2021 The place

Economic Roundtable Report

Los Angeles County: Lancaster • Palmdale

Southeast Kern County: California City • Mojave Ridgecrest • Rosamond • Tehachapi OUR LITTLE PIECE OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY

The story goes of a primitive community where every morning the But the Antelope Valley is about much more than aerospace. men went out together and fished, every afternoon they hunted Among the first large industries in the area were farming, and then tended to their crops, and every evening they helped ranching and mining, all of which remain today. Logistics, energy, repair each other’s huts. Meanwhile, the women spent their days manufacturing, medicine, tourism, film and more also add to our working together to cook, clean, make clothes and care for their economy. children. All of these pieces of our local Antelope Valley economy also rely One morning, one of the men announced to the rest of the group: on regulatory, geo-political and other factors beyond our control, “I don’t want to go fishing today. I don’t like fishing. I’d rather just as we are learning in a global pandemic. Any of these factors hunt all day.” may impede our ability to succeed and thrive, or they can create Another replied, “If you hunt for me, I’ll fish for you.” And another opportunities and spawn new industries; some factors do both for said, “If you guys hunt and fish for me, I’ll spend all day inthe different sectors. field caring for the crops for all of us.” And another chimed in, This paints just part of the canvas against which AV EDGE works “If you guys take care of all my food, I’ll spend all day fixing our every day to convince both local businesses and those from outside huts.” Another said, “I don’t like doing any of this work, but I enjoy the region and state that California is the best place for their making the tools we all use. I’ll make tools for everyone.” And so next expansion, and the Antelope Valley is the best place within it went, with each man selecting a task he enjoyed to do all day. California for their new jobs, while at the same time advocating for The women followed suit, each choosing to spend their day doing policies which support this truth. what they enjoyed most. This Roundtable Report is one means of telling you about our No longer did anyone have chores to do – everyone had a vocation, part of the world as we work to grow our regional economy. For an occupation, a job. And thus, this community had started an two decades, this annual publication has been a cornerstone of economy. recruitment to our region, providing a wealth of local demographic and other information which cannot be found anywhere else. This Economies have evolved over time from small trade and barter book will highlight for you information about housing, schools, systems to today’s global economy. Yet, smaller economies recreation and other community amenities to help you make your still exist, defined by national, state or local geography such as business location decision. Read it, share it, reference it, use it. the Antelope Valley; by industry, such as aerospace, or by other means. And when you’re ready to learn more about our region and the communities which comprise it, and choose a new location for Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise (AV your next business expansion, contact us at AV EDGE. We’re here EDGE) was created last year by a group of dedicated community to help you make that decision. members to help bring jobs to the Antelope Valley. While AV EDGE is new, its mission, purpose and members are not. AV EDGE is building on the legacy of two long-standing organizations Rob Duchow, Chair which have served our communities in Northern Los Angeles Southern California Gas Company and Eastern Kern Counties for decades. The Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance (GAVEA), which previously published this Report, supported economic development in the cities of Lancaster, Palmdale, Ridgecrest, California City and Tehachapi, along with the unincorporated communities in between, since 1999. The Antelope Valley Board of Trade (AVBOT) advocated on behalf of local businesses since 1957. The Antelope Valley has been blessed with steady growth over the last century. A military presence which started during the Great Depression and a strong aerospace industry which proliferated after World War II still help lead our economy today. Being at the forefront of commercial space flight while developing the next generation of military aircraft led many to call the area Aerospace Valley.

2020-2021 AV EDGE Slate offIcers AV EDGE Members at Large Rob Duchow Anthony Bruneau John Currado, LUTCF Southern California Cobb, Doerfler & Associates Driscoll & Driscoll Insurance Agency Gas Company Treasurer President Henry Escalante Bret Banks Kaiser Permanente Lisa Moulton Antelope Valley Air Quality Individual Management District Harvey Holloway Vice-President Co-Past President Coldwell Banker Commercial Valley Realty Diane Walker Veronica Knudson Antelope Valley Union Palmdale Regional Laura Gallegos High School District Medical Center Palmdale Water District Secretary Co-Past President Table of Contents AV Edge Staff

Board of Directors...... Inside Cover Ronda Perez Thank you to everyone who made this report possible! Table of Contents / Staff...... 1 Executive Director Design & Print: Introduction ...... 2 Sue Soffa South Street Digital, Inc. Administrative Assistant Coordinator: Demographics PJ DelGaudio Employment by Sector...... 3 Mailing Address Photography: Demographics & Population Detail. . . . . 4-5 41301 12th Street West, David Emenheiser Los Angeles County Profile ...... 6-7 Suite D Editor: Kern County...... 8-9 Palmdale, CA 93551 Janice Smith City of Lancaster ...... 10-11 O: (661) 441-2957 Marketing: City of Palmdale...... 12-13 W: AVEDGECA.ORG Look Up Communications Greater Tehachapi...... 14-15 California City...... 16-17 City of Ridgecrest ...... 18-19 Mojave / Rosamond ...... 20-21

Economic Development C.O.L. Index & Largest Employers. . . . 22-23 Reg. Contacts & Chambers of Commerce . . 24-25

Quality of Life STEM/STEAM Education...... 26-29 Higher Education & Workforce Dev.. . . 30-31 Health Care...... 32-33 Real Estate / Housing Market...... 34-35 Air / Utilities ...... 36-37

Industry Aerospace...... 38-39 Small Business Support & Retail. . . . . 40-41 Water...... 42-43 Mining & Renewable Energy ...... 44-45 Public Transportation...... 46-47 Spirits & Brews...... 48-49 Quality of Life & Entertainment . . . . . 50-51 Become A Member ...... 54 Sponsors...... Outside Back Cover

COPYRIGHT © 2021 by Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise - All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher addressed “Attention: Copyright Permission” at the address provided.

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 3 To say 2020 was an unprecedented time of change is an understatement. The past year’s events were at times chaotic, and what some called the springboard to a cancel culture. At the AV EDGE we view it differently. As we look forward to 2021 and beyond, we embrace the lessons learned. The unwavering resolve of this region is to not only persevere but to achieve greatness in a time of uncertainty. Our regional industries and businesses have an unbridled enthusiastic approach to the future of our Region’s economic development and growth, and together we thrive.

It was in February of 2020 that the AV EDGE was founded on the legacy of two great organizations – the former Antelope Valley Board of Trade and Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance. The marriage of these two iconic organizations launched at a turbulent time, but to the contrary, the rise of the new organization is energized – no longer building on what used to be, but emerging with a new structure, new attitude, and a new way of doing business, including the opportunity to cultivate both old and new relationships with the goal of achieving healthy regional economic development and growth.

You are wholeheartedly invited to join the AV EDGE. Our approach is far from business as usual. It is engaging, innovative, inspiring, and meaningful. Being a member provides you access to a variety of industry leaders, keen insights to regional data, business referrals, networking opportunities, resources, legislative advocacy and more. All these assets, including strategic thought leadership and practical implementation methods, will help grow your business. To learn more about our membership levels visit AVEDGCA.ORG or call (661) 441-2957.

Ronda Perez Executive Director

Grand Charter Donors AV EDGE Mission Statement The AV EDGE mission is to ensure thoughtful, AV Florist diverse economic growth and development Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD) of the entire Antelope Valley. Through Antelope Valley College partnerships, legislative advocacy and Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) education, we work to inspire all businesses Atkinson and Associates, Inc. and industries to engage, leverage and Bank of America, Merrill Lynch cultivate the countless opportunities the California Compaction Corporation AV offers businesses locally, regionally Centennial Founders, LLC and globally. Charles Hoey & Associates City of Lancaster City of Palmdale Coldwell Banker Commercial Valley Realty Derryberry & Associates, LLP Edwards Federal Credit Union Granite Construction Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Los Angeles County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger Northrop Grumman Corporation Palmdale Regional Medical Center Palmdale Water District Rio Tinto – Boron Operations Southern California Gas Company

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 4 Employment by Sector Ridgecrest Los Angeles Count Employees for Employees per this location Establishment Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 65 458 7 Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction 2 8 4 Utilities 25 236 9 Construction TEHACHAPI MTNS 805 4,177Randsburg 5 ManufacturingBakersfield - Mills 45 261 6 Manufacturing - Textiles, Wood, Chemicals 46 587 13 Manufacturing - Metal, Electronic, Machinery 132 1,883 14 Wholesale Trade 229 14 3,318 14 Retail Trade - Motor Vehicle Parts, Furniture, Electronics 963 9,861 10 Retail Trade - General Merchandise 403 6,267 16 Transportation and Warehousing - Transportation 164 2,578 16 Transportation and Warehousing - USPS, Couriers, Warehousing 20 357 18 Information 211 1,925 9 Finance and Insurance 58 697 California2,520 4 City Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 617 3,625 6 99Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 799 4,595 6 Management of Companies and Enterprises 16 64 4 Administrative and Support and Waste Management 395 and Remediation Services 355 Mojave 1,926 5 Educational Services Tehachapi 294 11,280 38 Health Care and Social Assistance 2,520 16,424 7 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 177 2,007 11 Accommodation and Food Services 708 10,979 Edwards 16 Other Services (except Public Administration) 1,350 5,982 Boron4 Public Administration 168 9,525 57 58 Unassigned 896 EDWARDS AIR361 FORCE BASE 0 Grand Total 11,707 101,204 9 Geographies Rosamond 93510 (Acton, CA); 93532 (Lake Hughes, CA); 93534 (Lancaster, CA); 93535 (Lancaster, CA); 93536 (Lancaster, CA); 93543 (Littlerock, CA); 93544 (Llano, CA); 93550 (Palmdale, CA); 93551 (Palmdale, CA); 93552 (Palmdale, CA); 93553 (Pearblossom, CA); 93563 (Valyermo, CA); 93591 (Palmdale, CA). DataSource: Claritas Pop-Facts® Premier 2021; ©Claritas, LLC 2021 138 kern county Count Employees for Employees per Lancasterthis location Establishment 10 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 30 171 4 Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction 8 29 4 Utilities Lake Elizabeth 26 156 6 Construction 197 795 4 Manufacturing - Mills 17 Palmdale131 8Lake Manufacturing - Textiles, Wood, Chemicals 22 290 13Los Angeles Manufacturing - Metal, Electronic, Machinery 64 1,044 Littlerock 16 Wholesale Trade Santa 98 1,015 10 138 Retail Trade - Motor Vehicle Parts, Furniture,Clarita Electronics 298 3,686 12 Retail Trade - General Merchandise 196Acton 1,313 7 Transportation and Warehousing - Transportation 59 354 Pearblossom 6 Transportation and Warehousing - USPS, Couriers, Warehousing 11 90 8 Information Valencia Newhall 71 470 7 Finance and Insurance 220 564 3 Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 202 808 4 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 219 2,725 12 Management of Companies and Enterprises 0 0 0 Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services 215 90 4,726 53 Educational Services 93 3,999 37 Health Care and Social Assistance 570 4,071 7 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Burbank86 773 9 215 Accommodation and Food Services 275 2,832 10 Other Services (except Public Administration) 417 1,494 4 Public Administration 126 25,449 Pomona202 Unassigned Los Angeles 246 97 0 Grand Total 3,641 56,482 16 Geographies 93510 (Acton, CA); 93532 (Lake Hughes, CA); 93534 (Lancaster, CA); 93535 (Lancaster, CA); 93536 (Lancaster, CA); 93543 (Littlerock, CA); 93544 (Llano, CA); 93550 (Palmdale, CA); 93551 (Palmdale, CA); 93552 (Palmdale, CA); 93553 (Pearblossom, CA); 93563 (Valyermo, CA); 93591 (Palmdale,405 CA); DataSource: Claritas Pop-Facts® Premier 2021; ©Claritas, LLC 2021 2021 AV EDGE EconomicPACIFIC Report OCEAN AVEDGECA.ORG 5 Regional Profile

Regional Population Total 2000 Census 398,224 2010 Census 495,880 2021 Estimate 541,511 2026 Projection 561,336 Population by Race White 277,307 Black/African American 77,606 American Indian/Alaskan Native 5,255 Asian 21,001 Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 1,268 Other 128,239 Two or More Races 30,835 Hispanic/Latino 255,984 Not Hispanic/Latino 285,527

Median Age 33.90 Regional Housing 2021 Est. Average Household Income $82,790.98 Housing Units 108,593 Owner-Occupied 66.29% 2021 Est. Average Household Size 3.20 Average Length of Residence Owners occupied 14.44 yrs

LanguAge spoken at home Total % Primarily Speak Spanish 158,586 31.49 Speak Other Language 3,744 0.74

Population by Age Total % Age 0-17 137,220 25.34 Age 18-54 268,911 49.66 Age 55-64 66,086 12.20 Age 65 and Over 69,294 12.80 education Total % High School Graduate (or GED) 95,661 27.40 Some College, No Degree 92,873 26.60 Associate’s Degree 32,407 9.28 Bachelor’s Degree 39,444 11.30 Master’s Degree 16,368 4.69 Professional Degree 2,780 0.80 Doctorate Degree 1,480 0.42

Source: Claritas Pop-Facts® Premier 2021, Claritas, ©Claritas, LLC 2021

6 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Population Detail

City of Lancaster 171,674 City of Palmdale 168,612 City of Ridgecrest 28,513 171,674 178,456 175,316 28,940 180,000 180,000 168,612 29,000 28,513 156,633 152,750 160,000 160,000 27,616 121,341 28,000 140,000 140,000 117,487 120,000 120,000 27,000 100,000 100,000 26,000 80,000 80,000 25,103 60,000 60,000 25,000 40,000 40,000 24,000 20,000 20,000 0 0 23,000 2000 2010 2021 2026 2000 2010 2021 2026 2000 2010 2021 2026 Census Census Estimate Projection Census Census Estimate Projection Census Census Estimate Projection

State Population Ranking ...... 33 State Population Ranking ...... 34 State Population Ranking ...... 272 Population Growth from 2010 Census Population Growth from 2010 Census Population Growth from 2010 Census to 2021 Estimate...... 15,041 to 2021 Estimate...... 15,862 to 2021 Estimate...... 897 Population Growth % from 2010...... 9.6 Population Growth % from 2010...... 10.38 Population Growth % from 2010...... 3.25

5-year population forecast 2021 Est. 2026 Est. City of Lancaster 200,978 208,678 93534, 93535, 93536 City of Palmdale 181,148 188,357 City of Tehachapi 14,688 California City 15,827 93550, 93551, 93552 15,827 16,573 15,057 16,000 14,414 14,688 18,000 14,120 *Unincorporated- Los Angeles County 14,000 16,000 93510, 93532, 93543, 36,968 38,058 12,000 10,874 14,000 93544 93553, 93563, 93591 10,000 12,000 8,839 10,000 City of California City 15,330 16,050 8,000 8,000 93505 6,000 6,000 4,000 4,000 Greater Tehachapi 38,231 39,743 2,000 2,000 93531, 93561 0 0 2000 2010 2021 2026 2000 2010 2021 2026 City of Ridgecrest 33,863 34,392 Census Census Estimate Projection Census Census Estimate Projection 93555 State Population Ranking ...... 437 State Population Ranking ...... 420 *Unincorporated- Kern County Population Growth from 2010 Census Population Growth from 2010 Census 93501, 93516, 93519, 34,993 36,058 to 2021 Estimate...... 274 to 2021 Estimate...... 1,707 93523, 93524, 93527, 93554, 93560 Population Growth % from 2010...... 1.9 Population Growth % from 2010...... 12.09 Greater Antelope Valley Region 541,511 561,336

* Areas Defined by Zip Codes Source: Claritas Pop-Facts® Premier 2021, Claritas, ©Claritas, LLC 2021

Population by Zip Code Zip City 2010 2021 2026 Zip City 2010 2021 2026 Census Est. Proj. Census Est. Proj. 93501 Mojave 5,636 6,116 6,335 93510 Acton 7,810 8,098 8,264 93505 California City 13,782 15,330 16,050 93532 Lake Huges 2,772 3,024 3,132 93516 Boron 2,331 2,498 2,576 93534 Lancaster 39,629 42,252 43,470 93519 Cantil 117 106 106 93535 Lancaster 71,765 79,059 82,150 93523 Edwards 3,260 2,958 2,909 93536 Lancaster 71,019 79,667 83,058 93524 Edwards 164 144 140 93543 Littlerock 13,327 14,477 14,996 93527 Inyokern 2,446 2,521 2,562 93544 Llano 1,428 1,645 1,735 93531 Keene 383 420 436 93550 Palmdale 74,643 78,749 80,774 93554 Randsburg 22 20 20 93551 Palmdale 51,155 58,681 61,626 93555 Ridgecrest 32,902 33,863 34,392 93552 Palmdale 38,298 43,718 45,957 93560 Rosamond 18,842 20,630 21,410 93553 Pearblossom 1,823 1,993 2,071 93561 Greater Tehachapi 35,198 38,231 39,743 93563 Valyermo 277 279 280 (Includes 93531) 93591 Lake L.A. (Palmdale) 7,234 7,452 7,580

Source: Claritas Pop-Facts® Premier 2021, Claritas, ©Claritas, LLC 2021 Overall Total 496,263 541,931 561,772

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 7 Los Angeles County Profile

Elected OFFicials Location Chair & Supervisor, Supervisor, Fifth AV Field Office First District: District: 42455 10th St. West Hilda L. Solis Kathryn Barger Suite 104 Chair Pro Tem & Sheriff: Lancaster, CA 93534 Supervisor, Second Alex Villanueva (661) 726-3600

District: District Attorney: Holly J. Mitchell George Gascon Supervisor, Third Assessor: District: Jeffrey Prang Sheila Kuehl Supervisor, Fourth District: Janice Hahn

Business/Community Quote “As Los Angeles County continues to face the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must consider all opportunities to strengthen and improve our economy. Basing our efforts on data and common sense is essential to protecting public health, while balancing the devastating social, emotional and economic impacts of this virus. Swift action is needed to help workers, businesses, and organizations navigate the impacts of the public health crisis and ensure we emerge stronger and more resilient than before.”

distribution events, digital resources for • Completed High Desert Mental school children, small business grants, Health Urgent Care Center to provide and access to vital mental health services. critical services to Antelope Valley residents experiencing mental crises. The County also simultaneously continued

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the Antelope Valley on the Board of Supervisors, helps distribute tablet computers for students in November 2020 at Buena Vista ABOVE and BELOW: Los Angeles County’s new $16.5 million High School in Palmdale. A Los Angeles County worker loads boxes of groceries into a Desert Mental Health Urgent Care Center, completed in 2020 in vehicle in September in Quartz Hill during a food distribution Lancaster, provides emergency treatment for people in mental event to help people who lost work throughout the COVID-19 crises, relieving the burden on local hospital emergency rooms. pandemic. The global COVID-19 pandemic brought an abrupt change to how Americans its ongoing work and expanded efforts and their government agencies function. to combat issues such as homelessness, Undoubtedly, our focus in 2020 turned joblessness, public safety, child welfare to battling the COVID-19 pandemic and mental health. The pandemic itself and protecting the public health of prompted new government loans and the region’s 10 million residents. Los grants to help small businesses whose Angeles County and its partners created survival was threatened by health a network capable of testing thousands restrictions put in place to fight the virulent of individuals every day, protecting the spread of the coronavirus. While, the year healthcare system for the hundreds of 2021 will bring more efforts to defeat the thousands who fell ill, establishing an virus, we will focus on economic recovery • Unveiled the Antelope Valley Asthma effective contact tracing program to slow and look for more ways to improve the Breathmobile to help control local the spread, and coordinating a massive safety and well-being of our residents. childhood asthma cases which are vaccination distribution effort to deliver the worst in the County locally. critical vaccines. Top 2020 milestones • Housed individuals experiencing The pandemic shined a brighter light • Navigated the COVID-19 public health homelessness through Project on the County’s role as a safety net for crisis and developed a massive RoomKey and continued to develop residents and a support system for testing program, along with the partnerships throughout the region businesses and organizations alike. The beginning framework for a large scale to build supportive housing – such as County partnered with others to provide vaccination effort. the Kensington Campus in the City of much-needed resources such as food

8 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, fire officials and parks employees examine the damage done in September 2020 by the Bobcat Fire at Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area.

