Council appoints two residents to personnel board

The Ridgecrest City Council on Sept. 3 approved nominations to fill two vacancies on the city personnel board, appointing Mike Gross and Adrian Ochawa to serve as members.

Councilmember [unnamed in record] nominated Mike Gross, described as a lifelong resident, former Marine and community volunteer. Councilmember Rajaratnam nominated Adrian Ochawa, identified as a resident of Ridgecrest for 24 years with experience managing staff and hiring responsibilities. The council voted 5-0 to confirm both appointments.

Council discussion was brief and no members of the public asked to comment on the nominations before the vote. The appointments fill vacancies created when a prior appointee moved away and when the mayor had not yet made an earlier appointment.

The personnel board will convene as needed to address personnel matters under the city’s municipal code.