💌 Hey AV Fam! Temps are rising, but so is the local news. From wildfire updates to city hall shakeups, plus where to cool off with an icy margarita and your favorite enchiladas — this issue’s got it all.

Let’s get into it ⤵️

• Top Story: Palmdale reconsiders electing a mayor at large

• Local Fire: Acton Hawk Eye Fir

• Local Business: Lance Camper begins a new chapter under Bill Rex

• AV Eats: Medrano’s—fajitas, enchiladas & margaritas

• Community Alert: Canine distemper hits Lancaster Animal Care Center

• AV Happenings: AV Alta, youth sports, concerts, workshops & local events

Top Stories

Palmdale Reconsiders Electing a Mayor at Large

Palmdale’s political leadership has been under the spotlight since July when Richard Loa was unexpectedly removed as acting mayor during a confidential investigation. The move left many residents asking deeper questions about how the city selects its mayor.

At a recent council meeting, leaders agreed to revisit the idea of returning to at-large mayoral elections instead of the current lottery-style rotating system that was put in place in 2022.

What happened at the meeting:
- Councilman Richard Loa pushed to bring back direct mayoral elections.
- Councilman Eric Ohlsen raised concerns, warning that the city could face lawsuits under the California Voting Rights Act if the system is deemed to disadvantage minority voters.
- Councilwoman Andrea Alarcón supported further study, suggesting a citizen advisory committee and expert input before moving forward.

Why this matters: Palmdale previously faced legal challenges under the CVRA for its election system. If the city attempts to move back to at-large elections without legal safeguards, it could end up in costly litigation.

Quick timeline:
- 2022: Palmdale ends at-large mayoral elections and switches to a rotating mayor system.
- July 2025: Mayor Richard Loa is removed from his role during an investigation.
- August 2025: Council agrees to revisit the issue of returning to an elected mayor at large.

The debate now centers on whether Palmdale can restore direct elections while avoiding lawsuits and maintaining fair representation.

Hawk Fire Rages in Acton — Update as of August 17

A wild brush fire known as the Hawk Fire continues to burn near Acton, with firefighting efforts steadily making progress through the weekend.

What We Know Now

• The fire began on Thursday, August 14, near the 35900 block of Trenmar Drive, and rapidly expanded across the hillside. Initial estimates of 400 acres burned have since been refined to around 481 acres as of Friday evening. Containment stood at 67% by that time, with forward progress successfully stopped.

• By August 17, reports show the blaze at 300 acres with 87% containment, indicating that while the fire’s spread has slowed, final extinguishment efforts remain underway.

• No injuries or structural damage have been reported, though the fire did come dangerously close to homes in some areas.

• Evacuation warnings and shelter-in-place orders were issued for northern Acton and nearby zones early in the fire. These have since been lifted.

Helping the Community

• Smoke and poor air quality may persist—especially as heat returns—so sensitive groups should stay indoors or wear protective masks.

• Local shelters and community centers remain on alert in case re-evacuation becomes necessary.

This fire is a stark reminder of how quickly disaster can strike and how much we rely on each other in moments like this. Let’s offer help where it's needed, send prayers to impacted families, and stay vigilant as firefighters work tirelessly to reclaim safe skies and hillsides.

Community News

Lancaster Animal Care Center Confirms Canine Distemper Cases

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) has issued a serious canine health advisory after confirming distemper in dogs brought into the Lancaster Animal Care Center. This means distemper is not just within the shelter—it’s present in our community, putting local pups at risk.

What is distemper? A highly contagious viral illness that targets dogs’ respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Puppies under four months old and unvaccinated dogs are especially vulnerable. Sadly, about 50% of exposed dogs may not survive, and even survivors can suffer lasting neurological damage.

Symptoms to watch for include: eye or nose discharge, fever, coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea—and in more severe cases: head tilt, convulsions, drooling, and coordination issues.

How it spreads: The virus travels through the air, and also via contaminated food or water bowls, or contact with infected dogs or wildlife. It typically has a 1–2-week incubation, though symptoms might only appear 4–5 weeks after exposure.

How you can help protect your pup:

• Vaccinate your dog - Make sure they’re up-to-date on distemper and core vaccines.

• Act fast - If you spot any suspicious symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

• Limit exposure - Avoid bringing dogs into public areas until cleared by a vet, and don’t let your pet interact with unvaccinated or unknown dogs.

• Don’t share - Keep outdoor bowls and food dishes out of reach from wildlife or stray animals.

Sports News

⚽ AV Alta FC

AV Alta Battles Greenville to 1-1 Draw at Home

AV Alta FC bounced back from last week’s road loss with a gritty 1-1 draw against Greenville Triumph SC on Saturday night at Lancaster Municipal Stadium. The result extended Alta’s home unbeaten streak to eight matches, keeping the 661 a tough place for visiting teams.

Greenville struck first in the 24th minute when Jerry Desdunes curled in a stunning strike to silence the home crowd. Alta pressed for an equalizer throughout the match and finally found the breakthrough late. In the 84th minute, Ropapa Mensah powered home the leveler, sending the stadium into celebration and ensuring the hosts walked away with a point.

With the draw, AV Alta moves to 7-7-5 (26 pts), still in the playoff chase as the season heats up.

