Disasters don't wait for a convenient moment — and neither should your preparation. The City of Lancaster, California, is urging residents to take emergency readiness seriously before the next crisis strikes, starting with two simple priorities: building an Emergency Kit and creating a Family Plan.

The city's guidance pays particular attention to storm and flood risks, which are easy to underestimate in a desert region. Even six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and Southern California's drought-hardened soil often can't absorb heavy rainfall fast enough, making flash flooding and mudslides a real threat — especially across the flat terrain of the Antelope Valley.

The good news: most Los Angeles County Fire Stations offer free sandbags and instructional materials to help protect your property now, before the next big storm arrives.

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for Alert Lancaster, the city's real-time emergency notification system, so critical updates reach your family the moment they're needed.

Downloadable resources — including a Disaster Kit Checklist, a 12-Month Preparedness Plan, and a Family Plan — are available directly from the city to help every household get ready, step by step.

T. rex ran hot — and scientists finally have the numbers to prove it. Researchers at UCLA have directly measured the body temperature of a Tyrannosaurus rex for the first time, and the result is surprisingly familiar: about 97 degrees Fahrenheit, nearly identical to the average human.

The findings, published in Science Advances, came from analyzing chemical bonds between rare carbon and oxygen isotopes preserved in tooth enamel. Scientists tested small portions of two teeth from Thomas the T. rex, one of the most complete tyrannosaur skeletons housed at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

UCLA geobiologist Robert Eagle noted the striking similarity to human body temperature, while senior author and isotope geochemist Aradhna Tripati emphasized just how much remained unknown about such a famous creature. "The teeth tell us T. rex was warmer than the environment around it," she said.

The team spent more than a decade refining their technique so it required only a few milligrams of fossil material. The discovery supports the idea that T. rex was an active, warm-blooded predator — not a sluggish reptile — and could have survived in colder environments, including parts of ancient Alaska.

Drivers in Southern California are feeling a prolonged and painful squeeze at the pump. The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County climbed for the 30th consecutive day, reaching $6.135 — its highest level since late May. That marks a jump of nearly 50 cents over just one month.

Orange County told a similar story, with prices hitting $6.115 per gallon after an identical 30-day streak of increases. Both counties have seen prices surge by roughly $1.44 to $1.48 since the start of the joint U.S./Israel war on Iran in late February, an event that sent oil markets into a sharp upward spiral.

The pain isn't limited to California. The national average rose to $4.438 per gallon — up more than 36 cents in under three weeks and $1.24 higher than a year ago. According to Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy, it is the highest national average ever recorded this late in the calendar year.

With no clear relief in sight, analysts and everyday commuters alike are watching the numbers climb with growing concern.

Antelope Valley sits in the western Mojave Desert and hides some genuinely strange stories beneath its wide, flat horizon.

• No more antelopes: The valley was named for the pronghorn antelope that once roamed it in huge numbers, but pronghorn had vanished from the area by the early 20th century due to overhunting and habitat loss — meaning the region's most famous namesake animal has been locally extinct for over a century.
• A record-breaking aerospace backdrop: Edwards Air Force Base, located on the valley's dry lakebed, is where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in 1947, and it later served as the primary landing site for NASA's Space Shuttle orbiters — making this remote desert one of the most consequential patches of ground in aviation history.
• California's poppy capital — by law: The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve protects the state flower, and picking poppies there is illegal under California law — a rule many visitors are surprised to discover applies even to a single bloom.
• Underground water mystery: The valley sits above a vast groundwater basin that has been so heavily pumped for agriculture and development that the land surface itself has measurably subsided — sinking several feet in certain areas over recent decades, detectable by satellite.
• A forgotten rail hub: Lancaster was once a stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad's "Mojave Branch," and the line played a pivotal role in opening up this high desert to settlers in the 1870s, predating by decades the aerospace boom that most people associate with the valley's growth.

The Federal Reserve has raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time since 2023, lifting it to roughly 3.9 percent — with another hike potentially on the way. The move comes as inflation remains stubbornly high, driven in part by surging oil prices and sweeping tariffs.

