💌 Happy New Year, AV Fam! 🌧️❄️ The weather might be chilly, and the rain might be falling, but the fun is just getting started. Whether you are tackling your New Year’s resolutions, looking for indoor adventures, or just ready to explore, the Antelope Valley is buzzing with events, sports, and tasty bites to kick off 2026.

Let’s dive into all the fun happenings around the valley this week!⤵️

🚨 Top Stories: Campus upgrades and $24M fiber bring big improvements to the AV.
💰 Local Business: Lancaster retail property sells for $3.9M.
🍴 AV Eats: York Shore House and classic Lancaster vibes.
⚽ Sports News: AVC and high school basketball scores from around the valley.
🎭 AV Happenings: Concerts, theater, dinos, and family-friendly fun all week.

Top Stories

🏗️ Exciting Upgrades at Antelope Valley College

Antelope Valley College is buzzing with construction and new building excitement this year. Big improvements are underway that will make campus life even better for students and the whole community.

One of the most exciting projects is The Commons. This new building will be right in the heart of campus and will give students more places to hang out, study, eat, and connect with friends. Officials held a groundbreaking event in December to kick off construction of this space. 

Last year, AVC also opened Cedar Hall, a brand new three‑story building full of classrooms, offices, and even an art gallery. It has modern spaces for students to learn and explore new ideas. 

Another big addition is the Student Services building. This two‑story hub brings important services together in one place. Students can now find help with things like financial aid, counseling, job support, and more, all under one roof. 

These changes are part of a long‑term effort funded by Measure AV, a bond approved by local voters back in 2016. That money is helping update old campus buildings and add exciting new ones, too. 

Students, staff, and community members can look forward to even more upgrades as these projects move ahead. The campus is growing and changing in ways that will make college life more fun and more supportive for everyone.

🚀 Antelope Valley Eyes $24 Million Fiber Internet Upgrade

Lancaster just scored a big win in the local business world. A popular retail building right next to Smart & Final Extra at Antelope Valley Plaza sold for an eye‑popping $3.9 million. That’s a sign that investors are excited about the shopping vibe here.

This building has a little bit of everything. Inside, you’ll find favorite local spots like Pho Stop, MC Boba, Sub‑Machine, Pupusas La Buena Vida, and more. All of the spaces were already leased out, making the property even more attractive to buyers. 

The sale was arranged by local real estate pros from Hanley Investment Group, who worked hard to get lots of offers before picking the one that was the best fit. This is actually the third property they’ve sold at Antelope Valley Plaza, showing that Lancaster’s retail market is drawing attention from outside the area. 

What makes the plaza even more exciting is that millions of shoppers visit it every year. Smart & Final Extra, CVS, dd’s Discounts, and other big names bring in strong traffic, which helps keep local businesses busy and growing.

Plus, with the new freeway on and off‑ramps finished just behind the plaza, getting there is easier than ever for drivers. That’s a nice bonus for both shoppers and future guests.

Local shoppers might not see much change right away, but this sale shows that Lancaster’s business scene is catching the eye of big investors and might be gearing up for even more growth.

Sports News

AVC College

🏀 Men’s Basketball
AVC 69 Vs. East Los Angeles 76
Record: 7-7

🏀 Women’s Basketball
AVC 48 Vs. Rio Hondo 53
Record: 5-9

🏫High School Sports

AV High Basketball Scores:
Antelope Valley 43 (0-15) Vs. AGBU 65
Palmdale (6-11) 41 Vs. Silverado 70
Quartz Hill (10-9) 77 Vs. Palmdale 62
Paraclete 45 (3-10) Vs. Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary 72
Highland (6-11) 44 Vs. Saugus 69
Lancaster (1-15) 17 Vs. Golden Valley 36
Eastside (13-3) 77 Vs. California City 36
Littlerock (10-9) 42 Vs. Ridgeview 28
Rosamond (7-9) 52 Vs. California City 55
Knight (13-3) 76 Vs. Legacy 67

Event Spotlight

🦖 Dinosaurs Take Over Lancaster This Valentine’s Day - Feb 14

This Valentine’s Day is about to get prehistoric. Jurassic Quest, the largest and most realistic dinosaur experience in North America, is stomping into Lancaster for a one-day adventure that’s perfect for families, kids, and anyone who still gets excited about dinosaurs (no judgment here).

This isn’t just a walk-through exhibit, it’s a full-on experience. You’ll come face-to-face with massive, life-size animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar, meet adorable baby dinos up close, and let the kids burn off energy in interactive zones. It’s one of those events where learning sneaks in while everyone’s having a blast.

What to expect inside Jurassic Quest:

• 🦕 Towering, realistic dinosaurs like T-Rex and Spinosaurus

• 🦖 Walking dinosaur rides and kid-friendly inflatables

• 🥚 Fossil digs and hands-on science stations

• 👶 Meet-and-greets with baby dinosaurs

• 🎨 Interactive play areas, games, and activities for all ages

📍 Antelope Valley Fair & Event Center
🔗 Event details

Upcoming Events

🎶 Concerts & Live Events 🎤

• Tranqui Fest T3R Elemento Y Mas - Jan 9

  📍 45000 Vly Central Wy, Lancaster
  🕓 8PM
  🔗 Event details

• Run It Up w/ Joe Moses, RJMRLA, PKILLA - Jan 17

  📍 44245 Sierra Hwy, Lancaster
  🕓 8PM
  🔗 Event details

• Saving Abel Live in Palmdale - Jan 22

  📍 40242 La Quinta Lane, Palmdale
  🕓 7PM
  🔗 Event details

• Jazz Night Rancho Vista - Jan 24

  📍 3905 Club Rancho Drive, Palmdale
  🕓 5:30PM
  🔗 Event details

• Mariachi Rock Revolution - Jan 24

  📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  🕓 8PM
  🔗 Event details

• Rhinestone Country - Feb 1

  📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  🕓 2PM
  🔗 Event details

• The Jungle Book - Feb 6

  📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  🕓 7PM
  🔗 Event details

• Love and Laughter - Feb 13

  📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  🕓 8PM
  🔗 Event details

• Jazz at Lincoln Center - Feb 14

  📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  🕓 8PM
  🔗 Event details

Weekly Weather

📅 Sun, Jan 4 – 🌤️ Partly Sunny | High: 61° / Low: 39°
📅 Mon, Jan 5 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 60° / Low: 38°
📅 Tue, Jan 6 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 59° / Low: 37°
📅 Wed, Jan 7 – 🌤️ Partly Cloudy | High: 58° / Low: 36°
📅 Thu, Jan 8 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 57° / Low: 35°
📅 Fri, Jan 9 – 🌤️ Partly Sunny | High: 58° / Low: 36°
📅 Sat, Jan 10 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 59° / Low: 37°
📅 Sun, Jan 11 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 60° / Low: 38°