💌 Hey AV Fam! There’s something magical about mornings in the Antelope Valley, watching the sunrise light up the high desert, sipping a warm coffee or tea to chase off the chilly winter air, and feeling that fresh energy that comes with a brand-new season. The AV is buzzing with exciting updates this week! From drones taking to the skies, new shopping spots, and sizzling eats to sports showdowns and can’t-miss events, there’s a little sparkle for everyone. Let’s cozy up, embrace the season’s newness, and see what’s happening around the valley!

Let’s dive into all the fun happenings around the valley this week!⤵️

🚨 Top Stories: Lancaster Police drones are live.
💰Local Business: Golden City Plaza breaks ground in Rosamond.
🍴 AV Eats: K-BOB Korean BBQ in Lancaster brings fun at every table.
🌹 Community News: AVMC’s new Pediatric ICU brings critical care closer to home.
⚽ Sports News: AVC Men’s Basketball wins, local high schools shine.
🎭 AV Happenings: Boots & Bloom, MLK Fest, music, comedy, and markets.

Top Stories

🚓Lancaster Police Drones Are Now Responding to Emergencies

Lancaster police are officially taking to the skies.

City officials confirmed this week that the Lancaster Police Department’s Drone as First Responder program is fully up and running and already responding to real-world emergencies across the city.

Police Chief Rodrick Armalin shared the update during a City Council meeting, telling Mayor R. Rex Parris that three drones are now actively deployed as first responders. These drones are being used on a variety of incidents, including some that involve the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The department is still coordinating with the Sheriff’s Department to fine-tune how the system is used, but Armalin confirmed the program is already making an impact.

The drone program is designed to give officers a quick, clear view of emergency scenes from the air. City officials say it helps improve safety for both officers and the public, especially in Lancaster’s high-desert setting, where wide open spaces and large events can slow down traditional response times.

Drones can also be launched faster and at a lower cost than helicopters. When strong winds or availability issues keep helicopters grounded, drones can still get airborne and provide real-time information to officers on the ground.

The Lancaster Police Department says the technology is a game-changer.

From major community events to critical incidents, drones offer fast support when every second counts. In a city like Lancaster, they provide a reliable way to see what’s happening and respond more effectively.

Lancaster officially launched its drone program in 2020 after studying how nearby agencies were using similar technology. The program was built around the city’s specific public safety needs, including large-scale events and regional emergencies. Several department members are trained drone pilots and hold FAA Part 107 certification.

During the meeting, Mayor Parris asked whether the drones could be used for additional purposes, including monitoring homeless encampments or automatically deploying when gunshots are detected.

City staff explained that addressing encampments remains an ongoing challenge. While efforts are being made, it often takes time to connect individuals with services and housing options.

Chief Armalin said the department is open to exploring new uses for the drones, but no changes to current policies were announced.

City officials emphasized that the drone program is focused on improving situational awareness, officer safety, and response times. Residents may now notice drones in the air at certain emergency scenes as part of Lancaster’s growing approach to modern public safety.

Sports News

AVC College

🏀 Men’s Basketball
AVC 93 Vs. Bakersfield 67
Record: 9-8

🏀 Women’s Basketball
AVC 52 Vs. Bakersfield 55
Record: 6-11

🏫High School Sports

AV High Basketball Scores:
Antelope Valley 46 (0-17) Vs. Knight (16-3) 67
Palmdale (8-14) 68 Vs. Lancaster (2-16) 60
Quartz Hill (11-10) 48 Vs. Highland (10-12) 57
Paraclete 40 (3-15) Vs. La Salle 50
Eastside (16-4) 54 Vs. Littlerock (10-12) 39
Rosamond (10-10) 59 Vs. Kern Valley 37

Event Spotlight

👢Boots & Bloom: A Dancing Afternoon at Bloom Ranch - Jan 31

AV Fam, this one’s got good vibes written all over it. Boots & Bloom is bringing together the best of country charm and springtime energy for a feel-good community event that’s all about music, dancing, connection, and having a great time!

Picture this: boots on, music playing, and people from all over the AV coming together to unwind and enjoy the moment. Whether you’re there to dance, mingle, eat, or just soak in the atmosphere, Boots & Bloom is an event you don’t want to miss.

If you’re looking for a fun way to switch up your routine, meet new people, learn new dances, Boots & Bloom is one you won’t want to miss.

🌸 AV tip: Tickets are limited, so don’t wait too long if this one’s calling your name.

🎟️ Get your tickets now

🎉 MLK FEST 2026 🎉

Bring your family and friends out for a meaningful and joyful day at MLK Fest 2026, a community celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This free, family-friendly event is all about coming together in the spirit of unity, love, and community.

🗓 Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Poncitlan Square, 38315 9th Street East, Palmdale, CA 93550
🎟 Cost: Free to the community

Enjoy a day filled with food, fun, and live entertainment while celebrating a legacy that continues to inspire generations. Come out, connect with neighbors, and be part of a day that brings the community together. We’ll see you there, AV Fam.

Upcoming Events

🎶 Concerts & Live Events 🎤

• Saving Abel Live in Palmdale - Jan 22

  📍 40242 La Quinta Lane, Palmdale
  🕓 7PM
  🔗 Event details

• Grupo Night inside Xalisco - Jan 23

  📍 Xalisco Bar & Grill
  🕓 9PM
  🔗 Event details

• Jazz Night Rancho Vista - Jan 24

  📍 3905 Club Rancho Drive, Palmdale
  🕓 5:30PM
  🔗 Event details

• Mariachi Rock Revolution - Jan 24

  📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  🕓 8PM
  🔗 Event details

• NTLL Genesis: The Reckoning - Pro Wrestling - Jan 25

  📍 4500 Valley Central Way, Lancaster
  🕓 3PM
  🔗 Event details

• Barrel of Laughs Comedy Night - Jan 30 & 31

  📍 42041 20th St W, Lancaster
  🕓 6:30PM - 9PM
  🔗 Event details

• Rhinestone Country - Feb 1

  📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  🕓 2PM
  🔗 Event details

• The Jungle Book - Feb 6

  📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  🕓 7PM
  🔗 Event details

• Love and Laughter - Feb 13

  📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  🕓 8PM
  🔗 Event details

• Jazz at Lincoln Center - Feb 14

  📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  🕓 8PM
  🔗 Event details

Weekly Weather

📅 Sun, Jan 18 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 61° / Low: 39°
📅 Mon, Jan 19 – 🌤️ Partly Sunny | High: 60° / Low: 38°
📅 Tue, Jan 20 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 59° / Low: 37°
📅 Wed, Jan 21 – 🌤️ Partly Cloudy | High: 58° / Low: 36°
📅 Thu, Jan 22 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 59° / Low: 37°
📅 Fri, Jan 23 – 🌤️ Partly Sunny | High: 60° / Low: 38°
📅 Sat, Jan 24 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 61° / Low: 39°
📅 Sun, Jan 25 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 62° / Low: 40°