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🎄Sip, Shop, Celebrate: AV’s Weekend Buzz!

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AV Weekly
December 21, 2025

💌 Hey AV Fam! The holidays are in full swing, and the AV is alive with the magical, heartwarming vibe that comes with the season. The air is crisp, mugs of hot coffee are in hand, and the joy (and chaos) of last-minute shopping is all around. Kitchens are filled with the smell of cookies baked from grandma’s secret recipe, streets sparkle with lights, and laughter echoes from holiday gatherings. Between festive events, local news, and time spent with loved ones, there’s so much to see, do, and celebrate as we get ready to ring in the new year.

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

🚨 Top Stories: New Lancaster aquatics center; mobile home repair program opens.
🌹 Community News: Holiday $10 Metrolink passes; Desert Christian fields expansion.
🍴 AV Eats: The Kirin Hut: bold Chinese flavors, local favorite.
⚽ Sports News: AVC & high school basketball scores and highlights.
🎭 AV Happenings: Holiday celebrations, music, and festive fun.

Top Stories

💦 A Big Splash Is Coming to Lancaster

Credit: City of Lancaster

Lancaster is getting ready to dive into something exciting. A brand-new, state-of-the-art aquatics center is officially on the way, and it’s designed to serve the entire community.

The City of Lancaster is teaming up with the Antelope Valley Union High School District to build the Marvin E. Crist Aquatics Facility. It will be located in the center of the new Parkway Village area, near 10th Street West, between Avenue K-8 and Avenue K-15, just east of Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park.

Living in the high desert comes with heat, wind, and long summers. This new facility is being built with that in mind. The goal is simple. Create a place that helps residents stay active, cool off, and come together.

Plans for the aquatics center include something for everyone. Think Olympic-size competition swimming pools, a diving pool, a splash pad for kids, and plenty of space for recreation and training.

Beyond the pools, the facility is expected to include classrooms, meeting areas, and multi-purpose rooms. That means swim lessons, team practices, fitness programs, and community events all under one roof.

Starting in spring 2026, the City plans to host guided community outreach sessions. Residents will have a chance to share ideas and help shape the programs offered at the center.

This project is designed to bring people together, encourage healthy living, and give Lancaster a place the community can be proud of.

The City is moving full speed ahead and plans to design, build, and open the Marvin E. Crist Aquatics Facility by summer 2029.

Until then, consider this your official heads-up. A major splash is coming to Lancaster, and it’s one the whole valley can look forward to.

🏠 Need Help Fixing Up Your Mobile Home? Lancaster Can Help

Credit: Re/Max

If you live in a mobile or manufactured home and it could use some repairs, help may be closer than you think.

The City of Lancaster has partnered with Habitat LA to offer repair assistance for eligible homeowners. If your home is your primary residence and located within Lancaster city limits, you may qualify for this program.

Getting started is simple. Fill out the application online, submit the required ownership and income documents, and a site assessment will be scheduled to confirm what repairs are needed.

This program is designed for low-income Lancaster residents and focuses on one big goal: helping people live in safe, decent homes. If your home needs repairs, this could be a great opportunity.

Who can apply:

You may be eligible if you:

  • Own and live in a mobile or manufactured home within Lancaster city limits

  • Use the home as your primary residence

  • Are a low-income household at or below 80 percent of area median income

  • Have homeowner’s insurance or are willing to obtain it

  • Have not filed for bankruptcy in the past five years

Please note that recreational vehicles are not eligible.

Because of city boundary limits, homes located in Leisure Lake Mobile Estates, Quartz Hill Mobile Home Park, and Village Mobile Home Park are not eligible.

Here’s what to expect:

  1. Complete the initial screening and submit a full application

  2. Verify your household income

  3. Schedule a site assessment and submit contractor estimates

This program offers a repair loan with some big benefits:

  • Loans up to $150,000

  • Zero percent interest

  • Payments are deferred

If your home is on a non-permanent foundation and located in a mobile home park, the loan may be forgiven over time. Forgiveness begins at 10 percent per year starting in year 11 and is fully forgiven after 20 years of occupancy.

