💌 Hey AV Fam! If you’ve stepped outside lately, you already know AV is turning into the surface of the sun. This week’s forecast is packed with scorchers, so keep your water bottles close, your pets shaded, and your plans early in the day. Let’s dive in before the sidewalk starts sizzling.

Let’s get into it.⤵️

• Lancaster’s Homelessness Progress: New housing + updated plans

• Acton Town Hall: Community meeting set for controversial battery storage proposal

• Local Business Changes: Movie theater to be replaced by Quick Quack Car Wash

• Small Business Spotlight: Wellness in the heart of the AV

• AV Eats: Why Family Fish Market is a true local classic

• AV Fair Competitive Exhibits: Showcase your talents + creativity in the AV

Top Stories

Lancaster Advances in Addressing Homelessness in the AV

The City of Lancaster continues to make significant progress in combating homelessness through strategic initiatives and community partnerships. Key developments include the establishment of The Sierra’s interim housing facility, the ongoing efforts at Kensington Campus, and the implementation of a comprehensive Homelessness Plan.

🏘️ Kensington Campus
The Kensington Campus is a 14-acre complex that includes a shelter, permanent housing, jobs, counseling, and other services. The campus aims to provide comprehensive support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, offering a range of services to help them regain stability and independence.

📋 Lancaster Homelessness Plan
Lancaster is actively updating its 2025–2030 Homelessness Plan to align with Measure H funding requirements from Los Angeles County. This update emphasizes community engagement through public outreach and surveys to understand residents' interactions with the homeless population. Surveys will gauge public experiences, such as whether residents provide assistance or have encountered homeless individuals frequently. Additionally, city employees will be surveyed to assess their training and resources for referring homeless individuals to available services.

🤝 Collaborative Partnerships
The city's efforts are bolstered by partnerships with nonprofit organizations and local service providers. These collaborations aim to create sustainable solutions that address the root causes of homelessness and provide comprehensive support to individuals and families in need. By working together, Lancaster seeks to enhance public safety and improve the overall well-being of the community.

Lancaster's multifaceted approach to combating homelessness reflects a commitment to creating a supportive environment for all residents. Through continued collaboration and community involvement, the city aims to make meaningful progress in addressing this complex issue.

Community News & Events

Show Off Your Skills at the AV Fair’s Competitive Exhibits! 🎨🥧

Think you’ve got the best chili recipe? The greenest thumb? Or maybe you’ve been hiding a secret talent for photography, quilting, or raising prize-winning rabbits. Now’s your time to shine!

The AV Fair & Alfalfa Festival is calling on locals of all ages to enter its Competitive Exhibits — a showcase of the Antelope Valley’s creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit. With categories spanning art, baking, horticulture, livestock, crafts, photography, canning, and more, there’s a spot for everyone to show what they can do.

Whether you’re a pro or a passionate hobbyist, entering is a fun way to share your talents, meet fellow enthusiasts, and maybe even take home a ribbon (and bragging rights).

📅 Entry deadlines vary by category: Check the rules, grab your entry form, and start prepping!

🔗 Learn more & sign up here: AV Fair Competitive Exhibits

Sports News

⚽ AV Alta FC

AV Alta Falls 2–0 in Spokane
AV Alta FC’s playoff push hit a bump Saturday with a 2–0 road loss to first-place Spokane Velocity FC. Despite dominating possession (nearly 70%), Alta couldn’t find the net. Spokane struck early in the 14th minute, when Nil Vinyals scored off a rebound, and doubled the lead in the 51st via David Garcia’s header from a corner.

Top scorer Eduardo Blancas came close twice before halftime, rattling the crossbar and forcing a leaping save from Spokane’s Carlos Merancio, but the home side’s defense held firm. Spokane outshot Alta 18–12 (8–3 on target) and limited clear chances despite Alta’s control of the ball.

The result leaves AV Alta at 7-6-5 (27 pts), still in the playoff mix but needing points in upcoming matches to stay in contention.