Current USL1 Standing : 6th
Record: 7-7-5
Upcoming Games: 
AV Alta @ Texoma FC - Aug 20 at 5 PM
🔗 Get Tickets

Upcoming Events

🎶 Upcoming Summer Concerts

• Suga Free with the Luniz
  📍 40242 La Quinta Lane #Unit 101 Palmdale, CA 93551
  🕓 August 30th at 8 PM
  🔗 Event details 

• Queen Nation & Journey Revisited

  📍 Palmdale Amphitheater
  🕓 September 24th at 7:30 PM
  🔗 Event details 

• Busta Rhymes with Lupe Fiasco

  📍 Palmdale Amphitheater
  🕓 September 25th at 7:30 PM
  🔗 Event details 

🗓️New Fresh Events

Sip & Paint Cake Decorating – Aug. 24 🍰🎨
You’ll sip on fresh coffee while learning how to “paint” and decorate your very own custom cake. No experience? No problem! This hands-on workshop is designed for beginners and cake lovers alike! just bring your creativity (and a sweet tooth).

What’s Included: 
- A fully guided cake decorating session
- Delicious coffee to sip while you work
- A chance to relax, have fun, and take home your edible masterpiece

📍 723 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster
⏰ 12 PM – 4 PM | Ages 16+ | No refunds
🔗 Event details & Tickets

Bloom with Passion: Floral Design Workshop – Aug. 30 🌸
In this cozy two-hour session, designer Keisha will guide you step-by-step in creating your own custom floral arrangement featuring fresh, seasonal blooms (with lilies as the star of the show 🌺). No experience needed, just bring your love for flowers and a spark of creativity!

Your $50 ticket includes:
- A curated selection of gorgeous seasonal flowers
- All tools + supplies provided
- Step-by-step design guidance
- Coffee shop vibes while you create
- Your finished arrangement to take home

📍 Generations Coffee - 40125 10th Street West #I Palmdale, CA 93551
⏰ 11 AM – 1 PM | Doors at 10:45 AM | All Ages
🔗 Event details & Tickets

Professional Mixer at AV Alta – Aug 21 🤝
Mark your calendars for an evening of connection, collaboration, and community at the AV Chambers Professional Mixer hosted at AV Alta. This is your chance to meet local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Whether you’re looking for partnerships, clients, or simply great conversation, this event is the perfect place to start.

📍 AV Alta - 45116 Valley Central Way
🗓 Wednesday, August 21 | 6PM - 8PM
🎟 Registration required

24 Hour Fitness BLOCK PARTY! - Aug 25 🎉
Join 24 Hour Fitness + multiple vendors for a high-energy Block Party packed with fitness, flavor, and fun. Open to members, neighbors & local businesses — this is your chance to celebrate, connect, and say goodbye to summer AV-style. Don’t miss it!

What’s happening:
💪 Free gym access – come sweat it out!
🥤 Smoothie samples by Tru Nature Juice Bar
🎶 Live DJs + fun workouts to keep the energy high
🎁 Coupons & giveaways for members & guests
✨ Celebrate community, small businesses & fitness under one roof!

Event Details:
📅 Monday, Aug 25 | 4–9 PM
📍 1220 W Ave K, Lancaster

Enchanted Wolf Encounters - Aug. 23 & Aug. 31 🐺
Step into the world of wolves at Wolf Connection in Acton for an unforgettable experience that blends nature, wisdom, and close connection. Guests will get the rare opportunity to interact with select wolves inside their habitats, hear inspiring stories about their journeys, and tour the wolf den to learn about the pack’s role in healing and teaching.

🗓️ Upcoming Dates: Aug. 23 & Aug. 31
🎟️ Tickets: $250
📍 Wolf Connection - 29063 Aliso Canyon Rd, Palmdale, CA 93550
👥 Ages 10+ (with guardian for minors)
🎟 Registration required

🚴‍♀️ Tour de Luke Rolls Back to the BLVD – Oct. 4
Tour de Luke returns to Lancaster BLVD this fall! This 14.2-mile charity bike ride starts at Lucky Luke Brewing Pub in Lancaster, heads to Lucky Luke Brewing in Palmdale, and loops back to the BLVD. Proceeds benefit Resurrection Cycles, a local non-profit dedicated to making affordable transportation accessible to all.

Not a cyclist? Kick off the day with a FREE fun run before the ride and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Registration Options:
- Pedal & Pour ($30): Ride entry + 1 free beer (or non-alcoholic drink) after the event.
- VIP ($60): All Pedal & Pour perks + limited-edition T-shirt + 20% off at all Lucky Luke locations on ride day.
🎟 Registration required

Weekly Weather

Rising Temps Alert! Expect serious heat this week, with highs climbing into the triple digits starting Tuesday, peaking at a blazing 107°F on Friday. Hydrate early, seek shade, and maybe skip the midday errands if you can.

📅 Sun, Aug 17 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 94° / Low: 65°
📅 Mon, Aug 18 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 96° / Low: 64°
📅 Tue, Aug 19 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 101° / Low: 67°
📅 Wed, Aug 20 – ☀️ Partly Sunny | High: 102° / Low: 69°
📅 Thu, Aug 21 – ☀️ Hot & Partly Sunny | High: 105° / Low: 75°
📅 Fri, Aug 22 – ☀️ Hot & Sunny | High: 107° / Low: 76°
📅 Sat, Aug 23 – ☀️ Hot & Sunny | High: 105° / Low: 75°
📅 Sun, Aug 24 – ☀️ Hot & Sunny | High: 104° / Low: 73°