California poppies bloom in April 2020 on the hills of the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.

Lancaster which provides more than the construction of infrastructure 250 interim and permanent housing improvements. EIFDs do not result units with onsite supportive services. in any new taxes or fees to property • Partnered with the City of Palmdale owners. Infrastructure improvements to rebuild and increase the safety of may include utility upgrades, street Pearblossom Highway. improvements, housing, and aesthetics, such as landscaping. Economic Development Community Trends In 2020, Los Angeles County dedicated To combat the worsening problem of $1 million toward expanded job training illegal dumping, which is a public in the Antelope Valley for aerospace health threat as well as an eyesore, manufacturing careers. This program Los Angeles County Department of prioritized veterans, particularly Public Works has begun the process of homeless veterans. Northrop Grumman creating “Garbage Disposal Districts” has extended job offers which have been covering unincorporated Antelope accepted by nearly 600 new workers, Valley communities. Already in use in including nearly 30 homeless veterans. unincorporated Santa Clarita Valley and Los Angeles County is working with local elsewhere in the County, these Garbage city officials throughout the County Disposal Districts hire trash-hauling to establish “Enhanced Infrastructure companies and mandate service for every Financing Districts,” or EIFD, to fund residence. This approach is intended community amenities. The EIFDs are to reduce the problem of households LAEDC a funding mechanism that facilitate without trash service burning their trash Los Angeles County Economic or dumping it on vacant land, and it also Development Corporation (LAEDC) helps to meet new state waste laws. was founded in 1981 as a nonprofit, public-benefit organization to harness the power of the private sector in collaboration with L.A. County, to guide economic development and create more widely shared prosperity. LAEDC collaborates with all stakeholders in the region including education, business, and government.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger stands in the Antelope Valley on the Board of Supervisors, speaks in November 2020 with a stack of shoes that were given to students February 2020 at the unveiling of the Antelope Valley Asthma at Buena Vista School in Palmdale. Breathmobile at Dos Caminos School in Palmdale.

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 9 Kern County Profile

Kern County Board of Supervisors Location Supervisor, First District: Clerk of the Board of Kern County Phillip Peters, Chairman Supervisors: Administrative Office Kathleen Krause Supervisor, Second District: 1115 Truxtun Ave (661) 868-3585 Zack Scrivner 5th Floor [email protected] Bakersfield, CA 93301 Supervisor, Third District: (661) 868-3161 Mike Maggard Assistant County Administrative Officer: Supervisor, Fourth District: Teresa Hitchcock David Couch (661) 822-2200 Ext. 105 Supervisor, Fifth District: Leticia Perez

Business/Community Quote “Kern County’s population continues to grow. It is projected that the total population will reach nearly 1.8 million by 2060. The State of California Employment Development Department projected Kern County’s industry employment to reach 391,800 by 2024, with educational services, health care, and social assistance contributing to the largest projected nonfarm job growth. Two other growing industries in Kern County include professional and business services, as well as leisure and hospitality.“

Kern’s Business Advantage for these incentives, to include: of an industry gaining international e-commerce, general manufacturing recognition for space tourism and the Kern County’s centralized location is hard and destination retail. first-ever privately funded spaceflight. to beat when it comes to reaching West Additionally, the region’s defense and Coast destinations. Within a 5 hour drive, • The initiative provides for maximum advanced weapons development are you can have access to 90% of California’s flexibility in pursuing opportunities supported by two military installations. population. with performance-based incentives requiring quantitative thresholds, There are over 20,000 aerospace jobs • California’s population center tested for accountability. in Kern County. These high-wage full- • Access 90% of California’s Population, time jobs have staying power thanks • New business ventures are reviewed and 14% of the U.S. Population within to vast open land, lack of development on a case-by-case basis for overall a 300 mile radius encroachment, proximity to Los Angeles, net benefit and value added, with and higher education levels per capita in • More than 40 million consumers incentives tailored to meet County East Kern than in most other regions in within 4-hour truck drive objectives. the country. • Inland port helps lower drayage costs California Incentives East Kern Economic Alliance • Access: Interstate 5, Highway 99 • California Competes Tax Credit Established in 2009 by the Kern Economic North & South, Highway 46 West to Criteria includes number of jobs to Development Foundation, the East Kern Central Coast, and Highway 58 East to be created or retained, extent of Economic Alliance (EKEA) represents Interstate 15 property in business development community and business leaders from area, minimum compensation East Kern that work to foster economic Kern County Business limitation, and set job retention development collaborations within the Recruitment & Job Growth period. region. Incentive Program • New Employment Credit Between August 2014 - January 2026. ENHANCEMENTS TO THE COUNTY’S • Research & Development Tax Credit INCENTIVE PROGRAM INCLUDE: Reduces income or franchise tax. The County eliminates all caps and special • Sales & Use Tax Exemption for terms on potential sales tax, use tax, and Agriculture Tax exemption for property tax rebates, and adds transient the sale, storage, use, or other occupancy tax rebates, setting the stage consumption of farm equipment, and for opportunities for more meaningful, machinery. robust and competitive incentive packages in pursuit of impactful business • Sales & Use Tax Exemption for investment. Manufacturing Tax Exemption of 3.9375% for basic manufacturing • The County’s incentive agreements equipment. prioritize sustained, full-time job creation, in addition to capital Aerospace & Defense investment, at better than-living EAST KERN COUNTY is home to some wage rates for Kern County. of the most innovative and specialized • The County has also expanded the technologies in the world. The region’s list of targeted industry clusters aerospace programs stand at the forefront

10 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Sierra Technical Services (STS), located in Tehachapi, achieved a major milestone in January 2020 with the completion of Engine Run Testing on the 5th Generation Aerial Target (5GAT). The 5GAT is a high- • There are three NASA Centers located in California, 1 of which is in Kern County - performance, unmanned, fighter-size Armstrong Flight Research Center (Ames Research Center in Mountain View and aircraft that will be utilized for air-to-air JPL in Pasadena are the other two) and surface-to-air weapons evaluation, pilot training, and ground forces training • Armstrong Budget in FY2020 was approx. $345 million (531 civil service employees, when translated into production as the 567 contractor staff, 132 student interns) Next Generation Aerial Target (NGAT). • Very roughly speaking, 1/3 of the budget is spent on Aeronautics research, 1/3 on (FY 2016 Dept. of Defense Base Structure Airborne Science and 1/3 on X-59 Supersonic procurement Report) • For every FTE job located at a NASA facility, more than 17 additional jobs are Edwards Air Force Base has an annual supported throughout the U.S. economy. For each million dollars of labor income economic impact of $2.27 billion. The earned by NASA civil service employees, an additional $7 million of labor income is base creates approximately 10,507 jobs generated in the U.S. for the region, with an annual payroll of Provided more than $31 million of direct procurement to organizations in the 23rd $608 million. congressional district. SOURCE: Kern County EDC

Eastern Kern County is home to Love’s - A new Love’s Travel Stop opened in Boron off Highway 58 in September 2020. almost 15,000 acres of OHV riding The facility is more than 12,000 square feet and features include: 79 truck parking spaces, 81 car parking spaces, 7 recreational vehicle spaces, 8 diesel fuel bays, truck areas. scales, showers, laundry facilities, a dog park and more. Carl’s Jr. restaurant and a Bean The Jawbone Canyon Off-Highway to Cup gourmet coffee machine are also on site. The location has added approximately Vehicle Area provides a wide variety 76 new local jobs to the community. Additionally, Love’s recently announced they will of riding opportunities including cross donate $2,000 to be split between Kern County Fire Department and Boron Junior- country play, trail riding, and advanced Senior High as a community giveback. technical hill climbing opportunities. Jawbone is also a great starting point to begin to explore the hundreds of miles of trail riding opportunities available in the area outside of the OHV Open Area. In 2019, approximately 5,000 people stopped at the Jawbone Visitor’s Center for maps and information. Due to state mandated closures in 2020,

Edwards Air Force Base ECONOMIC IMPACT...... $2.27 BILLION ECONOMIC IMPACT Total Payroll...... $706,720,909 Military Pay Total Contract Expenditures. . . . .$953,622,612 TOTAL MILITARY PAY ...... $147,018,765 Total Value of Indirect Jobs Civilian Pay Created...... $608,250,230 the number of visitors to the Center TOTAL CIVILIAN PAY...... $559,702,144 Total Economic Impact FY2019. .$2,268,593,751 TOTAL PAYROLL ...... $706,720,909 were smaller however, it’s estimated Military Personnel that the OHV areas of Eastern Kern had Jobs Active Duty...... 1,923 almost 20,000 people camping and Estimated Indirect Jobs Air Reserve/National Guard...... 31 enjoying the trails over the Thanksgiving Created in the Local Area...... 10,507 TOTAL MILITARY ...... 1,954 Average Annual Pay...... $57,890 Civilian Personnel holiday. For more information visit (Local Community) BLM.gov/visit/jawbone-canyon-ohv-area Estimated Annual Dollar Value Appropriated Funds...... 4,456 of Indirect Jobs Created. . . . . $608,250,230 Non-Appropriated Funds...... 251 Army Air Force Exchange...... 142 Contract Expenditures – Local Contract Civilians...... 2,108 Construction/Other...... $24,763,296 Private Business ...... 186 Operations & Maintenance. . . . $12,410,333 TOTAL CIVILIAN...... 7,143 Service Contracts...... $877,929,507 Commissary...... $69,285 TOTAL ASSIGNED PERSONNEL...... 9,097 Health/Tricare...... $9,324,073 Military Family Members...... 2,033 Education/Impact Aid...... $4,132,666 TOTAL PERSONNEL including TDY — Local Area...... $7,516,355 DEPENDENTS...... 11,130 Government Purchase Card. . . .$17,452,097 Military Construction Program. . . . .$25,000 TOTAL EXPENDITURES...... $953,622,612

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 11 Lancaster City Council Location Business/Community Quote Mayor: Councilmember: City of Lancaster “Renewable energy has always been at the forefront of R. Rex Parris Darrell Dorris 44933 Fern Avenue Lancaster’s efforts and is something we have not only Lancaster, CA 93534 embraced, but excelled at. After creating our own utility Vice Mayor: Councilmember: (661) 723-6128 company and reaching net-zero status, we continue to Marvin Crist Raj Malhi CityofLancasterCA.org look to future technologies to reach our sustainable energy Councilmember: goals. As the first city in the United States to embrace Ken Mann hydrogen power, we have created key partnerships with SG H2 and Hitachi Zosen Inova to bring clean, renewable hydrogen to Lancaster.” - Mayor R. Rex Parris

The amount of loss, hardships, and Stand Strong Business Recovery Loan Top 2020 milestones challenges everyone endured last Program: Lancaster provided no- and Hotel Developments: The BLVD Marriott year were far more than anyone could low-interest loans to qualifying small Residence Inn is set to open in June 2021. have expected. While there has been businesses to aid in maintaining viability It is the first hotel in the region to be tremendous pain and devastation felt during and beyond the outbreak. Over built in a downtown setting. Construction throughout the world, this community $650,000 in loans was provided to local recently broke ground on the new came together to prove how resilient, businesses. Marriott Fairfield Inn adjacent to the generous and determined they are. The Stand Strong Reopening Assistance: In Marriott TownePlace Suites on Avenue J-8 City implemented various programs to an effort to help small businesses reopen and 20th Street West. help the local businesses and residents in a quick and safe manner, Lancaster Park Upgrades: The City is committed get through the challenging times designed a program to lessen the costs to investing in our community and together. and burden of reopening for local small maintaining a high quality of life for Grocery Worker Appreciation Program: businesses. Items such as face masks, our residents. In January 2020, the City To show appreciation for the hard-working hand sanitizer, paper towels, plexiglass unveiled the world-class skate park at grocery store employees, the program shields, gloves and patio furniture were Jane Reynolds Park. A new all-inclusive awarded qualifying grocery workers a provided at no cost to businesses. The playground, which is designed to be a safe reimbursement on their Lancaster Choice program reached various business space for children of all abilities to play Energy bill. sectors, including restaurants, salons, together, opened recently at Sgt. Steve retail stores, nonprofit organizations, Owen Memorial Park. El Dorado Park automotive shops, medical offices, day received a new mini-pitch soccer field cares, and more. as part of the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Stand Strong Stay Active: To assist #SafePlacestoPlay program, which seeks local gyms and fitness centers that were to transform underutilized areas into shuttered due to the County and State state-of-the-art pitches. regulations, Lancaster rented its park Measure LC: The three-quarter cent sales facilities at no cost to allow businesses tax increase passed in November 2020. and individuals to conduct fitness or The approximately $12.8 million revenue exercise classes outdoors. annually will be used to help maintain

Operation Jump Start: In partnership with the City of Palmdale, the Lancaster and Palmdale Auto Malls, and Antelope Valley Harley-Davidson, gift cards were given to customers who purchased qualifying new and used vehicles from May 1 – August 31. Over 3,500 vehicles were sold in Lancaster, representing about $1.4 million back into the economy. Restaurant Rescue Package: To aid Lancaster restaurants, wineries and breweries, participating businesses received grants, LCE rebates, and a one-year membership to the California Restaurant Association. Over $500,000 worth of “Takeout and Chill” cards were distributed to the community, which could only be redeemed at participating businesses. More than 60 businesses participated in the program and over $65,000 worth of grants were issued.

12 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report and enhance community services, such as families and businesses, Lancaster is users safety at five different school sites. emergency response services, economic leading the way in innovation. We are The other was awarded for the Prime recovery, and maintaining streets and creating a better tomorrow. Together. Desert Woodland Expansion and Gap parks. A Citizens’ Oversight Committee Closure project, which expanded walking American Public Works Association will provide fiscal accountability and trails and filled pedestrian, ADA and (APWA) Awards: The City won two cyclist gaps and provided connectivity to public reporting. American Public Works Association the surrounding neighborhood. Capital Improvement Projects: (APWA) awards in 2020. One recognized Lancaster’s Capital Projects team has the Safe Routes to School project, which been hard at work despite physical improved pedestrian and non-motorized distancing protocols and hybrid work from home models. $26.8 million worth of projects were delivered in 2020 and 18 projects were completed. New Brand: After more than a year of research and hard work, Lancaster launched a new brand and logo. The logo design celebrates Lancaster’s legendary poppy and provides a window into the great experiences of Lancaster: beautiful scenery, entertainment, recreation, events, and an inclusive community. Home to astronauts, rocket scientists,

City of Lancaster 2021 Population (Combined Zip Codes)**. 200,978 Education (Age 25+) 2010 Census Population ...... 182,413 No High School Diploma ...... 9.76% 2026 Projection ...... 208,678 High School Graduate...... 30.18% Some College, No Degree...... 26.41% 2021 City Population (City Only). . . .171,674 Associate’s Degree...... 9.98% 2010 Census Population ...... 156,633 Bachelor’s Degree...... 10.39% 2026 Projection ...... 178,456 Master’s Degree...... 10.69% Professional School Degree ...... 0.70% Population Characteristics Doctoral Degree...... 33.00% Median Age...... 32.94 Spanish Speaking...... 29.79% Workforce (Age 16+ by Occupation) Architect/Engineer...... 3.17% Population By Origin Arts/Entertain/Sports...... 14.57% Not Hispanic or Latino...... 54.00% Building Grounds Maint...... 4.46% Hispanic or Latino...... 46.00% Business Financial Ops ...... 3.36% Community Social Services...... 2.37% Population By Origin Computer/Mathematical ...... 1.61% White Alone...... 40.49% Construction/Extraction ...... 7.15% Black or African American...... 22.44% Edu/Training/Library ...... 6.20% American Indian / Alaska Native . . . . . 0.89% Farm/Fish/Forestry...... 0.35% Asian Alone...... 4.40% Food Prep/Serving...... 4.58% Native Hawaiian / Other Pac. Islander. . . 0.20% Health Practitioner/Tech...... 7.21% Other ...... 25.85% Healthcare Support...... 4.72% Two or More Races...... 5.73% Maintenance Repair...... 3.98% Legal...... 0.34% Average Household Income...... $77,973 Life/Phys/Soc Sociology...... 0.43% 93534...... $57,995 Management ...... 7.72% 93535...... $64,244 Office/Admin Support...... 10.88% 93536...... $108,364 Production ...... 5.48% Protective Services...... 3.50% Median Housing...... $288,067 Sales/Related...... 9.57% 93534...... $237,890 Personal Care/Service...... 3.26% 93535...... $211,107 Transportation/Moving...... 8.08% 93536...... $382,067 Housing Units (estimate)...... 50,559 SOURCE: Claritas via Environics Analytics Persons Per Household (avg.)...... 3.23 https://en.environicsanalytics.ca/Spotlight Homeowners (avg.) ...... 60.20% **Included zip codes are: 93534, 93535, & 93536

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 13 Palmdale city council Mayor: City Manager: Steven D. Hofbauer J.J. Murphy, ICMA-CM (661) 267-5100 Mayor Pro-Tem: Laura Bettencourt Econ. Dev. Manager: Luis Garibay Councilmembers: (661) 267-5125 Austin Bishop Juan Carrillo Richard Loa Location City of Palmdale ♦ 38300 Sierra Hwy., Suite A Palmdale, CA 93550 ♦ (661) 267-5100 Amidst the Pandemic, Palmdale Continues a Business Friendly Model: 2020 was a year unlike any other in our Business/Community Quote nation’s history. When times got tough “I appreciate the City of Palmdale’s business-friendly approach and decision to for local businesses, the City of Palmdale continue working to ensure that our project remained on schedule. Many cities stepped up by creating its Palmdale Cares shut down operations which caused projects that were under construction to initiative unveiling several innovative stop, but not Palmdale. They kept us moving and that was a huge help.” programs and an investment of over $3 million dollars to help boost the local - Andrew J. Eliopulos, President/CEO of A J Eliopulos Commercial / Industrial economy. Development, Inc.

