Imagine a silent movie and an ice cream social – what a chance to build memories of a hot summer night.
The event, hosted by the City of Lancaster and the Western Hotel Museum will be held Friday, July 25, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Western Hotel Museum, 557 W. Lancaster Blvd.
Included will be free admission to the Museum, star gazing on the front lawn, courtesy of the AV Astronomy Club, local weavers Katie Rivas and Kim Covell who will demonstrate weaving techniques on their looms.
The Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social will be held from 6-8 pm in the back garden area. Admission is $3 per person (ages 12 and older) and $2 per child (11 and younger) and will allow each visitor one serving of ice cream with assorted toppings, lemonade and cookies.
At 9 p.m. in the museum parking lot there will be an outdoor screening of the 1924 Russian silent film, Aelita: Queen of Mars. The film will be accompanied by an original score from musician Mary Zimmerman. Aelita: Queen of Mars is hailed as one of the first science fiction movies, created nearly three years before Fritz Lang’s Metropolis. The movie is based on the Alexei Tolstoy novel of the same name and reveals a very blunt portrayal of the social and political life in Moscow after the Civil War.
Admission to the movie is $3 per person ages 12 and older and free to children 11 and younger. Limited seating will be provided so we welcome you to bring your own chairs. Refreshments will be sold during the movie. Should you want to attend both of our events, there is also a combo pack available which includes admission to both the Ice Cream Social and the Silent Movie. The prices are $5 per person for ages 12 and older and $2 for children 11 and younger.
For additional information call (661)723-6250.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Stay-cation -- vacation close to home
Is the high cost of gasoline causing you to rethink your family vacation? Are you looking for things to do that are closer to home?
The author of the local guidebook for the Antelope Valley has up to date suggestions to save you gas and money.
“It’s amazing to me how much there is to see and do within a short drive,” said Bonnie D. Stone, author of San Andreas Ain’t No Fault of Mine. She will give travel tips during an illustrated lecture, Sunday August 3, 2 p.m. at Waldenbooks, 1100 West Avenue K, Lancaster. For information call 945-9588.
The author of the local guidebook for the Antelope Valley has up to date suggestions to save you gas and money.
“It’s amazing to me how much there is to see and do within a short drive,” said Bonnie D. Stone, author of San Andreas Ain’t No Fault of Mine. She will give travel tips during an illustrated lecture, Sunday August 3, 2 p.m. at Waldenbooks, 1100 West Avenue K, Lancaster. For information call 945-9588.
Monday, June 9, 2008
From Cherries to Cheese at AV Winery Market
From Cherries to Cheese –
The Antelope Valley Winery premiers a Farmer’s Market at the winery, June 21st, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 42041 North 20th Street West, Lancaster.
The vendors include: Scattaglia Farms, Winner Circle Farms, Tapia Bros. Farms, Soledad Goat Cheese, AV Buffalo Company, Heavenly Honey, Hoofnagel Salsa Factory, Lockwood Ranch and Rolling Thunder Ranch Leona Valley Cherries.
For information go to: www.avwinery.com or wines@avwinery.com
The Antelope Valley Winery premiers a Farmer’s Market at the winery, June 21st, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 42041 North 20th Street West, Lancaster.
The vendors include: Scattaglia Farms, Winner Circle Farms, Tapia Bros. Farms, Soledad Goat Cheese, AV Buffalo Company, Heavenly Honey, Hoofnagel Salsa Factory, Lockwood Ranch and Rolling Thunder Ranch Leona Valley Cherries.
For information go to: www.avwinery.com or wines@avwinery.com
Monday, May 26, 2008
McKeon, Boxer protect California Wilderness
McKeon, Boxer Introduce Sweeping Legislation to Protect California Wilderness
Bipartisan Effort Would Protect Nearly Half a Million Acres in Mono, Inyo, and Los Angeles Counties
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Santa Clarita) introduced legislation Thursday to protect almost half a million acres of wilderness lands in California. U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.
