[{"_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",6648116,"mediaKeyId","3433677-c8694a9102af7c61c96185981f431525","parentId",3433677,"title","Council accepts completion and additional lighting controls for Leroy Jackson Sports Complex","audioSeconds",301,"startMs",4970000,"endMs",5271000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3433677-c8694a9102af7c61c96185981f431525&start=4970&end=5271","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3433677-c8694a9102af7c61c96185981f431525/thumbnail_4970000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6648116/Ridgecrest/Kern-County/California/Council-accepts-completion-and-additional-lighting-controls-for-Leroy-Jackson-Sports-Complex","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6648116-07ee27e0da41e01a136339e7a510cff0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144424&Signature=bWv-S00Jw31LuJ7ylYdVbav1OONgvmJ~7HZXVPTP3X0slIaT6-DoBeY8Od4Wi8lFbJJgyGcyuXHXhAv88c0AKaGfLBtYE9vT4tU-kADq6bL3etFsEsmjvi2gUYtALXkuE-6MzhNbWSOeQt3vos8Q7C1qD1Xq5r6M6PpJnqcs8M1B3CBbQPNT~ujgVeXIemF4MoAVMcKc7Pfr5ssA6UTRtYESt8jmLOgI73LgA1Z9Q4KL4aavLfFx6F3pvV-9t3YnyB3XzHB1t6OzdyHIABt5g~tVuh2aF705Z1GsEoZ7sEIoB~zGf9G1jiBpo5eVqQhDNNwgPhUtmgvYz6blZX3VrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Ridgecrest","date","2025-05-21T00:00:00Z","article","Ridgecrest — The City Council accepted a notice of completion for improvements at the Leroy Jackson Sports Complex on May 21 after public works staff described final work and last‑minute additions to address runoff and lighting controls.

What was presented
Public Works staff told council the project included finishing touches after a rain event that created runoff from the tennis courts and washed newly placed wood chips. Staff also described a late addition of remote lighting timers so the city can switch on individual fields separately. \"We decided to install additional remote timers, so that way we can turn on each field's lighting individually. This will save all of our sports groups money,\" the project presenter said.

Cost and funding
Staff said the project would be completed using available General Fund Reserve monies previously authorized by the council. A dollar amount stated during the presentation was not clear on the record; staff confirmed the project would be funded from the General Fund Reserve as previously authorized.

Public input and ADA note
A public commenter who walks at the park asked that bench orientations be changed to face soccer fields; staff explained benches were oriented to maintain ADA turning‑radii and compliance with current code and that the city could explore widening pads around benches to improve usability.

Council action
After brief discussion the council voted 5-0 to accept the notice of completion and close the project.

Ending note
Staff said they will monitor the park to ensure the recent fixes and lighting changes meet field users' needs and will consider additional pad width around benches to balance ADA requirements with spectator use.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 5/21/2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff reported a notice of completion for improvements at the Leroy Jackson Sports Complex, including added remote lighting timers to allow field‑by‑field lighting control; council approved the completion 5-0.","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},6648121,"Council awards nearly $9 million contract for Felspar–Norma neighborhood improvement project; AHSC and TIRCP funds to pay work",992,7564000,8556000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3433677-c8694a9102af7c61c96185981f431525&start=7564&end=8556","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3433677-c8694a9102af7c61c96185981f431525/thumbnail_7564000.jpg","/articles/6648121/Ridgecrest/Kern-County/California/Council-awards-nearly-9-million-contract-for-FelsparNorma-neighborhood-improvement-project-AHSC-and-TIRCP-funds-to-pay-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6648121-a6db12d1c4b98161b506f5abce8c8a02/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144424&Signature=UEk02r98nGJtpPtZ9hiQNpQAoiqF8ue7m~lq9KxhOSonwzT3Pi3BfLPdJBExuXfGf6DI8fTP6kgWyduiVNyiWvGMyOyY3wbfBLV0kqbhpVUREZ0DkC6RM~20eBR4nXKE46Xx~Xd~4v2fXRvxUIfI36axBb0vIHgAh87W3AjhXY-6ixALYk32LiVeaU0pqHPm28hGVpaibUWsHOxeqyu9kN6yQVRyl4-L565cptQKO70GCuRJr-xs6j7gBnaWum61Vw~6ZThxhU8LgdYdd6KAv5nYWgqvNw91Fsk~QgYGCSH~wykXzCUc1jDeJ5Q1AcGzt5wGMR8zh-gkMjZuF0GPeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ridgecrest — The City Council voted unanimously May 21 to award a construction contract to Griffith Company for an Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC)‑funded neighborhood improvement project covering Felspar, Norma and adjacent streets. The construction contract award is $8,960,155; with contingency, grant match and related engineering amendments the project budget approaches the roughly $9 million package presented to the council.

