Jessica Weston

Dec 1, 2023 | ridgecrestca.com | Jessica Weston

In August 2013 my life changed during breakfast at Denny's when a chance encounter with Liz Babcock led me to start writing freelance for the News Review. My first interview was with Jim Gregory, a memorable way to start. I ended up covering the city for the News Review and then later for the Daily Independent -- where I started in May 2014.

Nov 30, 2023 | ridgecrestca.com | Jessica Weston

The Ridgecrest City Council unanimously approved an additional $40,000 for commercial-grade washers and dryers for use at the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter. This brings the total funding for the project to $90,000 in the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget. The budget previously contained funding of $50,000 for the project. Project funds will come from Proposition 172 reserves. Unspent funds will go back into Prop 172 reserves according to City Manager Ron Strand. The decision was made at the Nov.

Nov 30, 2023 | ridgecrestca.com | Jessica Weston

The Ridgecrest Police Department saves lives -- along with other local emergency responders of course. A sergeant and five officers were recently recognized for doing just that. Sgt. Aaron Tucker presented life-saving awards to Sgt. Nathan Lloyd, Officers Logan Bebee, Kyle Cushman, Robert Henderson, James Quiroz and Ryan Smith at the Ridgecrest City Council meeting Nov. 15. (Quiroz and Cushman were absent.)First up was an award for Lloyd and Quiroz.

Nov 24, 2023 | ridgecrestca.com | Jessica Weston

Joan Johnson was awarded the 2023 CCAP Innovators Award. The award was presented as part of the California Contracting, Acquisition and Procurement NAWCWD Industry Days expo at a reception at the California Welcome Center Nov. 14. Johnson is the former Executive Director at NAWCWD and currently manages operations at LongView Group LLC. With a career that has spanned both industry and government work, Johnson has been the recipient of many prestigious awards.

Nov 24, 2023 | ridgecrestca.com | Jessica Weston

Visitors to City Hall recently were greeted by a beautiful floral arrangement in council chambers. The flowers were sent by the family of Charlotte Braitman, in honor of "Charlotte Braitman Day."The Braitman family first put down roots locally when Jack Braitman got a job at the then-Naval Ordnance Test Station at China Lake in 1948, according to his son Bob Braitman in a letter to the city council. Although Jack passed away a few years later, his wife Charlotte Braitman stayed in the community.