Good Morning, AV!

Welcome to another electric week in the sunny AV! From 4th of July prep, summer night events, or updates on local happenings, we’ve got you covered. A lil something for everyone! So grab your iced coffee, turn up that AC, and let’s get into it ⤵️

• 🗞️ New fireworks safety rules ahead of the 4th

• ♻️ Compost law backfires, trash piles up in the desert

• 🏙️ A brand-new city? Centennial Project stirs big plans for the AV

• 🏙️ State of the City 2025 brings big vision and local flavor to Lancaster

• 🚧 Major SR-14 closures ahead and what drivers need to know

• 💦 $2M facelift for Palmdale’s beloved water park

• 🛍️ Chick-fil-A and more coming to East Palmdale

• 🌸 Small Business Spotlight: Pretty Little Poppy in Lancaster

• 📅 Upcoming events, festivals, and community gatherings in the AV

• 🌡️ Heatwave highs and tips to stay cool

• 🍴 AV Eats: Birria tacos, craft brews, and pizza favorites

• 🧠 New community programs for health and wellness

Top News

🚨 Firework Rules Just Got Stricter in AV

Heads up (no popping off this year): Palmdale and Lancaster are doubling down on illegal fireworks this year. More patrols, bigger fines, and new public safety campaigns are rolling out. Pro tip: check out the city-sponsored shows instead for fireworks without the fine!

✅ In Palmdale Safe and Sane fireworks go on sale starting Friday, June 28, at over 30 city-approved booths. Use is only allowed July 1–4, and only in designated areas. Violators can face fines up to $2,500. 📍 Find legal use maps and booth info

🚫 In Lancaster All fireworks are illegal—even Safe and Sane ones. City officials are stepping up patrols and enforcement, with fines reaching $3,500. Lancaster encourages residents to enjoy professional shows like the AV Fairgrounds Fireworks Extravaganza instead.

🔥 Dilemma in the Desert: Compost Law Backfires

A state composting law (SB 1383) is causing some unexpected problems in the AV. Since there's no local facility to handle all that organic waste, some haulers are dumping mulch and debris out in the desert. That means more fire risk, plastic pollution, and damage to our natural spaces. Locals are asking for more oversight and better options to keep the AV clean.

Why it matters: The law is already active across the state—and while it helps the planet, it may be hurting our local ecosystem. AV leaders may push for better safeguards moving forward.

🏡 A New City in the Works: Centennial Project

A big housing project called Centennial is planned for the western Antelope Valley. It would bring 19,000 homes, parks, shops, schools, and fire stations to the area over the next 25–30 years. Some people support it, saying it will help with the housing shortage and create jobs. Others are worried about wildfires, traffic, and damage to wildlife areas. The developers have promised to use green energy, electric vehicle chargers, and build with safety in mind.

🆕 Recent Update: As of June 26, 2025, a state court cleared most legal challenges, allowing the project to move forward with environmental safeguards and planning.

🔎 Why It Matters: This project could shape the future of the Antelope Valley—bringing new homes, jobs, and growth to our area, while also raising big questions about safety, traffic, and the environment.

🔗For more details

City News & Civic Alerts

State of the City 2025 - Lancaster Event

🏙️ State of the City 2025 – Insight. Community. Vision.
📅 Wednesday, July 2 | 🕣 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM |📍 AV Fair & Event Center

Start your morning with coffee, connection, and a fresh look at the future of the city.

The State of the City 2025 is more than just a presentation — it's a celebration of the people, progress, and possibilities shaping Lancaster. Mingle with neighbors at a community expo featuring booths from city departments, schools, local businesses, and nonprofits. Sample bites from some of the AV’s favorite restaurants during a special tasting experience.

Then, hear from Mayor R. Rex Parris and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma as they share highlights from the past year and what’s ahead for the city.

🎟️ Free to attend, but space is limited — reserve your spot now and be part of the conversation building Lancaster’s tomorrow.

🚧 SR-14 Construction Alert: Lane & Ramp Closures

Heads up, AV drivers — Caltrans is doing major repair work on SR-14 between Technology Drive (Palmdale) and Avenue A (Lancaster). Expect lane closures (up to 3 lanes) both ways at night while crews replace pavement and set barriers.

• 🕒 Work hours:
  Mon–Thurs: 7 PM – 6 AM
  Fri–Sat: 9 PM – 7 AM

• 🔒 Closures include:
  Northbound 20th St W off-ramp – closed until Sept 18
  On/off ramps at Avenues G, F, D, and A
  Avenue J on-ramp – closed until Aug 12

🚗 Two northbound lanes are still open (one shifted to the southbound side).

