ECONOMIC

ROUNDTABLE ANNIVERSARY 2015REPORT 15 IncorporatedYEAR December ’99

SoCalLeadingEdge.org

REGIONAL BUSINESS/ INDUSTRIAL PARKS

LANCASTER Fox Field Industrial Corridor North Valley Industrial Center Lancaster Business Park Enterprise Business Park Southern Amargosa Industrial Centerpoint Business Park The BLVD Medical Main Street PALMDALE Challenger Business Park Fairway Business Park Freeway Business Center Palmdale Power Plant Industrial Park Palmdale Trade & Commerce Center Park One Industrial Park Sierra Business Park Sierra Gateway Park CITY Airport Business Park MOJAVE Mojave Air & Space Port RIDGECREST Ridgecrest Business Park Ridgecrest Industrial Park INYOKERN Inyokern Airport Industrial District TEHACHAPI Goodrick Business Park Capital Hills Business Park Bailey Avenue Industrial Park

ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 1 GREATER ANTELOPE VALLEY ECONOMIC ALLIANCE MEMBERS

Officers Directors Norm Hickling County of Harvey Holloway Aaron Chang Supervisor Antonovich Coldwell Banker Commercial Palmdale Regional Medical Valley Realty Center Paulette Rush Chairman of Board MidAmerican Solar Carrie Rogers Chuck Hoey Los Angeles Economic Rob Duchow Charles Hoey and Associates Development Corp. The Gas Company Vice-Chair Cheri Bryant Steve Perez Tom Barnes Rosamond Community Antelope Valley-East Kern Services District Water Agency Chris Perez Vice-Chair Wells Fargo Bank Steve Radford Antelope Valley Union High June Burcham David James School District Kaiser Permanente City of Tehachapi Treasurer Teresa Hitchcock Dixie Eliopulos Kern County Laurel Shockley Honorary Member Edison Tom Weil Secretary Ed Knudson City of California City George B. Atkinson Vern Lawson Atkinson and Associates Garth Sandsness City of Lancaster Director, at Large Rio Tinto

Kari Blackburn City of Palmdale

Air Force Flight Test Center Kern County Antelope Valley College Lockheed Martin Antelope Valley Press Los Angeles EDC Antelope Valley Transit Authority Mid American Solar Antelope Valley Union High School District Northrop Grumman Atkinson and Associates Palmdale Regional Medical Center AV Air Quality Management District Antelope Valley East Kern Water Agency Palmdale Water District City of California City Rio Tinto Minerals City of Lancaster Rosamond Community Services District City of Palmdale Southern California Edison City of Tehachapi The Gas Company Charles Hoey and Associates VINSA Insurance Associates Coldwell Banker Commercial Valley Realty Wal-Mart County of Los Angeles, 5th District Wells Fargo Bank Supervisor Mike Antonovich Western Pacific Roofing Kaiser Permanente

To become an investor member, please visit our website www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org or call us at 661/945-2741 Table of Contents Introduction

■ INTRODUCTION The Greater Antelope Valley Welcome to Antelope Valley...... 1 A vast land of opportunity lies just an hour outside of Los Angeles. Known as Southern ■ DEMOGRAPHICS California’s Leading Edge, this group of high desert communities has been famed for Area Profile ...... 2 its aerospace prowess for nearly 70 years. Supersonic travel, the Space Shuttle, and Population Detail...... 3 advanced stealth technology were all born here. NASA astronauts train here and now Comparisons/Housing...... 4 commercial space flight is being pioneered here. But today, we’re also showing the world that we have the right stuff when it comes to developing advanced materials, Communities...... 5-12 building clean transport systems, crafting high-precision parts, generating fresh, green Dare to Compare...... 13 energy while adding value to innovative agricultural products.

■ ECONOMY With easy access to key transport corridors, good rail service, and three of America’s Employment By Industry...... 14 top seaports within a seventy-mile radius, it’s no surprise that we’ve found favor with many distribution and logistics firms. Global traders enjoy the tax and tariff advantages International Trade/ of our Foreign Trade Zone. We also think you’ll find our air quality district, separate and Cost of Doing Business...... 15 distinct from LA’s stringent South Coast AQMD, to be refreshing. Foreign Trade Zone...... 15 Small Business Support...... 16 Yes, we are a world apart from LA, yet we’re close at hand. The Leading Edge puts 21 million Southern Californian’s at your doorstep, the Western U.S. within a day’s drive Workforce...... 17 and new Pacific Rim opportunities ready to explore. Renewable Energy...... 18 Motion Pictures...... 19 Our enterprising group of business-savvy cities also understands how to help Water...... 20, 21 companies succeed. They’ve cut red tape and work to fast-track projects so you can get Agriculture...... 21 going quicker, with less worry and lower cost. As a matter of fact, our business facilities cost about 65% less than those found in Los Angeles or San Francisco. Labor costs are Mining...... 22 also lower, yet our workforce is highly trained, very motivated and anxious to work for

local firms. ■ EDUCATION STEM Education...... 23-25 The Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance, or simply The Alliance, is the public/ Public/Private Schools ...... 25 private partnership that facilitates business growth and opportunity within our 3000 square-mile region. We serve as allies to enterprise, helping you chart the best course Community Colleges/ towards finding success and new prosperity here. Universities...... 26, 27 Our investors and sponsors make it possible for us to produce this Report every year ■ INDUSTRY and we are grateful for the continued support and partnership we have with the business leaders and community members that value the work we do. Thank you for Aerospace...... 28, 29 being a part of our efforts to retain, expand and attract primary jobs for our workforce Business Parks/Industrial Space. ....30, 31 and our families that make the high-desert home. Public Transportation/Aviation...... 32, 33 Take time to discover the amazing opportunities found along Southern California’s ■ HOUSING Leading Edge. Housing Market...... 34-36 Visit our new website at SoCalLeadingEdge.org Harvey Holloway ■ HEALTH CARE GAVEA Chairman Hospitals/Health Services...... 37, 38 Broker/Owner, Coldwell Banker Commercial Valley Realty ■ QUALITY OF LIFE Entertainment & Facilities...... 39-41

Kimberly Maevers, President 1028 West Avenue L-12, Suite#101 Michelle Verjan, Executive Assistant Lancaster, CA 93534. Latasha McClelland, Program Specialist 661/945-2741 • FAX: 661/945-7711 www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org

ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 1 AREA PROFILE Economic Picture Brightens For Antelope Valley By Christopher Thornberg, PhD

There is little doubt that is has been a rough to do with an increased use of automation TOTAL POPULATION OF few years for the 400,000 people who call and information technology, rather than lack GREATER ANTELOPE the Antelope Valley home. As bad as the of competitiveness. More importantly, many VALLEY REGION ‘Great Recession’ was for the nation and of the high tech firms in the area, particularly 530,179 California, it was worse in this region. The those in aerospace, are on the cutting edge of new space and military technologies. While ANNUAL GROWTH disproportionate impact was due largely to 2020 Projected 564,057 the structure of the local employment base. these companies may not be directly hiring 2015 Estimate 530,179 Logistics, construction, and manufacturing many new people, their indirect impact on the 2014 Estimate 520,690 are three of the most important clusters in local economy should not be underestimated. 2010 Census 496,828 the area, and all three sectors were hit hard Non-residential construction permits in the by the economic downturn. Of the three, only Antelope Valley for 2014 are on track to be POPULATION BY ORIGIN the logistics sector has recovered to its pre- by far the best since 2008 — largely driven by Not Hispanic or Latino 296,781 recession level of employment. these firms investing in the area. Hispanic or Latino 233,398 POPULATION BY RACE On top of this, there were few communities Also important has been the end of the White 286,085 affected as much as the Antelope Valley by housing collapse. Foreclosures have dwindled Black/African American 75,686 the subprime mortgage crisis and the wave to below-normal levels even as prices have American Indian/Alaskan Native 5,361 of foreclosures and collapsing home prices been rising at a double digit pace. This has Asian 19,633 that followed. Taxable sales in the area fell helped the financial situation for many local Native Hawaiian by a whopping 30% through the housing homeowners. And taxable sales in the region or Pacific Islander 1,291 cycle. And the region has been dealing with — while still below pre-recession levels Other 112,929 headwinds caused by the drought, and — have started to grow at close to a 9% year- Two or more Races 29,194 now by low oil prices, which will slow the on-year pace. With credit becoming easier MEDIAN AGE 33.2 Kern County oil boom that has been driving and buyer confidence on the rise, 2015 will REGIONAL HOUSING growth for the last few years. prove to be another boom year for real estate Average Household Income $67,830 across the state. Per Capita Income $21,397 But it would be a big mistake to think that Housing Units 161,733 conditions and prospects for the area aren’t Moreover, in Southern California, this new Persons per Household 3.17 rapidly improving. Quite the opposite. A wave of home demand will not be met Owner Occupied 66.1% number of positive trends are occurring in quickly with new supply, given the abuses Average Length of Residence (yrs) 13.8 the short and long term that will boost the of the California Environmental Quality ECONOMY Antelope Valley economy going forward — Act by the many NIMBY’s who oppose infill Cost of Doing Business and signs of the recovery are already showing development. This means that population Low to Moderate up in some local numbers. growth, and by definition home construction, (Property Taxes not Included) will yet again be pushed to the outer edges One of the major developments has been *2014 Numbers not available at press time of the region – including the broad based revival in the overall the Antelope Valley. Recent data from the California economy. In 2014 the state was, n 69.7% California Department of Finance show 225,084 in percentage terms, one of the fastest Primarily population growth in the incorporated English growing in the nation. And it isn’t just coastal portions of the region, while still far below n 25.98% communities with tech sectors leading the Ethnicity 125,260 pre-recession rates, starting to accelerate. charge. Sonoma, Sacramento, Fresno, and Spanish Expect new residential permits to start rising speaking the Inland Empire all posted some of the again in 2015, combined with an increase in n 4.33% highest rates of job growth. A rising tide lifts 20,861 construction jobs. Other all boats, and these trends are already having speaking an impact on general business activity in the From a longer run perspective there is also Antelope Valley region. much to cheer about in the Antelope Valley. n 25.06% The state’s demographic forecasters predict 0-17 As for the drought, what has been most that 6.8 million new people will be calling Age n 54.84% interesting has been the lack of impact on 18-54 California home in the next 20 years—and Specific local agriculture. The industry is far more n 37.11% 40% of those residents will be located in Kern resilient in the face of water shortages than 55-64 County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland many believed. Investments in new low-water n 10.41% Empire. Given that the Antelope Valley sits Over 65 growing techniques as well as shifting to strategically at the cross roads of these three low water intensity crops is showing how n 45.4% booming regions, it’s difficult not to see good California agriculture will continue to thrive Some college or things occurring in the area’s future – as long Assoc. Degree even in a low water-supply environment. n 33.5% as the right investments are made tying the Education HS Grad or GED And while manufacturing jobs are down, local economy to its neighbors. n 21.1% manufacturing in the region is not out. Bachelor’s Degree Christopher Thornberg, PhD is an economist Manufacturing activity has been steadily & Above and Founding Partner of Beacon Economics rising in most of the U.S., including in **Source: The Nielson Company LLC. Learn more at www.BeaconEcon.com. California. The lack of job formation has more

2 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org POPULATION DETAIL LANCASTER 159,878 PALMDALE 155,657 TEHACHAPI (City only*) 13,346

14,000 150,000 150,000

12,000 120,000 120,000 10,000

90,000 90,000 8,000

6,000 60,000 60,000

4,000 30,000 30,000 2,000 2020 – 2020 Estimate Estimate 2020– – 2020 Estimate 2010 – Census 2010 – Estimate 2015 – Census 2010 – Estimate 2015 – Census 2010 – Estimate 2015 156,633 168,049 180,391 152,750 165,157 177,164 14,414 14,138 14,642

2014 State Population Ranking (size) State Population Ranking (size) State Population Ranking (size) 31 33 338 Population Growth from 2010 3,245 Population Growth from 2010 2,097 Population Growth from 2010 (1,068) Population Growth % from 2010 2.07% Population Growth % from 2010 1.90% Population Growth % from 2010 -7.41%

* City data only: The Greater Tehachapi area boasts a population estimate of 36,682 for 2015.

CALIFORNIA CITY 13,276 RIDGECREST 28,638 16,000 “...THERE IS ALSO 30,000 14,000 MUCH TO CHEER

12,000 25,000 ABOUT IN THE ANTELOPE VALLEY. 10,000 20,000 The state’s demographic forecasters predict that 6.8 8,000 million new people will be calling 15,000 6,000 California home in the next 20 years—and 40% of those residents 10,000 4,000 will be located in Kern County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland 2,000 5,000 Empire.”

2020 – 2020 Estimate – 2020 Estimate — Christopher Thornberg, PhD 2010 – Census 2010 – Estimate 2015 – Census 2010 – Estimate 2015 14,120 14,924 15,899 25,103 27,967 28,460 Economist and Founding Partner of Beacon Economics LLC. 2014 2014 State Population Ranking (size) 340 State Population Ranking (size) 248 Population Growth from 2010 (844) Population Growth from 2010 3,535 Population Growth % from 2010 -5.98% Population Growth % from 2010 14.08%

ESTIMATED POPULATION BY ZIP CODE ANTELOPE VALLEY POPULATION FORECAST 93534 Lancaster 41,796 42,377 ZIP CITY 2014 2015 EST 2020 2035 93535 Lancaster 76,107 77,400 93501 Mojave 5,683 5,807 Lancaster 174,807 201,310 93536 Lancaster 75,760 77,428 93505 California City 14,369 14,484 Palmdale 179,274 206,143 93543 Littlerock 14,032 14,271 93516 Boron 2,376 2,405 Unincorporated–LA County 134,000 172,173 93544 Llano 1,503 1,488 93519 Cantil 109 104 Greater California City/Mojave 32,509 39,641 93550 Palmdale 76,998 78,367 93523 Edwards 3,024 3,091 Greater Ridgecrest 39,442 41,737 93551 Palmdale 55,240 56,853 93524 Edwards 225 158 Greater Rosamond 31,805 40,245 93552 Palmdale 41,350 42,389 93527 Inyokern 2,429 2,540 Greater Tehachapi 47,691 57,632 93553 Pearblossom 1,938 1,985 93554 Randsburg 24 24 Antelope Valley 639,528 758,881 93563 Valyermo 439 425 93555 Ridgecrest 33,325 33,473 93591 Palmdale 7,421 7,459 93560 Rosamond 19,582 19,893

93561 Tehachapi 35,979 36,682 OVERALL TOTAL 520,690 530,179 93510 Acton 7,974 8,040 93532 Lake Hughes 3,007 3,036 Southern California Association of Government, SCAG Kern County Council of Governments, KernCOG.

Source: The Nielsen Company, CA Department of Finance, SCAG, KCOG ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 3 COMPARISON WITH OTHER AREAS

POPULATION DATA *Based on 2010 Census

ESTIMATED POPULATION 2010-2020 GROWTH PROJECTIONS % OF CENSUS GROWTH 2015* 2000 2020 CHANGE 2000 2010 Phoenix 1,521,103 Long Beach 472,849 486,756 2.94% Long Beach 462,118 462,257 Portland 613,479 Bakersfield 369,625 389,913 5.49% Bakersfield 252,250 347,483 Las Vegas 595,195 Irvine 238,073 258,216 8.46% IIrvine 146,819 212,375 Antelope Valley 530,179 Santa Clarita 186,144 196,838 5.75% Santa Clarita 148,166 176,320 Tuscon 524,264 Lancaster 168,049 180,391 7.34% Lancaster 121,341 156,633 Atlanta 455,895 Ontario 165,205 167,990 1.69% Ontario 157,832 163,924 Miami 425,944 Palmdale 165,157 177,164 7.27% Palmdale 117,487 152,750 St. Louis 317,322 Temecula 110,203 119,035 8.01% Temecula 54,369 100,097

HOUSING DATA *2014 information not available at press time AVG. HOUSEHOLD INCOME NEW/RESALE HOUSE/CONDO MEDIAN PRICES % OF HOUSING AFFORDABILITY INDEX* (%) 2014 2015 2015 CHANGE FORECAST FIRST TIME BUYER 2011 2013 United States $71,320 $74,165 Ridgecrest $151,700 -1.0% 2.2% California City 91 92 California $81,689 $84,669 California City $86,900 8.8% 7.6% Palmdale 83 85 Santa Clarita $96,665 $101,871 Santa Clarita $446,000 8.5% 2.1% Las Vegas, NV 86 83 Los Angeles $71,022 $72,807 Lancaster $202,000 10.1% 2.8% Bakersfield 81 82 Long Beach $70,357 $72,005 Palmdale $224,300 12.7% 2.6% Lancaster 82 81 Ridgecrest $69,885 $73,610 Tehachapi $213,700 3.9% 5.6% Ridgecrest 78 81 Bakersfield $68,929 $71,856 Long Beach $484,700 4.8% 0.9% Rosamond 76 83 Palmdale $66,390 $67,166 Rosamond $159,400 5.9% 7.0% Glendale, AZ 97 80 Lancaster $61,996 $62,559 Bakersfield $198,200 6.7% 7.1% Phoenix, AZ 87 80 Rosamond $60,710 $70,963 United States $179,200 6.6% 2.9% Tehachapi 79 76 California City $59,167 $62,029 California $437,400 7.8% 3.7% Chandler, AZ 81 74 Tehachapi $58,464 $56,077 Los Angeles $529,400 7.8% 1.8% Santa Clarita 71 73 Phoenix, AZ $60,969 $62,804 Reno $224,000 13.5% 5.6% Cal-Condos 68 69 Tucson, AZ $47,346 $49,814 Las Vegas $179,600 10.7% 6.0% California 68 67 Las Vegas, NV $61,575 $63,238 Phoenix $170,800 2.4% 3.6% Tucson. AZ 64 67 Reno, NV $60,573 $60,429 Tucson $136,000 4.6% 3.2% Reno, NV 65 60 Long Beach 52 59 Los Angeles 46 48 ACROSS OUR REGION, INCOMES ARE “ CRIME DATA *Per 100,000 pop RISING AND HOUSING COSTS REMAIN LOW making housing options abundant for our workforce CRIMES KNOWN TO LAW ENFORCEMENT* —GAVEA 2014 LABOR MARKET STUDY ” *% 2012 2013 CHANGE CALIFORNIA Palmdale 4,234 4,131 -2.4 Lancaster 4,421 4,376 -1 Ridgecrest 735 722 -1.8 Santa Clarita 3,102 3,006 -3.1 San Bernardino 12,580 11,425 -9.2

NEVADA Las Vegas Metro 65,484 56,909 -13.1 Reno 8,644 8,352 -3.4

ARIZONA Phoenix 70,541 69,846 -695 Tucson *** 35,106 0

TEXAS El Paso 19,364 18,153 -6.3 Fort Worth 37,156 38,847 4.6 *Total violent, property and arson crimes per 100,000 inhabitants. **2014 numbers not available at press time ***FBI was unable to collect accurate numbers from local law enforcement. Source: FBI.gov

Source: Kosmont Rose Institute, FBI, Claritas, Census, GAVEA. 4 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org LOS ANGELES COUNTY Working with our community groups, chambers, and business organizations in our cities and unincorporated areas, Los Angeles County appreciates the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance’s leadership and cooperation in our mutual effort to enhance the Valley’s business-friendly environment. The Alliance is fostering public-private partnerships, and working to retain existing businesses and attract new ones to grow our economy and create jobs. —L.A. County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich, District 5

milestone on October 2, 2014 of three million flight hours. GA-ASI, an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading manufacturer of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, tactical reconnaissance radars, surveillance systems with over 6,000 employees at multiple facilities in the San Diego area and in the unincorporated eastern side of the Antelope Valley.

• Groundbreaking of East Antelope Valley Animal Care Center: The Ribbon cutting ceremony with the Antelope Valley Transit Authority commemorating the estimated $20.1 million project will provide housing for approximately purchase of two zero-emission, electric buses made possible by funding from the County of 10,000 animals annually and help reduce the high volume of calls Los Angeles. received by the current Lancaster Animal Care Center. The center is scheduled to open in November of 2015. “This is the first new animal More than 65 percent of Los Angeles County — 2,653.5 square miles — is care facility since the 1970s for the county of Los Angeles, and it’s very unincorporated. For the over one million people living in those areas, the long overdue,” said Los Angeles County Animal Control Director Marcia Board of Supervisors is their “city council” and the supervisor representing Mayeda. the area the “mayor.” County departments provide municipal services to • Inaugural 2014 LA County Air Show Was a Great Success! The two-day these areas. The Antelope Valley includes the most unincorporated territory airshow thrilled over 103,000 attendees with jets, warbirds, vintage of any region in the County. aircraft, and aerobatic performances headlined by the world-famous U.S. Unincorporated communities in the Antelope Valley include: Acton, Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron. The demonstration Antelope Acres, Crystalaire, Del Sur, Elizabeth Lake, Fairmont, Gorman, by the Blue Angels was their first public performance for 2014 season. Green Valley, Hi Vista, Juniper Hills, Lake Hughes, Lake Los Angeles, Leona Other performers included Greg Colyer piloting a Lockheed T-33 Shooting Valley, Littlerock, Llano, Neenach, Oso, Pearblossom, Quartz Hill, Roosevelt, Star, Bill Braack in the Smoke ‘n Thunder Jet Car, and the Red Bull Air Sun Village, Three Points, Valyermo, White Fence Farms,and Wrightwood. Force team. For updates and more information, please visit www. lacountyairshow.com or follow the LA County Air Show. Elected Officials 2014 MILESTONES Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors • Predator/Gray Eagle Series Surpasses Three Million Flight Hours: General Mayor MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH, Fifth District Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a leading manufacturer of HILDA L. SOLIS, First District Remotely Piloted Aircraft (“drone”) systems, radars, and electro-optic, MARK RIDLEY-THOMAS, Second District and related mission systems solutions, announced that its Predator/Gray SHEILA KUEHL, Third District Eagle series aircraft family has achieved a historic company and industry DON KNABE,Fourth District

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – ANTELOPE VALLEY

EMPLOYMENT INDUSTRY ANNUAL AVG. EMPLOYMENT ANNUAL PAYROLL BY SECTOR 2012 2013* 2012 2013* Government 14,771 14,925 $709,817,745 $715,902,923 Agriculture and Mining 210 244 $6,791,367 $7,559,638 Utilities 328 293 $32,877,773 $32,228,437 Construction 2,796 3,164 $123,724,535 $143,449,286 Manufacturing 7,528 7,166 $612,321,992 $620,239,133 Wholesale Trade 1,169 1,059 $47,447,657 $45,301,252 Retail Trade 11,185 11,546 $275,289,033 $284,356,264 Transportation and Warehousing 2,171 2,320 $80,035,703 $87,381,679 Mgmnt and Remediation Services 2,137 2,170 $62,848,365 $65,887,686 Information 805 841 $33,438,824 $37,291,264 Finance and Insurance 2,983 2,324 $126,667,595 $104,113,886 Real Estate, Rental and Leasing 842 912 $27,307,553 $31,488,814 Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services 2,009 1,811 $85,091,296 $82,761,583 Educational Services 905 1,043 $34,743,913 $40,345,096 Healthcare and Special Assistance 8,579 8,439 $406,998,432 $434,431,063 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 585 598 $8,729,916 $10,460,286 Accommodation and Food Services 7,825 8,189 $127,626,883 $130,971,490 Other Services (except Public Administration) 4,314 1,634 $76,643,813 $38,202,619 Not Classified 238 180 $7,477,440 $5,896,708 TOTAL EMPLOYMENT 71,380 71,698 $2,885,879,835 $2,918,269,107

*2014 Numbers not available at press time Source: EDD ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 5 COMMUNITIES “IT’S POSITIVELY CLEAR” LANCASTER 2015 POPULATION ESTIMATE 168,049 2010 Census Population 156,633

POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Median Age 31.6 Spanish Speaking 20.4%

POPULATION BY ORIGIN Not Hispanic or Latino 57.0% Hispanic 43.0%

POPULATION BY RACE White Alone 43.7% Black or African American 22.3% Native American 1.0% Asian 4.3% Pacific Islander 0.2% Some Other Race 22.9% California Governor Jerry Brown and Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris join to unveil China-based BYD’s first electric long-range bus to be Two or More Races 5.7% manufactured in their Lancaster facility.

