City of Lancaster Furthers Partnership with International Company, US Topco Energy, Inc.
Press Conference
WHAT: City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris and representatives of U.S. TopCo will sign a Memorandum of Understanding and a Master Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), to further develop this public/private partnership, allowing for the development and construction of a number of solar energy facilities.
WHERE: Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse
42011 4th St. West
Lancaster, CA 93534
WHEN: Wednesday, July 20, 2011
11:00am
WHO: L.A. County Supervisor Michael Antonovich
City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris
City of Lancaster Council Members
City of Lancaster Deputy Mayor, Kit Yee Szeto
Mr. Joshua Chang, Chairman, US Topco Energy, Inc.
Mr. Chung-Chen Kung, Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles
Mr. Charles Lee, President, Topco Scientific Co., LTD.
Mr. Simon Chang, Chairman, PowerCom Co., LTD.
Mr. Jackson Torng, Chairman & CEO, Ligitek Photovoltaic Co., LTD.
Lancaster Deputy City Manager Jason Caudle
City of Lancaster to Begin Offering Farmers’ Markets on The BLVD this Thursday
The City of Lancaster announced today that The BLVD will now feature a weekly Farmers’ Market on Thursdays. In partnership with Raw Inspiration, a non-profit operator for California Certified Farmers’ Markets, the City is offering citizens yet another way to live healthier and be proactive about personal wellness.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is for our citizens to have access to fresh and affordable healthy foods,” stated Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “The addition of this farmers’ market on The BLVD gives everyone an opportunity to support local vendors, while making health-smart purchasing decisions. Conveniently located in the downtown area, this market will attract both residents and the business community.”
Beginning this Thursday, July 14th, and continuing every Thursday thereafter from 3pm to 8pm, the farmers’ market will take place on The BLVD between Date and Ehrlich. Fresh in-season produce and fruit will be available, as well as organic and prepared foods; arts and crafts; and flowers. In accordance with the City Council’s initiative to create a more health-conscious community, the farmers’ market is geared toward educating adults and children on how to improve their eating habits, fight obesity, practice proper nutrition, engage in an active lifestyle, and enhance overall well-being.
“Farmers’ markets are popular because they offer a wide variety of top-quality goods at low direct-sale prices,” said Lancaster Director of Parks, Recreation and Arts Bob Greene. “We wanted to partner with an experienced, reputable management company who will screen all vendors based upon high-quality, affordable products. Raw Inspiration fits these criteria, adding us as their 20th market location.”
Raw Inspiration’s mission is to educate children and adults on the importance of a healthy diet, especially the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables daily. To accomplish this mission, they have set up a program where growers can distribute their produce at neighborhood farmers’ markets.
“We are always eager to partner with like-minded organizations who understand the significance of growing a healthy happy community. Conceptually, a farmers’ market has always been our hope for The BLVD, and we look forward to this new venture,” added Mayor Parris. This is only the beginning of a local staple we plan to grow continuously. We encourage everyone to come out and support our new weekly market.
City of Lancaster Goes Online with Business License Renewals
The City of Lancaster now offers business license renewal capabilities on its website. As the City continues to expand its green initiatives while maximizing customer convenience options, one more avenue is provided to make doing business in Lancaster a breeze.
“This new feature enables existing business owners to renew their business licenses online,” stated Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “Many people now pay their bills from the comfort of their home via the internet, reducing the time and energy they spend on a necessary task. We’re glad to offer this convenient option to our citizens as well.”
Business owners will continue to receive their renewal notices in the mail. However, the paper bills will provide information on how the process to renew a business license and pay the fees due can be completed by visiting the City’s website at www.cityoflancasterca.org. Once at the site, proceed to “I Want To… Renew a Business License” or “Finance Department… Renew a Business License” and click on the link provided. Two pieces of information are required to complete the process online: 1) the business license account number and 2) the four-digit pin number (which is located on the paper renewal notice near the summary of charges at the top of the page). If this information has been lost or misplaced, the City of Lancaster Finance Department can be contacted at (661) 723-6237 for further assistance.
