Smith on W Ward Av involving a $500 fine/value
- Arrest of Matthew Esparza on W Upjohn Av for VC 14601.1(A) involving a $1,000 fine/value
- Report of child cruelty on W Upjohn Av involving Karen Livingston and Matthew Esparza
Police Logs
This media bulletin details police activity and incident responses within Ridgecrest. The log includes various calls such as traffic stops, domestic disturbances, theft reports, and several warrant arrests.
- Warrant arrest of Chris Eugene Scott at Fastrip Food Store on S China Lake Bl
- Warrant arrest of Shyla Cedano on S Gateway Bl
- Warrant arrest of Martin West on W Bowman Rd/S Mahan St
- Warrant arrest of Billy Williams at City of Ridgecrest on W California Av
- Theft report involving catalytic converters at Sierra Auto Recycling on W Inyokern Rd
Police Logs
This media bulletin details police activity and calls for service within the City of Ridgecrest. The log includes various incidents such as traffic stops, medical aid requests, domestic disturbances, and welfare checks.
- Arrest made on E French Av for driving on a suspended license
- Domestic violence documentation on W Ward Av involving Jay Corrigan and Amber Pyle
- Arrest made on N Mahan St for public intoxication and drug charges
- Report of property damage via vehicle collision on S China Lake Bl/W Upjohn Av
- Theft report of a backpack at the City of Ridgecrest on W California Av
Police Logs
The Ridgecrest Police Department provided a log of police activity and calls for service occurring on April 2, 2022. The records detail various emergency responses, traffic stops, and arrests.
- Arrest of Adam Schlueter for land trespass at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital on N China Lake Bl
- Arrest of Miles Lawrence Plomann for possession of a controlled substance on W Monterey Dr
- Warrant service for Christopher Cheney on W California Av with bail set at 1K
- Overdose response on S Sanders St
- Disturbance fight at Partners on W Inyokern Rd
Police Logs
This media bulletin details police activity and incident responses throughout Ridgecrest. The log includes various calls such as medical aid, animal control, traffic stops, and several arrests.
- DUI arrest of Christian Guzman at Del Taco on N Norma St
- Warrant service for Randall Caban on W California Av
- Warrant arrest of Janis Ybette Withers on W Ridgecrest Bl
- Violation of Civil Restraining Order arrest of Darrell Wickliffe Glass at Walmart Supercenter
- Possession of controlled substance arrests of Sheila Renee Figueroa and John Jeffrey Johnson
Police Logs
This media bulletin details police activity in Ridgecrest throughout the day. The log includes various incidents such as traffic stops, welfare checks, animal control calls, and several arrests.
- Warrant arrest of Ryan Michael Giberson on N Palo Verde Dr
- Arrest of Douglas Vice on N China Lake Bl for resisting/obstructing an officer
- Arrest of Crystal Mae Stadler on E Kashmir Ln for vandalism
- Arrest of Melissa Jones Laybourn at Walmart Supercenter for under the influence and property damage
- Recovery of a stolen 2018 Honda quad at Travelodge on S China Lake Bl
Police Logs
This media bulletin details law enforcement activity including traffic stops, medical aid calls, and various investigations. The report includes several arrests for drug-related offenses and driving on a suspended license.
- Warrant arrest of Amy Luv Duke on W Drummond Av
- Arrest of Marquise Dashon Ward for unlicensed driving and drug charges on S Holly Canyon Dr
- Arrest of Shanine Deshon Smith for driving on a suspended license on W Drummond Av
- Attempted vehicle theft at Dart Thrift Store on N Gold Canyon Dr
- Theft report involving stolen packages on E Ridgecrest Bl
Police Logs
This document contains a chronological log of police activity in Ridgecrest. It includes reports of arrests, traffic stops, medical aid requests, and various calls for service.
- Arrest: Herbert Douglas Rice for possession of controlled substance paraphernalia on W California Av
- Arrest: Cesar Sanchez for driving on a suspended license on W Haloid Av
- Arrest: Matthew Rice for battery on E Wilson Av
- Report: Assault with a deadly weapon at Burroughs High School on E French Av
- Report: Vandalism and possible burglary at W Inkokern/N Guam
Police Logs
This media bulletin details police activity and calls for service in Ridgecrest. The log includes various incidents such as medical aid requests, domestic disturbances, thefts, and arrests.
