What’s up, AV? If you’ve melted into your car seat this week, you’re not alone.
This week we’re diving into the sizzling city shakeups, tasty eats, and a heartfelt farewell to local heroes. 🍕🎶 Catch the top headlines, community highlights, and your ultimate summer plans. Let’s dive in! ⤵️

• 💥 Power Struggle in Palmdale: Mayor vs. Council

• 🏙️New development near Avenue L faces appeal and city review.

• 🍕 AV Eats: Classic pies and old-school Italian flavor at Rigatony’s

• 🇺🇸 AV Vietnam Memorial: Honoring heroes with the final Veterans Day display

• 🎤 Summer concerts, food trucks, movie nights, and family fun

Top Stories

🏛️ Palmdale Power Shift: Council Stands Firm as Mayor Pushes Back

Big changes are still underway at Palmdale City Hall. Mayor Richard Loa has been officially removed from his mayoral responsibilities following the city’s receipt of a confidential complaint involving an alleged conflict of interest. City Attorney Alexandra Halfman confirmed the investigation was launched out of legal and ethical obligation.

The City Council voted 4–1 to remove Loa from his leadership duties during the July 3 meeting, an item that was added to the agenda last-minute under an emergency clause in California’s Brown Act. Councilmember Eric Ohlsen said the council had a responsibility to act on the City Attorney’s recommendation, describing the situation as serious and time-sensitive.

🗣️ Loa Pushes Back

In response, Loa has spoken out publicly, saying he was blindsided by the vote and never informed of the specific complaint. He accused the council of acting behind closed doors without transparency and described the decision as a “coup,” raising concerns about fairness and public accountability. Loa also declined to attend a closed-door session on the matter, citing due process concerns.

Although he’s been removed from his leadership position as mayor, Richard Loa remains an elected member of the Palmdale City Council. His seat was secured by a public vote, and under city structure, councilmembers serve four-year terms and help shape major decisions. Everything from public safety and infrastructure to business development and city services. The mayoral title in Palmdale rotates among councilmembers and carries more ceremonial weight, while the council itself holds the city’s legislative power.

The Palmdale power struggle is far from over, with city leadership and public trust hanging in the balance.

🏙️ Big Plans, Big Pushback: Development Near Avenue L Sparks Appeal

A major development proposed near Avenue L and 15th Street West is stirring up community debate. The mixed-use project includes 181 multi-family residential units, a 235-room hotel, and nearly 13,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. While the Planning Commission already gave it the green light, nearby residents are pushing back.

Concerns range from increased traffic and school overcrowding to questions about whether the area’s current infrastructure can handle the scale of the project. An official appeal has been filed, and the Lancaster City Council is now tasked with deciding whether to uphold the approval or hit pause. As the AV continues to grow, this project is shaping up to be a key test of how and where that growth should happen.

What this means for the community:

If approved, the project could bring much-needed housing and new amenities to West Lancaster, potentially boosting the local economy and job market. But for current residents, it also raises questions about livability like congestion, strain on services, and changes to the neighborhood’s character. Whether you're for it or against it, this is one to watch closely as the city's future takes shape.

City News & Civic Alerts

🚧 Major Freeway Closures Hit Palmdale & Lancaster

Heads up, Caltrans has begun major overnight lane closures on SR-14 between Technology Drive in Palmdale and Avenue A in Lancaster. Crews are replacing pavement and setting long-term K-rail barriers to extend lane life and improve driving conditions.

Closures include full freeway shutdowns between Avenue J and Avenue L, along with on- and off-ramp closures at multiple locations from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Mon–Sat). A few ramps, like the northbound 20th Street West off-ramp, will stay closed into September, while others face 100-day shutdowns through summer and fall. Expect delays and plan alternate routes through early August.

Community News & Events

AV Vietnam Memorial’s Final Veterans Day Display

After 15 years of touching lives, the Antelope Valley Vietnam Memorial ("The AV Wall") will hold its final public display at Marie Kerr Park Amphitheater from Nov. 8–11. This volunteer-run tribute has honored veterans, comforted families, and educated generations about the Vietnam War.

Join the community for the Opening Ceremony on Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. as we say thank you and farewell to this meaningful memorial. More details at avwall.org.

☀️ Palmdale Opens Cooling Centers for Heat Relief

With temperatures soaring, the City of Palmdale has opened 2 cooling centers to help residents stay safe and cool during extreme heat conditions. Centers are located at the Palmdale City Library (700 E. Palmdale Blvd) and Legacy Commons for Active Seniors (930 E. Ave Q-9).

All residents are welcome to visit these locations to escape the heat and stay hydrated. Remember to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and those vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Stay cool and stay safe, Palmdale!

Sports News

🥎 Quartz Hill 12U Softball Takes District 51 Title

The Quartz Hill Little League 12U softball team brought home the District 51 championship after a dominant 16-4 win over Antelope Valley Little League. Their rful offense and tight teamwork earned them a spot in the Section 10 tournament, continuing their impressive postseason run. Go, Quartz Hill!

⚽ Mexico Edges USA in Gold Cup Final

It was another classic showdown between the U.S. and Mexico in last weekend’s CONCACAF Gold Cup final, with Mexico edging out Team USA 2-1 in a nail-biter at Houston's NRG Stadium. The U.S. took an early lead just minutes into the match, giving fans plenty to cheer about—but Mexico bounced back to tie it up before scoring the decisive goal late in the second half. The win marks Mexico’s 13th Gold Cup championship, keeping this fierce rivalry alive and well.

⚽ AV Alta FC

Current Standing: 2nd
Record: 7-4-3
Upcoming Games: 
AV Alta FC @ One Knoxville July 16 at 7 PM
FC Naples @ AV Alta FC July 19 at 8 PM
🔗 Get Tickets

Upcoming Events

🎶 Upcoming Summer Concerts

• The BLVD Summer Concert Series: Wild Side
  📍 Bandstand Stage, Ehrlich Avenue and The BLVD
  🕓 July 17th at 6 PM
  🔗 Event details 

• Dustin Lynch Concert
  📍 Palmdale Amphitheater
  🕓 July 19th at 8 PM
  🔗 Event details 

• Kool & the Gang
  📍 Palmdale Amphitheater
  🕓 July 19th at 8 PM
  🔗 Event details 

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

Other Events

• 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 at 6 PM - 10PM
  🔗 Event details & Tickets 

• 🐶 Splash into Summer at the Poolside Paw-ty for Pups!

  This free, tail-wagging event features pop-up dog pools, perfect for helping your pup beat the summer heat. It’s a fun and refreshing way to spend a summer evening with fellow dog lovers in Palmdale. Don’t forget your towels and treats!

  📍 Yellen Dog Park – 5100 E Avenue S, Palmdale, CA
  🗓️ Tuesday, July 15 | ⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM

Weekly Weather

📅 Sun, July 13 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 102° / Low: 73°
📅 Mon, July 14 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 102° / Low: 70°
📅 Tue, July 15 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 98° / Low: 67°
📅 Wed, July 16 – 💨 Windy & Mostly Sunny | High: 96° / Low: 68°
📅 Thu, July 17 – 💨 Windy & Sunny | High: 97° / Low: 69°
📅 Fri, July 18 – 💨 Windy & Sunny | High: 96° / Low: 66°
📅 Sat, July 19 – 🌞 Sunny | High: 97° / Low: 68°