Publisher’s Note: Former City Manager Ron Strand should withdraw from the Ridgecrest City Council race, and Councilman Kyle Blades should resign his seat on the Council. October 12, 2026 Ridgecrest California BREAKING: The Daily Independent story is available to the public and is not behind the subscription paywall. You can go directly to the Daily … Continue reading THEY BROKE THE LAW: Kern County DA Issues Statement, City of Ridgecrest’s Former City Manager Ron Strand and Councilman Kyle Blades Are GUILTY of Brown Act Violations