McKeon said: “I am pleased that after years of working with local leaders, wilderness activists, and recreational enthusiasts; we finally have a practical solution to preserving the wild heritage of the 25th congressional district. I also want to thank Senator Boxer for playing such a critical role in crafting legislation that meets the needs of all the key stakeholders. With this legislation, we are increasing economic development by preserving land treasured by many and enhancing recreational opportunities in the area.”
Boxer said: “I am thrilled that Congressman Buck McKeon and I, together with countless local officials and residents, were able to forge a bipartisan compromise to protect these truly spectacular lands. From the majestic High Sierra, to the stunning White Mountains and their ancient Bristlecone Pine forests, to the beautiful northern San Gabriel Mountains, Californians will be able to enjoy this striking beauty forever. We will continue to work together to make sure that this natural legacy can be left to our grandchildren and their grandchildren.”
H.R. 6156, The Eastern Sierra and Northern San Gabriel Wild Heritage Act will give wilderness designations – the highest level of protection and conservation for federal lands – to 472,804* acres of federal public land in California.
Specifically, the bill designates an additional 430,671* acres of wilderness in Mono and Inyo Counties and establishes more than 45 miles of the Owens River Headwaters and Amargosa River as Wild and Scenic Rivers. The bill also designates an additional 42,000 of wilderness in Los Angeles County, and it establishes more than seven miles of Piru Creek as a Wild and Scenic River.
The land protected under the bill includes the White Mountains, America’s largest and highest desert mountain range. The second largest unprotected “roadless” area in the lower 48 states, the Whites are home to the world’s oldest living trees – the ancient Bristlecone Pines – which live almost 5,000 years. It also makes additions to the Hoover Wilderness, a classic High Sierra landscape of deeply carved glacial valleys dotted with tranquil alpine lakes and forests of lodgepole pine. The Amargosa River, which the bill also protects, is the only river flowing into Death Valley, and it sustains biologically rich wetlands and riparian forests as it makes its way through ancient, rugged canyons.
*NOTE: 430,671 acres are designated in Mono and Inyo Counties and 42,133 acres are designated in Los Angeles County for a total of 472,804 acres.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Judy Garland would bring them in
I read with great interest the article about Judy Garland in the Antelope Valley Press. She is one of the all-time, internationally known film greats. As mentioned in the article, she grew up in Lancaster before launching her Hollywood career.
Two of the houses she lived in are up for sale.
As Lancaster considers plans to revitalize its downtown, one of her houses would make an excellent museum that could draw so many visitors into our area.
For example, Judy Garland’s birthplace is in a small town on the outskirts of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Even though it’s in a remote, rural area, John Kelsch, the curator, said they have some 20,000 visitors from around the world and 34 different states each year and it’s only open in the summer months. Several thousand attend the festival the fourth weekend in June to celebrate her June 10th birthday.
Imagine how many would come to the much more accessible Lancaster to see where Judy Garland grew up and lived at the time she was first discovered!
Kelsch said, “Having her home preserved on its original site is invaluable. It’s where she grew up with homes surrounding it of the same era. More people in the world have seen the Wizard of Oz -- some three billion people – than any other movie.”
The small town of Lone Pine is enjoying a renaissance of cowboy movies filmed in their area. They have several hundred movies filmed in the area, yet we have had more than a 1,000 movies shot in the Antelope Valley since Whither Thou Goest was filmed in 1914. Also, we have a number of Hollywood stars who have lived here.
I was thinking how great it would be to showcase “our” Judy Garland and the movies made in “Hollywood’s Back Lot.” The things I’m thinking of include:
· Preserving the Cedar Street House. The Minnesota museum applied for and got grants from the Bob and Delores Hope Foundation, the Streisand Foundation and Alan King Productions. Surely there’s a grant writer available to do the same here.
· Paving a yellow brick road down Cedar Street from Lancaster Boulevard to Avenue J.
