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ANTELOPE VALLEY NEWS


What a California Mileage Tax Means for Employers
California's pushing hard to get everyone into electric cars, but that means the old gas tax money for fixing roads is drying up big time. So now they're looking at a mileage tax—basically charging drivers per mile instead of per gallon. Here's the deal in simple terms: The state's been testing this "road charge" idea. They ran a pilot from August 2024 to January 2025 where volunteers tracked their miles and paid a fake fee (around 2.8 cents per mile in the test). Results are

Richard Sykes
Mar 52 min read


Conflict With Iran In The Middle East
The conflict involving Iran has escalated into a broad, multi‑front war drawing in the United States, Israel, and Iranian‑aligned militias across the Middle East. The current moment is defined by intense military exchanges, political upheaval inside Iran, and widening regional instability. 1 2 3 Major Recent Developments Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader A pivotal turning point came with the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.–Israeli strike. Iran’

Richard Sykes
Mar 23 min read


California Fraud Investigations Intensify as Federal and State Probes Uncover Millions in Misused Public Funds
California is facing mounting scrutiny as federal and state investigators continue to unravel a series of fraud schemes involving public money—much of it intended for homelessness programs, pandemic relief, and other social services. Recent cases have exposed tens of millions of dollars in alleged theft, misappropriation, and waste, prompting renewed calls for oversight reform and accountability across state agencies. Major Cases Uncovered: Millions Diverted From Homelessness

Richard Sykes
Feb 253 min read


Inside the Epstein Files: The Most Alarming Revelations So Far
The latest release of the Epstein files—more than three million pages , 180,000 images , and 2,000 videos —has opened an unprecedented window into the scope, structure, and global reach of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal network. While journalists and investigators have only begun to sift through the material, several disturbing themes have already emerged. These findings paint a picture not just of individual wrongdoing, but of a sprawling, transnational system of exploitation, c

Richard Sykes
Feb 244 min read


Leigh Salgado: Frills & Fringes Art Exhibit
Antelope Valley College extends an invitation to faculty, staff, students, and the broader Antelope Valley community to attend Frills & Fringes , an exhibition displaying the artwork of Leigh Salgado, on view through March 5, 2026. The show is truly a representation of superb artistry in a medium that is quite unique—utilizing hand-cut and layered paper! Hosted at the Rich Sim Gallery in Cedar Hall, this exhibition features Salgado’s meticulously crafted, hand-cut, and painte

Richard Sykes
Feb 241 min read


Inside the Homeless Industrial Complex: Funding, Allegations, and the Growing Crisis of Accountability in Los Angeles County
EDITOR NOTE – What follows is a comprehensive article that synthesizes the available sourced information about the “homeless industrial complex”. Because the specific claims about whistleblowers alleging that homeless‑services funding is being used to house undocumented immigrants and shield them from ICE are not documented in the sources retrieved , we frame those elements as allegations and contextually separate them from the verified material. This keeps the article accur

Richard Sykes
Feb 176 min read


Rain Arrives in Southern California; Thunderstorms, Tornadoes Possible
A slow-moving storm is bringing rain, strong winds, and mountain snow to Southern California. The initial rainfall began Monday morning and will intensify throughout the day. Thunderstorms may cause flash flooding, mudslides, and debris flows, especially on burn scars. Forecasters warn of a chance for weak tornadoes. Rain is expected in waves through Wednesday, with coastal areas and valleys receiving 1-4 inches, and mountains/foothills 2.5-8 inches. Winter storm warnings rem

Richard Sykes
Feb 161 min read


OPINION: California’s “Jock Tax” Turned Sam Darnold’s Super Bowl Dream Into a Financial Loss — And That Should Concern All of Us
CALIFORNIA — Sam Darnold finally reached the mountaintop. He led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory, lifted the Lombardi Trophy under the California lights, and cemented a redemption arc that fans across the league could appreciate. But when the confetti settled and the accountants stepped in, the Golden State delivered a gut‑punch reminder: in California, even champions can lose. California Governor Gavin Newsome taxing Sam Darnold after his Super Bowl victory. Acc