Small Business Grants & Marketing Assistance: Last July, the City created a Palmdale Take Me Home & Al Fresco and enables a pedestrian-oriented district Small Business Grant (SBA) program which Dining: To help restaurants that were with a mix of commercial and public uses. provided $10,000 grants to qualified small forced to close, the City created the businesses. Due to the overwhelming “Take Me Home Tonight” campaign which Welcome to Palmdale: Despite the response, the City launched a second encouraged residents to support them by pandemic, the City of Palmdale welcomed grant program in September 2020. ordering meals for takeout or delivery. 481 new businesses to the community. In addition to grant funding, the City When restrictions were lifted to allow These businesses helped create job developed the Palmdale Cares Small outdoor dining, City staff developed an opportunities and expand the local tax Business marketing program which Al Fresco Dining program so restaurants base. These new businesses include The offered innovative no-cost programs to could move tables outside and serve Lemon Leaf Café, AR Workshop, Armani’s provide local businesses with advertising customers. Mediterranean Bakery & Food, and opportunities through billboards, radio Sunshine Bakery and Pastry. and print ads. These programs helped Partnerships with Local Chambers over 150 local businesses during the of Commerce: The City solidified a new Top 2020 milestones pandemic. partnership with three local chambers of commerce: Antelope Valley Chambers, AV 1. Amazon: Grand opening of Amazon’s new 130,000 SF Delivery Services Hosted in Black Chamber, and AV Hispanic Chamber Operation Jump Start: Partners Center created hundreds conjunction with the City of Lancaster, to provide additional training and support of new full- and part-time jobs for Palmdale and Lancaster Auto Malls, and to local small businesses during the residents. This new facility was taken Antelope Valley Harley-Davidson, new car COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. from concept to operation in less and motorcycle buyers were offered a than nine months. $500 gift card, and previously owned car Shop Palmdale: The Shop Palmdale buyers a $250 gift card. Over 2,400 gift campaign included a variety of marketing, promotions, giveaways, and special events 2. Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly cards were distributed in Palmdale, and Program (AFAB) Expansion: the program helped generate over $68 to support local businesses throughout the holiday shopping season. Antelope Valley College relocated million dollars in vehicle sales. and expanded the AFAB program New Hotel Development: Two new to the AVC Palmdale facility. The hotels are currently under construction – AFAB program uses a curriculum Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott and the developed by Northrop Grumman DoubleTree by Hilton. These new hotels and approved by the Department of will add 240 new rooms to Palmdale’s Education to create career pathways hotel inventory. Construction is expected to increase their workforce. In 2020, to be completed in early 2021. 53 individuals completed the training program. Palmdale Transit Area Specific Plan: The Palmdale Transit Area Specific Plan 3. Fiber City: The City secured a (PTASP) will guide future development partnership with SiFi Networks of approximately 750 acres around the to install a fiber optic network proposed high-speed rail station. The throughout Palmdale for residential and commercial gigabyte speed AR Workshop, Palmdale PTASP focuses on increasing density around the future high-speed rail station internet. This innovative partnership

14 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report will not only improve the connectivity Government. The award was based Martin’s new 208,000 SF hi-tech low of City residents and businesses, on the Institute’s Sustainability Best bay advanced manufacturing facility is but will also help bridge the Practices Framework, which requires under construction and expected to be digital divide, the gap that exists accomplishments in each of 10 best completed in 2021; Northrop Grumman between individuals who have practice areas: energy efficiency and is anticipated to add 1,000 new, high- access to modern information and conservation, water and wastewater wage positions this year to support the communication technology and systems, green building, waste F-35 program and other programs at its those who lack it. reduction and recycling, climate- Palmdale facility; U.S. Tool Group is in friendly purchasing, renewable the process of relocating their operations 4. Pearblossom Highway Rebuild: energy and low carbon fuels, to a new 40,000 SF facility in the Fairway In partnership with Los Angeles efficient transportation, land use Business Park; and Palmdale Regional County, the City invested over $13.5 and community design, open spaces Medical Center continues to expand million to reconstruct over 3.2 miles and offsetting carbon emissions, and with the recent completion of a 33,000 of Pearblossom Highway. The project community and individual action. SF maternity labor and delivery unit. In included road reconstruction and the addition, there are several new projects addition of several safety features Community Trends in the development phase that will add along this key transportation corridor. millions of square feet of new industrial Palmdale continues to serve as a major and commercial inventory and create 5. 2020 Beacon Spotlight Award: employment and retail hub for the thousands of new jobs for the region. Palmdale received a Gold Level Antelope Valley. Even with the pandemic, Award for Sustainability Best businesses continue to invest and expand Practices from the Institute for Local operations in Palmdale. Lockheed

Palmdale Healing & Honor Field. Feature Film Production in Palmdale

City of Palmdale

2021 Population (Combined Zip Codes)**. . . .181,148 Education (Age 25+) 2010 Census Population ...... 164,096 No High School Diploma ...... 12.58% 2026 Projection ...... 188,357 High School Graduate...... 25.63% Some College, No Degree...... 25.86% 2021 City Population (City Only)...... 168,612 Associate’s Degree...... 7.76% 2010 Census Population ...... 152,750 Bachelor’s Degree...... 10.72% 2026 Projection ...... 175,316 Master’s Degree...... 3.84% Professional School Degree ...... 0.78% Population Characteristics Doctoral Degree...... 0.45% Median Age...... 32.16 Spanish Speaking...... 42.32% Workforce (Age 16+ by Occupation) Architect/Engineer...... 2.08% Population By Origin Arts/Entertain/Sports...... 1.47% Not Hispanic or Latino...... 38.32% Building Grounds Maint...... 5.54% Hispanic or Latino...... 61.68% Business Financial Ops ...... 2.89% Firehouse Subs One Year Anniversary. Community Social Services...... 1.75% Population By Origin Computer/Mathematical ...... 1.64% White Alone...... 45.06% Construction/Extraction ...... 7.84% Black or African American...... 14.18% Edu/Training/Library ...... 4.79% American Indian / Alaska Native ...... 0.73% Farm/Fish/Forestry...... 0.51% Asian Alone...... 4.30% Food Prep/Serving...... 5.43% Native Hawaiian / Other Pac. Islander...... 0.21% Health Practitioner/Tech...... 5.12% Other ...... 29.99% Healthcare Support...... 5.01% Two or More Races...... 5.53% Maintenance Repair...... 4.27% Legal...... 0.34% Average Household Income...... $87,555 Life/Phys/Soc Sociology...... 0.44% 93550...... $64,771 Management ...... 6.80% 93551...... $128,698 Office/Admin Support...... 9.91% 93552...... $78,440 Production ...... 7.29% Protective Services...... 3.03% Median Housing...... $317,987 Sales/Related...... 11.20% 93550...... $241,434 Personal Care/Service...... 3.22% 93551...... $434,418 Transportation/Moving...... 9.44% 93552...... $287,779 Housing Units (estimate)...... 46,080 SOURCE: Claritas via Environics Analytics Persons Per Household (avg.)...... 3.65 https://en.environicsanalytics.ca/Spotlight Homeowners (avg.) ...... 68.23% **Included zip codes are: 93550, 93551, 93552 Antelope Valley College Palmdale Facility

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 15 C ITY OF

Christina Scrivner Councilmember

115 South Robinson Street | Tehachapi, California 93561-1722 (661) 822-2200 ext. 101 | Fax: (661) 822-8559 www.TehachapiCityHall.com | [email protected]

Greater Tehachapi City Council Mayor: Phil Smith-District 1 City Manager: Greg Garrett Mayor Pro-Tem: (661) 822-2200 x105 Michael Davies-District 2 Location Business/Community Quote Economic Devopment Councilmembers: City of Tehachapi “Our City of Tehachapi government Christina Scrivner-District 3 Coordinator: 115 S. Robinson, helped in many ways that the public may Corey Costelloe Joan Pogan-Cord-District 4 Tehachapi, CA 93561 never know. You allowed businesses (661) 822-2200 x121 Susan Wiggins-District 5 (661) 822-2200 to do what they had to do to stay open LiveUpTehachapi.com during these trying times. You looked the other way when many of us had to step The City of Tehachapi continues to be in on the northwest corner of the Walmart outside the box just to stay afloat. City growth mode with a red-hot real estate shopping center. officials would return calls and answer market due to increased demand for questions and even offer to help us when residential homes in our community. The opening of the Walmart in 2019 we weren’t sure what to do.” Due to the growth of the nearby sectors certainly created a market for new including aerospace, private space investments like Panda Express along Mano Lujan, Owner, Red House BBQ & flight, defense and renewable energy, with Valley Strong Credit Union who broke The Shed Tehachapi continues to be a destination ground on a new branch adjacent to the for those seeking a great place to live and Walmart on Tehachapi Boulevard. This in many instances relocate their business. development includes connectivity to the wine growers the “Tehachapi Mountains” Walmart site as well as an additional pad American Viticultural Area which will now In addition to the normal commuting for sale to compliment the new banking appear on bottles of local wine. population, the City of Tehachapi branch. continues to see growth from Southern Tehachapi’s economic story has never California residents who in the wake of Thanks to an increase in retail been tied to one industry and with a COVID-19 are now working from home or opportunities, the City of Tehachapi central location between the Antelope limiting their commuting trips drastically. experienced a growth in trade area over and San Joaquin Valleys the city serves With fiber optic internet infrastructure in the last year that now encompasses many as a great location for businesses serving place in most of the City and surrounding of the smaller communities of Eastern both regions as well as a partner in unincorporated community, Tehachapi is Kern County. The data show that City housing needs as employees seek homes now a live/work destination for many new of Tehachapi businesses not only serve outside larger communities and opt for residents calling the mountain community the Greater Tehachapi Area, comprising Tehachapi’s reasonable home prices, home. 40,000 residents, but a trade area of over strong sense of community and small- 70,000 visiting the City from surrounding town way of life. Although the challenges of COVID-19 communities to shop and dine. were especially tough on the restaurant Top 2020 milestones industry for much of 2020, Tehachapi saw New locations of companies to the various unprecedented growth in that sector with industrial areas of the City has been a 1. Five new restaurants open major accomplishment as well with new five new restaurants opening to modified 2. Assistance with COVID-19 relief to buildings being constructed on Bailey dining options. Four of these projects, small business Prime Bar & Grill, 4 Seasons Café, NYC Avenue, Goodrick Drive and Industrial Subs & Grill and Tacos El Superior were Way, creating more opportunities for 3. Supporting businesses with outdoor redevelopment projects, each renovating businesses to call the City of Tehachapi dining leniency and transforming previously vacant home. In addition, Tehachapi emerged 4. Completion of studies relating to the space into a new restaurant use bringing as an official wine region with the Groundwater Sustainability Project even more unique dining options to Department of Tobacco Tax Fee the community. In addition, Panda Administration officially awarding local 5. New home construction permits Express constructed a new restaurant and approvals of master planned communities

Panda Express: Panda Express constructed a new stand alone Tacos El Superior: Tacos El Superior opened their first brick and New Home for Sale: A home for sale in the Applewood Estates drive thru restaurant on Tucker Road in just over six months. mortar location in Tehachapi after years as a successful food development. The new owner, Aspen II Homes, revived the The restaurant opened in December 2020 and was one of five truck in the Antelope Valley. In September they made a significant housing tract and is building 17 single family homes. new restaurants to open in the City in 2020 despite COVID-19 donation to the Tehachapi Warriors Booster Club. challenges.

16 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Community Trends Home building is set for a major push in 2021 with The Address at Tehachapi, a 238-unit master planned community approved in 2020 set to begin construction while Aspen II Homes continues to build out a vacated housing tract bringing new homeowners to the neighborhood for the first time in nearly 30 years. Other projects in the works are seeking approval in 2021 which could bring as many as 1250 new Tehachapi Loop Hope Lives Here: Mayor Susan Wiggins created the ‘Hope Lives residential units to the City. Here’ slogan which was adopted via banners downtown and decals to encourage residents through the COVID-19 Pandemic. Commercially, Valley Strong Credit Union will open their newest branch in Tehachapi in 2021 developing on the lower parcels of the Walmart shopping center.

Public infrastructure and access to water will also be spotlighted in 2021 as the City of Tehachapi plans to seek State of California approval for the long-awaited Groundwater Sustainability Project helping the city reclaim potable drinking water through treatment, spreading and natural filtration.

Umbrellas Downtown: To assist Downtown restaurants that had limited outdoor dining space, the City of Tehachapi purchased and installed umbrellas on tables in public spaces to provide eating locations while indoor dining was not allowed due to public health orders.

City of Tehachapi

2021 Population (Combined Zip Codes)**. 200,978 Education (Age 25+) ...... New Homes Under Construction: Contractors work at one of two active housing developments in the City of Tehachapi. Three 2010 Census Population ...... 182,413 No High School Diploma ...... 9.76% more could potentially be under construction in 2021. 2026 Projection ...... 208,678 High School Graduate...... 30.18% Some College, No Degree...... 26.41% 2021 City Population (City Only). . . .171,674 Associate’s Degree...... 9.98% 2010 Census Population ...... 156,633 Bachelor’s Degree...... 10.39% 2026 Projection ...... 178,456 Master’s Degree...... 10.69% Professional School Degree ...... 0.70% Population Characteristics Doctoral Degree...... 33.00% Median Age...... 32.94 Spanish Speaking...... 29.79% Workforce (Age 16+ by Occupation)...... Architect/Engineer...... 3.17% Population By Origin Arts/Entertain/Sports...... 14.57% Not Hispanic or Latino...... 54.00% Building Gronds Maint...... 4.46% Hispanic or Latino...... 46.00% Business Financial Ops ...... 3.36% ...... Community Social Services...... 2.37% Population By Origin Computer/Mathematical ...... 1.61% White Alone...... 40.49% Construction/Extaction ...... 7.15% Black or African American...... 22.44% Edu/Training/Library ...... 6.20% American Indian / Alaska Native . . . . . 0.89% Farm/Fish/Forestry...... 0.35% Asian Alone...... 4.40% Food Prep/Serving...... 4.58% Native Hawaiian / Other Pac. Islander. . . 0.20% Health Practitioner/Tech...... 7.21% Other ...... 25.85% Healthcare Support...... 4.72% Two or More Races...... 5.73% Maintenance Repair...... 3.98% Legal...... 0.34% Average Household Income...... $77,973 Life/Phys/Soc Sociology...... 0.43% 93534...... $57,995 Management ...... 7.72% 93535...... $64,244 Office/Admin Support...... 10.88% 93536...... $108,364 Production ...... 5.48% Protective Services...... 3.50% Median Housing...... $288,067 Sales/Related...... 9.57% 93534...... $237,890 Personal Care/Service...... 3.26% 93535...... $211,107 Transportation/Moving...... 8.08% 93536...... $382,067 Housing Units (estimate)...... 50,559 SOURCE: Claritas via Environics Analytics Person Per Household (avg.)...... 3.23 https://en.environicsanalytics.ca/Spotlight Homeowners (avg.) ...... 60.20% **Included zip codes are: 93534, 93535, & 93536

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 17 California City City Council Location Business/Community Quote Mayor: Jeanie O’Laughlin California City “Greater California City, with its central location in Mayor Pro-Tem: 2100 Hacienda Blvd Southeast Kern County, serves a growing population Dr. Nick Lessenevich California City, CA 93505 of 25,000 people. This is driving demand for (760) 373-96610 housing, retail, and business expansion. Even in the Councilmembers: CaliforniaCity-CA.gov/CC midst of a pandemic, 50 or so houses are being built Jim Creighton and our retail sector is averaging a grand opening Karren Macedonio every month. This is exciting and all data points to Kelly Kulicoff this being a continuing trend.” Alexia Svejda, President, California City Chamber of Commerce

California City continues to see both business and housing growth. The real estate and home building market is being driven by being an easy fifteen-minute drive from the north gate of Edwards AFB base, having more desirable housing costs, and being one of the safest cities in the Aerospace Valley area. The high school offers an Air Frame and Plant certificate course and a robust dual enrollment program that partners with Cerro Coso Community College. Being logistically centered by north/south and east/west highways and railroads, surrounded by aerospace innovation, and having a ready workforce makes for a business-friendly environment. Land is readily available in the City’s 203 square miles. The City’s airport/industrial park are within short drives of Edwards AFB and Mojave Air and Space Port. Access to STEM talent and space for privacy are ideal for aerospace research, development, and testing. Fresh air, blue skies, and boundless nature at our doorstep equals a slower With its many outdoor opportunities paced quality of life. California City allows California City is always a welcome you to innovate and create, then breathe destination for outdoor enthusiasts. deep and reboot.

18 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report • The OHV community visited in record 6. In the top three safest cities in Kern Opportunity Zones numbers and road the hundreds of County and top 200 safest in the miles of trails in and around our City. state (https://www.alarms.org/safest- The City has both private and RDA/ Successor Agency lands that are centrally • The Terra Del Sol Golf Course is cities-in-california/) located inside a federal Opportunity under new management and hosts Zone. Zoning allows for a potential hotel, tournaments most weekends. Community Trends golf course housing development, retail, • Central Park continues to be a birding • Starbucks will be opening in 2021 anchor grocery store, and restaurants. hotspot with over 300 species seen. • The Mendenburo Road extension In addition, there is room to grow in the • Annually the City welcomes Bequinox, project is slated for paving industrial zoned airport business park. Youtopia, and Wasteland Weekend • Core Civic’s prison expansion is ready event goers. to move forward with EIR completed • Tropicana grocery to open in first • Rawhyde Adventures, the only quarter company in North America that is both sponsored and sanctioned by • California City High School has BMW as an official training center, received equipment and supplies to hosts Adventure Days at its California establish a Makerspace City location. Top 2020 Milestones

1. Hacienda Blvd and South Loop paving project complete City of California City

2. Tiny/Small homes ordinance passed 2021 Population (Combined Zip Codes)**. . . 15,330 Some College, No Degree...... 28.71% for two tracks 2010 Census Population ...... 13,782 Associate’s Degree...... 7.20% 2026 Projection ...... 16,050 Bachelor’s Degree...... 6.69% 3. FAA certified Airframe and Plant Master’s Degree...... 4.12% certificate program at California 2021 City Population (City Only). . . . 15,827 Professional School Degree ...... 0.14% 2010 Census Population ...... 14,120 Doctoral Degree...... 0.06% City High school (https://www. 2026 Projection ...... 16,573 ...... turnto23.com/news/local-news/ Workforce (Age 16+ by Occupation) aviation-course-at-california-city-h-s- Population Characteristics Architect/Engineer...... 2.58% prepares-students-for-the-future) Median Age...... 34.58 Arts/Entertain/Sports...... 0.57% Spanish Speaking...... 24.73% Building Gronds Maint...... 7.12% 4. 50+ house permits issued in 2020 Business Financial Ops ...... 0.85% Population By Origin Community Social Services...... 0.52% 5. Bartz-Altadonna Community Health Not Hispanic or Latino...... 58.80% Computer/Mathematical ...... 2.63% Care clinic opened Hispanic or Latino...... 41.20% Construction/Extaction ...... 6.22% Edu/Training/Library ...... 6.27% Population By Origin Farm/Fish/Forestry...... 0.64% White Alone...... 53.74% Food Prep/Serving...... 4.52% Black or African American...... 18.99% Health Practitioner/Tech...... 2.15% American Indian / Alaska Native . . . . . 0.94% Healthcare Support...... 2.84% Asian Alone...... 2.43% Maintenance Repair...... 6.15% Native Hawaiian / Other Pac. Islander. . . 0.42% Legal...... 0.00% Other ...... 16.85% Life/Phys/Soc Sociology...... 0.31% Two or More Races...... 6.63% Management ...... 14.30% Office/Admin Support...... 10.84% Average Household Income...... $58,033 Production ...... 3.46% 93505...... $58,055 Protective Services...... 6.22% Sales/Related...... 6.20% Median Housing...... $135,466 Personal Care/Service...... 7.36% 93505...... $135,105 Transportation/Moving...... 8.24% Housing Units (estimate)...... 4,964 Person Per Household (avg.)...... 2.8 Homeowners (avg.) ...... 61.26% SOURCE: Claritas via Environics Analytics https://en.environicsanalytics.ca/Spotlight **California City Zip code is 93505 Education (Age 25+) No High School Diploma ...... 15.96% High School Graduate...... 31.60%

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 19 City of Ridgecrest City Council Location Mayor: Eric A. Bruen City Manager: City of Ridgecrest Ronald Strand Vice Mayor: 100 W. California Ave. Solomon P. Rajaratnam City Attorney: Ridgecrest, CA 93555 Keith Lemieux (760) 499-5000 Mayor Pro-Tem: Ridgecrest-CA.gov L. Scott Hayman Assist. City Attorney: Lloyd Pilchen Councilmembers: Kyle Blades

The city of Ridgecrest is a largely funds to purchase equipment to Business/Community Quote “company” oriented community big convert to outdoor dining. enough to provide plenty of fine schools “Dealing with the City of Ridgecrest for (public and private), shopping (including Community Trends our 16 acre Oasis Lifestyle Center has large chain stores), churches, health been a breath of fresh air. They have care, and recreation but still small Through a broad approach that addresses been receptive, encouraging, and enough to avoid most of the usual big- opportunities; services; industry; and helpful every step of the way. Since city problems. A wide variety of excellent quality of life, Ridgecrest is committed to the project planning includes a 65,000 housing is readily available at reasonable prompting smart and responsible growth square foot entertainment center prices, and you can live only minutes within our City that highlights the unique which includes a theater, bowling from your office. character of our diverse community. alley, food service and game rooms, The region is growing in every way and there were numerous details that we Ridgecrest Area Convention & that growth is underpinned by the have had to address and we couldn’t expansion of our regional employers, Visitors Bureau be more pleased!.” most notably Naval Air Weapons The Ridgecrest Area Convention and Station – China Lake, Ridgecrest Regional Visitors Bureau (RACVB) has a community Hospital, Sierra Sands Unified School of contributors to help guide visitors to District and Cerro Coso Community the region’s greatest destinations. Plan The friendly community of Ridgecrest was College. your Ridgecrest adventure including incorporated as a city in 1963. Ridgecrest attractions, hotels, activities, and dining is surrounded by four mountain ranges; Top 2020 milestones by using the tools and directory available the Sierra Nevada on the west, the Cosos on the web site. • The Ridgecrest Chamber of on the north, the Argus Range on the Commerce partnered with SBDC Nestled at the crossroads of three major east, and the El Paso Mountains to the to host webinars on Managing highways and less than three hours south. Ridgecrest is the only incorporated Your Small Business Through the from several of Southern California’s community in the Indian Wells Valley and Pandemic and How to do Business major attractions, Ridgecrest is thrilled is located in the Mojave Desert, west of with the U.S. Department of Defense. to be your base camp for adventure! Death Valley National Park. The surrounding California high desert • To support local restaurants during Ridgecrest is known for its beautiful is home to exotic plant and animal life, the shutdown, the City started a sunsets and its warm, sunny days. Many with geo-caching, off-roading, and rock COVID-19 Relief Equipment Grant of the residents enjoy these things about climbing available in the area. See some program, which allows our local their home town. In 2000, the population of the most incredible stargazing in your restaurant owners to apply for grant was 24,927. life through the desert’s unobstructed and protected night horizon.