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD 2014 MILESTONES: INCOME (CITY) $62,559 “The powerful partnerships which the City Business and Government Team Up to Take Lancaster to New 93534 $48,443 •  of Lancaster has formed with global leaders 93535 $55,000 Heights: The Lancaster Auto Mall Association and Antelope in green technology, such as electric bus 93536 $82,808 Valley Hospital partnered with the City to invest in the redesign manufacturer BYD, have secured Lancaster’s title of the Auto Mall and development of a mixed-use “Medical Main as the renewable energy capital of America.” HOUSING - 2014 Street,” respectively. As the twice-recognized “Most Business — California Governor Jerry Brown 2014 Median Housing $184,785 Friendly City in Los Angeles County,” Lancaster has made it a Annual % of Change 13.8% priority to facilitate these projects. This trend of private-sector major national brands alike are taking notice of Lancaster’s Housing Units 50,076 support began in 2012 and 2013, when local hotels and strengthening economy. This influx has further diversified Person per Household 3.19 downtown property owners voted to form a Tourism-Based Lancaster’s cuisine offerings and reflects the multicultural fabric Homeowners 59.9% Improvement District (TBID) and Property-Based Improvement of our community, with options ranging from Boba Cove & Café EDUCATION 100,248 District (PBID), respectively. Both BIDs build upon the City’s to national brands such as Applebee’s and Chipotle. No High School Diploma 18.3% efforts by creating a forum to pool private resources to fund • A Thriving Downtown: As the private sector continues to build High School Graduate 29.1% comprehensive marketing campaigns and other services. These upon the City’s $11.6 million investment in the downtown area, Some College, no degree 26.6% partnerships will enhance and expand Lancaster’s opportunities 10 new businesses launched on the BLVD. 2014 also marked Associate’s Degree 9.6% for development in the coming years. the first year of operation of the Downtown Lancaster PBID, Bachelor’s Degree 11.1% Master’s Degree 4.1% • Auto Mall Upgrade Shifting into First Gear: To continue which has substantially enhanced services to attract patrons to Profession School Degree 0.8% cultivating our auto industry, which has yielded a steady rise downtown Lancaster. Doctoral Degree 0.6% in sales of 95% since 2009, the City and Lancaster Auto Mall • Be Our Guest: Two international hotel brands, Best Western Plus Association have invested in the expansion and redesign of and TownePlace Suites by Marriott, have made their home in WORKFORCE 65,190 the Auto Mall. The auto dealers have collectively invested Lancaster. Architect/Engineer 2.7% approximately $12.3 million in individual dealership renovations • Changing the Way the World Views Public Transportation: China- Arts/Entertain/Sports 1.0% and expansions. The Association is also working hand-in-hand Building Grounds Maint 4.4% based BYD, which opened its North American headquarters with City officials to revitalize public spaces throughout the Mall Business Financial Ops 2.8% in Lancaster in 2013, unveiled its 60-foot, 120-passenger Community Soc Svcs 2.1% to build synergy and create a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. articulated electric bus, named “Lancaster.” The most efficient Computer/Mathematical 1.5% • Making Healthy Living the Standard of Living: Antelope Valley long-range bus available, “Lancaster” travels up to 170 miles on Construction/Extraction 5.9% Hospital has partnered with the City to develop “Medical Main a single charge. Earlier in 2014, BYD joined with Governor Jerry Edu/Training/Library 6.4% Street,” which will foster development of the vacant land Brown at its Lancaster facility to unveil its first two 40-foot, Farm/Fish/Forestry 0.5% surrounding the existing hospital to enhance connectivity and long-range, zero-emission buses. BYD’s bold ideas and passion Food Prep/Serving 4.5% establish an atmosphere that cultivates healthy lifestyles. In Health Pratitioner/Tec 6.7% for sustainability, coupled with Lancaster’s abundant resources, addition, the City Council approved “YOLO Lancaster,” a program Healthcare Support 2.7% influence in the North American marketplace, and equally Maintenance Repair 4.3% offered in partnership with Antelope Valley Partners for Health, passionate drive for green energy innovation, have allowed this Legal 0.5% to motivate healthy choices. firm to establish a stronghold in the American marketplace. Life/Phys/Soc Science 0.3% • Redefining State-of–the-Art: Lancaster celebrated the grand • The Home of Energy-Conscious Innovation: Nexus eWater and Management 8.3% openings of more than 300,000 square feet of state-of-the- the City introduced the “eWater Recycler,” a home water and Office/Admin Support 15.0% art medical facilities. These include the most energy-efficient energy recycling system, to the US market. The Australia-based Production 4.6% facility in the Kaiser Permanente Network, a 136,000- square- Protective Services 3.8% firm chose to open an office and unveil this system in Lancaster foot Platinum LEED-certified medical office building; the City Sales/Related 11.8% to pursue its energy-conscious efforts in a city with international Personal Care/Service 4.1% of Hope full-service cancer center; and Los Angeles County’s recognition for its alternative energy accomplishments. The Transportation/Moving 6.5% 124,000-square-foot High Desert Regional Care Center. system can treat and reuse up to 73,000 gallons of grey water • Restaurant Industry Heating Up: Eighteen new eateries annually and satisfy the home’s hot water needs with 75% less have opened, demonstrating that local entrepreneurs and energy than conventional means.

Elected Officials Contacts Mayor, R. Rex Parris • Vice Mayor, Marvin E. Crist City Manager, Mark Bozigian • 661/723-6133 Councilmembers: Sandra Johnson, Ken Mann Director Economic Development, Ronald D. Smith Vern Lawson • 661/723-6128 Source: Nielsen Inc. 44933 Fern Avenue, Lancaster, CA 93534 • 661/723-6128 • www.cityoflancasterca.org

6 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org “A PLACE TO CALL HOME” PALMDALE 2015 POPULATION ESTIMATE 165,157 2010 Census Population 152,750

POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Median Age 30.9% Spanish Speaking 38.8%

POPULATION BY ORIGIN Not Hispanic or Latino 40.8% Hispanic 59.2%

POPULATION BY RACE White Alone 46.2% Black or African American 14.8% Native American 0.8% Asian 4.2% Pacific Islander 0.2% Some Other Race 28.2% Two or More Races 5.5%

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME (CITY) $67,166 93550 $50,444 93551 $96,345 93552 $63,106 2014 MILESTONES: HOUSING - 2014 • Kinkisharyo selects Palmdale as site to assemble and “It’s really been a unique experience here. 2014 Median Housing $237,898 manufacture railcars for Metro creating over 250 jobs. We’ve done this seven times in multiple Annual % of Change 17.7% locations, and I can honestly say that, by Housing Units 45,664 • Dick’s Sporting Goods, H&M, Forge, Papaya and Francesca’s far, the City of Palmdale has been the most Person per Household 3.6 open at the . accommodating city we’ve ever worked Homeowners 68.1% • Ground is broken on new shopping center which will be home to with. We had a very short window: We EDUCATION 95,159 Aldi’s, Chick-fil-A, The Habit, Yogurtland, Pizza Rev, Krispy Kreme closed our old facility and moved into this No High School Diploma 25.9% and Dunn Edwards. one over a long weekend. Everyone has High School Graduate 24.7% really gone out of their way to help us have The “Miracle on 47th St. East” continues with the opening of Some College, no degree 26.2% •  a successful transition.” InShape, Wells Fargo, CVS, America’s Tire and O’Reilly’s Auto Associate’s Degree 7.8% — John Novak, President and Parts. Bachelor’s Degree 10.5% Paula Zidman, Vice President Master’s Degree 3.8% • Camacho Mitsubishi Dealership opens at Palmdale Auto Mall, Patton’s Steel & Tools Profession School Degree 0.7% and CarMax announces plans for a dealership and refurbishment Doctoral Degree 0.4% center creating hundreds of jobs. WORKFORCE 63,305 • Industrial community welcomes Indura, Anywind, Aerowire and • Palmdale welcomes J&B Furniture, Squeaky Wheel Bike Shop, Architect/Engineer 2.5% SCP Pools. Marroquin Income Tax & AV Land, Pets R Us Veterinarian, AV Arts/Entertain/Sports 1.2% Mall Vision Center, Cricket Wireless, Eyebrow Shapes, Cruz Thru Building Grounds Maint 5.0% • New restaurants include Dickey’s BBQ, Perkies, Hatsuki Car Wash, Sears Outlet, Sinful Treats, Dusty Paws, AV Skate, Business Financial Ops 2.4% Japanese, Boulevard Café, La Cocina De Mama, Boom Boom Campano Law, Mommy’s Playtime Fit Studios, My Gym and Community Soc Svcs 2.0% Chicken and Claudia’s Café. deCarriere Child Enrichment Center. Computer/Mathematical 1.4% • Gabriel’s House, the City’s third Neighborhood House, opens in Construction/Extraction 6.8% memory of Gabriel Hernandez and offers music and art classes COMMUNITY TRENDS Edu/Training/Library 4.1% Farm/Fish/Forestry 0.3% to youth. The City of Palmdale is experiencing: Food Prep/Serving 5.9% • The Warnack Foundation contributed approximately $650,000 Health Pratitioner/Tec 4.5% • Continued growth and strengthening of our retail sectors. to the Palmdale Community Foundation and the City of Healthcare Support 2.4% Palmdale. The City leveraged this generous donation and formed • Significant increase in the number of manufacturing projects Maintenance Repair 4.4% community partnerships to embark on various projects and looking for available land and buildings for relocation and Legal 0.5% Life/Phys/Soc Sciences 0.3% programs including Springfest and Egg Hunt; library techmobile; expansion. Management 7.7% community garden #1 and #2; fencing at Domenic Massari Park; • The stabilization and re-emergence of the housing market Office/Admin Support 13.5% public art display at Legacy Commons Senior Center; equipment has brought on a renewed interest and effort in new housing Production 7.6% for American Indian Little League; a teen event held in June for construction. Protective Services 3.0% local youth; purchase of musical instruments and supplies for Sales/Related 11.6% Gabriel’s House; landscaping, fencing and shade structures at Personal Care/Service 5.6% the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark; and carpeting, lighting and audio Transportation/Moving 7.3% systems at the Palmdale Playhouse.

Elected Officials Contacts Mayor James C. Ledford, Jr. David Childs • 661/267-5115 Mayor Pro Tem Mike Dispenza Kari Blackburn(661)267-5125 Councilmembers: Steven D. Hofbauer, Roxana Martinez, Fred Thompson Source: Nielsen Inc.

38300 Sierra Highway, Palmdale, CA 93550 • 661/267-5125 • www.cityofpalmdale.org ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 7 KERN COUNTY We are proud to count the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance as a partner in promoting a region where not even the sky is a limit on innovation. The Alliance consistently shows that the region has always been on the cutting edge of innovation with a local economic climate that is perfectly tailored for those who dare to dream. Kern County ensures that permitting is short, taxes are low, and we boast a strategic location, the nations premier military RDTE bases, and a productive, yet affordable workforce. We look forward to another year of working with the Alliance to promote a place where you can literally shoot for the stars. — Zack Scrivner, Second District Supervisor Mick Gleason, First District Supervisor County of Kern County of Kern

2014 MILESTONES COMMUNITY TRENDS • RENEWBIZ (Renewable Energy Neighborhood Enhancement Wind Despite recent economic downturns, Kern County and its residents have Business Zone) takes a portion of property tax revenues from shown its ability to be resilient. Through the combination of its energy and incorporated areas of Eastern Kern County to provide grants for business agricultural industries the region has hotbed of unprecedented growth facade improvements. In 2014, Kern County approved 41 grants with a within the state. The County is also a great place to do business since Local total value of $350,000 to fund local projects. officials have worked to create the right conditions for economic growth and advocate strongly for the businesses that create jobs and wealth for • The County has approved applications for 20,872 acres of renewable residents. These pro-growth environment and can-do attitude has resulted energy solar projects anticipated to produce 2428 megawatts of electricity. in $17 billion dollars in solar investment and a decade of gross domestic The County has another 15,868 acres of solar projects anticipated to product growth unmatched by any area in the nation. Even with falling produce 2850 megawatts of electricity awaiting final approval. prices for our most important product, there continues to see be bright • The Film Industry brings an estimated $19 million into the region every year economic news in 2015. with 185 film permits issued in 2014. Filmmakers love Kern County because there is so much opportunity here at such at a fraction of the price of other regions in California. The Golden Queen Mine is continuing to work toward Elected Officials becoming operational. Construction for the mining infrastructure is expected Mick Gleason, District 1 to total about $119 million. The company is fully permitted to remove 14 Zack Scrivner, District 2 million tons of rock material a year. Out of that an expected 77,000 ounces Mike Maggard, District 3 of gold should be extracted, as well as 890,000 ounces of silver. At today’s David Couch, Chairman • District 4 prices, the gold haul for the life of the mine would be more than $1 billion. Leticia Perez, District 5 • The Outlets at Fort Tejon offers 70 different stores in an upscale 320,000 square foot facility along Interstate-5. The project encompasses 43 acres and created 2,500 new jobs. 65 million people pass by the site annually and 14 million stop at the Tejon Ranch Commerce Center every year. The outlet mall is anticipated to generate sales taxes estimated at $2 million.

KERN COUNTY – ANTELOPE VALLEY EMPLOYMENT INDUSTRY ANNUAL AVG. EMPLOYMENT ANNUAL PAYROLL BY SECTOR 2012 2013* 2012 2013* Government 12,115 12,871 $814,424,216 $873,301,581 Agriculture and Mining 952 74 $76,186,657 $2,536,265 Utilities 274 258 $26,979,775 $22,640,033 Construction 422 430 $19,146,428 $15,418,749 Manufacturing 1,912 2,115 $136,032,840 $152,079,139 Wholesale Trade 216 251 $10,865,569 $14,771,378 Retail Trade 2,242 2,343 $54,664,168 $56,291,110 Transportation and Warehousing 465 525 $26,841,091 $33,659,468 Mgmnt and Remediation Services 1,010 830 $36,261,507 $30,773,050 Information 139 147 $5,055,644 $5,730,437 Finance and Insurance 311 278 $11,988,747 $10,995,308 Real Estate, Rental and Leasing 266 25 $6,458,539 $7,222,310 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 3,160 2,695 $237,997,881 $209,791,614 Educational Services 246 233 $7,707,628 8,178,904 Health Care and Social Assistance 1553 1,645 $59,212,020 $65,863,403 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 337 346 $6,612,589 $6,611,348 Accommodation and Food Services 1,970 2,024 $28,126,429 $28,236,186 Other Services (except Public Administration) 649 477 $15,547,053 $15,592,169 Not Classified 50 27 $1,532,827 $590,823 TOTAL EMPLOYMENT - KERN 28289 27594 $1,581,641,608 $1,560,283,275 *2014 Numbers not available at press time 8 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org Source: EDD “A BUSINESS FRIENDLY COMMUNITY” CALIFORNIA CITY

2015 POPULATION ESTIMATE 14,924 2010 Census Population 14,120

POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Median Age 34.5 Spanish Speaking 15.0%

POPULATION BY ORIGIN Not Hispanic or Latino 64.2% Hispanic 35.8%

POPULATION BY RACE White Alone 60.3% Black or African American 16.8% Native American 1.0% Asian 2.2% Pacific Islander 0.4% Some Other Race 12.8% Two or More Races 6.5%

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD 2014 MILESTONES INCOME (CITY) 93505 $62,029 • Integrated Regional Water Management Group formed between California City, Mojave Public Utilities District, and the Antelope HOUSING - 2014 Valley East Kern Water Agency to develop planned projects that “We continue to posture ourselves for 2014 Median Housing $85,386 Annual % of Change 18.5% will enhance the sustainability of the Fremont Valley Basin. growth as the City celebrates it’s 50th Anniversary by ensuring a business friendly Housing Units 4,738 • City completes 218 process to raise sewer and water rates to environment, a stable infrastructure, public Person per Household 2.8 fund necessary repairs and upgrades to its water and sewer Homeowners 61.2% system. safety, recreational opportunities, and most importantly an ample water supply EDUCATION 9,681 Three water wells tested for pumping capacity with the goal •  that will ensure sustainability for those No High School Diploma 17.6% to bring two online in 2015 to ensure availability during peak that choose to make California City their High School Graduate 28.0% demands. home”. Some College, no degree 30.0% • Engineering completed for California City Blvd West and South —Tom Weil, City Manager Associate’s Degree 9.5% that will provide safety upgrades on the two major ingress/ Bachelor’s Degree 9.3% egress arteries for California City. Work to begin in Spring 2015. Master’s Degree 5.2% • 2,700 ft. Scout Island Lodge for youth organizations within Profession School Degree 0.1% Kern County and California City partner to complete 140th Study •  the City exterior completed by all volunteer force. Goal is to Doctoral Degree 0.2% to link California City Blvd to Edwards interchange providing a complete interior in 2015. direct link from Edwards AFB to the city. WORKFORCE 4,750 • Local Realtors estimated the shrinking excess housing market College Park Station construction contract awarded to Cooley Architect/Engineer 4.3% •  within the community has led to an increase in home values Construction to build the final link that will allow the City to Arts/Entertain/Sports 1.5% throughout the city by 25%. Building Grounds Maint 7.8% implement a direct route transient system for the community in Business Financial Ops 5.4% 2016. • Cal City Pharmacy completes move and opens doors to newly constructed site on California CIty Blvd. Community Soc Svcs 1.4% • Engineering firm selected to design $1.3 million renovation of Computer/Mathematical 7.1% the City’s Fire Station. • City secures $500 thousand dollar grant to aid to provide law Construction/Extraction 6.4% enforcement, medical aid, and trail maintenance for the 75,000 Edu/Training/Library 3.3% • New Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating achieved for off roading community that visit its deserts each year. Farm/Fish/Forestry 0.7% California City resulting in insurance savings for businesses and • New $235 thousand dollar LED lighting and signage system Food Prep/Serving 2.0% homeowners.New detailed City budget process adopted by the Health Practitioner/Tec 1.8% City Council that provides increased detail for oversight and installed at California City Municipal Airport to improve pilot safety as well as energy efficiency.Norm Hill Aviation expands Healthcare Support 2.5% transparency. Maintenance Repair 5.2% presence at airport with additional storage acreage, buildings, Citizens group of City’s Vision 360 formed to begin the joint Legal 0.1% •  and personnel to complement an 80 % ($5.1 million) growth in planning process with Council and Staff to layout future goals Life/Phys/Soc Science 0.2% Gulfstream service and part sales in 2014. and opportunities for the City. Management 14.7% • Fast and Furious #6 completes latest soundtrack work at airport. Office/Admin Support 9.7% • California Department of Corrections becomes City’s largest Production 9.9% • Film friendly environment has allowed 6 of the 7 film employer with a staff of over 650. Protective Services 4.4% soundtracks to be completed using this unique location. • City Successor Agency successfully refinances a $17 million Sales/Related 6.9% dollar bond and secures first ever AA rating from Standards • County energy conservation grant allows City to modernize Personal Care/Service 6.3% and Poor’s, saving citizens and county agencies over $7million facility lighting at five municipal locations. Transportation/Moving 4.3% dollars over the 20 year life of the bond.

Elected Officials Contacts , Jennifer Wood City Manager, Tom Weil • 760/373-7170 Chuck McGuire, Economic Development Department Bill Smith, James Gray, Rick Warren 8001 California City Blvd. • 760/373-2007 Source: Nielsen Inc.

