Covered California extends enrollment
April 30 is new deadline
Covered California is offering a special, extended enrollment opportunity for consumers who did not know there would be a tax penalty for being uninsured in 2014, or for those who learned they may face a penalty later this year.
Next-generation bomber could boost aerospace industry
nBoeing, Northrop battle for contract
The Pentagon is ready to spend billions to build a new stealth bomber in the Antelope Valley. Two teams of defense contractors, Boeing Co. and Northrop-Grumman, are vying to win the coveted contract to return large-scale aerospace manufacturing to Los Angeles County. Boeing opted to team up with Lockheed-Martin—the latter being the Pentagon’s most frequent contractor as well as Boeing’s primary sub-contractor—in bidding against Northrop to build the world’s latest and fastest high-tech bomber. The winner is expected to be announced this spring.
Rare agreement statewide: Drought is ‘serious’ concern
Virtually all Californians say the drought is serious. The results of a new Field Poll released Thursday found that the water shortage and supply is the top concern statewide as the drought enters its fourth year.
Fight continues against ‘big oil’ role in Carson
In a continuing battle against the interests of “big oil,” the Carson Coalition on Tuesday met before the city Planning Commission to chart exactly what methods they may take to prevent further oil exploration and well stimulation from taking place within the community.
Covered California extends enrollment
April 30 is new deadline
Covered California is offering a special, extended enrollment opportunity for consumers who did not know there would be a tax penalty for being uninsured in 2014, or for those who learned they may face a penalty later this year.
Parris lays out lofty goals during state-of-city address
Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris recapped a number of innovative and environmentally-concious projects taking place in the city as part of his annual State of the City address.
Restaurants prepare new water rules
Will limit amount of water for diners
It’s an old practice that has been given new meaning in wake of the ongoing California drought. Years ago many restaurant chains along the West Coast decided to forgo placing a glass of water on the dining table, because it was discovered patrons didn’t drink it right away. They’d have water during the meal, of course, but would often request that the original glass be replaced by a fresh, cold serving. That meant pouring water down the drain.
Lots of rain in the north, more pain in south
The great state divide continues. If it is not the Dodgers vs. the Giants—or apples vs. oranges—it’s something else like the weather threatening to further split the quality of life in the Golden State. Rainfall averages in practically every community in Northern California are reportedly at 100 percent or above their historic averages, and reservoirs are steadily filling.But rainfall totals in the South are anemic, and said to be falling further behind as each major storm skips the southern part of the state. If the trend continues, California may experience two droughts with a mild one in the north that is now barely noticeable, and a severe one in the south that places this area at more risk of strict conservation, fines, fires, smog and increased groundwater pumping.
Palmdale sets quest to provide summertime jobs for local youth
County teen unemployment at record high
It’s never too early to start a job search—particularly if you’re a teenager. As the national employment figures continue to tick up, young people looking for work this summer may have an even more difficult time trying to secure a steady paycheck because more experienced workers are re-entering the job market.
Californians meet call for conserving water
Thanks to a wonderfully wet December, Californians were able to meet Gov. Jerry Brown’s call for a 20 percent reduction in monthly water consumption. More restrictions may loom, however, as the state adapts to long-term drought conditions.
Measles outbreak spreads; no cases so far at AV schools
Health officials stress vaccinations
Stretching from the streets Disneyland to the steps of Capitol Hill, the measles outbreak and resultant commentary has returned focus to a generations’-old discussion of why and when children should receive vaccinations.
Vaccinations are best way to prevent infectious diseases
Measles, whooping cough, influenza and other infectious diseases were once believed to be largely contained and/or erradicated in America. Now some parents, teachers and medical pratictioners are at odds over what are the best safeguards against communicable illness while maintaining a balance of community wellness and personal choice.
Two months of storms not enough to end drought
The storms that wafted their way through the Los Angeles Basin this month--with more light showers expected today--have not had a discernible effect on the drought now entering its fourth year.