Questions?

Habitat LA is ready to help.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 310-323-4663 ext. 714

If your home needs repairs, this could be your sign to apply and get the support you deserve.

State & City Updates

⚖️ New California Laws in 2026: Big Changes Ahead

California is rolling out hundreds of new laws in 2026, but here are some of the most talked-about and controversial ones making headlines:

🔥 Major Consumer + Daily Life Changes

  • All plastic bags banned, even the thicker “reusable” ones.

  • Food delivery protections: guaranteed refunds for missing/wrong orders + mandatory human customer support.

  • Used car buyers can now return a vehicle within 3 days.

  • Streaming ads can no longer be louder than the show you’re watching.

🍽️ Food & Health

  • Corn tortillas must be fortified with folic acid to prevent birth defects.

  • Restaurants with 20+ locations must list major allergens directly on menus.

  • Insulin capped at $35/month for many health plans.

  • Toxic chemical hair relaxers banned.

🤖 AI & Online Safety

  • AI-generated content must be watermarked (starting Aug 2026).

  • Chatbots talking to minors must disclose they’re AI + block self-harm content.

  • Deepfake pornography carries major penalties up to $250,000.

🏫 Schools

  • All-gender restrooms required at every K–12 school.

  • Phone-free campus policies must be adopted by July.

  • Guaranteed CSU admission for eligible students meeting A–G requirements.

💼 Work & Housing

  • Minimum wage rises to $16.90/hr statewide.

  • Uber/Lyft drivers gain union rights while remaining contractors.

  • Landlords must provide stoves + refrigerators in new 2026 leases.

  • Higher-density housing allowed near transit, overriding some local zoning rules.

🔫 Crime & Safety

  • Gun storage laws tighten - all firearms must be locked up.

  • Statute of limitations for sexual assault lawsuits temporarily extended.

Want the full list of every law taking effect in 2026? 👉 Click here

Community News🎄

🚆 Holiday Deal Alert: Metrolink Drops a $10 Day Pass

Credit: Metrolink

If you’re planning to bounce around SoCal for the holidays, Metrolink just came through with a gift of its own. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, you can grab a $10 SoCal Day Pass and ride unlimited across Metrolink’s entire 545-mile network. Yep… Everywhere. All day. Ten bucks.

Whether you’re heading into LA for some lights, catching up with family, or taking a chill ride out to Redlands on the Arrow line, this is an easy win for holiday travel. Trains will be on a weekend schedule (heads up: the Riverside Line sits this one out), and Metrolink recommends checking your schedule before you head out.

A few pro tips:
• Buy the pass same-day on the app or at any station machine.
• Sign up for service alerts so nothing catches you off guard.
• Follow station signs and listen for onboard announcements.
• And don’t forget, your Metrolink ticket gets you free transfers to local transit like LA Metro.

If you’re looking for a smooth, no-stress way to get around this season, this might be your golden ticket. Safe travels, AV Fam ✨

🏈⚾ Desert Christian Plans New Football and Baseball Fields

Desert Christian High School is moving forward with plans to add new athletic fields at its Lancaster campus on 20th Street West. The project includes a football field and track in the first phase, followed by a baseball field at a later date. The Lancaster Planning Commission recently approved the expansion, which will support football, soccer, and track programs while keeping the scale and atmosphere focused on a local high school experience.

School leaders say the fields will use portable lighting and sound systems to limit evening activity, with only a small number of home games and events scheduled each year. Some nearby residents shared concerns about noise, lighting, and safety, and school officials responded by committing to taller fencing where allowed and ongoing communication with neighbors.

Supporters of the project noted that the expansion transforms unused land into a space that supports youth development and school pride, with an emphasis on being a good neighbor as the campus continues to grow.