21000 Hacienda Boulevard • California City, CA 93505 • 760/373-8661 • www.californiacity.com

ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 9 “LIVE UP” GREATER TEHACHAPI

2015 POPULATION ESTIMATE 14,138 Greater Tehachapi Region 36,682 2010 Census Population 35,138

POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Median Age 39.8 Spanish Speaking 14.5%

POPULATION BY ORIGIN Not Hispanic or Latino 77.1% Hispanic 23.0%

POPULATION BY RACE White Alone 80.7% Black or African American 3.2% Native American 1.4% Asian 1.6% Pacific Islander 0.1% Some Other Race 9.6% Two or More Races 3.5% 2014 MILESTONES “We’ve seen continued growth in sales AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD • The City received a $970,000 OHV Grant from tax numbers, indicating a rebound in INCOME (CITY) $69,941 California State Parks to construct a 15 acre the retail marketplace. We’ve seen home 93531 $77,667 motocross facility at the Tehachapi Event Center 93561 $56,077 sales indicators improving, suggesting and Rodeo Grounds. that Tehachapi continues to be a desirable HOUSING - 2014 • Redesigned and updated Resource Guide helps place to plant roots.” 2014 Median Housing $208,894 entrepreneurs navigate the process of starting or —Greg Garrett, City Manager Annual % of Change 10.0% expanding a business. Housing Units 11,806 • Inaugural GranFondo Event hosted a cycling Person per Household 2.7 event for over 700 participants. The event COMMUNITY TRENDS Homeowners 73.6% attracted over 3,000 visitors — and generated Community events are our largest draw for EDUCATION 25,392 more than $300,000 in economic activity. visitors. With over eleven large annual events in No High School Diploma 14.2% • The housing market in Tehachapi enjoyed a 10+ Tehachapi, hotels are frequently selling out and High School Graduate 27.1% percent rise in median home values. local merchants, museums and venues all report Some College, no degree 32.1% • The City rehabilitated a downtown building, to records numbers. In 2005 the Tehachapi area Associate’s Degree 9.6% create a modern police headquarters. collected $260,000 in Transient Occupancy Tax Bachelor’s Degree 10.0% (TOT) and by 2013 it had doubled to $500,000. Master’s Degree 5.2% • The City secured a $1.5 million dollar grant to We are also seeing an increase in agri-tourism. Profession School Degree 0.9% improve area circulation and connectivity by Doctoral Degree 0.92 constructing Challenger Drive to provide an From new vineyards, wedding destinations and additional connection to the Capital Hills area. Bed & Breakfasts venues, business owners are WORKFORCE 13,063 seeing their investment pay off. In-town venues • The City completed a compressive update of its Architect/Engineer 3.0% such as the Tehachapi Railroad Museum are also zoning code in order to bring the zoning code Arts/Entertain/Sports 1.4% seeing phenomenal results. In just five years, this into conformance with the 2012 General Plan Building Grounds Maint 4.8% new museum has gone from zero visitors to over Business Financial Ops 2.8% providing significant land use flexibility. 10,000 a year. Community Soc Svcs 1.8% • Residential water usage has been reduced by All of these investments also improve the quality Computer/Mathematical 1.2% 11% since Emergency Drought Water Regulations Construction/Extraction 6.2% of life for the residents of Tehachapi. With the were enacted by the State Water Resources Edu/Training/Library 4.6% lowest unemployment rates in Kern County (at Control Board on July 29th, 2014 Farm/Fish/Forestry 2.1% just 5.4% in 2014) and housing values rising 11% Food Prep/Serving 6.6% • O’Reilly’s Auto Parts constructed a 7,453 square this year, Tehachapi residents are thriving in our Health Pratitioner/Tec 5.5% foot retail space on a 1.14 acre site. elevated climate. Healthcare Support 1.5% • City joins CA Enterprise Development Authority Maintenance Repair 4.8% (CEDA) and the CA Statewide Commutes Legal 0.9% Life/Phys/Soc Sciences 1.0% Development Authority (CSCDA) expanding our Management 10.0% economic development partnerships. Office/Admin Support 8.9% Production 4.8% Protective Services 8.0% Sales/Related 9.8% Personal Care/Service 4.2% Elected Officials Contacts Transportation/Moving 6.4% Mayor, Susan Wiggins Economic Development Coordinator Mayor Pro Tem, Kim Nixon Michelle Vance • 661/822-2200 Ext. 121 Councilmembers: Phil Smith, Ed Grimes, Community Development Director Dennis Wahlstrom David James • 661/822-2200 Ext. 119

Source: Nielsen Inc. City Manager Greg Garrett • 661/822-2200 Ext. 105 115 South Robinson Street • Tehachapi, CA 93561 • www.tehachapicityhall.com

10 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org RIDGECREST

2015 POPULATION ESTIMATE 27,967 2010 Census 27,616

POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Median Age 34.6 Spanish Speaking 8.19%

POPULATION BY ORIGIN Not Hispanic or Latino 81.10% Hispanic 18.90%

POPULATION BY RACE White Alone 76.62% Black African American 3.90% American Indian & Alaska Native 1.26% Asian 3.96% Native Hawaiian & other Pac. Isl. 0.45% Some Other Race 7.34% Two or More Races 6.46%

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME CITY $73,610 93555 $73,610 PUBLIC SAFETY (2011) Crime Rate Per 100,000 2,511 Ridgecrest is located in the southern portion of the China Lake Naval Weapons Center (NWC) and now U.S. Average 25-50K pop. 3,252 Indian Wells Valley and in the northeast corner of Kern the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) County, surrounded by four mountain ranges; the is home to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons HOUSING* 2014 Median Housing $144,500 Sierra Nevada on the west, the Cosos on the north, the Division, which continues to be the major source of Annual % of Change 7.0% Argus Range on the east, and the El Paso Mountains employment for Ridgecrest residents. The economic Affordability Index 81 on the south. A favorable characteristic of the City is stability of Ridgecrest as service community for the Housing Units 10,944 its proximity to two major highways, the 395 and 14. NAWS has been essential to its successful emergence Vacancy Rate 9.51% Air travel in and out of the city is provided through the as a community in its own right. In addition, the same Persons per Household 2.54 Inyokern Airport. These attributes make Ridgecrest, location characteristics that initially attracted the Homeowners 61.19% a central location for shopping and business for the NAWS; growing space, clean air, good water, highway Eastern Kern County area. Ridgecrest is also easily accessibility, easy access to multiple recreational EDUCATION 17,722 (educational attainment by pop. 25+) accessible to the rest of southern California making it an opportunities, and proximity to Los Angeles and No High School Diploma 8.93% ideal location for industry. Bakersfield. Ridgecrest friendly business attitude High School Graduate 22.0% continues to serve as an attraction for business to Some College, no degree 30.41% relocate to Ridgecrest and the Indian Wells Valley. Associate’s Degree 12.05% Bachelor’s Degree 18.08% Master’s Degree 6.42% Professional School Degree 0.89% 2014 MILESTONES Naval Air Weapons Station - China Lake Doctoral Degree 1.22% 2014 Estimates • Establishment of the new firm Monarch, which WORKFORCE 11,982 manufacturers UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). (civ employed by Pop. 16+) Full-Time Civilians 4221 • Establishment of the new firm Pertexa, which Architect/Engineer 8.30% Military 773 Arts/Entertain/Sports 2.68% manufacturers Telemedical. On-Site Contractors 1871 Building Grounds Maint 3.66% • Startup of a new development of Bio Refining Payroll (estimates) Business Financial Ops 4.90% group (EH Group) Civilians $354,200,000 Community Soc Svcs 1.23% • New Retail Chains: Marshall’s, JoAnn’s and Famous Military $33,000,000 Computer/Mathematical 6.18% Construction/Extraction 4.11% Footwear Visitors per Year 38,000 Edu/Training/Library 3.78% • Inaugural Petroglyph Festival Local Contracts $285,000,000 Farm/Fish/Forestry 0.02% Food Prep/Serving 6.01% Health Practitioner/Tec 4.16% Healthcare Support 1.79% Maintenance Repair 7.07% Legal 0.60% Life/Phys/Soc Science 1.90% Elected Officials Contacts Management 8.89% Office/Admin Support 12.59% Mayor Peggy Breeden Economic Development Manager: Production 4.61% Gary Parsons Mayor Pro Tem Jim Sanders Protective Svcs 2.40% Vice Mayor Lori Acton 760/499-5061 Sales/Related 7.99% Councilmembers: Mike Mower, Eddie Thomas Personal Care/Svc 1.66% Transportation/Moving 5.48%

Source: Nielsen Inc.

100 W. California Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555 (760) 499-5061 • www.ci.ridgecrest.ca.us

ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 11 MOJAVE ROSAMOND Photo by Bill Deaver Bill by Photo

FUTURE ENGINEERS — First- and second-grade students at Mojave Elementary School spend each Wednesday wearing lab coats while they study science. Students Ty Johnson, Jo Martinez and Joseline Alvarez explain what they have learned about the science behind glo-sticks to teacher Lisa Butters during a recent class. Rosamond is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, near the Los Angeles county line. 20 miles north of Palmdale, 13 miles south of Mojave, and 11 miles 2014 COMMUNITY MILESTONES north of Lancaster at an elevation of 2342 feet. According to the United States Census • Completed first phase of RENEWBIZ community revitalization program with Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 52.3 square miles, of which, 52.1 square miles of it installation of new facades on 23 downtown businesses. This multi-year program is land and 0.2 square miles of it (0.41%) is water. is funded by tax revenues from the region’s renewable energy industry. 40 Two unique assets of Rosamond are the Rosamond Skypark Airport, featuring a paved applications have been received for the 2015 program. 3,600-foot runway and Willow Springs Raceway, which hosts a variety of motor racing • A new Family Dollar store was completed along with a new McDonald’s Restaurant events, attracting people from all over Southern California and beyond. and a completely rebuilt Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, and Mike’s Restaurant re-opened. ROSAMOND COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT • Planning began for a new county Transit Center in Mojave to serve riders on some 50 buses that visit Mojave daily. Buses include direct connections with MetroLink Established in 1966, the Rosamond Community Services District provides healthy, clean trains in Lancaster. water sewer, street lighting, graffiti abatement, parks and recreation services. RCSD has assured its community’s future through water storage, with over 18 months worth of • Construction is proceeding on schedule at Golden Queen Mine with mining to water stored and ready for use. As a partner in the Willow Springs Water Bank RCSD is begin later this year, bringing some 150 new jobs to the region. also helping our State, build their own stores. • Mojave Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center under construction in downtown : Rosamond Chamber of Commerce has applied for a $10,000 grant to Mojave will include the Chamber’s railroad caboose office on property donated by RENEWBIZ develop a new event center for the downtown area. The Diamond Street project is slated Golden Queen Mining. to start Spring of 2015 with $1,900,000 of new investment in our downtown area.

2015 POPULATION ESTIMATE 4,348 EDUCATION 2,560 2015 POPULATION ESTIMATE19,001 EDUCATION 11,677 2010 Census Population 4,238 No High School Diploma 25.6% 2010 Census Population 18,150 No High School Diploma 17.3% High School Graduate 37.4% High School Graduate 31.1% POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Some College, no degree 23.2% Some College, no degree 28.6% Median Age 31.6 Median Age 32.9% Associate’s Degree 7.0% Associate’s Degree 9.3% Spanish Speaking 39.9% Spanish Speaking 24% Bachelor’s Degree 4.2% Bachelor’s Degree 9.6% POPULATION BY ORIGIN Master’s Degree 2.5% POPULATION BY ORIGIN Master’s Degree 3.5% Not Hispanic or Latino 60.1% Profession School Degree 0.1% Not Hispanic or Latino 64% Profession School Degree 0.4% Hispanic 39.9% Doctoral Degree 0.1% Hispanic 36% Doctoral Degree 0.3% POPULATION BY RACE WORKFORCE 1,325 POPULATION BY RACE WORKFORCE 7,480 White Alone 50.8% Architect/Engineer 1.5% White Alone 58.5% Architect/Engineer 4.9% Black or African American 18.8% Arts/Entertain/Sports 0.7% Black or African American 8.5% Arts/Entertain/Sports 1.8% Native American 1.4% Building Grounds Maint 12.9% Native American 1.2% Building Grounds Maint 4.7% Asian 1.1% Business Financial Ops 3.1% Asian Alone 3.7% Business Financial Ops 1.9% Pacific Islander 0.5% Community Soc Svcs 1.2% Native Hawaiian and other Pac. Isl. Community / Soc Svcs 1.3% Some Other Race 21.9% Computer/Mathematical 0.5% Alone 3.7% Computer/Mathematical 2.7% Two or More Races 5.4% Construction/Extraction 4.8% Some Other Race 20.4% Construction/Extraction 8.7% AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD Edu/Training/Library 2.9% Two or More Races 7.4% Edu/Training/Library 4.3% INCOME $50,897 Farm/Fish/Forestry 1.0% Farm/Fish/Forestry 0.2% 93501 $50,897 Food Prep/Serving 6.1% AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME Food Prep/Serving 5.3% Health Pratitioner/Tec 0.4% $70,963 Health Practitioner/Tec 4.7% HOUSING - 2014 Healthcare Support 2.6% 93560 $70,963 Healthcare Support 2.1% 2014 Median Housing $85,386 Maintenance Repair 6.9% Maintenance Repair 9.6% Annual % of Change 18.5% HOUSING - 2014* Legal 0.1% Legal 0.3% Housing Units 1,597 2014 Median Housing $159,766 Life/Phys/Soc Sciences 1.0% Life/Phys/Soc Science 1.7% Person per Household 2.72 Annual % of Change 9.5% Management 7.25% Management 5.8% Homeowners 46.46% Housing Units 6,398 Office/Admin Support 12.9% Office/Admin Support 14.2% Person per Household 2.97 Production 11.5% Production 5.0% Source: Nielsen Inc. Homeowners 67.49% Protective Services 2.3% Protective Services 4.3% Sales/Related 8.8% Source: Nielsen Inc. Sales/Related 8.8% Personal Care/Service 3.1% Personal Care/Service 2.4% Transportation/Moving 8.8% Transportation/Moving 5.5%

Mojave Chamber of Commerce President: Doug Clipperton Representative organizations: Mojave Chamber of Commerce • 661-824-2481 Rosamond Chamber of Commerce: www.rosamondchamber.com www.visitmojave.com • www.mojaveairport.com Rosamond Community Services District www.rosamondcsd.com Rosamond Municipal Advisory Council 12 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org DARE TO COMPARE

Setting up shop along the Leading Edge simply costs less. DOING BUSINESS ON With over 3,000 square miles of open SOCAL’S LEADING EDGE space, you’ll find room to grow. Homes are more affordable in the HAS DISTINCT ADVANTAGES greater Antelope Valley—50% lower than nearly all SoCal markets.

Excellent Good Average Poor Worst

GREATER LOS ANTELOPE ANGELES SAN SILICON ORANGE SAN DIEGO INLAND STAT / AREA VALLEY COUNTY FRANCISCO VALLEY COUNTY COUNTY EMPIRE CA US OVERALL Facility Costs Excellent Poor Worst Poor Poor Good Good ADVANTAGE Room to Grow Excellent Poor Worst Poor Poor Average Very Good Cumulative Housing Costs Excellent Good Poor Worst Poor Poor Good comparative rankings Cost of Living Very Good Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Good of selected Labor Costs Excellent Good Poor Worst Poor Poor Average California Available Workers Excellent Good Worst Poor Poor Poor Good Regions Kosmont Survey* 2.5 3.7 3.7 3.0 2.0 1.9 2.75 3.0 3.0

*The Kosmont-Rose Survey, conducted annually by the Rose Institute at Claremont McKenna College compares regulations, fees and taxation rates imposed by local jurisdictions on a five point scale.

GREATER LOS FACILITY ANTELOPE ANGELES SAN SILICON ORANGE SAN DIEGO INLAND COSTS TYPE / AREA VALLEY COUNTY FRANCISCO VALLEY COUNTY COUNTY EMPIRE Average Based on average Retail $ 16.92 30.10 44.66 27.22 24.07 20.73 17.47 20.21 annual cost Office $ 15.29 24.96 49.23 29.47 21.75 22.20 16.16 21.07 per square foot according to Industrial $ 8.19 10.37 18.85 12.35 10.73 10.30 7.49 8.57 LoopNet.com survey

GREATER LOS ROOM ANTELOPE ANGELES SAN SILICON ORANGE SAN DIEGO INLAND TO GROW STAT / AREA VALLEY COUNTY FRANCISCO VALLEY COUNTY COUNTY EMPIRE CA US Population/ People/Sq. Mile 173.7 2,419 4,986 1,491 3,808 735 202.25 246 89.5 sq. mile: U.S. Available Land Excellent Very Limited Very Limited Limited Limited Varies Excellent Census, 2010, Property Available Bldgs. Good Limited Very Limited Limited Limited Varies Good Availability: LoopNet.com survey

HOUSING GREATER LOS COSTS ANTELOPE ANGELES SAN SILICON ORANGE SAN DIEGO INLAND U.S. Census, SEGMENT / AREA VALLEY COUNTY FRANCISCO VALLEY COUNTY COUNTY EMPIRE CA US American Fact Monthly Cost $ 1,064 1,407 1,738 1,875 1,742 1,547 1,367 1,441 1,015 Finder 2008- 2012, National Med. Sales Price $ 198,357 407,000 947,000 950,000 680,000 492,000 254,000 449,000 202,000 Association of Homeownership 61.38% 47.3% 36.9% 58.9% 59.3% 54.5% 65.25% 56% 65.5% Realtors

As of June, 2014 ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 13 REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT LABOR MARKET BY INDUSTRY STUDY 2014 LARGEST EMPLOYERS Employment in major sectors has been increasing e.g. Aerospace & Technology, COMPANY # OF EMPLOYEES Agriculture, Health Care, International Trade, and Tourism. In 2014, the CA economy is projected to grow by 2.8%, compared with 2.5% for the U.S, and by 3.5% by 2015 Aerospace/Aviation (LAEDC). For Los Angeles County, the industry sectors with the most growth were: ...... 10,647 Health Care; Social Assistance; Leisure and Hospitality; Administrative Support China Lake Naval Weapons Base...... 6,690 Services; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, and Construction. Northop Grumman ...... 2,100 Lockheed Martin...... 3,700 THE REGIONAL ADVANTAGES: Mojave Air & Spaceport (All Employers)...... 2,500 • Unparalleled expansion opportunities NASA Armstrong...... 1,370 • Nimble, local governments Boeing...... 850 • Our employers have a combined annual Government/Corrections payroll of $2,495,519,000 and 76,690 County of Los Angeles...... 3,743 employees CA Correctional Institute (Tehachapi)...... 1,915 CA State Prison (LA County)...... 1,671 • There is a surplus of available labor force. City of Lancaster...... 245 • Racially diverse workforce City of Palmdale...... 203 • Youthful median age California City State Prison...... 640 • Proximity to Los Angeles makes us an Education/Learning affordable option for goods movement AV Union High School District...... 1,116 • A haven for renewable energy initiatives Palmdale School Dsitrict...... 1,792 Lancaster School District...... 1,482 PROJECTED JOB GROWTH: Antelope Valley College...... 1,483 California remains one of the leading economies Westside School District...... 587 in the world and has been recovering well. Sierra Sands School District...... 600 Growth is projected in the state through 2020 Tehachapi Unified School District...... 468 for all job sectors. Through 2020, the fastest Southern Kern School District...... 325 growing occupations will be Home Health Aides, Healthcare/Healing Personal Care Aides, Pharmacists and Software Antelope Valley Hospital Medical Ctr...... 2,300 Developers. Kaiser Permanente...... 1,020 Ridgecrest Regional Hospital ...... 503 COMMUTING: High Desert Health Systems...... 499 According to the data from the most recent Palmdale Regional Medical Center ...... 800 American Community Survey from both 2008-2013, mean travel time to work for High Desert Medical Group ...... 385 the AV residents ranges from 15 minutes among Ridgecrest workers and 40 minutes Tehachapi Health District...... 260 among Palmdale workers. Over half of both Tehachapi and Ridgecrest residents AMR...... 119 spend less than 15 minutes on their way to work; almost 1/3 and 1/5 of Palmdale and Lancaster residents, respectively, spend one hour or more on their way to Manufacturing/Mining work. On average, 2% of Lancaster/Palmdale residents use public transportation on Rio Tinto Minerals...... 1,000 their way to work, and 3.7% residents of two major AV cities work from home. The Morton Manufacturing...... 350 greatest majority of our regional commuting workforce that travel 40 minutes or Deluxe Checks...... 290 longer are going to (by highest percentage to lowest) Los Angeles, Simi Valley, Santa Lance Campers...... 244 Clarita, Long Beach, Burbank, Pasadena, Glendale and Bakersfield. Sygma...... 230 BYD...... 150 COMMUTING TO THE REGION: US Pole...... 267 The greater Los Angeles area not only attracts AV’s workers, but also supplies them. BAE...... 140 About 3,900 commuters travel into the region from the City of Los Angeles. Another Senior Systems...... 125 1,468 workers commute from the Santa Clarita area, and another 954 travel from Delta Scientific...... 175 Simi Valley, Long Beach, Glendale, and Pasadena. Over 500 workers commute from Bakersfield and 577 commuters come from as far as San Diego. Energy / Renewables / Waste Southern California Edison...... 256 OUR WORKFORCE IS READY TO WORK: Waste Management...... 135 Participation in post-secondary education has been increasing in the Antelope ThermalAir...... 100 Valley. According to the 2012 American Community Survey estimate, in two largest GE Wind...... 50 urbanized area cities, 48% (Palmdale) and 52% (Lancaster) of young adults had Retailing some post-secondary training, including associate and bachelor’s degrees. These Wal-Mart (5)...... 1,922 numbers increased in the last years by more than 15 percent for Lancaster-Palmdale Antelope Valley Mall (All Stores) ...... 1,800 area since 2005. Furthermore, 42% (Palmdale) and 44% (Lancaster) of 18-24 year- Albertson’s (All Stores) ...... 682 old young adults were enrolled in college or graduate school, up from 29 % for Rite-Aid Distribution Center...... 623 Lancaster-Palmdale area in 2005 and 39 % in 2008. Over 80 % of enrolled college Home Depot (4)...... 600 students in the Antelope Valley area attended public institutions. Vallarta (All Stores) ...... 435 Michael’s Distribution Center...... 350 Lowe’s (All Stores) ...... 347 Target (3)...... 345 Costco...... 325 Kohl’s...... 112 Sam’s Club...... 194 **Estimated Employee Figures**

| 14 GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org !Source: AVC, GAVEA, EDD INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS

Legend 1 Cost Rating 2 Charges Gross Receipts Tax $ Very Low Cost: Cities with lowest possible fees and charges 3 Indicates rate of Utility Users Tax, if applicable. $$ Low Cost: Cities with low fees and charges “No” indicates that the city does not charge this tax $$$ Average Cost: Cities with average fees and charges 4 Business tax rate % of $10 million $$$$ High Cost: Cities with high fees and charges 5 Property Tax $$$$$ Very High Cost: Cities with highest fees and charges 6 Sales Tax

1 2 3 4 5 6 Antelope Valley Lancaster $$ No 0% 0.002% 1.21% 8.75% Palmdale $$$ Yes 0% .003% to .028% 1.37% 8.75%

Los Angeles Basin Whittier $$$$ Yes 5% .001% to .020% 1.17% 8.75% Long Beach $$$$ No 5% .012% to .284% 1.12% 8.75% Lons Angeles $$$$$ Yes 9% to 12.5% .101% to .507% 1.25% 8.75%

San Bernardino Redlands $$$$ Yes 0% .025% to .300% 1.31% 7.75% Fontana $$$$$ Yes 5% .025% to .350% 1.34% 8% 5 REASONS WHY San Bernardino $$$$$ Yes 7.75% .025% to .075% 1.31% 8.25% LOS ANGELES COUNTY IS THE PLACE FOR Riverside INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS* Indio $$$$ Yes 3% to 6% 0.016% 1.21% 7.75% Riverside $$$$ Yes 6.50% .007% to .085% 1.14% 7.75% 1) A huge consumer market with 10 million Palm Springs $$$$ No 4.5% to 5% .009% to .056% 1.28% 7.75% people buying goods and services 2) The No. 1 Customs District in the U.S. with Central Valley more than $400 billion per year in two-way Bakersfield $$$ Yes 2% to 5% .002% to .065% 1.20% 7.25% trade value Tulare $$$$ Yes 6% to 7% .004% to .035% 1.20% 8.25% Stockton $$$$$ Yes 6% .020% to .090% 1.10% 8.25% 3) The world’s leading trade and logistics infrastructure with the two largest sea ports Texas in America (Los Angeles and Long Beach), Houston $ No 0% 0% 2.68% 8.25% the Alameda Corridor rail system and the U.S.’s third most active international cargo El Paso $$$ No 2.5% to 8.25% 0.002% 3.29% 8.25% airport, LAX 4) Networks of business executives from Phoenix $$$$$ No 2.7% to 10% 0% 3.53% 9.30% every country, who cultivate ties and Tucson $$$$$ Yes 4% to 14.6% 0% 4.32% 8.10% understand the culture, so it is easy to do business here, and over 4500 foreign-owned Nevada establishments based here Las Vegas $ Yes 5% .001% to .076% 1.15% 8.10% 5) 100 consulates located in L.A. County Reno $ Yes 0% 0.075% 1.28% 7.72%

FOREIGN-TRADE ZONE Federally-designated Foreign Trade Zones are U.S. Customs and Border Protection- criminal sanctions are deterrents against theft. approved locations where companies can engage in special procedures to help • Close proximity to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. encourage U.S. activity by delaying or reducing duty payments on foreign merchandise. • Outstanding transportation facilities including rail and highway connections. There are two types of Foreign Trade Zones: general-purpose zones (which are usually • A large, skilled and educated workforce. located at ports or industrial parks) and subzones (which are approved for a specific company or use). • Affordable land and building costs, often 50% less than comparable sites in the Los Angeles basin. • Duty Deferral: Users may avoid paying duties on imported merchandise. Duty on • A one-stop, fast-track process for development. machinery is deferred until it is put into production; there is no duty paid on re-exports or scrap. • A cooperative local government that understands the needs of multinational businesses. • Inverted Tariffs/Duty Reduction: Users may lower duty rates on goods produced in www.cityofpalmdale.org/Businesses/Business-Advantages/FTZ-Advantages the zone. • Weekly Entries: Customs and Border Protection allows the user to file weekly. • No Time Constraints: Merchandise may remain in the FTZ indefinitely, whether or not it is subject to duty. • Customs Compliance: Customs & Border Protection requirements and federal

| Source: EDD, GAVEA, Kosmont-Rose Institute. ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 15 SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT US TREASURY – home to a number of initiatives to help small businesses grow:

STATE SMALL BUSINESS CREDIT INITIATIVE (SSBCI) SSBCI supports state programs that, in turn, use the funds to support private sector loans and investments to small businesses and small manufacturers that are creditworthy but are not able to access the capital they need to expand and create jobs. By requiring that states leverage private capital for every dollar of federal support, this innovative program is expected to spur $15 billion in new private sector investment or lending to American small businesses.

SMALL BUSINESS LENDING FUND (SBLF) The Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF) provided capital to qualified community banks and community development loan funds (CDLFs) to encourage these institutions and Main Street businesses to work together to promote economic growth and create new jobs. Through the SBLF program, Treasury invested over $4.0 billion in 332 institutions, structured to incentivize increased small business lending. www.treasury.gov BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION RESOURCES SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBDC) SERVING EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PANEL (ETP) THE ANTELOPE VALLEY A business and labor supported state initiative that assists employers in strengthening their competitive edge by providing funds to off-set Our region is served by two extraordinary SDBC teams! The SBDC Northern Los the costs of job skills training necessary to maintain high-performance Angeles County - Antelope Valley services are available in the SBDC office at workplaces. For more information, please visit www.etp.ca.gov/ the University of Antelope Valley (UAV), and Palmdale. Kern County business owners are served through the CSU Bakersfield team at various locations or in your business. Both teams offer monthly webinars that you can enjoy at your COVERED CALIFORNIA computer as well. Covered California has two separate programs: the Individual Marketplace and the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). Consulting – SBDC counselors can offer individual advice and guidance Think of the SHOP as a hub that aggregates plans and acts as your concerning the formation, management, financing and operation of your advocate and negotiator with insurance companies. It organizes business. Counseling is provided at no charge to qualified businesses. Individuals qualified California small business health plans, gets information on who are considering starting a business are also eligible for counseling. SBDC their prices and benefits, enrolls your employees and consolidates counselors have significant experience in the private sector, and many have billing. SHOP currently serves businesses with 2-50 employees. extensive management and financial consulting backgrounds. SBDC counselors www.healthlawguideforbusiness.org are highly regarded by clients for their business skills and expertise. All counseling is confidential. IHUB Training – Gain the knowledge needed to make your business excel by The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic attending our training classes offered in specialized subjects and management Development (GO-Biz) has officially launched the California’s basics for new business ventures. Innovation Hub for Defense, Energy and Aerospace (iDEA Hub), which is based in Ridgecrest, CA and includes the counties of Kern, Los Areas of training include: Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura. • Accounting/budgeting and Tax Planning, Cash flow management The iDEA Hub provides companies with unparalleled access to tools • Business planning, Management & Marketing to stay, expand and locate in Southern California. The California iDEA • Computers in small business, Technology, including e-commerce Hub provides unique access to a robust ecosystem addressing many of • Customer relations, Human Relations our Nation’s most critical science and technology needs and provides • International trade significant partnerships from the Naval Air Warfare Center, Edwards • Legal issues, Patents and trademarks Air Force Base, the AERO Institute and NASA Armstrong Flight Research • Procurement/purchasing Center, which has a combined expertise of over 7,000 scientists, www.cocsbdc.org Los Angeles County or call 661/362-5900 engineers, logisticians, prime government contractors, acquisition www.csub.edu/sbdc Kern County or call 661/654-2856 professionals and military operators. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION The iDEA Hub is set up to do the following activities through its SBA provides small businesses with an array of financing for small businesses network of formal partners: from the smallest needs in microlending — to substantial debt and equity • Provide business incubation services and facilities for entrepreneurs investment capital (venture capital). SBA triples Surety Bond Guarantee Ceiling; and start-up companies helping small business secure larger contracts and grow. A major revision in • Connect private sector capital with technology commercialization the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Surety Bond Guarantee (SBG) Program opportunities more than triples the eligible contractup to $6.5 million, the Agency will • Facilitate partnerships between government, industry and academia guarantee on surety bonds for both public and private contracts. The higher • Pursue funded research opportunities to strengthen the regional surety bond guarantee limits expect to help construction and service sector small technology base businesses gain greater access to private and public contracts and secure larger contracts vital to small business growth. SBA partners with the surety industry • Host training and networking events to act as catalysts for idea to help small businesses that would otherwise be unable to obtain bonding in exchange, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across Defense, the traditional commercial marketplace. For more information on SBA programs Energy and Aerospace industries visit www.sba.gov • Promote the Southern California region’s innovation ecosystem • Promote, host and encourage science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) outreach, programs and activities For more information on the iDEA Hub, please visit www.ideaihub.org

16 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LA County Office of Education – Our company works to get unemployed and JOB SEEKER/CAREER CHANGER underemployed people back to work! We work with the community to find job openings and match qualified individuals to those jobs so that they will live, SOUTH VALLEY WORKSOURCE CENTER, work and stay in the Antelope Valley. We provide excellent training for job seekers PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA so they stand out to an employer and provide consistent and admirable work The South Valley WorkSource Center, provides a host of services to both traits. Clients are offered job coaching, training, resume preparation, interview employers and employees. and presentation skills, as well as referrals to further train to develop their skills. They are motivated and encouraged to become productive, tax-paying citizens to Services for businesses include: support their families and their community. • No-cost job postings both locally and via the internet using our searchable on-line job bank 2014 Milestones: • No-cost job fair registration • In the last six (6) months we have assisted in placing over 350 clients into • Customized recruiting to help you fill positions quickly full time or part time jobs; • Skills assessments of potential candidates to ensure they meet your • We developed a job matching system to help clients find jobs; criteria • On-the-job and pre-employment training • Our FaceBook page posts as many jobs as possible, as well as  recruitments and job fairs; • Conference rooms and privates offices for interviews, trainings, orientations, etc. • We have partnered with AVTA and LA County 211 to provide • transportation shuttle service for clients with job interviews; Business Incentive Information • Business Advisory Council membership • We offer short-term trainings to prepare unemployed people for jobs; • Antelope Valley Enterprise Zone Vouchering • We are the lead agency involved in an annual Job Fair. Services for the job Our investment in the workforce is life-changing. Encouraging residents to find seeker include: self-sufficiency through jobs, partnering with employers to provide qualified • One-on-one career counseling employee referrals, free innovative solutions to job-seeker and employer barriers • Employment preparation workshops by providing training, local recruitments, transportation and more. Our goal is • Special training programs to re-instill pride and confidence in all residents through stable employment and • Job and career fairs satisfied employers. • Computers, printers, copy machines, fax, phones, and scanner www.lacoegain.org/ • Job leads and referrals Source: David Manguramas, Career Development Program Supervisor • Supportive services Please contact the South Valley WorkSource Center at 661/265-7421 for more information or visit us at 38510 Sierra Highway or www.cityofpalmdale.org/svwc.

REGIONAL CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE WORKSOURCE CALIFORNIA ANTELOPE VALLEY Acton Chamber of Commerce Littlerock Chamber of Commerce ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER, LANCASTER, Telephone: 661/269-5785 Telephone: 661/944-6990 CALIFORNIA www.cityofacton.org www.littlerock-ca.us/Littlerock%20Chamber.htm America’s Job Center of California in Lancaster offers an array of services to both employers and job seekers. We are the Antelope Valley Workforce Antelope Valley African American Chamber Mojave Chamber of Commerce Development Consortium. of Commerce Telephone: 661/824-2481 Telephone: 661/272-5807 www.visitmojave.com No Fee Services include : www.avaacc.org • Recruiting and Screening of Applicants Palmdale Chamber of Commerce • Skills Assessments AV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/273-3232 Telephone: 661/538-0607 www.palmdalechamber.org • Support for Job Fairs and Open Houses www.avhcc.org • Referrals to Training Providers for Occupational Skills Training Pearblossom Chamber of Commerce Customized Training Programs Boron Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/305-6519 • No Fee Internet-Based Automated System to Place Job Openings Telephone: 760/762-5810 Quartz Hill Chamber of Commerce • Access to Job Leads California City Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/722-4811 • Computers, Telephones, Copiers, Telephone: 760/373-8676 www.quartzhillchamber.com & Fax Machines www.californiacity.com/ • Job Seeking Workshops Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce Greater Tehachapi EDC Telephone: 760/375-8331 • Resume Creation Telephone: 661/748-3327 www.ridgecrestchamber.com • Veterans Services www.tehachapiedc.com • Youth Services Rosamond Chamber of Commerce • Job Clubs Indian Wells Valley EDC/China Lake Alliance Telephone: 661/256-3248 Telephone: 760/382-1049 www.RosamondChamber.com For more information contact the America’s Job Center of California in www.chinalakealliance.org Lancaster at 661/726-4128 or visit us at 1420 West Avenue I, Sun Village in Lancaster or go to www.av.worksource.ca.gov. Lake Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/400-1026 661/264-2786 Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/822-4180 Telephone: 661/948-4518 www.tehachapi.com www.lancasterchamber.org

ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 17 CALIFORNIA’S RENEWABLE ENERGY CAPITAL IS AT THE LEADING EDGE

ECONOMIC BENEFITS • Approximately 650 construction jobs over a three-year construction period • More than $500 million in regional economic impact • Increased local business activity and public revenue • Up to 40 Operations and Maintenance jobs, including 15 full-time site positions LANCASTER At the Forefront of the Net Zero Movement: In 2014, the City of Lancaster made significant progress in its mission to become the first Net Zero city in the Nation and the alternative energy capital of the world. As of December 2014, the City was at 54.4% of its Phase I goal, meaning that solar technologies dispersed throughout the City were collectively offsetting 9.1 tons of greenhouse gases. Through Lancaster Choice Energy, Lancaster will also eventually be able to establish renewable energy as the foundation of local power and community sustainability, propelling us further toward Net Zero status and providing local businesses a unique opportunity to affordably expand with minimal environmental impact. The Home of Energy Conscious Innovation: In 2014, Nexus, eWater, Inc. and the City of Lancaster introduced the “eWater Recycler,” a home water and energy recycling system, to the US market. The Australian-based Nexus eWater, Inc. chose to open an office and unveil this system in Lancaster so that it could continue pursuing its energy conscious efforts in a City with international recognition for its alternative energy accomplishments. The system can treat and reuse up to 73,000 gallons of shower, laundry and hand washing water annually, which can save property owners hundreds of dollars in water and sewer fees. The eWater Recycler is also capable of producing all the home’s hot water needs with 75% less grid energy than conventional means.

SPOTLIGHT ON MID AMERICAN SOLAR KERN COUNTY When complete, MidAmerican Renewables’ 579-megawatt Solar Star SURGE OF SOLAR PROJECTS projects, two co-located developments located in Kern and Los Angeles Construction of renewable energy projects is continuing at a rapid pace counties, California, will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of as Kern County continues to have the most solar projects in the state. approximately 255,000 average California homes. The County has approved applications for 20,872 acres of solar projects anticipated to produce 2428 megawatts of electricity. The County also The projects foster economic development and demonstrate MidAmerican has received completed applications for 15,868 acres of solar projects Renewables’ commitment to environmental respect. Committed to providing anticipated to produce 2850 megawatts of electricity awaiting final clean energy solutions, MidAmerican Renewables owns solar, wind, geothermal approval. and hydro renewable energy assets and believes that renewable energy is a good long-term investment. As a long-term owner of assets, the company REVITALIZING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH understands the importance of being a good neighbor in the communities RENEWABLE ENERGY where its projects are located. MidAmerican Renewables and its employees RENEWBIZ (Renewable Energy Neighborhood Enhancement Wind actively demonstrate their role in the Antelope Valley by supporting local events, Business Zone) is a program that takes a portion of property tax money serving on local boards, and hiring local workers who have the necessary skills. from incorporated areas of Eastern Kern County to provide grants for Construction on the Solar Star projects started in the spring of 2013, and it is improvements. In 2014, Kern County approved 41 grants with a total anticipated that the projects will be complete by year-end 2015. The projects value of $350,000 to fund local improvement projects. The program, utilize more than 1.7 million solar modules that track the sun during the day, which requires a 25-50 year Vision Plan, has been a tremendous success which increases energy capture by up to 25 percent when compared to non- and has brought the critical aid needed to revitalize the Kern County tracking modules. During the projects’ construction period, approximately 650 Antelope Valley areas. jobs will have been created. After construction is complete, the projects will LA COUNTY employ up to 15 full-time workers. It’s estimated that the projects’ construction will have a regional economic impact of more than $500 million as a result of Solar Star Projects(Source: Los Angeles County) increased local business activity and public revenue. The 579-megawatt Solar Star Projects (formerly Antelope Valley Solar Projects) are two co-located solar installations in Kern and Los Angeles Counties situated on privately-owned, previously disturbed land near Rosamond, CA. Construction began in early 2013. When complete, THE GREATER ANTELOPE the Solar Star Projects will deliver enough electricity to power the VALLEY REGION CONTINUES equivalent of approximately 255,000 homes, according to project owner, MidAmerican Solar. SunPower Corporation designed and is constructing TO SET THE BENCHMARK FOR the projects, which are being constructed with SunPower™ Oasis™ Power HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY UTILIZE Plant technology. In addition, the projects will create approximately 650 construction jobs over a three-year construction period, while helping RENEWABLE ENERGY California achieve its renewable energy goals.

18 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org REGIONAL MOTION PICTURE & TELEVISION PRODUCTION

Filming in Kern County Ridgecrest Regional Film KEY CHANGES Filming brings an estimated $19 million into Commission The California Film & Television Job Retention the community every year. In 2014, 185 film The Ridgecrest Area Convention and Visitor’s and Promotion Act: permits were issued. The critically-acclaimed Bureau (RACVB), along with the Ridgecrest • Increases tax credit program funding from film, “A Girl That Walks Home Alone At Night,” Film Commission, provides marketing $100 million to $330 million per fiscal year. was filmed in the city of Taft, which provided synergies with tourism promotion. By offering • Expands eligibility to big-budget feature films, a fluid stand-in for an Iranian city. Filmmakers a diverse and wide range of natural beauty 1-hr TV series and TV pilots. love Kern County because there is so much from spectacular geological formations to • Eliminates budget caps for studio and opportunity here at a fraction of the price of desert fauna, Ridgecrest provides some of independent films. other California locations. the most breathtaking scenery that you’ll • Eliminates the state’s existing tax credit see in California. With hands-on support for lottery. KERN FILM OFFICE production personnel, the RACVB stands ready • Includes penalty provisions for projects that FILM PERMITS ISSUED to make filming easy. www.racvb.com overstate job creation. Photography: 17 • Provides for multiple allocation periods “When filming comes to Ridgecrest, it engages Feature Films: 5 throughout the year. business, crews, vendors, hotels, restaurants, TV: 8 • Adds a 5% “Uplift” for productions that tourism and locals. The economic impact for Commercials: 37 film outside the 30-Mile Zone, as well as for the region is huge, bringing millions of dollars Other: 39 visual effects and music scoring/recording in local spending, not to mention the incredible Projects included commercials for Harley performed in-state. exposure of the area.” says Doug Lueck, Davidson, Honda, Budweiser, Chevy, AllState. Executive Director of the RACVB. Dodge Ram and Under Armor. The television show Justified the movie Fast & Furious 7 were California Film & Television Tax Credit Program OUR REGION filmed here. New Program Summary – AB 1839, the CONTINUES TO California Film & Television Job Retention www.filmkern.com ,www.filmdeserts.com, and Promotion Act, was signed by Governor www.filmcalifornia.com BRING IN REVENUE Brown on Sept. 18, 2014. The California Film Commission is currently developing regulations, BY HOSTING ON-LOCATION AV FILM OFFICE program guidelines and other procedures to FILMING AND THE FILM PERMITS ISSUED administer the newly expanded film and TV tax Commercials: 49 credit program. ECONOMIC BENEFITS Television: 30 For more information go to www.film.ca.gov/ GENERATED BY EACH Features: 49 Incentives.htm Photography: 115 PRODUCTION DAY. Music Videos: 44 Miscellaneous: 47 Miscellaneous Category includes student projects, industrial videos, director’s reel, etc…. www.avfilm.com www.film.ca.gov

Source: Antelope Valley Film Office, Kern Film Office, RACVB. ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 19 DOING

MORE> LESS:WITH WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS SECURING A SUSTAINABLE, RELIABLE, AND DIVERSIFIED SUPPLY OF WATER FOR THE GREATER ANTELOPE VALLEY

“ DUE TO THE EXTRA ORDINARY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION PROGRAM the City has developed, our residents have reduced water consumption 12.5% city-wide” — David James, Community Development Director, City of Tehachapi