‘Roots of the Soul’ takes audience on search for identity and place
Feb. 21 at Legacy Commons
In a nod toward service to his community, noted actor/director Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter on Feb. 21 will host the Caribbean American Repertory Theatre West’s production of the play “Roots of the Soul” at Palmdale’s Legacy Commons senior facility. The production, set for 2 and 7:30 p.m., is part of Palmdale’s continuing Season of Service campaign as well its celebration of Black History Month.
Foreign places, familiar faces:
Young Blacks and the allure of jihad
Within some American communities, the foreign faces of terror can look familiar. Last week in Paris two brothers, Said and Cherif Kouachi, and a lone gunman, Amedy Coulibaly, brought the city’s most famous thoroughfare, the Champ-Elysees, to a standstill. In the end, these latest converts to jihad had murdered 18 persons as part of their fight against Western imperialism, shouting proudly that their deadly campaign was both commissioned by ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) and consecrated by God.
Arts education provides outlet for free expression, ownership
Lancaster museum fills void
Friday morning was something to look forward to. Not only did the weekend beckon, but on that day Dorothy Hansen provided a one-hour respite from the daily academic grind. A little blue-haired lady wearing those “cat-eye shaped” spectacles popular among women then, Mrs. Hansen was a stern taskmaster and a virtuoso on ... the autoharp.
Slow but steady gains half a decade after Haiti quake
Five years after the devastating earthquake in Haiti that killed more than 200,000 people and destroyed a minimum of 100,000 buildings, there are small but positive signs of hope that the impoverished island nation is rebounding.
Lancaster ‘Season of Service’ offers volunteer opportunities for all ages
Community spirit on display Jan. 17
Lancaster continues to be among the leading Southland cities in supporting community outreach. This year its Eighth Annual Martin Luther King Day of Service will include 30 projects designed in still community pride while providing residents an opportunity to enhance not only their neighborhood, but also to begin the year with a renewed spirit of service.
Civilian oversight commission may add stability to Sheriff’s Department
Board of Supervisors unanimous on ‘working group’
In a widely anticipated move, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors last week voted 3-2 to establish the first-ever civilian oversight commission to periodically review the embattled Sheriff’s Department.
McCarthy leads delegation to Middle East
Helps Boehner pass spending bill
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy earlier this week returned from leading a congressional delegation to the Middle East to examine the unfolding campaign against ISIL and to confer with some of America’s partners about regional security threats.
Civilian oversight commission may add stability to Sheriff’s Department
Board of Supervisors unanimous on ‘working group’
In a widely anticipated move, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors last week voted 3-2 to establish the first-ever civilian oversight commission to periodically review the embattled Sheriff’s Department.
Covered California unveils latest efforts to boost Black enrollment
Navigator Grants prove effective
Thousands of Angelinos each week continue to enroll in California Covered, the Golden State’s version of the Affordable Care Act, but African Americans locally remain just on the fringe of regular health care services, even as the process is being continually tailored to include more persons of color into its ranks.
Latest drought not the result of mankind’s ‘handiwork’
Greenhouse gas has played role
Scientists and environmentalists have been debating the issue for years. Are droughts the result of man-made carcinogens lofted into the air by way of the Industrial Revolution, or are they part of natural weather patterns witnessed by man for the past 200,000 years?
Storms bring welcome relief but drought far from over
McCarthy backs new water bill
The welcome rain this week saw about 14.5 inches of precipitation fall on the San Barnardino Mountains, but the drought status remains unchanged as 55 percent of California is still considered in the most extreme category. Up to 99.7 percent of the state still lies within moderate to severe drought status.
Covered California in second phase; L.A. County leads all state regions
Black enrollment lags behind
Enrollment for the second phase of Covered California got underway two weeks ago with Los Angeles County expected to again lead all state regions in sign-ups. In March, more than 200,000 persons in the county had enrolled, far outpacing the nearest region, the San Francisco Bay area, which saw 164,000 consumers opt for state-run heath care coverage. Since Nov. 15, more than 100,000 additional Californians have submitted coverage applications for the latest enrollment period.
