💌 Hey AV Fam! We’re deep in the "don't touch the steering wheel without oven mitts" part of summer, but we’ve got you covered with everything you need to survive the heat and stay connected.

In times like this, it’s not just about beating the heat. It’s about leaning on the little things: a breeze in the evening, a neighbor who checks in, stopping by your favorite restaurant, and the joy of knowing what’s happening in your own backyard.

We made this issue with those vibes in mind! Full of good news, community wins, and reminders that no matter how high the temps climb, this valley shows up for each other.

Let’s get into it ⤵️

🌳Palmdale Wins $2 Million to Expand Tejon Park 
☀️Dangerous Heat Hits the AV – Cooling Centers Open 
🌟SAVES Boutique – Giving Back, One Outfit at a Time 
⚽Sports News: AV Alta FC & High School Scores 
🎶AV Happenings: Concerts, workshops, youth sports, farmers markets & more

Top Stories

🌳 Palmdale Wins $2 Million to Expand Tejon Park — A Green Leap Forward

Big win, Palmdale! The city just secured a $2 million grant from Measure A’s Parkland Acquisition Program, the highest award amount in this round of funding. This investment will add about 125 acres in the Barrel Springs/Tejon Park area, protecting sensitive land while creating new space for recreation and community use.

This grant is part of one of the largest parkland expansions in Los Angeles County history, with $17 million spread across 13 projects. Palmdale was right at the top alongside Baldwin Park, Sylmar, and Walnut Park.

So what does that mean for us? Picture more trails, equestrian space, and open green areas where families can get outside, explore, and recharge. At the same time, the project protects wildlife corridors and local ecosystems that make our city special.

The deal is expected to close by September, setting the stage for an exciting new era of parks in Palmdale. More space, more nature, more reasons to love where we live.

Dangerous Heat Hits the AV – Cooling Centers Open

The Antelope Valley is facing the hottest stretch of the summer, with triple-digit temperatures topping out at 102 degrees today. According to the National Weather Service, this marks the most dangerous heat wave of the season so far, raising fire risks and putting vulnerable residents at risk of heat-related illness.

The silver lining: forecasters say today should be the hottest day of the week, with temperatures expected to dip slightly in the days ahead. Still, the persistent heat means staying safe and cool is a community priority.

Cooling Centers Open in Palmdale and Lancaster

Both cities are encouraging residents, especially seniors, young children, and those without reliable air conditioning, to take advantage of these cooling centers during peak heat hours. Here are Palmdale and Lancaster cooling locations.

Staying Safe

Officials urge residents to drink plenty of water, avoid outdoor activity during midday, check on neighbors, and never leave children or pets in vehicles.

As the heat bears down, our community can get through it together—by staying informed, looking out for each other, and making use of resources designed to keep everyone safe.

Poll Results

🗳️ Readers Weigh In: Vote or Rotating System

Last week we asked the big question: Should Palmdale bring back an at-large elected mayor?

The results weren’t even close. Out of 89 readers who chimed in, 78 said yes, 8 said they weren’t sure, and only 3 voted no. That’s a landslide in favor of putting the power back in the people’s hands.

With Palmdale’s City Council now openly debating whether to keep the rotating system or return to a direct vote, our readers made it clear where they stand. The message? Residents want accountability, visibility, and a mayor chosen by the community—not by chance.

It’s a hot-button issue at City Hall, but in our little corner, the verdict is simple: let the people decide.

Sports News

⚽ AV Alta FC

AV Alta falls to Union Omaha 2-0 on the Road

AV Alta FC couldn’t find the net Friday night, falling 2–0 to Union Omaha in a tough away match. Omaha struck early in the 18th minute and doubled their lead just after halftime, capitalizing on defensive lapses. Despite flashes of promise in the final third, Alta couldn’t convert their chances.

The loss drops AV Alta to 7-9-5 on the season, holding 6th place in the USL League One standings as the playoff race tightens. They’ll look to bounce back in their next match against Chattanooga on August 30.

