Antelope Valley News

ANTELOPE VALLEY NEWS - WHERE TRUTH SPEAKS VOLUMES

where truth speaks volumes

Antelope Valley News

Welcome to Antelope Valley News, your go-to source for the latest news affecting the Antelope Valley. Whether you're looking for breaking headlines, in-depth features, or thought-provoking opinions, we deliver the stories that matter most to you.

Headline News

California’s Mileage Tax Proposal: Inside the State’s Most Controversial Transportation Overhaul

Headline News

Richard Sykes

2 days ago4 min read

2 3 4 5

Subscribe for Updates

Stay updated with the latest news and exclusive offers.

Subscribe to get updates about newsworthy items taking place in the Antelope Valley.

We do NOT share or sell your information.

First name*

Last name*

Email*

Yes, subscribe me for updates at Antelope Valley News.

Latest News

Imagination Upgraded Studios Opens in Palmdale

PALMDALE, CA – The space was swirling with excitement as Imagination Upgraded Studios officially opened its doors in Palmdale, California , welcoming creatives, families, and local business owners into a new creator-first community hub. Built around one powerful idea — access — the studio was designed to provide education, professional production resources, and a supportive creative environment for youth, working creatives, and entrepreneurs across the Antelope Valley. Fr

Brian Lawrence

5 days ago1 min read

The State of the U.S. Economy and Markets in Early 2026

A detailed analysis of current conditions, risks, and expectations Overview: A Resilient Economy Facing a Transition The U.S. economy begins 2026 on solid footing. After three years of strong stock market performance and rapid technological investment—especially in artificial intelligence—analysts expect the year to bring moderate but stable growth , gradual interest‑rate relief , and continued corporate earnings strength , though with more volatility and lower return expecta

Richard Sykes

Jan 203 min read

2 3 4 5

Weather Forecast

FEATURED ARTICLES

California’s Mileage Tax Proposal: Inside the State’s Most Controversial Transportation Overhaul

ANTELOPE VALLEY, CA — California lawmakers are moving closer to replacing—or supplementing—the traditional gas tax with a mileage‑based tax, a system that would charge drivers for every mile they travel. Supporters argue the shift is necessary as electric vehicles reduce gas‑tax revenue, while critics warn it could burden working families, especially in rural regions. The proposal is not yet law, but the state’s actions signal a clear trajectory toward implementation. What A

Richard Sykes

2 days ago4 min read

Beyond the Stereotype: What I Saw During LA County’s Homeless Count

PEARBLOSSOM, CA – From January 20th to 22nd, Los Angeles County conducted its annual homeless count. This entails a massive effort involving agencies and volunteers across the region, including LAHSA, MHALA, Lancaster Sheriff’s Station, Lancaster PD, and countless community members who gave their time to help capture a clearer picture of homelessness in our neighborhoods. On Tuesday, January 20, I had the opportunity to ride along with Christopher Minsal, President of the P

Brian Lawrence

Jan 275 min read

Holiday Rancho Village Is Built On Something Simple: Treating People Like Family

PALMDALE, CA — When people hear “senior living,” they often picture a one-size-fits-all facility with strict rules, tiered packages, and a long list of “we can’t do that here”, but during a recent conversation with Michelle Cochran at Holiday by Atria Rancho Village — the independent-living side of Atria Senior Living — one message came through loud and clear: This place is built around people first. Holiday Rancho Village in Palmdale, California. Photo credit:...

Brian Lawrence

Jan 236 min read

Federal Probe Intensifies Into California’s Homelessness Spending

CALIFORNIA — California’s homelessness crisis—already the largest in the nation—has collided with a growing federal investigation into how the state managed billions of dollars intended to address the emergency. Federal auditors and prosecutors say the state’s homelessness programs were left vulnerable to fraud, waste, and abuse during a period when spending surged to unprecedented levels. Homeless encampment in Lancaster, California. A Crisis of Confidence in California’s Ho

Richard Sykes

Jan 164 min read

Veteran-Owned Palmdale Firestone Marks Decades of Service with Experience, Honesty, and a Can‑Do Attitude

PALMDALE, CA — At Palmdale Firestone, longevity isn’t just a statistic — it’s the culture. For DJ, who has worked at the shop since 1997, the years have added up quickly. “I’ve worked here since 1997, which is a long, long time ago,” he said with a laugh. “I’m still here. It’s a life sentence.” Palmdale Firestone is located at 2641 E Palmdale Blvd. in the Bridgestone building. The Palmdale location, opened in 1987, has become a fixture in the community, known for its deep

Richard Sykes

Jan 93 min read

Will the 14 Freeway Construction Ever End? Asking For a Friend...

A lighthearted opinion piece from Richard Sykes, who has spent far too much time staring at brake lights between Technology Drive and Avenue A. Here ’s the truth, the 14 Freeway construction between Palmdale and Lancaster has been going on so long that future archaeologists may one day study it as a “long‑duration regional ritual.” And yes, Caltrans does say it’s for our own good — smoother pavement, longer‑lasting lanes, better ride quality — but at this point, most of us ar

Richard Sykes

Jan 82 min read

Inside Minnesota’s Expanding Fraud Scandals: A Deep Investigation Into Money, Influence, and the Political Fallout

By Richard Sykes — Special Investigative Report ST. PAUL, MN — What began as a single federal indictment in 2022 has now widened into one of the largest public‑funds fraud investigations in modern U.S. history. Minnesota, long viewed as a model of social‑service generosity, is now the epicenter of sprawling federal probes into child‑nutrition programs, daycare subsidies, and other safety‑net systems — with investigators warning that the cases uncovered so far represent only

Richard Sykes

Dec 29, 20255 min read

Local Bike Shop Owner, Paul Avila, Keeps Lancaster Rolling With Experience, Service, and Solutions

LANCASTER, CA —In a city where thorns, debris, and long stretches of road can take a toll on two wheels, one Lancaster bike shop has quietly become a go-to place for keeping riders moving. Paul Avila, owner of Paul's Squeaky Wheel Bike Shop in Lancaster. Now in its third year at this location — and under current ownership for just over a year — the shop is owned and operated by Paul Avila , a longtime bike industry professional whose focus is simple: fix bikes the right way.