Carson hosts enrollment center for Covered California sign-ups
Also at Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw Plaza
An enrollment center for Covered California is open through Feb. 15, 2015 at the South Bay Pavilion in Carson. Open to all legal residents of Los Angeles County, interested parties may visit and sign-up for healthcare coverage from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Kelly Rolfe Financial Services, adjacent to JC Penny, will conduct the enrollments.
‘Black Friday’ is now obsolete as retailers open earlier for dollars
AV Mall in sales marathon
Today may be the last “Black Friday.” Department stores have decided not to wait for the last balloon float down the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route, they’ll forgo the final football whistle, and they are providing less time each year to digest even the last slice of pie. American retailers want you in the stores as early as...yesterday.
‘Black Friday’ is now obsolete as retailers open earlier for dollars
AV Mall in sales marathon
Today may be the last “Black Friday.” Department stores have decided not to wait for the last balloon float down the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route, they’ll forgo the final football whistle, and they are providing less time each year to digest even the last slice of pie. American retailers want you in the stores as early as...yesterday.
‘Water Year’ off to slow start; San Diego goes ‘toilet-to-tap’
The U.S. Drought Monitor reported this week that the brief rains in central and northern California were not nearly enough to provide relief to three years of extensive dry weather. In fact, the state’s water reservoirs are at critically low levels, and the mild start to the rainy season in the Sierras suggests conditions may not improve this winter.
Cool, clear water: AV officials work to protect valuable supply
Conservation projects underway
Although much of California remains parched as big cities and little towns devise plans to find and/or conserve water, the Antelope Valley is managing its way through the drought with relative ease. That’s not to say that water conservation is a low priority, but this section of northern Los Angeles County undertook measures years ago to manage its water affairs which apparently are paying off under the latest statewide restrictions.
Power plant comes online to help reduce water costs
nDry-weather runoff more appealing
With an eye toward future water conservation and cost savings to customers, the Castaic Lake Water Agency (CLWA) and SunPower on Wednesday announced completion of the new 3.5 megawatt photovoltaic solar plant that is touted to use less water to produce electricity for tens of thousands of residents of northern Los Angeles County. In combination with the CLWA’s existing 1 megawatt SunPower solar plant, electricity costs may be reduced by as much as $20 million over the next 25 years.
Lynch, Harris, Lacey: Latest icons for American girls
Leaders in county, state, and the national government
President Barack Obama’s nomination Nov. 8 of veteran prosecutor Loretta Lynch for the position of attorney general may mark a bigger social milestone than his 2008 election to the White House.
Lynch, Harris, Lacey: Latest icons for America’s Black girls
Leaders in county, state, and the national government
President Barack Obama’s nomination Nov. 8 of veteran prosecutor Loretta Lynch to the position of attorney general may mark a bigger social milestone than his 2008 election to the White House.
Child adoption: One of life’s most unexpected miracles
Adopting a child can be one of the most momentous events to ever bless a household. Every year in the United States, tens of thousands of infants, toddlers and teens are welcomed into warm and supportive families. Los Angeles County is one of the nation’s leading regions for adoption as the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) embarks yearly to find loving homes for those who simply need a guiding hand navigating a previous life sometimes devoid of joy and hope into one that promises familial love and kindness. Inner Circle Foster Care and Adoptions Services in Palmdale is one of the county’s many adoption agencies.
Proposition 1 passes overwhelmingly; NASA says food supply threatened
While waiting for Mother Nature to provide drought relief, California voters this week decided to pay for it. Proposition 1 passed overwhelmingly, 67 to 33 percent, to approve $7.5 billion to fund measures related to water conservation, recycling, ecosystem and watershed restoration, drinking water protection and groundwater cleanup, as well as to invest toward two new major storage reservoirs.
Black military leaders uphold a proud tradition of service
As the nation pauses this Veteran’s Day to honor past and present members of our fighting forces, a brief review of the long list of African American men and women in the military reveals faith in country, courage within and outside of battle, and above all personal strength and spiritual conviction.
