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Ambassador Academy

The Lancaster Ambassador Academy applications are open!

For the first time ever, the City of Lancaster is launching an immersive program designed to give you an exclusive look at local government and show you how our teams work every day.

We are incredibly excited to offer this unique experience, inviting residents and leaders to engage with department heads and gain firsthand insight into facilities and operations.

Lancaster residents and business owners are encouraged to apply. Please note that space is limited and applying does not guarantee acceptance.

Orientations will begin on August 15 at City Hall Council Chambers from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Apply today at this link: https://form.typeform.com/to/Xq6vtIeQ

Diamond Jim's Casino

Besides the Casino, I understand that they have a restaurant that is open to the public, "Turf-Club Restaurant"...has anyone recently been? What can you tell us ? Have you ever had any luck at the Casino gaming ?

Diamond Jim's Casino
118 20th St West
Rosamond, CA 93560

Palmdale EPIC Celebrates Digital Art Contest Winners with Drawing Equipment, Classes

Energy for Palmdale's Independent Choice (EPIC) celebrates the winners of the City of Palmdale's Environmental division’s Bytes and Blooms Digital Art Contest, a citywide competition that invited artists of all ages to explore how technology and nature can coexist in creative and sustainable ways.

EPIC proudly sponsored the contest’s prizes as part of its ongoing commitment to pursuing digital equity, community engagement and a sustainable future for Palmdale residents. These prizes, which included iPads, laptops, drawing tablets and access to virtual art classes led by local artists, were aimed at supporting the winners’ continued creative growth.

By investing in these resources, EPIC helps ensure that contest participants walk away not only with recognition but also with the technology and skills to continue developing as digital creators.

“Technology and nature are at the foundation of Palmdale’s future, and it was inspiring to see the community’s creativity in designing and exploring this connection,” said Mayor Eric Ohlsen. “By providing these winners with high-quality drawing tablets and professional art classes, EPIC is investing in the digital tools and skills they need to keep growing as creators and leaders in our community.”

The contest drew submissions from talented artists across four age categories, and the following first-place winners were announced on April 8:

· Elementary: “Tech Fairies,” by Emma Olivia Jaimes
· Middle school: “To Flourish After Setbacks,” by Darin Valverde
· High school: “A Byte of a Possible Future,” by Abigail Portillo Cerritos
· Adult: “Sunboard,” by Saul Breton Arzate

In addition to the first-place winners, the following designs earned second and third place:

· Second place:
o “Desert Flowers,” by David Gaitan (elementary)
o “Rusted,” by Ariana Vizcaino (middle school)
o “We Intertwine (Like Cables and Vines),” by Finn Dills (high school)
o “First Steps,” by Stephanie Lemus (adult)

· Third place:
o “Clash of Robotics,” by Elena Zuniga (middle school)
o “Feline to Frolic,” by Nataly Fraire (high school)
o “Linger,” by Lisa Buccafusca (adult)

The winning works were displayed in the City's Development Services building, giving the broader community an opportunity to experience these artistic interpretations of the theme firsthand.

“Programs like the 'Bytes and Blooms' contest highlight the synergy between environmental awareness and modern innovation,” said Mayor Pro Tem Austin Bishop. “By empowering our residents with these digital tools, we are helping inspire the community to think sustainably and beautifully about Palmdale's future.”

EPIC is honored to have played a role in bringing that vision to life and looks forward to continuing to invest in the people and programs that make Palmdale a stronger, more sustainable community.

For information about EPIC’s clean energy programs and community initiatives, visit PalmdaleEPICEnergy.com or call (661) 267-5419.

About Energy for Palmdale’s Independent Choice (EPIC)
Energy for Palmdale’s Independent Choice (EPIC) is the City of Palmdale’s locally managed electricity provider, offering more than 57,000 residential and commercial customers a choice in where their energy comes from. Since its launch in October 2022, EPIC has focused on providing clean, affordable power while reinvesting its revenues in the Palmdale community. Through innovative initiatives like Your Ride is EPIC and FlexWise, EPIC supports the City’s vision for a sustainable and economically resilient future. Learn more at PalmdaleEPICEnergy.com or call (661) 267-5419.

City of Lancaster Announces 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration Featuring Kalan.FrFr

The City of Lancaster and its community partners invite the public to a celebration of culture, history, and community at the fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 13, at Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park™.

This year's event will be headlined by nationally recognized recording artist Kalan.FrFr, bringing one of Southern California's most influential voices in hip-hop to Lancaster for a special live performance. Known for hits including Scoring, Right Wit It, and No Stoppin, Kalan.FrFr's appearance marks a major highlight in the celebration's continued growth and commitment to showcasing Black culture, creativity, and excellence.

The 2026 Juneteenth event will feature a wide variety of engaging activities, including educational programming on the history of Juneteenth, family-friendly games, local vendors, food, live entertainment, dancing, and community resources.