Project scope and funding
Project manager Travis Reid told council members the contract will fund more than a mile and a half of roadway work, full curb, gutter and sidewalk on Felspar and completion of Felspar to Sanders, multiple ADA ramp upgrades, class 2/3/4 bike facilities, solar street and path lighting and a transit transfer station adjacent to Mojave View Apartments. Reid said the project will add pedestrian safety devices (HAWK signals) near Los Flores Elementary School and construct a large storm sump intended to hold a 100‑year storm volume to address flooding first seen during Tropical Storm Hillary.

Funding sources listed in the presentation include AHSC grant funding (approximately $4.01 million plus a recently obtained additional ~$1.1 million), Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) funds for the transit station, traffic impact and drainage impact fees and a small city contingency. Reid told council that some \"nice‑to‑have\" items (for example, block walls) were removed from the plan after an earlier round of bids returned a low bid around $12.4 million; the revised scope and rebid brought the low responsive construction price to Griffith Company's $8.96 million figure.

Engineering and schedule
The council approved an amendment to the city's professional services agreement with Willdan Engineering for $144,708 to provide construction inspection and project administration; Reid said the construction schedule increased from 120 to 180 days in the revised contract and that additional inspection and project management funds reflect that extended schedule and added work.

Council discussion and vote
Councilmembers asked whether the project included a future phase to finish the Walmart Canal link; Reid said the Walmart Canal design work and separate funding processes are underway but that the current contract addresses localized depressions and drainage between Felspar, Norma and Las Flores. Councilmember Rajaratnam asked about contingency rounding in the resolution; staff confirmed contingency language on the resolution reflected the intended approximate 3% contingency. The council voted 5-0 to award the construction contract and approve the Willdan amendment.

Community benefits and comments
Reid emphasized the project's multi‑benefit design: improved flood control, safer school crossings, active‑transportation facilities and a transit transfer point intended to improve access for residents near the Mojave View apartments. Reid also said the project includes xeriscape and ADA improvements at City Hall funded by AHSC components.

Ending note
Work is expected to proceed under the awarded contract; staff will oversee construction, inspection, and grant compliance and return to the council as required for contract change orders or larger scope adjustments.","The City Council voted 5-0 to award an $8.96 million construction contract to Griffith Company for a multi‑phase street, drainage and active‑transportation project funded by AHSC, TIRCP and city impact fees. The project includes a transit station, bike lanes, ADA ramps, solar lighting and a large drainage sump sized for a 100‑year storm.",{"_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},6648123,"Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority report: board approves second transient pool; mediation discussed",191,6453000,6644000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3433677-c8694a9102af7c61c96185981f431525&start=6453&end=6644","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3433677-c8694a9102af7c61c96185981f431525/thumbnail_6453000.jpg","/articles/6648123/Ridgecrest/Kern-County/California/Indian-Wells-Valley-Groundwater-Authority-report-board-approves-second-transient-pool-mediation-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6648123-ece15f3cfe0dd8911c006fb086dbfb74/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144424&Signature=ZH6859~Fax2iUvz2yf4voq5aVkzXCAuG0xhrgmgv2dS3IEZAW~jboDIdYaXyztY9B4x4hTmbXJDMwKX1hMQO8Og~NrbTI3SmV6oDyxS7hy4Oge-spyEQEP1gFhgMqI1LS6GO6v3ATY1N25m1-JF-87far5clk7x4vFXJo4rol25By9B4PWRs2l-Dnceiwk4c8R3ZuEulSiMUO-IvixkQLPX2ZqsMenSyKrCwysHxE-fBwJ8AkMseuXTfL2KrgvlxkgSq-6zstPi7RUIdktMbCbPoUX2o8~VCy5qmB5czxTA4bP8RRAg4RCFWusI2m4XtzZMcujg2KU26mr67LFv6kQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ridgecrest — Councilman Scott Hammond summarized the May 14 meeting of the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA), reporting that the board approved Resolution 125 to establish a second transient pool and that members discussed legislative developments and a possible mediation with the Indian Wells Valley Water District.

