💌 Hey AV Fam! Ready to catch the best buzz around town? This week, we’re celebrating Palmdale’s game-changing foster care village brought to you by Christian Bale (yes, that Christian Bale!). Plus, the Beach Bus is back to whisk you away to Santa Monica without the parking headaches. And trust us, you won’t want to miss the lineup of cool community events rolling your way soon. Oh, and wings. We’ve got wings.

Let’s get into it.⤵️

• 🏡Christian Bale’s Foster Care Village: Keeping foster siblings together in Palmdale.

• 🌊 Beach Bus Is Back: Easy, affordable rides from Palmdale & Lancaster to Santa Monica

• 🛍️ 60th Annual Flea Market: Vintage finds, local vendors & live entertainment.

• 📊 Palmdale’s $425M Budget Breakdown: What’s being funded

• 🚓 Lancaster PD Gets State Certified: A new era of trust, tech, and transparency.

• 🍗AV Eats: Coach’s Sports Bar & Grill — An AV Classic

Top Stories

🏡 Christian Bale’s Foster Care Village Nears Completion in Palmdale

After 17 years of planning, the much-anticipated Together California Village in Palmdale is gearing up to welcome its first residents late 2025 or early 2026. The Project is set to house foster siblings and young adults needing transitional housing. Spearheaded by actor Christian Bale and nonprofit partner Together California, this 4.7-acre village includes 12 residences, two studio apartments, a 7,000-square-foot community center, gardens, and recreational space, all tailored for families in need.

 🌱 What’s Happening

• Construction began in early 2024, and the first four homes are expected to open by late 2025/early 2026.

• Homes are designed to keep up to six siblings together with a professionally trained foster parent per home. Two studios serve youths transitioning from foster care or families working toward reunification.

• The community center will be open to the public, offering space for workshops, visits, and services that help integrate foster youth into the wider community.

🧠 Why This Matters

• Local impact: Located right here in Palmdale, this is more than a charity project. It's a community-rooted solution to a longtime foster care issue in LA County.

• Sibling-first model: Nearly 75% of foster kids are separated from their siblings nationwide, and this project will help to reduce trauma and improve long-term outcomes.

• Community integration: It’s not just for residents. The center and garden are built for all of Palmdale residents in creating a space for understanding, empathy, and acceptance.

 🏖️ Beach Bus Is Back! Affordable Rides from Palmdale & Lancaster to Santa Monica 🌊

Good news for our summer plans: Los Angeles County’s Beach Bus is now in full swing for the summer of 2025, giving AV residents a safe and easy way to reach Santa Monica without battling traffic or parking.

🚍 What’s the Scoop?

• Since May 27, Beach Bus service runs Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and select holidays from Palmdale Transportation Center and Sgt. Steve Owen Park (Lancaster). Buses return from Santa Monica around 3 p.m. 
  

• Cost? $6 round-trip for adults, and just $2 for seniors (60+) or riders with disabilities.
  
  So if you’ve been dreaming about a beach escape without the hassle, this is your ticket. Grab a seat, breathe in that ocean air, and soak up some seaside sunshine, all without leaving our Valley behind.

Community News & Events

🚨 Lancaster PD Gets State-Certified: A New Era in Local Policing

Big win for public safety: The Lancaster Police Department is now officially certified by California’s POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Commission. This is a major milestone that confirms LPD meets the state’s highest standards for training, hiring, and law enforcement practices.

What does that mean for us? More trust, transparency, and accountability in how our city is protected.

“This isn’t just a badge of honor,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “It’s a new level of service that raises the bar for modern policing.” Vice Mayor Marvin Crist echoed the pride, calling it “a promise to our residents.”

✨ On the tech side, LPD’s Intelligence & Crime Center is also leveling up with tools like ShotSpotter — an AI system that detects gunfire and sends alerts within seconds — plus drones and real-time data integration to speed up response times and improve situational awareness before calls even come in.

Launched just last year, Lancaster PD is growing fast and proving it’s here to lead with purpose.

Sports News

⚽ AV Alta FC

AV Alta Holds Firm in Scoreless Draw on the Road
AV Alta FC battled to a hard-earned 0–0 draw against Forward Madison FC on Saturday night, extending their unbeaten streak and earning a valuable road point. Despite heavy pressure from the Mingos in the first half, including two brilliant saves, AV Alta’s defense held strong.

The second half saw more possession for AV, but both sides struggled to create clear chances. A late scare in the 87th and stoppage time nearly tilted the match, but neither team found the breakthrough. The result brings AV Alta to 7-6-4 on the season, keeping them firmly in the USL League One playoff hunt.

