15 YEAR
ANNIVERSARY
2015
ECO N O M I C RO U N DTA B L E R E P O RT
Incorporated December ’99
SoCalLeadingEdge.org
R EGIONAL 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 Antelope Valley 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
CALIFORNIA 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 Norm Hickling
Officers
Directors
Harvey Holloway
Aaron Chang
Coldwell Banker Commercial Valley Realty Chairman of Board
Chuck Hoey
Charles Hoey and Associates Vice-Chair
Tom Barnes
Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency Vice-Chair
June Burcham
Kaiser Permanente Treasurer
Laurel Shockley
Southern California Edison Secretary
George B. Atkinson
Atkinson and Associates Director, at Large
Palmdale Regional Medical Center
Carrie Rogers
County of Los Angeles Supervisor Antonovich
Paulette Rush
MidAmerican Solar
Los Angeles Economic Development Corp.
Rob Duchow
Cheri Bryant
Steve Perez
Antelope Valley Press
Chris Perez
Wells Fargo Bank
David James
City of Tehachapi
Dixie Eliopulos
Honorary Member
Ed Knudson
Antelope Valley College
Garth Sandsness Rio Tinto
The Gas Company Rosamond Community Services District
Steve Radford
Antelope Valley Union High School District
Teresa Hitchcock Kern County
Tom Weil
City of California City
Vern Lawson
City of Lancaster
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
Palmdale School 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 b e c o m e a n i n v e s t o r m e m b e r , p l e a s e v i s i t o u r w e b s i t e w w w. S o C a l L e a d i n g E d g e . o r g o r c a l l u s a t 6 6 1 / 9 4 5 - 2 7 4 1
Table of Contents
I n t r o d uction
■ INTRODUCTION Welcome to Antelope Valley................. 1
The Greater Antelope Valley
■ DEMOGRAPHICS Area Profile ............................................. 2 Population Detail.................................... 3 Comparisons/Housing........................... 4 Communities..................................... 5-12 Dare to Compare................................... 13
A vast land of opportunity lies just an hour outside of Los Angeles. Known as Southern California’s Leading Edge, this group of high desert communities has been famed for its aerospace prowess for nearly 70 years. Supersonic travel, the Space Shuttle, and advanced stealth technology were all born here. NASA astronauts train here and now 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, building clean transport systems, crafting high-precision parts, generating fresh, green energy while adding value to innovative agricultural products.
■ ECONOMY Employment By Industry..................... 14 International Trade/ Cost of Doing Business...................... 15 Foreign Trade Zone............................... 15 Small Business Support....................... 16 Workforce............................................... 17 Renewable Energy................................. 18 Motion Pictures..........................................19 Water.....................................................20, 21 Agriculture...................................................21 Mining..........................................................22 ■ EDUCATION STEM Education............................... 23-25 Public/Private Schools ........................ 25 Community Colleges/ Universities.................................... 26, 27 ■ INDUSTRY Aerospace........................................ 28, 29 Business Parks/Industrial Space......30, 31 Public Transportation/Aviation...... 32, 33 ■ HOUSING Housing Market............................... 34-36 ■ HEALTH CARE Hospitals/Health Services............. 37, 38
With easy access to key transport corridors, good rail service, and three of America’s 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 of our Foreign Trade Zone. We also think you’ll find our air quality district, separate and distinct from LA’s stringent South Coast AQMD, to be refreshing. 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 and new Pacific Rim opportunities ready to explore. Our enterprising group of business-savvy cities also understands how to help companies succeed. They’ve cut red tape and work to fast-track projects so you can get 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 also lower, yet our workforce is highly trained, very motivated and anxious to work for local firms. The Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance, or simply The Alliance, is the public/ 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 towards finding success and new prosperity here. Our investors and sponsors make it possible for us to produce this Report every year 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 being a part of our efforts to retain, expand and attract primary jobs for our workforce and our families that make the high-desert home. Take time to discover the amazing opportunities found along Southern California’s Leading Edge. Visit our new website at SoCalLeadingEdge.org Harvey Holloway GAVEA Chairman Broker/Owner, Coldwell Banker Commercial Valley Realty
■ QUALITY OF LIFE Entertainment & Facilities............. 39-41
Kimberly Maevers, President Michelle Verjan, Executive Assistant Latasha McClelland, Program Specialist
1028 West Avenue L-12, Suite#101 Lancaster, CA 93534. 661/945-2741 • FAX: 661/945-7711 www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 1
AREA P RO F I L E
Economic Picture Brightens For Antelope Valley By Christopher Thornberg, PhD
TOTAL POPULATION OF GREATER ANTELOPE VALLEY REGION
530,179
ANNUAL GROWTH
2020 Projected 2015 Estimate 2014 Estimate 2010 Census
564,057 530,179 520,690 496,828
POPULATION BY ORIGIN Not Hispanic or Latino Hispanic or Latino
296,781 233,398
POPULATION BY RACE White 286,085 Black/African American 75,686 American Indian/Alaskan Native 5,361 Asian 19,633 Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 1,291 Other 112,929 Two or more Races 29,194 MEDIAN AGE
33.2
REGIONAL HOUSING Average Household Income $67,830 Per Capita Income $21,397 Housing Units 161,733 Persons per Household 3.17 Owner Occupied 66.1% Average Length of Residence (yrs) 13.8 ECONOMY Cost of Doing Business Low to Moderate (Property Taxes not Included) *2014 Numbers not available at press time
Ethnicity
Age Specific
Education
n 69.7% 225,084 Primarily English n 25.98% 125,260 Spanish speaking n 4.33% 20,861 Other speaking n 25.06% 0-17 n 54.84% 18-54 n 37.11% 55-64 n 10.41% Over 65 n 45.4% Some college or Assoc. Degree n 33.5% HS Grad or GED n 21.1% Bachelor’s Degree & Above
**Source: The Nielson Company 2 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org
There is little doubt that is has been a rough few years for the 400,000 people who call the Antelope Valley home. As bad as the ‘Great Recession’ was for the nation and California, it was worse in this region. The disproportionate impact was due largely to the structure of the local employment base. Logistics, construction, and manufacturing are three of the most important clusters in the area, and all three sectors were hit hard by the economic downturn. Of the three, only the logistics sector has recovered to its prerecession level of employment.
to do with an increased use of automation and information technology, rather than lack of competitiveness. More importantly, many of the high tech firms in the area, particularly those in aerospace, are on the cutting edge of new space and military technologies. While these companies may not be directly hiring many new people, their indirect impact on the local economy should not be underestimated. Non-residential construction permits in the Antelope Valley for 2014 are on track to be by far the best since 2008 — largely driven by these firms investing in the area.
On top of this, there were few communities affected as much as the Antelope Valley by the subprime mortgage crisis and the wave of foreclosures and collapsing home prices that followed. Taxable sales in the area fell by a whopping 30% through the housing cycle. And the region has been dealing with headwinds caused by the drought, and now by low oil prices, which will slow the Kern County oil boom that has been driving growth for the last few years.
Also important has been the end of the housing collapse. Foreclosures have dwindled to below-normal levels even as prices have been rising at a double digit pace. This has helped the financial situation for many local homeowners. And taxable sales in the region — while still below pre-recession levels — have started to grow at close to a 9% yearon-year pace. With credit becoming easier and buyer confidence on the rise, 2015 will prove to be another boom year for real estate across the state.
But it would be a big mistake to think that conditions and prospects for the area aren’t rapidly improving. Quite the opposite. A number of positive trends are occurring in the short and long term that will boost the Antelope Valley economy going forward — and signs of the recovery are already showing up in some local numbers. One of the major developments has been the broad based revival in the overall California economy. In 2014 the state was, in percentage terms, one of the fastest growing in the nation. And it isn’t just coastal communities with tech sectors leading the charge. Sonoma, Sacramento, Fresno, and the Inland Empire all posted some of the highest rates of job growth. A rising tide lifts all boats, and these trends are already having an impact on general business activity in the Antelope Valley region. As for the drought, what has been most interesting has been the lack of impact on local agriculture. The industry is far more resilient in the face of water shortages than many believed. Investments in new low-water growing techniques as well as shifting to low water intensity crops is showing how California agriculture will continue to thrive even in a low water-supply environment. And while manufacturing jobs are down, manufacturing in the region is not out. Manufacturing activity has been steadily rising in most of the U.S., including in California. The lack of job formation has more
Moreover, in Southern California, this new wave of home demand will not be met quickly with new supply, given the abuses of the California Environmental Quality Act by the many NIMBY’s who oppose infill development. This means that population growth, and by definition home construction, will yet again be pushed to the outer edges of the greater Los Angeles region – including the Antelope Valley. Recent data from the California Department of Finance show population growth in the incorporated portions of the region, while still far below pre-recession rates, starting to accelerate. Expect new residential permits to start rising again in 2015, combined with an increase in construction jobs. From a longer run perspective there is also much to cheer about in the Antelope Valley. The state’s demographic forecasters predict that 6.8 million new people will be calling California home in the next 20 years—and 40% of those residents will be located in Kern County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire. Given that the Antelope Valley sits strategically at the cross roads of these three booming regions, it’s difficult not to see good things occurring in the area’s future – as long as the right investments are made tying the local economy to its neighbors. Christopher Thornberg, PhD is an economist and Founding Partner of Beacon Economics LLC. Learn more at www.BeaconEcon.com.
POPULAT I O N D E TA I L LANCASTER
159,878
PALMDALE
150,000
150,000
120,000
120,000
155,657
TEHACHAPI
(City only*)
13,346
14,000 12,000 10,000
2014 31 3,245 2.07%
State Population Ranking (size) Population Growth from 2010 Population Growth % from 2010
165,157
177,164
State Population Ranking (size) 33 Population Growth from 2010 2,097 Population Growth % from 2010 1.90%
4,000 2,000
2020 – Estimate
152,750
6,000
2015 – Estimate
180,391
2020– Estimate
168,049
30,000
2015 – Estimate
2020 – Estimate
156,633
60,000
8,000
2010 – Census
2015 – Estimate
30,000
2010 – Census
60,000
90,000
2010 – Census
90,000
14,414
14,138
14,642
State Population Ranking (size) 338 Population Growth from 2010 (1,068) 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 30,000
14,000
ABOUT IN THE ANTELOPE VALLEY.
25,000
12,000 10,000
20,000
8,000
15,899 2014 340 (844) -5.98%
State Population Ranking (size) Population Growth from 2010 Population Growth % from 2010
2020 – Estimate
14,924
5,000
2015 – Estimate
14,120
10,000
2010 – Census
2020 – Estimate
2,000
2015 – Estimate
4,000
15,000
2010 – Census
6,000
25,103
27,967
28,460
State Population Ranking (size) Population Growth from 2010 Population Growth % from 2010
CITY
93501 93505 93516 93519 93523 93524 93527 93554 93555 93560 93561 93510 93532
Mojave California City Boron Cantil Edwards Edwards Inyokern Randsburg Ridgecrest Rosamond Tehachapi Acton Lake Hughes
2014
2015 EST
5,683 14,369 2,376 109 3,024 225 2,429 24 33,325 19,582 35,979 7,974 3,007
5,807 14,484 2,405 104 3,091 158 2,540 24 33,473 19,893 36,682 8,040 3,036
93534 93535 93536 93543 93544 93550 93551 93552 93553 93563 93591
41,796 76,107 75,760 14,032 1,503 76,998 55,240 41,350 1,938 439 7,421
42,377 77,400 77,428 14,271 1,488 78,367 56,853 42,389 1,985 425 7,459
OVERALL TOTAL 520,690
530,179
Source: The Nielsen Company, CA Department of Finance, SCAG, KCOG
Lancaster Lancaster Lancaster Littlerock Llano Palmdale Palmdale Palmdale Pearblossom Valyermo Palmdale
The state’s demographic forecasters predict that 6.8 million new people will be calling California home in the next 20 years—and 40% of those residents will be located in Kern County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire.
”
— Christopher Thornberg, PhD Economist and Founding Partner of Beacon Economics LLC.
2014 248 3,535 14.08%
ESTIMATED POPULATION BY ZIP CODE ZIP
..THERE IS ALSO “ .MUCH TO CHEER
ANTELOPE VALLEY POPULATION FORECAST 2020
2035
Lancaster 174,807 201,310 Palmdale 179,274 206,143 Unincorporated–LA County 134,000 172,173 Greater California City/Mojave 32,509 39,641 Greater Ridgecrest 39,442 41,737 Greater Rosamond 31,805 40,245 Greater Tehachapi 47,691 57,632 Antelope Valley 639,528 758,881
Southern California Association of Government, SCAG Kern County Council of Governments, KernCOG. ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 3
COMPARISON WITH OTHER AREAS P O P U LAT I O N DATA
*Based on 2010 Census
2010-2020 GROWTH PROJECTIONS 2000 2020 Long Beach 472,849 486,756 Bakersfield 369,625 389,913 Irvine 238,073 258,216 Santa Clarita 186,144 196,838 Lancaster 168,049 180,391 Ontario 165,205 167,990 Palmdale 165,157 177,164 Temecula 110,203 119,035
ESTIMATED POPULATION 2015* Phoenix 1,521,103 Portland 613,479 Las Vegas 595,195 Antelope Valley 530,179 Tuscon 524,264 Atlanta 455,895 Miami 425,944 St. Louis 317,322
% OF CHANGE 2.94% 5.49% 8.46% 5.75% 7.34% 1.69% 7.27% 8.01%
Long Beach Bakersfield IIrvine Santa Clarita Lancaster Ontario Palmdale Temecula
CENSUS GROWTH 2000 2010 462,118 462,257 252,250 347,483 146,819 212,375 148,166 176,320 121,341 156,633 157,832 163,924 117,487 152,750 54,369 100,097
HOUSING DATA AVG. HOUSEHOLD INCOME 2014 United States $71,320 California $81,689 Santa Clarita $96,665 Los Angeles $71,022 Long Beach $70,357 Ridgecrest $69,885 Bakersfield $68,929 Palmdale $66,390 Lancaster $61,996 Rosamond $60,710 California City $59,167 Tehachapi $58,464 Phoenix, AZ $60,969 Tucson, AZ $47,346 Las Vegas, NV $61,575 Reno, NV $60,573
*2014 information not available at press time
2015 $74,165 $84,669 $101,871 $72,807 $72,005 $73,610 $71,856 $67,166 $62,559 $70,963 $62,029 $56,077 $62,804 $49,814 $63,238 $60,429
NEW/RESALE HOUSE/CONDO MEDIAN PRICES % OF 2015 CHANGE FORECAST Ridgecrest $151,700 -1.0% 2.2% California City $86,900 8.8% 7.6% Santa Clarita $446,000 8.5% 2.1% Lancaster $202,000 10.1% 2.8% Palmdale $224,300 12.7% 2.6% Tehachapi $213,700 3.9% 5.6% Long Beach $484,700 4.8% 0.9% Rosamond $159,400 5.9% 7.0% Bakersfield $198,200 6.7% 7.1% United States $179,200 6.6% 2.9% California $437,400 7.8% 3.7% Los Angeles $529,400 7.8% 1.8% Reno $224,000 13.5% 5.6% Las Vegas $179,600 10.7% 6.0% Phoenix $170,800 2.4% 3.6% Tucson $136,000 4.6% 3.2%
OUR REGION, INCOMES ARE “ ACROSS RISING AND HOUSING COSTS REMAIN LOW making housing options abundant for our workforce ” —GAVEA 2014 LABOR MARKET STUDY
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY INDEX* (%) FIRST TIME BUYER 2011 California City 91 Palmdale 83 Las Vegas, NV 86 Bakersfield 81 Lancaster 82 Ridgecrest 78 Rosamond 76 Glendale, AZ 97 Phoenix, AZ 87 Tehachapi 79 Chandler, AZ 81 Santa Clarita 71 Cal-Condos 68 California 68 Tucson. AZ 64 Reno, NV 65 Long Beach 52 Los Angeles 46
CRIME DATA
2013 92 85 83 82 81 81 83 80 80 76 74 73 69 67 67 60 59 48
*Per 100,000 pop
CRIMES KNOWN TO LAW ENFORCEMENT* *% 2012 2013 CHANGE CALIFORNIA Palmdale 4,234 Lancaster 4,421 Ridgecrest 735 Santa Clarita 3,102 San Bernardino 12,580
4,131 4,376 722 3,006 11,425
-2.4 -1 -1.8 -3.1 -9.2
NEVADA Las Vegas Metro 65,484 Reno 8,644
56,909 8,352
-13.1 -3.4
ARIZONA Phoenix Tucson
70,541 ***
69,846 35,106
-695 0
TEXAS El Paso Fort Worth
19,364 37,156
18,153 38,847
-6.3 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. Ribbon cutting ceremony with the Antelope Valley Transit Authority commemorating the purchase of two zero-emission, electric buses made possible by funding from the County of Los Angeles. More than 65 percent of Los Angeles County — 2,653.5 square miles — is unincorporated. For the over one million people living in those areas, the Board of Supervisors is their “city council” and the supervisor representing the area the “mayor.” County departments provide municipal services to these areas. The Antelope Valley includes the most unincorporated territory of any region in the County. Unincorporated communities in the Antelope Valley include: Acton, Antelope Acres, Crystalaire, Del Sur, Elizabeth Lake, Fairmont, Gorman, Green Valley, Hi Vista, Juniper Hills, Lake Hughes, Lake Los Angeles, Leona Valley, Littlerock, Llano, Neenach, Oso, Pearblossom, Quartz Hill, Roosevelt, Sun Village, Three Points, Valyermo, White Fence Farms,and Wrightwood.