The business license online renewal system accepts both full and partial payments. Please note that although partial payments are allowed, business license certificates will not be issued until accounts are paid in full. Certificates are printed and mailed every Friday for all (paid in full) payments received by the previous Thursday. The online payment option is not available for renewing the following types of businesses: massage, group home, taxi or tow service. These businesses are excluded because they require additional steps for renewal processing, such as fingerprinting and background checks.
For additional information regarding utilizing the online business license renewal feature or to learn how to obtain a business license, please call the City of Lancaster Finance Department at (661) 723-6237.
PRESS CONFERENCE
WHAT: The City of Lancaster will recognize Lancaster’s Citizen of the Year, Dr. Jennifer Hill for her ongoing contributions to the community and efforts to better the lives of hundreds of people.
WHERE: Antelope Valley Outpatient Imaging Center
Conference Room 15, Fourth Floor
44105 15th Street West (J-5 & 15th W. intersection)
WHEN: Wednesday, July 6th, 1:30 pm
WHO: Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris
Edward Mirzabegian, CEO, Antelope Valley Hospital
Dr. Jennifer Hill, Lancaster Citizen of the Year
Lancaster City Council Members
Lancaster City Manager Mark V. Bozigian
Avoid “Carmageddon:” There’s Fun, Food, Entertainment and More in Palmdale!
With the impending traffic nightmare on the horizon for the Interstate 405 Sepulveda Pass Improvement Project scheduled for July 15 to 18, the City of Palmdale is encouraging its residents and Los Angeles area residents to take advantage of a weekend of fun, food and entertainment in Palmdale.
“Traffic is going to be tough around the I-405 and I-10 area,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford. “Authorities are advising people to avoid the area until the project is complete. We’re inviting everyone to take this opportunity to experience some of the summer fun and amenities we have to offer in Palmdale.”
Beginning on Thursday, July 14, the City of Palmdale has a full slate of activities and entertainment for people of all ages that will run the entire weekend. Those activities include:
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Thursday, July 14
Thursday Night on the Square — Poncitlán Square, 5:30 – 9 pm. An open-air market featuring specialty items and enticing food, free live music and activities for kids, this has been a community favorite for 11 years running. Each week features a different theme; July 14 is Sock It To Me, where kids can create a sock puppet, a baby sock chick and their own hacky sack. Music will be provided by Lorena Mackey & The Hi-Lites.
Friday, July 15
Jazz Night at Embassy Suites — Fourteen Restaurant & Bar, Embassy Suites Palmdale, 39375 5th St. West, Palmdale; 8 to 11 pm. Music by the Tony Capko Trio, featuring Herbie Kay on the sax. The Embassy Suites in Palmdale is an upscale, full-service, all-suites hotel. The Jazz Night environment is one of modern urban luxury with dim lights at night and romantic candlelight adorning tables. Relax in sophistication while sipping a delightfully handcrafted cocktail or enjoying a deliciously prepared meal from Fourteen Restaurant.
Sundown at DryTown — DryTown Water Park, 3850 E. Ave. S, Palmdale, 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Enjoy a beautiful desert summer evening at this six-acre Old West mining town-themed aquatic park that features a 925-foot lazy river, a 35-foot waterslide tower with three waterslides and splashdown pool, and a 6,000 square foot children’s water playground, including a 50 gallon Vortex Splash bucket, three water rings and two water cannons. Tickets are $7 for ages 9 and up, $5 for ages 3 through 8.
Saturday, July 16
DryTown Water Park — 3850 E. Ave. S, Palmdale, 10 am – 6 pm. Day use tickets range from $6 to $16. Info available at www.cityofpalmdale.org/drytown or by calling 661/267-6161.
Starlight Concert Series – “America-40th Anniversary Tour — 8 pm, Palmdale Amphitheater, 2723 Rancho Vista Blvd. Palmdale. 2010 marked the 40th Anniversary of perennial classic-rock favorite, America. Their best-known tunes – I Need You, Ventura Highway, A Horse With No Name, Don’t Cross The River, Tin Man, Lonely People, and Sister Golden Hair – were cornerstones of 1970s Top 40 and FM rock radio. Admission is $5 for age 13 and older; guests 12 and younger are admitted free, and parking is free. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Carry-in food, beverages, coolers, alcohol and pets are not permitted. Food will be available for purchase.