Current USL1 Standing : 3rd
Record: 7-6-4
Upcoming Games: 
Greenville Triumph @ AV Alta FC- Aug 16 at 8 PM
🔗 Get Tickets

Upcoming Events

🎶 Upcoming Summer Concerts

• Old Dawgs, New Tricks (Oldies/Latin)
  📍 Bandstand Stage, Ehrlich Avenue and The BLVD
  🕓 Aug 7th at 6 PM
  🔗 Event details 

• TLC - Tickets are selling out quickly
  📍 Palmdale Amphitheater
  🕓 August 9th at 8 PM
  🔗 Event details 

• The Beach Boys
  📍 Palmdale Amphitheater
  🕓 August 16th at 8 PM
  🔗 Event details 

🗓️New Fresh Events

🛍️ AV Chambers 60th Annual Flea Market – August 10

Get ready for summer’s biggest bargain-hunting bash! The AV Chambers of Commerce is hosting its 60th Annual Flea Market at the AV Fairgrounds.

Expect over 100 vendors, tasty eats from food booths, live entertainment, and a huge array of finds from vintage gear to handmade crafts. With around 4,500 visitors each year, this community staple brings bites, bargains, and hometown vibes together in one lively day.
Whether you're treasure hunting or donating as a vendor, this flea market event is a perfect way to support local business and enjoy the best of the AV. Want vendor info? Outdoor and indoor booths are still available!
Details:

📍AV Fairgrounds 2551 W Ave H, Lancaster
🗓️ Friday, August 10 | ⏰ 7AM Early Bird - 9AM General
🎟️ $10 Early Bird | $8 General Admission | Kids Free (Under 15)

🔗 Event details & Tickets

🚓 National Night Out 2025 – Palmdale’s Community Celebration - Aug 5

Bring the whole family to Poncitlán Square for National Night Out 2025 — a free, family-friendly evening that brings neighbors and local law enforcement together in a celebration of unity and public safety.

Enjoy hands-on public safety displays, interactive games, giveaways, food trucks, and fun activities for all ages. It’s the perfect way to meet your community heroes and connect with your neighborhood.

Details:

📍 38315 9th St. East, Palmdale

🗓️ August 5th | 🕓 5PM - 9PM
🎟️ Admission is free – just bring good vibes!

🎬 The Palmdale Amphitheater: Family Movie Nights - Aug 8
Grab your blankets, lawn chairs, and favorite snacks! Family Movie Nights are back and lighting up summer Fridays with fun for all ages!

Details: Last Showing: Despicable Me 4
🕙 Aug 8 at 6 PM
🎟️ Tickets are $5 (kids 12 & under are free!) – online purchase only.
🍿 Outside food welcome + on-site snack vendors
🚫 No alcohol or pets allowed
📍 2723 Rancho Vista Blvd, Palmdale

🎉 End of Summer Bash – August 8
Say farewell to summer in the best way possible — with food, fun, and family vibes at the End of Summer Bash hosted by the Lancaster Community Center! ☀️

This FREE event is packed with activities for all ages and includes a complimentary dinner to fuel the fun. Expect games, laughter, and a chance to celebrate the final days of summer break with your neighbors and community.

📍 Lancaster Community Center - 44611 Yucca Ave, Lancaster, CA 93534
🗓️ Friday, August 8 | ⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎟️ Free admission – registration required
✨ Secure your spot here: Register Now

🛍️ AV Chambers 60th Annual Flea Market – August 10
Get ready for summer’s biggest bargain-hunting bash! The AV Chambers of Commerce is hosting its 60th Annual Flea Market at the AV Fairgrounds.

Expect over 100 vendors, tasty eats from food booths, live entertainment, and a huge array of finds from vintage gear to handmade crafts. With around 4,500 visitors each year, this community staple brings bites, bargains, and hometown vibes together in one lively day.
Whether you're treasure hunting or donating as a vendor, this flea market event is a perfect way to support local business and enjoy the best of the AV. Want vendor info? Outdoor and indoor booths are still available!
Details:

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

🎪 Antelope Valley Mega Indoor Night Market Returns – August 10
The MEGA INDOOR NIGHT MARKET is back and bringing the heat this summer. Happening Sunday, August 10 at the AV Fairgrounds, this massive all-ages event features delicious eats, games, shopping, and a packed lineup of live entertainment — all indoors and all under one roof.

With more vendors, a bigger stage, and hotter performances than ever before, this night market is your one-stop summer celebration. Whether you're there for the music, the merch, or the mouthwatering food, it's the perfect way to wrap up the weekend.

📍 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

Weekly Weather

📅 Sun, Aug 3 – ☀️ Sunny & Breezy | High: 101° / Low: 71°
📅 Mon, Aug 4 – ☀️ Sunny to Partly Cloudy | High: 98° / Low: 69°
📅 Tue, Aug 5 – 🌤️ Mostly Sunny & Breezy | High: 99° / Low: 66°
📅 Wed, Aug 6 – 🌞 Hot & Mostly Sunny | High: 103° / Low: 69°
📅 Thu, Aug 7 – 🌞 Hot & Sunny | High: 105° / Low: 67°
📅 Fri, Aug 8 – ☀️ Sunny & Gusty | High: 101° / Low: 69°
📅 Sat, Aug 9 – ☀️ Sunny & Windy | High: 102° / Low: 69°
📅 Sun, Aug 10 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 103° / Low: 68°