A fast-moving wildfire has scorched more than 2,690 acres near the Los Angeles–San Bernardino county line, Antelope Valley, prompting evacuations and warnings across two counties as firefighters work to gain any foothold against the blaze.

The Summit Fire broke out Friday afternoon near Jesus Canyon Road East and Avenue Z in Llano, first reported at roughly 300 acres before rapidly expanding. By Saturday afternoon, containment remained at zero percent, with evacuations active in two zones and warnings stretching across seven areas of Los Angeles County and three in San Bernardino County.

Cooler overnight temperatures gave crews a brief window to strengthen defensive lines and slow the fire's spread. "Growth is moderating. We're taking advantage of lower temperatures today to make some progress," San Bernardino Fire Department Captain Eric Sherwin said Saturday, adding that officials hoped to post containment numbers by sunset.

Despite that cautious optimism, the forecast remained grim. Temperatures near 100 degrees, single-digit humidity, and gusty ridgetop winds were expected to persist, conditions officials warned could fuel rapid fire growth and erratic behavior.

No injuries have been reported, but crews on the ground confirmed that some outbuildings have been damaged or destroyed, with occupied structures still threatened. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The situation is not isolated. Elsewhere in California, an evacuation order is also in place for the Elephant Fire, a roughly 200-acre blaze burning east of Loyalton in Sierra and Lassen Counties, underscoring how broadly the state is being tested by dangerous fire conditions this season.

Authorities urge residents in affected zones to monitor evacuation orders closely and be ready to move at a moment's notice.

Heads up, beach-goers: Los Angeles County public health officials have issued swimming warnings for seven local beaches after routine water testing revealed bacteria levels exceeding state health standards.

The affected locations span a wide stretch of the Southern California coastline. Will Rogers State Beach is under warning near the Pulga storm drain, while Paradise Cove in Malibu has an advisory near Ramirez Creek. Also on the list are the popular Santa Monica Pier area and Topanga County Beach near its storm drain and lagoon, along with Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu.

Two additional spots — Mother's Beach in Marina del Rey and Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro — are under warning for their entire swim areas, meaning visitors are urged to stay out of the water altogether at those locations.

The LA County Department of Public Health conducts weekly water sampling at beaches throughout the county year-round. When bacteria levels climb above state health thresholds, officials issue public warnings, as getting in the water under those conditions can cause illness.

On a slightly brighter note, a previously issued warning for Redondo Beach Pier was lifted after testing confirmed that water quality there has returned to acceptable standards.

Bacteria spikes near beaches are often linked to storm drain runoff and creek outflows — several of this week's warnings are centered precisely around those points. Swimmers and families planning a trip to the coast are encouraged to check conditions before heading out, as warnings can change week to week.

For real-time updates on beach closures and advisories, LA County operates a 24-hour beach closure hotline, and the Department of Public Health maintains an online resource with current water quality information. Both are worth a quick check before your next visit to the shore.

LA County Investigates Seventh Measles Case of the Year, Possible Exposure at LAX

Los Angeles County public health officials are investigating the county’s seventh confirmed measles case of the year and are warning that some members of the public may have been exposed earlier this month at LAX and other locations.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the infected traveler arrived at Tom Bradley International Terminal B, Gate 155 on British Airways Flight 281 on July 3.

Health officials said passengers seated near the infected traveler will be contacted by their local health departments in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Anyone who was at Terminal B, Gate 155 on July 3 between 3 PM and 4 PM may have been exposed.

Officials also said possible exposure may have occurred on the Hertz Car Rental Shuttle from LAX between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM that same day.

A possible exposure also occurred at an unnamed healthcare facility. Public health officials said that facility is directly notifying patients and staff who may have been affected.

People who were at any of the listed locations could develop symptoms 7 to 21 days after exposure, according to the health department.

This marks the seventh confirmed measles case in Los Angeles County this year. Two other recent cases were reported in June, including one involving a person at Hollywood Burbank Airport and another at LAX.