- Arrest for possession of controlled substance/paraphernalia at Denny's on N China Lake Bl.
- Report of catalytic converter theft from a vehicle at Legacy Behavioral Services on N Norma St.
- Domestic violence documentation involving Patrick Turner and Trisha Lopez on S Lilac St.
- Warrant arrest occurring at the City of Ridgecrest on W California Av.
- Report of a broken windshield on a semi-truck at Walmart Supercenter on E Bowman Rd.
Police Logs
The Ridgecrest Police Department documented various service calls and officer-initiated activities. These include domestic disturbances, traffic stops, and medical aid requests.
- Arrest of Alissa Herrera on S Sanders St for unlicensed driving
- Arrest of Nathan Ray Helm at Fastrip Food Store on S China Lake Bl on multiple warrants
- Domestic violence documentation for incidents on E Arondo St, N Gold Canyon Dr, and S Sunset St
- Report of a pool chemical haz-mat situation on E California Av
- Vandalism report for a broken window on W Sydnor Av
Police Logs
The Ridgecrest Police Department issued a media bulletin detailing police activity and calls for service on March 26, 2022. The logs record various incidents including arrests, medical aid requests, and animal control calls.
- Arrest made for a vehicle/business burglary at Speedway Express on S China Lake Bl.
- Warrant arrest of Douglas Herbert Rice at Vineyard Church on N Norma St.
- Report taken for a stolen 2017 Fiat 124 Spider on W Church Av.
- Robbery report on W Atkins Av involving a stolen wallet.
- Arrest for possession of a controlled substance at Fastrip Food Store on S China Lake Bl.
Police Logs
This media bulletin details police activity and law enforcement responses throughout Ridgecrest. The log includes various incidents such as arrests, welfare checks, and reports of theft or property damage.
- Arrest for stolen vehicle on S Sunset St (Bail: $6,000)
- Arrests for elder abuse at Alta One Federal Credit Union (Bails: $500, $10,000, and $21,000)
- Arrest for welfare check/medical emergency on N Yorktown St (Bail: $50,000)
- Arrest for driving under the influence at City of Ridgecrest
- Arrest for suspected drug-related activity at Taco Bell
Police Logs
This media bulletin details police responses to various incidents throughout the day. Reported events include welfare checks, theft reports, domestic disturbances, and several arrests.
- Arrest of Crystal Amber Carpenter for possession of controlled substance paraphernalia
- Arrest of Kailo Derek Cunningham for possession of controlled substance paraphernalia
- Warrant arrest of Nicholas Andrew Muoio for assault
- Report of a structure fire at China Lake Trailer Park on W Moyer Av
- Theft report involving a water meter on N Sahara Dr
Police Logs
This document lists police activity and incident reports occurring throughout the day in Ridgecrest. The logs include various calls such as traffic stops, medical aid requests, disturbances, and welfare checks.
- Traffic stop on W Upjohn Av resulting in an arrest with $20,000 bail
- Burglary alarm at Rca Church on W Upjohn Av
- Domestic disturbance involving Jillian Thoman and Travis Younkin on W Atkins Av
- Report of a white Jetta with Ohio plates parked at W Iowa Av/S Inyo St
- Vandalism report regarding broken car windows on W Haloid Av
Police Logs
The Ridgecrest Police Department provided a log of police activity and calls for service. The document lists various incidents, including arrests, traffic stops, and citizen assistance calls.
- Warrant arrest of Shane Morgan at S Sunland St with $5K bail
- Report of an embezzled U-Haul and catalytic converter thefts at High Desert True Value on W Ridgecrest Bl
- Residential burglary report on W Upjohn Av
- Theft of copper pipes from a water heater on S Lakeland St
- GTA recovery activity at S Allen St
Police Logs
The Ridgecrest Police Department provided a log of police activity and calls for service occurring on March 21, 2022. The records detail arrests, medical aid requests, and various citizen reports across the city.
- Arrest of Javier Ruiz on W Wilson Av for charges including 10851 VC and 10852 VC
- Arrest of Sebastian Secaida on W Upjohn Av for charges 273.5 PC and 243(a) PC
- Warrant arrests of Vito Omensetter and Gary Asher at the W California Av office
- Arrest of Jaime Garcia on N Traci Ln for charge HS 11550(A)
- Residential burglary reports on W Haloid Av and N Erwin St