20 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Opening of the Freedom Park restroom and gazebo restoration.

Keller Williams Realty at their new offices located on China Lake Blvd.

City of Ridgecrest

2021 City Population (City Only). . . . 28,513 Some College, No Degree...... 27.66% 2010 Census Population ...... 27,616 Associate’s Degree...... 10.39% 2026 Projection ...... 28,940 Bachelor’s Degree...... 19.54% Master’s Degree...... 7.51% Population Characteristics Professional School Degree ...... 0.61% Median Age...... 35.45 Doctoral Degree...... 0.69% Spanish Speaking...... 14.34% Workforce (Age 16+ by Occupation) Population By Origin Architect/Engineer...... 8.59% Not Hispanic or Latino...... 76.69% Arts/Entertain/Sports...... 1.63% Hispanic or Latino...... 23.31% Building Gronds Maint...... 3.05% Business Financial Ops ...... 5.75% Population By Origin Community Social Services...... 1.73% White Alone...... 72.49% Computer/Mathematical ...... 5.06% Black or African American...... 4.31% Construction/Extaction ...... 5.11% American Indian / Alaska Native . . . . . 1.33% Edu/Training/Library ...... 3.47% Asian Alone...... 4.53% Farm/Fish/Forestry...... 0.44% Native Hawaiian / Other Pac. Islander. . . 0.50% Food Prep/Serving...... 5.70% Other ...... 9.43% Health Practitioner/Tech...... 4.11% Two or More Races...... 7.41% Healthcare Support...... 3.38% Maintenance Repair...... 4.90% Average Household Income Legal...... 0.24% City of Ridgecrest...... $80,519 Life/Phys/Soc Sociology...... 0.95% 93555...... $82,686 Management ...... 8.51% Office/Admin Support...... 11.00% Median Housing...... $215,186 Production ...... 4.77% 93555...... $225,090 Protective Services...... 2.17% Housing Units (estimate)...... 11,174 Sales/Related...... 8.16% Person Per Household (avg.)...... 2.54 Personal Care/Service...... 3.82% Homeowners (avg.) ...... 61.53% Transportation/Moving...... 7.48%

Education (Age 25+) No High School Diploma ...... 8.33% SOURCE: Claritas via Environics Analytics High School Graduate...... 22.50% https://en.environicsanalytics.ca/Spotlight **Zip code of Ridgecrest is 93555

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 21 Mojave

Chamber of Commerce Employment and Job Training (661) 824-2481 America’s Job Center VisitMojave.org 2300 Highway 58, Mojave (661) 824-7800 Mojave Air & Space Port (661) 824-2433 Kern County Career Services MojaveAirport.com 2340 State Highway 58, Mojave [email protected] (661) 824-7510 County Supervisor, Zack Scrivner 1115 Truxtun Avenue, 5th Floor Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 868-3660

Mojave is in the middle of everywhere, spaceport are tested at one of the world’s strategically located 90 miles north of the busiest rocket engine test facilities, which richest, most vital market in the world – is being expanded to handle increased the Los Angeles/Orange County region. operations. Mojave is an unincorporated community Connected to the Earth - Golden Queen in south Kern County. Mining on historic Soledad Mountain Mojave is connected to that busy market mines gold, silver, and aggregates using by a major freeway, two of the nation’s modern technology and a workforce of biggest railroads, and to it and the world more than 200 skilled employees. by an airport able to handle any flying— Cement to help build Southern California is including the world’s largest aircraft, the Virgin Galactic - 747 Cosmic Girl with rocket, LauncherOne, May mined by CalPortland Cement while clean 24, 2020, Mojave, California. giant Stratolaunch built and flown from renewable energy from wind and solar the runways of the Mojave Air & Space power keep businesses and industries in Port. Southern California humming. Connected to the Universe – Rocket engines being developed at the airport/

Mojave

2021 Population (93501 Zip Code). . . . 6,116 Associate’s Degree...... 6.06% 2010 Census Population ...... 5,636 Bachelor’s Degree...... 6.85% 2026 Projection ...... 6,355 Master’s Degree...... 2.59% Professional School Degree ...... 0.31% Population Characteristics Doctoral Degree...... 0.05% Median Age...... 33.71 Spanish Speaking...... 34.12% Workforce (Age 16+ by Occupation) Architect/Engineer...... 0.85% Population By Origin Arts/Entertain/Sports...... 0.55% Not Hispanic or Latino...... 56.28% Building Gronds Maint...... 5.06% Hispanic or Latino...... 43.72% Business Financial Ops ...... 3.05% Community Social Services...... 2.07% Population By Origin Computer/Mathematical ...... 3.72% White Alone...... 51.77% Construction/Extaction ...... 11.46% Black/ African American...... 16.84% Edu/Training/Library ...... 4.27% American Indian / Alaska Native . . . . . 1.34% Farm/Fish/Forestry...... 0.85% Asian Alone...... 1.34% Food Prep/Serving...... 6.89% Native Hawaiian / Other Pac. Islander. . . 0.39% Health Practitioner/Tech...... 1.40% Other ...... 22.47% Healthcare Support...... 5.42% Two or More Races...... 5.85% Maintenance Repair...... 5.42% Legal...... 0.12% Average Household Income Life/Phys/Soc Sociology...... 0.49% 93501...... $53,386 Management ...... 3.66% Office/Admin Support...... 8.47% Median Housing Production ...... 8.65% 93501...... $186,842 Protective Services...... 2.92% Housing Units (estimate)...... 2,194 Sales/Related...... 8.59% Person Per Household (avg.)...... 2.68 Personal Care/Service...... 6.28% Homeowners (avg.) ...... 54.15% Transportation/Moving...... 9.81%

Education (Age 25+) No High School Diploma ...... 14.24% SOURCE: Claritas via Environics Analytics High School Graduate...... 30.66% https://en.environicsanalytics.ca/Spotlight Some College, No Degree...... 31.56% ** Zip Code for Mojave is 93501

22 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Rosamond

Rosamond, CA. is a census-designated the Census Bureau, the CDP has a total place (CDP) in Kern County, California, of 52.3 square miles. Two unique assets USA, near the Los Angeles county line. 20 of Rosamond include the Rosamond miles north of Palmdale, 13 miles south Skypark airport, featuring a 3,600’ paved of Mojave, it rests at an elevation of 2,342 runway and Willow Springs Raceway, host feet. Rosamond is the western gateway to a variety of motor racing events year- to Edwards Air Force Base. According to round.

Rosamond Community Services as an open book, not only following Our mission is to promote, develop District the laws of open government, but and service local businesses and (661) 265-3411 RosamondCSD.com maintaining complete transparency while our community. We represent the encouraging public participation and local businesses and community and Our core mission is to bring a better oversight. offer benefits for our members while quality of life to our community of providing resources to improve and grow Rosamond by providing essential Rosamond Skypark local commerce. services at the best cost while striving, in 4000 Knox Avenue everything that we do, to be protective Rosamond, CA 93560 2020 Milestones: and prudent with our community’s [email protected] resources and money. Rosamond Event Center is in its second The Rosamond Skypark is a privately- phase of development. This Event Center Protect & Preserve owned and operated residential skypark will have a rest area, solar power and We strive to make every decision based located in Southern California’s Antelope decomposed granite throughout the REC on fiscally sound policies and best Valley (AKA “Aerospace Valley”). Our FAA Center. This Center will have a green practices to insure that the money and designator is L00 (Lima-Zero-Zero) and room / storage foundation and a main resources are managed prudently, our airport is open for public use. stage. More to come in 2021. protecting the investment the people Real estate in Rosamond hit a new record have made in their community. Rosamond Chamber of Commerce PO Box 365 in sales prices. Due to high demand and Transparency & Trust Rosamond, CA 93560 low interest rates, buyers are more eager to get into new homes. Building trust from the community is (661) 256-3248 an ongoing process where we function RosamondChamber.org SOURCE: Rosamond Chamber of Commerce

Rosamond

2021 Population (93560 Zip Code). . . . 20,630 Associate’s Degree...... 8.86% 2010 Census Population ...... 18,842 Bachelor’s Degree...... 11.25% 2026 Projection ...... 21,410 Master’s Degree...... 5.92% Professional School Degree ...... 1.11% Population Characteristics Doctoral Degree...... 0.18% Median Age...... 34.31 Spanish Speaking...... 30.95% Workforce (Age 16+ by Occupation) Architect/Engineer...... 3.17% Population By Origin Arts/Entertain/Sports...... 1.38% Not Hispanic or Latino...... 57.69% Building Gronds Maint...... 6.30% Hispanic or Latino...... 42.31% Business Financial Ops ...... 4.21% Community Social Services...... 1.98% Population By Origin Computer/Mathematical ...... 2.96% White Alone...... 52.36% Construction/Extaction ...... 10.50% Black/ African American...... 8.79% Edu/Training/Library ...... 6.95% American Indian / Alaska Native . . . . . 1.15% Farm/Fish/Forestry...... 1.65% Asian Alone...... 4.04% Food Prep/Serving...... 2.74% Native Hawaiian / Other Pac. Islander. . . 0.39% Health Practitioner/Tech...... 2.94% Other ...... 25.41% Healthcare Support...... 1.26% Two or More Races...... 7.88% Maintenance Repair...... 6.40% Legal...... 0.09% Average Household Income Life/Phys/Soc Sociology...... 0.00% 93501...... $77,380 Management ...... 6.74% Office/Admin Support...... 11.70% Median Housing Production ...... 7.03% 93501...... $242,346 Protective Services...... 3.51% Housing Units (estimate)...... 6,982 Sales/Related...... 8.19% Person Per Household (avg.)...... 2.95 Personal Care/Service...... 2.72% Homeowners (avg.) ...... 68.17% Transportation/Moving...... 7.56%

Education (Age 25+) No High School Diploma ...... 14.45% SOURCE: Claritas via Environics Analytics High School Graduate...... 25.19% https://en.environicsanalytics.ca/Spotlight Some College, No Degree...... 25.64% ** Rosamond Zip Code is 93560

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 23 Cost of Living Index Regional Cost Comparisons Across the State

Lancaster is 139% less expensive than San Francisco. San Francisco housing costs are 375.4% more expensive than Lancaster housing costs. Health related expenses are 12.2% less in Lancaster.

Cost of Living Index / Comparison

Lancaster irvine los Angeles riverside san Diego san Francisco san Jose santa Clarita santa Monica Overall 112.7 187.1 173.3 133.1 160.01 269.3 214.5 147.1 304.5 Food 98.5 105.6 104.1 100.4 109.7 116.6 113.7 101.9 111.4 Housing 125.4 373.9 298.2 176.9 279.1 596.2 433.9 235.8 734.7 Utlities 115.8 98.3 93.7 106.0 102.8 97.5 96.8 105.5 80.8 Transportaion 119.2 111.0 165.3 146.1 120.2 158.2 151.0 124.7 154.8 Health 89.4 95.9 89.4 87.8 89 100.3 100.5 89.4 89.4 Violent Crime 36.5 8.9 29.1 28.7 24.4 39.6 25.0 11.9 21.7 Property Crime 33.4 22.6 35.1 46.7 31.4 79.2 36.5 22.2 56.9 Miscellaneous 104.9 104.8 104.5 105.6 105.6 120.5 104.8 104.9 103.9 100 = US Average. (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive).

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0 Lancaster Irvine Los Angeles Riverside San Diego San Francisco San Jose Santa Clarita Santa Monica

Overall Food Housing Utilities Transportation Health Violent Crime Property Crime Miscellaneous

Foreign Trade Zone

Federally-designated Foreign Trade Zones are U.S. Customs and Border Protection- approved locations where companies can engage in special procedures to help City of Palmdale encourage U.S. activity by delaying or reducing duty payments on foreign merchandise. FTZ 191

Benefits: Available Programs For more information, • Duty Deferral: May avoid paying duties on imported merchandise; Contact Luis Garibay • Inverted Tariffs/Duty Reduction: Users may lower duty rates on goods produced; (661) 264-5125 • Weekly Entries: Customs and Border Protection allows the user to file weekly; • No Time Constraints: Merchandise may remain in the FTZ indefinitely; CityOfPalmdale.org • Customs Compliance: Customs & Border Protection are deterrents against theft; • Close proximity to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach; • Outstanding transportation facilities including rail and highway connections; • A large, skilled and educated workforce; • Affordable land and building costs; • A one-stop, fast-track process for development.

24 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Largest Regional Employment By Industry Employers

Approx. # Sierra Sands School District . . . . . 631 Progress Rail...... 140 Company of Employees Westside School District ...... 587 Lehigh Southwest Cement, Co.. . . . 120 Mojave Unified School District ** . . 500 Energy / Renewables / Waste Aerospace / Aviation Tehachapi Unified School District . . 464 Southern California Edison. . . . . 250 Northop Grumman ...... 28,000 Southern Kern School District . . . . 436 Waste Management...... ^100-249 Edwards Air Force Base...... 8,929 Cerro Coso Community College. . . 350 Mojave Sanitation ...... ^100-249 Naval Weapons Air Station - Desert Haven Center. . . . . ^100-249 China Lake ...... 7,995 Tehachapi Recycling . . . . . ^100-249 Healthcare / Healing Lockheed Martin...... 3,700 Tehachapi Sanitation. . . . . ^100-249 General Atomics...... 1,000-4,999 Antelope Valley Hospital GE Energy ...... 150 NASA Armstrong Flight Medical Ctr...... 2,425 World Wind & Solar...... 229 Research Center ...... 1,370 Palmdale Regional Medical Center . 1,100 Retail Kaiser Permanente...... 1,270 The Spaceship Company...... 450 Wal-Mart (5)...... 1,900 Ridgecrest Regional Hospital . . . . 728 Stratolaunch...... 255 Antelope Valley Mall (All Stores) . . 1,800 High Desert Health Systems*. . ^500-999 PPG Aerospace...... ^250-499 Albertsons (All Stores) ...... 750 High Desert Medical Group . . . . . 423 BAE...... 150 Rite-Aid Distribution Center. . . . . 560 Adventist Health Scaled Composites...... ^100-249 Home Depot (4) ...... 550 Tehachapi Valley*...... 270 Government / Corrections Michael’s Distribution Center. . . . 350 Manufacturing / Mining / Vallarta (All Stores) ...... 400 County of Los Angeles...... 3,933 Stater Bros (3)...... ^250-499 CA State Prison (LA County) . . . . 1,476 Transportation Lowe’s (3) ...... 350 CA Correctional Institute Robertson’s Ready Mix . . . ^1,000-4,999 Target (3)...... 345 (Tehachapi)...... 1,581 Rio Tinto Minerals...... 800 Costco...... 336 City of Lancaster~...... 700 BYD...... 830 Sam’s Club...... 190 California City State Prison. . . . . 683 Lance Campers...... 650 Smart & Final...... ^100-249 City of Palmdale...... 585 Granite Construction...... 400 Vons...... ^100-249 City of California City ...... 150 Kinkisharyo International, L.L.C. . . 260 Best Buy...... ^100-249 City of Ridgecrest...... 125 Incotec...... 250 County of Kern (AV Region only) . . . 100 Golden Queen Mining, Co...... 250 Automobile Retail / Testing Deluxe Checks...... ^100-249 Lancaster Auto Mall...... 590 Education / Learning Sygma...... ^100-249 Rally Hyundai ...... ^100-249 AV Union High School District. . . .2,300 Morton Manufacturing . . . . ^100-249 Robertson’s Palmdale Honda. . ^100-249 Lancaster School District...... 2,600 US Pole...... ^100-249 Carmax Auto Superstore. . . . ^100-249 Palmdale School District...... 1,792 Delta Scientific...... ^100-249 American Honda Motor Co. . . ^100-249 Antelope Valley College...... 1,275 CalPortland Cement...... ^100-249

All workforce estimates as reported by the EDD/LMI, the employer, or the City. *includes contract personnel; **includes substitutes; ~includes part-time personnel; ^ all sites combined per EDD/LMI estimates.

