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ANTELOPE VALLEY NEWS


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
12 hours ago4 min read


New Penalties for Electric Vehicle Drivers in California Carpool Lanes
ANTELOPE VALLEY, CA – Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in California who previously enjoyed solo access to carpool lanes are now subject to fines if they violate a newly enacted rule. Vehicles displaying Clean Air Vehicle decals must comply with the posted occupancy requirements for high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Typically, these carpool lanes require vehicles to carry at least two people. As of October 1, 2025, EVs no longer have access to carpool lanes, and the CHP will

Richard Sykes
1 day ago1 min read


U.S. Military Build-Up in the Caribbean Expands
UNITED STATES — The United States has significantly expanded its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying the special operations vessel MV Ocean Trader alongside strategic B-52 bomber flights near Venezuela — a move widely seen as a show of force amid escalating regional tensions. Ocean Trader Deployment The MV Ocean Trader , a converted cargo ship now serving as a special operations mothership , has been confirmed operating in the Caribbean. The vessel, capable of hos

Richard Sykes
Nov 263 min read


A Historic Farewell to the Penny
UNITED STATES—The U.S. government has officially halted production of the penny, ending more than two centuries of circulation for America’s smallest coin. While pennies will remain legal tender, no new ones will be minted, marking a historic shift in U.S. currency policy. A Historic Farewell On November 12, 2025, the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia struck the final circulating penny , closing the chapter on a coin first authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792. 1 2 The ceremony was

Richard Sykes
Nov 213 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 193 min read


California Revokes Commercial Driver's Licenses for 17,000 Immigrants
California has announced plans to revoke 17,000 commercial driver's licenses that were previously issued to immigrants. This decision came after state officials discovered that the expiration dates on these licenses extended beyond the legal period that the drivers were authorized to stay in the United States. The state's action follows significant criticism from the Trump administration regarding the practice of granting licenses to individuals residing in the country withou

Richard Sykes
Nov 173 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 122 min read


Even if the shutdown ends now, Thanksgiving travel could still be a mess
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy isn’t sugarcoating it: even if the government shutdown magically ended today, the skies aren’t going to clear up in time for Thanksgiving. On Friday, he warned that staffing shortages among air traffic controllers are just too big to fix before one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. So yeah, brace yourself. Flying home for turkey and pumpkin pie could be a nightmare. Hundreds of flights are expected to be affected, thanks to the short

Richard Sykes
Nov 92 min read


Government Shutdown Continues and is Now the Longest in US History
The government shutdown is now the longest in US history.

Richard Sykes
Nov 63 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 53 min read


Palmdale Launches Emergency Food Drive as CalFresh Benefits Pause
PALMDALE, CA — With CalFresh benefits on hold and thousands of local families facing uncertainty, the City of Palmdale is stepping up to make sure no one goes hungry. Starting Monday, Nov. 3 , South Antelope Valley Emergency Services (SAVES) will shift into emergency mode to distribute food to residents who need help. SAVES will be running drive-thru food pickup only to keep things moving quickly and safely. Distribution happens Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Richard Sykes
Nov 42 min read


Final Salute: Palmdale Hosts the Last Display of the AV Wall Honoring Vietnam Veterans
The City of Palmdale invites residents and visitors alike to take part in a historic and heartfelt farewell as the AV Wall—a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.—is presented for its final public display.

Richard Sykes
Nov 42 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 33 min read


Los Angeles Dodgers Celebrate a Storied Championship
In a dazzling display of athletic prowess, resilience, and team spirit, the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched their latest World Series title, adding another chapter to one of baseball’s most storied franchises. The Dodgers celebrate winning back-to-back World Series in a dramatic game 7 finale. A Brief History of Success The Dodgers have long been at the forefront of Major League Baseball. Their journey from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, and their many postseason campaigns, have built

Richard Sykes
Nov 32 min read


NATO Scrambles Jets as Russia Launches Massive Missile Barrage on Ukraine
NATO member Poland scrambled fighter jets early Thursday after Russia unleashed a large-scale missile and drone assault on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure overnight.

Richard Sykes
Oct 302 min read


Shohei Ohtani Sets Records in 18-Inning World Series Game
In an 18-inning World Series game marked by numerous statistical milestones, Shohei Ohtani once again distinguished himself with an exceptional performance.

Richard Sykes
Oct 283 min read


U.S. Deploys Aircraft Carrier to South America Amid Intensified Anti-Drug Campaign
As the USS Gerald R. Ford makes its way toward South America, the region braces for further developments in what is shaping up to be one of the most assertive U.S. military campaigns in the Western Hemisphere in recent years.

Richard Sykes
Oct 243 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 244 min read


Colder Weather is Coming: How Antelope Valley Residents Can Prepare Their Homes
As the Antelope Valley transitions from the extreme heat of the summer into the quickly cooling climate of fall (followed quickly by the crisp chill of winter), residents across Lancaster, Palmdale, and surrounding communities are bracing for the seasonal shift.

Richard Sykes
Oct 233 min read


President Trump's New Tariffs Reshape Global Trade Landscape Amid Mixed Economic Signals
President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariff program officially took effect this month, marking a dramatic escalation in his administration’s “America First” trade strategy.

Richard Sykes
Oct 233 min read
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