"This celebration is a beautiful reflection of our community's unity and shared strength," said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. "We are thrilled to come together to amplify Black excellence, honor the rich history of freedom, and build a brighter, more inclusive future for every resident."

In addition to live entertainment, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in several community-driven programs designed to celebrate creativity and self-expression.

Young creatives from across the Antelope Valley shared their perspectives through the Youth Art, Essay, and Video Contest. Centered around the theme "What does family and freedom mean to you?", the contest invited participants ages 10-18 to explore Juneteenth's legacy through visual art, writing, and video storytelling. Selected entries will be on display during the celebration.

Attendees can also enter the event's Opportunity Drawing for a chance to win gift baskets, self-care packages, youth books, haircut certificates, event tickets, and more. Opportunity drawing tickets will be available for purchase at the Info/Merch Booth throughout the event, with winners announced from the Main Stage between 4:40 and 5 p.m. Proceeds help support future community programs, events, and activities.

The historical significance of the day dates back to June 19, 1865, when news of freedom finally reached the last enslaved individuals in the Confederacy, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, perseverance, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.

The 2026 festival is made possible through the generous support of sponsors Antelope Valley College, Kaiser Permanente, Edward’s Federal Credit Union, Penny Lane Centers, Gather Blast, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, and AVTA.

The Juneteenth Community Planning Commission, a dedicated coalition of residents, local businesses, and civic organizations, played a pivotal role in shaping and producing this year's celebration. Their leadership, vision, and commitment have helped make Juneteenth one of Lancaster's most meaningful and anticipated annual community events.

The festival is free to attend and welcomes guests of all ages.

Where does the money go ?

Ten years ago, Californians were promised that Proposition 47 would reduce crime, lower recidivism, expand treatment programs, and reinvest savings into safer communities.

Since then, hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars have been distributed through state grant programs intended to deliver those results.

The problem? No one can clearly show whether they have.

That is why I requested a state audit of Proposition 47 funding, and I'm pleased to report that the Joint Legislative Audit Committee approved my request.

This audit will follow the money and answer some basic questions:

• Where did the funds go?
• How were they spent?
• What results were achieved?
• Did these programs actually reduce crime and recidivism?

Last November, voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36, sending a clear message that they want accountability and results.

I agree.

If taxpayers have invested hundreds of millions of dollars, Californians deserve to know whether that investment worked as promised.

This audit is about transparency, accountability, and making sure Sacramento answers to the people it serves.

If you have any questions about this issue, or if you need help navigating a state agency, please don't hesitate to e-mail my office for assistance.

Suzette Martinez Valladares
Senator, 23rd District

Goal !

Watch the Summer of Soccer Viewing Parties in Palmdale

Measure ER - Are you looking forward to 11.75% Sales Tax in Palmdale & Lancaster ?

Update: Measure ER on track to pass as LA County ballot counting continues. The votes are still being counted, but as of Monday, yes votes on Measure ER had squeaked ahead of the no votes — 50.35% to 49.65%.

The ballot measure requires a simple majority to pass.

Fresco II

For Mediterranean cuisine what do you think of Fresco II ? Part of the Restaurants around the Antelope Valley Mall.

Fresco II
1311 W Rancho Vista Blvd.
Palmdale , CA 93551
661-947-6677

Bringing Jobs and Investment Back to the Antelope Valley

Last week, after more than 12 hours of debate in the House Armed Services Committee, we advanced the National Defense Authorization Act, one of the most important bills Congress considers each year. For the Antelope Valley, this bill is about more than national security. It's about jobs, innovation, and bringing investment back to our community.

I helped secure more than $19 billion in funding for next-generation aircraft programs that support nearly 10,000 jobs across the Antelope Valley and Northern Los Angeles County. The bill includes major investments in the B-21 Raider, F-35, and F-15 programs, all of which support aerospace manufacturing and testing work performed right here in the AV. I also pushed for expanding the B-21 fleet, helping strengthen the long-term future of our local aerospace workforce.

I also secured provisions to protect the FireGuard program, improve wildfire detection capabilities, and pilot the use of unmanned aircraft to fight wildfires. These investments help protect our communities and strengthen our economy while ensuring our region remains America's aerospace center.

I'll continue fighting to bring investments home, strengthen our local economy, and create opportunities for our communities. It’s an honor and privilege to serve California’s 27th District in Congress.

George Whitesides
Member of Congress

Texas Cattle Company

Texas Cattle Company has just joined Antelope Valley Local Business Deals as their newest Sponsor. If you would like to win Gift Certificates to local Restaurants and Businesses that are given away each Friday night all you have to do is join the Group page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AVLocalBusinessDeals it's free to join and you could be one of the next lucky winners. AVLBD has been giving away Gift Certificates for over 6 years with over14,000 given out. AVLBD's appreciates the Sponsorship from Texas Cattle Company and please support their local business:

Texas Cattle Company
44206 10th Street West
Lancaster , CA 93534
661-948-3927