• Groundbreaking of East Antelope Valley Animal Care Center: The estimated $20.1 million project will provide housing for approximately 10,000 animals annually and help reduce the high volume of calls received by the current Lancaster Animal Care Center. The center is scheduled to open in November of 2015. “This is the first new animal care facility since the 1970s for the county of Los Angeles, and it’s very long overdue,” said Los Angeles County Animal Control Director Marcia Mayeda. • Inaugural 2014 LA County Air Show Was a Great Success! The two-day airshow thrilled over 103,000 attendees with jets, warbirds, vintage aircraft, and aerobatic performances headlined by the world-famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron. The demonstration by the Blue Angels was their first public performance for 2014 season. Other performers included Greg Colyer piloting a Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star, Bill Braack in the Smoke ‘n Thunder Jet Car, and the Red Bull Air Force team. For updates and more information, please visit www. lacountyairshow.com or follow the LA County Air Show.
Elected Officials
2014 MILESTONES • Predator/Gray Eagle Series Surpasses Three Million Flight Hours: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (“drone”) systems, radars, and electro-optic, and related mission systems solutions, announced that its Predator/Gray Eagle series aircraft family has achieved a historic company and industry
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Mayor MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH, Fifth District HILDA L. SOLIS, First District MARK RIDLEY-THOMAS, Second District SHEILA KUEHL, Third District DON KNABE,Fourth District
LOS ANGELES COUNTY – ANTELOPE VALLEY
ANNUAL AVG. EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT INDUSTRY
ANNUAL PAYROLL 2012
BY SECTOR
2012
2013*
Government
14,771
14,925
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
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
805
841
$33,438,824
$37,291,264
2,983
2,324
$126,667,595
$104,113,886
Retail Trade
Information Finance and Insurance Real Estate, Rental and Leasing Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services Educational Services Healthcare and Special Assistance
$709,817,745
2013*
$715,902,923
842
912
$27,307,553
$31,488,814
2,009
1,811
$85,091,296
$82,761,583
905
1,043
$34,743,913
$40,345,096
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
238
180
$7,477,440
$5,896,708
71,380
71,698
$2,885,879,835
$2,918,269,107
Not Classified TOTAL EMPLOYMENT
*2014 Numbers not available at press time Source: EDD
ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 5
COMMUNITIES
“IT’S POSITIVELY CLEAR”
LANCASTER 2015 POPULATION ESTIMATE 2010 Census Population
168,049 156,633
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Median Age 31.6 Spanish Speaking 20.4% POPULATION BY ORIGIN Not Hispanic or Latino Hispanic
57.0% 43.0%
POPULATION BY RACE White Alone Black or African American Native American Asian Pacific Islander Some Other Race Two or More Races
43.7% 22.3% 1.0% 4.3% 0.2% 22.9% 5.7%
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME (CITY) 93534 93535 93536 HOUSING - 2014 2014 Median Housing Annual % of Change Housing Units Person per Household Homeowners EDUCATION No High School Diploma High School Graduate Some College, no degree Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Profession School Degree Doctoral Degree WORKFORCE Architect/Engineer Arts/Entertain/Sports Building Grounds Maint Business Financial Ops Community Soc Svcs Computer/Mathematical Construction/Extraction Edu/Training/Library Farm/Fish/Forestry Food Prep/Serving Health Pratitioner/Tec Healthcare Support Maintenance Repair Legal Life/Phys/Soc Science Management Office/Admin Support Production Protective Services Sales/Related Personal Care/Service Transportation/Moving
$62,559 $48,443 $55,000 $82,808
$184,785 13.8% 50,076 3.19 59.9% 100,248 18.3% 29.1% 26.6% 9.6% 11.1% 4.1% 0.8% 0.6% 65,190 2.7% 1.0% 4.4% 2.8% 2.1% 1.5% 5.9% 6.4% 0.5% 4.5% 6.7% 2.7% 4.3% 0.5% 0.3% 8.3% 15.0% 4.6% 3.8% 11.8% 4.1% 6.5%
Source: Nielsen Inc. 6 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org
California Governor Jerry Brown and Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris join to unveil China-based BYD’s first electric long-range bus to be manufactured in their Lancaster facility.
2014 MILESTONES: • B usiness and Government Team Up to Take Lancaster to New Heights: The Lancaster Auto Mall Association and Antelope Valley Hospital partnered with the City to invest in the redesign of the Auto Mall and development of a mixed-use “Medical Main Street,” respectively. As the twice-recognized “Most Business Friendly City in Los Angeles County,” Lancaster has made it a priority to facilitate these projects. This trend of private-sector support began in 2012 and 2013, when local hotels and downtown property owners voted to form a Tourism-Based Improvement District (TBID) and Property-Based Improvement District (PBID), respectively. Both BIDs build upon the City’s efforts by creating a forum to pool private resources to fund comprehensive marketing campaigns and other services. These partnerships will enhance and expand Lancaster’s opportunities for development in the coming years. • A uto Mall Upgrade Shifting into First Gear: To continue cultivating our auto industry, which has yielded a steady rise in sales of 95% since 2009, the City and Lancaster Auto Mall Association have invested in the expansion and redesign of the Auto Mall. The auto dealers have collectively invested approximately $12.3 million in individual dealership renovations and expansions. The Association is also working hand-in-hand with City officials to revitalize public spaces throughout the Mall to build synergy and create a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. •M aking Healthy Living the Standard of Living: Antelope Valley Hospital has partnered with the City to develop “Medical Main Street,” which will foster development of the vacant land surrounding the existing hospital to enhance connectivity and establish an atmosphere that cultivates healthy lifestyles. In addition, the City Council approved “YOLO Lancaster,” a program offered in partnership with Antelope Valley Partners for Health, to motivate healthy choices. • R edefining State-of–the-Art: Lancaster celebrated the grand openings of more than 300,000 square feet of state-of-theart medical facilities. These include the most energy-efficient facility in the Kaiser Permanente Network, a 136,000- squarefoot Platinum LEED-certified medical office building; the City of Hope full-service cancer center; and Los Angeles County’s 124,000-square-foot High Desert Regional Care Center. • R estaurant Industry Heating Up: Eighteen new eateries have opened, demonstrating that local entrepreneurs and
“The powerful partnerships which the City of Lancaster has formed with global leaders in green technology, such as electric bus manufacturer BYD, have secured Lancaster’s title as the renewable energy capital of America.” — California Governor Jerry Brown major national brands alike are taking notice of Lancaster’s strengthening economy. This influx has further diversified Lancaster’s cuisine offerings and reflects the multicultural fabric of our community, with options ranging from Boba Cove & Café to national brands such as Applebee’s and Chipotle. • A Thriving Downtown: As the private sector continues to build upon the City’s $11.6 million investment in the downtown area, 10 new businesses launched on the BLVD. 2014 also marked the first year of operation of the Downtown Lancaster PBID, which has substantially enhanced services to attract patrons to downtown Lancaster. • B e Our Guest: Two international hotel brands, Best Western Plus and TownePlace Suites by Marriott, have made their home in Lancaster. •C hanging the Way the World Views Public Transportation: Chinabased BYD, which opened its North American headquarters in Lancaster in 2013, unveiled its 60-foot, 120-passenger articulated electric bus, named “Lancaster.” The most efficient long-range bus available, “Lancaster” travels up to 170 miles on a single charge. Earlier in 2014, BYD joined with Governor Jerry Brown at its Lancaster facility to unveil its first two 40-foot, long-range, zero-emission buses. BYD’s bold ideas and passion for sustainability, coupled with Lancaster’s abundant resources, influence in the North American marketplace, and equally passionate drive for green energy innovation, have allowed this firm to establish a stronghold in the American marketplace. • T he Home of Energy-Conscious Innovation: Nexus eWater and the City introduced the “eWater Recycler,” a home water and energy recycling system, to the US market. The Australia-based firm chose to open an office and unveil this system in Lancaster to pursue 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 grey water annually and satisfy the home’s hot water needs with 75% less energy than conventional means.
Elected Officials
Contacts
Mayor, R. Rex Parris • Vice Mayor, Marvin E. Crist Councilmembers: S andra Johnson, Ken Mann Ronald D. Smith
City Manager, Mark Bozigian • 661/723-6133 Director Economic Development, Vern Lawson • 661/723-6128
44933 Fern Avenue, Lancaster, CA 93534 • 661/723-6128 • www.cityoflancasterca.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 Hispanic
40.8% 59.2%
POPULATION BY RACE White Alone Black or African American Native American Asian Pacific Islander Some Other Race Two or More Races
46.2% 14.8% 0.8% 4.2% 0.2% 28.2% 5.5%
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME (CITY) 93550 93551 93552
2014 MILESTONES: • K inkisharyo selects Palmdale as site to assemble and manufacture railcars for Metro creating over 250 jobs. •D ick’s Sporting Goods, H&M, Forge, Papaya and Francesca’s open at the Antelope Valley Mall. •G round is broken on new shopping center which will be home to Aldi’s, Chick-fil-A, The Habit, Yogurtland, Pizza Rev, Krispy Kreme and Dunn Edwards. • T he “Miracle on 47th St. East” continues with the opening of InShape, Wells Fargo, CVS, America’s Tire and O’Reilly’s Auto Parts. •C amacho Mitsubishi Dealership opens at Palmdale Auto Mall, and CarMax announces plans for a dealership and refurbishment center creating hundreds of jobs. • I ndustrial community welcomes Indura, Anywind, Aerowire and SCP Pools. •N ew restaurants include Dickey’s BBQ, Perkies, Hatsuki Japanese, Boulevard Café, La Cocina De Mama, Boom Boom Chicken and Claudia’s Café. •G abriel’s House, the City’s third Neighborhood House, opens in memory of Gabriel Hernandez and offers music and art classes to youth. • T he Warnack Foundation contributed approximately $650,000 to the Palmdale Community Foundation and the City of Palmdale. The City leveraged this generous donation and formed community partnerships to embark on various projects and programs including Springfest and Egg Hunt; library techmobile; community garden #1 and #2; fencing at Domenic Massari Park; public art display at Legacy Commons Senior Center; equipment for American Indian Little League; a teen event held in June for local youth; purchase of musical instruments and supplies for Gabriel’s House; landscaping, fencing and shade structures at the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark; and carpeting, lighting and audio systems at the Palmdale Playhouse.
“It’s really been a unique experience here. We’ve done this seven times in multiple locations, and I can honestly say that, by far, the City of Palmdale has been the most accommodating city we’ve ever worked with. We had a very short window: We closed our old facility and moved into this one over a long weekend. Everyone has really gone out of their way to help us have a successful transition.” — John Novak, President and Paula Zidman, Vice President Patton’s Steel & Tools
• P almdale welcomes J&B Furniture, Squeaky Wheel Bike Shop, Marroquin Income Tax & AV Land, Pets R Us Veterinarian, AV Mall Vision Center, Cricket Wireless, Eyebrow Shapes, Cruz Thru Car Wash, Sears Outlet, Sinful Treats, Dusty Paws, AV Skate, Campano Law, Mommy’s Playtime Fit Studios, My Gym and deCarriere Child Enrichment Center.
COMMUNITY TRENDS The City of Palmdale is experiencing: •C ontinued growth and strengthening of our retail sectors. • S ignificant increase in the number of manufacturing projects looking for available land and buildings for relocation and expansion. • T he stabilization and re-emergence of the housing market has brought on a renewed interest and effort in new housing construction.
Elected Officials
Contacts
Mayor James C. Ledford, Jr. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Dispenza
David Childs • 661/267-5115
HOUSING - 2014 2014 Median Housing Annual % of Change Housing Units Person per Household Homeowners
$67,166 $50,444 $96,345 $63,106
$237,898 17.7% 45,664 3.6 68.1%
EDUCATION No High School Diploma High School Graduate Some College, no degree Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Profession School Degree Doctoral Degree
95,159 25.9% 24.7% 26.2% 7.8% 10.5% 3.8% 0.7% 0.4%
WORKFORCE Architect/Engineer Arts/Entertain/Sports Building Grounds Maint Business Financial Ops Community Soc Svcs Computer/Mathematical Construction/Extraction Edu/Training/Library Farm/Fish/Forestry Food Prep/Serving Health Pratitioner/Tec Healthcare Support Maintenance Repair Legal Life/Phys/Soc Sciences Management Office/Admin Support Production Protective Services Sales/Related Personal Care/Service Transportation/Moving
63,305 2.5% 1.2% 5.0% 2.4% 2.0% 1.4% 6.8% 4.1% 0.3% 5.9% 4.5% 2.4% 4.4% 0.5% 0.3% 7.7% 13.5% 7.6% 3.0% 11.6% 5.6% 7.3%
Kari Blackburn(661)267-5125
Councilmembers: Steven D. Hofbauer, Roxana Martinez, Fred Thompson 38300 Sierra Highway, Palmdale, CA 93550 • 661/267-5125 • www.cityofpalmdale.org
Source: Nielsen Inc. 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
COMMUNITY TRENDS
2014 MILESTONES • RENEWBIZ (Renewable Energy Neighborhood Enhancement Wind Business Zone) takes a portion of property tax revenues from incorporated areas of Eastern Kern County to provide grants for business facade improvements. In 2014, Kern County approved 41 grants with a total value of $350,000 to fund local projects. • The County has approved applications for 20,872 acres of renewable energy solar projects anticipated to produce 2428 megawatts of electricity. The County has another 15,868 acres of solar projects anticipated to produce 2850 megawatts of electricity awaiting final approval. • The Film Industry brings an estimated $19 million into the region every year 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 becoming operational. 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.
Despite recent economic downturns, Kern County and its residents have shown its ability to be resilient. Through the combination of its energy and agricultural industries the region has hotbed of unprecedented growth within the state. The County is also a great place to do business since Local officials have worked to create the right conditions for economic growth and advocate strongly for the businesses that create jobs and wealth for residents. These pro-growth environment and can-do attitude has resulted in $17 billion dollars in solar investment and a decade of gross domestic product growth unmatched by any area in the nation. Even with falling prices for our most important product, there continues to see be bright economic news in 2015.
