Ridgecrest shows signs of growth despite pandemic
The city of Ridgecrest showed signs of growth during 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city approved 1,117 new housing units from a total of 11 applications in 2020, according to a housing element update by Administrative Analyst Heather Spurlock.
Spurlock updated the Planning Commission at its Feb. 23 meeting on the city’s General Plan, Housing Element and Regional Housing Needs Allocation.
No housing unit applications were disapproved during 2020 according to the report.
Certificates of occupancy were issued for 84 units and building permits were issued for 41 single-family residential units, according to the planning commission staff report.
The planning commission approved the popular new community garden in 2020. The commission also took steps toward approving Ridgecrest Restoration Ministries, a faith-based recovery location.
The Wednesday Column by Jessica Weston: Spring forward
Ridgecrest Daily Independent
USA Today recently ran a story called “Why spring feels more important than ever in 2021” by Kelly Lawler.
I agree with that sentiment wholeheartedly. We sprang forward from daylight savings time last weekend and the season officially kicks in this Saturday, so spring is in the air.
And it does feel more important this year, as the usual themes of growth and renewal parallel the slow movement toward normalcy after a year of COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.
With schools at least partially reopening, some sports starting up and the county tottering toward fewer restrictions, there is a palpable sense of renewal all around.
Ridgecrest Council Member Breeden warns of email gift card scam
Former Mayor and current Council Member Peggy Breeden has a warning for the community.
Breeden earlier this week received what appeared to be an email from someone she knows asking for a significant amount of money on Ebay gift cards. Fortunately she was made aware of the scam before sending any cards off, but she wants to share her story as a cautionary tale.
“If someone contacts you like this, make sure they are who you think they are,” Breeden said.
Breeden first went public with her story during a Chamber of Commerce virtual meeting Tuesday, when Executive Director Tim Smith shared Breeden’s story at her request.
Ridgecrest City Council to talk state vs. local zoning on March 17
When the Ridgecrest City Council meets March 17, the agenda will be dominated by planning-related issues.
Mayor Eric Bruen will ask the council to weigh in on the balance of power between the state and local governments when it comes to zoning.
The issue appears to be both simple and complex.
Specifically, council will be asked to support the idea of retaining local control over zoning. By extension, they will also be asked to support the organization California Cities for Local Control, which is mentioned in the staff report. This group describes itself as a grassroots group advocating for local control over zoning and land use decisions, according to its website at https://localcontrolca.com/.