By Helen Tomlin News Review Staff Writer– During August’s first City Council meeting, Julia Morse gave a presentation on the “Peace Building Project.” As the China Lake Rotary Club’s Peace Building Chairwoman, Morse shared why her district created this initiative. She said, “It symbolizes and fosters unity, peace, and collaboration among the [district] clubs and local communities.” And it’s no coincidence they are “passing this metaphorical baton” during this Olympic year. Morse said the goal of this project is to symbolize “the seamless transfer of responsibilities, knowledge, and enthusiasm from one individual to another, creating a continuous flow of energy and commitment within the Rotary Club and the broader communities.”
Morse explained the current plan is to “travel through Simi Valley moving north, Pasos Robles moving south, and then move east through Bakersfield and its surrounding areas.” The ultimate goal is to end in Santa Barbara on September 21 to celebrate the U.N.’s International Day of Peace.
After the presentation, two people spoke during public comments. First was Sierra Sand’s new Superintendent, Dr. April Moore. She thanked the City, its staff, and the local police department. “We have an amazing partnership.”
Moore reported that the city’s first day of school was “phenomenal,” and she thanked the officers who were “out keeping students safe and educating the public [about the current] traffic patterns.”
Ron Porter spoke next. His concern was “the upcoming election and what they plan to put on the ballot.” Currently, Councilman Kyle Blades is running for reelection for a four-year term but can only serve three of those years because of an eight-year term limit law. Porter said, “Last time I looked at the code, it’s a violation to run for the office if you can’t complete it.”
He said Blades, or anyone on the ballot in this situation, would be committing fraud. “If you say this is for a four-year term when it’s not, you’re committing fraud…it’s telling the voters you can do it when you can’t.”
Porter reassured Councilman Blades he had nothing against him personally. “This is about policy and following [election] rules.” Porter cited several federal laws and then said, “You’re all committing a crime because you’re denying the vote of the people.”
Mayor pro tem Solomon Rajaratnam sided with Blades during the council’s comments. He said, “It’s very painful to see when someone stepped up in the community’s time of need…” (He was referring to Blade’s partial term served that counts toward the years he has served as councilman). Rajaratnam’s comments were interrupted by Porter, who shouted, “You’re out of order! You’re out of order!” Both Rajaratnam and Mayor Eric Bruen ignored him.
Next on the agenda was a Resolution, which Chris Smith presented. He asked the council to approve the “Zero Admissions Rollout Plan” for Ridgecrest’s city transit system. He said, “Part of the innovative clean transit rule from the California Air Resources Board requires that we switch to zero-emission vehicles.” They’ve already taken two steps: 1) installing chargers and 2) purchasing one van. The purchase of additional vehicles is slated for the future. Smith said the majority of the funding comes from grants. The council voted unanimously to approve the resolution.
Several announcements were made. City Manager Ron Strand said several misters have been installed on Balsam. He said this should cool the people attending Wednesday’s farmer’s market.
Bruen invited children under 18 to attend the Fourth Annual Scout-A-Rama, held at the Desert Empire Fairgrounds on August 24 from 12 to 4 p.m. He said, “This is one of the few communities that offers both boy and girl scout troops.”
The demolition of the old Pinney pool is scheduled for August 26, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