AV EATS

🍜 The Kirin Hut - Your Go-To Spot for Chinese Favorites

Credit: Chance J.

Craving bold, flavorful Chinese food in Lancaster? The Kirin Hut delivers fresh, made-to-order dishes that keep locals coming back. Think Mongolian beef, orange chicken, and lo mein packed with flavor, all served in a cozy, friendly spot that feels like a neighborhood favorite.

Start with crispy spring rolls or hot & sour soup, then dig into Empress Chicken or BBQ Egg Foo Young. Don’t miss the snow pea shrimp or steamed veggies, they’re just as crave-worthy.

Swing by for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up! Whether you’re craving delicious flavors, a cozy spot to relax, or a quick bite between errands, they’ve got you covered.

📍Location: 4025 W Ave L Lancaster, CA 93536
🔗Learn More

Sports News

AVC College

🏀 Men’s Basketball
AVC 83 Vs. Rio Hondo 84
Record: 6-6

🏀 Women’s Basketball
AVC 62 Vs. Moorpark 78
Record: 4-7

🏫High School Sports

AV High Basketball Scores:
Antelope Valley 41 (0-12) Vs. Grace 45
Palmdale (5-7) 62 Vs. Quartz Hill (10-9) 77
Paraclete (3-8) Vs. Burroughs
Highland (5-7) 68 Vs. Lancaster (1-14) 34
Eastside (9-1) Vs. Blair
Littlerock (7-3) Vs. Saugus
Rosamond (5-7) 39 Vs. California City 59
Knight (11-2) 70 Vs. Basic 47

Event Spotlight

🎄 MERRY CHRISTMAS! From All of Us Here at AV Weekly

As the year comes to a close, we would like to express our gratitude for this amazing community.

It has been a big year for the Antelope Valley, and we’re proud to help share both the important updates and the feel-good stories that matter most to our neighbors.

This newsletter started as a passion project we worked on in our free time, and 2025 marked our very first year bringing AV stories straight to your inbox.

Every note, message, and email you send each week letting us know how much you love the newsletter truly means the world to us. Your support is what keeps this going.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and being part of this journey with us.

We’re excited for what the new year holds and can’t wait to continue growing with the AV.

Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, joyful, and peaceful Christmas!🎄

Upcoming Events

🎶 Concerts & Live Events 🎤

  • Santana Magic: The Ultimate Santana Tribute - Dec 24

    📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
    🕓 8PM
    🔗 Event details

  • NYE Decades Night DJ Night with DJ Bootleg & DJ Wabbit - Dec 31

    📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
    🕓 9:30PM
    🔗 Event details

  • AV New Year Turn Up (Av Compton, Bino Rideaux & Chef Boy) - Jan 2

    📍 45000 Valley Central Way, Lancaster
    🕓 9PM
    🔗 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

📅 More Events

  • Family Game Night - Dec 23

    ⏰ 4PM - 7PM
    🔗 Event details

  • AV Annual Toy Drive - Dec 23

    ⏰ 4PM - 8PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Christmas Eve Bingo - Dec 24

    ⏰ 9AM
    🔗 Event details

  • Holiday Mystery Painting - Dec 27

    ⏰ 6PM - 8:30PM
    🔗 Event details

  • The Fulcos New Year’s Eve at Big Shotz! - Dec 31

    ⏰ 5PM
    🔗 Event details

  • NYE Party w/ DJ Sunil at Zelda’s 750 West! - Dec 31

    ⏰ 6:30 PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Justice Sunday - Jan 18

    ⏰ 4PM
    🔗 Event details

  • Heartsounds Gala 2026 - Feb 21

    ⏰ 5:30PM - 11PM
    🔗 Event details

📅 Recurring Events

  • Dinner with New Friends

    📍 Prime Desert Woodland Preserve

    📅 Every Saturday | 7PM
    🔗 Event details 

  • Movers & Shakers - Senior Walking Club (Starting Jan 2026)

