One of the biggest issues impacting economic development in California City is something many people don’t always see right away: infrastructure.

Residents often ask:

“Why don’t we have more businesses, housing developments, restaurants, or major retail projects?”

A major reason is because large portions of our city are missing critical infrastructure needed for development.

Take a drive down Highway 14 and look near the CCB exit. On the right side, you’ll see Highway 14 Frontage Road already paved with power lines nearby. At first glance, it looks ready for development.

But one key component is missing:

Water.

And as the saying goes, water is life.

Private wells are not allowed, which means any large development there would require expensive water infrastructure and piping to be extended into the area. That dramatically increases costs for developers and limits interest in building.

The same issue exists throughout many parts of California City.

We have countless vacant lots that may be missing:

• Water service

• Electrical infrastructure

• Or both

Without those essential utilities, development becomes difficult, expensive, and sometimes unrealistic.

This is one reason why certain areas of our city remain undeveloped despite having available land.

Infrastructure matters.

Large businesses, apartment complexes, housing developments, industrial projects, and commercial investment all depend on access to utilities and adequate land conditions. Without infrastructure expansion, our opportunities remain limited.

So the real question becomes:

How do we begin addressing these challenges realistically and responsibly?

We need leadership willing to:

• Examine why well restrictions exist

• Study long-term infrastructure planning

• Explore grants and funding opportunities

• Prioritize strategic utility expansion

• Work toward development little by little instead of making unrealistic promises

Growth will not happen overnight, but if we understand the actual obstacles standing in the way, we can begin creating realistic plans to overcome them.

I am committed to helping identify practical solutions to these impediments so California City can grow as much as realistically possible over time.

Real leadership starts with understanding the problem first, which is a problem I completely understand.

Vote Shawn Bradley for City Council

California City, CA

June 2nd