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Community Spotlight
ANTELOPE VALLEY NEWS

Community Spotlight


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
4 days ago3 min read


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
4 days ago1 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


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


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


Ring in 2026 with Style: Big Shotz Bar & Grill Hosts a Glamorous New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
LANCASTER, CA: Big Shotz Bar & Grill, in Lancaster, is pulling out all the stops for its 2026 New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, promising an unforgettable night of gourmet dining, live entertainment, and festive celebration. Set beneath the glow of golden string lights in an elegant outdoor heated tent, the event will take place on December 31, 2025, at 227 W. Pillsbury Street. Cocktail Hour & Gourmet Buffet Doors open at 5:00 PM, kicking off with a cocktail hour from 5:00 to 6:00
Richard Sykes
Dec 11, 20252 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


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 4, 20252 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


REFI SNACKS 5-Year Anniversary Party on November 15
ANTELOPE VALLEY, CA -- Refi Snacks is excited to announce that they will be hosting a spectacular 5-Year Anniversary Party on November 15th. This momentous celebration will take place at the vibrant Lucky Luke Brewing Patios, located at 610 W Avenue O, Palmdale, CA 93551. This event marks a significant milestone for Refi Snacks, and they are eager to share this joyous occasion with their loyal customers and the local community. The anniversary party promises to be an unforget
Richard Sykes
Oct 27, 20252 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


The Antelope Valley Buzzes with Fall Festivities, Local Markets, and Cultural Celebrations
ANTELOPE VALLEY, CA -- From pumpkin patches to Native American storytelling, Antelope Valley is alive with community spirit this October. Residents across Lancaster, Palmdale, and surrounding towns are embracing the season with events that celebrate local culture, creativity, and connection. Fall Fun and Family Favorites Prancer’s Farms in Palmdale is hosting its annual fall celebration, complete with hayrides, corn mazes, and a pumpkin patch that’s perfect for family photos.
Richard Sykes
Oct 13, 20252 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
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