Elected Officials Mick Gleason, District 1 Zack Scrivner, District 2 Mike Maggard, District 3 David Couch, Chairman • District 4 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
BY SECTOR Government
ANNUAL AVG. EMPLOYMENT
ANNUAL PAYROLL 2012
2012
2013*
12,115
12,871
$814,424,216
2013*
$873,301,581
Agriculture and Mining
952
74
$76,186,657
$2,536,265
Utilities
274
258
$26,979,775
$22,640,033
Construction Manufacturing Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Transportation and Warehousing Mgmnt and Remediation Services
422
430
$19,146,428
$15,418,749
1,912
2,115
$136,032,840
$152,079,139 $14,771,378
216
251
$10,865,569
2,242
2,343
$54,664,168
$56,291,110
465
525
$26,841,091
$33,659,468 $30,773,050
1,010
830
$36,261,507
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 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Educational Services Health Care and Social Assistance
266
25
$6,458,539
$7,222,310
3,160
2,695
$237,997,881
$209,791,614
246
233
$7,707,628
8,178,904
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
649
477
$15,547,053
$15,592,169
50
27
$1,532,827
$590,823
28289
27594
$1,581,641,608
$1,560,283,275
Other Services (except Public Administration) Not Classified TOTAL EMPLOYMENT - KERN *2014 Numbers not available at press time 8 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org
Source: EDD
“A BUSINESS FRIENDLY COMMUNITY”
CALIFORNIA CITY 2015 POPULATION ESTIMATE 2010 Census Population
14,924 14,120
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Median Age 34.5 Spanish Speaking 15.0%
2014 MILESTONES • Integrated Regional Water Management Group formed between California City, Mojave Public Utilities District, and the Antelope Valley East Kern Water Agency to develop planned projects that will enhance the sustainability of the Fremont Valley Basin. • City completes 218 process to raise sewer and water rates to fund necessary repairs and upgrades to its water and sewer system. • Three water wells tested for pumping capacity with the goal to bring two online in 2015 to ensure availability during peak demands. • Engineering completed for California City Blvd West and South that will provide safety upgrades on the two major ingress/ egress arteries for California City. Work to begin in Spring 2015. • Kern County and California City partner to complete 140th Study to link California City Blvd to Edwards interchange providing a direct link from Edwards AFB to the city. • College Park Station construction contract awarded to Cooley Construction to build the final link that will allow the City to implement a direct route transient system for the community in 2016. • Engineering firm selected to design $1.3 million renovation of the City’s Fire Station. • New Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating achieved for California City resulting in insurance savings for businesses and homeowners.New detailed City budget process adopted by the City Council that provides increased detail for oversight and transparency. • Citizens group of City’s Vision 360 formed to begin the joint planning process with Council and Staff to layout future goals and opportunities for the City. • California Department of Corrections becomes City’s largest employer with a staff of over 650. • City Successor Agency successfully refinances a $17 million dollar bond and secures first ever AA rating from Standards and Poor’s, saving citizens and county agencies over $7million dollars over the 20 year life of the bond.
“We continue to posture ourselves for growth as the City celebrates it’s 50th Anniversary by ensuring a business friendly environment, a stable infrastructure, public safety, recreational opportunities, and most importantly an ample water supply that will ensure sustainability for those that choose to make California City their home”. —Tom Weil, City Manager
• 2,700 ft. Scout Island Lodge for youth organizations within the City exterior completed by all volunteer force. Goal is to complete interior in 2015. • Local Realtors estimated the shrinking excess housing market within the community has led to an increase in home values throughout the city by 25%. • Cal City Pharmacy completes move and opens doors to newly constructed site on California CIty Blvd. • City secures $500 thousand dollar grant to aid to provide law enforcement, medical aid, and trail maintenance for the 75,000 off roading community that visit its deserts each year. • New $235 thousand dollar LED lighting and signage system installed at California City Municipal Airport to improve pilot safety as well as energy efficiency.Norm Hill Aviation expands presence at airport with additional storage acreage, buildings, and personnel to complement an 80 % ($5.1 million) growth in Gulfstream service and part sales in 2014. • Fast and Furious #6 completes latest soundtrack work at airport. • Film friendly environment has allowed 6 of the 7 film soundtracks to be completed using this unique location. • County energy conservation grant allows City to modernize facility lighting at five municipal locations.
Elected Officials
Contacts
, Jennifer Wood Chuck McGuire, Bill Smith, James Gray, Rick Warren
City Manager, Tom Weil • 760/373-7170 Economic Development Department 8001 California City Blvd. • 760/373-2007
POPULATION BY ORIGIN Not Hispanic or Latino Hispanic
64.2% 35.8%
POPULATION BY RACE White Alone Black or African American Native American Asian Pacific Islander Some Other Race Two or More Races
60.3% 16.8% 1.0% 2.2% 0.4% 12.8% 6.5%
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME (CITY) 93505
$62,029
HOUSING - 2014 2014 Median Housing Annual % of Change Housing Units Person per Household Homeowners
$85,386 18.5% 4,738 2.8 61.2%
EDUCATION No High School Diploma High School Graduate Some College, no degree Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Profession School Degree Doctoral Degree
9,681 17.6% 28.0% 30.0% 9.5% 9.3% 5.2% 0.1% 0.2%
WORKFORCE Architect/Engineer Arts/Entertain/Sports Building Grounds Maint Business Financial Ops Community Soc Svcs Computer/Mathematical Construction/Extraction Edu/Training/Library Farm/Fish/Forestry Food Prep/Serving Health Practitioner/Tec Healthcare Support Maintenance Repair Legal Life/Phys/Soc Science Management Office/Admin Support Production Protective Services Sales/Related Personal Care/Service Transportation/Moving
4,750 4.3% 1.5% 7.8% 5.4% 1.4% 7.1% 6.4% 3.3% 0.7% 2.0% 1.8% 2.5% 5.2% 0.1% 0.2% 14.7% 9.7% 9.9% 4.4% 6.9% 6.3% 4.3%
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 Greater Tehachapi Region 2010 Census Population
14,138 36,682 35,138
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Median Age 39.8 Spanish Speaking 14.5% POPULATION BY ORIGIN Not Hispanic or Latino Hispanic
77.1% 23.0%
POPULATION BY RACE White Alone Black or African American Native American Asian Pacific Islander Some Other Race Two or More Races
80.7% 3.2% 1.4% 1.6% 0.1% 9.6% 3.5%
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME (CITY) 93531 93561 HOUSING - 2014 2014 Median Housing Annual % of Change Housing Units Person per Household Homeowners
$69,941 $77,667 $56,077
$208,894 10.0% 11,806 2.7 73.6%
EDUCATION No High School Diploma High School Graduate Some College, no degree Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Profession School Degree Doctoral Degree
25,392 14.2% 27.1% 32.1% 9.6% 10.0% 5.2% 0.9% 0.92
WORKFORCE Architect/Engineer Arts/Entertain/Sports Building Grounds Maint Business Financial Ops Community Soc Svcs Computer/Mathematical Construction/Extraction Edu/Training/Library Farm/Fish/Forestry Food Prep/Serving Health Pratitioner/Tec Healthcare Support Maintenance Repair Legal Life/Phys/Soc Sciences Management Office/Admin Support Production Protective Services Sales/Related Personal Care/Service Transportation/Moving
13,063 3.0% 1.4% 4.8% 2.8% 1.8% 1.2% 6.2% 4.6% 2.1% 6.6% 5.5% 1.5% 4.8% 0.9% 1.0% 10.0% 8.9% 4.8% 8.0% 9.8% 4.2% 6.4%
Source: Nielsen Inc.
2014 MILESTONES • The City received a $970,000 OHV Grant from California State Parks to construct a 15 acre motocross facility at the Tehachapi Event Center and Rodeo Grounds. • Redesigned and updated Resource Guide helps entrepreneurs navigate the process of starting or expanding a business. • Inaugural GranFondo Event hosted a cycling event for over 700 participants. The event attracted over 3,000 visitors — and generated more than $300,000 in economic activity. • The housing market in Tehachapi enjoyed a 10+ percent rise in median home values. • The City rehabilitated a downtown building, to create a modern police headquarters. • The City secured a $1.5 million dollar grant to improve area circulation and connectivity by constructing Challenger Drive to provide an additional connection to the Capital Hills area. • The City completed a compressive update of its zoning code in order to bring the zoning code into conformance with the 2012 General Plan providing significant land use flexibility. • Residential water usage has been reduced by 11% since Emergency Drought Water Regulations were enacted by the State Water Resources Control Board on July 29th, 2014 • O’Reilly’s Auto Parts constructed a 7,453 square foot retail space on a 1.14 acre site. • City joins CA Enterprise Development Authority (CEDA) and the CA Statewide Commutes Development Authority (CSCDA) expanding our economic development partnerships.
“We’ve seen continued growth in sales tax numbers, indicating a rebound in the retail marketplace. We’ve seen home sales indicators improving, suggesting that Tehachapi continues to be a desirable place to plant roots.” —Greg Garrett, City Manager
COMMUNITY TRENDS Community events are our largest draw for visitors. With over eleven large annual events in Tehachapi, hotels are frequently selling out and local merchants, museums and venues all report records numbers. In 2005 the Tehachapi area collected $260,000 in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and by 2013 it had doubled to $500,000. We are also seeing an increase in agri-tourism. From new vineyards, wedding destinations and Bed & Breakfasts venues, business owners are seeing their investment pay off. In-town venues such as the Tehachapi Railroad Museum are also seeing phenomenal results. In just five years, this new museum has gone from zero visitors to over 10,000 a year. All of these investments also improve the quality of life for the residents of Tehachapi. With the lowest unemployment rates in Kern County (at just 5.4% in 2014) and housing values rising 11% this year, Tehachapi residents are thriving in our elevated climate.
Elected Officials
Contacts
Mayor, Susan Wiggins Mayor Pro Tem, Kim Nixon
Economic Development Coordinator Michelle Vance • 661/822-2200 Ext. 121
Councilmembers: P hil Smith, Ed Grimes, Dennis Wahlstrom
Community Development Director David James • 661/822-2200 Ext. 119 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 2010 Census
27,967 27,616
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Median Age 34.6 Spanish Speaking 8.19% POPULATION BY ORIGIN Not Hispanic or Latino Hispanic
81.10% 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 93555
$73,610 $73,610
PUBLIC SAFETY (2011)
Ridgecrest is located in the southern portion of the Indian Wells Valley and in the northeast corner of Kern County, surrounded by four mountain ranges; the Sierra Nevada on the west, the Cosos on the north, the Argus Range on the east, and the El Paso Mountains on the south. A favorable characteristic of the City is its proximity to two major highways, the 395 and 14. Air travel in and out of the city is provided through the Inyokern Airport. These attributes make Ridgecrest, a central location for shopping and business for the Eastern Kern County area. Ridgecrest is also easily accessible to the rest of southern California making it an ideal location for industry.
2014 MILESTONES • Establishment of the new firm Monarch, which manufacturers UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). • Establishment of the new firm Pertexa, which manufacturers Telemedical. • Startup of a new development of Bio Refining group (EH Group) • New Retail Chains: Marshall’s, JoAnn’s and Famous Footwear • Inaugural Petroglyph Festival
China Lake Naval Weapons Center (NWC) and now the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) is home to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, which continues to be the major source of employment for Ridgecrest residents. The economic stability of Ridgecrest as service community for the NAWS has been essential to its successful emergence as a community in its own right. In addition, the same location characteristics that initially attracted the NAWS; growing space, clean air, good water, highway accessibility, easy access to multiple recreational opportunities, and proximity to Los Angeles and Bakersfield. Ridgecrest friendly business attitude continues to serve as an attraction for business to relocate to Ridgecrest and the Indian Wells Valley.
Naval Air Weapons Station - China Lake 2014 Estimates
Full-Time Civilians Military On-Site Contractors Payroll (estimates) Civilians Military Visitors per Year Local Contracts
Elected Officials
Contacts
Mayor Peggy Breeden Mayor Pro Tem Jim Sanders Vice Mayor Lori Acton Councilmembers: M ike Mower, Eddie Thomas
Economic Development Manager: Gary Parsons 760/499-5061
100 W. California Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555 (760) 499-5061 • www.ci.ridgecrest.ca.us
4221 773 1871 $354,200,000 $33,000,000 38,000 $285,000,000
Crime Rate Per 100,000 U.S. Average 25-50K pop. HOUSING* 2014 Median Housing Annual % of Change Affordability Index Housing Units Vacancy Rate Persons per Household Homeowners
2,511 3,252
$144,500 7.0% 81 10,944 9.51% 2.54 61.19%
EDUCATION 17,722 (educational attainment by pop. 25+) No High School Diploma 8.93% High School Graduate 22.0% Some College, no degree 30.41% Associate’s Degree 12.05% Bachelor’s Degree 18.08% Master’s Degree 6.42% Professional School Degree 0.89% Doctoral Degree 1.22% WORKFORCE (civ employed by Pop. 16+) Architect/Engineer Arts/Entertain/Sports Building Grounds Maint Business Financial Ops Community Soc Svcs Computer/Mathematical Construction/Extraction Edu/Training/Library Farm/Fish/Forestry Food Prep/Serving Health Practitioner/Tec Healthcare Support Maintenance Repair Legal Life/Phys/Soc Science Management Office/Admin Support Production Protective Svcs Sales/Related Personal Care/Svc Transportation/Moving
11,982 8.30% 2.68% 3.66% 4.90% 1.23% 6.18% 4.11% 3.78% 0.02% 6.01% 4.16% 1.79% 7.07% 0.60% 1.90% 8.89% 12.59% 4.61% 2.40% 7.99% 1.66% 5.48%
Source: Nielsen Inc.
ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 11
ROSAMOND
Photo by Bill Deaver
MOJAVE
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.
2014 COMMUNITY MILESTONES •C ompleted first phase of RENEWBIZ community revitalization program with installation of new facades on 23 downtown businesses. This multi-year program is funded by tax revenues from the region’s renewable energy industry. 40 applications have been received for the 2015 program. • A new Family Dollar store was completed along with a new McDonald’s Restaurant and a completely rebuilt Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, and Mike’s Restaurant re-opened. • P lanning 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 trains in Lancaster. •C onstruction is proceeding on schedule at Golden Queen Mine with mining to begin later this year, bringing some 150 new jobs to the region. •M ojave Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center under construction in downtown Mojave will include the Chamber’s railroad caboose office on property donated by Golden Queen Mining. 2015 POPULATION ESTIMATE 2010 Census Population
4,348 4,238
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Median Age 31.6 Spanish Speaking 39.9% POPULATION BY ORIGIN Not Hispanic or Latino 60.1% Hispanic 39.9% POPULATION BY RACE White Alone Black or African American Native American Asian Pacific Islander Some Other Race Two or More Races
50.8% 18.8% 1.4% 1.1% 0.5% 21.9% 5.4%
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME 93501
$50,897 $50,897
HOUSING - 2014 2014 Median Housing Annual % of Change Housing Units Person per Household Homeowners
$85,386 18.5% 1,597 2.72 46.46%
Source: Nielsen Inc.
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 north of Lancaster at an elevation of 2342 feet. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 52.3 square miles, of which, 52.1 square miles of it is land and 0.2 square miles of it (0.41%) is water. Two unique assets of Rosamond are the Rosamond Skypark Airport, featuring a paved 3,600-foot runway and Willow Springs Raceway, which hosts a variety of motor racing events, attracting people from all over Southern California and beyond. ROSAMOND COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
Established in 1966, the Rosamond Community Services District provides healthy, clean 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 water stored and ready for use. As a partner in the Willow Springs Water Bank RCSD is also helping our State, build their own stores. RENEWBIZ: Rosamond Chamber of Commerce has applied for a $10,000 grant to develop a new event center for the downtown area. The Diamond Street project is slated to start Spring of 2015 with $1,900,000 of new investment in our downtown area.
