What’s Up, AV! The vibe is shifting in the air, and it’s not just the summer heat stirring things up! From Palmdale’s reveal on why the mayor was removed, to city-backed grants helping vandalized storefronts bounce back, plus caffeine-fueled bites, this week’s got all the stories you need. And don’t forget your weekend plans: jazz nights, scenic hikes, and some serious horsepower. Let’s get into it! ⤵️

• 💥 Palmdale Politics: The Truth Behind Richard Loa’s Removal as Mayor

• 🖌️ Brightening Lancaster: New Programs for a Fresh Look

• ☕ AV Eats: Iced Lattes, Stacked Sandwiches & Local Vibes

• ⚖️ Acton Fights Back: Residents Take Battery Project Battle to Court

• 🎉 Weekend Plans: Health Checks, Hikes, Jazz & Fresh Fest

Top Stories

🏛️ Why Was Richard Loa Removed as Mayor? Palmdale Council Finally Reveals the Answer

After two weeks of silence and rising public pressure, the Palmdale City Council has finally explained why Councilman Richard Loa was stripped of his mayoral title earlier this month. During Tuesday night’s meeting, Acting City Attorney Alexandra Halfman outlined several allegations that had previously been kept quiet.

At the center of it all is an incident from June, when Loa allegedly intervened in a city code enforcement case involving the towing of a vehicle registered to him with expired tags. According to Halfman, Loa contacted the city's public safety manager in an attempt to stop the tow. The manager complied, then reported the interaction, expressing concerns about potential retaliation.

But that’s just the beginning. Additional allegations include misuse of city resources for personal matters, interference in the 2024 election, and creating a hostile work environment. The last claim stems from a lawsuit filed by a former city employee. While the council initially chose not to pursue legal action, they did vote to remove Loa from his mayoral role and committee assignments pending further investigation.

The public had not been informed of any of this until this week’s meeting, which led to a heated session. Loa denied all allegations and claimed the council violated California’s Brown Act by failing to notify him or give him due process. He clashed with Councilwoman Andrea Alarcón during roll call and refused to recuse himself from votes tied to the investigation.

Public commenters expressed frustration, calling the situation a mess and accusing the council of hiding behind closed doors. Some residents demanded a return to direct elections for mayor, arguing the public deserves a stronger voice.

After a nearly two-hour closed session, the council reconvened and voted 3 to 1 (with Loa recused) to move forward with the investigation and publicly disclose the allegations.

This story is far from over. As the investigation continues, it could have lasting implications for Loa’s role on the council and for public trust in city leadership.

Stay tuned, we’ll be keeping an eye on what happens next.

Community News & Events

News

⚖️ Acton Residents Head to Court Over Controversial Battery Project

A major court case is underway as Acton residents push to overturn the county’s approval of the 400-megawatt “Humidor” battery storage facility. Located near Soledad Canyon Road in a high fire-risk zone, the project has sparked serious safety and zoning concerns. Local group Save Our Rural Town (SORT) says the facility was approved without proper hearings or environmental review, and that rural communities like Acton are being unfairly targeted for industrial-scale energy projects.

Adding to resident frustration, another massive battery facility—called Maathai BESS—is already in the planning stages. Proposed just miles away near the Acton train station, this 250-megawatt site would span 40 acres. And that’s not all: an even larger project, the 1,150-megawatt Prairie Song BESS, is also being proposed in the region.

With three major battery sites on the horizon, Acton residents say it’s not just about one project—it’s about protecting their rural identity, safety, and voice in future development.

Events

• ❤️ Free Heart & Kidney Screening in Lancaster

  Take charge of your health at this Free Heart and Kidney Screening at Antelope Valley Partners for Health. Offered by The National Kidney Foundation of Southern California, the screening includes blood pressure checks, risk assessments, and educational resources—all at no cost. This is a great opportunity for anyone at risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease. Walk-ins are welcome, and no insurance is required!

  📍 810 West Lancaster Boulevard Lancaster, CA 93534

  🗓️ Saturday, July 20 | ⏰ 10 AM – 2 PM
  🎟️ Free admission – RSVP encouraged on Eventbrite.
  🔗 Event details & Tickets 
  

• 🥾 Community Hike Day – Let’s Hit the Trail!

  Lace up your boots and grab your water bottle — Community Hike Day is your chance to explore the great outdoors with fellow nature lovers. It’s the perfect mix of fresh air, good vibes, and scenic views. All experience levels are welcome, so bring a friend (or make one on the trail)!