Health officials encourage anyone who believes they may have been exposed to check their vaccination status and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.

Palmdale Water District has released its latest Consumer Confidence Report, confirming that the water delivered to customers met all federal and state quality standards based on testing conducted in 2025.

The annual report — required by the California State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water and due each July 1 — details where the district's water comes from, what it contains, and how it stacks up against strict regulatory benchmarks.

To produce safe drinking water, the district completed more than 15,000 tests covering over 80 regulated contaminants throughout the year. Operations Manager Joe Marcinko called it a point of pride, noting the team works around the clock to transform raw water resources into drinking water that meets or exceeds the standards set for public safety.

The report features an easy-to-read Water Quality Data Chart organized into two categories. Primary standards address contaminants that could be immediately harmful or pose long-term health risks. Secondary standards cover aesthetic qualities such as taste, odor, color, mineral content, and turbidity — the things customers notice most day to day.

Beyond water quality data, the report outlines Palmdale Water District's four sources of supply: the State Water Project, Littlerock Dam, groundwater wells, and recycled water, along with a breakdown of how much each source contributed in 2025.

The district, which has served the Palmdale region since 1918, makes the full report available in both English and Spanish — digitally and in print — so that all customers can easily access and understand the information.

For those who want to dig into the details or simply confirm what's flowing from their tap, the Consumer Confidence Report is a useful, transparent snapshot of the work happening behind the scenes every single day to keep local water safe and reliable.

This week’s issue is sponsored by Zero Degrees Custard & Ice, a sweet local stop on Lancaster BLVD serving up frozen custard, Italian ice, ice cream treats, and refreshing dessert favorites.

Located at 711 W Lancaster Blvd in Lancaster, Zero Degrees has the feel of a nostalgic soda fountain with a modern dessert-shop twist. It is the kind of place that works for a hot afternoon treat, a family stop after dinner, or a casual meetup when you want something cold, sweet, and a little different from the usual ice cream run.

Customers regularly praise Zero Degrees for its rich custard, flavorful Italian ice, friendly service, and welcoming atmosphere. With a 4.7-star rating from more than 150 reviews, it has quickly become a favorite for locals looking for a dessert spot with personality.

One of the things that stands out is the variety. Guests can enjoy frozen custard, Italian ice, swirl combinations, ice cream tacos, and rotating flavors. Popular customer favorites include Frozen Custards with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, the Ice Cream Taco, the Berry Swirl Frozen Custard, and the vanilla custard with peach Italian ice combo.

Zero Degrees also offers non-dairy options, making it a good pick for families or groups with different dessert preferences.

The owner, Pat, is often mentioned by customers for being friendly, professional, and generous with samples, giving guests a chance to explore different flavors before choosing their favorite.

Whether you are cooling down on a summer day, treating the kids, celebrating a birthday, or just looking for something fun after dinner, Zero Degrees Custard & Ice is worth a stop.

Location: 711 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA
Phone: 661-400-9723
Hours: 12 PM – 8 PM

Known for: Frozen custard, Italian ice, swirl combos, ice cream tacos, and friendly service
Good for: Families, dessert runs, summer treats, birthday stops, and casual outings on The BLVD

Local Insider Take: If you are walking The BLVD and want something cold, sweet, and locally loved, Zero Degrees is an easy yes.

Sometimes the most important stories are the ones that almost slip through the cracks. A report out of Los Angeles County highlights a remarkable achievement: over 120 foster youth reaching a major educational milestone — high school graduation.

Foster youth face some of the most significant barriers to academic success of any student population. Frequent moves between placements, instability at home, and gaps in support systems can make simply staying enrolled a daily challenge, let alone crossing the graduation stage.

That is what makes this recognition so meaningful. Los Angeles County brought together more than a hundred young people who defied those odds, celebrating their accomplishment in a ceremony designed to honor not just a diploma, but the resilience it represents.