EDUCATION No High School Diploma High School Graduate Some College, no degree Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Profession School Degree Doctoral Degree
2,560 25.6% 37.4% 23.2% 7.0% 4.2% 2.5% 0.1% 0.1%
2015 POPULATION ESTIMATE 19,001 2010 Census Population 18,150
WORKFORCE Architect/Engineer Arts/Entertain/Sports Building Grounds Maint Business Financial Ops Community Soc Svcs Computer/Mathematical Construction/Extraction Edu/Training/Library Farm/Fish/Forestry Food Prep/Serving Health Pratitioner/Tec Healthcare Support Maintenance Repair Legal Life/Phys/Soc Sciences Management Office/Admin Support Production Protective Services Sales/Related Personal Care/Service Transportation/Moving
1,325 1.5% 0.7% 12.9% 3.1% 1.2% 0.5% 4.8% 2.9% 1.0% 6.1% 0.4% 2.6% 6.9% 0.1% 1.0% 7.25% 12.9% 11.5% 2.3% 8.8% 3.1% 8.8%
POPULATION BY RACE White Alone 58.5% Black or African American 8.5% Native American 1.2% Asian Alone 3.7% Native Hawaiian and other Pac. Isl. Alone 3.7% Some Other Race 20.4% Two or More Races 7.4%
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Median Age 32.9% Spanish Speaking 24% POPULATION BY ORIGIN Not Hispanic or Latino Hispanic
64% 36%
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME 93560 HOUSING - 2014* 2014 Median Housing Annual % of Change Housing Units Person per Household Homeowners
$70,963 $70,963 $159,766 9.5% 6,398 2.97 67.49%
Source: Nielsen Inc.
EDUCATION No High School Diploma High School Graduate Some College, no degree Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Profession School Degree Doctoral Degree
11,677 17.3% 31.1% 28.6% 9.3% 9.6% 3.5% 0.4% 0.3%
WORKFORCE 7,480 Architect/Engineer Arts/Entertain/Sports Building Grounds Maint Business Financial Ops Community / Soc Svcs Computer/Mathematical Construction/Extraction Edu/Training/Library Farm/Fish/Forestry Food Prep/Serving Health Practitioner/Tec Healthcare Support Maintenance Repair Legal Life/Phys/Soc Science Management Office/Admin Support Production Protective Services Sales/Related Personal Care/Service Transportation/Moving
4.9% 1.8% 4.7% 1.9% 1.3% 2.7% 8.7% 4.3% 0.2% 5.3% 4.7% 2.1% 9.6% 0.3% 1.7% 5.8% 14.2% 5.0% 4.3% 8.8% 2.4% 5.5%
Mojave Chamber of Commerce President: Doug Clipperton
Representative organizations:
Mojave Chamber of Commerce • 661-824-2481 www.visitmojave.com • www.mojaveairport.com
Rosamond Chamber of Commerce: www.rosamondchamber.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 space, you’ll find room to grow.
SOCAL’S LEADING EDGE HAS DISTINCT ADVANTAGES
Excellent
OVERALL ADVANTAGE
Cumulative comparative rankings of selected California Regions
Good
Average
Poor
Homes are more affordable in the greater Antelope Valley—50% lower than nearly all SoCal markets.
Worst
STAT / AREA
GREATER ANTELOPE VALLEY
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
SAN FRANCISCO
SILICON VALLEY
ORANGE COUNTY
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
INLAND EMPIRE
Facility Costs
Excellent
Poor
Worst
Poor
Poor
Good
Good
Room to Grow
Excellent
Poor
Worst
Poor
Poor
Average
Very Good
Housing Costs
Excellent
Good
Poor
Worst
Poor
Poor
Good
Cost of Living
Very Good
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
Good
Labor Costs
Excellent
Good
Poor
Worst
Poor
Poor
Average
Available Workers
Excellent
Good
Worst
Poor
Poor
Poor
Good
Kosmont Survey*
2.5
3.7
3.7
3.0
2.0
1.9
2.75
CA
US
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.
FACILITY COSTS
Based on average annual cost per square foot according to LoopNet.com survey
ROOM TO GROW
Population/ sq. mile: U.S. Census, 2010, Property Availability: LoopNet.com survey
TYPE / AREA
GREATER ANTELOPE VALLEY
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
SAN FRANCISCO
SILICON VALLEY
ORANGE COUNTY
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
INLAND EMPIRE
Average
Retail $
16.92
30.10
44.66
27.22
24.07
20.73
17.47
20.21
Office $
15.29
24.96
49.23
29.47
21.75
22.20
16.16
21.07
Industrial $
8.19
10.37
18.85
12.35
10.73
10.30
7.49
8.57
STAT / AREA
GREATER ANTELOPE VALLEY
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
SAN FRANCISCO
SILICON VALLEY
ORANGE COUNTY
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
INLAND EMPIRE
CA
US
People/Sq. Mile
173.7
2,419
4,986
1,491
3,808
735
202.25
246
89.5
Available Land
Excellent
Very Limited
Very Limited
Limited
Limited
Varies
Excellent
Available Bldgs.
Good
Limited
Very Limited
Limited
Limited
Varies
Good
SEGMENT / AREA
GREATER ANTELOPE VALLEY
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
SAN FRANCISCO
SILICON VALLEY
ORANGE COUNTY
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
INLAND EMPIRE
CA
US
Monthly Cost $
1,064
1,407
1,738
1,875
1,742
1,547
1,367
1,441
1,015
Med. Sales Price $
198,357
407,000
947,000
950,000
680,000
492,000
254,000
449,000
202,000
Homeownership
61.38%
47.3%
36.9%
58.9%
59.3%
54.5%
65.25%
56%
65.5%
HOUSING COSTS
U.S. Census, American Fact Finder 20082012, National Association of Realtors
As of June, 2014
ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 13
REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY
LABOR MARKET STUDY 2014
LARGEST EMPLOYERS COMPANY
Employment in major sectors has been increasing e.g. Aerospace & Technology, 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 (LAEDC). For Los Angeles County, the industry sectors with the most growth were: Health Care; Social Assistance; Leisure and Hospitality; Administrative Support Services; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, and Construction.
# OF EMPLOYEES
Aerospace/Aviation
Edwards Air Force Base..................................................10,647 China Lake Naval Weapons Base......................................6,690 Northop Grumman . .........................................................2,100 Lockheed Martin...............................................................3,700 Mojave Air & Spaceport (All Employers)............................2,500 NASA Armstrong...............................................................1,370 Boeing.................................................................................850
Government/Corrections
County of Los Angeles......................................................3,743 CA Correctional Institute (Tehachapi)................................1,915 CA State Prison (LA County)..............................................1,671 City of Lancaster.................................................................245 City of Palmdale..................................................................203 California City State Prison..................................................640
Education/Learning
AV Union High School District...........................................1,116 Palmdale School Dsitrict...................................................1,792 Lancaster School District..................................................1,482 Antelope Valley College.....................................................1,483 Westside School District......................................................587 Sierra Sands School District................................................600 Tehachapi Unified School District.........................................468 Southern Kern School District..............................................325
Healthcare/Healing
Antelope Valley Hospital Medical Ctr.................................2,300 Kaiser Permanente...........................................................1,020 Ridgecrest Regional Hospital ..............................................503 High Desert Health Systems................................................499 Palmdale Regional Medical Center .....................................800 High Desert Medical Group . ...............................................385 Tehachapi Health District.....................................................260 AMR....................................................................................119
Manufacturing/Mining
Rio Tinto Minerals.............................................................1,000 Morton Manufacturing.........................................................350 Deluxe Checks.....................................................................290 Lance Campers...................................................................244 Sygma.................................................................................230 BYD.....................................................................................150 US Pole................................................................................267 BAE.....................................................................................140 Senior Systems...................................................................125 Delta Scientific....................................................................175
Energy / Renewables / Waste
Southern California Edison...................................................256 Waste Management.............................................................135 ThermalAir...........................................................................100 GE Wind.................................................................................50
Retailing
Wal-Mart (5).....................................................................1,922 Antelope Valley Mall (All Stores) . .....................................1,800 Albertson’s (All Stores) . ......................................................682 Rite-Aid Distribution Center.................................................623 Home Depot (4)...................................................................600 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
THE REGIONAL ADVANTAGES: • Unparalleled expansion opportunities • Nimble, local governments • Our employers have a combined annual payroll of $2,495,519,000 and 76,690 employees • There is a surplus of available labor force. • Racially diverse workforce • Youthful median age • Proximity to Los Angeles makes us an affordable option for goods movement • A haven for renewable energy initiatives PROJECTED JOB GROWTH: California remains one of the leading economies in the world and has been recovering well. Growth is projected in the state through 2020 for all job sectors. Through 2020, the fastest growing occupations will be Home Health Aides, Personal Care Aides, Pharmacists and Software Developers. COMMUTING: According to the data from the most recent American Community Survey from both 2008-2013, mean travel time to work for the AV residents ranges from 15 minutes among Ridgecrest workers and 40 minutes among Palmdale workers. Over half of both Tehachapi and Ridgecrest residents 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 work. On average, 2% of Lancaster/Palmdale residents use public transportation on their way to work, and 3.7% residents of two major AV cities work from home. The greatest majority of our regional commuting workforce that travel 40 minutes or longer are going to (by highest percentage to lowest) Los Angeles, Simi Valley, Santa Clarita, Long Beach, Burbank, Pasadena, Glendale and Bakersfield. COMMUTING TO THE REGION: The greater Los Angeles area not only attracts AV’s workers, but also supplies them. About 3,900 commuters travel into the region from the City of Los Angeles. Another 1,468 workers commute from the Santa Clarita area, and another 954 travel from Simi Valley, Long Beach, Glendale, and Pasadena. Over 500 workers commute from Bakersfield and 577 commuters come from as far as San Diego. OUR WORKFORCE IS READY TO WORK: Participation in post-secondary education has been increasing in the Antelope Valley. According to the 2012 American Community Survey estimate, in two largest urbanized area cities, 48% (Palmdale) and 52% (Lancaster) of young adults had some post-secondary training, including associate and bachelor’s degrees. These numbers increased in the last years by more than 15 percent for Lancaster-Palmdale area since 2005. Furthermore, 42% (Palmdale) and 44% (Lancaster) of 18-24 yearold young adults were enrolled in college or graduate school, up from 29 % for Lancaster-Palmdale area in 2005 and 39 % in 2008. Over 80 % of enrolled college students in the Antelope Valley area attended public institutions.
!Source: AVC, GAVEA, EDD
INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS Legend 1
Cost Rating
$ Very Low Cost: Cities with lowest possible fees and charges
IS THE PLACE FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS* 1) A huge consumer market with 10 million people buying goods and services 2) The No. 1 Customs District in the U.S. with more than $400 billion per year in two-way trade value 3) T he world’s leading trade and logistics infrastructure with the two largest sea ports in America (Los Angeles and Long Beach), the Alameda Corridor rail system and the U.S.’s third most active international cargo airport, LAX 4) N etworks of business executives from every country, who cultivate ties and understand the culture, so it is easy to do business here, and over 4500 foreign-owned establishments based here 5) 100 consulates located in L.A. County
Charges Gross Receipts Tax
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
$$$$ High Cost: Cities with high fees and charges
5
Property Tax
$$$$$ Very High Cost: Cities with highest fees and charges
6
Sales Tax
1
2
$$ $$$
No Yes
0% 0%
0.002% .003% to .028%
1.21% 1.37%
8.75% 8.75%
Los Angeles Basin Whittier $$$$ Long Beach $$$$ Lons Angeles $$$$$
Yes No Yes
5% 5% 9% to 12.5%
.001% to .020% .012% to .284% .101% to .507%
1.17% 1.12% 1.25%
8.75% 8.75% 8.75%
San Bernardino Redlands Fontana San Bernardino
$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$
Yes Yes Yes
0% 5% 7.75%
.025% to .300% .025% to .350% .025% to .075%
1.31% 1.34% 1.31%
7.75% 8% 8.25%
Riverside Indio Riverside Palm Springs
$$$$ $$$$ $$$$
Yes Yes No
3% to 6% 6.50% 4.5% to 5%
0.016% .007% to .085% .009% to .056%
1.21% 1.14% 1.28%
7.75% 7.75% 7.75%
Central Valley Bakersfield Tulare Stockton
$$$ $$$$ $$$$$
Yes Yes Yes
2% to 5% 6% to 7% 6%
.002% to .065% .004% to .035% .020% to .090%
1.20% 1.20% 1.10%
7.25% 8.25% 8.25%
Texas Houston El Paso
$ $$$
No No
0% 2.5% to 8.25%
0% 0.002%
2.68% 3.29%
8.25% 8.25%
Arizona Phoenix Tucson
$$$$$ $$$$$
No Yes
2.7% to 10% 4% to 14.6%
0% 0%
3.53% 4.32%
9.30% 8.10%
$ $
Yes Yes
5% 0%
.001% to .076% 0.075%
1.15% 1.28%
8.10% 7.72%
Antelope Valley Lancaster Palmdale
5 REASONS WHY LOS ANGELES COUNTY
2
Nevada Las Vegas Reno
3
4
5
6
FOR E I G N - T R A D E Z O N E Federally-designated Foreign Trade Zones are U.S. Customs and Border Protectionapproved locations where companies can engage in special procedures to help encourage U.S. activity by delaying or reducing duty payments on foreign merchandise. There are two types of Foreign Trade Zones: general-purpose zones (which are usually located at ports or industrial parks) and subzones (which are approved for a specific company or use). •D uty Deferral: Users may avoid paying duties on imported merchandise. Duty on machinery is deferred until it is put into production; there is no duty paid on re-exports or scrap. • I nverted Tariffs/Duty Reduction: Users may lower duty rates on goods produced in the zone. • Weekly Entries: Customs and Border Protection allows the user to file weekly. •N o Time Constraints: Merchandise may remain in the FTZ indefinitely, whether or not it is subject to duty. •C ustoms Compliance: Customs & Border Protection requirements and federal Source: EDD, GAVEA, Kosmont-Rose Institute.
criminal sanctions are deterrents against theft. • Close proximity to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. • Outstanding transportation facilities including rail and highway connections. • A large, skilled and educated workforce. • Affordable land and building costs, often 50% less than comparable sites in the Los Angeles basin. • A one-stop, fast-track process for development. • A cooperative local government that understands the needs of multinational businesses. www.cityofpalmdale.org/Businesses/Business-Advantages/FTZ-Advantages
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)
BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION RESOURCES SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBDC) SERVING THE ANTELOPE VALLEY
Our region is served by two extraordinary SDBC teams! The SBDC Northern Los Angeles County - Antelope Valley services are available in the SBDC office at 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 computer as well. Consulting – SBDC counselors can offer individual advice and guidance concerning the formation, management, financing and operation of your business. Counseling is provided at no charge to qualified businesses. Individuals who are considering starting a business are also eligible for counseling. SBDC counselors have significant experience in the private sector, and many have extensive management and financial consulting backgrounds. SBDC counselors are highly regarded by clients for their business skills and expertise. All counseling is confidential.
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
EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PANEL (ETP)
A business and labor supported state initiative that assists employers in strengthening their competitive edge by providing funds to off-set the costs of job skills training necessary to maintain high-performance workplaces. For more information, please visit www.etp.ca.gov/
COVERED CALIFORNIA
Covered California has two separate programs: the Individual Marketplace and the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). Think of the SHOP as a hub that aggregates plans and acts as your advocate and negotiator with insurance companies. It organizes qualified California small business health plans, gets information on their prices and benefits, enrolls your employees and consolidates billing. SHOP currently serves businesses with 2-50 employees. www.healthlawguideforbusiness.org
IHUB
Areas of training include:
The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has officially launched the California’s Innovation Hub for Defense, Energy and Aerospace (iDEA Hub), which is based in Ridgecrest, CA and includes the counties of Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura.
• Accounting/budgeting and Tax Planning, Cash flow management • Business planning, Management & Marketing • Computers in small business, Technology, including e-commerce • Customer relations, Human Relations • International trade • Legal issues, Patents and trademarks • Procurement/purchasing www.cocsbdc.org Los Angeles County or call 661/362-5900 www.csub.edu/sbdc Kern County or call 661/654-2856
The iDEA Hub provides companies with unparalleled access to tools to stay, expand and locate in Southern California. The California iDEA Hub provides unique access to a robust ecosystem addressing many of our Nation’s most critical science and technology needs and provides significant partnerships from the Naval Air Warfare Center, Edwards Air Force Base, the AERO Institute and NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, which has a combined expertise of over 7,000 scientists, engineers, logisticians, prime government contractors, acquisition professionals and military operators.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
The iDEA Hub is set up to do the following activities through its network of formal partners:
Training – Gain the knowledge needed to make your business excel by attending our training classes offered in specialized subjects and management basics for new business ventures.
