City of Lancaster

Here’s a quick look at what happened during our recent Council meeting — from approving a major playground upgrade to updates on LPD’s latest operations.👇 👋📋 The City Council & leadership welcomed Mayor R. Rex Parris back to City Hall following his 90-day leave. He received briefings on key projects & spent time with LPD reviewing recent operations. ⚽💚 John Smelzer, founder & president of AV ALTA FC, briefed Council on the team’s first year—highlighting its packed home opener, growing fan base, & community impact. ⭐🚓 “Behind the Scenes: LPD in Operations” Chief Rod Armalin walked Council through recent operations showcasing the department’s proactive, community-centered approach. 🖥️📈 Assistant City Manager Larissa De La Cruz introduced the new Innovation & Technology Committee & shared updates on digital transformation efforts—including dashboards, improved service access, & transparency tools. 🧡🫧 The City recognized Atkinson and Associates for supporting Love Your City cleanups, exemplifying strong public-private partnership. 🤝🦸♀️ Council honored James Rush & Sheldon Hix from Public Works, who rescued a resident trapped in an overturned vehicle while out serving the City. ✅ Council approved a $1.43M contract with GameTime to revamp the playground at Samaritan’s Purse Park—funded largely by a $1.3M LA County grant. Upgrades include inclusive play structures & safety surfacing. ✅ An updated ordinance strengthens oversight of vacant residential properties, ensuring better maintenance, service cost recovery, & neighborhood stability. ✅ To address commercial vacancies along corridors like The BLVD, Ave J, & Ave I, Council introduced a new ordinance requiring: • Tiered classifications • Registration & monitoring charges • Maintenance & security standards • Temporary activation incentives • Full cost recovery through special assessments or liens 📹 Watch the full meeting at: https://lnkd.in/g8Mf6bDW

Lancaster’s very own leadership team lead the conversation and took part in the 2025 AV EDGE Fall Forum, joining regional leaders to discuss the future of workforce development in the Antelope Valley. City Manager Trolis Niebla, Assistant City Manager Larissa De La Cruz, Chief of Police Rodrick Armalin, and all department directors represented the City in a leadership panel focused on innovation, economic growth, and collaboration to strengthen opportunities for our community.

🌳 Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park just got a fresh new look! Smoother infield dirt, safer surfaces, and upgraded fields mean even more fun for games, practices, and hanging out outdoors. Check out all eight fields, scoreboards, and lights at this awesome complex! 💚 And of course, thank you so much to our City staff who made this possible.

Seven stunning geometric sculptures by Anthony James are now on view at City Hall! Part of the City’s Public Art Master Plan, these lighted, stainless steel works create the illusion of infinite space and highlight the City’s commitment to innovation and community. Next time you pop by City Hall, see if you can look away! Want to learn more about these mesmerizing works? Visit https://lnkd.in/gU4RaN4p.

✨ Council Highlights – Oct. 14, 2025 ✨ Our Communications Department shined at the CAPIO STAR Awards, bringing home multiple wins for excellence in government communications! 🏆💛 PH1 – Graffiti Abatement Cost Model Update Council approved an updated cost model to support graffiti abatement and restitution efforts through the juvenile court system. PH4 – Westside Annexation Approved Council approved the annexation of 7,153 acres on the City's west side, paving the way for the North Lancaster Industrial Specific Plan, which allows for up to 38.5 million sq. ft. of industrial development. The plan includes zoning adjustments, a development agreement, and a tax transfer resolution. CC7 – AV Edge MOU Renewal Council approved a $300,000 renewed MOU with AV Edge to continue regional economic development efforts, including forums, workforce development, broker relations, and site selector outreach. The agreement may extend through 2028. 🔁 CA1 – Metrolink Station: Delegated to NCTC Board Members Council delegated authority on the status of the Metrolink station to its appointed NCTC board members: Vice Mayor Marvin Crist and Councilmember Ken Mann. The discussion centered on concerns about the influx of homeless individuals being issued one-way tickets to Lancaster via Metrolink. Council expressed the need to protect local resources and emphasized that the intention is not to limit transit access for legitimate riders. Staff will explore solutions, including a possible "bus bridge" for commuters. 🔁 CA2 – Formal Position on Prop 50 Council unanimously voted to oppose Prop 50, citing unnecessary state spending to revisit redistricting already decided by voters. Vice Mayor Crist and Councilmembers Mann, Malhi, and Hughes-Leslie shared concerns about fiscal responsibility, potential political motivations, and a lack of clarity around the measure’s true cost and purpose.

