Single in California? You may be paying more for car insurance — and a recent court ruling says that's perfectly legal.

A California appeals court upheld a 2-1 decision on July 16, rejecting a lawsuit brought by 11 unmarried drivers who wanted Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to remove marital status as a factor in setting auto insurance rates.

The court ruled that Proposition 103, a 1988 ballot measure governing California's insurance industry, takes precedence over state civil rights laws that would otherwise bar discrimination based on marital status.

The real-world impact is significant: single, divorced, and widowed drivers were quoted as much as $108 more per six-month premium from four of five California carriers. The lawsuit is expected to be appealed.

Six Flags is making a major push to fill its West Coast parks with a limited-time season pass sale running August 7 through September 7.

The $129 Gold Season Pass grants access to all Six Flags West Coast theme parks — including Knott's Berry Farm — through the 2027 season, representing a savings of roughly 46% off the regular price.

For comparison, the pass costs less than a single day at Disneyland Resort or Universal Studios. Buyers must select a "home park" where parking perks and discounts apply.

A more premium $329 Prestige Pass is also available, covering entry through the rest of 2026 and all of 2027, plus free parking, free soft drinks, food and merchandise perks, and no additional charge for fast-lane or guest passes.

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  reveals that nearly two-thirds of U.S. children and teens — including half of all 2-to-5-year-olds — consume caffeine on any given day. The sources may surprise parents: sweet baked goods, flavored milk, and candy ranked higher than energy drinks for younger kids.

As students head back to school, the findings are prompting fresh scrutiny of what ends up in campus vending machines and cafeterias. California already bans soda on K-12 campuses and restricts caffeine broadly, and Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed a law phasing out ultra-processed foods from schools entirely.

Researchers have yet to establish a safe caffeine threshold for children, and the American Academy of Pediatrics warns that developing bodies are especially sensitive to its stimulant effects.

A violent three-vehicle crash in Victorville, California sent multiple people to the hospital Sunday morning after a collision so forceful it split a Honda Accord completely in half.

The crash occurred around 11 a.m. at Palmdale Road and Cobalt Road, near Silverado High School. A white Honda Accord and a black Dodge Charger collided, causing the Charger to flip and come to rest in the desert roughly 100 feet from the intersection. A red Ford Escape, stopped at a traffic light, was struck as a secondary result of the impact.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's spokeswoman Jenny Smith confirmed multiple people were transported with minor injuries. Firefighters called for several ground ambulances, and westbound Palmdale Road was temporarily shut down. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Victorville Police Department.

Palmdale School District has approved a five-year partnership with California State University, San Bernardino that opens district campuses to university students completing teaching and fieldwork requirements.

Under the agreement, CSUSB students enrolled in the university's state-approved teacher education program — recognized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing — can carry out service learning, internships, supervised field placements, and practice teaching at Palmdale sites.

The deal, greenlit by the district's Board of Trustees, gives aspiring educators hands-on classroom experience while potentially expanding the pool of credentialed teachers available to the region. It reflects a broader push across California to strengthen the pipeline between university training programs and local schools.

Lucky Luke Brewing Company

Lucky Luke Brewing Company is more than a place to grab a beer — it is a local success story built on family, craftsmanship, gratitude, and community.

Founded by Palmdale natives Brian and Samantha Schmitz, Lucky Luke started the way many great craft breweries do: with a garage-brewing hobby, a love for good beer, and a bigger vision for bringing people together. What began as a passion project grew into a community-focused brewery dedicated to creating high-quality, approachable craft beer for friends, families, visitors, and longtime locals.

The name Lucky Luke is a tribute to Brian’s great-grandfather, Luke Hammons, a family man known for hard work, craftsmanship, and a love for American-made quality. That same spirit still guides the brewery today. Every beer, whether simple or complex, is brewed with attention to detail and a commitment to doing things the right way.

Lucky Luke has become a familiar name in the Antelope Valley because it offers more than just a rotating tap list. It offers a welcoming place to gather. The team behind the brewery takes pride in creating a friendly environment where customers can relax, enjoy good conversation, and find a beer that fits their taste.

The Palmdale taproom, located at 610 W Avenue O #104, offers a relaxed setting with flavorful craft beer and a neighborhood feel. The Lancaster Brewpub, located at 735 W Lancaster Blvd, adds a full food menu and a lively downtown atmosphere, making it a strong choice for dinner, drinks, date night, or meeting up with friends.

From blondes and ambers to IPAs and seasonal brews, Lucky Luke keeps its focus on quality, freshness, and community connection.

Their story is rooted in the Antelope Valley, and their growth reflects the kind of local pride that makes small businesses worth supporting.

Why locals should visit: Lucky Luke Brewing combines handcrafted beer, local roots, welcoming service, and a story that honors family, hard work, and good times shared together.

Good for: Craft beer fans, casual date nights, friends meeting up, family-friendly outings, downtown Lancaster stops, and anyone looking to support a locally grown Antelope Valley business.

Local Insider Take: Lucky Luke is a reminder that some of the best local spots are built from the ground up — with family, community, and a good glass of beer at the center of it.

August is a goldmine for restaurant marketers, packed with food holidays, awareness months, and themed days that give owners and operators dozens of creative hooks to engage hungry customers.

The entire month celebrates staples like Peaches, Sandwiches, Catfish, Goat Cheese, and Paninis, while individual days shine a spotlight on everything from Filet Mignon and Fajitas to S'mores, Ice Cream Sandwiches, and Banana Splits.

Beverage lovers aren't left out — dedicated days for Prosecco, Pinot Noir, Rum, Red Wine, and Whiskey Sours offer easy promotion opportunities throughout the month.

Beyond food, August also honors Friendship Day, Senior Citizens Day, and Sisters' Day, giving restaurants a chance to connect with guests on a more personal level and build community-driven campaigns.

Cosmic Reliable Services, LLC, a woman-owned industrial and construction supply company based in Palmdale, California, has landed a three-year master agreement with Los Angeles County Public Works to supply paint and paint products — with a two-year extension option that could stretch the deal to five years total.

Owner Rhonda Burr built the relationship over four years of supplying county departments including Flood Control, Facilities Management, and Road Maintenance, expanding from paint into steel, welding supplies, safety equipment, and hardware.

In April 2026, Cosmic Reliable earned Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification from the SBA, supported by contracting consultancy FEDCON — unlocking eligibility for federal set-aside contracts alongside the county work.

"Your own county buys what you already sell," noted FEDCON's founder. For Burr, the local door turned out to be the right one.

A convicted sexually violent predator may soon be living in the Antelope Valley. A hearing is scheduled for next month in the case of Harold Wachter, 63, who spent six years in prison following a 2000 conviction and has since been held in a state mental hospital.

The California Department of State Hospitals has recommended placing Wachter in a residential home on the 45300 block of 200th Street East, in the Hi Vista area of the Antelope Valley.

The proposed placement is raising concerns among local residents and officials, as the region has previously dealt with similar cases involving sexually violent predators being relocated to the community. A court hearing next month will determine how the case moves forward.