Richard Sykes
Feb 124 min read


Kaiser Health Care Strike: Patient Care Concerns Relating to Staffing Levels
LANCASTER, CA — Nurses at Kaiser Health facilities report that low staffing levels, especially in chemotherapy clinics, are causing safety concerns as patient numbers increase. This is one of the arguments they are making during the current worker strike, stressing that it is really about patient safety. Staff members who spoke about conditions inside the chemo clinic described a steady erosion of safe staffing levels that accelerated in the weeks before the walkout. “We’re

Richard Sykes
Feb 114 min read


OPINION: The Funeral Scam at Our Intersections Has Gone Too Far
ANTELOPE VALLEY, CA — There’s a special kind of anger that hits you when you realize someone is exploiting compassion. Lately, that anger has been bubbling up across the Antelope Valley as more drivers report the same scene at busy intersections: people holding hand‑made posters with the photo of a young child, claiming they’re collecting money for funeral expenses. They approach cars at red lights, weaving between bumpers with a story designed to punch you right in the heart

Richard Sykes
Feb 93 min read


Rigs 4 Kidz Brings Big Smiles to Mojave
MOJAVE, CA — Saturday, February 7, the Veterans Building in Mojave, California, came alive with the sound of horns, sirens, and laughter as Rigs 4 Kidz rolled into town. Kids of all ages excitedly climbed in and out of vehicles of every size, getting an up-close look at the machines they usually only see driving by. Some of the trucks on display at the Rigs 4 Kidz event in Mojave. From Waste Management trucks and DWP vehicles to Caltrans equipment, UPS rigs, CHP units, Kern

Brian Lawrence
Feb 92 min read


Students Stage Walkout in Quartz Hill to Protest ICE Enforcement Actions
QUARTZ HILL, CA — A large group of students walked out of class Friday morning in Quartz Hill, gathering George Lane Park to protest recent federal immigration enforcement actions and to call for greater protections for undocumented families in the Antelope Valley. The demonstration began shortly after 10 a.m., when students from Quartz Hill High School exited campus in a coordinated walkout that organizers say was planned overnight through group chats and social media. By

Richard Sykes
Feb 62 min read


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
Feb 24 min read


Flooding, Road Closures, and Infrastructure Challenges in Lake Los Angeles
LAKE LOS ANGELES, CA – At a recent community meeting in Lake Los Angeles, residents gathered to discuss the severe flooding that occurred just before Christmas and the long-standing infrastructure challenges in the area. The meeting featured representatives from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, who provided updates on road conditions, explained why flooding continues to be a recurring issue, and discussed potential long-term solutions, including federal fun

Richard Sykes
Jan 303 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


Defensive Stand Leads Victor Valley to a Win Against the Antelope Valley in the HD All-Star Classic Football Game
VICTORVILLE, CA – Victor Valley College was buzzing on Saturday, Jan. 24, as the home team came out on top in the HD All-Star Classic football game against the Antelope Valley team. Coin toss at the HD Classic All Star Game, featuring Antelope Valley and Victor Valley high school all stars. Oak Hills’ Junior Dennis was awarded the game MVP. It all came down to the wire—with time running out, Victor Valley’s defense stuffed the Antelope Valley squad right at the goal line, se

Richard Sykes
Jan 263 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


Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—Remembrance Through the Lens of the Antelope Valley
The Antelope Valley has always been a place defined by contrasts — vast open skies and tight‑knit neighborhoods, aerospace innovation and working‑class grit, a growing population and persistent inequities. In many ways, it mirrors the America Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought to transform. Remembering him here, in this high desert community, carries a unique resonance. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A Dream That Reaches the High Desert Dr. King never marched down Lancaster Boulev

Richard Sykes
Jan 192 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


ICE Shooting in Minneapolis Sparks Night of Unrest as Tensions Over Immigration Enforcement Reach Breaking Point
MINNEAPOLIS — A federal immigration operation in North Minneapolis erupted into chaos Wednesday evening when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot a Venezuelan man in the leg during what authorities described as a “violent assault” on agents attempting to make an arrest. The shooting, which occurred just minutes before Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz delivered a statewide address condemning the surge of federal immigration activity, immediately drew protesters to

Richard Sykes
Jan 153 min read
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