The board action: Hammond told the Ridgecrest City Council that the IWVGA's Resolution 125 establishes a second transient pool totaling 20,000 acre‑feet; 16,000 acre‑feet would be offered first to Mohave pistachio operations and 4,000 acre‑feet would be allotted for small farmers. \"It consisted of a second transient pool that, amounted to 20,000 acre feet, 16,000 acre feet of which would be offered first, to Mohave, pistachios,\" Hammond said.

Why it matters: Groundwater allocation, adjudication and potential import pipeline plans have been a contentious issue in the valley. The transient pool is a mechanism the IWVGA is using to allocate short‑term supplies to growers and other users while longer‑term basin management continues.

Discussion points and next steps
- Mediation: Hammond reported that the IWVGA discussed the possibility of mediation between the authority and the Indian Wells Valley Water District. He said Water District Director Chuck Griffin indicated he would take mediation back to his board. Several council members and public commenters said mediation could help resolve disputes arising from an ongoing adjudication.
- Legislative update: The IWVGA provided a legislative briefing covering state and federal matters affecting groundwater management and funding; council members heard that changes at state and federal levels have required renewed outreach to partners.
- Public concerns: Several members of the public used Ridgecrest's council meeting to express skepticism and opposition to the IWVGA's work and to an imported‑water pipeline concept. Commenters asked about IWVGA finances and transparency. The council and IWVGA representatives said the IWVGA budget and expenditures are posted with agendas on IWVGA's website (IWVGA.org) and that receipts and expenditures are attached to meeting agendas.

Council and public exchange
Council members praised the attempt to open discussions and encouraged continued outreach. Public commenters said the GA's decisions have significant economic implications and urged more direct involvement by the elected water district rather than a joint powers authority structure. One commenter asked whether IWVGA's general manager salary and specifics of legal expenses could be supplied; Hammond and others advised those budget specifics are public records available through the IWVGA website and meeting materials.

Ending note
Hammond and multiple council members said they supported efforts to continue dialogue and explore mediation; the matter remains under active discussion at the IWVGA and the water district level.","The city's representative reported on the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority meeting where the board approved Resolution 125 establishing a second transient pool of 20,000 acre‑feet and discussed legislative updates and possible mediation with the water district.",{"_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},6648128,"Ridgecrest police outline military-equipment uses and training in annual AB 481 report; council signs off",1148,5332000,6480000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3433677-c8694a9102af7c61c96185981f431525&start=5332&end=6480","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3433677-c8694a9102af7c61c96185981f431525/thumbnail_5332000.jpg","/articles/6648128/Ridgecrest/Kern-County/California/Ridgecrest-police-outline-military-equipment-uses-and-training-in-annual-AB-481-report-council-signs-off","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6648128-22a07f9edf8036ab12d7f8bb08983a03/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144424&Signature=YVM7Pk287gPsMRT6aW~jwOm9qfn7tUbwCMKSss36UaukE29MwDVdtyaeErCun1IbQ9tnpNs4O23Zp~pbSpRohu7z4NLe65XdUp4ADXp-v3Xz6aSPhD0-Ho9b4ZSEWrnPpOqL29E2YF5agmZoWRbKXbY3pR5R2Ph4fXUADwOOIwpG-SfF2mAlzKGbu6dw4YVDwkK9bvPmoNvELU6rcl6EMGpaHUiWegIgX1Cw4fyQIpgJyRhSoBaerRZ-4gGaRtBug9AjPbFxlhfGZVRhWTPdX~JBIXYnj1dHbSLgDifxwCrGxXTVF4dAuBaOkcuoqN-wOdlsLy2UaBZ9-UFv75PQxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ridgecrest — The Ridgecrest Police Department presented its required annual report under Assembly Bill 481 on May 21, detailing its inventory and use of equipment categorized as \"military\" under state law and the department's training and costs. The City Council voted unanimously to accept the report.

