California City seeks applicants for two vacant council seats as the ICE detention center nears opening. California City is accepting applications to fill two vacant council seats after Jesse Hightower and Michael Kulikoff resigned last week. The application deadline is July 29, at 4 p.m.
Mayor Marquette Hawkins stated that a special election would be the best way to fill the vacancies, but the city lacks the necessary funds. Instead, the city council will select new members after conducting interviews with applicants at a special meeting.
“They’re taking on a responsibility. Plain and simple. It is a responsibility to be held accountable for one’s actions and decisions. They’re stepping up to serve the community and help us see the vision of improving the quality of life for the entire community and all stakeholders,” Hawkins said.
The new council members will face a number of challenges in our neighborhood, including the upcoming opening of an ICE immigration detention facility.
CoreCivic, a private prison company, appears to be close to signing a contract with Homeland Security. California City’s current contract with CoreCivic expires next month, and the city expects to benefit from a new agreement that includes water and sewage rates.
Hawkins mentioned that California City residents are already working at the facility. He expressed his support for community members who are speaking out about the detention center.
“It’s only between the federal government and CoreCivic. We have no authority to do anything or dictate anything. The only thing we can do as a city is investigate water and sewer rates. “I personally requested that we have some oversight at the facility to ensure that the conditions are humane and above board,” Hawkins stated.
According to Hawkins, the city yard fire on July 2 remains under active investigation.