Drive safe and plan ahead!

Local Business News

💦 DryTown’s Glo-Up is Here — Just in time for Summer

20 years young and still making waves! DryTown Water Park celebrated with a $2 million makeover. What’s making waves? A refreshed Miner’s Camp splash area for the kids, revamped slides (including the iconic Dusty’s Mineshaft Racer), and a safer, sleeker layout overall.

What this means for us: With temps creeping into triple digits this week, DryTown isn’t just a fun option — it’s your summer escape plan.

🛍️ Fresh Finds & Local Vibes: East Palmdale’s Retail Revamp

Chick-fil-A, Mister Car Wash, and a brand new coffee shop are coming soon to the corner of Avenue S and 40th Street East in Palmdale. This new development is part of a growing retail hub that is turning the area into a convenient stop for food, coffee, and car care. Locals can look forward to crispy chicken runs, clean rides, and fresh brews all in one easy-to-reach location.

🌸 Small Business Spotlight: Pretty Little Poppy

Pretty Little Poppy is a local favorite in Lancaster, known for its boutique charm, cozy decor, and curated gifts. This shop gives small business owners a chance to showcase their products and brings serious hometown vibes with every visit. Whether you're hunting for a unique find or just want to shop small, this is the spot.

🔗Support small, follow local!

Holiday Celebration Events

Lancaster 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza

• 📅 Date & Time: Friday, July 4, 2025

• 🚪Gates open: 5 PM 

• 🎆Firework Show begin: 9 PM

• 📍 Location: AV Fair & Event Center, 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536

• 💵 Admission: Free general admission.

  • Grandstand seating: $5

  • Parking pass: $8

• 🎉 What’s Happening:

  • Car show hosted by Fat Boys Taco

  • Food trucks offering diverse bites

  • Children's entrepreneur market

  • Live Music & arts‑and‑crafts activation

  • Grand fireworks display lighting up the desert sky

• 🔗 Tickets & Details:

  🎟 Buy Tickets Online

Palmdale 4th of July Fireworks Celebration + Live Music – Summer Concert Series

• 📅 Date & Time: Saturday, July 6, 2025

  • 🚪Gates open: 5 PM

  • 🎶Concert begins: 6 PM

  • 🎆Fireworks Show: After the concert (around 9:00 PM)

• 📍 Location: Palmdale Amphitheater, 2723 Rancho Vista Blvd, Palmdale, CA 93551

• 💵 Admission:

  • General Admission: $8 (advance), $10 (at the gate)

  • Children 12 and under: FREE with a paid adult

  • Free parking included

• 🎉 What’s Happening:

  • Live concert experience under the summer sky

  • Food and beverage vendors on-site

  • Spectacular fireworks show immediately following the concert

• 🔗 Tickets & Details:
  🎟 Buy Tickets Online

Upcoming Events

🎶 Upcoming Summer Concerts

• Dustin Lynch Concert
  📍 Palmdale Amphitheater
  🕓 July 19th at 8 PM
  🔗 Event details 

• Kool & the Gang
  📍 Palmdale Amphitheater
  🕓 July 19th at 8 PM
  🔗 Event details 

AV Sports News

⚽ AV Alta FC – USL League One

What's new: Lancaster’s new professional soccer team, AV Alta FC, has officially started its debut season in USL League One—with home matches at the newly renovated Hangar (formerly Lancaster Municipal Stadium), now reconfigured as a soccer-specific stadium with 5,300 seats

Why it matters: AV Alta currently holds a 5–4–3 record and sits in 3rd place, pushing for a playoff spot.

Upcoming match: AV Alta FC vs. Union Omaha at July 5 at 8pm
🔗 Get Tickets

🧒 Youth Sports Announcement

i9 Sports leagues: The organization has launched co-ed summer soccer, basketball, and flag football programs in Palmdale and Lancaster!
🔗 Registration

Weekly Weather

📅 Sun, June 30 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 94° / Low: 65°
📅 Mon, July 1 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 94° / Low: 63°
📅 Tue, July 2 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 93° / Low: 66°
📅 Wed, July 3 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 93° / Low: 68°
📅 Thu, July 4 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 93° / Low: 66°
📅 Fri, July 5 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 92° / Low: 62°
📅 Sat, July 6 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 93° / Low: 63°
📅 Sun, July 7 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 96° / Low: 65°