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Ambassador Academy

The Lancaster Ambassador Academy applications are open!

For the first time ever, the City of Lancaster is launching an immersive program designed to give you an exclusive look at local government and show you how our teams work every day.

We are incredibly excited to offer this unique experience, inviting residents and leaders to engage with department heads and gain firsthand insight into facilities and operations.

Lancaster residents and business owners are encouraged to apply. Please note that space is limited and applying does not guarantee acceptance.

Orientations will begin on August 15 at City Hall Council Chambers from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Apply today at this link: https://form.typeform.com/to/Xq6vtIeQ

Diamond Jim's Casino

Besides the Casino, I understand that they have a restaurant that is open to the public, "Turf-Club Restaurant"...has anyone recently been? What can you tell us ? Have you ever had any luck at the Casino gaming ?

Diamond Jim's Casino
118 20th St West
Rosamond, CA 93560

City of Lancaster Announces 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration Featuring Kalan.FrFr

The City of Lancaster and its community partners invite the public to a celebration of culture, history, and community at the fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 13, at Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park™.

This year's event will be headlined by nationally recognized recording artist Kalan.FrFr, bringing one of Southern California's most influential voices in hip-hop to Lancaster for a special live performance. Known for hits including Scoring, Right Wit It, and No Stoppin, Kalan.FrFr's appearance marks a major highlight in the celebration's continued growth and commitment to showcasing Black culture, creativity, and excellence.

The 2026 Juneteenth event will feature a wide variety of engaging activities, including educational programming on the history of Juneteenth, family-friendly games, local vendors, food, live entertainment, dancing, and community resources.

"This celebration is a beautiful reflection of our community's unity and shared strength," said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. "We are thrilled to come together to amplify Black excellence, honor the rich history of freedom, and build a brighter, more inclusive future for every resident."

In addition to live entertainment, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in several community-driven programs designed to celebrate creativity and self-expression.

Young creatives from across the Antelope Valley shared their perspectives through the Youth Art, Essay, and Video Contest. Centered around the theme "What does family and freedom mean to you?", the contest invited participants ages 10-18 to explore Juneteenth's legacy through visual art, writing, and video storytelling. Selected entries will be on display during the celebration.

Attendees can also enter the event's Opportunity Drawing for a chance to win gift baskets, self-care packages, youth books, haircut certificates, event tickets, and more. Opportunity drawing tickets will be available for purchase at the Info/Merch Booth throughout the event, with winners announced from the Main Stage between 4:40 and 5 p.m. Proceeds help support future community programs, events, and activities.

The historical significance of the day dates back to June 19, 1865, when news of freedom finally reached the last enslaved individuals in the Confederacy, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, perseverance, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.

The 2026 festival is made possible through the generous support of sponsors Antelope Valley College, Kaiser Permanente, Edward’s Federal Credit Union, Penny Lane Centers, Gather Blast, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, and AVTA.

The Juneteenth Community Planning Commission, a dedicated coalition of residents, local businesses, and civic organizations, played a pivotal role in shaping and producing this year's celebration. Their leadership, vision, and commitment have helped make Juneteenth one of Lancaster's most meaningful and anticipated annual community events.

The festival is free to attend and welcomes guests of all ages.

Bringing Jobs and Investment Back to the Antelope Valley

Last week, after more than 12 hours of debate in the House Armed Services Committee, we advanced the National Defense Authorization Act, one of the most important bills Congress considers each year. For the Antelope Valley, this bill is about more than national security. It's about jobs, innovation, and bringing investment back to our community.

I helped secure more than $19 billion in funding for next-generation aircraft programs that support nearly 10,000 jobs across the Antelope Valley and Northern Los Angeles County. The bill includes major investments in the B-21 Raider, F-35, and F-15 programs, all of which support aerospace manufacturing and testing work performed right here in the AV. I also pushed for expanding the B-21 fleet, helping strengthen the long-term future of our local aerospace workforce.

I also secured provisions to protect the FireGuard program, improve wildfire detection capabilities, and pilot the use of unmanned aircraft to fight wildfires. These investments help protect our communities and strengthen our economy while ensuring our region remains America's aerospace center.

I'll continue fighting to bring investments home, strengthen our local economy, and create opportunities for our communities. It’s an honor and privilege to serve California’s 27th District in Congress.

George Whitesides
Member of Congress