Louis Gossett Jr. is one of the most decorated actors in the television and movie industry. He has won an Emmy, an Oscar and numerous other awards for his skillful portrayal of a variety of characters.

Off the screen, he is a father, social activist, recovering drug abuser, cancer survivor, mentor, educator, philanthropist, and author.

Danny Roberts, the leader of Palmdale’s economic development efforts for the past 13 years and a city employee for more than two decades, recently took an early retirement.

Roberts, the city’s assistant executive director of community redevelopment, said he will stay with the city through September. After that, Roberts said he would  be available for special projects with the city.