PILOTING OPPORTUNITY

Palmdale has expanded its academic Palmdale is well-positioned to pilot new institutions to prepare a growing workforce, opportunities for your business and your family. introduced new treatment facilities and programs Reach greater altitudes and join us in the cockpit. at its world-class medical centers, and implemented initiatives to nurture an efficient, Contact: safe, and green environment for its residents. Luis Garibay, Economic Development Manager 661/267-5162 • [email protected] www.CityofPalmdale.org

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 25 Regional Business Parks lancaster palmdale Park One Industrial Park Location: Rancho Vista Blvd and 10th St Antelope Valley Medical Main Street AV Business Park East Location: Avenue J & 15th Street West Location: Ave M & 10th St West Total Acreage: 10 Total Acreage: 340 Total Acreage: 113 Zoning: Industrial and Commercial Zoning: Specific Plan Zoning: SpecificPlan Sierra Business Park CenterPoint Business Park Challenger Business Park Location: 10th St West and Avenue M-4 Location: Avenue J & Lowtree Avenue Location: Palmdale Blvd and 5th St West Total Acreage: 30 Total Acreage: 9.5 Total Acreage: 10 Zoning: Commercial Zoning: Office Professional Zoning: Commercial Sierra Gateway Park Enterprise Business Park Fairway Business Park Location: Avenue O-8 and Sierra Hwy Location: Sierra Highway & Avenue L-4 Location: Avenue O and Division St. Total Acreage: 133 Total Acreage: 75 Total Acreage: 115 Zoning: Commercial Zoning: Office/Light Industrial Zoning: Business Park/Mixed Fox Field Industrial Corridor Freeway Business Center Tehachapi Location: Avenue H West of SR-14 Location: State Highway 14 & Avenue N BaileyCourt Industrial Park Total Acreage: 8,236 Total Acreage: 115 Location: Tehachapi Blvd/Bailey Court Zoning: Specific Plan Zoning: Commercial Total Acreage: 25 Palmdale Aerospace Village Zoning: M-1 Location: Sierra Hwy and Avenue M Tehachapi Municipal Airport Total Acreage: 640 Industrial Park Zoning: Industrial Location: 411 N. Green Street Total Acreage: 2 Zoning: M-1 Enterprise Way/ industrial Parkway Location: Mill Street / Industrial Way Total Acreage: 3 Zoning: M-1 Goodrick Business Park (County) Location: Dennison Road/Goodrick Road Total Acreage: 110 Lancaster Business Park Zoning: Light Industrial/Mixed Location: Business Center Parkway & California city Avenue K-8 Palmdale Trade & Commerce Center Total Acreage: 240 Location: 10th St West and Rancho California City AirPort Business Zoning: Specific Plan Vista Blvd. Park North Valley Industrial Center Total Acreage: 746 Location: California City Municipal Park Location: Avenue H & Division Street Zoning: Industrial and Commercial Total Acreage: 40 Total Acreage: 270 Zoning: Industrial and M-1 Zoning: Heavy Industrial ridgecrest Southern Amargosa Industrial Ridgecrest Business Park Location: Avenues L & M East of SR-14 Location: China Lake Blvd & Ward Avenue Total Acreage: 1,400 Total Acreage: 63 Zoning: Light Industrial Zoning: Professional/Light Industrial The BLVD Ridgecrest Industrial Park Location: Lancaster Blvd & 10th Street Location: West Ridgecrest West to Sierra Highway Total Acreage: 81 Total Acreage: 9.5 Zoning: Light Industrial/Mixed Zoning: Commercial/Office/Professional/ Specific Plan Inyokern Inyokern Airport Industrial District Location: Inyokern Blvd Total Acreage: 40 Zoning: Light Industrial/Mixed

26 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Regional Chambers of Commerce Acton Chamber of Commerce Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce 32039 Crown Valley Rd, Acton, CA 93510 commerce 128 E Callifornia Ave, Ridgecrest, CA 93555 (661) 269-5785 209 E Tehachapi Blvd, Tehachapi, CA 93561 (760) 375-8331 Aadcoc.com (661) 822-4180 RidgecrestChamber.com TehachapiEDC.com AV Chamber of Commerce Rosamond Chamber of Commerce 554 W. Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA Indian Wells Valley EDC/China Lake 2861 Diamond St, Rosamond, CA 93560 93534 (661) 538-0607 Alliance (661) 256-3248 AVChambers.org (760) 382-6013 RosamondChamber.org ChinaLakeAlliance.org AV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Sun Village Chamber of Commerce 819 E Ave Q-9, Palmdale, CA 93550 Lake Los Angeles Chamber of 10164 E Palmdale Blvd, Palmdale CA 93591 (661) 538.0607 Commerce (661) 400-1026 AVHispanicChamber.org (661) 264-2786 Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce Boron Chamber of Commerce Mojave Chamber of Commerce 209 E Tehachapi Blvd, Tehachapi, CA 93561 26962 Twenty Mule Team Rd, Boron, CA (661) 824-2481 (661) 822-4180 93516 (760) 762-5810 VisitMojave.com Tehachapi.com BoronChamber.com Pearblossom Chamber of California City Chamber of Commerce Commerce PO Box 591, Pearblossom, CA, 93553 8001 California City Blvd, California City, (661) 305-6519 CA 93505 (760) 373-8676 CaliforniaCityChamber.com Quartz Hill Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce of the 42043 50th St W, Quartz Hill, CA 93536 Greater Antelope Valley (661) 722-4811 QuartzHillChamber.com 37765 53rd St E, Palmdale, CA 93552 (661) 361-8254 Cocgav.com The future of Antelope Valley business is bright! Thank you to AV EDGE for supporting our local businesses and strengthening the regional economy.

@SupervisorBarger @KathrynBarger @SupervisorKathrynBarger KathrynBarger.LACounty.gov

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 27 STEM Education Across the Greater Antelope Valley

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering medical field and technology involving and the Hypersonic Combined Test Force and Math) education continues to be space, video and robotics. The Fine Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, NASA, a strong focus among Antelope Valley Arts, Science and Technology (FAST) the Neil Armstrong Research Center, schools and districts, beginning even Academy at Desert Willow offers middle and Lockheed Martin. The Shadow Hills at the pre-kindergarten levels, all the school students three options. The Fine Academy of Engineering and Design way through high school and into local Arts pathway provides introductory to transforms the conventional middle colleges and universities. Many within advanced learning and performance school STEAM curriculum into a school the region incorporate STEM curricula opportunities for students in a variety where Science, Technology, Engineering, and projects within their academic and of Visual and Performing Arts elective and Design are taught through inquiry, extra-curricular programs. These efforts classes. The Environmental Science project-based learning, and hands-on have common goals not only of engaging Pathway provides integration between exploration. The Engineering Pathway students in rigorous activities, but also to Science, Technology and Mathematics. includes Project Lead the Way (PLTW) prepare them for high-level careers in the Space and Aeronautics – Gateway to Modules in Beginning, Intermediate, AV regional workforce. Exploration at SAGE Academy is located and Advanced LEGO and VEX Robotics. in the heart of Palmdale. Drawing on the The Design Pathway includes courses, In the Palmdale School District, a variety Antelope Valley’s rich history in Space such as Computer Programming, Intro of STEM-focused Academy Magnet and Aeronautics exploration, SAGE is a and Advanced Game Design, Geometric programs are in place at their middle STEAM Academy for 6th, 7th, and 8th Design, Multimedia I, II, 3-D, Web Design, schools, including the Medical, Health grade students focusing on Science, Business Computers, and Business and Technology Academy at Cactus Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Marketing. In addition to these offerings, Middle School, which offers courses Teachers and students have opportunities there is also a Law & Government and enriching experiences for students to collaborate with STEM partners from Academy at David G. Millen Middle to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) School, and middle schools incorporate and to excite their interests in the AVID, ASB and Band. Palmdale High School Antelope Valley High School Engineering Academy Engineering Academy – Photo Credit - Rebecca Bartolome Photo Credit – Linked Learning Alliance Lockheed Trip – Students from the Antelope Valley Aerospace Glider – Students at the Antelope Valley HS Engineering Academy take a field trip to Lockheed HS Engineering Academy work on a glider project in Drone – Students from the Palmdale HS Engineering Martin Skunk Works® in Palmdale (pre-pandemic) their Aerospace Engineering class (pre-pandemic) Academy participate in an intra-district drone competition (Fall 2019 - pre-pandemic)

Drone Team – Students at the Antelope Valley HS Engineering Academy design and build their autonomous drone for the Lockheed Martin ARC competition (Fall 2019 - pre-pandemic) SWE – Students from the Antelope Valley HS Engineering Academy participate in the Society of Women Engineers convention at Anaheim Convention Center in Fall 2019 (pre-pandemic)

Solar Falcon – Students from the Palmdale HS Engineering Academy compete in the annual Solar Car Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway (Fall 2019 - pre-pandemic)

28 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Westside Union Elementary School In the Mojave Unified School District, the which was viewed during November 2020 District (WUSD) recognizes that Aviation course at California City High by Bakersfield area residents. The CCHS educators must first instill in children School prepares students for the future. CTE pathway has been articulated with a curiosity to learn, a tenacity for Alex Bell from Channel 23 ABC News in Antelope Valley College and has FAA problem-solving, and the desire to make Bakersfield produced a video news article approval. Partnerships are the key to the world a better place at the most about the new Airframe and Powerplant the pathway success and support comes primary levels to produce a generation CTE pathway at California City High School, from the community, Antelope Valley of scientists, engineers, and technology pioneers. STEM activities are integrated Palmdale Prep Academy Junior High School – through authentic learning experiences Photo Credit – Teresa Howard embedded in instructional units on a day- Students learning how to splint Natural Selection Beaks Lab to-day basis as well as several programs that support STEM learning beyond the traditional school day. Students as early as kindergarten start coding either using web-based applications or robotics kits purchased by schools and parent- teacher organizations. Annual STEM nights encourage families to explore and learn through hands-on problem-based challenges.

All sites have a certificated Project Lead The Way (PLTW) teacher trainer to assist colleagues with the implementation of PLTW instructional units and related STEM programs. For upper elementary students, many of the elementary schools have competitive FIRST Lego League robotics teams and have won awards at the regional, state, and national levels. At the middle school level, elective courses provide students pathways in aerospace, coding, engineering, and robotics. Extracurricular robotics teams continue at Students learning how to “Stop the Bleed” at HOSA Building a trebuchet the middle school level, and WUSD hosts Regional Conference annual regional robotics competitions for both FIRST Lego Robotics and Robotics Education & Competition Foundation VEX Robotics competitions. Each competition hosts up to 30 robotics teams from across Southern California and draws up to a thousand guests.

While the COVID-19 pandemic presented some initial challenges to maintaining the scope of WUSD’s STEM integration, staff, students, and parents have adjusted to a virtual format. Elementary students participate in design challenges using Building Native Rube Goldberg Devices simple school supplies then post pictures and videos of their innovative solutions. Middle school sites deploy robots to students’ homes along with the related technology to power the apps which drive them. Some middle school programs have used the COVID-19 pandemic as Students & Seniors bridging gaps & making memories an opportunity to find solutions to real- world problems. For example, Joe Walker Middle School students leveraged the use of the Makerspace lab to design and produce approximately two thousand 3-D printed adjustable headbands which are used with face masks to alleviate the pain of having the elastic straps behind the ears for long periods. These headbands were donated to front line workers across the United States.

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 29 STEM (Cont’d)

College, FAA, local airports and especially but also to others in the region. Among engineering and math teachers co-taught industry. 2020-2021 is the second year these is the Solar Falcon Race Team at an integrated, hands-on engineering of the three-year implementation phase, Palmdale High School, an after-school summer school class for incoming yet graduating seniors are already program designed to motivate students freshmen. The goal was to give students transferring to AVC and working in entry- in science, engineering, and alternative a jumpstart opportunity in mathematics level jobs in the surrounding area. energy. Students learn to design, engineer, that would be used in the engineering build, and race roadworthy electric and classes. Teachers made adjustments for Greg Peria, the Production Superintendent solar cars. At the end of each education COVID-19 by putting together supply kits at Edwards Air Force Base says the cycle is the Solar Car Challenge, a closed- for home use which parents and students California City program is a feeder to track event at the world-famous Texas picked up at scheduled times to observe get entry-level employees at Edwards. Motor Speedway, or a cross country event physical distancing requirements. Each “They’ve (graduated students) been able designed to give students an opportunity activity that the students completed had to come right into the shop, grab the to show the country the product of their a math and engineering focus to it that tools, they’re familiar with and get right efforts. was developed by the engineering and to work with our people who have been math teachers that co-taught the course. doing it for years,” says Peria. Additionally, the Drone Competition Students also heard from guest speakers, Team is an after-school class where including NASA Armstrong Flight Research The Antelope Valley Union High School students get the opportunity to learn District makes a variety of co-curricular about drones, robotics, and electronics Education Photos –(pre-pandemic) and extra-curricular STEM activities as well as to participate in various drone available, not only to its own students, competitions. These competitions vary from first person view drone racing with Highland High School Public other high school students in the area, to international engineering competitions Service Academy – where students build drones and engineer Photo Credit – Christy Chacon them to perform specific tasks. Teams are CPR – Students from the Highland HS Public Service currently active at Knight High School and Academy practice CPR skills in their state-of-the-art classroom in Fall 2019 (pre-pandemic) Palmdale High School. An innovative new virtual pilot project at Antelope Valley and Palmdale High Schools began in summer 2020 where

Lancaster High School Multimedia & Engineering Academy – Photo Credit – Linked Learning Alliance Engineering – Students at the Lancaster HS Multimedia and Engineering Academy design, build and operate robots in the engineering lab in Fall 2019 (pre-pandemic)

Universal Studios Mass Casualty Incident – Students from the Highland HS Public Service Academy participate in an annual mass casualty incident exercise at Universal Studios (pre-pandemic) Engineering Lab – Students at the Lancaster HS Multimedia and Engineering Academy work in the CNC lab in Fall 2019 (pre-pandemic)

30 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Center. Because of the success of the guest speakers from NASA Armstrong and high school students via Zoom pilot, the mathematics/engineering class Flight Research Center. in November. The girls were able to participate in three half-hour sessions, will be offered again this summer and is The Antelope Valley Union High School with a focus on health science, computer now included in the summer school class District’s (AVUHSD) engineering programs science, and engineering. Although the offerings. are excited to have Lockheed Martin format was modified to meet COVID-19 engineers continue to collaborate with Likewise, during the past summer, requirements, teachers from students and teachers as they gear up for Lancaster, Antelope Valley High School hosted Antelope Valley, and Academies of the Aerospace Robotics Competition the Gateway Summer Academy. The the Antelope Valley were still able to (ARC). In this program, students work free summer camp was available to all host the workshops for the students - in with mentors from Lockheed Martin to middle school students throughout the a virtual setting. There were also two build, assemble, and fly their custom greater Antelope Valley Region and, for parent sessions providing information on built drone in an ARC competition. Due the first time, it was hosted in a virtual financial aid and opportunities available to COVID-19, the competition has been environment. The students learned about at Antelope Valley College. modified to a virtual environment but and participated in STEM activities, such the ARC organizers are still collaborating as engineering, science and technology. Teachers from the Biomedical Science with the students via Zoom and special Teachers and staff put together and Academy at Eastside High School have presentations given by Lockheed Martin distributed supply kits to the students found a creative way to keep students engineers on such topics as autonomous prior to the beginning of the summer engaged and motivated - by bringing flight. camp because of COVID-19 and social science into their living rooms. They have created a Youtube Channel (GoedtechGo) distancing requirements. Teachers had to The Career Technical Education Division where they have created and uploaded get creative and adjust teaching strategies at AVUHSD, in conjunction with the Air funny but educational science videos as they delivered hands-on activities and Force Research Lab, hosted the ninth lessons virtually. As an added bonus, the for their students and parents as they annual STEM Conference for Girls continue to motivate students in this students were also able to hear from virtual conference to over 50 middle distance learning environment. Eastside High School Biomedical Science Academy Among other new programs being Photo Credit – Linked Learning Alliance supported this year is the “Girls Who Code” computer science program which zSpace Lab – Eastside HS biomedical science students Innovation Space – Eastside HS biomedical science can be found at two of our high schools work in the 3D zSpace lab to manipulate simulated students collaborate in inter-disciplinary teams in the human skeletal structures and organs in November Innovation Space in November 2019 (pre-pandemic) - Antelope Valley and Lancaster 2019 (pre-pandemic) High Schools. Many girls were able to participate in several coding activities inside and outside the classroom.

Photo Credit - Kerin Coffey

Biomed Lab – Eastside HS biomedical science students work in the biomed lab in November 2019 Medical Explorers - Students from the Antelope (pre-pandemic) Valley Medical Explorers Chapter 661 tour the Kaiser Permanente lab in summer 2019 (pre-pandemic) Palmdale High School Health Careers Academy Students provide health and wellness information to attendees at the Fall 2019 Senior Expo at the AV Fairgrounds

Health Careers Academy Photo Credit – Angela Hefter

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 31 “I am a single mother of two bright beautiful Higher Education girls and work as a mechanic at Northrop Grumman. I am also a proud member of AFMT Cohort 1. I want to be a contributing member Continuing the trend in high-quality STEM at Air Force Research Lab, Lockheed of the aviation community, and the AFMT education at the post-secondary level, the Martin Aeronautics, Air Force Test Center Bachelor’s Degree Program will afford me the Airframe Manufacturing Technology at Edwards, NASA Armstrong Flight opportunity to advance in the industry. With Bachelor’s Degree offered at Antelope Research Center, Northrop Grumman, the dedication of the staff and faculty at AVC Valley College (AFMT) is designed and Hyundai-Kia America Technical and my commitment to myself and my girls, my educational and career goals are within to meet the needs of local aerospace Center, as well as other organizations reach. Thank you, Antelope Valley College!” manufacturing companies that traditional throughout the Antelope Valley. ~ Andrea Smart Engineering and Business Management Students proceed as a group with an Baccalaureate degrees have not been emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, able to address through their curriculum. The AFMT bachelor’s degree is specifically “These programs highlight the new realities designed to close the gap between of the 21st century community college.” experiences to community members management and engineering as they ~ Cerro Coso President Jill Board through a variety of courses which provide relate to the manufacturing shop floor. short-term, not-for-credit programs that The AFMT program is supported by local offer the basic, technical and professional aerospace industry partners such as business courses designed to develop Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, skills that can lead to employment, job Scaled Composites, The Spaceship advancement, enhancement and/or Company, and the maintenance programs certification. at Edwards AFB. Every semester these industry partners recruit heavily from Job Recruitment Services - The Job all three AVC aeronautical programs Placement Center (JPC) is a resource (Aircraft Fabrication & Assembly, and information center available to Aeronautical and Aviation Technology, current students and alumni. The JPC and Airframe Manufacturing Technology). assists students become fully prepared The aerospace industry has specifically search for employment opportunities requested yearly recruiting events for all that are in line with their educational students enrolled in the AFMT program, goals and career objectives. Students and internships with local companies and are encouraged to apply to employment as they are looking to hire multi-skilled organizations. Students complete 68 units individuals who understand, perform, opportunities, work experience programs of junior and senior level engineering, or internships that will provide the and serve as first-line leads in the major capstone General Education, and math processes of manufacturing structural skills and experience needed to secure coursework. Classes take place at the permanent employment once they have components of an aircraft for civilian and Lancaster University Center. military specifications. The programs have graduated. www.avc.edu earned a Gold Star from the Chancellor’s For more information about STEM Antelope Valley Union High School Office of the California Community programs throughout the greater District - College and Career Readiness Colleges for students’ wage attainments AV region, contact the Antelope The Mission of the Antelope Valley Adult after completing. Valley East Kern STEM Network at [email protected]. Education program is to meet the needs Designed for students who have of the community by providing academic completed two years of coursework at a Antelope Valley College (AVC) and career training opportunities for community college or another university, Antelope Valley College takes pride in students to fulfill their personal and the Antelope Valley Engineering providing a quality, comprehensive professional goals. Program (AVEP) consists of two education for a wide variety of learners. Career Tech Ed | Diploma Program | degrees accredited by the Engineering They are committed to student success, English as a 2nd Language | High School Accreditation Commission of ABET, the offering value, and opportunity for all Equivalency B.S. in Mechanical Engineering - Antelope members of the community. AVC was Valley and the B.S. in Electrical Engineering founded in 1929 as a department of Career Tech Courses - Antelope Valley. Degrees are awarded by Antelope Valley Joint Union High School • Administrative Secretary the CSULB College of Engineering. in Lancaster. Today AVC has a service • Computer Repair Technician Students have the opportunity to apply for area of 1,945 square miles with an annual internships and long-term employment unduplicated headcount of more than • Dental Assistant 18,000 and employs more than 850 • Emergency Medical Technician people. • Medical Assistant Antelope Valley College is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for • Medical Billing and Coding Community and Junior Colleges/ • Medical Secretary Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC/WASC). AVC’s most • Networking recent reaffirmation of accreditation was • Patient Care Technician completed in Fall 2016. The college is up • Personal Fitness Training for its next accreditation reaffirmation in Fall 2023. • Pharmacy Technician Corporate and Community Services is committed to providing lifelong learning • Phlebotomy Technician