SBA provides small businesses with an array of financing for small businesses from the smallest needs in microlending — to substantial debt and equity investment capital (venture capital). SBA triples Surety Bond Guarantee Ceiling; helping small business secure larger contracts and grow. A major revision in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Surety Bond Guarantee (SBG) Program more than triples the eligible contractup to $6.5 million, the Agency will guarantee on surety bonds for both public and private contracts. The higher surety bond guarantee limits expect to help construction and service sector small businesses gain greater access to private and public contracts and secure larger contracts vital to small business growth. SBA partners with the surety industry to help small businesses that would otherwise be unable to obtain bonding in the traditional commercial marketplace. For more information on SBA programs visit www.sba.gov
16 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org
• Provide business incubation services and facilities for entrepreneurs and start-up companies • Connect private sector capital with technology commercialization opportunities • Facilitate partnerships between government, industry and academia • Pursue funded research opportunities to strengthen the regional technology base • Host training and networking events to act as catalysts for idea exchange, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across Defense, Energy and Aerospace industries • 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
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LA County Office of Education – Our company works to get unemployed and 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, work and stay in the Antelope Valley. We provide excellent training for job seekers so they stand out to an employer and provide consistent and admirable work traits. Clients are offered job coaching, training, resume preparation, interview 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 support their families and their community.
JOB SEEKER/CAREER CHANGER
2014 Milestones: • In the last six (6) months we have assisted in placing over 350 clients into full time or part time jobs;
•N o-cost job fair registration
• We developed a job matching system to help clients find jobs; • Our FaceBook page posts as many jobs as possible, as well as recruitments and job fairs; • We have partnered with AVTA and LA County 211 to provide transportation shuttle service for clients with job interviews; • We offer short-term trainings to prepare unemployed people for jobs; • We are the lead agency involved in an annual Job Fair. Our investment in the workforce is life-changing. Encouraging residents to find self-sufficiency through jobs, partnering with employers to provide qualified employee referrals, free innovative solutions to job-seeker and employer barriers by providing training, local recruitments, transportation and more. Our goal is to re-instill pride and confidence in all residents through stable employment and satisfied employers. www.lacoegain.org/
REGIONAL CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Acton Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/269-5785 www.cityofacton.org
Littlerock Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/944-6990 www.littlerock-ca.us/Littlerock%20Chamber.htm
Antelope Valley African American Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/272-5807 www.avaacc.org
Mojave Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/824-2481 www.visitmojave.com
Boron Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 760/762-5810 California City Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 760/373-8676 www.californiacity.com/ Greater Tehachapi EDC Telephone: 661/748-3327 www.tehachapiedc.com Indian Wells Valley EDC/China Lake Alliance Telephone: 760/382-1049 www.chinalakealliance.org Lake Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce 661/264-2786 Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/948-4518 www.lancasterchamber.org
The South Valley WorkSource Center, provides a host of services to both employers and employees. Services for businesses include: •N o-cost job postings both locally and via the internet using our searchable on-line job bank •C ustomized recruiting to help you fill positions quickly • S kills assessments of potential candidates to ensure they meet your criteria •O n-the-job and pre-employment training •C onference rooms and privates offices for interviews, trainings, orientations, etc. • B usiness Incentive Information • B usiness Advisory Council membership • A ntelope Valley Enterprise Zone Vouchering Services for the job seeker include: •O ne-on-one career counseling • E mployment preparation workshops • S pecial training programs • J ob and career fairs •C omputers, printers, copy machines, fax, phones, and scanner • J ob leads and referrals
Source: David Manguramas, Career Development Program Supervisor
AV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/538-0607 www.avhcc.org
SOUTH VALLEY WORKSOURCE CENTER, PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
Palmdale Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/273-3232 www.palmdalechamber.org Pearblossom Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/305-6519
• S upportive 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.
WORKSOURCE CALIFORNIA ANTELOPE VALLEY ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER, LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA 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 Development Consortium. No Fee Services include : • Recruiting and Screening of Applicants • Skills Assessments • Support for Job Fairs and Open Houses • Referrals to Training Providers for Occupational Skills Training Customized Training Programs • No Fee Internet-Based Automated System to Place Job Openings
Quartz Hill Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/722-4811 www.quartzhillchamber.com
• Access to Job Leads
Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 760/375-8331 www.ridgecrestchamber.com
• Job Seeking Workshops
Rosamond Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/256-3248 www.RosamondChamber.com Sun Village Telephone: 661/400-1026
• Computers, Telephones, Copiers, & Fax Machines • Resume Creation • Veterans Services • Youth Services • Job Clubs For more information contact the America’s Job Center of California in Lancaster at 661/726-4128 or visit us at 1420 West Avenue I, in Lancaster or go to www.av.worksource.ca.gov.
Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce Telephone: 661/822-4180 www.tehachapi.com 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.
KERN COUNTY SURGE OF SOLAR PROJECTS
Construction of renewable energy projects is continuing at a rapid pace as Kern County continues to have the most solar projects in the state. The County has approved applications for 20,872 acres of solar projects anticipated to produce 2428 megawatts of electricity. The County also has received completed applications for 15,868 acres of solar projects anticipated to produce 2850 megawatts of electricity awaiting final approval.
REVITALIZING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH RENEWABLE ENERGY
RENEWBIZ (Renewable Energy Neighborhood Enhancement Wind Business Zone) is a program that takes a portion of property tax money from incorporated areas of Eastern Kern County to provide grants for improvements. In 2014, Kern County approved 41 grants with a total value of $350,000 to fund local improvement projects. The program, which requires a 25-50 year Vision Plan, has been a tremendous success and has brought the critical aid needed to revitalize the Kern County Antelope Valley areas.
LA COUNTY
Solar Star Projects(Source: Los Angeles County) 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 Solar Star Projects will deliver enough electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 255,000 homes, according to project owner, MidAmerican Solar. SunPower Corporation designed and is constructing the projects, which are being constructed with SunPower™ Oasis™ Power Plant technology. In addition, the projects will create approximately 650 construction jobs over a three-year construction period, while helping California achieve its renewable energy goals.
18 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org
SPOTLIGHT ON MID AMERICAN SOLAR
When complete, MidAmerican Renewables’ 579-megawatt Solar Star projects, two co-located developments located in Kern and Los Angeles counties, California, will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of approximately 255,000 average California homes. The projects foster economic development and demonstrate MidAmerican Renewables’ commitment to environmental respect. Committed to providing clean energy solutions, MidAmerican Renewables owns solar, wind, geothermal 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 understands the importance of being a good neighbor in the communities where its projects are located. MidAmerican Renewables and its employees actively demonstrate their role in the Antelope Valley by supporting local events, serving on local boards, and hiring local workers who have the necessary skills. Construction on the Solar Star projects started in the spring of 2013, and it is anticipated that the projects will be complete by year-end 2015. The projects utilize more than 1.7 million solar modules that track the sun during the day, which increases energy capture by up to 25 percent when compared to nontracking modules. During the projects’ construction period, approximately 650 jobs will have been created. After construction is complete, the projects will 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 increased local business activity and public revenue.
THE GREATER ANTELOPE VALLEY REGION CONTINUES TO SET THE BENCHMARK FOR HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY UTILIZE RENEWABLE ENERGY
REGIONAL MOTION PICTURE & TELEVISION PRODUCTION
Filming in Kern County
Filming brings an estimated $19 million into the community every year. In 2014, 185 film permits were issued. The critically-acclaimed film, “A Girl That Walks Home Alone At Night,” was filmed in the city of Taft, which provided a fluid stand-in for an Iranian city. Filmmakers love Kern County because there is so much opportunity here at a fraction of the price of other California locations.
KERN FILM OFFICE
FILM PERMITS ISSUED Photography: 17 Feature Films: 5 TV: 8 Commercials: 37 Other: 39 Projects included commercials for Harley Davidson, Honda, Budweiser, Chevy, AllState. Dodge Ram and Under Armor. The television show Justified the movie Fast & Furious 7 were filmed here. www.filmkern.com ,www.filmdeserts.com, www.filmcalifornia.com
AV FILM OFFICE
FILM PERMITS ISSUED Commercials: 49 Television: 30 Features: 49 Photography: 115 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.
Ridgecrest Regional Film Commission
The Ridgecrest Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (RACVB), along with the Ridgecrest Film Commission, provides marketing synergies with tourism promotion. By offering a diverse and wide range of natural beauty from spectacular geological formations to desert fauna, Ridgecrest provides some of the most breathtaking scenery that you’ll see in California. With hands-on support for production personnel, the RACVB stands ready to make filming easy. www.racvb.com “When filming comes to Ridgecrest, it engages business, crews, vendors, hotels, restaurants, tourism and locals. The economic impact for the region is huge, bringing millions of dollars in local spending, not to mention the incredible exposure of the area.” says Doug Lueck, Executive Director of the RACVB. California Film & Television Tax Credit Program New Program Summary – AB 1839, the California Film & Television Job Retention and Promotion Act, was signed by Governor Brown on Sept. 18, 2014. The California Film Commission is currently developing regulations, program guidelines and other procedures to administer the newly expanded film and TV tax credit program. For more information go to www.film.ca.gov/ Incentives.htm
KEY CHANGES The California Film & Television Job Retention and Promotion Act: • Increases tax credit program funding from $100 million to $330 million per fiscal year. • Expands eligibility to big-budget feature films, 1-hr TV series and TV pilots. • Eliminates budget caps for studio and independent films. • Eliminates the state’s existing tax credit lottery. • Includes penalty provisions for projects that overstate job creation. • Provides for multiple allocation periods throughout the year. • Adds a 5% “Uplift” for productions that film outside the 30-Mile Zone, as well as for visual effects and music scoring/recording performed in-state.
OUR REGION CONTINUES TO BRING IN REVENUE BY HOSTING ON-LOCATION FILMING AND THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS GENERATED BY EACH PRODUCTION DAY.
ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 19
WITH
MORE> LESS: DOING
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, deserts, mountains, valleys, and coastlines, make it a prime destination for living, working, and raising a family. As to the residents of this unique area, we can boast in our creativity, forward-thinking, and adaptability. These are the qualities that support California’s industry, education, and communities. The Greater Antelope Valley high desert region is located Northeast of Los Angeles, just over the San Gabriel mountain range. Here you will find a leaders in the aerospace, renewable energy, and healthcare industries. This is an area where entrepreneurs and private business owners thrive. We are fertile ground rich in opportunity and culture that allows for a dedicated workforce to support any business or venture capitalist looking for a home. Progress like this continues in our area even in the midst of the recent water supply challenges being faced by all Californians. Our region stretches north to the Fremont Valley aquifer that serves the Ridgecrest and China Lake communities and west to the Cummings Valley basin where their outreach and education programs have yielded a 20 gallon/day reduction in water consumption. Make no mistake water and the drought are top of mind for every resident in our region. Drought: California is in the midst of its worst drought since the early 20th century. The drought, now entering its fourth year, with more sunny 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. As for the water suppliers, there is a renewed focus on managing water resources and availability. Supply: The Sierra Nevada Mountain range supplies most of California with the life support of water. We rely on the winter season to deliver snowpack and rain to fill our streams, rivers, and lakes where it is stored for the future. Our State Water Project, or California Aqueduct system, moves billions of gallons of water from north to south ensuring that the millions of residents, the thousands of acres of agricultural fields, businesses and communities have enough water to thrive. The system helps to ensure that an adequate supply is available for delivery throughout the year. The Greater Antelope Valley has an advantage over other regions in the State; diversity. Although we do rely on water imported from the State 20 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org
WATER PROVIDERS IN THE GREATER ANTELOPE VALLEY Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Baxter Mutual Water Co. California Water Service Co. El Dorado Mutual Water Co. Golden Valley Municipal Water District Indian Wells Valley Water District Kern County Water Agency Littlerock Creek Irrigation District Los Angeles County Waterworks District 37 Los Angeles County Waterworks District 40 Palm Ranch Irrigation District Palmdale Water District Piute Mutual Water Co. Quartz Hill Water District Rosamond Community Services District Shadow Acres Mutual Water Co. Sundale Mutual Water Co.
Tierra Bonita Mutual Water Co. Tehachapi-Cummings Valley Water District Westside Park Mutual Water Co. White Fence Farms Mutual Water Co. Useful links for more information on water: www.acwa.com www.avswca.org www.avek.org www.avwaterplan.org www.iwvwd.com www.kcwa.com www.kernirwmp.com www.palmdalewater.org www.tccwd.com www.wakc.com www.water.ca.gov/irwm Water fact: One acre-foot of water is 326,000 gallons. This is enough to supply two families with water for one year.
Water Project, several other local resources distinguish our water supply story from others. With a more progressive focus on developing other 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 resources now supply about 50% of the demand during an average year with the remaining amount supplied from groundwater and above ground storage. We are considered a “closed basin,” which means that all water that starts here, or has been imported, stays here. We are a desert community that has always done more with less. Irrigation from sag ponds left behind by earthquakes once supplied water to the area. Over time, groundwater wells and the Littlerock Dam were constructed to increase water availability for the growing area. Today, the geography of the Greater Antelope Valley looks much
Average Monthly Water Bill —2014 Antelope Valley
$44.13
Las Vegas, NV
$62.90 $73.58
Denver, CO Tuscon, AZ
$111.01
Los Angeles, CA
$122.41
San Francisco, CA
$136.50
Austin, TX
$140.24
Atlanta, GA
$141.20
San Diego, CA
$150.15
Seattle, WA
$153.22 $0
$20 $40
$60 $80 $100 $120 $140 $160 $180
-Antelope Valley bill based on average of three (3) largest retailers. Source: Water Rates Audit 2014 Ca State Auditor -Single & multi-family residential, (4) people per household using 150 gallons/person/day. -National data source: Circle of Blue’s 2014 Water Pricing Survey
different. Agriculture thrives alongside industry, small business, suburban neighborhoods, and retail. The growing population has pushed community officials and governmental districts to strategize on how to ensure that progress continues throughout the region. Water has always been among the limiting factors for development, but with local efforts to stabilize our water supply, it doesn’t have to be. One example of our region’s effort to increase water supply diversity and reliability is through water banking. Storing imported water here locally for future use will help to assure our community’s ability to grow and prosper. Water suppliers like Los Angeles County, Palmdale Water District, and Rosamond Community Services District are great examples of agencies taking part in water banking in order to better serve their customers. Recycling: Diversifying our water portfolio is a priority for the region. Decreasing our reliance on water hundreds of miles away is a commitment we have embraced. The use of recycled water is a dependable source of this
limited asset and is drought proof. We can store all of the water that we create and put it back into the ground for future use. Conservation: Conservation is a way of life here. The community understands that what they do impacts their neighbors and that the Antelope Valley is a larger extension of their city. Water use has dropped since former Governor Schwarzenegger declared a 20% reduction in usage by the year 2020. Residents have helped reduce peak demand in the summer months by converting yards to desert-scapes and installing low water use appliances in their homes. Businesses have implemented similar practices to assist in this local water conservation effort. The people of our region take pride in our progressive thinking and responsible planning. The Antelope Valley Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (AV IRWMP) navigates the complexity of balancing resources through regional collaboration and provides a structure through which projects are prioritized and selected for State funding opportunities. Groundwater: In continuing to sustain a reliable, and diversified supply of water, our region’s greatest asset is its large and productive groundwater basins. But now water is limited and we must seek to replace water used with more water. Fortunately, the local groundwater adjudication process is nearing its end with an anticipated settlement expected in 2015. The outcome will provide land owners and businesses with a certainty in water supply from the region’s vast groundwater aquifer. Most recently, an Integrated Regional Water Management Group formed between California City, Mojave Public Utilities District, and the Antelope Valley East Kern Water Agency to develop planned projects that will enhance the sustainability of the Fremont Valley Basin. This effort will be lauded as another way to ensure the viability of our high desert water assets. We pride ourselves on below average water consumption. We flourish because we do more with less. We are well-positioned for responsible growth due to our successful resource management and flexibility of our residents and workforce. Come be a part of Southern California’s leading edge. We are open for business. Special thanks to the regions’ water experts at Palmdale Water District, AVEK, LA County Sanitation District and the AV-IRWMP planning group/stakeholders for their assistance in telling this story. To learn more about the AV’s water assets and plans go to AVWaterPlan.org
AGRICULTURE The Valley’s first agricultural boom occurred during the 1880s and early 1890s, when heavy rainfall attracted homesteaders who successfully cultivated alfalfa, barley, wheat, and a variety of fruits and nuts. However, a serious drought between 1894 and 1904 – the worst in Southern 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 irrigation, thanks to pumps powered first by gasoline and later by electricity, which proved more reliable than the former reliance on artesian wells. Irrigation, besides allowing for the replanting of the crops that previously thrived, also allowed the large-scale cultivation of alfalfa, which by 1920 was the Antelope Valley’s major crop. www.colapublib.org/history/antelopevalley/faq.html#q10 “From 2003 through 2013 California farmers invested almost $3 billion upgrading irrigation systems to drip and micro-sprinklers on nearly 2.4 million acres to help keep our economy and fresh food flowing.”
