City Council Meeting 5/6/2026

The City Council meeting of Ridgecrest on May 6, 2026, focused heavily on community concerns regarding a proposed AI data center project in the region. Numerous public comments highlighted environmental, water resource, and infrastructure impacts, urging the council to conduct thorough reviews and oppose the project due to its anticipated high water and power demands and associated pollution. The council agreed to place a discussion and potential action item regarding the data center on a future agenda, likely in early June, to allow for informed deliberation and possible submission of formal opposition to the California Energy Commission. Additionally, the council approved a contract award to Bowman Asphalt Inc. for the Mayhem Street Pavement Improvement Project, allocating approximately $1.65 million including contingency funds, with construction expected to start promptly and complete within 50 working days. Other agenda items included proclamations recognizing public works week, small business month, and police week, as well as updates on community projects and events. The meeting also featured extensive public discourse on the use and oversight of the Flock surveillance camera system, with calls for audits and transparency due to privacy concerns and reported abuses in other jurisdictions.