· Develop a brochure for a self-guided tour of movie sites.
· Update the city’s websites to include movies shot here.
· And, have a Festival of Movies shot in our area.
Bringing tourists into Downtown Lancaster would have a positive impact on the businesses and the town revenues.
Two of the houses she lived in are up for sale.
As Lancaster considers plans to revitalize its downtown, one of her houses would make an excellent museum that could draw so many visitors into our area.
For example, Judy Garland’s birthplace is in a small town on the outskirts of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Even though it’s in a remote, rural area, John Kelsch, the curator, said they have some 20,000 visitors from around the world and 34 different states each year and it’s only open in the summer months. Several thousand attend the festival the fourth weekend in June to celebrate her June 10th birthday.
Imagine how many would come to the much more accessible Lancaster to see where Judy Garland grew up and lived at the time she was first discovered!
Kelsch said, “Having her home preserved on its original site is invaluable. It’s where she grew up with homes surrounding it of the same era. More people in the world have seen the Wizard of Oz -- some three billion people – than any other movie.”
The small town of Lone Pine is enjoying a renaissance of cowboy movies filmed in their area. They have several hundred movies filmed in the area, yet we have had more than a 1,000 movies shot in the Antelope Valley since Whither Thou Goest was filmed in 1914. Also, we have a number of Hollywood stars who have lived here.
I was thinking how great it would be to showcase “our” Judy Garland and the movies made in “Hollywood’s Back Lot.” The things I’m thinking of include:
· Preserving the Cedar Street House. The Minnesota museum applied for and got grants from the Bob and Delores Hope Foundation, the Streisand Foundation and Alan King Productions. Surely there’s a grant writer available to do the same here.
· Paving a yellow brick road down Cedar Street from Lancaster Boulevard to Avenue J.
· Develop a brochure for a self-guided tour of movie sites.
· Update the city’s websites to include movies shot here.
· And, have a Festival of Movies shot in our area.
Bringing tourists into Downtown Lancaster would have a positive impact on the businesses and the town revenues.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Spring Tours Begin at Tehachapi Native American Village Site
California State Parks is beginning the spring tour season at Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park in Tehachapi. Although no structures remain on this Kawaiisu Native American village site, the area’s rich history comes alive through the trained volunteer tour guides.
Tomo-Kahni means “winter home” in Kawaiisu, and rock rings mark the locations of many of the kahni’s, or homes, that were built of juniper boughs. Hundreds of mortar holes in the park tell of a very active past. The tour also includes Medicine Cave, Nettle Spring and a cave with pictographs- a sacred place of the Kawaiisu.
Due to the extremely sensitive nature of the site, the only way to explore the park is through guided tours, which involve a moderately strenuous 3-hour hike. This spring’s tour season will begin Saturday April 12 and continue, weather permitting, through Saturday June 21. Activities begin with an orientation at the Tomo-Kahni Resource Center in Tehachapi at 9 am and last approximately 4 hours, which includes travel time to and from the park (transportation is not provided). Weather at the high-elevation park is variable, so layered clothing is recommended. Adequate drinking water, sun protection, and sturdy walking shoes are also necessary.
Tour fee is $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-16 (age 5 and under are free, but not recommended on tours). Tours are limited to 12 people and fill up fast so reservations are highly recommended, for an additional fee of $5 for 1-6 people and $10 for 7-12 people. To make a reservation or for more information, visit the California State Parks office at 43779 15th Street West in Lancaster or call (661) 942-0662, Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Jean Scott, Interpreter I, California State Parks, Mojave Sector/Tehachapi District
Tomo-Kahni means “winter home” in Kawaiisu, and rock rings mark the locations of many of the kahni’s, or homes, that were built of juniper boughs. Hundreds of mortar holes in the park tell of a very active past. The tour also includes Medicine Cave, Nettle Spring and a cave with pictographs- a sacred place of the Kawaiisu.