SPOTLIGHT ON TEHACHAPI AGRIBUSINESS‚ A GROWING LEGACY
Greater Tehachapi is abundant with thriving agribusiness. Today, large-scale, organic farming enterprises and family-owned, local ventures share the landscape. The region yields impressive 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 winter snowfall. Mix in the afternoon breeze, and you have a natural formula for success. Currently, the region boasts a combination of planted fields and greenhouses – totaling several 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 sustainable farming practices. The continued economic growth of the region, netting millions of dollars annually, is proof positive that Tehachapi’s agribusinesses share an unconditional commitment to quality, strong fiscal stewardship and evident responsiveness to consumer demand.
Los Angeles County Crop Report
Kern County Crop Report
Value of agricultural production: $189,883,000
Value of agricultural commodities: $6,769,855,590
State ranking: 33 Top five crops, by value: Woody Ornamentals $43,184,000 Vegetables $40,506,000 Bedding Plants $25,352,000 Fruits & Nuts $18,480,000 Alfalfa Hay $16,904,000
Top five commodities for 2013: Grapes Almonds Milk Citrus Cattle & Calves Which make up more than $4.6 Billion (68%) of the Total Value
STATISTICS: 2012 ACWM.CO.LA.CA.US
STATISTICS: 2013 KERNAG.COM
U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center 44811 N. Date Ave., Ste. B, Lancaster, CA 93534-3152 Phone: 661/942-9549 County Agricultural Commissioner 12300 Lower Azusa Rd., Arcadia, CA 91006 Phone: 626/575-5451 • Fax: 626/350-3243 Web site: acwm.co.la.ca.us U.C. Cooperative Extension County Farm Advisor 4800 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90022 Phone: 323/260-2267 • Fax: 323/260-5208 Web site: celosangeles.ucdavis.edu
(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: • Fiberglass, wood preservatives and ceramics used to make homes safer and more energy efficient • Heat-resistant glass used in flat-screen televisions and laptop computers • Textile fiberglass used in sporting equipment and wind energy systems • Fertilizers that help farmers increase crop quality and yield Boron Operations is recognized as one of the safest mining operations in the United States. • Boron Operations’ team is made up of nearly 800 people • The mine measures 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) long, 1.75 miles (2.8 kilometers) wide, and 755 feet (230 meters) deep • The operation mines about three million tons of ore per year to produce about one million tons of refined products • Processing plants produce borax pentahydrate, borax decahydrate, and boric acid from tincal and kernite ore feedstocks; fusing plants also produce anhydrous borate products • Products are shipped to customers in more than 100 countries via truck, rail, barge and ocean-going vessels • Each haul truck costs more than $1 million and can carry 240 tons of material Rinto Tinto Minerals is recognized as a world leader in borate supply and science. Most of the operational processes that set the standard for borate production were developed or first adopted at Boron Operations. Boron Operations has been partnering with local communities for nearly 90 years and contributes more than $150 million to the local economy annually. www.borax.com CAL PORTLAND CEMENT - MOJAVE CalPortland (CPC) is the oldest continually producing portland cement company west of the Rocky Mountains. It was founded in 1891 with the opening of the Colton, California Plant. Today, Colton is one of three plants owned by CPC. The other two are at Mojave, California and Rillito, Arizona. From its early years, CPC has remained a leader in the industry through its commitment to quality unsurpassed, technical superiority, and customer service. From the largest producer of sand, gravel and quarry rock in the Pacific Northwest supplying the construction industry in
22 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org
KERN COUNTY
NATURAL RESOURCES Washington, and Oregon to as far away as British Columbia and Alaska. Enabled by mergers and acquisitions, CPC has expanded its line to include pre-cast manholes, redi-rock, truss pipe, corrugated pipe and fittings, catch basins, aggregates, building materials, sand, gravel, rock, and asphalt. SEARLES VALLEY MINERALS - TRONA Searles Valley Minerals manages extensive operations in California’s Searles Valley. Power and production facilities cover more than 339 acres at the Argus, Trona and Westend plants in California. Searles Valley Minerals processes brine solutions from Searles Lake to produce boric acid, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, several speciality forms of borax, and salt. Unlike other mining techniques such as open pit mining, our three facilities in Searles Valley use a unique, ecologically friendly process that starts with solution mining. Our customers are industrial and agricultural, yet our consumers are you. Your automobile contains many products made with soda ash and borates such as window glass and windshields. Industrial laundries use our salt. Dye and detergent makers use our sodium sulfate in their products. High technology companies use our borates to make flat screen monitors, electronic parts and special coatings. Speciality borates end up in everything from fire retardants to fiberglass insulation and even wood treatments. Adjacent to one of the world’s primary ports, Searles Valley Minerals ships thousands of tons of high grade mineral product daily to major manufacturers in 52 countries. Overseas sales account for over half of our annual revenue. The Searles Valley Minerals sales staff has spent years cultivating and actively responding to the needs of markets in Western Europe, South America and the Pacific Rim. www.svminerals.com GRANITE CONSTRUCTION - Littlerock, Palmdale, Arvin & InyoKern From crushing, mine tailings remediation, impoundment, leach pads, roads and airfields - to foundations, reclamation, water management and power services - Granite’s mining services team has been operating side-by-side with some of the world’s largest mine operators for decades. www.graniteconstruction.com
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 GROW THROUGHOUT THE AEROSPACE VALLEY Through the on-going collaboration of business, industry, government, and educators, STEM education continues to flourish and expand within the greater Antelope Valley region. The number of students involved in STEM coursework (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) and extracurricular activities are now estimated to be at over 15,000 strong. Exciting developments include formation activities for the Antelope Valley East Kern STEM Network as a partnership of regional STEM educators and advocates, addition of STEM courses and activities for pre-Kindergarten students, Project Lead the Way © courses at the elementary level, growing middle school STEM programs, new and expanding pathways for biomedical sciences and engineering at area high schools, a burgeoning STEM club at Antelope Valley College, and pending accreditation for the Cal State Long Beach – Antelope Valley Engineering Program, among others.
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE The Air Force Flight Test Museum at Edwards Air Force Base is continually expanding its programs to excite interest in STEM subjects through informative displays, and the development of the Junior Test Pilot School (JTPS). JTPS is an online program designed to instruct elementary school aged children on the importance of the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as related to aircraft development, flight test, and aerospace at Edwards Air Force Base, which is the center of Air Force developmental flight test. Any student from across the globe
can learn about Edwards and STEM in action by attending this open-access, interactive, eLearning program. Originally designed by the Museum’s Outreach Director to target 3 rd through 6 th graders, it has been accessed by students in 3 rd grade through college. Participants surveyed have reported a desire to visit the Museum as well as increased interest in aerospace and technology. JTPS also helps the Air Force Flight Test Museum meet the Air Force’s commitment to promote interest in STEM subjects and furthers the museum’s purpose: “To preserve the history of Edwards, the people that have been there, and the remarkable advancements in flight and aerospace they have accomplished.” To learn more, please go to http://afftcmuseum.org/education and feel free to contact the STEM Educational Outreach Director, Lisa Brown at jtps@afftcmuseum.org .
STEMPOSIUM The third annual STEMPosium hosted by the HSI STEM Grant Office was held on November 5, 2014. Over 200 regional representatives from business, industry, government, and education were present to hear panelists from education partners, including CSU Long Beach AV Engineering Program, AVC (Lancaster and Palmdale Center), AVC’s SB1070 Grant Project Director, and the Antelope Valley Union High School District, as well as a panel of young industry professionals from XCOR, BAE and AFRL, a panel of industry partners from Edison, NASA, and LA County Sanitation Districts, and keynote addresses by civilian astronaut, Mike Melvill, and futurist Nathalie Gosset.
Among the notable milestones achieved regionally during the tenure of the AVC STEM Grants: • Re-design of math, physics, and chemistry courses. • Training academies for STEM educators. • $1.5 million invested in lab and technology • Ten-fold increase of AVC engineering majors. • Reinvigorated AVC STEM Club with over 100 members; • More women enrolled in AVC STEM programs. • 32 transfer graduates during first 4 years of operation
MOJAVE SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Mojave School District science programs follow both national science standards as well as the Common Core State Standards. As a result, rather than spending class time strictly listening to teachers lecture, students learn through the use of “hands-on” techniques, which research tends to show is the most successful way for students to learn. Science education in the district is student-driven, which is both motivating and engaging. A variety of STEM activities within the district, including : • K-12 Renewable Energy and Conservation Academy. • Industry advisors assist in writing new curriculum for Energy Systems I and II. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 23
The PHS Health Careers Academy also participates heavily in the HOSA careertechnical 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.”
• At Golden Queen Mining, students learned how to borrow money, sell products, pay bills and produce a profit and loss statement.
• Cummings Valley Elementary School has an after-school STEM Club for fourth and fifth graders.
• Mojave Makers have been busy on campus planting gardens and developing individual maker-spaces in the science classrooms, giving students instant access to advice, materials and experiences.
• Tompkins Elementary after-school program emphasizes STEM and the arts.
• Science Summer Camp for 2nd through 12th grade students. • The district is in the process of implementing Project Lead the Way© Engineering and Biomedical pathways. • Mojave High School, one of the very first engineering academies in the Antelope Valley, complete with computer aided-drafting programs, two digital printers and other equipment. • Since 2002, “dual enrollment” programs have been available to students at Mojave and California City high schools. The program allows district high school students to earn high school and college credits for college-level classes offered at the high school sites. Cerro Coso and Barstow community colleges help fund the program, which has allowed many students to graduate with four-year degrees in two years.
TEHACHAPI SCHOOL DISTRICT
• Tehachapi High School offers 5 Project Lead The Way© classes. • The Tehachapi High Engineering and Manufacturing Academy (THEMA) were modified to require all students to enroll in at least two PLTW engineering classes. • THS added a computer programming course to fulfill a growing national need for Information Technology and Communications workers. • Jacobsen Middle School has a STEM-based class named JEMS (Jacobsen Engineering, Math & Science). The JEMS teachers offer a Summer Gateway Academy each summer for approximately 30 students. • Jacobsen Middle School has three Lego League robotics competition groups. 24 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org
• Valley Oaks Charter School has two Lego League robotics competition groups at a combined middle/elementary school level. • The Arts, Science & Technology Educational Corporation of Tehachapi (AST) puts on two annual events, a Fall Festival and an annual Intermediate Space Challenge for fourth and fifth graders. AST also helps fund a similar Intermediate Space Challenge competition in Mojave/California City.
ANTELOPE VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
The AVUHSD offers 6 California Partnership Academies at its 8 comprehensive and 2 alternative high school sites, as well as SOAR High School on the campus of Antelope Valley College, and SOAR Prep Academy for 7 th and 8 th grades and the Virtual Academy as part of the Academies of the Antelope Valley. Highlights of some of the many STEM programs this year include: • Antelope Valley High School Dental Assisting Program 85 students enrolled in the Dental Assisting program to learn more about health and medical careers, with a focus on dental technology. Qualifying students in the capstone Dental Assisting course are able to participate in an internship in local dental offices. •P almdale High School – Health Careers Academy This nationally-recognized California Partnership Academy, serves students in 9-12th grades. HCA students worked on the “Super Size Me” project, incorporating science, history, health, English, math, and medical courses in an effort to address the obesity endemic. HCA students volunteer 12-40 hours of community service per year. Likewise, students participate in a work-based learning continuum, including clinical rotations (job shadowing) and internships
Palmdale High School - Falcon Academy of Sustainable Technologies (FAST) This unique high school academy incorporates a variety of course options for its students, including Falcon Engineers with a civil engineering/construction focus, and an automotive engineering component known as Falcon Garage, both of which utilize rigorous Project Lead the Way© curriculum, as well as a four-year Video Game Development/ Simulations pathway which addresses STEM and Computer Science initiatives known as Falcon Tech. A premiere project undertaken by FAST students this school year is “The Solar Race Car Project.” Following an intensive summer “bootcamp” orientation in CAD (computer aided design/drafting), welding, fabrication techniques, electrical, photovoltaics, advanced physics, racing, engineering, safety, and business models, the students are designing, building, and plan to drive their solar car (www.phssolarcar.weebly.com/about.html) in a five-day endurance race hosted by The Solar Car Challenge at the Texas Motor Speedway in the summer of 2015. FAST students at every grade level have likewise displayed their technical and academic expertise competing with SkillsUSA, a multi-disciplinary career-technical student organization. Once again, in 2014, the Falcon Engineers won the gold medal at SkillsUSA California in Sustainability Solutions for their project, “The Sustainable House,” as well as the gold medal for SkillsUSA California in the Career Pathway Showcase, STEM contest for “The Pedestrian Bridge” project. Falcon Engineers also earned the silver medal at SkillsUSA California in Engineering Technology/ Design for their “Under Ground Fire Hydrant” project. At the 2014 SkillsUSA National Conference in Kansas City, both Falcon Engineer state gold medalists won bronze medals in Sustainability Solutions and Career Pathway Showcase, STEM. FalconTech has received multiple national awards and recognition including the grade K-5 sustainability learning game “Professor STEMs Lab,” developed through the auspices of the Mojave Environmental Education Consortium (MEEC). Other awards include a silver medal at the 2014 SkillsUSA National Championships in Interactive Applications
and Video Game Design, and a winner of one component of the 2013 White House National STEM Video Game Challenge. Learn more at www.facebook.com/PHSFalconTech/ .
KNIGHT HIGH SCHOOL – DIGITAL DESIGN AND ENGINEERING ACADEMY A California School Boards Association Golden Bell Award winner, the Digital Design and
Engineering (DD&E) Academy is an integrated academic/CTE program combining engineering (PLTW ) pathway students with multimedia pathway students in a team setting to accomplish common projects and goals. Six students from the DD&E Academy were selected to compete in the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Challenge in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia. The first-ever nonAustralian high school to compete in the event. After working through some equipment difficulties necessitating the Spirit of Niles 2 hexcopter to be converted to a quadcopter, the young women’s team of Spirit of Niles 1 finished 3 rd in the Airborne Delivery Challenge, and the young men’s team of Spirit of Niles 2 finished 3 rd in the Search challenge. Three DD&E students participated in the SkillsUSA Sustainability Solutions competition in 2014, winning the gold medal at the California State competition, allowing them to participate in the Nationals in Kansas City for their cell phone case design.
LITTLEROCK HIGH SCHOOL – AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES ACADEMY
skills and develop confidence. The Tech Trek website: www.aauw-techtrek.org has the full survey report, and information about all ten CA Tech Trek camps.
As part of its decade-long commitment to growing and selling organic fruit locally, Littlerock High School’s Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Academy has reached an arrangement with the Food Services Division of the Antelope Valley Union High School District to provide this healthy food source to its own students at Littlerock High. Students used quality control methods to select fruit before packing it and sending it to the cafeteria. Fruit not deemed suitable for fresh whole consumption was processed by the students into apple butter, sliced apples, and peach jam.