32 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, form the largest geographical service area and Natural Science. CSUB Antelope of any community college in California Valley offers Teaching Credentials for and serve a rural population of more than all grade levels and Special Education. 180,000 over a three county region of Several Master programs are also offered eastern California. including Business Administration (MBA) With a spirit of innovation and creativity, online or onsite, Education Administration the College consistently engages in (MA), Special Education (MA), Master activities designed to enhance the of Social Work (MSW), Administration learning environment and provide for the (MSA) online, and Curriculum and ever-changing needs of the students and Instruction (MA) online. Stay near, go far! communities they serve. The East Kern www.csub.edu/av Diane Walker, Director of Industry Liaison region of California City, Mojave, Boron, and Post-Secondary Partnerships, AVUHSD California State University, and Tehachapi, has quickly become an AVDistrict.org/academics/college-readiness- Long Beach area of opportunity that has seen much and-preparation growth over the last four years. AV Engineering Program is a full time, Steve Radford, PhD, Regional highly structured, program for transfer Committed to creating a college-going Director for College & Career Prep students seeking a Bachelor of Science culture in partnership with all local AVAdultEd.org/programs/career-technical- degree in either Mechanical or Electrical high schools, Cerro Coso offers a dual education-programs Engineering. The program is located at enrollment program at all of its service Brandman University - Antelope the Lancaster University Center Satellite area high schools. This program allows high school students in East Kern the Valley Campus Campus. opportunity to earn college and high Students are admitted and matriculated Brandman University is a fully accredited, school credit in two certificate programs through CSULB. The program is a cohort- private, nonprofit university designed during the school day. Students can also based model, allowing students to for working adults seeking to improve earn an associate degree for transfer by proceed as a group through the program their careers through education. With participating in the College’s dual and in a prescribed lock-step sequence. The many programs offered online as well as concurrent enrollment programs. Both cohort model emphasizes teamwork and on-campus at 25+ locations, Brandman afford students the ability to gain a head collaboration among students and offers is here to help individuals reach their start on their college/career training, a strong support system as the program educational goals. and have quickly become very popular progresses. Students complete 68 units Established as an educational resource throughout the region. www.cerrocoso.edu of junior and senior level engineering, for the local Edwards Air force Base in capstone General Education, and 1971, the Antelope Valley campus made math coursework. The program takes education more accessible to military approximately two and a half years to personnel and their families. Today as a complete, including a Summer term. campus focused on working students, CSULB.edu/college-of-engineering/antelope- Brandman strives to make college valley-program/ education more accessible to a wider range of students. Located north of Cerro Coso Community College (CCCC) downtown Los Angeles and home to the Cerro Coso has expanded its services to California Poppy Reserve, this area draws seven instructional sites that include the residents for its affordable housing and East Kern region of California City, Mojave, proximity to the LA area. Boron, Edwards AFB, Lake Isabella, and Brandman provides year-round sessions, Tehachapi. The East Kern area, combined flexible formats, tutoring, scholar- with all other CCCC campus locations, practitioner faculty and an exceptional education value. For answers regarding tuition, financial aid, transfer credits and more refer to the admissions section. www.brandman.edu

California State University, Bakersf ield - Antelope Valley Campus Located on the Antelope Valley College campus, CSUB Antelope Valley offers accredited Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting, General Business, or Management, Child, Adolescent and Family Studies, Criminal Justice, RN to BSN (online), Sociology in Traditional or Human Services, Liberal Studies, in Traditional Track, Multiple Subject, or Special

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 33 Healthcare

Palmdale Regional 2. Providing $40 million in Medical Center uncompensated care to the community. Palmdale Regional Medical Center (PRMC) 3. Even through a year filled with many is the newest and only private bed hospital challenges and exhausting work, in the Antelope Valley and continues to be Palmdale Regional continued to earn rated highest for quality in the region by awards. In 2020, PRMC earned: outside agencies such as Leapfrog and the geographic barriers of living in the Women’s Choice Awards. • Leapfrog score of “B” area. AVPH has made significant changes PRMC continues to operate the only acute • The Blue Distinction Center in the following areas: access to health rehabilitation unit, The Rehabilitation designation from Anthem Blue care, community needs assessments, Institute, for people suffering from Cross for Spine Surgery mental health care in schools, dental strokes, spinal cord and traumatic brain • A Best Hospital 2020-21 by U.S. health for low income children, nutrition injuries, as well as other debilitating News & World Report for Heart and physical activity programs for children diseases and conditions in the high Failure Care and their families, infant mortality issues, desert region. women’s health education, housing • The Women’s Choice Award as concerns for transitional foster youth, PRMC plans signiFicant expansion in one of America’s Best Hospitals for case management services for pregnant the next several years: bariatric surgery women, developed a community resource • Adding OB services, The Birth Place, • The Blue Distinction Center directory, developed a community based in 1st quarter of 2021 designation for Knee and Hip care management consortium for senior • Replacement of PRMC’s current replacement by Anthem Blue Cross citizens, addressed transportation issues, developed and implemented a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) • The American Heart Association/ coordinated comprehensive community scanner (completed), computed American Stroke Association’s network to support at-risk youth and tomography (CT) scanners (in Stroke Gold Plus Quality their families, and played a lead role in process), cardiac catheterization Achievement Award lab (in process), and pharmacy and most local health and health policy issues. • Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor clinical laboratory (TBA) Helping families stay strong together! Roll AVPH.org • Expansion of intensive care services (eight additional beds) and the Adventist Health Antelope Valley Hospital opening of an additional 36-bed nursing unit for joint, spine and Tehachapi Valley Serving the community for more than 60 bariatric care. The expansion, to Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley, years, Antelope Valley Hospital is the only occur within existing shell space, will is proud to be the region’s premiere full-service acute care hospital in the area. increase the total bed capacity at healthcare provider, offering a state- This 420-bed district hospital is home to PRMC from 184 to 234 beds of-the-art critical access hospital, three the renowned Institute for Heart and Vascular Care and is an Accredited Chest • PRMC intends to build a standalone medical offices for primary care, a rehabilitation center and specialties Pain Center, Advanced Primary Stroke Behavioral Health facility on the and certified Community Cancer Center. Hospital’s campus new to our hometown and surrounding communities. Compelled by the heartfelt It also features a Level II trauma center, the region’s only obstetrical services PRMC is: mission of “living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope,” Adventist (including a NICU) and its only pediatric • Certified as an Advanced Primary unit. AVHospital.org Stroke Center Health is reimagining healthcare in Tehachapi and beyond. As the community • AHA Stroke Gold Plus Quality grows, Adventist Health continues to City of Hope Achievement Award Winner identify needed services, expand options, Founded in 1913, City of Hope is one of • Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor attract new physicians and provide an only 48 comprehensive cancer centers Roll elevated quality of care for all those who in the nation. One hundred years after visit, live in and love their town. Together, • STEMI Receiving Center its founding in Duarte, The City of Hope we are inspired to build a healthier extended its outreach to the Antelope • Best Hospital 2020-2021 by US community in Tehachapi for generations. Valley to better serve area patients who News & World Report (Heart AdventistHealth.org/TehachapiValley require the world-class level of care Failure Care) for which this famed cancer research, • Blue Cross Distinction Center for Antelope Valley Partners for diagnostic, and treatment center has bariatrics, spine, orthopedics (knee/ Health long been known. Within this light hip) and bright 25,000-square-foot facility, Antelope Valley Partners for Health (AVPH) patients experience a positive healing • The only hospital in the AV with an seeks to improve the lives of the most environment with advance chemo award-winning Bariatric program vulnerable and underserved population and infusion therapy, rendered in an (weight-loss surgery) of the Antelope Valley. This population atmosphere of care and compassion. includes adults and children of diverse CityofHope.org/AntelopeValley Top 2020 milestones ethnic origins who are currently living at or 1. 10-year anniversary of Palmdale below the poverty line, have no access to Regional Medical Center opening. health care services and must overcome

34 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Healthcare

High Desert Medical Group Ridgecrest Regional Hospital health education, nutritional counseling, benefit enrollment services, and other High Desert Medical Group (HDMG) in Serving the Indian Wells Valley and services depending on the needs of Lancaster and its affiliated Heritage Health Southern Sierra communities, Ridgecrest patients. All services are available to Care in Palmdale are multi-specialty Regional Hospital provides a 24-hour patients regardless of ability to afford providers of health services to patients emergency room, ICU, maternity and care. JwchInstitute.org/ of all ages throughout the Antelope pediatric care, cardiac and pulmonary Valley. Formed in 1981, HDMG’s network rehab services, as well as community Kaiser Permanente (KP) of more than 60 family practitioners clinics and urgent care services. The and specialists offer patients the highest Hospital also puts significant emphasis 1968 was an eventful year. Both Martin quality health care experience. Providing on prevention to ensure better health Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy were a 24-hour Urgent Care Center, a 24-hour outcomes. rrh.org lost to us. Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil nurse help line and a comprehensive Rights Act, and Richard Nixon was elected program for those over 65, HDMG ensures The Community Wellness the 37th U.S. President. History was made patients are “Empowered for Life!” Resource Center (CWRC) when physicians performed the first heart HDMG.net transplant in the United States, and three CWRC provides many services to the Apollo 8 astronauts orbited the moon on California Desert Medical community to promote health and Christmas Eve. These were all remarkable Group wellness. The goal of this program is to milestones in a changing world. help people be aware of small changes In the Antelope Valley many extraordinary (IPA) is a group of physicians located they can make so that health and wellness changes were under way as well. The throughout the Antelope Valley, including choices become habit. California City, Tehachapi, and Rosamond, astronauts viewers watched on TV had The CWRC provides education within who have joined together to form an IPA. trained for their missions at nearby classrooms of all ages to educate on Edwards Air Force Base. The innovative • The IPA physicians remain affiliated nutrition and health. Fun, interactive Lockheed L-1011 was being assembled at with HDMG while practicing in their lessons are provided to allow children Palmdale’s Air Force Plant 42, and Kaiser own private offices. and adolescents the opportunity to learn Permanente came to the Antelope Valley • Patients of the IPA may utilize the in a meaningful way. to better serve the people who made both full range of services, programs, The CWRC also provides educational possible. KP.org/AntelopeValley and specialists at the main facility programs to workplaces and Primary care services—pediatrics, in Lancaster including Urgent Care organizations. internal medicine, and family medicine— Center. are available in Lancaster and Palmdale. Wesley Health Centers (WCH) Each location houses diagnostic imaging, Heritage California pharmacy, and laboratory. Kaiser’s state WCH is a leading health care provider for of- the-art Antelope Valley Medical Offices Accountable Care low-income and homeless patients. The is home to 25 specialty care services, as Organization care network extends across Los Angeles well as an outpatient procedure suite, County operating 17 clinics (including (ACO) is a unique program designed to diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, and three in the Antelope Valley), three improve the health and well-being of laboratory all provided by more than 70 recuperative care facilities, three mobile Medicare members. As one in a diverse clinicians. health units, a residential Substance group of leading-edge health care Use Disorder (SUD) treatment facility, Kaiser is committed to strengthening organizations from around the country, outpatient SUD treatment clinic, and its relationship with the community and HPN was chosen specifically by the transitional housing. Wesley specializes helping the Antelope Valley not only be a Innovation Center to test the effectiveness in providing comprehensive primary place to live but a place to thrive as plans of several models of payment in helping health care, oral health, mental health, to expand behavioral health services into organizations make a rapid transition substance abuse treatment and relapse the Palmdale medical offices continue. to higher quality care at a lower cost to prevention services, family planning, STD/ Additionally, improving the health of Medicare. HIV treatment and prevention services, communities served by supporting local optometry, pharmacy, radiology and nonprofits, schools, community-based laboratory services, case management, organizations, community clinics, and government organizations through grants, technical expertise, volunteer hours, in-kind services, and board participation remains key to our mission. This commitment to the local community helps the most vulnerable people in our service area, and helps friends, loved ones and neighbors thrive. In December 2018, KP announced a $6 million grant program to combat and improve access to mental health services. The initial grant allocation funds a group of two-year grants to support 16 nonprofit community partners, including an Antelope Valley based non-profit.

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 35 Real Estate

Antelope Valley Home Sales 2020 vs 2019 NUMBER OF UNITS SOLD AVERAGE PRICE PER SQ FT AVERAGE SALES PRICE AREA % OF % OF % OF 2019 2020 CHANGE 2019 2020 CHANGE 2019 2020 CHANGE Cal City, Mojave 453 523 15% $100 $111 11% $154,176 $173,121 12% Ridgecrest 609 766 26% $120 $133 11% $198,805 $217,661 9% Rosamond Area 372 357 -4% $162 $175 8% $264,989 $284,819 7% Tehachapi Area 790 936 18% $164 $178 9% $294,806 $329,637 12% Antelope Acres 81 114 41% $173 $187 8% $327,157 $402,202 23% Lake Los Angeles 238 231 -3% $178 $181 2% $226,742 $250,915 11% East Lancaster 903 799 -12% $166 $185 11% $268,071 $303,765 13% West Lancaster 1,540 1,599 4% $168 $201 19% $316,582 $365,019 15% West Palmdale 961 1,063 11% $187 $206 10% $401,906 $447,247 11% East Palmdale 1,342 1,078 -20% $185 $211 14% $295,449 $342,435 16% Littlerock 235 250 6% $189 $202 7% $283,364 $318,006 12% Leona Valley 70 120 71% $251 $256 2% $394,578 $419,635 6% ALL AREAS 7,594 7,836 3.19% $170 $185 9% $285,552 $321,205 12%

The chart below demonstrates the considerable disparity in housing values when comparing the nearby Santa Clarita Valley with the Antelope Valley’s two major cities, Lancaster and Palmdale.

Average Price/SF Average sales price

375.00 700,000 350.00 650,000 325.00 600,000 300.00 275.00 550,000 250.00 500,000 225.00 450,000 200.00 400,000 175.00 150.00 350,000 125.00 300,000 100.00 250,000 75.00 200,000 50.00 25.00 150,000 0.00 100,000 Santa Avg Santa Avg Lancaster Palmdale Clarita Valencia Lancaster Palmdale Clarita Valencia Price/SF Sales $201.80 $208.18 $342.67 $348.41 Price $352,237 $394,449 $611,646 $689,267

2020 new home sales activity was on par with 2019 in both number of units sold and the average price of same. ANTELOPE VALLEY NEW HOME SALES 2020 vs 2019 UNITS SOLD AVERAGE SALES PRICE AREA 2019 2020 % CHANGE 2019 2020 % CHANGE EAST LANCASTER 51 65 27% $359,647 $387,734 8% WEST LANCASTER 87 44 -49% $432,419 $440,360 2% WEST PALMDALE 17 10 -41% $647,912 $611,000 -6% EAST PALMDALE 23 55 139% $432,739 $429,018 -1% TOTAL 178 174 -2% $468,179 $467,028 0%

36 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Housing Market

The Antelope Valley continues to offer residents some of the most affordable housing in the state of California. Far from the typical perception of affordable housing, the Antelope Valley offers a large variety of spacious homes in an assortment of settings including gated communities and country club sites as well as equestrian estates and low density developments with lot sizes ranging from 1/2 to 2 1/2 acres. All this at some of the most affordable prices in Southern California!

Our housing market is not just about price, it is about value! DARE TO COMPARE Real Estate Santa Clarita West Lancaster

What can you expect for around $400,000

This 1,319 square foot 3-bedroom 2-bath home built in This 2,736 square foot 4-bedroom 3-bath home built in 1961 in Santa Clarita sold in May 2020 for $530,000! ? 2018 in West Lancaster sold in May 2020 for $430,000!

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 37 Air Quality Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District Kern County Air Pollution (661) 723-8070 AVAQMD.ca.gov Control District The Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD) is located just a (661) 862-5250 KernAir.org short distance from the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. The AVAQMD is a practical, The Board of Directors acts as the community partner that is always willing to work with businesses looking to make the governing body of the East Kern Air Los Angeles County High Desert home. Pollution Control District a special district The AVAQMD’s ability to work with industry to find practical air quality solutions is one in east Kern County. The Board consists of of the primary reasons large corporations and unique businesses continue to establish five members; three city council members operations in the Antelope Valley. and two county supervisors. Board meetings are open to the public. With nearly 500,000 residents, the AVAQMD has managed to attract new industry and commerce while maintaining air quality standards through a corporative program of Board of Directors include Don Parris, planning, regulatory development, permitting, ambient air monitoring, compliance Councilman of California City, Eddie assistance and public education. Thomas, Vice-Mayor of Ridgecrest; Mick Gleason, Kern County Supervisor 1st The proactive partnership between the AVAQMD and the regulated industries creates a District and Zack Scrivner, Kern County strong local economy while maintaining high air quality standards. Supervisor 2nd District. To learn more about AVAQMD and its programs, visit AVAQMD.ca.gov or call (661) 723-8070. Utilities

Electricity Southern California Edison (800) 655-4555 SCE.com Natural Gas SoCal Gas Sempra Energy (800) 424-2200 SoCalGas.com Water Conservation Mojave Public Utility District (661) 824-4161 Wakc.com Sanitation Waste Management (661) 947-7197 wm.com Kern County Waste Management (661) 862-8900 KernCountyWaste.com J. Torres Co. (661) 823-4898 JTCcorp.com

38 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Thanks for making a difference in our community

Bank of America recognizes Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE). Community leaders like you are a vital resource and inspiration to us all. Thanks to you, progress is being made and our community is becoming a better place to live and work.

Visit us at bankofamerica.com/LA.