For everyday Americans, the ripple effects are broad. Mortgage rates have already hit an average of 7 percent, a level one economist is calling the "new normal." Credit card rates are expected to tick up within months, and auto loans — already averaging 7 percent for new cars — could climb further.

The silver lining: savings accounts and CDs should offer better returns. Experts caution that a single quarter-point hike isn't dramatic on its own, but warn that stacked increases over time could meaningfully squeeze household budgets that already have little margin for error.

Over 300 animals were allegedly kept in inhumane and unsanitary conditions, including animals suffering from severe injuries and starvation

LANCASTER, Calif. — A 57-year-old Lake Hughes woman who operated animal rescue Rock ‘N’ Pawz was charged today with 35 felonies and misdemeanors after allegedly keeping more than 300 animals in inhumane and unsanitary conditions, including animals suffering from dehydration, severe injuries and starvation. She is also accused of violating multiple county codes, including operating an animal kennel without required land-use approval, maintaining unsanitary conditions and having structures with unpermitted construction, plumbing, electrical and grading work.

“For someone who calls herself an animal rescuer, there’s a fundamental responsibility to protect and care for the animals entrusted to her,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “Instead, purported rescuer Christine De Anda allegedly left these animals to suffer or die from starvation, dehydration, untreated injuries and painful urine and fecal burns in filthy conditions. After repeated citations and warnings, Ms. De Anda continued taking in animals she could not care for, leaving hundreds to endure prolonged suffering. These animal victims cannot speak for themselves and look to us to protect them. My office will hold their victimizer fully accountable for her inhumane actions.”

Christine De Anda (dob 1/6/1969) is charged with 12 felony counts of cruelty to an animal, two felony counts of grand theft of labor and 21 misdemeanor counts, including three misdemeanor counts of cruelty to an animal in case 26AVCF01162.

The remaining misdemeanor charges include:

• Twelve counts of code enforcement violations
• Two counts of failure to care for an animal
• One count of failure to provide food and water
• One count of injurious conditions
• One count of unsanitary conditions in enclosures
• One count of operating the kennel without a license

The case was filed for warrant. De Anda’s arraignment will be set for a later date at the Antelope Valley Courthouse. Prosecutors have requested her bail be set at $914,500.

Over several years, De Anda allegedly continued to take in an increasing number of animals — mainly dogs, but also cats, a pig, rabbit, goose and two goats — despite being unable to care for them.

Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control had issued De Anda citations and warnings over several years concerning conditions at the property and the number of animals she was keeping. Despite those warnings, De Anda allegedly continued operating her rescue and taking in additional animals.

The animals were discovered on March 20, 2026, when Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control executed a search warrant at the property after it was signed by a judge. Numerous County agencies participated in the search. More than 300 animals were found on the Lake Hughes property amid filthy and unsanitary conditions, including animals with alleged severe injuries consistent with longstanding neglect. Many of the animals had low Purina Body Condition Scores, indicating low or emaciated body weight. One cat found deceased on the property had suffered starvation and dehydration, according to the investigation.

“This was the largest companion animal search warrant and rescue operation ever conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC),” DACC Director Marcia Mayeda said. “More than 300 animals were removed from severely inhumane conditions. Animals were living in and saturated with their own excrement, had serious untreated illnesses and injuries, were emaciated, and were forced to live in small crates without adequate room to properly lie comfortably. Our teams have worked tirelessly to stabilize them, provide the medical care they needed, and help them recover.

“Sadly, despite all efforts, we were unable to save every animal due to the extent of their illnesses and injuries. DACC is deeply grateful for the support of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, Pasadena Humane and Kern County Animal Services for assisting us with this rescue and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for its commitment to pursuing justice for these animals.”

If convicted as charged, De Anda faces up to 24.5 years in state prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jessica Palasik of the Antelope Valley Branch Office, a designated animal cruelty prosecutor, and Deputy District Attorney Nichol Walgren of the Environmental Crimes Division/Code Enforcement Section. The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control, Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation.