Due to the extremely sensitive nature of the site, the only way to explore the park is through guided tours, which involve a moderately strenuous 3-hour hike. This spring’s tour season will begin Saturday April 12 and continue, weather permitting, through Saturday June 21. Activities begin with an orientation at the Tomo-Kahni Resource Center in Tehachapi at 9 am and last approximately 4 hours, which includes travel time to and from the park (transportation is not provided). Weather at the high-elevation park is variable, so layered clothing is recommended. Adequate drinking water, sun protection, and sturdy walking shoes are also necessary.
Tour fee is $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-16 (age 5 and under are free, but not recommended on tours). Tours are limited to 12 people and fill up fast so reservations are highly recommended, for an additional fee of $5 for 1-6 people and $10 for 7-12 people. To make a reservation or for more information, visit the California State Parks office at 43779 15th Street West in Lancaster or call (661) 942-0662, Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Jean Scott, Interpreter I, California State Parks, Mojave Sector/Tehachapi District
Signs needed for travelers
When I sat down to write directions to the Poppy Reserve for the article that ran in Antelope Valley Press’ Showcase last week, I was struck with the fact that we are lacking signs.
We don’t have a Welcome to the Antelope Valley, Palmdale, nor Lancaster.
There’s one sign for Lancaster City Hall after you get off the freeway at the Avenue K exit and cross over that very busy intersection at Avenue K. If you glance quickly over to your right, you’ll see the sign for Lancaster pointing to the right as if our city hall was in the parking lot for Toys R Us.
A visitor traveling on the 14 does not see any sign for the Poppy Reserve – and we have the State’s only Poppy Reserve. The only sign you’ll see is after you get off the 14 and are traveling west on I. Then you learn it’s 11 miles to the Poppy Reserve.
And what about the aerospace museums?
No traveler would know about any of them.
Lancaster’s Walk of Honor? Nope, nothing.
Prime Desert Woodland? No.
Palmdale’s Dry Town Water Park? You know the answer.
As you travel north on the 14, of course you’ll see the exit for Edwards Air Force Base. But what about the Exotic Feline Breeding Compound or Willow Springs Raceway?
Nothing.
At least the welcome to Mojave sign tells you that it’s the home of the Voyager.
I know money is tight and there might be restrictions for signs adjacent to the freeway but sometime in the future we need to have the signs and a Visitors’ Center – perhaps in the same area as the office for the Mojave Desert State Park Office on 15th Street in Lancaster. To mitigate costs it could be a joint effort by the cities and the counties.
And it would be a sign for the times.
We don’t have a Welcome to the Antelope Valley, Palmdale, nor Lancaster.
There’s one sign for Lancaster City Hall after you get off the freeway at the Avenue K exit and cross over that very busy intersection at Avenue K. If you glance quickly over to your right, you’ll see the sign for Lancaster pointing to the right as if our city hall was in the parking lot for Toys R Us.
A visitor traveling on the 14 does not see any sign for the Poppy Reserve – and we have the State’s only Poppy Reserve. The only sign you’ll see is after you get off the 14 and are traveling west on I. Then you learn it’s 11 miles to the Poppy Reserve.
And what about the aerospace museums?
No traveler would know about any of them.
Lancaster’s Walk of Honor? Nope, nothing.
Prime Desert Woodland? No.
Palmdale’s Dry Town Water Park? You know the answer.
As you travel north on the 14, of course you’ll see the exit for Edwards Air Force Base. But what about the Exotic Feline Breeding Compound or Willow Springs Raceway?
Nothing.
At least the welcome to Mojave sign tells you that it’s the home of the Voyager.
I know money is tight and there might be restrictions for signs adjacent to the freeway but sometime in the future we need to have the signs and a Visitors’ Center – perhaps in the same area as the office for the Mojave Desert State Park Office on 15th Street in Lancaster. To mitigate costs it could be a joint effort by the cities and the counties.
And it would be a sign for the times.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)