This unique region of Southern California, with its micro-climates, WATER PROVIDERS IN THE GREATER ANTELOPE VALLEY deserts, mountains, valleys, and coastlines, make it a prime destination for living, working, and raising a family. As to the residents of this unique Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Tierra Bonita Mutual Water Co. area, we can boast in our creativity, forward-thinking, and adaptability. Baxter Mutual Water Co. Tehachapi-Cummings Valley Water District These are the qualities that support California’s industry, education, and California Water Service Co. Westside Park Mutual Water Co. communities. El Dorado Mutual Water Co. White Fence Farms Mutual Water Co. The Greater Antelope Valley high desert region is located Northeast of Los Golden Valley Municipal Water District Useful links for more Angeles, just over the San Gabriel mountain range. Here you will find a Indian Wells Valley Water District information on water: leaders in the aerospace, renewable energy, and healthcare industries. This Kern County Water Agency www.acwa.com is an area where entrepreneurs and private business owners thrive. We are Littlerock Creek Irrigation District www.avswca.org fertile ground rich in opportunity and culture that allows for a dedicated Los Angeles County www.avek.org workforce to support any business or venture capitalist looking for a home. Waterworks District 37 www.avwaterplan.org www.iwvwd.com Progress like this continues in our area even in the midst of the recent water Los Angeles County www.kcwa.com supply challenges being faced by all Californians. Waterworks District 40 www.kernirwmp.com Our region stretches north to the Fremont Valley aquifer that serves the Palm Ranch Irrigation District www.palmdalewater.org Ridgecrest and China Lake communities and west to the Cummings Valley Palmdale Water District www.tccwd.com basin where their outreach and education programs have yielded a 20 Piute Mutual Water Co. www.wakc.com gallon/day reduction in water consumption. Make no mistake water and Quartz Hill Water District www.water.ca.gov/irwm the drought are top of mind for every resident in our region. Rosamond Community Services District Water fact: One acre-foot of water is Drought: California is in the midst of its worst drought since the early Shadow Acres Mutual Water Co. 326,000 gallons. This is enough to supply two 20th century. The drought, now entering its fourth year, with more sunny Sundale Mutual Water Co. families with water for one year. weather, above average temperatures, and reduced precipitation, has impacted every corner of the State. The result? Decreased levels in the state’s reservoirs, increased groundwater pumping, and a high fire risk. Water Project, several other local resources distinguish our water supply As for the water suppliers, there is a renewed focus on managing water story from others. With a more progressive focus on developing other resources and availability. local sources of water, we have come to rely on much less of the imported allocation than most other regions in Southern California. Imported water Supply: The Sierra Nevada Mountain range supplies most of California resources now supply about 50% of the demand during an average year with the life support of water. We rely on the winter season to deliver with the remaining amount supplied from groundwater and above ground snowpack and rain to fill our streams, rivers, and lakes where it is stored for storage. We are considered a “closed basin,” which means that all water the future. Our State Water Project, or California Aqueduct system, moves that starts here, or has been imported, stays here. billions of gallons of water from north to south ensuring that the millions of residents, the thousands of acres of agricultural fields, businesses and We are a desert community that has always done more with less. Irrigation communities have enough water to thrive. The system helps to ensure that from sag ponds left behind by earthquakes once supplied water to the area. an adequate supply is available for delivery throughout the year. Over time, groundwater wells and the Littlerock Dam were constructed to increase water availability for the growing area. The Greater Antelope Valley has an advantage over other regions in the State; diversity. Although we do rely on water imported from the State Today, the geography of the Greater Antelope Valley looks much

20 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org n 45.4% Some college or Assoc. Degree n 33.5% HS Grad or GED n 21.1% Bachelor’s Degree & Above

Average Monthly Water Bill —2014 limited asset and is drought proof. We can store all of the water that we Antelope Valley $44.13 create and put it back into the ground for future use. Conservation: Conservation is a way of life here. The community Las Vegas, NV $62.90 understands that what they do impacts their neighbors and that the Denver, CO $73.58 Antelope Valley is a larger extension of their city. Water use has dropped since former Governor Schwarzenegger declared a 20% reduction in usage $111.01 Tuscon, AZ by the year 2020. Residents have helped reduce peak demand in the Los Angeles, CA $122.41 summer months by converting yards to desert-scapes and installing low water use appliances in their homes. Businesses have implemented similar San Francisco, CA $136.50 practices to assist in this local water conservation effort. Austin, TX $140.24 The people of our region take pride in our progressive thinking and responsible planning. The Antelope Valley Integrated Regional Water Atlanta, GA $141.20 Management Plan (AV IRWMP) navigates the complexity of balancing San Diego, CA $150.15 resources through regional collaboration and provides a structure through which projects are prioritized and selected for State funding opportunities. Seattle, WA $153.22

Groundwater: In continuing to sustain a reliable, and diversified supply of $0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 $140 $160 $180 -Antelope Valley bill based on average of three (3) largest retailers. water, our region’s greatest asset is its large and productive groundwater

Source: Water Rates Audit 2014 Ca State Auditor basins. But now water is limited and we must seek to replace water used -Single & multi-family residential, (4) people per household using 150 gallons/person/day. with more water. Fortunately, the local groundwater adjudication process -National data source: Circle of Blue’s 2014 Water Pricing Survey is nearing its end with an anticipated settlement expected in 2015. The outcome will provide land owners and businesses with a certainty in water different. Agriculture thrives alongside industry, small business, suburban supply from the region’s vast groundwater aquifer. neighborhoods, and retail. The growing population has pushed community Most recently, an Integrated Regional Water Management Group formed officials and governmental districts to strategize on how to ensure that between California City, Mojave Public Utilities District, and the Antelope progress continues throughout the region. Water has always been among Valley East Kern Water Agency to develop planned projects that will enhance the limiting factors for development, but with local efforts to stabilize our the sustainability of the Fremont Valley Basin. This effort will be lauded as water supply, it doesn’t have to be. another way to ensure the viability of our high desert water assets. One example of our region’s effort to increase water supply diversity and We pride ourselves on below average water consumption. We flourish reliability is through water banking. Storing imported water here locally for because we do more with less. We are well-positioned for responsible future use will help to assure our community’s ability to grow and prosper. growth due to our successful resource management and flexibility of our Water suppliers like Los Angeles County, Palmdale Water District, and Rosamond residents and workforce. Come be a part of Southern California’s leading Community Services District are great examples of agencies taking part in water edge. We are open for business. banking in order to better serve their customers. Special thanks to the regions’ water experts at Palmdale Water District, AVEK, LA Recycling: Diversifying our water portfolio is a priority for the region. County Sanitation District and the AV-IRWMP planning group/stakeholders for Decreasing our reliance on water hundreds of miles away is a commitment their assistance in telling this story. To learn more about the AV’s water assets and we have embraced. The use of recycled water is a dependable source of this plans go to AVWaterPlan.org

AGRICULTURE The Valley’s first agricultural boom occurred during the 1880s and early 1890s, when heavy Los Angeles County Crop Report Kern County Crop Report rainfall attracted homesteaders who successfully cultivated alfalfa, barley, wheat, and a variety Value of agricultural production: Value of agricultural commodities: of fruits and nuts. However, a serious drought between 1894 and 1904 – the worst in Southern $189,883,000 $6,769,855,590 California’s recorded history-devastated farms, forcing many settlers to abandon their land in the valley. With the drought’s end came an agricultural resurgence after 1905 in the form of State ranking: 33 irrigation, thanks to pumps powered first by gasoline and later by electricity, which proved more Top five crops, by value: Top five commodities for 2013: reliable than the former reliance on artesian wells. Irrigation, besides allowing for the replanting Woody Ornamentals $43,184,000 Grapes of the crops that previously thrived, also allowed the large-scale cultivation of alfalfa, which by Vegetables $40,506,000 Almonds 1920 was the Antelope Valley’s major crop. Bedding Plants $25,352,000 Milk www.colapublib.org/history/antelopevalley/faq.html#q10 Fruits & Nuts $18,480,000 Citrus “From 2003 through 2013 California farmers invested almost $3 billion upgrading irrigation Alfalfa Hay $16,904,000 Cattle & Calves systems to drip and micro-sprinklers on nearly 2.4 million acres to help keep our economy and Which make up more than $4.6 fresh food flowing.” Billion (68%) of the Total Value

SPOTLIGHT ON TEHACHAPI AGRIBUSINESS‚ STATISTICS: 2012 ACWM.CO.LA.CA.US STATISTICS: 2013 KERNAG.COM A GROWING LEGACY Greater Tehachapi is abundant with thriving agribusiness. Today, large-scale, organic farming U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center 44811 N. Date Ave., Ste. B, Lancaster, CA 93534-3152 enterprises and family-owned, local ventures share the landscape. The region yields impressive Phone: 661/942-9549 wines, quality grass-fed beef and farm-fresh produce. Tehachapi’s four seasons provides a unique growing climate including warm summer days, precious spring rains, and occasional County Agricultural Commissioner winter snowfall. Mix in the afternoon breeze, and you have a natural formula for success. 12300 Lower Azusa Rd., Arcadia, CA 91006 Phone: 626/575-5451 • Fax: 626/350-3243 Currently, the region boasts a combination of planted fields and greenhouses – totaling several Web site: acwm.co.la.ca.us thousand acres in production. With apples, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, carrots and grapes as a part of the area’s offerings, all operations are mindful of natural resources and employ U.C. Cooperative Extension sustainable farming practices. County Farm Advisor 4800 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90022 The continued economic growth of the region, netting millions of dollars annually, is proof Phone: 323/260-2267 • Fax: 323/260-5208 positive that Tehachapi’s agribusinesses share an unconditional commitment to quality, strong Web site: celosangeles.ucdavis.edu fiscal stewardship and evident responsiveness to consumer demand. (Source: Mary Beth Garrison)

ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 21 MINING

DIGGING FOR GOLD AT THE GOLDEN QUEEN MINE - MOJAVE The Golden Queen Mine is continuing to work toward becoming operational. Owned by Golden Queen a publicly traded company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada and the OTC Market in the United States. Construction for the mining infrastructure is expected to total about $119 million. The company is fully permitted to remove 14 million tons of rock material a year. Out of that an expected 77,000 ounces of gold should be extracted, as well as 890,000 ounces of silver. At today’s prices, the gold haul for the life of the mine would be more than $1 billion. RIO TINTO - BORON Rio Tinto Minerals (RTM) operates California’s largest open pit mine in Boron, California. The mine contains one of the richest borate deposits on the planet and supplies over 30 percent of the world’s demand for refined borates. While boron is present everywhere in the environment, substantial deposits of borates are relatively rare. These minerals are essential to life and modern living. Rio Tinto Minerals’ roots stretch back to 1872 when company founders began mining borates in Nevada. These pioneers discovered borates in Death Valley in 1881 and used teams of twenty mules and giant wagons to haul them 165 miles to the nearest railroad in Mojave, California. Boron began as an underground mine in 1927 and was transformed into an open pit mine in 1957. Borates are minerals that contain boron, the fifth element on the Periodic Table. Borates are basically salts and are essential to life – plants need borates to grow and they are part of a healthy diet. Borates can also be found in a wide variety of products including: KERN COUNTY • Fiberglass, wood preservatives and ceramics used to make homes safer and more energy efficient NATURAL • Heat-resistant glass used in flat-screen televisions and laptop computers • Textile fiberglass used in sporting equipment and wind energy systems RESOURCES • Fertilizers that help farmers increase crop quality and yield Boron Operations is recognized as one of the safest mining operations in the Washington, and Oregon to as far away as British Columbia and Alaska. United States. Enabled by mergers and acquisitions, CPC has expanded its line to include • Boron Operations’ team is made up of nearly 800 people pre-cast manholes, redi-rock, truss pipe, corrugated pipe and fittings, catch basins, aggregates, building materials, sand, gravel, rock, and asphalt. • The mine measures 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) long, 1.75 miles (2.8 kilometers) wide, and 755 feet (230 meters) deep SEARLES VALLEY MINERALS - TRONA • The operation mines about three million tons of ore per year to produce Searles Valley Minerals manages extensive operations in California’s Searles about one million tons of refined products Valley. Power and production facilities cover more than 339 acres at the • Processing plants produce borax pentahydrate, borax decahydrate, and Argus, Trona and Westend plants in California. Searles Valley Minerals boric acid from tincal and kernite ore feedstocks; fusing plants also processes brine solutions from Searles Lake to produce boric acid, sodium produce anhydrous borate products carbonate, sodium sulfate, several speciality forms of borax, and salt. Unlike • Products are shipped to customers in more than 100 countries via other mining techniques such as open pit mining, our three facilities in truck, rail, barge and ocean-going vessels Searles Valley use a unique, ecologically friendly process that starts with solution mining. Our customers are industrial and agricultural, yet our • Each haul truck costs more than $1 million and can carry 240 tons of consumers are you. Your automobile contains many products made with material soda ash and borates such as window glass and windshields. Industrial Rinto Tinto Minerals is recognized as a world leader in borate supply laundries use our salt. Dye and detergent makers use our sodium sulfate and science. Most of the operational processes that set the standard for in their products. High technology companies use our borates to make flat borate production were developed or first adopted at Boron Operations. screen monitors, electronic parts and special coatings. Speciality borates end Boron Operations has been partnering with local communities for nearly up in everything from fire retardants to fiberglass insulation and even wood 90 years and contributes more than $150 million to the local economy treatments. annually. www.borax.com Adjacent to one of the world’s primary ports, Searles Valley Minerals CAL PORTLAND CEMENT - MOJAVE ships thousands of tons of high grade mineral product daily to major CalPortland (CPC) is the oldest continually producing portland cement manufacturers in 52 countries. Overseas sales account for over half of our company west of the Rocky Mountains. It was founded in 1891 with the annual revenue. The Searles Valley Minerals sales staff has spent years opening of the Colton, California Plant. Today, Colton is one of three cultivating and actively responding to the needs of markets in Western plants owned by CPC. The other two are at Mojave, California and Rillito, Europe, South America and the Pacific Rim. www.svminerals.com Arizona. GRANITE CONSTRUCTION - Littlerock, Palmdale, Arvin & InyoKern From its early years, CPC has remained a leader in the industry through From crushing, mine tailings remediation, impoundment, leach pads, roads its commitment to quality unsurpassed, technical superiority, and and airfields - to foundations, reclamation, water management and power customer service. From the largest producer of sand, gravel and quarry services - Granite’s mining services team has been operating side-by-side rock in the Pacific Northwest supplying the construction industry in with some of the world’s largest mine operators for decades. www.graniteconstruction.com

22 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org ANTELOPE VALLEY SCHOOLS/STEM PROGRAM SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING MATH

STEM PREPARING OUR YOUTH FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE AND PROVIDING STABILITY TO THE WORKFORCE

STEM EDUCATION CONTINUES TO can learn about Edwards and STEM in action by Among the notable milestones achieved GROW THROUGHOUT THE AEROSPACE attending this open-access, interactive, eLearning regionally during the tenure of the AVC STEM VALLEY program. Originally designed by the Museum’s Grants: Outreach Director to target 3 rd through 6 th Through the on-going collaboration of business, • Re-design of math, physics, and chemistry graders, it has been accessed by students in 3 rd industry, government, and educators, STEM courses. education continues to flourish and expand within grade through college. Participants surveyed have the greater Antelope Valley region. The number of reported a desire to visit the Museum as well as • Training academies for STEM educators. increased interest in aerospace and technology. students involved in STEM coursework (Science, • $1.5 million invested in lab and technology Technology, Engineering & Math) and extra- JTPS also helps the Air Force Flight Test Museum • Ten-fold increase of AVC engineering majors. curricular activities are now estimated to be at meet the Air Force’s commitment to promote over 15,000 strong. Exciting developments include interest in STEM subjects and furthers the • Reinvigorated AVC STEM Club with over 100 formation activities for the Antelope Valley East museum’s purpose: “To preserve the history of members; Kern STEM Network as a partnership of regional Edwards, the people that have been there, and the STEM educators and advocates, addition of remarkable advancements in flight and aerospace • More women enrolled in AVC STEM programs. STEM courses and activities for pre-Kindergarten they have accomplished.” To learn more, please • 32 transfer graduates during first 4 years of students, Project Lead the Way © courses at the go to http://afftcmuseum.org/education and feel operation elementary level, growing middle school STEM free to contact the STEM Educational Outreach programs, new and expanding pathways for Director, Lisa Brown at [email protected] . biomedical sciences and engineering at area high MOJAVE SCHOOL DISTRICT schools, a burgeoning STEM club at Antelope The Mojave School District science programs Valley College, and pending accreditation for STEMPOSIUM follow both national science standards as well as the Cal State Long Beach – Antelope Valley The third annual STEMPosium hosted by the HSI the Common Core State Standards. As a result, Engineering Program, among others. STEM Grant Office was held on November 5, 2014. rather than spending class time strictly listening Over 200 regional representatives from business, to teachers lecture, students learn through industry, government, and education were the use of “hands-on” techniques, which EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE present to hear panelists from education partners, research tends to show is the most successful The Air Force Flight Test Museum at Edwards Air including CSU Long Beach AV Engineering way for students to learn. Science education Force Base is continually expanding its programs Program, AVC (Lancaster and Palmdale Center), in the district is student-driven, which is both to excite interest in STEM subjects through AVC’s SB1070 Grant Project Director, and the motivating and engaging. A variety of STEM informative displays, and the development of the Antelope Valley Union High School District, as well activities within the district, including : Junior School (JTPS). JTPS is an online as a panel of young industry professionals from program designed to instruct elementary school • K-12 Renewable Energy and Conservation XCOR, BAE and AFRL, a panel of industry partners aged children on the importance of the subjects Academy. from Edison, NASA, and LA County Sanitation of science, technology, engineering, and math Districts, and keynote addresses by civilian • Industry advisors assist in writing new (STEM) as related to aircraft development, flight astronaut, Mike Melvill, and futurist Nathalie curriculum for Energy Systems I and II. test, and aerospace at Edwards Air Force Base, Gosset. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 which is the center of Air Force developmental flight test. Any student from across the globe ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 23

The PHS Health Careers Academy also participates heavily in the HOSA career- technical student organization, being recognized as an Outstanding HOSA Chapter, having Outstanding HOSA Happenings, and for Outstanding Performance for Education and Fundraising for the National Service Project (Cystic Fibrosis Foundation). One former student summed up the HCA experience nicely: “The Health Careers Academy instilled confidence to allow me to succeed as a first generation college student [UCLA BSN graduate] and now in my career as a nurse.”

Palmdale High School - Falcon Academy of Sustainable Technologies (FAST) This unique high school academy incorporates a variety of course options for its students, • At Golden Queen Mining, students learned how • Cummings Valley Elementary School has an including Falcon Engineers with a civil to borrow money, sell products, pay bills and after-school STEM Club for fourth and fifth engineering/construction focus, and an produce a profit and loss statement. graders. automotive engineering component known as • Mojave Makers have been busy on campus • Tompkins Elementary after-school program Falcon Garage, both of which utilize rigorous planting gardens and developing individual emphasizes STEM and the arts. Project Lead the Way© curriculum, as well maker-spaces in the science classrooms, giving as a four-year Video Game Development/ students instant access to advice, materials and • Valley Oaks Charter School has two Lego Simulations pathway which addresses STEM experiences. League robotics competition groups at a and Computer Science initiatives known as combined middle/elementary school level. Falcon Tech. • Science Summer Camp for 2nd through 12th grade students. • The Arts, Science & Technology Educational Corporation of Tehachapi (AST) puts on two A premiere project undertaken by FAST • The district is in the process of implementing annual events, a Fall Festival and an annual students this school year is “The Solar Race Project Lead the Way© Engineering and Intermediate Space Challenge for fourth and Car Project.” Following an intensive summer Biomedical pathways. fifth graders. AST also helps fund a similar “bootcamp” orientation in CAD (computer Intermediate Space Challenge competition in aided design/drafting), welding, fabrication • Mojave High School, one of the very first Mojave/California City. techniques, electrical, photovoltaics, advanced engineering academies in the Antelope Valley, physics, racing, engineering, safety, and complete with computer aided-drafting business models, the students are designing, programs, two digital printers and other ANTELOPE VALLEY UNION HIGH building, and plan to drive their solar car equipment. SCHOOL DISTRICT (www.phssolarcar.weebly.com/about.html) in The AVUHSD offers 6 California Partnership a five-day endurance race hosted by The Solar • Since 2002, “dual enrollment” programs have Academies at its 8 comprehensive and 2 Car Challenge at the Texas Motor Speedway in been available to students at Mojave and alternative high school sites, as well as SOAR High the summer of 2015. California City high schools. The program School on the campus of Antelope Valley College, allows district high school students to earn and SOAR Prep Academy for 7 th and 8 th grades FAST students at every grade level have high school and college credits for college-level and the Virtual Academy as part of the Academies likewise displayed their technical and classes offered at the high school sites. Cerro of the Antelope Valley. Highlights of some of the academic expertise competing with SkillsUSA, Coso and Barstow community colleges help many STEM programs this year include: a multi-disciplinary career-technical student fund the program, which has allowed many organization. Once again, in 2014, the Falcon students to graduate with four-year degrees in • Antelope Valley High School Dental Engineers won the gold medal at SkillsUSA two years. Assisting Program 85 students enrolled in the Dental Assisting California in Sustainability Solutions for their program to learn more about health and project, “The Sustainable House,” as well as TEHACHAPI SCHOOL DISTRICT medical careers, with a focus on dental the gold medal for SkillsUSA California in • Tehachapi High School offers 5 Project Lead technology. Qualifying students in the the Career Pathway Showcase, STEM contest The Way© classes. capstone Dental Assisting course are able to for “The Pedestrian Bridge” project. Falcon • The Tehachapi High Engineering and participate in an internship in local dental Engineers also earned the silver medal at Manufacturing Academy (THEMA) were offices. SkillsUSA California in Engineering Technology/ modified to require all students to enroll in at Design for their “Under Ground Fire Hydrant” • Palmdale High School – Health Careers least two PLTW engineering classes. project. At the 2014 SkillsUSA National Academy Conference in Kansas City, both Falcon Engineer • THS added a computer programming course to This nationally-recognized California state gold medalists won bronze medals in fulfill a growing national need for Information Partnership Academy, serves students in 9-12th Sustainability Solutions and Career Pathway Technology and Communications workers. grades. HCA students worked on the “Super Showcase, STEM. Size Me” project, incorporating science, history, • Jacobsen Middle School has a STEM-based health, English, math, and medical courses in FalconTech has received multiple national class named JEMS (Jacobsen Engineering, an effort to address the obesity endemic. awards and recognition including the grade Math & Science). The JEMS teachers offer a K-5 sustainability learning game “Professor Summer Gateway Academy each summer for HCA students volunteer 12-40 hours of STEMs Lab,” developed through the auspices approximately 30 students. community service per year. Likewise, of the Mojave Environmental Education • Jacobsen Middle School has three Lego League students participate in a work-based learning Consortium (MEEC). Other awards include a robotics competition groups. continuum, including clinical rotations (job silver medal at the 2014 SkillsUSA National shadowing) and internships Championships in Interactive Applications

