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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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PWD Fails in Attempt to Impose News Blackout

Palmdale Water District Manager Randy Hill has come under fire for his threat to fire anyone who leaks news to the AVPress. The district is reportedly near bankrupcy according to the newspaper. This information is based on memos written by Hill to employees of PWD.

Just as the leaders in Iran could not quell the facts in their recent election, the water district manager can't impose a news blackout of his agency. 

Regional Championship a Big Success at Lancaster Soccer Center

Update!

Lancaster National Soccer Center played host this week to US Youth Soccer's Far West Regional Championships. Upwards of 5000 players from all over the west were in the competition. Spectators came out and enjoyed the great weather and some of the best soccer in the west.

Check out the final reports on both the girls and boys championship games.

All in all a great time was had by all. We'd like to thank all the participants, the LNSC and the city of Lancaster for putting on a great show!  Lets hope next years is even better.

248 teams from 14 western states fought for regional championships among the 16 divisions of boys and girls ages 12 to 19. Congratulations to the winners who will advance to the national championships in July.

Find out the latest news and information at these links:

• Region IV homepage
• Schedule
• Lancaster National Soccer Center
• New! Flickr Photo set

Pamdale Mayor Challenges State Lawmakers to do Thier Job

Quit raiding our local budgets!

Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford issued a video plea to the state to show responsibility and quit raiding local coffers. In this video he likens the state governments money grabs to the movie "Groundhog Day". 
 

 The local governments are all under increasing pressure from all sides in balancing thier budgets. As shown in the video Palmdale has made some tough decisions while maintaining vital services.

The 2010 Lancaster budget has also been trimmed substancially. The cuts focus on non-essential services while emphsizing growth. This prompted Mayor Parris and others on the city council to commend city managers for a job well done.

Summer's just around the corner in the AV.  Here's some ideas on how to keep cool. So far we've had only mildly hot temputures but in the next few weeks broiling heat will become the norm.

How do you beat the heat? Finding a cool spot to hang out is not hard,  if you know where to look. If your idea of cool involves water, our local public pools are a good place to start. I prefer a mountain stream or lake. Littlerock Dam & Big Rock Creek will allow you to cool off in a more natural setting.

Local libraries, recreation centers and other indoor events are good if you want to beat the heat without taking the plunge. There are numerous programs throughout the valley and surrounding areas to keep your kids entertained in air conditioned comfort.

Malls, roller rinks and bowling centers offer another way to get out of the sun. Many Churches have summer programs for young and old to refresh both your body and soul.

What do you do to keep cool around the Antelope Valley? Let us know your favorite way to keep from scorching in the desert heat.

What to do about the Flu?

As Flu Pandemic fears sweep the world many Antelope Valley residents are wondering how to protect themselves. Although there have been no cases reported in the AV, local officials are busy setting public health measures in motion just in case.

For most residents normal good hygine and caution will help prevent infection. Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and washing hands often  will go a long way toward helping to prevent this or other strains of the flu from spreading. Schools and businesses are asking sick people to stay home and anyone becoming ill after returning from Mexico should see a doctor as soon as possible.

If the current strain spreads locally you can expect to see more severe measures such as cancelation of public events or even schools. It remains to be seen if containment efforts will succeed. If not, this could become a serious pandemic.