For more information, email connie.harney@verizon.net. The AERO Institute is a partnership of individuals; Federal, State and Regional Governments; commercial companies; academic institutions; and non-profits engaged in broad reaching research and operations programs as well as addressing the need for a technically skilled workforce and STEM education at all levels. The Strategic Partners in the AERO are NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, NASA Ames Research Center, and the City of Palmdale. AERO works in close association with the NASA National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program to further leverage the public’s investment in Higher Education. Numerous Colleges and Universities have formed new partnerships with the AERO Institute to make educational opportunities more accessible in the Antelope Valley. www. aeroi.org.
THE PALMDALE AEROSPACE ACADEMY
The Palmdale Aerospace Academy was established as a collaborative initiative between The City of Palmdale, the AERO Institute, and the Palmdale School District. The focus of the initiative was, and still is, to prepare students to engage in high-tech careers and jobs of the future that will be available to them in the 21st and 22nd centuries. The Palmdale Aerospace Academy is inspiring students to do exactly what our valley is famous for! Doing what has never been done before- Design, Create, Explore!!!
Story contributed by Diane Walker, AVUHSD Coordinator of College and Career Readiness and the late Bob Johnstone, Chair of the Math, Science, Engineering and Technology Consortium.
TECH TREK – A STEM CAMP FOR GIRLS
Tech Trek fosters girls’ interest in STEM, 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 District (K-12) www.aadusd.k12.ca.us
Antelope Valley High School District www.avdistrict.org
Kern County Schools/Mojave Unified School District (K-12) www.mojave.k12.ca.us
Muroc Joint Unified School District (K-12)
Eastside Union School District (K-8)
www.muroc.k12.ca.us
www.eastside.k12.ca.us
Southern Kern Unified (K-Adult)
Gorman School District (K-8)
www.skusd.k12.ca.us
www.gorman.k12.ca.us
Sierra Sands Unified School District
Hughes-Elizabeth Lake Union School District (K-8)
www.ssusdschools.org
Desert Christian School
Westside Christian School
www.desertchristian.com
www.dhbc-wcs.com
Desert Vineyard Christian School
CHARTER SCHOOLS
www.desertvineyard.org
Grace Lutheran School www.gracelancaster.org
Heritage Oak School www.heritageoakschool.info
High Desert Adventist Christian School www.ridgecrestacs.com
AV Learning Academy www.avlearning.org
AV Youthbuild Charter www.youthbuildcharter.org Desert Sands Charter High School www.dschs.org
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
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Lancaster Baptist School
www.learn4life.org
Antelope Valley Adventist School www.lancasteradventist.com
www.lancasterbaptistschool.org
Life Source International Charter School
Antelope Valley Christian School
www.paracletehs.org
www.lifesourcecharterschool.org
www.avcs.edu
Pinecrest School
The Guidance Charter School
Lancaster Elementary School District (K-8) www.lancsd.org
Palmdale School District (K-8) www.palmdalesd.org
Westside Union Elementary School District (K-8)
Bethel Christian School www.bethelchristian.net
www.westside.k12.ca.us
Carden School of Tehachapi
Wilsona School District (K-8)
www.cardenschooltehachapi
www.wilsonasd.net
Paraclete High School
www.pinecrest.edu
www.thegcs.org
Pearblossom Private School
The Palmdale Aerospace Academy
www.pearblossomschool.com
Sacred Heart School www.sacredheartlancaster.org
www.tpaa.org
Valley Oaks Charter School www.valleyoakscharterschool.org
St. Mary’s School www.stmaryspalmdale.org
ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 25
POST S ECO N DA RY E D U C AT I O N
ANTELOPE VALLEY COLLEGE
3041 West Avenue K Lancaster, CA 93536 661-722-6300 www.avc.edu 1529 East Palmdale Blvd. Palmdale, CA 93550 661-722-6400 www.avc.edu/palmdale District Size: 1,945 Square Miles Number of Buildings: 35 Budget: 2013/2014 Unrestricted & Restricted Funds . . . . . . . . . . $70 Million All Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $131 Million
STUDENT /PROGRAMS 2013/2014 Student Enrollment: 18,771 Associate Degree Programs: 91 Certificate Program: 59
FACULTY/STAFF Full-time Faculty: 176 Percentage holding Ph.D.s: 29% Total Number of Employees: 889 Additionally, AVC is now offering 19 Associate Degree for Transfer programs. These Associate in Arts (AA-T) and Associate in Science (AS-T) degrees are designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU major and baccalaureate degree. AVC students who complete these transfer degrees will be guaranteed admission to the CSU system with junior standing.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY BAKERSFIELD/ANTELOPE VALLEY CAMPUS
43909 30th Street West Lancaster, CA 93536 661-952-5000 www.csub.edu/AV The campus is located on the north end of Antelope Valley College and CSUBAV offers accredited Bachelor Degree completion programs for those who have completed general education work at a community college. Bachelor Degrees include Business Administration (management, accounting, general), Child, Adolescent & Family Studies, Communications, Criminal Justice, English, Environmental Resource Management (on-line through Extended University), Liberal Studies (IBEST), Nursing (RN to BSN on-line 26 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org
only) and Sociology (Human Services). Master’s Degrees are also available in Business Administration (MBA), Educational Administration (MA), Special Education. Educational Curriculum & Instruction and Administration (MSA) are through the Extended University. Also offered are teaching credential programs in Elementary Education, Single Subject and Special Education for those who have completed a Bachelors Degree.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY LONG BEACH
45356 Division Street Lancaster, CA 93536 661-723-6429 www.csulb.edu/ 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 administrative facilities. The University Center, via a lease agreement with the City of Lancaster, is a satellite campus of the CSULB College of Engineering. Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Programs for Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, which allow Antelope Valley students to obtain these Degrees locally while also providing qualified workers for the region’s robust Aerospace Industry. Cal Poly Pomona offers Master of Science Degrees in Electrical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering at the LUC as well.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY LONG BEACH – AV ENGINEERING PROGRAM The Antelope Valley Engineering Program is a full time, highly structured, two and a half year program for transfer students seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in either Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. The program is located at the Lancaster University Center satellite Campus. • First class graduated in December 2013 – 18 graduates (10 mechanical and 8 electrical engineers), including 12 who transferred from AVC and 6 from other universities and colleges; • 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 funded by NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, and 1 moved to Norway. • Four cohorts are presently admitted, with 56 students (39 from AVC, 7 from • Cerro Coso, 4 from ELA College, and 6 from other universities and colleges). • Co-operative internships opportunities or employment locally. • ABET accreditation action expected by July of 2015.
BRANDMAN UNIVERSITY, CHAMPAN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM ANTELOPE VALLEY CAMPUS
39115 Trade Center Drive, Suite 203 Palmdale, CA 93550 661-267-2001 www.brandman.edu/antelopevalley Established in 1958, Brandman University is a private, non-profit university accredited by the Western Association of School and Colleges (WASC) and a member of the Chapman University System. Brandman offers over 52 undergraduate, graduate, credential, and certificate programs at nearly 30 campus locations throughout California and Washington, and nationally through its top-ranked online campus. Approximately 12,000 students enjoy flexible class times, exceptional faculty, and unparalleled student services. Brandman is also exceptionally proud of its history and commitment to military education, and nearly a quarter (24%) of Brandman students are active military or veteran students. Committed to serving all facets of the military education community, Brandman acknowledges spouses and dependent family members as key educational constituents and offers reduced military tuition rates.
CERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE
3000 College Heights Blvd. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-384-6100 www.cerrocoso.edu Established in 1973, Cerro Coso Community College is a comprehensive, multi-campus public institution of higher education fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). The main campus is located in Ridgecrest, California, and classes are also offered at Edwards Air Force Base, California City, Mojave, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, and Online which together form the largest geographical service area of any community college in California. Its comprehensive programs of instruction currently includes 21 Associate degrees, 8 Associate degrees for transfer, and 19 Certificates in career technical education programs. The mission of Cerro Coso Community College is to provide outstanding educational programs and services tailored to the students in the communities and rural areas we serve. To accomplish this mission we provide: transfer and career technical education, remedial instruction, comprehensive support services, learning opportunities that develop ethical and effective citizenry, and continuing education that is compatible with the institution’s primary mission.
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
1202 West Avenue J Lancaster, CA 93534 661-940-6851 www.phoenix.edu University of Phoenix is the nation’s largest private university and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission through the North Central Association. The University of Phoenix Lancaster Learning Center offers several degree programs as well as online programs for students pursuing their Associates, Bachelors, Masters or Doctoral Degrees. Programs range from business, criminal justice, human services, nursing, health care, education, communication, counseling and more (some programs are only offered online). Stop by, call or visit our website to learn more! University of Antelope Valley 44055 Sierra Highway, Lancaster, CA 93534 661/726-1911 • www.uav.edu In June 2009, the institution received approval from the United States
UNIVERSITY OF ANTELOPE VALLEY
44055 Sierra Highway Lancaster, CA 93534 661-726-1911 www.uav.edu The mission of the University of Antelope Valley is to provide quality undergraduate, graduate, certificate and continuing education to our local and global community. The University of Antelope Valley offers higher education that enables students to achieve their academic, career, and personal goals, thereby allowing them to become valuable assets to their communities.Education is the backbone of most communities, and we are dedicated to making the Antelope Valley a strong community through education and giving our students and community the ability to thrive by changing lives through education.
WEST COAST BAPTIST COLLEGE
4020 East Lancaster Blvd. Lancaster, CA 93535 661-946-4663 www.wcbc.edu West Coast Baptist College opened its doors in September of 1995. This private seminary college offers Bachelor and Master Degree programs. There are several departments available to its students such as the Department of Bible, Bible Languages, Clerical and Secretarial Skills, Education, Evangelism, Missions, Music, Practical Theology, Secondary Education, and Youth 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.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY 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
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BOEING COMPANY
AEROSPACE AND AVIATION IN THE REGION
NOT ONLY IS OUR REGION RESPONSIBLE FOR SEVERAL AERONAUTICAL BREAKTHROUGHS—
OUR AEROSPACE INDUSTRY IS HEALTHY AND THRIVING NASA ARMSTRONG FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER
In 2014 the Center was named for Neil A. Armstrong, an NACA and NASA research test pilot from 1955 to 1962 who went on to command the historic Apollo 11 mission. It is home to the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range and serves as NASA’s center of excellence for atmospheric flight research. MILESTONES: NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards, California is helping advance NASA’s missions of aeronautics research, Earth and space science and aerospace technology.) Aeronautics Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge Flight Experiment NASA’s green aviation project, together with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and FlexSys, Inc, is demonstrating technology that could make future airliners quieter and more fuel-efficient. UAS in the NAS Armstrong is the host center for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration in the National Airspace System project. Flight tests with a Predator B and Armstrong’s MQ-9 Ikhana marked the first time UAS vehicles flew in real world conditions to evaluate autonomous collision avoidance systems. It was also the first time a UAS maneuvered automatically to avoid a simulated collision.
28 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org
ACCESS II NASA researchers – along with international partners conducted experiments that may aid in the development of cleaner aircraft fuels. Supersonic Research Armstrong researchers captured detailed Schlerin images of otherwise invisible shock waves from supersonic aircraft to help design quieter jets in the future. Earth and Space Science Global Hawk Earth Science Missions NASA’s Global Hawk project made its first overseas deployment to track changes in the upper atmosphere and help researchers understand how these changes affect Earth’s climate. DC-8 Flying Laboratory The DC-8 was employed on its sixth consecutive year of Operation IceBridge research flights over Antarctica to study changes in the continent’s ice sheet, glaciers and sea ice. ER-2 Missions A high altitude ER-2 jet collected hyperspectral infrared images to provide data about the health of vegetation in six diverse areas of California and Nevada. It also delivered infrared images of the King Fire in the SierraNevada. C-20A and UAVSAR The C-20A aircraft uses the Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar to make precise measurements of volcanoes, glaciers,
forests, levees, sinkholes and geological fault lines. The aircraft also collected data over the site of the August Napa earthquake. SOFIA Airborne Observatory NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) has reached full operational capability and continues to carry out the work of a world-class observatory while Airborne Astronomy Ambassador educators fly on missions as partners with the international science teams. Ikhana NASA’s MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft was used to support the Orion spacecraft EFT-1 orbital flight test mission, providing live video imagery of the capsule’s splashdown off the coast of the Baja California peninsula. Spaceflight Technology Flight Opportunities Program NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program, included Masten Space Systems of Mojave, worked to mature technologies for its “Xombie” verticaltake off, vertical landing vehicle. Towed Glider Air Launch System Researchers flight-tested a subscale prototype twin-fuselage towed glider that could lead to reducing the cost of rockets being air-launched and improving the efficiency of sending small satellites into space.
Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator The HIAD is designed to more efficiently slow a spacecraft’s descent while entering a planet’s atmosphere. HIAD prototypes have been tested in Armstrong’s Flight Loads Laboratory.
BOEING COMPANY - GREATER ANTELOPE VALLEY
Boeing is the world’s leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Boeing provides products and support services to customers in 150 countries and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales. Boeing employs more than 170,000 people across the United States and in 70 countries. Total company revenues for 2012 were $81.7 billion. Boeing has approximately 19,000 employees in California, making it one of the state’s largest private employers. In the Antelope Valley, Boeing conducts ground and flight testing of both military and commercial products. Some key program milestones for 2014: • The X-48 Blended Wing Body (BWB) Program aircraft has been loaned to the Air Force Flight test Museum at Edwards AFB where it is on display. The X-48 Program accomplished 112 missions over a six year period using both the X-48B and X-48C configurations. • The Phantom Eye high altitude long endurance (HALE) unmanned aircraft system has completed a total of nine test missions to date. Phantom Eye, which uses a liquid hydrogen propulsion system, is designed to stay aloft for up to four days while carrying a 450-pound payload. • Boeing has conducted a number of flight tests out of Edwards AFB with the 787-9 Dreamliner, the second member of the superefficient 787 family. • Flight testing continued on the F-15SA fighter jets at Boeing’s facility on Air Force Plant 42. The F-15s for Saudi Arabia are part of the largest Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program in U.S. Government history. • Boeing provides support to, and partners with, the Air Force, Navy, and NASA on programs (with Flight Test, Modifications, and Logistics Support) in the Greater Antelope Valley including: B-1B, B-52, T-38C, F-22, F/A-18, F-15SA, and C-17. We also support Boeing Commercial Airplanes with recent flight testing of the 747-8, 787, and 787-9. The Company conducts operations at Edwards AFB, NAWS China Lake, Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, and NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center. For additional information, please visit: www.boeing.com
NAVAL AIR WEAPONS STATION – CHINA LAKE
NAWS China Lake installation is the Navy’s largest single landholding, representing 85
percent of the Navy’s land for RDAT&E use and 38 percent of the Navy’s land holdings worldwide. In total, its two ranges and main site cover more than 1.1 million acres, an area larger than the state of Rhode Island. The roughly $3 billion infrastructure of the installation is comprised of 2,132 buildings and facilities, 329 miles of paved roads and 1,801 miles of unpaved roads. The 19,600 square miles of restricted and controlled airspace at China Lake makes up 12 percent of California’s total airspace and provides an unprecedented venue for integrated testing and training of today’s war-fighter. The workforce at China Lake is a mixture of military, civilians and contractors that are employed across multiple tenant commands. There are approximately 620 active duty military, 4,166 civilian employees and 1,734 contractors employees that work at the installation.
