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Find out about the best People, Places, Businesses and Events in Lancaster, Palmdale and all of the AV.  Visit our AV Best Award page to see last years best local companies.

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Wild Flowers in Full Bloom in the Valley

The first wet winter in years, and the sporadic showers that greeted the early spring, could mean a spectacular display of one of the Antelope Valley's natural treasures. The signature orange blooms of the California Poppy cover many of the rolling hills and feilds in the area. Its  not just poppys but wildflowers of all kinds that are are abundant this year.

Photos from Flickr

Explore Local history at the Palmdale Library

The area's early days were not forgotten when Palmdale had to merge it's libraries due to funding shortfalls.

The Local History Room was moved from the first floor to the second floor during the Palmdale City Library’s consolidation project last year in order to create space for a children’s computer room.

     “The Local History Room features an extensive collection of books, maps, and photographs donated by eminent Antelope Valley historian Fred Strasburg,” librarian Diane Hanville said. “The collection also includes books written by such local authors as Palmdale’s first mayor, Larry Chimbole, Grace Pickus, and Glen Settle.”

     “There are a number of local high school yearbooks, old Palmdale phonebooks, and some rare videos and DVDs on the history of Palmdale and the Antelope Valley as well,” said Hanville. “It truly is a great collection for serious researchers or for anyone with an interest in local history. A volunteer will be available to assist customers during its hours of operation.“

The Local History Room is now available to the public on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm.

Local Educators and Industry Leaders are Working to Prepare area Youth for Careers of Tomorrow

In an effort to provide a qualified workforce for the AVs growing high tech base, area leaders are working to bring targeted educational resources to the high desert.  Integrating both national and local programs, these efforts aim to prepare students for  jobs in the area's Aerospace, Renewable Energy, Medical and other industries. 

(NASA Photo / Tom Tschida)

At the K-12 level Project Lead the Way uses a curiculum designed to spur an early interest in Engineering and Medical careers. By encourageing a hands on approach students are sparked to follow paths leading to engineering careers. 

Robotics and rocketry programs are popular extra cirricular activities at all grade levels. In this photo members of Antelope Valley High School's "Robolopes" robotics team maneuver their robot "Kapu" during competition at the regional robotics meet.                 

Wrapped around the Project Lead the Way, other locally grown programs are  building on the local high tech base in Aerospace, Clean Energy and Material handling among others

While some of these programs are beginning to bear fruit there are still gaps at the higher learning level. Currently engineering and medical students must complete their education out of the area.  The Antelope Valley Board of Trade is looking to change that. heading an effort to bring a four year university to the High Desert

Welcome Home Discovery Mission STS-128!

Once again the shuttle Discovery is headed to Edwards AFB. Just want to welcome the craft and crew back to earth. We hope both the Astronuats and ground crew enjoy their stay here in the Antelope Valley. Even though your visits are infrequent and brief you guys are truly some of AVs Best.

Update10-01-09

While Shuttle Discovery has returned safely to Kennedy Space Center in Florida Astronaut Jose Hernandez has been sharing some stunning photos from the mission.

Here's a shot  of Danny in the payload during his first STS-128 spacewalk.

_{Photos Courtesy of NASA}

See more breathtaking  STS-128 Photos fromAstro_ Jose at Twitter

Nasa Site

Nasa TV

Update

Memorial Funds Set up for Fallen Heros as Officials seek Info

As life for most area residents gets back to normal some are left counting up their losses. While some lost property and possesions to the firestorm, for two families the losses go much deeper. Palmdale resident Arnie Quinones and Ted Hall of San Bernadino were killed when their vehicle lost control amid the smoke and fire.  Arnie's wife Lori, an eighth grade teacher at Hillview Middle School, is expecting their first child in a few weeks. 

A public Memorial service will be held at 10 am Saturday Sept. 12 at Dodger Stadium to honor the firefighters. Numerous memorial funds have been established to help the families. Many local businesses are also helping with donations or fundraisers. At Hillview Lori's co-workers have set up one such fund. Donations can be sent directly to the school or at any local Wells Fargo branch. Contributions should be made out to the Arnie Quinones Benefit Memorial Fund.  Others accepting donations include the Fire Family Foundation, LA County Firefighters Local1014 and even local Tattoo parlors as Arnie had a penchant for body art, proudly displaying a 9-11 on his back in support of the fallen heros from that horrific day

First Smoke, Then Fire as Station Fire Threatens Acton and The AV

There was an erie pall of smoke over the Antelope Valley Saturday as the Station Fire exploded in the Angeles National Forest. Although smoke laid heavily throughout the valley the fire was thought to be dozens of miles away.

La Canada, Altadena and remote areas of Sunland-Tujunga were under siege as the fire threatened the foothill communities and sent thousands to evacuation centers. Only three homes were reported lost but many more cabin/homes were destroyed Saturday in Big Tujunga Cyn.

As Sunday dawned it became clear that the conflagration was not over. The sky in the AV was mostly blue but to the south an ominous cloud was perched above Acton and fire officials prepared for the fight they know is coming. With the heat sure to be in the triple digits and humidity likely to be single digits it's sure to be one hell of a fight.

The calm before the storm was apparent around Crown Valley road this morning as resources were being readied and firefighters fueled up both their trucks and themselves.  As the fire trickled down the slopes of Mt Gleason crews  I spoke to seemed upbeat and felt prepared to do battle.

Evacuations are under way for many areas south of the 14 freeway near Acton and Agua Dulce. Displaced residents and animals are being housed at Highland HS and Marie Kerr Park in Palmdale.