Eric Bruen - Passionate for the City of Ridgecrest

07/23/2026

Well it is probably time......

At 5am on June 7th, my throat closed due to contracting pediatric influenza and epiglottitis. I was life flighted out of Ridgecrest and spent five days on a ventilator and seven in the hospital. I lost over 15 pounds in the hospital bed and returned to work this week after six weeks of recovery. It was the scariest and most humbling experience of my life.

I would like to take a moment to thank the emergency room team at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital and the ICU team at Adventist Health Hanford for their dedicated care.

I want to express my thanks to everyone who sent prayers, support, love, and concern to my wife and family during this difficult time. The outpouring of support from my community, friends, and colleagues was more than I could have ever asked for.

I am happy to report I am fully healed, my pants don't fit, and my passion for Ridgecrest is back and healthy as ever.

"Life is precious because you cannot watch it again. Once you realize that you will not be around forever, that makes life magical."

06/19/2026

Proud to work with Go Ridgecrest - Tourism, Filming, & California Welcome Center and Desert Valleys FCU to bring this opportunity to our community.

Each shirt is $20 and $5 from each shirt will be donated to the Ridgecrest Veterans Advisory Council Wreaths Across America program.

Shirts are available at the Welcome Center and at Desert Valleys FCU.

Introducing the official Ridgecrest Celebrates America 250 commemorative shirt 🇺🇸

Inspired by the landscapes, adventures, and small-town spirit that make our corner of California special, this limited-edition design celebrates 250 years of America.

Even better, proceeds from every shirt sold benefit Wreaths Across America, helping to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.

Shirts are available at:
📍California Welcome Center: 880 N. China Lake Blvd.
📍Desert Valley's FCU: 100 Ward Ave.

06/18/2026

Another clear and transparent explanation of actions and what occurs in an officer involved incident. Glad our officers are safe and I hope that the investigation reflects the values we have continued to uphold as a community.

06/04/2026

Tonight….i was amazed at the level of clear, direct, and well presented arguments in opposition to the data center proposed in Inyokern which were presented by a variety of local citizens. It was refreshing to hear from engaged citizens.

I want to personally encourage Jennifer Wood Slayton to run for office and serve her community. She presented great arguments along with Rene Westa-Lusk.

I stand with Jen on encouraging the council to prepare a letter addressing environmental concerns. I also stand with her on uniting the community from an educational and informational perspective. There remains many questions which still need to discussed and together we can listen respectfully to all opinions.

06/03/2026

When we start looking around at who should lead our community, I hope we remember and appreciate all of the local volunteers who make incredible things like this happen.

06/03/2026

With the first election ballots cast and speculativly resolved, we now begin "silly" season.

I think it will be a fantastic change for our community if Measure C holds and the Mayor position will now be elected during the "mid-term" cycle and not the "presidential" election cycles. This is important for one reason. We need to stay focused on local issues!

Spencer Pratt, regardless of your opinion, is correct. Local elections should be about the local needs and not the national political temperament. It should be about electing the most passionate, the most dedicated, and the most committed persons to lead the community.

I vow to continue to focus on Ridgecrest.

06/03/2026

The Voters have spoken in a very close race it appears that we will be electing a four-year Mayor in November. Should be interesting....

06/02/2026

It is amazing to see how the hospital is continuing to improve after the challenges of 2023. Thank you to the leadership team which has worked diligently to ensure that "world-class" healthcare is available to our local community and civilian workforce.

Communities need Urgent Care, and we are grateful for the team who makes that care possible here at RRH.

During Urgent Care Awareness Month, we want to recognize the people who show up for patients during moments that can feel stressful and unexpected.

To our Urgent Care team: thank you for the kindness you bring into each room, the support you offer our patients, and the commitment you show to our community every day.

06/02/2026

Communication, Transparency, and Focused on Solutions. The Sierra Sands Unified School District is working to build the future of education in our community. The social contract establishes that disagreement does not merit disrespect.