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Fair board reconsiders track closure
By REBECCA NEIPP, News Review Staff Writer
Conflict arises at fair board meeting
By REBECCA NEIPP, News Review Staff Writer
Critics say motorsports complex could be a valuable asset through better management
Public outcry to a proposal by Desert Empire Fair CEO Mike Thomas to close the fair’s motorsports complex has led the
DEF board to reconsider that decision.
At the last meeting of the Ridgecrest City Council, Mayor Steven Morgan told the audience that the complex was going to
be closed.
Morgan’s announcement was traced back to a March 22 letter from Thomas to City Manager Harvey Rose stating,
“Please be advised that the Desert Empire Fair will cease operations of the motocross track on April 12, 2010, and is
effective that date canceling the contract with the city for that property.”
DEF board to reconsider that decision.
At the last meeting of the Ridgecrest City Council, Mayor Steven Morgan told the audience that the complex was going to
be closed.
Morgan’s announcement was traced back to a March 22 letter from Thomas to City Manager Harvey Rose stating,
“Please be advised that the Desert Empire Fair will cease operations of the motocross track on April 12, 2010, and is
effective that date canceling the contract with the city for that property.”
| ( click for larger image ) Photo by Laura Austin |
Recall starts over after botched submission
Three-year-old Draven Kooyman plays with the
bubble machine at the Children’s Fair, held last
weekend at LeRoy Jackson Park. The event,
sponsored by Eastern Sierra Association for the
Education of Young Children, is held in
conjunction with April as Month of the Child.
bubble machine at the Children’s Fair, held last
weekend at LeRoy Jackson Park. The event,
sponsored by Eastern Sierra Association for the
Education of Young Children, is held in
conjunction with April as Month of the Child.
Boardmembers argue about procedures, citizen objects to
lack of transparency
lack of transparency
By REBECCA NEIPP,
News Review Staff Writer
News Review Staff Writer
Desert Empire Fair Board President
the board at the April meeting. At the beginning of the meeting
resident David Hazelwood complained that a request made in
February for unaccounted-for revenues had still not appeared on an
agenda.
Kicinski said the item would be discussed later in the meeting.
Hazelwood said that if that was the case, it should have been listed
on the agenda.
“I don’t see what that will accomplish,” remarked Kicinski.
“We ask things to be on the agenda, they don’t make it on the
agenda. The public does not get to hear about it and doesn’t know
what you’re going to discuss. That’s all I’m after trying to get fixed,”
said Hazelwood.
Boardmember James Bell similarly called for transparency in the
process. He objected to the board approving minutes from the
previous meeting, which saw a temporary successor named for
retiring CEO Mike Thomas.
resident David Hazelwood complained that a request made in
February for unaccounted-for revenues had still not appeared on an
agenda.
Kicinski said the item would be discussed later in the meeting.
Hazelwood said that if that was the case, it should have been listed
on the agenda.
“I don’t see what that will accomplish,” remarked Kicinski.
“We ask things to be on the agenda, they don’t make it on the
agenda. The public does not get to hear about it and doesn’t know
what you’re going to discuss. That’s all I’m after trying to get fixed,”
said Hazelwood.
Boardmember James Bell similarly called for transparency in the
process. He objected to the board approving minutes from the
previous meeting, which saw a temporary successor named for
retiring CEO Mike Thomas.
By REBECCA NEIPP,
News Review Staff Writer
News Review Staff Writer
The effort to recall the five members of the Ridgecrest City Council is back to the
drawing board after the submitters failed to send all pertinent documents to City Clerk Rachel Ford. According to
California secretary of state requirements, the multi-step process citizens must follow to recall public officials includes
notifying the candidates, publishing notice of intent, publishing candidates’ responses and submitting the information to
the elections officer — in this case Ford. When the members of Don’t Tread on Me Citizens for Freedom — a group of
citizens coordinating the recall — submitted the required paperwork, Ford said they failed to include proof of publication.
California secretary of state requirements, the multi-step process citizens must follow to recall public officials includes
notifying the candidates, publishing notice of intent, publishing candidates’ responses and submitting the information to
the elections officer — in this case Ford. When the members of Don’t Tread on Me Citizens for Freedom — a group of
citizens coordinating the recall — submitted the required paperwork, Ford said they failed to include proof of publication.
Board hears from theater community
Amidst budget cuts, district maintains success in technical education
By REBECCA NEIPP,
News Review Staff Writer
News Review Staff Writer
Supporters of the Burroughs High School Drama Department expressed their disappointment about the news that
instructor Tristan Kratz is one of the certificated staff laid off this year as a result of dwindling state support to education
programs. Sierra Sands Unified School District Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Ernie Bell said that the district is
subject to a series of education codes that govern the way staff must conduct layoffs. According to law, staff must first
consider the requirements of the position — in this case an English credential — then place teachers according to
seniority.
instructor Tristan Kratz is one of the certificated staff laid off this year as a result of dwindling state support to education
programs. Sierra Sands Unified School District Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Ernie Bell said that the district is
subject to a series of education codes that govern the way staff must conduct layoffs. According to law, staff must first
consider the requirements of the position — in this case an English credential — then place teachers according to
seniority.
Vietnam Wall volunteers sought
Volunteers are being sought to help with all aspects of the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall’s visit here, including
motorcycle escort of the wall from the Antelope Valley on May 14,
setup in Freedom Park and packing up on May 23.
To volunteer, come to a meeting Friday, April 23, at 5 p.m. in
Freedom Park. If you cannot attend the meeting or want to learn
more, call Nick Coy, 760-608-1484. See related story.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall’s visit here, including
motorcycle escort of the wall from the Antelope Valley on May 14,
setup in Freedom Park and packing up on May 23.
To volunteer, come to a meeting Friday, April 23, at 5 p.m. in
Freedom Park. If you cannot attend the meeting or want to learn
more, call Nick Coy, 760-608-1484. See related story.
Ashburn sentenced for DUI
State Sen. Roy Ashburn was sentenced to jail time,
fines and probation for charges of driving under the
influence. Ashburn was arraigned April 14 in
Sacramento, where he was arrested March 3 for
driving his state vehicle with a blood-alcohol level of
more than twice the legal amount.
fines and probation for charges of driving under the
influence. Ashburn was arraigned April 14 in
Sacramento, where he was arrested March 3 for
driving his state vehicle with a blood-alcohol level of
more than twice the legal amount.