Welcome, Officer Aguilar and Officer Laraand to the Lancaster Police Department! As our City grows, so does our commitment to safety. At a recent swearing-in ceremony, we proudly welcomed new officers to LPD, including our second female officer. Since our launch, we’ve been building a team dedicated to collaboration, prevention, and community trust.

This weekend, about 600 volunteers came together for TeamUp Lancaster: Love Your City! 💙🧹🫧 A powerful reminder of what community pride looks like in action. Residents, organizations, and city leaders rolled up their sleeves to make Lancaster shine a little brighter. A special thank you to Vice Mayor Marvin Crist and Councilmembers Kenn Mann, Lauren Hughes-Leslie, and Raj Malhi for joining volunteers on the ground and leading by example. Together, we’re keeping Lancaster beautiful one cleanup at a time. One focus of our Community Cleanups is to put Constructive Compassion into action—offering genuine support and real solutions for our unhoused neighbors. Alongside that, our Comprehensive Compassion outreach focuses on creating opportunities for local youth to grow, thrive, and lead with pride in their City. Through Love Your City, we’re continuing to share a message of hope, unity, and optimism—because together, there’s no challenge this community can’t overcome.

We’re looking to hire an Analyst/Senior Analyst to join our Community Development – Housing Division. This role is for professionals passionate about affordable housing, community programs, and policy development in our City. Depending on experience, candidates may be placed at the Analyst or Senior Analyst level. What you’ll do: Support or lead housing and community development initiatives Research, analyze, and improve programs and policies Manage grants, budgets, and compliance reporting Help shape housing solutions that directly impact Lancaster residents Salary ranges: If you’re ready to use your expertise to make a difference, apply before October 13 at: https://lnkd.in/g8pqud_C

Our Communications Team just earned multiple awards from the 2025 CAPIO STAR Awards—including 1st Place for Social Media Short-Form Videos, Content Creators of the Year, and our innovative L28 News talk show. 🏆✨ With more than 634 entries, these wins showcase Lancaster’s creativity, storytelling, and leadership in government communications. 💛 CAPIO (California Association of Public Information Officers) celebrates the very best in public communications across California, and Lancaster is proud to be recognized among the state’s leaders. ✨

☕🍩 Coffee’s on us, conversation’s on Sonya (our PARCS Director)! Join us for a morning of connection, caffeine, and sweet treats at the Lancaster Community Center for Community, Coffee, and Conversation! This month, we’re excited to welcome Sonya Patterson, our Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Community Services Director. Come chat about all things parks and community—share your ideas and help us shape the future of Lancaster together. 📍 Where: Lancaster Community Center 📅 When: Thursday, October 2, 2025 ⏰ Time: 9 a.m. 💵 Cost: FREE — Únete a nosotros para una mañana de conexión, café y deliciosos bocadillos en el Centro Comunitario de Lancaster. ¡Este mes nos acompaña con mucho gusto Sonya Patterson, nuestra Directora de Parques, Artes, Recreación y Servicios Comunitarios! Ven a platicar sobre todo lo relacionado con parques y comunidad—comparte tus ideas y ayudemos juntos a dar forma al futuro de Lancaster. 📍 Dónde: Centro Comunitario de Lancaster 📅 Cuándo: Jueves, 2 de octubre de 2025 ⏰ Hora: 9 a.m. 💵 Costo: ¡GRATIS!