Sunday, July 17
Yard House Restaurant Grand Opening — Antelope Valley Mall, 1247 W. Ave. P, Palmdale. Enjoy Palmdale’s newest restaurant on its first day of operation! Upscale eatery with extensive selection of draft beers. Info: 661/274.9271. If Yard House is too crowded opening day, no worries: Restaurant Row at the Antelope Valley Mall also offers BJ’s Brewhouse and Restaurant, Famous Dave’s BBQ, Carino’s Italian, Chili’s, El Torito, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Fresco II Mediterranean, Claim Jumper, Denny’s, Chipotle, Carl’s Jr., Arby’s and Red Lobster. Restaurants across Palmdale including Steer n’ Stein, Inka Peruvian, Goldfish Japanese, Mana Asian, Tokyo Steak and more will satisfy every palate. For a list of restaurants in Palmdale, visit www.cityofpalmdale.org/visitors/restaurants.asp.
Accomodations
Palmdale is home to several outstanding hotels that offer exceptional service and accommodations. Embassy Suites Palmdale, featuring 150 suites, opened its doors at 39375 5th Street in April 2010. It contains some of the largest rooms of any hotel in Palmdale and is the tallest building in the Antelope Valley. The Hilton Garden Inn Palmdale is perfectly located at the Antelope Valley Regional Mall where it is convenient to all shopping, movies, and restaurants. The Palmdale Hotel and Holiday Inn recently underwent major upgrading and refurbishing, while the new Staybridge Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites provide comfortable suite options. For more information on lodging in Palmdale, please visit www.cityofpalmdale.org/visitors/index.html.
Nearby Attractions
Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42, 2001 E. Avenue P
Visitors may view a collection of aircraft flown, tested, designed, produced or modified at United States Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale. The Airpark currently includes 17 retired military aircraft on static display plus a 1/8 scale model of the B-2 Spirit, an AGM-28 Hound Dog Missile and various components from other aircraft. A B-52 and C-46 are also on display. Info: www.cityofpalmdale.org/airpark.
Devil’s Punchbowl, 28000 Devils Punch Bowl Rd., Pearblossom
A tilted sandstone county park within the Angeles National Forest on the northern slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains that features many fascinating and colorful rock formations. There are short trails within the park which showcase the geologic features along the Punchbowl and San Andreas Faults. Info: www.devils-punchbowl.com.
Rancho Vista Golf Club, 3905 Club Rancho Drive, Palmdale
Located in the heart of Palmdale, it provides guests with an exceptional golfing, dining and entertaining venue. The Ted Robinson designed 18-hole golf course offers a lush oasis perfectly complementing the surrounding desert landscape while the Clubhouse features a comfortable retreat for a quiet family dinner or celebrating special occasions. Info:www.ranchovistagolfcourse.com.
Shopping
Antelope Valley Mall, 1233 Rancho Vista Blvd., Palmdale.
The High Desert’s largest and finest shopping destination features about 140 stores. The anchors, Macy’s, Dillards, JC Penney, Sears and Forever 21 are complimented by Hollister Co., New York & Company, Lane Bryant, American Eagle Outfitters, Aéropostale, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Zumiez, Hot Topic, Frederick’s of Hollywood, Sephora, Old Navy and many more. Information: www.av-mall.com.
Cinema
A 16 screen Cinemark theater with “stadium style seating” theater opened in the north “ring road” which surrounds the Antelope Valley Mall. It is called “Restaurant Row’ due to the many restaurants located there.
For more information, call 661/267-5115.
During last night’s City Council meeting, Council Member Sherry Marquez unveiled the new City of Lancaster poster.
“This beautifully designed poster captures the rich history of Lancaster, showcasing several fun-filled, family friendly events within our community, while highlighting the city’s ongoing solar energy efforts,” said Marquez.
A brilliant blue sky and fields of blooming poppies provide a backdrop to images which include a nod to aerospace, the AV Fair, the Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix, and nightlife along The BLVD.
Copies of the poster are now available for purchase for $5 each, at the City Hall Parks & Recreation counter. For additional information, please contact the Parks department at 661-723-6077.
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