©2021 Bank of America Corporation | MAP3424741 | ENT-216-AD

Your #1 source of local news. 661-273-2700 www.avpress.com

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 39 Aerospace

Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Development on its Palmdale campus. The advanced Programs, better known as the Skunk manufacturing facility, scheduled to Works®, has called Southern California open in 2021, will house a digitally home for close to 78 years. With more enabled production environment than 4,500 employees in the Antelope capable of rapid reconfiguration and Valley, the Skunk Works® continues to allow for integrated use of artificial deliver breakthrough capabilities and intelligence, robotics, and other landmark aircraft that redefine the future advanced technologies. of flight. The Antelope Valley continues to be Top 2020 milestones 1. 2020 was a busy year at the Skunk Works® celebrated the a leading force in aerospace industry 65th Anniversary of the first flight innovation facilitating the integration of the iconic U-2 Dragon Lady of government and non-government reconnaissance aircraft. While the agencies, companies, and programs. The modern version of the U-2, the U-2S, steady growth of commercial space, $400 was built at the Skunk Works® in billion annually, is a positive indicator the 1990s, continual modification for AV aerospace industry sectors-from and upgrades ensure that the USAF services, to research and development, U-2S will remain a superior, versatile and aerospace. and unmatched tool in the national arsenal for years to come. Top 2020 milestones 2. In partnership with NASA, the Skunk 1. Pumped 1,000,000 gallons of fuel to Works® team works to solve one local and regional aviation partners of the most persistent challenges for two consecutive years. of supersonic flight – the sonic boom. Production continues on 2. Mojave Air & Space Port served as the X-59 QueSST (Quiet Supersonic a critical component in California’s Technology), an aircraft that will be 2020 wildfire mitigation plan. From used to collect community response Mojave, U.S. Forestry and Cal Fire data on the acceptability of a quiet aircraft battled 11 major Federal and sonic boom generated by the unique State fires, conducted 90 operations, design of the aircraft. The data will Lockheed Martin - X-59 Production dispensed 139,000 gallons of fuel; help NASA provide regulators with uploaded a record 1 million+ gallons the information needed to establish of fire retardant. Lockheed Martin an acceptable commercial supersonic 3. Mojave Air and Space Port received noise standard to lift the ban on At Lockheed Martin, we’re on a FAA Grant approval for rehabilitation commercial supersonic travel over mission. Your mission. of Taxiway Charlie, a primary runway, land. This breakthrough will open the Not just the next mission, but in the amount of $8,600,000. This door to an entirely new global market the one that is two steps ahead. project will include subgrade rework for aircraft manufacturers, enabling We’re building the integrated as well as the repair of medium passengers to travel anywhere in the solutions you can depend on. severity cracks and the concrete/ world in half the time it takes today. asphalt transition between the Because the world is depending 3. Finally, Lockheed Martin continued to on you. taxiway and apron. It will address make significant progress on a new, taxiway edge lighting and T-hangar 208,000 sq. ft., “factory of the future” issues which will ensure that the airport can continue safe operations “Today, we are as proud to call California at night. Overall this project will home as we were more than 77 years ago provide better pavement conditions, when the Skunk Works® was first created which will provide safety for aircraft to help meet urgent national needs in World and passengers. War II. We’ve been doing so ever since, and here we find some of the best engineering and production talent in the world, great weather for flying cutting-edge aircraft, a commitment to sustainability in line with our corporate values, and a culture of “Foster and maintain our innovation and opportunity that inspires us recognized aerospace presence with a to keep doing things that haven’t been done principal focus as the world’s premier before. We look forward to many blue sky civilian aerospace test center while seeking days in the future.” compatibly diverse business and industry.” - Lockeed Martin - Mojave Air & Space Port Lockheed Martin - X-59 Production Team Member

40 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report 3. The F-35 Integrated Assembly Line (IAL) Award for Significantly Increasing Center Fuselage Production Aviation Week honored Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Assembly Line (IAL) with their 63rd Annual Laureate Award in Defense Manufacturing for increasing its center fuselage production from six to 15 deliveries per month. The IAL is revolutionizing military aircraft production through human ingenuity and advanced digital tooling technology. Northrop Grumman has locations throughout the Antelope Valley including Northrup Grumman - B-2 Sunset the Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence, Edwards Air Force Base and Northrop Grumman is an innovative MQ-4C Triton to Guam. The Mojave. manned and unmanned air system deployment is a first for the high- provider with a proven track record of altitude, long-endurance (HALE) systems engineering, manufacturing maritime intelligence, surveillance “The talents and dedication excellence and reliability. The Palmdale and reconnaissance (ISR) system. of the Antelope Valley can be site is a world-class facility and home to The aircraft enables the U.S. Navy to seen throughout our Palmdale some of the world’s most technologically further develop concepts of operation employees site wide. This diverse advanced aircraft. Employing thousands for employment of the system in workforce helps solve the toughest of talented employees, it is uniquely the maritime environment, as well challenges in aeronautics by suited for the development, prototyping, as fleet learning for operating and producing the greatest innovation.” production, and testing of military aircraft maintaining the HALE ISR platform. - Bryan M. Mahoney, sector Vice systems, both manned and unmanned. The U.S. Navy acknowledged Triton President, Operations & Palmdale The highly specialized manufacturing is already becoming an “invaluable Aircraft Integration Center of and engineering facility is located on the asset.” Government Owned/Contractor Operated Excellence, Northrop Grumman 2. B-2 Spirit Receives its Fourth US (GOCO) U.S. Air Force Plant 42. Northrop Air Force Sustainment Product Grumman occupies about 66% of Plant Support Excellence Award The 42’s various sites and features a diverse U.S. Air Force is recognizing the B-2 and inclusive workforce. NGC believes program for its work to accelerate that fostering diverse and inclusive product support strategies across environments support innovation and the weapon system. The team helps to drive a best workplace culture in executed innovative product support of our mission to provide the best support strategies that led to the warfighter possible. For more information highest annual fleet availability rate on careers at Northrop Grumman, in the bomber’s history. Northrop visit ngc.com/careers. Grumman supported the Air Force in joint efforts to improve mechanical Top 2020 milestones and low-observable sustainment, 1. MQ-4C Triton Deployed, Quickly unscheduled maintenance drivers Became an ‘Invaluable Asset and structural integrity. Earlier this year, the U.S. Navy deployed Northrop Grumman’s

Northrup Grumman - Triton Deployment Northrup Grumman - Inlet Duct Robotic Drilling Northrup Grumman - F-35 Integrated Assembly Line IAL

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 41 Small Business Support America’s Job Center (AJC) Employment Training Panel (ETP) Finding good help is always a challenge: A business and labor supported state America’s Job Center of California can help. initiative that assists employers in Professional counselors can enhance strengthening their competitive edge by human resources staff and provide a providing funds to off-set the costs of job wealth of useful services, including: skills training necessary to maintain high- • No-cost job postings locally and on performance workplaces. ETP.ca.gov the Internet on AJC’s searchable LA County Community Development online job bank. Commission (LACDC) • Customized recruiting to help fill The LACDC supports local economies multiple positions quickly. in Los Angeles County, including the • Job matching through skills Antelope Valley, by promoting business U.S. Treasury assessment of potential candidates growth, and encouraging job creation Home to several initiatives to help small to assure they are qualified for and retention through programs businesses grow. Treasury.gov positions. such as neighborhood revitalization, business incubators, economic State Small Business Credit Initiative • Interview facilities for conducting incentives, and commercial lending. (SSBCI) both one-on-one and group meetings. Lacdc.org/for-businesses or call (626) 586- SSBCI supports state programs that, in • Initial screening and referral of 1795. turn, use the funds to support private candidates to optimize interview time sector loans and investments to small and effort. Los Angeles County OffIce of businesses and small manufacturers Education (LACOE) that are creditworthy but are not able to • On-the-job and pre-employment access the capital they need to expand training to help develop training Career Technical Education (CTE) is a and create jobs. programs needed to satisfy job program of study that prepares students requirements. for college and careers. A variety of CTE curriculum and instruction resources are Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF) • Technical assistance for employee available including: The Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF) support and reasonable provides capital to qualified community • Arts, media and entertainment • Building accommodation for employees with banks and community development and construction trades • Business and disabilities. loan funds (CDLFs) to encourage these finance • Food service and hospitality institutions and Main Street businesses • Business incentive information to • Education, child development, and to work together to promote economic learn about the Foreign Trade Zone, family services • Engineering and design growth and create new jobs. Work Opportunity Tax Credits, • Health science and medical technology manufacturing incentives and other • Information and communication credits and incentives businesses technologies • Marketing, sales and may be eligible for. services • Transportation. (661) 265-0124 • Services are provided without charge LACOE.edu/Curriculum-Instruction/Career- Technical-Education/CTE-Curriculum on a simple cost recovery basis.

Department of Consumer and Small Business Development Center Business Affairs (DCBA) (SBDC) The AV region is served by two DCBA has programs to assist existing extraordinary SBDC teams. The SBDC is small businesses and can also provide the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) advice to individuals starting small largest service program and provides businesses. To contact DCBA, call (800) high-quality business and economic 593-8222 or DCBA.lacounty.gov development assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs. SBDC one-on- one professional business consulting is provided at no cost. Los Angeles County (661) 362-5900. Cocsbdc.org Kern County (661) 654.2856 Csub.edu/sbdc

Small Business Administration SBA provides an array of financing for small businesses from the smallest needs in microlending — to substantial debt and equity investment capital (venture capital). SBA triples Surety Bond Guarantee Ceiling: helping small business secure larger contracts and grow. For more information on SBA programs visit: SBA.gov

42 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Retail Palmdale Better selection – Local business owners understand their customers better and Palmdale continues to serve as the make product choices that reflect their primary shopping destination for needs and wants, leading to a better Antelope Valley residents. The Antelope match and higher shopper satisfaction. Valley Mall and surrounding commercial corridors account for a large portion Source: Destination Lancaster of the retail sales generated across the region. Although the State and County health orders restricted indoor shopping mall operations for a large portion of the year, overall retail sales in Palmdale remained strong in 2020. Shop Palmdale: The Shop Palmdale campaign included a variety of marketing, promotions, giveaways, and special Lancaster events to support local businesses throughout the holiday shopping season. Lancaster has partnered with The CityOfPalmdale.org/Visitors Retail Coach to assist with the City’s retail recruitment efforts. Their existing Tehachapi relationships with businesses and developers coupled with the regional General consumer good spending rose trade area data and analysis they provide sharply in the 2019-20 fiscal year with helps to bring new retailers to the market. an increase in local shopping options Lancaster has seen an increase in interest as well as the reaction to the COVID-19 from retailers that would be a new pandemic. The increase in local retail addition to the City. spending helped minimize the impact of lower fuel sales due to less traveling Despite the many challenges, some and commuting. The decrease was just Retail Therapy Links retailers were able to find success during under one percent overall allowing the this time. The Lancaster Minuteman City of Tehachapi to minimize the impact Antelope Valley Mall Press franchise increased their sales this AV-Mall.com of stay-at-home orders and other trends year by helping local businesses print impacting fuel sales locally. Overall sales mailers, design social distancing and The BLVD tax receipts for general consumer goods protocol signage, and branding masks TheBLVDLancaster.com increase 73% in the ’19-’20 fiscal year as and clothing. Other retailers have learned the City captured many of those sales that to adapt by creating an online presence Destination Lancaster previously were victims of retail leakage. and creating virtual offerings. DestinationLancasterCA.org County sales tax pools from online WaBa Grill opened in the Oasis at 10k purchase rose 12% while construction Main Street Tehachapi shopping center. Sassy Bird, which projects locally helped increase building MainStreetTehachapi.org opened in December last year, is a supply spending by six percent. welcomed addition to the BLVD, often Palmdale Restaurants & Shopping seeing wait times of over an hour for their Five Great Reasons to Shop CityOfPalmdale.org/visitors Nashville style hot chicken. More in the Antelope Valley: Aside from retailers, Lancaster has seen Protect the Valley’s unique character – The an uptick in interest from industrial firms Antelope Valley is unlike anywhere else. and developers looking to expand within Shopping locally, supports the community or relocate to the City. and helps the local economy grow. Support those who assist our community – Locally owned businesses are big boosters of area schools and charities. This helps build stronger neighborhoods and a greater sense of community. Help control the local future – Local business owners have a real stake in the community. They help guide good decisions since they are directly impacted the results. Entrepreneurs are the engine of growth – Small businesses fuel economic innovation and growth, bringing a better quality of life to all who live in the AV.

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 43 Palmdale Water District

In 2020, Palmdale Water District (PWD) cubic yards of sediment to maintain the completed the first phase of a project that Reservoir’s storage capacity. was delayed nearly three decades after the discovery in the mid-1990s of the Top 2020 milestones federally endangered Arroyo Toad near the Littlerock Dam and Reservoir. The 1. The COVID-19 pandemic caused completion of the grade-control structure disruptions to normal operations and at Rocky Point marked a significant negatively impacted finances, but the The wind turbine at the Leslie O. Carter Water Treatment Plant staff of 87 continued to work as critical has been a Palmdale landmark since it was installed in 2004 to milestone in PWD’s efforts to restore the provide power for the treatment plant. Dam’s water storage capacity to 3,500 infrastructure workers to provide safe, clean water to nearly 117,000 acre-feet, which was the capacity in 1992. along with 2,000 valves exercised and people in PWD’s service area. Within With the structure protecting the Toad’s two major water mains replaced at the first week of the government’s habitat, the Littlerock Sediment Removal Avenue P and 25th Street East and at Safer-At-Home mandate, staff was Project can now proceed. Avenue V and 5th Street East. These equipped to work from home to annual efforts have helped reduce Construction of the grade-control structure, ensure the continuity of service to watermain leaks from 781 in 2010 to which cost $10.8 million, began in late customers. PWD’s lobby was closed 48 through December 2020. 2018 but pushed into the following fall due for about 10 months of the year, to storms destroying much of the initial but Customer Care Representatives work. The structure, which runs the width still completed 20,000 work orders of the 260-foot channel and is about 200 and assisted 38,600 customers by feet long, was built in a staircase fashion phone. Before the lobby closed, to prevent erosion and protect the Toad’s 10,400 customers received in-person upstream habitat. service. The Sediment Project, which calls for 2. The refinancing of two outstanding the removal of 1.2 million cubic yards of bonds will save PWD about $113,000 sediment from the Littlerock Reservoir, in annual interest costs for years to will start in 2021. It will take at least seven come. to 12 years to regain the 500 acre-feet that 3. To maintain the integrity of the have been lost. The third phase consists infrastructure, 550 hydrants and 175 of annually removing about 38,000 air vacuum valves were refurbished,

PWD Service Worker Kyle Maine Eddy repairs a mainline break on 30th Street East, south of Rancho Vista Blvd.

The aerial photo shows the California Aqueduct and Lake Palmdale.

The grade-control structure at the Littlerock Dam and Reservoir Crews install a new 13-foot-long ductile iron pipe to replace PWD Lab Analyst Anthony Myrick tests the quality of the water was completed in 2020. The structure will serve as protection the damaged asbestos concrete pipe at 47th Street East and at Lake Palmdale. Water from the lake is treated at the Leslie O. for the federally endangered Arroyo Toad while PWD removes Pearblossom Highway. Carter Water Treatment Plant before distribution to customers. sediment from the Reservoir.

44 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency

The Agency continues making progress exceeded. A balanced budget and developing water storage and recovery excellent credit rating were maintained, programs to increase its portfolio and the Agency received a clean financial of reliable, sustainable, high quality audit for the seventh consecutive year. water supplies. Design and preliminary construction began for the High Desert Top 2020 milestones Water Bank, a 1500-acre groundwater • Started design work and initial storage and recovery project. An construction for the High Desert expansion project for the Eastside Water Bank Water Bank was initiated and efficiency improvements were made to the • Created and implemented a Westside Water Bank. As the State Water COVID-19 Response Plan that allowed Project infrastructure ages and becomes the Agency to continue to function more vulnerable to disasters such as without major interruptions earthquakes, local water storage is key to • Initiated design of the Eastside Water building local resiliency. Bank Expansion Project A continuous effort has been made to engage with legislators to advocate for Water Resources & Links grant funding for the Agency’s capital projects with a focus on the South Palmdale Water District – PalmdaleWater.org North Intertie Pipeline Project Phase II. Once completed, this project will close Association of California Water Agencies an infrastructure gap to improve water – ACWA. com distribution and increase the efficiency of Antelope Valley Integrated Regional Water regional water storage programs Management Plan - AVWaterPlan.org A new stand-alone maintenance Antelope Valley State Water Contractors department was launched to help ensure Assn. - AVSWCA.org the Agency is prepared to meet the needs of a growing population. This department California Department of Water will expand the range of duties that are Resources – Water.CA.gov performed in-house and reduce asset life Indian Wells Valley Water District - cycle costs. IWVWD.com In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kern County Water Agency - KCWA.com the Agency was proactive in making Kern County Integrated Regional Water operational adjustments to maintain high safety standards and limit workforce Management Plan - KernIRWMP.com impacts. All customer water demands Tehachapi-Cummings County Water were met and water quality standards District - TCCWD.com Water Assn. of Kern County - WAKC.com Congressman Mike Garcia tours AVEK Water Research Foundation - WaterRF.org American Association of Water Works - AWWA.org State Water Contractors - SWC.org California Water Science Center/USGS - CA.Water.usgs.gov

The High Desert Water Bank

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 45 Mining & Renewable Energy

Rio Tinto Borates While we continue to honor our mining legacy, we are looking forward to the critical mineral needs of the future. In addition to borates, we are actively developing groundbreaking technologies to extract lithium from 92 years of ore tailings. Lithium, a critical mineral, is the backbone of rechargeable battery technology. Lithium is used in everything from batteries in laptop computers, to watch batteries. But its use in the electric car market is where the future lies. We are thrilled to be a part of it. Southern California Edison The second project, DESI 2, sits in a compact, urban SCE right of way at Electrical energy, once produced, must It is imperative that all mining operations the end of a circuit in Santa Ana. SCE is be used within milliseconds. If we continue to strengthen sustainable mining using the 1.4MW/3.7MWh system to have a surplus, it must go somewhere operations – mindful of our impact on the improve circuit voltage control, which immediately. Therefore, on sunny but environment. Borax.com affects power quality. Energy stored in cool days, when lots of solar energy is this battery might also be used in the generated but demand for air conditioning Other Mining Assets in The Region wholesale energy market in support of is low, grid stability is affected, and circuits providing clean, carbon-free energy for can get overloaded. In extreme cases we CalPortland Cement – Mojave SCE customers. Calportland.com/locations/california/mojave- are at risk of having to ask solar power plant generators to temporarily shut down. Lancaster Choice Energy (LCE) This limitation impacts the growth of solar Golden Queen Mine – Mojave and wind generation as we move toward LCE is the locally run power program GoldenQueen.com 100 percent carbon-free energy. created by the City of Lancaster. Lancaster has long been at the forefront Granite Construction – Littlerock, In the desert of Lancaster sits the 2.8MW/5.6MWh Connolly battery energy of creating a new sustainable approach Palmdale, Arvin & Inyokern to modern living. The City has been GraniteConstruction.com storage system. It is connected to a circuit that supports 15 small solar farms proactive in promoting solar power and rooftop solar installations. When alternatives, conservation and smart Searles Valley Minerals – Trona customers aren’t using much electricity, energy consumption. With a lofty goal of SVMinerals.com excess power can overload the circuit. becoming the nation’s first net-zero city, SCE will use the battery energy storage Lancaster is determined to generate more system to manage this reverse flow. clean energy than it consumes. Lancaster Choice Energy is the next logical step. Lancaster Choice Energy is not only helping the environment, but the economy as well. LancasterChoiceEnergy.com World Wind and Solar Renewable energy continues to be a fascinating and fast-moving industry. A decade ago, about 12% of California’s electricity came from a renewable energy source – wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and small hydroelectric facilities. In 2017, it was up to 32%, with solar becoming the number one resource, providing 36% of California’s renewable energy. Wind was a close second at 31%. The industry continues to make strides towards the statewide goal of 50% by 2030. The Department of Labor Statistics ranks solar and wind technicians as the top two occupations with growth potential, through 2026, of 105% and 96%, respectively. WorldWindSolar.com

46 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 47 Transportation

Kern Regional Transit (KRT) “AVTA empowers mobility-getting people where they need to be KRT provides scheduled bus service safely, timely and cost effectively” throughout the Antelope Valley from California City to Lancaster and Metrolink plus various other destinations Antelope Valley Transit throughout Kern County. A new transit Authority (AVTA) center will begin service in Mojave to serve five bus lines in East Kern, Eastern COVID 19…it impacted all of us California, Mojave and the Antelope individually and every business. For AVTA Valley with connections to Metrolink and On Request Microtransit Ride Service Launch, August 2020 ridership plunged by 69%, through it all Amtrak. we still managed to complete our fleet KernTransit.org/routes-andschedules/100- conversion to all electric in mid March. We bakersfield-lancaster also crossed the 3 million and 4 million all electric mile benchmarks. We built a world Mojave Regional Transit class fitness center for our employees and Transportation - A new transit center we partnered with some great sponsors is being constructed to better serve to host three massive grocery giveaways bus lines that connect Mojave to the to families and individuals who were Southeast Kern and Antelope Valley struggling. region with Amtrak, Metrolink, shopping We currently have our Main office/bus and employment. parking and maintenance facility, along Mojave leaders are also working to extend with four transit centers and one more Metrolink service to Rosamond, Mojave, under construction. and California City to serve residents who Top 2020 milestones Zero Emissions, Electric Battery Powered AVTA Bus. commute to jobs in the Los Angeles area. More and more businesses, the local • Completed the transformation to an California Highway Patrol office, the all electric fleet in March Mojave Air & Space Port, and the Stater • Crossed 3 million and 4 million Bros shopping center offer connections electric miles on ther fleet Granite Construction for powering electric vehicles. • Entered into an agreement with “With offices throughout the U.S., we’re Duke Energy/REC solar to build a proud to provide emergency response solar field and battery storage facility within hours on an on-call basis to enabling users to charge vehicles Federal, state and local clients. We with sustainable energy. provide immediate planning, preparation, deployment of labor and equipment, and mitigation measures to help protect the public and secure critical infrastructure and facilities as needed. Services include mud, waste and debris removal, structural repairs, hazardous material removal, drainage, pipeline and utility repairs.” As a diversified construction and construction materials company and a full-suite provider in the transportation, water infrastructure and mineral exploration markets, Granite delivers Infrastructure Solutions for public and private clients throughout the Americas. June 2020 Grocery Giveaway at AVTA