Day Trip of the Week: Santa Paula

If you’re looking for a day trip that works for both adults and kids, Santa Paula is a strong pick. It has aviation, agriculture, art, history, parks, and a walkable downtown — enough variety that everyone can find something they enjoy.

A great place to start is the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula. On the first Sunday of each month, the museum opens its “Chain of Hangars,” where visitors can see antique, classic, and experimental aircraft, race cars, motorcycles, aviation memorabilia, and other collections. The museum is designed to be educational for adults and children, and the first-Sunday event is free.

Another excellent family stop is the Agriculture Museum, located in a historic mill building. It focuses on Ventura County’s farming history and includes vintage tractors, hands-on exhibits, and activities that are especially good for younger visitors. Admission is currently free, and the museum is open Sundays from 11 AM to 5 PM.

For families that want some outdoor time, Steckel Park is just outside town and offers picnic areas, a playground, creek access, and plenty of room to relax.

Adults may also enjoy browsing downtown, stopping for lunch, checking out local murals, or visiting the Santa Paula Art Museum, which features rotating exhibitions and offers family programming.

Drive time from the AV: Roughly 1½ to 2 hours, depending on where you start.

Best for: Families, grandparents, aviation fans, history lovers, art lovers, and anyone who wants a full day with several different activities.

Local Insider Take: Santa Paula works because it doesn’t feel like a one-stop trip. You can mix airplanes, tractors, art, lunch, and a park into one day and keep both adults and kids interested.

Katz-N Jammers

This week’s sponsor spotlight takes us to Katz-N Jammers, one of Lancaster’s classic hometown diner experiences and a local favorite for breakfast, lunch, coffee, shakes, and comfort food.

Katz-N Jammers is not trying to be a trendy chain café, and that is exactly the point. This is a true 50s-style diner with retro charm, friendly service, and the kind of neighborhood atmosphere that makes people feel like regulars even on their first visit. From the vintage memorabilia and hanging records to the working jukebox and old-school diner feel, Katz-N Jammers gives guests a little nostalgia with every meal.

The restaurant has built a strong reputation with locals, earning a 4.6-star rating from more than 1,000 customers. Guests consistently praise the hardworking staff, large portions, quick service, and welcoming environment. It is the kind of place where breakfast feels homemade, the coffee keeps coming, and the staff makes you feel like they are genuinely glad you stopped in.

Menu favorites include biscuits and gravy, John Wayne steak and eggs, crispy hash browns, perfectly cooked eggs, French toast, bacon, and hearty breakfast plates. Katz-N Jammers is also known for fun specialty drinks like the Lime Ricki, old-fashioned sodas, and milkshakes that fit the retro diner theme perfectly.

For families, regulars, and first-timers alike, Katz-N Jammers delivers what chain coffee shops and corporate breakfast spots often miss: personality, community, and real local hospitality.

Local Bites Take:
Katz-N Jammers is a Lancaster classic worth supporting. With big portions, friendly service, a fun 50s diner atmosphere, and breakfast favorites that keep locals coming back, it remains one of the AV’s standout neighborhood dining spots.

44801 Beech Ave

Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-6646
Hours: Mon - Sun 7AM - 2PM

California State Prison–Los Angeles County (LAC) in Lancaster marked Suicide Awareness Month this September with a trio of staff-led events designed to foster mental health awareness, solidarity, and open conversation about seeking help.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, employees across departments — from accounting to mental health offices — decorated their workspace doors with uplifting messages, wellness themes, and encouraging visuals. The displays turned everyday corridors into reminders that support is always available and that asking for help is a sign of strength.

A spirited Twin Day saw staff pair up in matching outfits, many sporting custom T-shirts featuring their warden and chief deputy warden. The shared laughter and visible unity helped break down barriers and spark honest conversations about mental wellness in the workplace.

The month also included LAC's first-ever Suicide Awareness 5K run, where employees walked and ran in honor of loved ones lost to suicide. The event blended remembrance with resilience, with each step representing a collective commitment to prevention and hope.

Together, the three events set a meaningful precedent — building a workplace culture where compassion is visible, connection is celebrated, and no one stands alone.