Current USL1 Standing : 6th Place
Record: 7-9-5
Upcoming Games: 
AV Alta @ Chattanooga Red Wolves - Aug 30 at 4 PM
🔗 Get Tickets

🏫 High School Sports

Football Scores:
Lancaster (0-1) 40 Vs. Bishop Diego 42
Highland (0-1) 6 Vs. Oak Hills 35
Palmdale (0-1) 28 Vs. Hesperia 37
Knight (0-1) 0 Vs. El Camino 34
Eastside (0-1) 6 Vs. Rosamond 42
Quartz Hill (0-1) 0 Vs. Mission Hills 31
Antelope Valley vs St Genevieve (Aug 28)

Upcoming Events

🎶 Upcoming Concerts & Live Events 🎤

• Karaoke Night @ Zelda’s 750 West

  📍 750 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster750 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster
  🕓 Wednesdays at 8 PM

• Jazz at The Alley

  📍 LCB Underground Bowling Lounge, 706 W Lancaster Blvd #102

  🕓 Wednesdays at 8 PM - 11PM
  🔗 Event details 

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

• Act Right Comedy Night with Shang Forbes

  📍 40242 La Quinta Lane #Unit 101, Palmdale
  🕓 Sept 6th at 7PM (Doors open 6PM)
  🔗 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

🍴 Foodie Fest 2025 – Sept 20 at the Palmdale Amphitheater

Where flavor, fun, and culture collide! Palmdale’s biggest food festival is back, bringing together thousands of food lovers for a day filled with bold bites, craft drinks, music, and community celebration.

Expect a lineup of top food trucks and vendors serving everything from global street eats to classic comfort favorites, plus live entertainment all day to keep the energy high.

✨ Festival Highlights:
- Sunset Sips Pass: Six tastings of craft beer, wine, or spirits (4 PM – 8 PM).
- VIP Experience: Shaded seating near the stage, private bar and restrooms, plus one complimentary drink.
- Reserved Tables: Guarantee a spot for you and your friends to relax and enjoy the festival in style.
- Shop Local Marketplace: Handmade goods and one-of-a-kind finds from local artists and creators.

Event Details:
📅 Saturday, Sept 20, 2025
⏰ 3 PM – 10 PM
📍 Palmdale Amphitheater, 2723 Rancho Vista Blvd
🔗 Event details & Tickets

📸 Basic Photography Fundamentals – Sept 3 to Sept 24
Ready to level up your photography skills? Join instructor Phillip Kocurek for a hands-on class that will take you beyond “auto mode” and help you master the essentials of exposure, lighting, lenses, and more.

This beginner-friendly course is perfect for anyone 13 and up who loves taking pictures and wants to capture sharper, more creative shots. Bring your camera, a notebook, and get ready to unlock the tools you need to shoot with confidence.

📅 Sept 3 – Sept 24 | Wednesdays
⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 OMP Game Room - Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park - 43011 10th Street West
👥 Ages 13+
🔗 Event details & Tickets

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 🌸
I

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

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

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 + More Vendors
🎶 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

🚴‍♀️ 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. 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

Heat Wave! 🔥 AV is riding out of a heatwave this week so lets make sure to stay cool, stay hydrated, and save the outdoor fun for the mornings or evenings.

📅 Sun, Aug 24 – Mostly Sunny & Hot | High: 102° / Low: 73°
📅 Mon, Aug 25 – Mostly Sunny | High: 100° / Low: 70°
📅 Tue, Aug 26 – Mostly Sunny | High: 98° / Low: 66°
📅 Wed, Aug 27 – Sunny | High: 98° / Low: 65°
📅 Thu, Aug 28 – Sunny | High: 97° / Low: 65°
📅 Fri, Aug 29 – Sun & High Clouds | High: 96° / Low: 62°
📅 Sat, Aug 30 – Sunny | High: 98° / Low: 65°
📅 Sun, Aug 31 – Mostly Sunny | High: 97° / Low: 69°