AVTA Bus Cleaning

Grocery and Toy Giveaway in December 2020 at AVTA

48 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Consumer Buying Power TM 2021 - Transportation

2021 Aggregate 2021 Annual 2026 Annual Compound Expenditure % Avg per Avg per Ann. Growth Estimate Consumer Unit Consumer Unit Rate (%) Total Specified Consumer Expenditures ...... 10,608,876,889 . . . 100.00 ...... 64,462.26 . . . . . 70,938.17 ...... 2.57 Transportation Transportation 1,663,457,614 . 100.00 . . . . .10,107.60 . . . . 12,085.29 ...... 4.29 Gasoline and Motor Oil Gasoline and motor oil ...... 377,807,010 . . . . 22.71 ...... 2,295.65 ...... 2,893.81 ...... 5.40 Gasoline ...... 359,460,103 . . . . 21.61 ...... 2,184.17 ...... 2,748.79 ...... 5.36 Diesel fuel ...... 6,492,403 . . . 0.39 ...... 39.45...... 50.98 ...... 5.92 Gasoline on out-of-town trips ...... 9,634,058 . . . 0.58 ...... 58.54...... 77.36 ...... 6.40 Motor oil ...... 2,146,805 . . . 0.13 ...... 13.04...... 16.09 ...... 4.94 Motor oil on out-of-town trips ...... 73,640 . . . 0.00 ...... 0.45 ...... 0.60 ...... 6.64 Other Vehicle Expense Other vehicle expenses ...... 488,428,475 . . . 29.36 ...... 2,967.82 ...... 3,272.91 ...... 2.62 Vehicle finance charges ...... 32,478,415. . . . 1.95 ...... 197.35 ...... 190.44 ...... -0.09 Automobile finance charges ...... 12,271,328 . . . . 0.74 ...... 74.56...... 70.91 ...... -0.38 Truck finance charges ...... 18,422,252. . . . 1.11 ...... 111.94 ...... 108.66 ...... 0.03 Motorcycle and plane finance charges ...... 313,425 . . . 0.02 ...... 1.90 ...... 1.81 ...... -0.41 Other vehicle finance charges ...... 1,471,411 . . . 0.09 ...... 8.94 ...... 9.06 ...... 0.89 Maintenance and repairs ...... 169,816,432 . . . 10.21 ...... 1,031.85...... 1,116.58 ...... 2.23 Vehicle products and cleaning services ...... 1,326,225 . . . 0.08 ...... 8.06 ...... 8.62 ...... 1.99 Gas tank repair and misc. auto repair, servicing . . .14,991,982 . . . . 0.90 ...... 91.10...... 103.12 ...... 3.15 Coolant, transmission fluid and other additives . . . . 1,791,381 . . . 0.11 ...... 10.88...... 11.25 ...... 1.30 Tires - purchased, replaced, installed ...... 23,798,723. . . . 1.43 ...... 144.61 ...... 154.34 ...... 1.95 Parts, equipment, and accessories ...... 22,234,844 . . . . 1.34 ...... 135.10 ...... 143.11 ...... 1.79 Body work and painting ...... 10,033,056 . . . 0.60 ...... 60.96...... 67.47 ...... 2.69 Vehicle or engine repairs ...... 44,110,899 . . . . 2.65 ...... 268.03 ...... 290.26 ...... 2.24 Motor tune-up ...... 4,594,065 . . . 0.28 ...... 27.91...... 30.86 ...... 2.66 Lube, oil change, and oil filters ...... 20,710,062 . . . 1.25 ...... 125.84 ...... 135.51 ...... 2.13 Front-end alignment, wheel balance and rotation . . . 9,434,075 . . . 0.57 ...... 57.32...... 62.29 ...... 2.31 Shock absorber replacement ...... 1,710,269 . . . 0.10 ...... 10.39...... 11.18 ...... 2.11 Repair tires and other repair work ...... 11,535,251 . . . 0.69 ...... 70.09...... 75.02 ...... 2.01 Auto repair service policy ...... 3,545,600 . . . 0.21 ...... 21.54...... 23.54 ...... 2.43 Vehicle insurance ...... 165,060,430 . . . 9.92 ...... 1,002.95...... 1,070.48 ...... 1.95 Vehicle rental, leases, licenses, and other charges . 121,073,197. . . . 7.28 ...... 735.67 ...... 895.41 ...... 4.66 Leased and rented vehicles ...... 82,859,364 . . . 4.98 ...... 503.47 ...... 615.22 ...... 4.74 Rented vehicles ...... 14,738,890 . . . . 0.89 ...... 89.56...... 109.00 ...... 4.66 Auto/truck/motorcycle rental ...... 11,421,400 . . . 0.69 ...... 69.40...... 83.56 ...... 4.44 Auto/truck/motorcycle rental out-of-town trips . . 3,317,490 . . . 0.20 ...... 20.16...... 25.44 ...... 5.42 Leased vehicles ...... 68,120,474 . . . . 4.10 ...... 413.92 ...... 506.22 ...... 4.76 Car/truck lease payments ...... 58,240,688 . . . . 3.50 ...... 353.89 ...... 433.66 ...... 4.80 Cash down payment car/truck lease ...... 4,906,312 . . . 0.29 ...... 29.81...... 36.02 ...... 4.51 Extra and termination fees for car/truck lease . . . . 503,940 . . . 0.03 ...... 3.06 ...... 3.81 ...... 5.15 Trade in allowance for car/truck lease ...... 4,469,534 . . . 0.27 ...... 27.16...... 32.72 ...... 4.45 Drivers’ license ...... 1,933,097 . . . 0.12 ...... 11.75...... 13.38 ...... 3.29 Vehicle inspection ...... 3,622,417 . . . 0.22 ...... 22.01...... 25.44 ...... 3.58 Parking fees ...... 14,195,102 . . . 0.85 ...... 86.25...... 106.55 ...... 4.97 Parking fees in home city, excluding residence . . . . 13,078,304 . . . 0.79 ...... 79.47...... 98.08 ...... 4.95 Parking fees, out-of-town trips ...... 1,116,798 . . . 0.07 ...... 6.79 ...... 8.47 ...... 5.19 Tolls or electronic toll passes ...... 11,547,968 . . . 0.69 ...... 70.17...... 85.16 ...... 4.60 Tolls on out-of-town trips ...... 716,361 . . . 0.04 ...... 4.35 ...... 5.28 ...... 4.61 Towing charges ...... 1,379,593 . . . 0.08 ...... 8.38 ...... 9.42 ...... 2.99 Automobile service clubs and gaps services ...... 4,819,295 . . . 0.29 ...... 29.28...... 34.96 ...... 4.26 Public and Other Transportation Public and other transportation ...... 89,117,018 . . . . 5.36 ...... 541.50 ...... 945.42 ...... 12.49 Airline fares ...... 55,554,071 . . . . 3.34 ...... 337.56 ...... 601.27 ...... 12.94 Intercity bus fares ...... 1,924,590 . . . 0.12 ...... 11.69...... 19.28 ...... 11.22 Intracity mass transit fares ...... 13,942,566 . . . . 0.84 ...... 84.72...... 135.35 ...... 10.51 Local trans. On out-of-town trips ...... 1,489,810 . . . 0.09 ...... 9.05 ...... 16.22 ...... 13.07 Taxi fares and limousine services on trips ...... 874,452 . . . 0.05 ...... 5.31 ...... 9.52 ...... 13.08 Intercity train fares ...... 2,365,023 . . . 0.14 ...... 14.37...... 25.53 ...... 12.88 Ship fares ...... 5,831,928 . . . 0.35 ...... 35.44...... 64.60 ...... 13.47 School bus ...... 198,091 . . . 0.01 ...... 1.20 ...... 2.18 ...... 13.28 Taxi fares and limousine services ...... 6,936,488 . . . 0.42 ...... 42.15...... 71.47 ...... 11.84

Geographies: 93501 (Mojave, CA); 93505 (California City, CA); 93510 (Acton, CA); 93516 (Boron, CA); 93519 (Cantil, CA); 93523 (Edwards, CA); 93524 (Edwards, CA); 93527 (Inyokern, CA); 93531 (Keene, CA); 93532 (Lake Hughes, CA); 93534 (Lancaster, CA); 93535 (Lancaster, CA); 93536 (Lancaster, CA); 93543 (Littlerock, CA); 93544 (Llano, CA); 93550 (Palmdale, CA); 93551 (Palmdale, CA); 93552 (Palmdale, CA); 93553 (Pearblossom, CA); 93554 (Randsburg, CA); 93555 (Ridgecrest, CA); 93560 (Rosamond, CA); 93561 (Tehachapi, CA); 93563 (Valyermo, CA); 93591 (Palmdale, CA)

SOURCE: Consumer Buying Power™ - 2021 Estimates and 2026 Projections

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 49 Wineries, Vineyards & Breweries

Bravery Brewing Company Each and every brew is approached A micro-brewery that crafts adventurous, with the same level of detail and craft, memorable, and delicious beers for the no matter how simple or complex the community. Both the Tasting Room and style. Lucky Luke Brewing will continue to outdoor patio areas are family-friendly strive to live up to its original inspiration: and can accommodate large parties. We the honorable and honest work and strive to always improve the quality of our dedication to quality of the founder’s products while maintaining integrity and a Great Grandfather, Luke Hammons. thirst for adventurous, well-crafted beers. So enjoy one of our many craft beers and remember to live your life with Bravery! BraveryBrewing.com Palmdale Lancaster Transplants Brewing Company Antelope Valley Winery Our specialty beer recipes draw from The Antelope Valley Winery/Donato diverse, worldly and ethnic influences Family Vineyard is located between the which often blur the lines between cities of Lancaster and Palmdale. We culinary and brewing sensibilities. are winegrowers developing sustainable In both senses, Transplants Brewing grape growing practices. Our Farmers Company truly is “Ales for the Unrooted. “ Market vendors include Alex’s Fruit & TransplantsBrewing.com Join us in raising a glass to hard work, Nuts, Ayala Farms, Baba Mediterranean, dedication to each other, and to quality Country Made Soaps, Holland Ranch beer for everyone. LuckyLukeBrewing.com Organics, Les Delices du Four Bakery, Me Gusta Gourmet Tamales, Mutt Medley, Greater Tehachapi Sea Salt Sweet Shoppe, Smart Fish, Sweet & Sour Bliss, Kepner Egg Farm, Oscar’s The Tehachapi wine industry is booming! Organic Coffee, Dr. P’s Prickly Plants and Tehachapi climate is unique in that it is Winner Circle Farm. AVWinery.com warmer than expected for its altitude. At about 4,500 feet, with Bakersfield on the west and Mojave in the east, Tehachapi has the perfect growing climate. Being Lucky Luke Brewing (palmdale & higher and warmer, the region is Lancaster locations) reminiscent of the wine growing regions Rooted in gratefulness and a passion for of Chile and Argentina. Warm days true American quality, Lucky Luke Brewing and cooler evenings add to the longer Company is the result of a dedicated growing season. The area has spring and husband and wife duo committed to fall frosts but not the extreme cold that creating a memorable experience and causes winter kill. Increased UV radiation exceptionally-crafted beer for their has proven to produce a thicker grape community. skin. Because of all this, the tradition of growing wine grapes only on south-facing Lucky Luke founders and Palmdale slopes does not apply here. In 2020, natives Brian and Samantha’s passion Tehachapi established their AVA from for beer-making quickly grew from a the US Dept of Alcohol & Tobacco Trade garage-brewing hobby to an all-in effort Bureau. This allows local vintners to use to give back to their home community the “Tehachapi Mountains” appellation with a welcoming place for friends, family, of origin on the bottle labels for wine and visitors alike to enjoy not only each produced in the Tehachapi Area. other’s company, but a great beer to fit everyone’s taste. Westlane Brewing “Brewing great beer and having a good time doing it.”

50 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report Tehachapi Winery Located in Cummings Valley, nestled in the Tehachapi Mountain range, their grapes slowly ripen on the vine with concentrated sunlight, gentle breezes and 278 days of clear days and nights. The well- drained Triassic soils of granite lend to a rich and complex terroir. They focus their passion on four red varieties: Cabernet Dorner Family Vineyard Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Rancho de los Viajeros Vineyard TehachapiWinery.com Tehachapi’s first and only “winery” Tehachapi’s newest vineyard is Rancho is Dorner Family Vineyard. They are de Los Viajeros. The Ranch’s first crush currently the only Tehachapi vineyard was in 2014 and that wine brought home licensed to make wine on their property. a bronze medal. RanchoDeLosViajeros.com Now, in addition to the Riesling and Zinfandel, the Dorners purchase grapes from other vineyards so that they can have a larger variety at their tasting room. DornerFamilyVineyard.com

Mojave High Desert Cellars In June 2011 Efren’s ambition of opening a tasting room for his wines became a reality and High Desert Cellars Tasting Room held its grand opening. The beautiful tasting room offers fine wines Triassic Legacy Vineyards for tasting, as well as draft beer from In the last four years the wines of Kinetic Brewing Company and Indian Triassic have earned 14 awards at the Wells Brewing, bottled beer, soda, water, San Francisco Chronicle International snacks and unique gifts. Their wines can Tehachapi Wine & Cattle Co. Wine Competitions alone and even also be enjoyed in the outdoor garden more from other competitions. In 2018 They bottled their Zinfandel under area along with a picnic lunch if desired. Triassic bottled 500 cases of their 2015 the name Tehachapi Wine and Cattle HighDesertCellars.com wines which includes their estate grown Company and since then Souza Zinfandel and Syrah, Triassic Rocks (a blend of Zinfandel and Syrah), Cabernet Sauvignon from Stray Leaves grapes and Tempranillo (from Paso Robles). TriassicVineyards.com Inyokern Indian Wells Valley Brewing Company “The Biggest, Little Brewery in the World”, produces over 20 styles of beer each year and over 100 flavors of soda. Stray Leaves Vineyard Primitivo has accumulated 10 medals. They have partnered with Arrowhead Stray Leaves Vineyard produces award Their 2011 Primitivo took a silver Mt. Spring Water, Rocket Fizz Candy & winning Riesling, Syrah, Cabernet, and their 2010 a bronze award. In Sodas and other national beverages to Zinfandel and Primitivo. At the 2018 San 2018 12 great red and white wines produce, distribute, and create the finest Francisco Chronicle International Wine were bottled under the TWCC label. beverages in the world. New items are Competition Stray Leaves received a TehachapiWineAndCattleCompany.com produced every month. Stop by and visit Double Gold for 2015 SL Dry Riesling, Gold the brewery, or check in with the website for 2015 Stray Primitivo, Silver for SL 2015 to find out what’s new. MojaveRed.com Cabernet (Kate’s Reserve) and Bronze for 2015 Syrah and 2015 Riesling (semi-sweet). Facebook.com/StrayLeavesVineyard/ Stray Leaves

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 51 Vineyard Quality of Life Parks, Recreation & Special Events Story

many, including the Palmdale Auto Mall Association, the presenting sponsor.

The Healing & Honor Field took many months of planning and many hours to create, an effort coordinated by City staff and the Healing and Honor Field Committee. There were also many individual and group volunteers filling 11 days’ worth of 24-hour shifts at the field. But the efforts paid off, with thousands of City of Lancaster • Craft kits are available for pick-up at the Museum of Art and History community members visiting the display, Despite the cancellation of most in-person including during the opening & closing • Recreation classes are offered events in 2020 and the foreseeable future, ceremonies. Millions more witnessed the virtually the City of Lancaster has found ways to display through coverage received from keep the community engaged. While • Drive-in movies are available during Los Angeles television and radio networks, some activities look different, Lancaster select weekends at the JetHawks and through supportive coverage from Municipal still has some things to offer: Municipal Stadium parking lot local press. • Park amenities are open to the public subject to the current LA County Health Order With more than 450 acres of beautifully manicured parks*, Lancaster residents never have to travel far to find a safe place to picnic, play, exercise or relax. City parks provide ample access to picnic shelters, barbeques, volleyball, tennis, basketball and horseshoe courts, softball fields, swimming pools, playgrounds and walking trails. The City’s Parks, Recreation & Arts Department is committed to maintaining high quality facilities and providing unrivaled community programs. City of Palmdale The Palmdale Healing & Honor Field completed its inaugural 11-day display of 2,020 American flags carefully aligned on the field at Pelona Vista Park. The colorful field of flags opened to the public on November 1 with a ceremony honoring veterans past and present, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals fighting on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis. This patriotic display truly was a gift to and from the community, made possible through the efforts of

52 AVEDGECA.ORG 2021 AV EDGE Economic Report The City of Ridgecrest is a largely “company” oriented community big enough to provide plenty of fine schools (public and private), shopping (including large chain stores), churches, health care, and recreation but still small enough to avoid most of the usual big-city problems. A wide variety of excellent housing is readily available at reasonable prices, and you can live only minutes from your City of Tehachapi California City is the home of the Desert office. Tortoise Natural Area. Desert Tortoises Tehachapi continues to offer recreation find refuge in this reserve and emerge opportunities through a variety of parks from their burrows in spring and fall. and facilities managed by both the City While visiting, follow interpretive trails to of Tehachapi and the Tehachapi Valley learn about the plants and animals that Recreation and Parks District and the make the desert home. County of Kern. In addition, the City of Tehachapi has made substantial investments in recent years on a series City of Ridgecrest of bike lanes and paths that connect Ridgecrest is situated in the Indian Wells the Tehachapi Valley with a series of Valley between the high country of the safe routes for both recreational and Sierra Nevada mountain range and the competitive cyclists. deep desert of Death Valley. Within an hour’s drive through some of the While 2020 led to the cancellation of West’s most beautiful country are great Tehachapi’s marquee events, the popular opportunities including: Gran Fondo cycling event as well as Mountain Festival and the Apple Festival • Fishing are slated for successful recoveries in • Hiking 2021. • Hunting City of California City • Sailing Located in the middle of two state parks, • Skiing “Be more than just another Red Rock Canyon and Tomo-Kahni, the traveler when you Go closest park is just 17 miles to the north • Every Other Outdoor Pastime Ridgecrest!” via Neuralia Road, Red Rock Canyon. Red The Valley is within two hours of the Rock has something to offer everyone. highest and the lowest points in the Drive up to or take a serious hike to the continental U.S. The air is clear and sunny amazing cliffs and rock formations that days are the rule. have been shaped by time. No matter what time of year you visit, there is desert life to discover.

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 53

LITHIUM IRON-PHOSPHATE POWERED BYD ELECTRIC BUS LONGEST LASTING & SAFEST BATTERIES 12-YEAR BATTERY WARRANTY

©2021 Northrop Grumman

Defining the future of land, sea, air, space and your career is impossible. Until it’s not. Turn your career into an opportunity to do what’s never been done across science, technology, business and engineering. Because when great minds meet, great things happen.

ngc.com/careers AV EDGE - Get Involved!

To learn more about our membership opportunities visit AVEDGECA.ORG or call (661) 441-2957.

WillowSpringsRaceway.com

2021 AV EDGE Economic Report AVEDGECA.ORG 56 SoCalGas® is busy working for you. We strive every day to help your business become more productive and profitable with programs that help you use less energy, save money and stay competitive for generations to come. See how we can help your business at socalgas.com/business.

© 2021 Southern California Gas Company. All copyright and trademark rights reserved. N21J018A 0219

LAND, LABOR, AND MARKETS ABUNDANT & AFFORDABLE

Unlike other areas of southern California, Lancaster has plenty of available properties zoned for industrial or commercial purposes at prices well below LA rates.

Honored for the third time as “LA County’s Most Business Friendly City”, Lancaster offers quicker approvals so you’re up and running sooner, giving business owners room to grow.

Less red tape, greater local control. cityoflancasterca.org

THE RIGHT DOC MAKES IT ALL BETTER. Our Sponsors - We Thank You!