Current USL1 Standing : 3rd —> 6th
Record: 7-6-5
Upcoming Games: 
Greenville Triumph @ AV Alta FC- Aug 16 at 8 PM
🔗 Get Tickets

🎓AVC Sports

🎾 Marauder Women’s Tennis Honored for Academic Excellence
Antelope Valley College’s women’s tennis program is serving up more than wins on the court—they’re excelling in the classroom too. Maleah Mata, Alex Coons, and Giselle Reyes have each been named ITA Scholar-Athletes for 2025, recognizing student-athletes who post a GPA of at least 3.5 during the academic year.

The entire Marauder squad also earned the ITA All-Academic Team award, given to programs with a collective GPA of 3.2 or higher. The honors highlight the team’s commitment to both athletic and academic success, reinforcing the ITA’s emphasis on education as a vital part of collegiate tennis.

With excellence on and off the court, AVC women’s tennis continues to build a winning culture.

Upcoming Events

🎶 Upcoming Summer Concerts

• The Beach Boys
  📍 Palmdale Amphitheater
  🕓 August 16th 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

🛍️ AV Chambers 60th Annual Flea Market – Aug 10
Today’s the day! The AV Chambers of Commerce 60th Annual Flea Market is taking over the AV Fairgrounds, and you won’t want to miss it.

Shop over 100 vendors, score amazing deals, and enjoy tasty eats from local food booths, while soaking up live entertainment and the unbeatable community vibes this event is known for. From vintage treasures to handmade crafts, there’s something for every bargain hunter.

With around 4,500 visitors every year, this is the Antelope Valley’s ultimate shopping and social event. Whether you’re on the hunt for a one-of-a-kind find or just want to enjoy a fun day out, the Flea Market has it all.

Details:
📍AV Fairgrounds 2551 W Ave H, Lancaster
🗓️ Sunday, August 10 | ⏰ 7AM Early Bird - 9AM General
🎟️ $8 General Admission | Kids Free (Under 15)
🔗 Event details & Tickets

🎪 Antelope Valley Mega Indoor Night Market Returns – Aug 10
Tonight’s the night! The MEGA INDOOR NIGHT MARKET is taking over the AV Fairgrounds, and it’s bigger, tastier, and more exciting than ever.

Step inside for an all-ages summer celebration packed with delicious food, unique shopping, fun games, and a nonstop lineup of live entertainment all in one massive indoor space. This year brings more vendors, a larger stage, and hotter performances to keep the energy high all night long.

Whether you’re here for the music, the shopping spree, or just to feast your way through the night, this is the ultimate Sunday hangout you don’t want to miss.

📍 45000 Valley Central Way, Lancaster
🗓️ Sunday, August 10 | ⏰ 5PM – 10PM (Doors at 4:30PM)
🎟️ $10 presale tickets | All ages welcome
🎉 Hosted by Carnaval AV
🔗 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.

Enjoy light refreshments, swap ideas, business cards, and expand your network while exploring opportunities to grow your business and strengthen community ties. 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

🚴‍♀️ 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.

Flash Sale: Use code EARLYBIRD10 by Sunday, Aug. 10 for $10 off.
🎟 Registration required

Weekly Weather

Heatwave Alert! The heat is in full sizzle mode this week, peaking at a blistering 107°F on Sunday. Thankfully, temps ease downward going into the week.

📅 Sun, Aug 10 – ☀️ Hot & Mostly Sunny | High: 107° / Low: 78°
📅 Mon, Aug 11 – ☀️ Hot & Sunny | High: 106° / Low: 76°
📅 Tue, Aug 12 – ☀️ Hot & Sunny | High: 103° / Low: 76°
📅 Wed, Aug 13 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 102° / Low: 72°
📅 Thu, Aug 14 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 99° / Low: 68°
📅 Fri, Aug 15 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 97° / Low: 64°
📅 Sat, Aug 16 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 91° / Low: 62°