Lancaster, California is making a bold push to strengthen community life through a suite of programs and facilities designed to serve residents of all ages and backgrounds.

At the heart of it all is the new Lancaster Community Center, a gathering hub featuring a makerspace, kitchen, and computer lab — built to bring neighbors closer together.

Spread across residential neighborhoods, Lancaster's Community Homes offer localized access to services under three focused categories: Neighborhood Impact, Neighborhood Health, and A Place In Time, each tackling real barriers families face every day.

Younger residents aren't left out. After School Enrichment Centers provide homework help, peer interaction, and recreational activities, while Summer and Winter Day Camps take kids on weekly excursions to destinations like Universal Studios, Six Flags, and the Natural History Museum — with sibling discounts available.

On the social services front, Lancaster is taking a multi-faceted approach to homelessness prevention, anchored by the new Kensington Campus, a community-specific homelessness plan, and key local partnerships.

Christian Bale has transformed a deeply personal concern into a real-world lifeline for vulnerable children. The Oscar-winning actor recently celebrated the opening of Together California, a purpose-built foster care village in Palmdale, California, designed to solve one of the system's most heartbreaking failures: siblings being separated when they enter care.

The nearly five-acre campus features 12 furnished housing units across roughly 11,000 square feet, configured to feel like genuine family homes rather than institutional placements. On-site counseling, case management, educational support, and caregiver training round out the offering.

Bale and his wife were moved to act after becoming parents themselves, prompting a closer look at how California handles sibling placement — and how poorly it often goes. They partnered with child welfare professionals, a physician co-founder, and local county supervisors to secure the Palmdale site, with multi-million-dollar philanthropic contributions making construction possible.

The timing is significant: Los Angeles County carries the largest foster care population in the nation, and advocates argue that keeping siblings together dramatically reduces long-term psychological harm and improves outcomes in school and behavior.

Organizers hope the village becomes a replicable model for other regions — a quiet but ambitious bid to change how America cares for its most vulnerable kids.

California's SuperLotto Plus jackpot is climbing after no ticket matched all six numbers in the latest drawing, pushing the estimated prize to $56 million for the next Saturday draw.

Wednesday night's winning numbers — 26, 28, 33, 35, 41, with a Mega number of 16 — did produce two near-miss winners. One ticket was sold at a gas station in Palmdale and another at a liquor store in Sacramento, each matching five numbers but missing the Mega number.

Those two tickets are each worth $21,114, according to the California Lottery. While a solid consolation prize, both players will no doubt be wondering what might have been.

With the jackpot now swelling to eight figures, Saturday's drawing is shaping up to be one worth watching — all it takes is one lucky ticket to walk away with millions.

Palmdale, California is looking for civic-minded volunteers to fill two advisory board vacancies — and both application deadlines fall on Thursday, October 1.

The first opening is a single public seat on the Mobile Home Park Rental Review Board, a two-year term running through June 2028.

Members evaluate special rent increase requests, vote on whether to approve them, and advise the City Council on how the city enforces its mobile home space rent control ordinance. Candidates must live within Palmdale city limits, have no financial ties to a mobile home park, and bring a basic grasp of business accounting concepts like depreciation and profit-and-loss statements.

The second seat is a trustee position representing Palmdale on the Antelope Valley Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control District, a five-member board focused on mosquito control and public health spending. Candidates must be registered voters residing within both Palmdale and the district's boundaries.

Both roles come with a modest per-meeting stipend and require candidates to clear a background check. Applications can be submitted online, by email, or in person at the City Clerk's Office before the 6 p.m. deadline.

Lancaster's veterans community has something worth celebrating. The Antelope Valley Veterans Administration Clinic in Lancaster, California, marked its first anniversary with a ceremony attended by veterans, local dignitaries, and the Marine Corps League Color Guard.

The clinic, which opened in August 2025, spans nearly 21,000 square feet — twice the size of the facility it replaced. Lancaster City Councilmember Cedric White joined the celebration, underscoring the community's commitment to serving those who served.

In just one year, the expanded clinic has become a significant resource for Antelope Valley veterans seeking accessible, quality care closer to home.