24 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org and Video Game Design, and a winner of one LITTLEROCK HIGH SCHOOL – skills and develop confidence. The Tech Trek component of the 2013 White House National AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL website: www.aauw-techtrek.org has the full STEM Video Game Challenge. Learn more at SCIENCES ACADEMY survey report, and information about all ten CA www.facebook.com/PHSFalconTech/ . As part of its decade-long commitment to Tech Trek camps. growing and selling organic fruit locally, For more information, email – DIGITAL Littlerock High School’s Agriculture and [email protected]. DESIGN AND ENGINEERING ACADEMY Environmental Sciences Academy has reached A California School Boards Association Golden an arrangement with the Food Services Division The AERO Institute is a partnership of individuals; Bell Award winner, the Digital Design and of the Antelope Valley Union High School District Federal, State and Regional Governments; to provide this healthy food source to its own commercial companies; academic institutions; Engineering (DD&E) Academy is an integrated students at Littlerock High. Students used quality and non-profits engaged in broad reaching academic/CTE program combining engineering control methods to select fruit before packing research and operations programs as well as (PLTW ) pathway students with multimedia it and sending it to the cafeteria. Fruit not addressing the need for a technically skilled pathway students in a team setting to deemed suitable for fresh whole consumption workforce and STEM education at all levels. accomplish common projects and goals. was processed by the students into apple butter, The Strategic Partners in the AERO are NASA sliced apples, and peach jam. Six students from the DD&E Academy were Dryden Flight Research Center, NASA Ames selected to compete in the UAV (Unmanned Research Center, and the City of Palmdale. Aerial Vehicle) Challenge in Kingaroy, THE PALMDALE AEROSPACE ACADEMY AERO works in close association with the NASA Queensland, Australia. The first-ever non- The Palmdale Aerospace Academy was National Space Grant College and Fellowship Australian high school to compete in the established as a collaborative initiative between Program to further leverage the public’s event. After working through some equipment The City of Palmdale, the AERO Institute, and investment in Higher Education. Numerous difficulties necessitating the Spirit of Niles 2 the Palmdale School District. The focus of the Colleges and Universities have formed new hexcopter to be converted to a quadcopter, the initiative was, and still is, to prepare students partnerships with the AERO Institute to make young women’s team of Spirit of Niles 1 finished to engage in high-tech careers and jobs of the educational opportunities more accessible in the 3 rd in the Airborne Delivery Challenge, and the future that will be available to them in the 21st Antelope Valley. www. aeroi.org. young men’s team of Spirit of Niles 2 finished 3 and 22nd centuries. The Palmdale Aerospace rd in the Search challenge. Academy is inspiring students to do exactly what Story contributed by Diane Walker, AVUHSD Coordinator our valley is famous for! Doing what has never of College and Career Readiness and the late Bob Johnstone, Three DD&E students participated in the Chair of the Math, Science, Engineering and Technology been done before- Design, Create, Explore!!! Consortium. SkillsUSA Sustainability Solutions competition in 2014, winning the gold medal at the California State competition, allowing them to participate TECH TREK – A STEM CAMP FOR GIRLS in the Nationals in Kansas City for their cell Tech Trek fosters girls’ interest in STEM, phone case design. encourages them to continue to study STEM subjects in high school, and to major in a STEM related field in college. They also learn leadership

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School Kern County Schools/Mojave Uni- Desert Christian School Westside Christian School District (K-12) fied School District (K-12) www.desertchristian.com www.dhbc-wcs.com www.aadusd.k12.ca.us www.mojave.k12.ca.us Desert Vineyard Christian School CHARTER SCHOOLS Antelope Valley High School District Muroc Joint Unified School District www.desertvineyard.org AV Learning Academy www.avdistrict.org (K-12) Grace Lutheran School www.avlearning.org www.muroc.k12.ca.us Eastside Union School District (K-8) www.gracelancaster.org AV Youthbuild Charter www.eastside.k12.ca.us Southern Kern Unified (K-Adult) Heritage Oak School www.youthbuildcharter.org Gorman School District (K-8) www.skusd.k12.ca.us www.heritageoakschool.info Desert Sands Charter High School www.gorman.k12.ca.us Sierra Sands Unified School High Desert Adventist Christian www.dschs.org Hughes-Elizabeth Lake District School Union School District (K-8) www.ssusdschools.org www.ridgecrestacs.com iLEAD Lancaster Charter School www.ileadcharterschool.org www.helusd.org Tehachapi Unified School District Immanuel Christian School Keppel Union School District (K-8) www.teh.k12.ca.us www.icsk12.org/ Learn4Life Concept Charter School www.keppel.k12.ca.us www.learn4life.org PRIVATE SCHOOLS Lancaster Baptist School Lancaster Elementary School District Antelope Valley Adventist School www.lancasterbaptistschool.org Life Source International Charter (K-8) www.lancasteradventist.com Paraclete High School School www.lancsd.org www.lifesourcecharterschool.org Antelope Valley Christian School www.paracletehs.org Palmdale School District (K-8) www.avcs.edu Pinecrest School The Guidance Charter School www.palmdalesd.org www.pinecrest.edu www.thegcs.org Bethel Christian School Westside Union Elementary School www.bethelchristian.net Pearblossom Private School The Palmdale Aerospace Academy District (K-8) www.pearblossomschool.com www.tpaa.org Carden School of www.westside.k12.ca.us Tehachapi Sacred Heart School Valley Oaks Charter School Wilsona School District (K-8) www.cardenschooltehachapi www.sacredheartlancaster.org www.valleyoakscharterschool.org www.wilsonasd.net St. Mary’s School www.stmaryspalmdale.org

ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 25 POST SECONDARY EDUCATION

ANTELOPE VALLEY COLLEGE only) and Sociology (Human Services). Master’s Degrees are also available 3041 West Avenue K Lancaster, CA 93536 in Business Administration (MBA), Educational Administration (MA), Special 661-722-6300 www.avc.edu Education. Educational Curriculum & Instruction and Administration (MSA) 1529 East Palmdale Blvd. Palmdale, CA 93550 are through the Extended University. Also offered are teaching credential 661-722-6400 www.avc.edu/palmdale programs in Elementary Education, Single Subject and Special Education for those who have completed a Bachelors Degree. District Size: 1,945 Square Miles Number of Buildings: 35 CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY LONG BEACH Budget: 2013/2014 45356 Division Street Lancaster, CA 93536 Unrestricted & Restricted Funds ...... $70 Million 661-723-6429 www.csulb.edu/ All Sources ...... $131 Million Developed by the City of Lancaster in 2004, the 20,000 square-foot University Center includes state-of-the-art classrooms, well-equipped labs and complete STUDENT /PROGRAMS administrative facilities. The University Center, via a lease agreement with the 2013/2014 Student Enrollment: 18,771 City of Lancaster, is a satellite campus of the CSULB College of Engineering. Associate Degree Programs: 91 Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Programs for Mechanical and Electrical Certificate Program: 59 Engineering, which allow Antelope Valley students to obtain these Degrees locally while also providing qualified workers for the region’s robust Aerospace FACULTY/STAFF Industry. Cal Poly Pomona offers Master of Science Degrees in Electrical Full-time Faculty: 176 Engineering and Aerospace Engineering at the LUC as well. Percentage holding Ph.D.s: 29% CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY LONG BEACH – Total Number of Employees: 889 AV ENGINEERING PROGRAM Additionally, AVC is now offering 19 Associate Degree for Transfer programs. The Antelope Valley Engineering Program is a full time, highly structured, two These Associate in Arts (AA-T) and Associate in Science (AS-T) degrees are and a half year program for transfer students seeking a Bachelor of Science designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU major and baccalaureate degree in either Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. The program is located degree. AVC students who complete these transfer degrees will be guaranteed at the Lancaster University Center satellite Campus. admission to the CSU system with junior standing. • First class graduated in December 2013 – 18 graduates (10 mechanical and CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY BAKERSFIELD/ANTELOPE VALLEY CAMPUS 8 electrical engineers), including 12 who transferred from AVC and 6 from 43909 30th Street West Lancaster, CA 93536 other universities and colleges; 661-952-5000 www.csub.edu/AV • Of the 18 graduates, 16 are presently employed in engineering disciplines, 1 is in a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering program at Stanford University The campus is located on the north end of Antelope Valley College and funded by NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, and 1 moved to Norway. CSUBAV offers accredited Bachelor Degree completion programs for those who have completed general education work at a community college. • Four cohorts are presently admitted, with 56 students (39 from AVC, 7 from Bachelor Degrees include Business Administration (management, accounting, • Cerro Coso, 4 from ELA College, and 6 from other universities and colleges). general), Child, Adolescent & Family Studies, Communications, Criminal Justice, English, Environmental Resource Management (on-line through • Co-operative internships opportunities or employment locally. Extended University), Liberal Studies (IBEST), Nursing (RN to BSN on-line • ABET accreditation action expected by July of 2015.

26 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org BRANDMAN UNIVERSITY, CHAMPAN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX ANTELOPE VALLEY CAMPUS 1202 West Avenue J Lancaster, CA 93534 39115 Trade Center Drive, Suite 203 Palmdale, CA 93550 661-940-6851 www.phoenix.edu 661-267-2001 www.brandman.edu/antelopevalley University of Phoenix is the nation’s largest private university and is Established in 1958, Brandman University is a private, non-profit university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission through the North Central accredited by the Western Association of School and Colleges (WASC) and Association. The University of Phoenix Lancaster Learning Center offers a member of the Chapman University System. Brandman offers over 52 several degree programs as well as online programs for students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, credential, and certificate programs at nearly 30 their Associates, Bachelors, Masters or Doctoral Degrees. Programs range campus locations throughout California and Washington, and nationally from business, criminal justice, human services, nursing, health care, through its top-ranked online campus. Approximately 12,000 students enjoy education, communication, counseling and more (some programs are only flexible class times, exceptional faculty, and unparalleled student services. offered online). Stop by, call or visit our website to learn more! University of Brandman is also exceptionally proud of its history and commitment to Antelope Valley 44055 Sierra Highway, Lancaster, CA 93534 661/726-1911 • military education, and nearly a quarter (24%) of Brandman students are www.uav.edu In June 2009, the institution received approval from the United active military or veteran students. Committed to serving all facets of the States military education community, Brandman acknowledges spouses and UNIVERSITY OF ANTELOPE VALLEY dependent family members as key educational constituents and offers reduced military tuition rates. 44055 Sierra Highway Lancaster, CA 93534 661-726-1911 www.uav.edu CERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE 3000 College Heights Blvd. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 The mission of the University of Antelope Valley is to provide quality 760-384-6100 www.cerrocoso.edu undergraduate, graduate, certificate and continuing education to our local and global community. The University of Antelope Valley offers higher Established in 1973, Cerro Coso Community College is a comprehensive, education that enables students to achieve their academic, career, and multi-campus public institution of higher education fully accredited by personal goals, thereby allowing them to become valuable assets to their the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). communities.Education is the backbone of most communities, and we The main campus is located in Ridgecrest, California, and classes are also are dedicated to making the Antelope Valley a strong community through offered at Edwards Air Force Base, California City, Mojave, Tehachapi, Lake education and giving our students and community the ability to thrive by Isabella, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, and Online which together form the changing lives through education. largest geographical service area of any community college in California. WEST COAST BAPTIST COLLEGE Its comprehensive programs of instruction currently includes 21 Associate degrees, 8 Associate degrees for transfer, and 19 Certificates in career 4020 East Lancaster Blvd. Lancaster, CA 93535 technical education programs. The mission of Cerro Coso Community College 661-946-4663 www.wcbc.edu is to provide outstanding educational programs and services tailored to West Coast Baptist College opened its doors in September of 1995. This the students in the communities and rural areas we serve. To accomplish private seminary college offers Bachelor and Master Degree programs. There this mission we provide: transfer and career technical education, remedial are several departments available to its students such as the Department of instruction, comprehensive support services, learning opportunities that Bible, Bible Languages, Clerical and Secretarial Skills, Education, Evangelism, develop ethical and effective citizenry, and continuing education that is Missions, Music, Practical Theology, Secondary Education, and Youth compatible with the institution’s primary mission. Ministries. DEVRY UNIVERSITY 39115 Trade Center Drive Suite 100 Palmdale, CA 93550 661-224-2923 www.devry.edu

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, www.ncahlc.org, DeVry University provides high-quality, career-oriented education relevant for today’s workplace. Our priority has always been ensuring that our students are career-ready; day one. So it should come as no surprise that over the last 10 years, our graduates have worked at over 95 of the Fortune 100 companies included in the 2014 Fortune 500 list. EMBRY RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY 886-46-3728 WWW.ERAU.EDU

Centers of teaching are located in Palmdale, Edwards Air Force base, China Lake Naval Base and Victorville. With more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degrees, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers the world’s most comprehensive collection of academic programs focused in aviation, aerospace, business, engineering and security. Let us help you choose the one that best fits you. COLLEGE ANTELOPE VALLEY 42135 10th Street West Lancaster, CA 93534 661-974-8282 www.lancaster.sjvc.edu/

At SJVC in Antelope Valley our instructors bring industry experience to the classroom and give you the hands-on training you need to graduate confident and job-ready. Train for your new career through one of these programs: Business Administration, Criminal Justice: Corrections, Industrial Technology, Medical Office, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technology.

ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 27 AEROSPACE AND AVIATION IN THE REGION PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BOEING COMPANY BOEING THE OF COURTESY PHOTOS NOT ONLY IS OUR REGION RESPONSIBLE FOR SEVERAL AERONAUTICAL BREAKTHROUGHS— OUR AEROSPACE INDUSTRY IS HEALTHY AND THRIVING

NASA ARMSTRONG FLIGHT ACCESS II forests, levees, sinkholes and geological fault RESEARCH CENTER NASA researchers – along with international lines. The aircraft also collected data over the In 2014 the Center was named for Neil A. partners conducted experiments that may aid site of the August Napa earthquake. Armstrong, an NACA and NASA research test in the development of cleaner aircraft fuels. SOFIA Airborne Observatory pilot from 1955 to 1962 who went on to Supersonic Research NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared command the historic Apollo 11 mission. It is Armstrong researchers captured detailed Astronomy (SOFIA) has reached full operational home to the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Schlerin images of otherwise invisible shock capability and continues to carry out the work Range and serves as NASA’s center of excellence waves from supersonic aircraft to help design of a world-class observatory while Airborne for atmospheric flight research. quieter jets in the future. Astronomy Ambassador educators fly on MILESTONES: missions as partners with the international Earth and Space Science NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center at science teams. Edwards, California is helping advance NASA’s Global Hawk Earth Science Missions missions of aeronautics research, Earth and NASA’s Global Hawk project made its first Ikhana space science and aerospace technology.) overseas deployment to track changes in NASA’s MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft was used the upper atmosphere and help researchers to support the Orion spacecraft EFT-1 orbital Aeronautics understand how these changes affect Earth’s flight test mission, providing live video imagery Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge Flight climate. of the capsule’s splashdown off the coast of the Experiment NASA’s green aviation project, Baja California peninsula. together with the Air Force Research Laboratory DC-8 Flying Laboratory (AFRL) and FlexSys, Inc, is demonstrating The DC-8 was employed on its sixth consecutive Spaceflight Technology technology that could make future airliners year of Operation IceBridge research flights over Flight Opportunities Program quieter and more fuel-efficient. Antarctica to study changes in the continent’s NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program, included ice sheet, glaciers and sea ice. Masten Space Systems of Mojave, worked to UAS in the NAS mature technologies for its “Xombie” vertical- ER-2 Missions Armstrong is the host center for the Unmanned take off, vertical landing vehicle. Aircraft Systems Integration in the National A high altitude ER-2 jet collected hyperspectral Airspace System project. Flight tests with a infrared images to provide data about the Towed Glider Air Launch System Predator B and Armstrong’s MQ-9 Ikhana health of vegetation in six diverse areas of Researchers flight-tested a subscale prototype marked the first time UAS vehicles flew in real California and Nevada. It also delivered infrared twin-fuselage towed glider that could lead to world conditions to evaluate autonomous images of the King Fire in the SierraNevada. reducing the cost of rockets being air-launched collision avoidance systems. It was also the first and improving the efficiency of sending small C-20A and UAVSAR time a UAS maneuvered automatically to avoid satellites into space. The C-20A aircraft uses the Uninhabited Aerial a simulated collision. Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar to make precise measurements of volcanoes, glaciers, 28 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic percent of the Navy’s land for RDAT&E use in Palmdale. Northrop Grumman assembles Decelerator and 38 percent of the Navy’s land holdings the center fuselage of the F‑35 Lightning II The HIAD is designed to more efficiently slow worldwide. In total, its two ranges and main multirole fighter for Lockheed Martin. Other a spacecraft’s descent while entering a planet’s site cover more than 1.1 million acres, an area activities include final assembly of the Air atmosphere. HIAD prototypes have been tested larger than the state of Rhode Island. Force RQ‑4 Global Hawk and Navy MQ-4 Triton in Armstrong’s Flight Loads Laboratory. unmanned reconnaissance systems. The roughly $3 billion infrastructure of the installation is comprised of 2,132 buildings and • The Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center of BOEING COMPANY - GREATER facilities, 329 miles of paved roads and 1,801 Excellence also serves as headquarters for ANTELOPE VALLEY miles of unpaved roads. The 19,600 square Northrop Grumman’s work on the B‑2 stealth Boeing is the world’s leading aerospace miles of restricted and controlled airspace at bomber. company and the largest manufacturer of China Lake makes up 12 percent of California’s • The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop commercial jetliners and military aircraft total airspace and provides an unprecedented Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) a sole combined. Boeing provides products and venue for integrated testing and training of source, $9.9B indefinite delivery, indefinite support services to customers in 150 countries today’s war-fighter. and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms quantity (ID/IQ) contract to continue of sales. Boeing employs more than 170,000 The workforce at China Lake is a mixture of modernizing and sustaining the B-2 stealth people across the United States and in 70 military, civilians and contractors that are bomber. countries. Total company revenues for 2012 employed across multiple tenant commands. • In 2007, Northrop Grumman acquired were $81.7 billion. Boeing has approximately There are approximately 620 active duty Scaled Composites in Mojave. The world- 19,000 employees in California, making it one military, 4,166 civilian employees and 1,734 class capabilities in innovative design, rapid of the state’s largest private employers. contractors employees that work at the prototyping and flight test complement installation. In the Antelope Valley, Boeing conducts Northrop Grumman’s own expertise in these ground and flight testing of both military areas. LOCKHEED MARTIN and commercial products. Some key program Lockheed Martin is a global security milestones for 2014: and aerospace company that employs QUICK FACTS • The X-48 Blended Wing Body (BWB) Program approximately 112,000 people worldwide aircraft has been loaned to the Air Force Flight and more than 3,500 people locally. The EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE test Museum at Edwards AFB where it is on Antelope Valley location is home to the iconic AIR FORCE FLIGHT TEST CENTER: display. The X-48 Program accomplished 112 Skunk Works® known for solutions that push missions over a six year period using both the the state of the art in support of the nation’s Military Personnel Estimated indirect X-48B and X-48C configurations. most pressing needs. Working advanced (Active, reserves/natl jobs created locally development projects, the Skunk Works team guard, etc) 12,224 • The Phantom Eye high altitude long is focused on rapid prototyping, design, 2,039 Average Annual Pay endurance (HALE) unmanned aircraft system development, manufacture, integration and Civilian Personnel $52,874 has completed a total of nine test missions sustainment of manned and unmanned aircraft 8,381 Estimated annual to date. Phantom Eye, which uses a liquid systems. Employees are very active in the Family members dollar value of indirect hydrogen propulsion system, is designed to community with emphasis working to inspire 1,991 jobs created stay aloft for up to four days while carrying a students to pursue careers in the technology TOTAL PERSONNEL $646,329,698 450-pound payload. arena and in support of military and veterans 12,411 TOTAL PAYROLL • Boeing has conducted a number of flight causes. Military Pay $540,483,940 $138,459,064 tests out of Edwards AFB with the 787-9 Lockheed Martin is proud of its more than 100- Contract Expenditures Dreamliner, the second member of the super- year partnership with the good people of the Civilian Pay $298,665,000 efficient 787 family. state of California. $540,483,940 Estimated Total Value TOTAL PAYROLL of Jobs Created • Flight testing continued on the F-15SA fighter $646,329,698 jets at Boeing’s facility on Air Force Plant 42. NORTHROP GRUMMAN - $540,483,940 The F-15s for Saudi Arabia are part of the ANTELOPE VALLEY largest Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program In 2013, Northrop Grumman’s F-35 Integrated COMBINED ECONOMIC IMPACT: in U.S. Government history. Assembly Line (IAL), located at the Palmdale Integration Center of Excellence, was selected • Boeing provides support to, and partners $1.44 Billion as “Assembly Plant of the Year” by Assembly with, the Air Force, Navy, and NASA on www.edwards.af.mil Magazine for its outstanding quality and programs (with Flight Test, Modifications, * As reported in the 2013 Economic Impact Analysis performance in the world of automation. This and Logistics Support) in the Greater Antelope honor is historical; Northrop Grumman is the Valley including: B-1B, B-52, T-38C, F-22, first aerospace company to receive this award. “AS ONE OF ONLY TWO F/A-18, F-15SA, and C-17. We also support The IAL is unique to the aircraft industry, as it Boeing Commercial Airplanes with recent AIRCRAFT INTEGRATION represents the first time automotive and aircraft flight testing of the 747-8, 787, and 787-9. technologies and processes are integrated on The Company conducts operations at Edwards CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE a massive scale. Furthermore, it incorporates AFB, NAWS China Lake, Air Force Plant 42 numerous technologies exclusive to, or IN THE COUNTRY, in Palmdale, Southern California Logistics Palmdale has unique qualifications which pioneered by, Northrop Grumman for use in an Airport in Victorville, and NASA’s Armstrong allow us to increase opportunities for aircraft factory. Flight Research Center. innovation while enhancing collaboration • Northrop Grumman has operated in the amongst our highly talented employees. For additional information, please visit: Antelope Valley since the 1940s, when it The Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center of www.boeing.com supported flight testing at Muroc Army Air Excellence reflects our dedication to our Field (now Edwards AFB). In 1986, Northrop community and country.” NAVAL AIR WEAPONS STATION Grumman began production of the Air Force’s —Andy Reynolds, vice president, – CHINA LAKE B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. Manufacturing Operations and Palmdale site NAWS China Lake installation is the Navy’s manager, Northrop Grumman largest single landholding, representing 85 • 3,100 people work in the region, most of them

ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 29 INDUSTRIAL

THE GROWTH OF INDUSTRY IN THE REGION GIVES INSIGHT INTO THE FACT THAT OUR LOCAL ECONOMY IS THRIVING

CALIFORNIA CITY MORTON MANUFACTURING Source: www.mortonmanufacturing.com NORM HILL AVIATION, INC.: 350 new local jobs $5+million in gross sales last year which is an 80% growth from the year prior. NHA specializes in supplying parts, maintenance, and support to the Since its inception in 1967, Morton has specialized in the production Gulfstream Business Jet community worldwide. The Gulfstream Aircraft is of nickel alloy bolts for gas-turbine aircraft engines. The firm’s client list the number one corporate business jet in the world. NHA currently has 11 includes such companies as Rolls Royce, Pratt & Whitney and General Electric. employees and expects to continue our present growth as we add services The new Lancaster facility, which marks a 96% increase in size over the and expands our facilities. www.normhillaviation.com company’s former facility, will house the firm’s corporate headquarters and manufacturing operations. Morton Manufacturing is currently in the process Creative Accents: Is a long time business (Established 1967) who of moving to a new facility, the move is expected to be complete by July 2015. manufacture handmade custom decorative rugs and have a worldwide distribution. www.creativeaccents.com PALMDALE LANCASTER BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL EFFORTS Introducing a New Kind of Street Smarts: The City of Lancaster has partnered For more than 50 years, Palmdale has been on the leading edge of America’s with Ecostar Science and Technology, a firm specializing in the development newest technologies, with major breakthroughs in aerospace, materials of superior pavement coatings, adhesives and groundbreaking pavement science, energy and the environment. The Spirit of innovation has led to the rehabilitation processes which will significantly extend street life through creation of a thriving community of more than 153,000 residents and nearly innovative, environmentally conscious processes. Ecostar’s products and 2,000 businesses with diverse interests and capabilities. Today, Palmdale processes, which are manufactured and assembled in Lancaster, have the offers not only world-class engineering and state-of-the-art manufacturing potential to reshape the way the world understands and carries out street facilities, but remarkable new medical facilities, a strong service sector and a maintenance. As the twice-recognized “Most Business Friendly City in Los robust retail marketplace as well. With an unrivaled quality of life, abundant Angeles County,” the City of Lancaster has worked hand-in-hand with Ecostar land, unlimited opportunities for growth, and a City Hall tailored to helping to ensure its success and looks forward to the ways in which its innovative businesses succeed, Palmdale is a city ready to exceed all expectations. new products and processes will revive our streets, provide employment opportunities and substantially reduce the impact of road construction on the environment. KINKISHARYO INTERNATIONAL Expansion plans at their Palmdale facility are underway. The current 166,000 square foot facility will increase to 400,000 square feet to accommodate HOME-GROWN GREEN TRANSIT: their manufacturing operations. With an $891-million contract to build Yet another testament to the innovative business ventures that Lancaster and deliver 235 light rail cars for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and its partners fearlessly pursue, 2014 yielded the production of the most Kinkisharyo’s Palmdale facility currently employs about 165 employees in the efficient long-range articulated bus available in the U.S. market. Built by assembly process. When manufacturing operations are added in early 2016 China-based BYD in their Lancaster manufacturing facility, and named the employment number will jump to between 250 and 300. “Lancaster” as a show of good faith in the partnership between our City and this international leader in the transportation industry, the 60-foot, 120- RIDGECREST passenger articulated electric bus travels up to 170 miles on a single charge, Monarch, INC. (Source: Owner, Eileen Shibley) far exceeding competitors. This innovative product paints an inspiring picture Where aerospace innovation is the culture… of what is to come in the global electric large-vehicle arena; in the short time that BYD has been in Lancaster, they have not simply made another green- In 2014, Monarch, Inc. became incorporated, built a 15,000 sq ft energy breakthrough—they have created a brand new product which has set manufacturing plant in Ridgecrest, acquired a commercial grade 3D printing a new standard for all types of large vehicles around the world. environment, brought on line a printed circuit board capability for rapid 30 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org BUSINESS/INDUSTRIAL PARKS THE SUCCESS OF OUR LOCAL INDUSTRIAL LANCASTER Park One Industrial Park North Valley Industrial Center Location: Rancho Vista Blvd. and 10th SECTOR IS DIRECTLY TRANSLATING Location: Avenue H and Division St Street East Total Acreage: 270 acres Total Acreage: 10 acres INTO A SOURCE OF LASTING, Zoning: Heavy Industrial Zoning: Industrial and Commercial SUCCESSFUL CAREERS Lancaster Business Park Sierra Business Park Location: Business Center Parkway Location: 10th West and Avenue M-4 and Ave K-8 Total Acreage: 30 acres prototyping, and produced our first production lot of commercial drones. Total Acreage: 240 acres Zoning: Commercial Monarch™ is a technology company that conceptualizes, designs, and Zoning: Specific Plan manufactures robotic systems for commercial applications. Monarch™ builds Sierra Gateway Park small robotic systems (less than 50 pounds) in both fixed and rotary wing Enterprise Business Park Location: Avenue O-8 and Sierra Hwy designs. Our rotary wing design, the Monarch™ has been used successfully Location: Sierra Hwy and Ave L-4 Total Acreage: 133 acres in both precision agriculture and engineering surveys. The Monarch™ has Total Acreage: 75 acres Zoning: Commercial Zoning: Office/Light Industrial a unique Cocoon™ that serves to house EO, IR, and multispectral sensors. CALIFORNIA CITY Through mission planner open source software to sophisticated mapping Southern Amargosa Industrial Airport Business Park software, autonomous flights can produce high resolution geo-rectified Location: Ave L and M East of SR-14 Location: California City Municipal imagery. Total Acreage: 1,400 acres Airport Zoning: Medium/Light Industrial Total Acreage: 40 acres Monarch™ is located in the heart of aviation development, home to one of Zoning: Industrial and M1 the highest concentrations of intellectual capital in military, industrial and Centerpoint Business Park educational entities in our country. The headquarters is in Ridgecrest, CA Location: Ave J and Lowtree Ave MOJAVE (150 miles north of Los Angeles) near the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Total Acreage: 9.5 acres Mojave Airport Station and 20,000 square miles of pristine airspace—the largest contiguous Zoning: Office Professional Location: SR 58 and Flight Line restricted airspace in the country. The remote location offers enough The BLVD Total Acreage: 3,300 acres infrastructure to support industry, as well as enough space for future Location: Lancaster Blvd and 10th St Zoning: Industrial and Airport Uses expansion. Climatic and geographic diversity for testing, under virtually W to Sierra Hwy Ridgecrest every condition, makes this area a prime location for developing and Total Acreage: 9.5 acres Ridgecrest Business Park manufacturing robotic systems. www.monarchmakers.com Zoning: Commercial/Office Location: China Lake Blvd. & Ward Professional/Specific Plan PERTEXA: New firm manufacturing tele-health equipment (RoboDoc) and Avenue health software. Primary markets to be hospital, rehab centers, rural clinics, Antelope Valley Medical Main Total Acreage: 63 acres Zoning: Professional/Light Industrial critical access, nursing homes and prisons to name a few. This will allow Street Physicians to be linked to command center enabling specialists to conduct Location: Ave J and 15th St W Ridgecrest Industrial Park consults. Projected sales in first year 1-750 units equaling $26,250,000 in Total Acreage: 340 acres Location: West Ridgecrest sales and over 35 jobs. Zoning: Medical Office Professional Total Acreage: 81 acres Zoning: Light Industrial/Mixed WATER BLASTERS: New firm manufacturing water toys, estimated 15,000 PALMDALE units in 2014 with over 30,000 in 2015. Challenger Business Park INYOKERN Location: Palmdale Blvd. and 5th Inyokern Airport Industrial TEHACHAPI St. W. District Tehachapi has long been known as a quaint, community oriented town Total Acreage: 10 acres Location: Inyokern Blvd. and because of that you may have never considered moving or building Zoning: Commercial Total Acreage: 40 your business here. But Tehachapi actually has a strong infrastructure, Fairway Business Park Zoning: Light Industrial/Mixed supportive city leaders and is placed perfectly to help you grow. Founded on Location: Avenue O and Division the crossroads of the major West Coast and midland trade routes, Tehachapi TEHACHAPI Street has Grown Up in the heart of California’s population centers. Tehachapi’s Goodrick Business Park Total Acreage: 115 acres Location: Dennison Rd Parkway/ centralized location means that businesses and their employees have access Zoning: Business Park/Mixed Goodrick Rd to all that our beautiful State has to offer. The crisp air of the high sierras, the Total Acreage: 110 acres rugged curves of the California coastline, the Silicon Valley, and the L.A. basin Freeway Business Center Zoning: Light Industrial/Mixed are all less than a half-day’s drive. Location: State Highway 14 and Ave N Capital Hills Business Park The City of Tehachapi is on the precipice of another round of growth and Total Acreage: 115 acres Location: Capital Hills Pkwy/Mills development. According to the California Retail Survey, using the average Zoning: Commercial Road annual retail sales growth rate for the five-year period 2007-12, the Survey Total Acreage: 122 acres announced that the City of Tehachapi experienced the tenth fastest growth Palmdale Trade & Commerce Center Zoning: M-2 during this period. Over these five years, Tehachapi saw its retail market grow Location: 10th West and Rancho by a compound annual rate of 8.4%. By comparison, the statewide average Bailey Avenue Industrial Park Vista Blvd. for retail growth during this same period was -0.3%. Despite that rapid Location: Tehachapi Blvd. /Bailey Total Acreage: 746 acres Avenue expansion, Tehachapi remains an affordable place with hundreds of available Zoning: Industrial and Commercial acres ready to Build Up your business. Total Acreage: 25 acres Zoning: M-1 Large sections of the City already have contemporary fiber optic networks in place and “Smart City” concepts are being incorporated into all aspects of governance. Recent improvements to the power grid mean that Tehachapi Chemtool – one of the largest manufacturers and custom formulators of can support heavy users with little or no upgrades. And the City of Tehachapi, lubricants and specialty products in the world is proud to make Tehachapi has invested over $6 million in water and sewer system upgrades since 2007 their home. to accommodate decades of future development. When you’re ready to take SunSelect – A new 32 acre organic hydroponics greenhouse, which grows your business to new heights our motivated staff can lead you through a peppers and tomatoes. Expansion plans for 2015 include another 32 acre- streamlined development process to ensure you project is done quickly and site. cost effectively. ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 31 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

TRAINS, PLANES

AND LOGISTICS

ANTELOPE VALLEY TRANSIT AUTHORITY Two BYD Electric Buses Are Ready to “POWER ON”. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the allocation of $1.9 million METROLINK in local funds to the Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) to As Southern California’s premier regional rail system, we do everything purchase two zero-emission buses through BYD, an Antelope Valley- in our power to provide high-quality, dependable, on-time service. This based, electric bus manufacturing company. “The Antelope Valley commitment to excellence is a promise our riders have the right to expect. is a leader in demonstrating new technology,” stated AVTA Chair Routes from the Antelope Valley are available 7-days a week. Check the Norm Hickling. “It’s only fitting AVTA should lead the way with schedule for details. deploying state-of-the-art electric bus technology. Not only are we helping the environment be we are also an economic catalyst in the region.” AVTA is also working with WAVE Inc. to install wireless Number of Trains Average Daily Ridership charging stations at the agency’s two major transfer centers in A.V. Line Weekday Weekend Weekday Weekend Palmdale and Lancaster. A $670,000 contract has been awarded to 2013-2014 30 12 (Sat) 12 (Sun) 5854 3,499 (Sat) 2,451 (Sun) WAVE Inc. which relies on new technology that eliminates the need 2011-2012 30 12 (Sat) 6 (Sun) 6139 2,972 (Sat) 1,775(Sun) for a hard wire when charging. As a result, zero emission buses can remain in revenue service as long as their diesel counterparts.“We 2009-2010 30 12 (Sat) 6 (Sun) 5807 2,181 (Sat) 1,173(Sun) are extremely grateful to Supervisor Antonovich and to the Board 2007-2008 24 12 (Sat) 6 (Sun) 6734 2,628 (Sat) 1,369(Sun) of Supervisors for their generosity in providing the funds. We are looking forward to putting these buses into service so that our residents can enjoy the benefits of a smooth and quiet, electric bus ride,” said AVTA Executive Director Julie Austin. “If all goes as Daily Station Boardings anticipated, we intend to seek new sources of funding to add more Average Weekday Ridership 2014 electric buses to the fleet.” Glendale 618 844 NORTH COUNTY TRANSPORTER Burbank The North County TRANSporter is the “Gateway to LA” for residents Sun Valley 80 of the Antelope Valley. This midday bus service connects A.V. residents to the Santa Clarita Valley making trips “down below” Sylmar/SF 458 more convenient. The service offers ten trips each weekday between Newhall 321 the Palmdale Transportation Center and the Newhall Metrolink Station, with additional connections to the recently opened McBean Santa Clarita 267 Regional Transit Center. The midday schedule gives AV residents the Princessa 417 option to travel outside of peak commute hours, providing much more freedom and limitless travel possibilities to Santa Clarita and Vincent 102 the Los Angeles area. The North County TRANSporter was made possible through funding secured by Los Angeles County Supervisor Palmdale 365 Michael Antonovich, and the Antelope Valley Transit Authority Lancaster 367 (AVTA). The route is currently serving more than 1,000 passengers per week. (Source www.avta.com) 0 200 400 600 800 1000 Passengers

32 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org CALIFORNIA HIGH SPEED RAIL 3. Planning for the Phase 2 System. By 2029, the system will run from San Francisco to the Los Angeles basin 4. Implementation of a statewide rail modernization plan, investing in under three hours at speeds capable of over 200 miles per hour. The billions of dollars in local and regional rail lines. system will eventually extend to Sacramento and San Diego, totaling 800 miles with up to 24 stations. Included in the project is a statewide rail modernization plan for existing infrastructure. PROPOSED HIGH DESERT CORRIDOR The High Desert Corridor (HDC) project proposes a multi-purpose, “It is part of our vision as an intermodal transportation hub unlike any multi-modal transportation link between State Route (SR)-14 in Los place in the world, with two high speed rail systems, an airport, the High Angeles County and SR-18 in San Bernardino County. This project Desert corridor, Antelope Valley Freeway, Metrolink, Amtrak, and AVTA would connect some of the fastest growing residential, commercial and all converging in Palmdale.” Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford, Jr. industrial areas in Southern California, including the cities of Palmdale, Four major activities are underway now: Lancaster, Adelanto, Victorville and the Town of Apple Valley. 1. Construction of the backbone of the high-speed rail system in the Goals of the project include: Central Valley (Fresno station). • Address current and future regional growth • Improve east-west mobility 2. Planning and/or environmental clearance of the remainder of the • Enhance safety Phase 1 System. • Improved connections between regional airports and efficient movement of goods

Source: www.hsr.ca.gov www.metro.net/projects/high-desert-corridor/ AIRPORTS

CALIFORNIA CITY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT MOJAVE AIR & SPACE PORT - THE WORLD’S PREMIERE California City Municipal Airport (L 71), 6,045’ x75’ main runway offers FLIGHT TEST FACILITY! opportunity to aviation enthusiasts and businesses within 100 mile The 3300 acre Mojave Air and Space Port has amassed more first flights radius with ease of access via air, three major highways, a stand-alone and significant newsworthy flight activity than any other airport in air quality district for East Kern County and the 40-acre industrial park. the world over the past ten years. Currently home to more than 70 Located within the Edwards 2508 Military Operating Area makes it a companies Mojave Air and Space Port and industrial park might very prime location for Flight Test Development. well be a future destination for your business. • Upgraded infrastructure, 3,000 feet of runway and integrated a new FOX AIRFIELD commercial development taxiway system. Located in the City of Lancaster, General William J. Fox Airfield facilitates • Our upgraded rail infrastructure and switch engine moves product • 58,000 general aviation takeoffs and landings each year. in/out of Mojave Air and Space Port with 34 daily rail car shipments • Publicly available to general aviation aircraft 24/7. through a license agreement with Union Pacific. • Home to over 200 based aircraft, a restaurant, and several aviation- • Home to the National Test Pilot School (accredited in 2006), where related businesses. Additionally, the airport is home to the U.S. more test pilots are educated than any other site in the world. Department of Forestry’s local air tanker base as well as an aviation Flight research activities include endo- and exo-atmospheric craft museum. supporting private sector and government funded projects. www.MojaveAirport.com The airport has an operating Air Traffic Control Tower, a single 7,201’ by 150’ runway equipped with runway end identifier lights (REILs), pilot PALMDALE REGIONAL AIRPORT controlled medium-intensity runway lighting (MIRLs) and a precision The City of Palmdale assumed control of the airport December 2013, approach path indicator (PAPIs), full- and self-service fueling services managing it via the Palmdale Airport Authority, and is currently developing (JetA and 100LL), and an Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) a joint use agreement with the United States Air Force at Palmdale Plant 42. reporting weather conditions 24-hours a day. www.dpw.lacounty.gov/avi/airports/GeneralWMJFox.aspx Located just 60 miles from downtown Los Angeles, the airport will play a central role in Palmdale’s future transportation plans. Positioning itself to INYOKERN AIRPORT be an intermodal center unlike any other in the world, plans are underway Inyokern Airport is a public use airport serving the northeastern to bring the airport, two high speed rail systems (California High Speed Rail communities of Kern County, CA. The airport covers 1,640 acres at an CHSR and Xpress West from Las Vegas), two freeways, Metrolink rail, Amtrak, elevation of 2,457 feet, with three asphalt paved runways that can AVTA and Greyhound all together converging and connecting in Palmdale. accommodate almost any class of civilian, commercial or military aircraft. ROSAMOND SKYPARK AIRPORT • Unrivaled test sites under the largest contiguous block of unrestricted A privately-owned and operated residential skypark located in airspace in the nation (22,000 miles or 12% of California’s total Southern California’s Antelope Valley (AKA “Aerospace Valley”). Our FAA airspace). designator is L00 (Lima-Zero-Zero), is open for public use, and features • 350 Clear flying days a year a paved 3,600-foot (1,100 m) runway. • Desert, mountain and maritime environments TEHACHAPI MUNICIPAL AIRPORT • One million acres of California desert At an elevation of 4,001 feet, Tehachapi’s Municipal Airport is known as the corridor to Northern and Southern California! Located at the Inyokern Airport provides a playground to intrepid aviators, film crews, southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Tehachapi is an ideal spot military and high-tech testing operations, and supporting some of the to stop for some of the most affordable fuel in California, and as a place greatest milestones in manned and unmanned flight. to locate your business. www.InyoKernAirport.com Next door to the renowned Mojave Air and Space Port, we’re aviation friendly with over 100 acres of developable land in a prime location for light industrial manufacturing. www.liveuptehachapi.com/index.aspx?nid=26 ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 33 REGIONAL 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 as large variety of spacious homes in an assortment of settings including gated communities and country club sites as wells 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 OUR REGION’S HOUSING MARKET ISN’T JUST ABOUT PRICE, IT’S ABOUT VALUE

AVERAGE PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT-2014 $300.00

$250.00

$200.00

$150.00

This 920 square foot 3-bedroom 1-bath home built in 1961 in $100.00

Santa Clarita sold in April 2014 for $350,000. $50.00

LANCASTER PALMDALE SANTA CLARITA VALENCIA $108.50 $120.30 $244.10 $262.00

AVERAGE SALES PRICE-2014

$500,000

$400,000

$300,000

$200,000

$100,000

LANCASTER PALMDALE SANTA CLARITA VALENCIA This 3,992 square foot 5-bedroom, 3-bath home built in $184,785 $237,898 $424,012 $518,465 2005 in West Lancaster sold in April 2014 for $337,000.

OUR WORKFORCE does not have to “drive ‘till they qualify” thanks to diversity of housing options and affordability available here!

Source: First American Real Estate Solutions. 34 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org ANTELOPE VALLEY HOME SALES 2014 vs 2013

Although the number of homes sold in 2014 declined by almost 600 units, THE AVERAGE SELLING PRICE WAS UP 14% MARKING THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF DOUBLE DIGIT INCREASES REGIONWIDE SINCE 2007!

