California City deserves real action when it comes to the growing stray animal crisis affecting our neighborhoods, our families, and the animals themselves. For too long, this issue has been pushed aside while residents continue reporting dangerous encounters, loose aggressive dogs, and heartbreaking situations involving neglected and abandoned animals.

We currently face major challenges:

• A lack of a dedicated Animal Control Officer (ACO) currently

• Shelter limitations and lack of capacity

• Insufficient funding for animal services

• Growing public safety concerns throughout our community

We have already seen serious incidents, including a man reportedly injured by a stray dog and another tragic incident involving a dog being killed. The reality is simple: if we continue ignoring this issue, it is only a matter of time before someone is critically injured.

For years, I have called for compliance with the city’s Potentially Dangerous/Vicious Dog Review Board ordinance. I am glad the current administration now appears to recognize the importance of this and is moving toward compliance with our city ordinance. That is a step in the right direction — but much more must be done.

California City needs elected leadership that is genuinely passionate about solving our animal issues, not just talking about them when problems escalate. If elected to the City Council, this will be one of my highest priorities.

I will work toward:

• Strengthening local ordinances to better protect both residents and animals

• Seeking additional resources and funding for our shelter and animal services

• Expanding support and assistance available to residents

• Improving enforcement and accountability regarding dangerous animals

• Building long-term solutions that reduce stray populations humanely and responsibly

In 2024, I successfully pushed for ordinance changes that allowed more pets per household and officially permitted fostering within our city. That was progress — but we cannot stop there.

Our community deserves safer streets, better animal care resources, and leadership willing to tackle difficult issues head-on.

Vote Shawn Bradley for City Council of California City — June 2nd.