Graduation rates among foster youth have historically lagged far behind those of their peers. Finishing high school opens doors to higher education, stable employment, and long-term financial independence — outcomes that dramatically reduce the likelihood of housing instability and other hardships that disproportionately affect those who age out of the foster care system.

Events like this one serve a dual purpose. They recognize individual achievement while also shining a light on the programs, mentors, social workers, and advocates who work behind the scenes to keep young people on track. No student in foster care graduates alone — there is almost always a network of dedicated adults who made consistent investment in that young person's future.

For the graduates themselves, the milestone is personal and profound. Many have navigated circumstances that would challenge anyone, and they did so while meeting the everyday demands of school.

Among those honored was Palmdale student Majesty Ala Min Muhajar, who graduated with a 4.5 GPA and was named valedictorian at her high school. She will attend UC Santa Barbara to study biology.

Lancaster student Nadia Salgado also graduated with a 4.5 GPA from Quartz Hill High School. Salgado said taking Advanced Placement and honors courses helped her achieve the academic distinction. Salgado plans to attend the University of California, Irvine, where she will study biological sciences. She hopes to one day become a veterinarian.

Their success is a reminder that with the right support structures in place, young people in even the most difficult circumstances can and do thrive. Los Angeles County's recognition of these graduates puts that truth front and center.

Lucky Luke Brewing Company — Lancaster

Lucky Luke Brewing Company has quickly earned a spot on our short list for a casual night out in the Antelope Valley.

Our first introduction to Lucky Luke was actually at the Palmdale brewery location during bingo night. We are not big IPA drinkers, so instead of guessing, we asked the staff for a few recommendations. They were easygoing, helpful, and let us sample a few options until we found one that worked for us. The standout that night was the Waterfront Lager, which we ended up enjoying in their micheladas.

And the michelada mix? That was the surprise of the night. Really good.

The Palmdale spot does not serve food, but between the beer, the service, and the fun atmosphere, it made a strong enough impression that we wanted to check out the Lancaster BLVD location next.

So for date night, we headed downtown to try the Lancaster brewpub. This location has a full food menu, indoor and outdoor seating, and the kind of energetic downtown feel that makes it work for dinner, drinks, or meeting up with friends.

When we arrived, the place was busy — very busy. There were only two servers working the floor, and they were moving nonstop. Even with the rush, they stayed friendly and upfront with us, letting us know there would be a short wait before we could be seated. That kind of honesty goes a long way, especially when a place is packed.

Once we got to our table, we learned the Lancaster location does not always have the exact same beer lineup as the Palmdale brewery. Unfortunately, the Waterfront Lager we liked so much was not available that night. Not a dealbreaker, though. Our server brought out a few samples and helped us land on a lighter blonde beer that was more in line with what we like.

Then came the micheladas.

We tried both the mango and pineapple versions, and both were excellent. Fresh, flavorful, and different enough from a basic michelada to make them memorable. I would go back for those alone.

For food, we ordered a few shareable items: the totchos, hot wings, and Asian sliders. The totchos were exactly what you want from loaded tater tots — hearty, messy in the best way, and easy to share. The wings had good flavor and heat, and the sliders added something a little different to the table. Everything came out fresh and worked well with the beer.

What impressed me most was that the service never fell apart, even though the staff was clearly stretched. They checked back on us, kept things moving, and made the night feel relaxed instead of chaotic.

Overall, Lucky Luke’s Lancaster location delivered a solid date night: good drinks, good food, friendly service, and a fun downtown atmosphere. Between the Palmdale and Lancaster locations, Lucky Luke has definitely become a place we will keep in our rotation.

Local Bites Take

Best reason to go: The micheladas, craft beer, and casual downtown vibe.
Good for: Date night, drinks with friends, casual dinner, patio seating, and family-friendly outings.
Price feel: $$

Would we go back? Absolutely — the mango and pineapple micheladas sealed the deal.