Richard Sykes

Dec 26, 20253 min read

The Rock Inn: Where Every Stone Tells a Story—Now Up for Sale

LAKE HUGHES, CA —Nestled deep in the Angeles National Forest, in the quiet mountain town of Lake Hughes, stands a fortress of stone that has been welcoming travelers, locals, and dreamers for nearly a century, and that fortress is now for sale for the first time in a half-century. Septuagenarian Rock Inn proprietor Warren St. John served his last free Thanksgiving meal for Lake Hughes, California community members last week as he is retiring after 20 years of running the hist

Richard Sykes

Dec 4, 20254 min read

Herradura Hats: Crafting Western Tradition in the Antelope Valley

LANCASTER, CA — In the western edge of Lancaster, one local craftsman is working to keep a timeless tradition alive. At Herradura Hats , founder Alex Torres is bringing authentic cowboy hat shaping and Western craftsmanship back into the spotlight — one custom-made piece at a time. Full interview with Alex Torres from Heredera Hats. A Passion That Started at Home Alex’s journey began in the most unexpected place: his bedroom. “I used to shape cowboy hats in my bedroom,” he

Brian Lawrence

Nov 19, 20253 min read

Lancaster Police Lead Major Multi-Agency Traffic Enforcement Operation

LANCASTER, CA — The Lancaster Police Department (LPD) led a major multi-agency traffic enforcement operation across the city today, stepping up efforts to curb speeding, distracted driving, and other behaviors that endanger road users. Lancaster City Council photographed with the law enforcement officers involved in the traffic enforcement operation that was conducted in Lancaster involving 7 agencies on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Nearly 40 officers from seven agencies pa

Richard Sykes

Nov 12, 20252 min read

A Little LA County Bear History

ANTELOPE VALLEY, CA — Did you know the bear on California’s state flag was inspired by a real one? Back in 1911, the designers used “Monarch,” the last grizzly bear kept in captivity at Golden Gate Park, as their model. Artist representation of "Monarch", which was adopted for use on the State of California flag. But by 1916, grizzly bears — also called brown bears — had basically vanished south of the Tehachapi Mountains. That October, people camping around Crescenta, Tuju

Richard Sykes

Nov 5, 20253 min read

Two Tracks Beer & Wine: A Journey from the Colombian Navy to Craft Perfection in Lancaster

LANCASTER, CA – When you step into Two Tracks Beer & Wine , you’re immediately met with warmth — not just from the rustic decor or the aroma of hops and oak barrels, but from the owners themselves, Renato and Rosa Balestas , whose passion and perseverance are woven into every bottle and pour. Renato and Rosa Balestas From the Navy to the Vine Born and raised in Colombia, Renato Balestas’ journey to the Antelope Valley began oceans away. After serving eight years in the Col

Brian Lawrence

Nov 3, 20253 min read

LCB and Happy Hours Bring a New Energy to Lancaster’s Craft Beer Scene

Local Craft Beer (LCB), one of the region’s most recognized independent breweries, has officially joined forces with Happy Hours Bar & Grill.

Brian Lawrence

Oct 24, 20254 min read

Bravery Brewing: Where Craft, Community, and Camaraderie Meet

LANCASTER, CA — Tucked away just off 8th Street West, Bravery Brewing isn’t just a brewery — it’s a community hub. For more than a decade, owners Brian and Kara Avery have built a space where craft beer, camaraderie, and local pride blend together seamlessly. With its veteran ties, artisan approach to brewing, and signature basset hound mascot “Watson,” Bravery has become a beloved Antelope Valley staple. Beth Samuel and Brian Avery A Passion Born from Film Sets and Homebre

Brian Lawrence

Oct 17, 20253 min read

Native American Celebration Returns to Antelope Valley Indian Museum This Weekend

ANTELOPE VALLEY, CA — The Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park invites the community to its annual Native American Celebration this weekend, October 18–19, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The event promises a vibrant showcase of Indigenous culture through dance, storytelling, art, and traditional foods. Location :15701 East Avenue M, Lancaster, CA 93535Free parking is available on-site The Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park What to Expect : Traditional B

Richard Sykes

Oct 16, 20251 min read

Transplants Brewing Company: Where Inventive Beers, Live Shows, and Otherworldly Art Converge

PALMDALE, CA — Step inside Transplants Brewing Company and you’ll likely be greeted by “Patches,” the resident cat-mascot who treats the tasting room like her stage—perching on barrels, mingling with guests, and occasionally accepting a chorus of head scratches. That playful, welcoming energy sums up the Transplants experience: original live entertainment, inventive beers, otherworldly art—and a crew that takes authenticity seriously. From Home Batches to a Beloved Venue Tra

Brian Lawrence

Oct 10, 20253 min read

Lucky Luke Brewing: A Family Legacy That Keeps the Antelope Valley Lifted

From a garage hobby to three thriving locations, Lucky Luke Brewing is building community the old-school way—through hard work, hospitality, and impeccably made beer. PALMDALE / LANCASTER / SANTA CLARITA — Lucky Luke Brewing didn’t start with a venture fund or a flashy launch party. It started at a family dinner table. Years ago, co-founder (and now brewer-in-chief) Brian’s wife began cooking from scratch to curb severe migraines, and the couple realized how much better they

Brian Lawrence

Oct 3, 20255 min read