  📍 Prime Desert Woodland Preserve – 43201 35th St W, Lancaster, CA
  🗓️ Saturday, July 26 | ⏰ 7:30 AM – 10 AM
  🎟️ Free event – RSVP on Eventbrite.
  🔗 Event details & Tickets 

Sports News

⚽ AV Alta FC

AV Alta FC kept their hot home form alive on July 5, taking down Union Omaha 2–1 at Lancaster Municipal Stadium. A packed crowd buzzing as the team secured its third straight home win. However, their momentum faltered on July 16, when they fell 1‑3 to One Knoxville SC on the road, shifting their record to 7‑5‑5, keeping them firmly in third place in USL League One. Yesterday's showdown with FC Naples ended in a 1–1 draw, as Villalobos struck first for Alta in the 32nd minute, only for Naples’ Cisneros to equalize deep into stoppage time, snagging a hard-fought point for both sides.

With that draw, AV Alta's record now sits at 7‑5‑5, holding strong in third place in USL League One. They’ll look to bounce back next week—stay tuned!

Current USL1 Standing : 3rd
Record: 7-5-5
Upcoming Games: 
Monterey Bay FC @ AV Alta FC July 26 at 8 PM
🔗 Get Tickets

Upcoming Events

🎶 Upcoming Summer Concerts

• The BLVD Summer Concert Series: Cervantes
  📍 Bandstand Stage, Ehrlich Avenue and The BLVD
  🕓 July 24th at 6 PM
  🔗 Event details 

• TLC
  📍 Palmdale Amphitheater
  🕓 August 9th at 8 PM
  🔗 Event details 

🗓️New Fresh Events

• 🎷 Jazz in the Alley Brings Smooth Sounds to Lancaster

  Step into the rhythm of the city at Jazz in the Alley, a laid-back evening of live jazz, soulful vibes, and local community flavor. Enjoy performances from top-tier musicians in an intimate outdoor setting, with food vendors and drinks to round out the experience. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or just looking for a chill night out, this event hits all the right notes.

  📍 LCB Underground Bowling Lounge – 706 West Lancaster Boulevard #102
  🗓️ July 26th | 🕓 7:30PM - 10PM
  🎟️ Tickets available now on Eventbrite.
  🔗 Event details & Tickets 
  

• 🚗 Fresh Fest 2025 Auto Show Rolls Into Lancaster

  Rev your engines! The Fresh Fest 2025 Auto Show is hitting Lancaster! This all-day celebration features custom cars, food trucks, live music, a kids zone, and giveaways. This event is perfect for gearheads and families alike. From classics to lowriders, the lineup is packed with chrome, creativity, and community vibes.

  📍 AV Fair & Event Center – 45000 Valley Central Way Lancaster, CA 93536
  🗓️ Saturday, July 27 | 🕓 11 AM – 6 PM
  🎟️ Tickets available now on Eventbrite – kids under 10 are free!
  🔗 Event details & Tickets 
  

• Now You See It: A Diamond Heist Dinner at MOAH

  Put your detective skills to the test at "Now You See It", an immersive mystery dinner event at Lancaster's Museum of Art and History (MOAH). Experience an evening filled with intrigue, delicious dining, and an interactive diamond heist mystery to solve. Guests are invited to dress elegantly and enjoy a night of suspense, laughs, and surprises—perfect for mystery enthusiasts and art lovers alike!
  📍 665 West Lancaster Boulevard Lancaster
  🗓️ July 26th | 🕓 6 PM - 10PM
  🔗 Event details & Tickets 
  

• 🍷 Bloom Ranch Wine & Jazz Night in Acton

  Sip, sway, and soak in the charm of the countryside at Bloom Ranch’s Wine & Jazz Night in Acton. Enjoy local wines, smooth jazz under the stars, and a cozy atmosphere surrounded by nature’s beauty. It’s the perfect evening escape for music lovers, wine sippers, and anyone looking to unwind with a little rustic elegance.

  📍 Bloom Ranch – 31880 Aliso Canyon Road Acton, CA 93510
  🎟️ Tickets available now on Eventbrite.
  🗓️ July 26th | 🕓 6 PM - 10 PM
  🔗 Event details & Tickets 

Weekly Weather

📅 Sun, July 20 – ☀️ Sunny & Breezy | High: 96° / Low: 69°
📅 Mon, July 21 – ☀️ Sunny & Breezy | High: 93° / Low: 65°
📅 Tue, July 22 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 91° / Low: 65°
📅 Wed, July 23 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 94° / Low: 64°
📅 Thu, July 24 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 96° / Low: 63°
📅 Fri, July 25 – 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | High: 98° / Low: 66°
📅 Sat, July 26 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 97° / Low: 63°