October 5th, 2026

Ridgecrest California

The City of Ridgecrest will be holding a closed session meeting Wednesday night at 5:00 p.m. to confer with legal counsel concerning significant exposure to litigation against the city in three cases. The closed session agenda, which was released today, could be related to a recently disclosed investigation of the City of Ridgecrest by the Kern County District Attorney.

At this time, it is unknown if the anticipated litigation is related to the actions in April 2025 of city staff and two councilmembers concerning legislation called AB 1413 and AB 1466. It is also unknown if any indictments have been handed down or if charges are pending concerning these matters.

Wednesday’s open session agenda includes a discussion and action item concerning Flock Safety license plate readers.

Closed Session Agenda, Wednesday October 7th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL GOV CODE SECTION 54956.9 (d)(2)
ANTICIPATED Litigation – THREE (3) CASES

Current Investigation by Kern County District Attorney

According to The Daily Independent, the Kern County DA’s Office confirmed in September 2026 that it is investigating the City of Ridgecrest over matters involving the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority and the city’s alleged support of two groundwater assembly bills, AB 1413 and AB 1466.

The DA’s office has been asking questions about city council minutes and legislative endorsements. City Manager Travis Reed said he has received inquiries from both the DA and the FBI, but has not confirmed whether a full investigation is underway.

The District Attorney’s public information officer, Daniela Gonzaga, described it as an “ongoing investigation,” while some council members have called it an “inquiry”.