KernLife.com

All > Playing > Day Trips > Short Drives
Ridgecrest
Topics: ridgecrest, Maturango Museum, Kern County
Posted by admin Fri Aug 10, 2007 17:14:26 PDT
Viewed 333 times
0 responses 0 comments Location: Ridgecrest, CA

The "Secret City" nickname once given to this town in the high Mojave Desert may not be working any longer.

With its deep, Old West history as well as a thriving future (thanks to the Navy's largest facility at China Lake) it looks like the so-called "secret" is out. For many of its 28,000 estimated residents, Ridgecrest provides that neighborly atmosphere not always found in big cities.

"We have a safe, cozy little community where your neighbors are truly your friends and you know if you need something, this community will rally to be there for you," said Mayor Marshall "Chip" Holloway, who moved here in 1992 from Denver. For example, the people of Ridgecrest helped raise $40,000 to help a returning soldier injured in Iraq, according to Holloway.

Another $50,000 and a semi-truck full of household goods and toys was delivered to Hurricane Katrina victims in Long Beach, Miss., along with a commitment to help that area for the next five years, he said.

For those who want to take a look back in time at Ridgecrest, there¹s the Maturango Museum for a taste of some Native American and mining history of the area with a "hands on" exhibit for the children.

For those looking forward into Ridgecrest's future, the city's Quality of Life Committee is dedicated to providing activities for youths.

Families can feel safe with the kids enjoying the Leroy Jackson Park Sports Complex, which features lighted softball fields, six tennis courts and three lighted soccer fields. The Ridgecrest Skate Park is another fun alternative, plus a place to learn kick flips and ollies.

When you do decide to take a weekend outside of town, Ridgecrest's convenient location offers a head start on travel plans.

With just a two-hour drive to Death Valley National Park, a three-hour drive to Los Angeles, and a four-hour drive to Las Vegas and San Diego, there are plenty of options for a quick getaway.

Geographic information
Size: 20.8 square miles
Climate: Summer high, 101; summer low, 70; winter high, 60; winter low, 41.
Economic demographics
Estimated population: 28,000
Average household income: $78,000
Average housing cost: $200,000

Business
Major employer: Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, 760-939-9011

Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce: 128 E. California Ave., Suite B, 760-375-8331

Ridgecrest Area Convention & Visitors Bureau: 139 Balsam St. Ridgecrest, 800-847-4830

History Year incorporated: 1963

Government
Mayor: Marshall "Chip" Holloway, 100 W. California Ave., Ridgecrest, 760-499-5000, hollowayc@ridgecrest. ca.us

Town Hall: 100 W. California Ave., Ridgecrest, 760-499-5000,

County Representative: Kern County Supervisor District 1, Supervisor Jon McQuiston, Field Representative Craig Peterson, 400 N. China Lake Blvd., Ridgecrest, 760-384-5829

School districts
Sierra Sands Unified School District: Superintendent Joanna Rummer, 113 Felspar Ave., Ridgecrest, 760-375-3363

Public safety
Ridgecrest Police Department: 100 W. California Ave., Ridgecrest, 760-499-5100
 
Kern County Sheriff¹s Department: Ridgecrest Substation, Sgt. Kenny Williams, 124 E. Coso St., Ridgecrest, 760-384-5800

Fire substations: Kern County Substation 74, 139 E. Los Flores, Ridgecrest, 760-375-8466

Kern County Fire Department Substation 77, 815 W. Dolphin Ave., Ridgecrest, 760-371-2181

Animal shelter: Ridgecrest Animal Shelter, 411 San Bernardino Blvd., Ridgecrest, 760-499-5190

Community services
Library: Kern County Library Ridgecrest Branch, 131 E. Los Flores Ave., Ridgecrest, 760-384-5870, . Open noon to 8 p.m.Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.

Bureau of Land Management: Ridgecrest Resource Area, 300 S. Richmond Road, Ridgecrest, 760-384-5400

China Lake Mountain Rescue Group: P.O. Box 2097, Ridgecrest, 93556, 760-939-3363

Maturango Museum of Indian Wells Valley: 100 E. Las Flores Ave., Ridgecrest, 760-375-6900

Send to a Friend

Report a Violation