NUMBER OF UNITS SOLD AVERAGE PRICE PER SQ FT AVERAGE SALES PRICE % OF % OF % OF Area 2013 2014 CHANGE 2013 2014 CHANGE 2013 2014 CHANGE Cal City, Mojave 382 334 -13% $45 $55 22% $72,049 $85,386 19% Ridgecrest 469 486 4% $82 $87 6% $135,004 $144,500 7% Rosamond Area 258 276 7% $87 $97 11% $145,858 $159,766 10% Tehachapi Area 628 594 -5% $108 $117 9% $198,022 $208,894 5% Antelope Acres 66 80 21% $94 $111 17% $190,705 $205,393 8% Lake Los Angeles 203 188 -7% $68 $86 26% $93,733 $118,980 27% East Lancaster 946 833 -12% $87 $100 15% $141,675 $164,052 16% West Lancaster 1,469 1,276 -13% $99 $114 16% $182,835 $205,517 12% West Palmdale 907 799 -12% $110 $130 18% $244,920 $289,014 18% East Palmdale 1,376 1,265 -8% $96 $114 19% $159,478 $186,782 17% Littlerock 186 170 -9% $92 $117 26% $138,871 $177,277 28% Leona Valley 63 54 -14% $146 $157 7% $247,675 $269,983 9% ALL AREAS 6,953 6,355 -9% $93 $107 15% $162,569 $184,629 14%

AVERAGE SALES PRICE 2010 - 2014

$450,000

$405,000

$360,000

$315,000

$270,000

$225,000

$180,000

$135,000

$90,000

$45,000

Antelope Acres Cal City, Mojave Lake LA E. Lancaster W. Lancaster E. Palmdale W. Palmdale Rosamond Tehachapi

2010 $170,216 $61,900 $70,400 $118,146 $155,157 $135,124 $211,462 $123,306 $173,019 2011 $181,877 $64,157 $67,619 $115,215 $154,929 $130,891 $201,997 $112,204 $156,830 2012 $161,549 $60,547 $73,346 $122,032 $153,870 $131,318 $207,598 $117610 $169,898 2013 $190,705 $72,049 $93,733 $141,675 $182,835 $159,478 $244,920 $145,858 $198,022 2014 $205,393 $85,386 $118,980 $164,052 $250,517 $186,782 $289,014 $159,766 $208,894

Source: First American Real Estate Solutions. ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 35 ANTELOPE VALLEY HOUSING

NEW HOME SALES/BUILDING PERMITS ANTELOPE VALLEY NEW HOME SALES UNITS SOLD AVERAGE SALES PRICE AREA 2013 2014 % CHANGE 2013 2014 % CHANGE East Lancaster 99 77 -22% $264,461 $284,403 8% West Lancaster 10 35 250% $290,864 $322,000 11% West Palmdale 0 5 - - $318,600 - East Palmdale 34 17 -50% $227,900 $248,618 9% Total 143 134 -6% $261,075 $293,405 12%

New home sales activity declined by 9 units or 6% compared to 2013 but the average selling price increased more than $32,000 or 12% over last year!

NEW HOUSING UNITS RESIDENTIAL DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s NON-RESIDENTIAL New New Res. DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s Single Multi- Total Single- Multi- Alter. & Total New New New Alter. & Total Total All CAL CITY* Year Family Family Units Family Family Additions Residential Year Comm’l Indust’l Other Additions Nonresid. Building 2014 4 0 4 $415 0 $39 $454 2014 $14 $10 0 $116 $140 $594

RESIDENTIAL NON-RESIDENTIAL NEW HOUSING UNITS DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s New New Res. Single Multi- Total Single- Multi- Alter. & Total New New New Alter. & Total Total All PALMDALE Year Family Family Units Family Family Additions Residential Year Comm’l Indust’l Other Additions Nonresid. Building 2005 1,579 0 1,579 $367,806 $- $3,961 $371,767 2005 $18,875 $13,944 $19,628 $9,719 $62,167 $433,934 2010 149 0 149 $30,295 $- $1,870 $32,166 2010 $1,108 $- $1,897 $11,319 $14,325 $46,491 2014 42 0 42 $7,899 $- $3,242 $11,141 2014 $7,179 $- $3,988 $19,103 $30,270 $41,410

NEW HOUSING UNITS RESIDENTIAL DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s NON-RESIDENTIAL New New Res. DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s Single Multi- Total Single- Multi- Alter. & Total New New New Alter. & Total Total All LANCASTER Year Family Family Units Family Family Additions Residential Year Comm’l Indust’l Other Additions Nonresid. Building 2005 2,799 78 2,877 $504,987 $5,091 $6,973 $517,051 2005 $17,023 $2,667 $ 6,810 $7,082 $33,582 $550,633 2010 277 0 277 $58,272 $- $1,333 $59,605 2010 $1,581 $- $1,321 $8,025 $10,928 $70,533 2014 109 0 109 $29,834 $- $15,604 $45,438 2014 $8,005 $- $3,054 $10,115 $21,174 $66,612

NEW HOUSING UNITS RESIDENTIAL DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s NON-RESIDENTIAL DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s 2014 86 - 86 $1,629 $- $1,848 New New New Alter. & Total Total All Year Comm’l Indust’l Other Additions Nonresid. Building RIDGECREST $3,477 2014 $399 $- $56 $302 $757 $4,234

NEW HOUSING UNITS RESIDENTIAL DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s NON-RESIDENTIAL New New Res. DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s Single Multi- Total Single- Multi- Alter. & Total New New New Alter. & Total Total All TEHACHAPI Year Family Family Units Family Family Additions Residential Year Comm’l Indust’l Other Additions Nonresid. Building 2014 54 0 54 $7,436 $- $1,808 $9,244 2014 $14,949 $280 $- $867 $16,096 $25,340

Source: Construction Industry Research Board - First Fidelity Title - GAVEA Research

36 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org HEALTH CARE IN THE HIGH DESERT

Residents of the Antelope Valley will now have local access ANTELOPE VALLEY HOSPITAL Antelope Valley Hospital, a facility of Antelope Valley Healthcare District, to quality medical care at this state-of-the-art Regional Health “ is a full-service 420-bed, not-for-profit, acute care, medical and surgical Center which is centrally located and accessible by public hospital established in 1955. Our staff believes that providing excellent transportation. The new facility offers primary care clinics, a healthcare is the key to success. broad range of specialty clinic, urgent care, and cutting edge Antelope Valley Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission. diagnostic services Some of our services include: —LA COUNTY SUPERVISOR” MICHAEL ANTONOVICH” 24-hour emergency room, Obstetrical Services including NICU and OB Clinics, Comprehensive Diagnostic Imaging Services, including state- of-the-art CAT scanner and MRI, Critical Care Units, Highly regarded HIGH DESERT REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER medical/surgical services and Outpatient surgery services, Rehabilitation, The new Health Center, operated by the LA County Department of Health Occupational, and Physical Therapy Outpatient and Inpatient services, Services provides coordinated outpatient services, including adult and Home Care services, including Skilled Nursing, IV Therapy, Wound Care, pediatric primary care, urgent care, specialty care, and outpatient surgery. Newborn Baby/Mother Visits, Pediatrics, Medication Administration, Pain A wide range of diagnostic and treatment services such as radiology, Management, Personal Assistance by licensed Home Health Aides, and laboratory testing, respiratory, physical therapy, and oncology services are Medical Social Workers and Forensic Services. offered under one roof. The Health Center’s urgent care clinic will provide AV Hospital by the numbers - walk-in access seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to midnight. • 57% Market share The facility, which was designed to meet environmental energy and design (LEED) gold standards, also houses special programs including • 450 Physicians in 66 specialities an HIV/AIDS Clinic, Foster Care Medical HUB Clinic, disease management • 2,500 Employees, ranking #5 in the AV programs for diabetes and asthma, and a pediatric dental clinic. The new Center is located at 335 East Avenue I, Lancaster, CA 93535. • 200,000 Patients each year dhs.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dhs/highdesert • 400 Volunteers • 115 Acres - Main hospital campus KAISER PERMANENTE Kaiser Permanente—one of America’s leading health care providers • 200 Wireless workstations and not-for-profit health plans—has been helping people get and stay avhospital.org healthy in the Antelope Valley since 1968. With more than 120 physicians and 900 employees, Kaiser Permanente provides high quality care to CITY OF HOPE more than 108,000 patients at six convenient locations in Lancaster and Recognized as one of the country’s “Top Hospitals for Cancer” by U.S.News Palmdale. & World Report, City of Hope, in partnership with Antelope Valley In September 2014, Kaiser Permanente opened the Antelope Valley Hospital, brings unsurpassed cancer care to Lancaster. Serving the greater Medical Offices, which has 25 specialty care departments, as well as population of Antelope Valley, Palmdale and Edwards Air Force base, City diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, and laboratory. This modern, eco-friendly of Hope collaborates with local physicians to develop comprehensive building is designed to be home to up to 66 clinicians. cancer care plans individualized for each patient. This state-of-the- Primary care services—pediatrics, internal medicine, and family art clinic provides the best of academic and community medicine. In medicine—are available in Lancaster and Palmdale. Each location houses addition, City of Hope l Antelope Valley provides community education diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, and laboratory with extended hours to and Continuing Medical Education for physicians. www.cityofhope.org/ accommodate patients’ busy schedules. antelope-valley

In addition, the Palmdale Medical Offices offer preventive services to both PALMDALE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER patients and community members through its health education center. Palmdale Regional Medical Center continues its journey towards The center features classes in weight management, prenatal care, and becoming one of the premier providers of healthcare services in the diabetes management; a literature and video room; a health store; three region. The primary focus is and will always be on becoming the clear family education rooms; and four conference rooms. leader in the provision of quality driven, patient-focused care. In addition, More information and locations at kp.org/antelopevalley the medical center continues to broaden its service offerings within its

ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 37 core initiatives of the neurosciences, heart care, musculoskeletal care, and HIGH DESERT MEDICAL GROUP cancer care. High Desert Medical Group, (HDMG), is an affiliate of Heritage Provider New programs that are currently being developed on the PRMC campus Network—a recognized innovative leader in healthcare delivery networks to support the hospital’s core initiatives include a new regional acute in California for more than 30 years. Since our formation in 1982, HDMG rehabilitation center which will focus on the care of stroke/spinal has mirrored the reputation of our parent company by being at the cord/head injury patients, a near-doubling of the number of surgical forefront in providing residents of the Antelope Valley with the highest suites offered, and the opening of a new radiation-oncology center as a quality health care possible. Cities we serve: component of the Antelope Valley Cancer Center expansion. The Bariatric Palmdale, Lancaster, Quartz Hill, Pearblossom, Acton, Rosamond, Lake (weight-loss) Program at PRMC also continues to grow with its recent Los Angeles, Pinon Hills, California City, Tehachapi, Mojave. To learn more affiliation with the National Football League of Players Association visit www.hdmg.net and the Hope Foundation in order to improve the health of retired NFL players, and to also impact childhood obesity in the Antelope Valley SIERRA MEDICAL GROUP through retired NFL player involvement in the community. The Bariatric Founded in 1984, SMG joined Heritage Provider Network in 2008. We Program is also currently waiting for national designation as a Bariatric have created an atmosphere of wellness by promoting the idea that Center of Excellence. www.palmdaleregional.com/ health is a function of mind and body. We have diligently invested our time and resources in the development of programs and services RIDGECREST REGIONAL HOSPITAL responsive to the healthcare needs of today’s patient, while adapting Serves the community of the Southern Sierra Region and is continually to the increasingly diverse needs of tomorrow’s healthcare agenda. We seeking areas to expand to better serve this area. The balance of two emphasize the importance of getting to know you and your history to qualities; clinical excellence and the sense of belonging, combined with ensure that you receive the highest quality medical care. Convenient advanced technology, integrity, professional expertise and thoughtful locations in Lancaster and Palmdale with access to urgent care centers, understanding, help to make our hospital and its services an excellent on-site radiology and lab services, health education programs. www. place to receive care. sierramedicalgroup.com RIDGECREST REGIONAL HOSPITAL was the first Critical Access Hospital in the Nation to receive the quality based certification of ISO 9001 from OTHER HEALTH SERVICES FOUND IN THE REGION DNV Healthcare and shows how committed we are to patient safety and •Long-Term Care providers total quality. •Home Care & Hospice Ridgecrest Regional Hospital Services: •Adult Day Health Care Centers • Emergency Care, Urgent Care, Intensive Care, Transitional Care & Rehab •Dialysis Centers Unit, General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgeries & Sports Medicine, OB/GYN •Chiropractors & Perinatal Care Unit, Pediatrics, X-Rays, MRI, 4D Ultrasound, CT Scans, Digital Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Physical, Occupational & •Dentists Speech Therapy, Home Health & Hospice, Mental Health, Skilled Nursing •Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Facility and more. •Orthodontists To learn more go to rrh.org/ •Ambulance / Transport agencies TEHACHAPI VALLEY HEALTHCARE DISTRICT Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District “More than just a Hospital, Quality Healthcare. Right Here. Right Now” www.tvhd.org

38 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org QUALITY OF LIFE

The people of this region work hard and play hard! And, because of our close proximity to everywhere, we can be in the mountains, at the beach, in the big city, cruising the coast, riding the sand dunes or...within a short drive in any direction. Closer to home, we have endless options for indoor and outdoor fun. Here’s just a brief example and links to learn more:

REGIONAL COMMUNITY EVENTS

CALIFORNIA CITY MOJAVE www.californiacityparksandrec.com • Mojave Gold Rush Days (Oct) • Desert Tortoise Days (May) • California City Renaissance Festival (Oct) PALMDALE The city of Palmdale has been selected to participate www.cityofpalmdale.org/Residents/ in the Special Olympics World Games “Host Town” • Randsburg Western Days (Oct) Recreation-and-Culture program from July 21 – 24, 2015. Before the Special • Springfest – Egg Hunt (Mar) Olympics World Games begin on July 25, 2015, LANCASTER www.destinationlancasterca.org/things-to-do • Summer Concert Series – Summer more than 7,000 athletes from 177 countries will be • Family Movie Nights – Summer 2015 welcomed to Southern California through the “Host • LA County Air Show (Mar) • National Night Out – Summer Town” program. One hundred communities from www.lacountyairshow.com San Luis Obispo to San Diego will have the honor of • 9/11 Ceremony – Fallen Heroes (Sep) • California Poppy Festival (Apr) being selected as an official Host Town. • Gracefest – Christian Music Festival (Sep) • Lancaster Jazz Festival (Jun) “It is quite an honor to be selected as a Host Town • Taste of Palmdale – (Sep) • Thunder on the Lot (Jun) for an event that’s as well-known, admired and • Making Strides Against Cancer Walk – (Oct) • HOT HOT HOT 4th of July extravaganza (Jul) respected as the Special Olympics,” said Mayor • Holiday Open House – (Nov/Dec) • Antelope Valley Fair (Aug) of Palmdale Jim Ledford. “We look forward to • Antelope Valley Mall Tree Lighting Ceremony – (Dec) • Celebrate America on the BLVD (Sep) welcoming all the athletes, coaches and visitors to • Bark in the Park, Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix, Palmdale — the birthplace of the space shuttles The BOOLVD, California Circuit Finals Rodeo (Oct) — and sharing our wonderful hospitality and amenities.” • Field of Drafts Beer Festival (Nov) • A Magical BLVD Christmas (Dec)

ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 39 QUARTZ HILL www.cityofpalmdale.org/Airpark www.avwinery.com/ • quartzhillchamber.com • Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery Maturango Museum Greater Tehachapi Wineries and Vineyards: • Almond Blossom Festival (Mar) • MOAH www.lancastermoah.org • Dorner Family Vineyard dornerfamilyvineyard.com • Maturango Museum@ Ridgecrest - maturango.org • Souza Family Vineyard: RIDGECREST • Mojave Transportation Museum www.souzafamilyvineyard.com/ www.ridgecrest-ca.gov/recreation www.mojavemuseum.org/ • Triassic Legacy Vineyards: • Wildflower Festival Beer, Wine & • Tehachapi Railroad Museum www.triassiclegacy.com Food Walk (April) www.tehachapidepot.com/ • Veritas Tapas & Wine Bar

• The Desert Empire Fair (Oct) • US Naval Museum of Armament www.veritastapasandwine.com/ • Ridgecrest Petroglyph Festival (Nov) & Technology • Acton / Agua Dulce Area Wineries: www.chinalakemuseum.org/ • Agua Dulce Winery - TEHACHAPI • Western Hotel Museum www.aguadulcewinery.com/ www/tvrpd.org www.lancastermoah.org/about-western- • Reyes Winery - reyeswinery.com/ • Tehachapi Mountain Festival (Aug) hotel-museum.php • Tehachapi Gran Fondo (Sep) PERFORMING ARTS www.tehachapigranfondo.com SHOPPING • AV Symphony Orchestra & Master Chorale A cycling event for over 700 participants. The • Antelope Valley Mall avsomc.avc.edu/ inaugural event attracted visitors from over 120 www.AV-Mall.com • Community Light Opera & Theater different cities and generated more than $300,000 • THE BLVD: www.theblvdlancaster.com www.Ridgecrest-Arts.org in economic activity. • Destination Lancaster • Lancaster Performing Arts www.LPAC.org www.DestinationLancasterCA • Palmdale Amphitheater LIBRARIES • Main Street Tehachapi www.cityofpalmdale.org/TheAmp • Kern County Libraries www.mainstreettehachapi.org • Palmdale Playhouse • www.KernCountyLibrary.org www.cityofpalmdale.org/Playhouse DINING • Los Angeles County Libraries www.CoLAPubLib.org • Lancaster: Eighteen new restaurants opened or MOVIE THEATERS expanded in Lancaster during 2014 and more are • Over 60 screens regionally • Palmdale City Library www.CityofPalmdale.org/library set to open this coming year. 2014 also saw an • Cinemark 22 and IMAX increase in total restaurant sales from $106 million • Cinemark Movies 12 MUSEUMS annually in 2009 to $162 million in 2014 -- 3.5 • Cinemark at Antelope Valley Mall • BLVD Cinema • 20 Mule Team Museum - Boron, CA 93516 times the National average. While this dramatic • Hitching Post Theaters Phone: (760) 762-5810 increase in sales was influenced by the influx of • Ridgecrest Cinemas • Antelope Valley Indian Museum @ Lancaster new restaurant options, the majority of the increase www.avim.parks.ca.gov/ is indicative of Lancaster residents enjoying more SPORTS VENUES / PARKS • Black Bird Air Park @ Edwards Air Force Base meals-out than in previous years, and at a steeper • The Lancaster JetHawks, our hometown minor incline than most other cities throughout the Nation. www.afftcmuseum.org/visit/blackbird-airpark/ league affiliate of the Houston Astros and the 2014 California League champions, offers a great EDWARDS AIR FORCE UNIQUE BREWERIES AND WINERIES baseball outing for the whole family with bargain FLIGHT TEST MUSEUM www.destinationlancasterca.org/things-to-do/ www.afftcmuseum.org/visit/edwards-museum/ things-to-do-breweries-and-wineries/ prices, up-close stadium seating, and frequent special events. The Jethawks stadium, known as • • Antelope Valley Winery Joe Davies Heritage Airpark@ Palmdale The Hangar, is located on Avenue I alongside the

40 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org freeway and is a small, intimate stadium with • CA Trail Users Coalition a big-game feel. While adults enjoy the exciting Tehachapi Loop - For Train Enthusiasts! www.trailusers.org game, children can have fun playing in the kids www.visittehachapi.com/play/555-tehachapi-loop.html • El Mirage OHV Recreation Area zone located next to the batting cages. It offers fun • Vasquez Rocks Natural Area www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/barstow/mirage.html activities such as bounce houses and inflatable parks.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dpr/Parks/ • Jawbone Canyon OHV Park games. The stadium also offers food and drinks Vasquez_Rocks_Natural_Area www.jawbone.org from their concession stands. Come to a Lancaster • Willow Springs International Raceway • Robbers Roost - digital-desert.com/robbers-roost/ JetHawks game for a true ballpark experience! www.willowspringsraceway.com/ www.JetHawks.com • LA County Trails Website The website provides A historic race track, in existence more than fifty years. hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians with • Best of the West® Softball Complex- Palmdale— The main track is a challenging 2.5-mile (4.0 km) long detailed, regularly-updated information to help you Best of the West® Softball Complex features eight road course that is unchanged from its original 1953 navigate the most scenic pathways in the region. world-class, year-round softball fields that are configuration. The interesting elevation changes and trails.lacounty.gov/ home to youth and adult league play and softball high average speeds make it a favorite of many road tournaments. www.cityofpalmdale.org/BOTW racing drivers. Willow Springs International Raceway OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST • Big 8 Softball Complex - Lancaster Park also features other racing facilities such as The www.big8softball.com/ Streets of Willow (1.8 mile road course), The Horsethief • Poppy Reserve Lancaster Mile (road course), Willow Springs Speedway (1/4 mile www.destinationlancasterca.org/visitor/onlyinav/ • Cal City Motocross Park www.calcitymxpark.com/ paved oval), Willow Springs Kart Track (a .625-mile, poppyreserve/ 9-turn paved sprint track), The Playpen (a 1/4-mile •  Palmdale • Aerospace Walk of Honor - Lancaster www. paved training track), and the Walt James Stadium www.cityofpalmdale.org/Drytown destinationlancasterca.org/visitor/onlyinav/ (Clay Oval and Paved Oval). Efforts by fans have walkofhonor/ • Lancaster National Soccer Center resulted in the State of California declaring Willow • Exotic Feline Conservation Center - Rosamond www.lancastersoccercenter.com/ Springs International Raceway as a California Point of www.cathouse-fcc.org/ The Lancaster National Soccer Center is the Historical Interest in 1996. largest soccer complex in the West. The facility • Indian Point Ostrich Ranch - Tehachapi includes 35 premium fields, with 11 fields fully www.indianpointranch.com/ lighted. A highlight of the Soccer Center is the CAMPING, HIKING, FISHING, BOATING AND HUNTING • Musical Road - Lancaster five FIFA fields, so designated due to meeting the /www.destinationlancasterca.org/visitor/ • Angeles National Forest International FIFA specifications for turf quality. With www.fs.usda.gov/angeles onlyinav/musicalroad/ an ongoing relationship with Cal South Youth Soccer • Windswept Ranch - Tehachapi • CA State Parks -www.parks.ca.gov/ Organization, the Lancaster National Soccer Center www.windsweptranch.net/ has been designated as an Official Cal South Venue. • BLM - www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/ridgecrest.html • Los Angeles County Raceway (LACR) - Palmdale. • Devils Punchbowl -parks.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/ www.lacrmotox.com dpr/Parks/Devils_Punchbowl_Natural_Area • Lake Isabella / Kernville - • High Desert Camping Info www.lakeisabella.net/ www.totalescape.com/tripez/desertcamp • MotoCross at the AV Fairgrounds • Littlerock Dam and Resevoir www.AVMotoplex.com www.littlerockdam.org/ • Red Rock State Park -www.parks.ca.gov/ • Pacific Crest Trail - www.pcta.org/ • Saddleback Butte State Park • Trona Pinnacles www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=618 www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/ridgecrest/trona.html • Sequoia & Kings Cyn. National Forest • US Forest Service -www.Recreation.gov www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm • OHV Riding - www.ohv.parks.ca.gov

ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 41 With appreciation and thanks to our sponsors for making this Report possible

42 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org