Ridgecrest council faces public criticism over transparency and agenda item requests

Public transparency took center stage at the Ridgecrest City Council meeting on May 21, 2025, as residents voiced concerns over recent council decisions made behind closed doors. Tom Weknick, a local resident, criticized the council for allegedly bypassing public input regarding water management decisions, claiming that actions were taken without proper transparency, contrary to campaign promises made by council members.

Weknick highlighted a specific incident where a vote was conducted in an executive session, raising questions about the council's commitment to openness. He expressed frustration that public comments were often welcomed, yet significant issues like water management were not open for discussion. “What is wrong with setting an agenda item?” he asked, pointing out that three council members blocked a request for public discussion on the water issue.

Another resident, Peyton Neil, brought attention to the city’s surveillance system, questioning the terminology used regarding the ownership of data collected by the cameras. He noted that the Ridgecrest Police Department claimed ownership of the data, yet access to it was restricted, raising concerns about privacy and transparency.

The meeting also touched on legislative matters, specifically Assembly Bills 1413 and 1466, which some council members supported without prior public discussion. This lack of transparency led to further criticism from residents who felt their voices were being ignored in critical decisions affecting the community.

In response to these concerns, council members discussed the need for clearer policies regarding agenda items and public input. Councilman Solomon Gorman emphasized that any council member should be able to request an agenda item without requiring consensus, a point that sparked further debate on procedural norms.

As the meeting concluded, the council acknowledged the need for a review of their practices to ensure that public engagement remains a priority. The discussions highlighted a growing demand for accountability and transparency in local governance, with residents eager to ensure their voices are heard in future council decisions.