Arnett Hartsfield succumbs at 96
Fought to integrate fire department
Arnett Hartsfield, deemed the “eternal rookie” of the Los Angeles Fire Department because he never got a promotion, died Oct. 31 in Los Angeles of natural causes. He was 96.
Bullying robs self esteem, dignity before it consumes young lives
Antelope Valley schools take action
We’ve seen the statistics, and they are troubling. We’ve seen the participants, and they are younger each generation. We’ve seen the results, and they are often tragic.
AV commuters may soon have easier trips in and out of town
Welcome relief for weary drivers
Travelers from the Antelope Valley have for years been popularly referred to as “extreme commuters.” In fact, the commute from Palmdale into Los Angeles may be considered among the worst nationwide in relation to time spent, route efficiency, road quality and, most of all, money.
Black gun tradition reveals courage and torment within 2nd Amendment
‘Ol Betsy’ and armed self defense
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Bessie Winchester. Companions throughout the ages have often called me ‘Ol Betsy.’ I was born in 1866, serving as the assault weapon of my day, and conceived from an urgent need to fire more rounds more accurately against my enemy than any weapon prior. Although I have cousins with names like Colt, Remington, Smith & Wesson, Glock etc.—some of which preceded my birth and many others born after—I came to represent self defense to my bearers when confronted with imminent threat and danger. I was there unexpectedly in 1850, just after passage of the Fugitive Slave Act, to protect runaway slaves against violent oppression and to provide them with a viable, confident pathway to freedom.
Latino accomplishments abundant as are hopes, dreams of future
Remain ‘backbone’ of state economy
In the southwest United States, persons of Latino origin have probably had more influence in settling the region than anyone else. You never have to look far to see the stamp these neighbors have embellished on American culture, from the names of big cities and small towns, famous thoroughfares and little roadways and even historic houses of worship that dot California.
Drones may hold key to finding fresh water
nLess rain results in better wine
It’s an old idea with a new twist. Cloud seeding by way of drones may be in California’s future as scientists, politicians and the business sector are considering just about any plausible idea to find fresh water.
Stanford team finds link to global warming, drought
A team of scientists at Stanford University on Thursday reported that the lingering California drought is “very likely” linked to human-caused climate change.
Palmdale Amphitheater presents music, fun, excitement galore this fall
Wounded Warrior concert on Oct. 4
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Palmdale Amphitheater this fall will offer a variety of concerts and events that are practically guaranteed to peak the interest of fine arts fans and those who owe a debt of gratitude to military veterans. Marie Kerr Park will also feature a number of events to coincide with the music venue anniversary.
U.S. to dispatch 3,000 troops to Liberia
Will help combat Ebola outbreak
The Obama administration is preparing to assign 3,000 U.S. military personnel to West Africa to supply needed medical and logistical support to assist overwhelmed local health care systems in managing the Ebola pandemic.
Lancaster Grand Prix promises downtown thrills and excitement
Annual event attracts thousands
Lancaster will be roaring and revving with high-powered excitement Sept. 26-28 as the sixth annual Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix winds its way through downtown. Each autumn, Lancaster hosts one of the west coast’s largest and most prestigious professional KART street races. The event draws hundreds of North America’s elite drivers, all vying for the title of “fastest street course racer.”
New USC Village in 2017
Largest development project in South L.A. history
University of Southern California officials were joined by counterparts from city and county government on Monday to break ground on the new $650 million USC Village project.
The power of the pen: Obama and the history of executive orders
Why presidents love to bypass Congress
“When in the course of human events it becomes necessary ...” —United States Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, July 1776
Water bond measure set, will appear on November ballot
Conservation methods are working
The Metropolitan Water District (MWD) board this week threw its support behind a $7.5 billion water bond that will appear on the November statewide ballot. The bill may be a crucial step for the state to survive the continuing drought.
The power of the pen: Obama and the history of executive orders
Why presidents love to bypass Congress
“When in the course of human events it becomes necessary ...” —United States Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, July 1776
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