    📍 Prime Desert Woodland Preserve

    📅 Every Wednesday | 9AM
    🔗 Event details 

  • MOAH: CEDAR's Live Figure Drawing Sessions (Advanced - Clothed)

    📍 MOAH: CEDAR - 44857 Cedar Ave, Lancaster, CA 93534

    📅 Every Sunday | 3:30PM or 1PM
    🔗 Event details 

  • Spotlight Cafe - Open Mic Night 
    📍 MOAH: CEDAR - 44857 Cedar Ave, Lancaster, CA 93534

    📅 Every Friday | 5PM - 9PM
    ℹ️ Description: Show off your skills! Enjoy a night out where poets, singers, comedians, and performers of all kinds take the stage for an unforgettable night of creativity.
    🔗 Event details 

  • Friday Night Lights at Rancho Vista
    📍 Location: Rancho Vista Golf Course
    📅 Date & Time: Fridays | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    ℹ️ Description: Join the community for Friday Night Lights at Rancho Vista, where you can swing the night away at the driving range while enjoying live music, laughs, and fresh air. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just in it for the fun, this event is all about chill energy and great company.
    🔗 Event details 

  • Sunday’s Jazz & Champagne Brunch at Bloom Ranch 
    📍 Bloom Ranch, 31880 Aliso Canyon Rd, Acton

    📅 Every Sundays | Two seatings: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM or 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
    ℹ️ Description: Spend your Sunday surrounded by music, food, and fresh country air at Bloom Ranch of Acton
    🔗 Event details 

  • Turf Club Bingo

    📍 AV Fairgrounds
    🕓 Wed - Sat (9am Wed, 3pm Thu, 4pm Fri & Sat)
    ℹ️ Description: Get ready to shout “Bingo!” at the Turf Club!
    🔗 Event details 

  • Board Game Night
    📍 Lucky Luke Brewing Company | 610 W Ave O, Ste 14 Palmdale, CA 93551
    🕙 Every Tuesday from 4 PM to 7:30 PM
    ℹ️ Description: Tuesdays Game Night! Borrow or Bring your own board game! Free Entry.
    🔗 Event Details

🚸 Youth Events, Sports & Recreation

  • Young Champions Karate: Orange Belts & Above (Ages 4-18 | Co-Ed)

    📅 Tuesdays until January 13th, 2026
    🕔 6:55PM - 7:35PM
    🔗 Registration

  • Photos With Santa - Dec 15

    📅 Dec 15 - 24th
    🕔 5PM
    🔗 Details

  • Holiday Magic at the Square - Dec 19

    📅 Dec 19
    🕔 4PM - 7PM
    🔗 Details

  • The Jungle Book Live - Feb 6

    📅 Feb 6
    🕔 7PM
    🔗 Registration

🧑‍🌾 Weekly Farmers Markets

  • Palmdale Farmers Market
    📍 Fridays | 3850 E Avenue S, Palmdale, CA 93550

    🕓 4 PM to 8 PM
    🔗 More details

  • AV Winery Farmers Market
    📍 Saturdays | Antelope Valley Winery - 42041 20th St W Lancaster, CA
    ☃️ Winter Market: Starts Second Saturday of the month (December – April)

    🕓 12 PM - 3PM
    🔗 More details

Weekly Weather

📅 Sun, Dec 21 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 67° / Low: 44°
📅 Mon, Dec 22 – 🌤️ Partly Sunny | High: 65° / Low: 41°
📅 Tue, Dec 23 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 64° / Low: 38°
📅 Wed, Dec 24 – 🌤️ Partly Cloudy | High: 63° / Low: 37°
📅 Thu, Dec 25 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny (Christmas Day) | High: 64° / Low: 39°
📅 Fri, Dec 26 – ☁️ Mostly Cloudy | High: 62° / Low: 40°
📅 Sat, Dec 27 – 🌤️ Partly Sunny | High: 61° / Low: 39°
📅 Sun, Dec 28 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 62° / Low: 38°

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Thanks

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