The report — delivered by the department chief — listed equipment in six AB 481 categories, including an armored rescue vehicle (commonly called a Bearcat), converted less‑lethal shotguns, light‑sound diversionary devices (\"flashbangs\"), 40mm less‑lethal launchers, rifles, command/control vehicles and both interior and planned exterior drones. \"We use our Bearcat armored rescue vehicle. We've had it for about 2 years now… we've had 17 deployments,\" the chief said during his presentation.

Why it matters: AB 481 (state law enacted in 2021) requires local agencies to report publicly on possession and use of equipment designated as \"military.\" The law is intended to increase transparency about how such equipment is used and funded.

Key details and uses
- Deployments and training: The chief reported 17 Bearcat deployments, about half of which were for community events; 16 uses of light‑sound devices (8 training, 8 operational); and 30 shotguns converted for less‑lethal beanbag use. He told the council that converting the department's shotguns to launch beanbag projectiles was intended to provide more immediate less‑lethal tools in patrol cars.
- Ammunition and training: The department reported using about 15,000 rounds for training in 2024. The chief said officers must complete a 24‑hour POST‑approved rifle course for patrol rifle use.
- Equipment purchases and costs: Items listed in the presentation and the approximate 2024 costs the department reported included: conversion of shotguns (about $13,000), ammunition ($7,000), less‑lethal munitions (about $1,600), light‑sound diversionary devices ($4,300) and two interior drones ($4,200). The chief said the department budgets roughly $20,000 a year for wheels and tires for the Bearcat and that the department expects to replace wheels as needed rather than repair multi‑piece wheels for safety reasons.
- Patrol rifles: The department received council authorization earlier this year to upgrade patrol rifles; the chief said 33 patrol rifles and one precision rifle were approved at a total cost of about $94,000 and that the new rifles should arrive within about 60 days.
- Drones: The chief said the department plans to phase in two exterior drones, flown by personnel undergoing FAA Part 107 certification, and to coordinate operations with nearby military base airspace and Kern County Fire. He described operational limits (typical operating altitude cited at 400 feet, reduced to 200 feet north of Drummond) and said the department would notify base air traffic and follow safety procedures. The department also acquired interior drones in 2024 for use inside structures.

Public questions and council discussion
Council members asked about safety and risk for exterior drone flights, including questions about power lines and collision avoidance. The chief said exterior drones have collision‑avoidance systems, that pilots are trained to launch to a safe elevation before maneuvering, and that the department does not plan to request utility lines be de‑energized for drone operations.

Councilman Rajaratnam asked whether new military‑listed items must come to the council before purchase; the chief responded that the annual AB 481 presentation documents current holdings and that any new AB 481 items would be presented to the council before acquisition. The chief said body‑worn cameras are not AB 481 items.

Council action
The council voted 5-0 to accept the department's AB 481 report as presented.

What remains open
The chief said the department will seek public input on exterior drone use and continue coordination with the base and other agencies; the department also expects to report on any future chemical agent purchases or other items triggered by specialized instructor training in next year's report.

Ending note
Council members thanked the department for the presentation and emphasized the importance of training, transparency and community trust in use of these tools.","The Ridgecrest Police Department presented its annual report under AB 481, listing deployments and costs for armored vehicle use, less‑lethal conversions, drones and rifle purchases. Council voted 5-0 to accept the report.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council accepts completion and additional lighting controls for Leroy Jackson Sports Complex

Council awards nearly $9 million contract for Felspar–Norma neighborhood improvement project; AHSC and TIRCP funds to pay work

Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority report: board approves second transient pool; mediation discussed

Ridgecrest police outline military-equipment uses and training in annual AB 481 report; council signs off