LOCKHEED MARTIN
Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide and more than 3,500 people locally. The Antelope Valley location is home to the iconic Skunk Works® known for solutions that push the state of the art in support of the nation’s most pressing needs. Working advanced development projects, the Skunk Works team is focused on rapid prototyping, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of manned and unmanned aircraft systems. Employees are very active in the community with emphasis working to inspire students to pursue careers in the technology arena and in support of military and veterans causes. Lockheed Martin is proud of its more than 100year partnership with the good people of the state of California.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN ANTELOPE VALLEY
In 2013, Northrop Grumman’s F-35 Integrated Assembly Line (IAL), located at the Palmdale Integration Center of Excellence, was selected as “Assembly Plant of the Year” by Assembly Magazine for its outstanding quality and performance in the world of automation. This honor is historical; Northrop Grumman is the first aerospace company to receive this award. The IAL is unique to the aircraft industry, as it represents the first time automotive and aircraft technologies and processes are integrated on a massive scale. Furthermore, it incorporates numerous technologies exclusive to, or pioneered by, Northrop Grumman for use in an aircraft factory. • Northrop Grumman has operated in the Antelope Valley since the 1940s, when it supported flight testing at Muroc Army Air Field (now Edwards AFB). In 1986, Northrop Grumman began production of the Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. • 3,100 people work in the region, most of them
in Palmdale. Northrop Grumman assembles the center fuselage of the F‑35 Lightning II multirole fighter for Lockheed Martin. Other activities include final assembly of the Air Force RQ‑4 Global Hawk and Navy MQ-4 Triton unmanned reconnaissance systems. • The Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence also serves as headquarters for Northrop Grumman’s work on the B‑2 stealth bomber. • The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) a sole source, $9.9B indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract to continue modernizing and sustaining the B-2 stealth bomber. • In 2007, Northrop Grumman acquired Scaled Composites in Mojave. The worldclass capabilities in innovative design, rapid prototyping and flight test complement Northrop Grumman’s own expertise in these areas.
QUICK FACTS
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE AIR FORCE FLIGHT TEST CENTER: Military Personnel (Active, reserves/natl guard, etc) 2,039 Civilian Personnel 8,381 Family members 1,991 TOTAL PERSONNEL 12,411 Military Pay $138,459,064 Civilian Pay $540,483,940 TOTAL PAYROLL $540,483,940
Estimated indirect jobs created locally 12,224 Average Annual Pay $52,874 Estimated annual dollar value of indirect jobs created $646,329,698 TOTAL PAYROLL $540,483,940 Contract Expenditures $298,665,000 Estimated Total Value of Jobs Created $646,329,698
COMBINED ECONOMIC IMPACT:
$1.44 Billion www.edwards.af.mil
* As reported in the 2013 Economic Impact Analysis
“AS ONE OF ONLY TWO
AIRCRAFT INTEGRATION CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN THE COUNTRY,
Palmdale has unique qualifications which allow us to increase opportunities for innovation while enhancing collaboration amongst our highly talented employees. The Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence reflects our dedication to our community and country.” —Andy Reynolds, vice president,
Manufacturing Operations and Palmdale site manager, Northrop Grumman 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 NORM HILL AVIATION, INC.:
$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 Gulfstream Business Jet community worldwide. The Gulfstream Aircraft is the number one corporate business jet in the world. NHA currently has 11 employees and expects to continue our present growth as we add services and expands our facilities. www.normhillaviation.com Creative Accents: Is a long time business (Established 1967) who manufacture handmade custom decorative rugs and have a worldwide distribution. www.creativeaccents.com
LANCASTER
Introducing a New Kind of Street Smarts: The City of Lancaster has partnered with Ecostar Science and Technology, a firm specializing in the development of superior pavement coatings, adhesives and groundbreaking pavement rehabilitation processes which will significantly extend street life through innovative, environmentally conscious processes. Ecostar’s products and processes, which are manufactured and assembled in Lancaster, have the potential to reshape the way the world understands and carries out street maintenance. As the twice-recognized “Most Business Friendly City in Los Angeles County,” the City of Lancaster has worked hand-in-hand with Ecostar to ensure its success and looks forward to the ways in which its innovative new products and processes will revive our streets, provide employment opportunities and substantially reduce the impact of road construction on the environment.
HOME-GROWN GREEN TRANSIT:
Yet another testament to the innovative business ventures that Lancaster and its partners fearlessly pursue, 2014 yielded the production of the most efficient long-range articulated bus available in the U.S. market. Built by China-based BYD in their Lancaster manufacturing facility, and named “Lancaster” as a show of good faith in the partnership between our City and this international leader in the transportation industry, the 60-foot, 120passenger articulated electric bus travels up to 170 miles on a single charge, far exceeding competitors. This innovative product paints an inspiring picture 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 greenenergy breakthrough—they have created a brand new product which has set a new standard for all types of large vehicles around the world. 30 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org
MORTON MANUFACTURING Source: www.mortonmanufacturing.com 350 new local jobs Since its inception in 1967, Morton has specialized in the production of nickel alloy bolts for gas-turbine aircraft engines. The firm’s client list includes such companies as Rolls Royce, Pratt & Whitney and General Electric. The new Lancaster facility, which marks a 96% increase in size over the company’s former facility, will house the firm’s corporate headquarters and manufacturing operations. Morton Manufacturing is currently in the process of moving to a new facility, the move is expected to be complete by July 2015.
PALMDALE BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL EFFORTS
For more than 50 years, Palmdale has been on the leading edge of America’s newest technologies, with major breakthroughs in aerospace, materials science, energy and the environment. The Spirit of innovation has led to the creation of a thriving community of more than 153,000 residents and nearly 2,000 businesses with diverse interests and capabilities. Today, Palmdale offers not only world-class engineering and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, but remarkable new medical facilities, a strong service sector and a robust retail marketplace as well. With an unrivaled quality of life, abundant land, unlimited opportunities for growth, and a City Hall tailored to helping businesses succeed, Palmdale is a city ready to exceed all expectations.
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 their manufacturing operations. With an $891-million contract to build and deliver 235 light rail cars for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Kinkisharyo’s Palmdale facility currently employs about 165 employees in the assembly process. When manufacturing operations are added in early 2016 the employment number will jump to between 250 and 300.
RIDGECREST Monarch, INC. (Source: Owner, Eileen Shibley) Where aerospace innovation is the culture… In 2014, Monarch, Inc. became incorporated, built a 15,000 sq ft manufacturing plant in Ridgecrest, acquired a commercial grade 3D printing environment, brought on line a printed circuit board capability for rapid
THE SUCCESS OF OUR LOCAL INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IS DIRECTLY TRANSLATING
INTO A SOURCE OF LASTING, SUCCESSFUL CAREERS
prototyping, and produced our first production lot of commercial drones. Monarch™ is a technology company that conceptualizes, designs, and manufactures robotic systems for commercial applications. Monarch™ builds small robotic systems (less than 50 pounds) in both fixed and rotary wing designs. Our rotary wing design, the Monarch™ has been used successfully in both precision agriculture and engineering surveys. The Monarch™ has a unique Cocoon™ that serves to house EO, IR, and multispectral sensors. Through mission planner open source software to sophisticated mapping software, autonomous flights can produce high resolution geo-rectified imagery. Monarch™ is located in the heart of aviation development, home to one of the highest concentrations of intellectual capital in military, industrial and educational entities in our country. The headquarters is in Ridgecrest, CA (150 miles north of Los Angeles) near the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station and 20,000 square miles of pristine airspace—the largest contiguous restricted airspace in the country. The remote location offers enough infrastructure to support industry, as well as enough space for future expansion. Climatic and geographic diversity for testing, under virtually every condition, makes this area a prime location for developing and manufacturing robotic systems. www.monarchmakers.com PERTEXA: New firm manufacturing tele-health equipment (RoboDoc) and health software. Primary markets to be hospital, rehab centers, rural clinics, critical access, nursing homes and prisons to name a few. This will allow Physicians to be linked to command center enabling specialists to conduct consults. Projected sales in first year 1-750 units equaling $26,250,000 in sales and over 35 jobs. WATER BLASTERS: New firm manufacturing water toys, estimated 15,000 units in 2014 with over 30,000 in 2015.
TEHACHAPI Tehachapi has long been known as a quaint, community oriented town and because of that you may have never considered moving or building your business here. But Tehachapi actually has a strong infrastructure, supportive city leaders and is placed perfectly to help you grow. Founded on the crossroads of the major West Coast and midland trade routes, Tehachapi has Grown Up in the heart of California’s population centers. Tehachapi’s centralized location means that businesses and their employees have access to all that our beautiful State has to offer. The crisp air of the high sierras, the rugged curves of the California coastline, the Silicon Valley, and the L.A. basin are all less than a half-day’s drive. The City of Tehachapi is on the precipice of another round of growth and development. According to the California Retail Survey, using the average annual retail sales growth rate for the five-year period 2007-12, the Survey announced that the City of Tehachapi experienced the tenth fastest growth during this period. Over these five years, Tehachapi saw its retail market grow by a compound annual rate of 8.4%. By comparison, the statewide average for retail growth during this same period was -0.3%. Despite that rapid expansion, Tehachapi remains an affordable place with hundreds of available acres ready to Build Up your business. 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 can support heavy users with little or no upgrades. And the City of Tehachapi, has invested over $6 million in water and sewer system upgrades since 2007 to accommodate decades of future development. When you’re ready to take your business to new heights our motivated staff can lead you through a streamlined development process to ensure you project is done quickly and cost effectively.
BUSINESS/INDUSTRIAL PARKS LANCASTER North Valley Industrial Center
Park One Industrial Park
Location: Avenue H and Division St Total Acreage: 270 acres Zoning: Heavy Industrial
Location: Rancho Vista Blvd. and 10th Street East Total Acreage: 10 acres Zoning: Industrial and Commercial
Lancaster Business Park
Sierra Business Park
Location: Business Center Parkway and Ave K-8 Total Acreage: 240 acres Zoning: Specific Plan
Enterprise Business Park Location: Sierra Hwy and Ave L-4 Total Acreage: 75 acres Zoning: Office/Light Industrial
Southern Amargosa Industrial Location: Ave L and M East of SR-14 Total Acreage: 1,400 acres Zoning: Medium/Light Industrial
Centerpoint Business Park Location: Ave J and Lowtree Ave Total Acreage: 9.5 acres Zoning: Office Professional
Location: 10th West and Avenue M-4 Total Acreage: 30 acres Zoning: Commercial
Sierra Gateway Park Location: Avenue O-8 and Sierra Hwy Total Acreage: 133 acres Zoning: Commercial
CALIFORNIA CITY Airport Business Park Location: California City Municipal Airport Total Acreage: 40 acres Zoning: Industrial and M1
MOJAVE Mojave Airport
The BLVD Location: Lancaster Blvd and 10th St W to Sierra Hwy Total Acreage: 9.5 acres Zoning: Commercial/Office Professional/Specific Plan
Antelope Valley Medical Main Street Location: Ave J and 15th St W Total Acreage: 340 acres Zoning: Medical Office Professional
PALMDALE Challenger Business Park
Location: SR 58 and Flight Line Total Acreage: 3,300 acres Zoning: Industrial and Airport Uses
Ridgecrest Ridgecrest Business Park Location: China Lake Blvd. & Ward Avenue Total Acreage: 63 acres Zoning: Professional/Light Industrial
Ridgecrest Industrial Park Location: West Ridgecrest Total Acreage: 81 acres Zoning: Light Industrial/Mixed
INYOKERN Inyokern Airport Industrial District
Location: Palmdale Blvd. and 5th St. W. Total Acreage: 10 acres Zoning: Commercial
Location: Inyokern Blvd. Total Acreage: 40 Zoning: Light Industrial/Mixed
Fairway Business Park Location: Avenue O and Division Street Total Acreage: 115 acres Zoning: Business Park/Mixed
TEHACHAPI Goodrick Business Park Location: Dennison Rd Parkway/ Goodrick Rd Total Acreage: 110 acres Zoning: Light Industrial/Mixed
Freeway Business Center Location: State Highway 14 and Ave N Total Acreage: 115 acres Zoning: Commercial
Capital Hills Business Park
Palmdale Trade & Commerce Center Location: 10th West and Rancho Vista Blvd. Total Acreage: 746 acres Zoning: Industrial and Commercial
Location: Capital Hills Pkwy/Mills Road Total Acreage: 122 acres Zoning: M-2
Bailey Avenue Industrial Park Location: Tehachapi Blvd. /Bailey Avenue Total Acreage: 25 acres Zoning: M-1
Chemtool – one of the largest manufacturers and custom formulators of lubricants and specialty products in the world is proud to make Tehachapi their home. SunSelect – A new 32 acre organic hydroponics greenhouse, which grows peppers and tomatoes. Expansion plans for 2015 include another 32 acresite. 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 in local funds to the Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) to purchase two zero-emission buses through BYD, an Antelope Valleybased, electric bus manufacturing company. “The Antelope Valley is a leader in demonstrating new technology,” stated AVTA Chair Norm Hickling. “It’s only fitting AVTA should lead the way with 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 charging stations at the agency’s two major transfer centers in Palmdale and Lancaster. A $670,000 contract has been awarded to WAVE Inc. which relies on new technology that eliminates the need for a hard wire when charging. As a result, zero emission buses can remain in revenue service as long as their diesel counterparts.“We are extremely grateful to Supervisor Antonovich and to the Board 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 anticipated, we intend to seek new sources of funding to add more electric buses to the fleet.”
NORTH COUNTY TRANSPORTER
The North County TRANSporter is the “Gateway to LA” for residents of the Antelope Valley. This midday bus service connects A.V. residents to the Santa Clarita Valley making trips “down below” more convenient. The service offers ten trips each weekday between the Palmdale Transportation Center and the Newhall Metrolink Station, with additional connections to the recently opened McBean Regional Transit Center. The midday schedule gives AV residents the option to travel outside of peak commute hours, providing much more freedom and limitless travel possibilities to Santa Clarita and the Los Angeles area. The North County TRANSporter was made possible through funding secured by Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, and the Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA). The route is currently serving more than 1,000 passengers per week. (Source www.avta.com)
32 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org
METROLINK
As Southern California’s premier regional rail system, we do everything in our power to provide high-quality, dependable, on-time service. This commitment to excellence is a promise our riders have the right to expect. Routes from the Antelope Valley are available 7-days a week. Check the schedule for details.
Number of Trains
A.V. Line
Weekday
Average Daily Ridership
Weekend
Weekday
Weekend
2013-2014
30 12 (Sat) 12 (Sun)
5854
3,499 (Sat) 2,451 (Sun)
2011-2012
30
12 (Sat) 6 (Sun)
6139
2,972 (Sat) 1,775(Sun)
2009-2010
30
12 (Sat) 6 (Sun)
5807
2,181 (Sat) 1,173(Sun)
2007-2008
24
12 (Sat) 6 (Sun)
6734
2,628 (Sat) 1,369(Sun)
Daily Station Boardings Average Weekday Ridership 2014
618
Glendale
844
Burbank 80
Sun Valley
458
Sylmar/SF Newhall
321
Santa Clarita
267
Princessa
417 102
Vincent Palmdale
365
Lancaster
367 0
200
400 Passengers
600
800
1000
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 in under three hours at speeds capable of over 200 miles per hour. The 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. “It is part of our vision as an intermodal transportation hub unlike any place in the world, with two high speed rail systems, an airport, the High Desert corridor, Antelope Valley Freeway, Metrolink, Amtrak, and AVTA all converging in Palmdale.” Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford, Jr. Four major activities are underway now: 1. Construction of the backbone of the high-speed rail system in the Central Valley (Fresno station). 2. Planning and/or environmental clearance of the remainder of the Phase 1 System. Source: www.hsr.ca.gov
AIRPORTS CALIFORNIA CITY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
California City Municipal Airport (L 71), 6,045’ x75’ main runway offers opportunity to aviation enthusiasts and businesses within 100 mile radius with ease of access via air, three major highways, a stand-alone air quality district for East Kern County and the 40-acre industrial park. Located within the Edwards 2508 Military Operating Area makes it a prime location for Flight Test Development.
FOX AIRFIELD
Located in the City of Lancaster, General William J. Fox Airfield facilitates • 58,000 general aviation takeoffs and landings each year. • Publicly available to general aviation aircraft 24/7. • Home to over 200 based aircraft, a restaurant, and several aviationrelated businesses. Additionally, the airport is home to the U.S. Department of Forestry’s local air tanker base as well as an aviation museum. The airport has an operating Air Traffic Control Tower, a single 7,201’ by 150’ runway equipped with runway end identifier lights (REILs), pilot controlled medium-intensity runway lighting (MIRLs) and a precision approach path indicator (PAPIs), full- and self-service fueling services (JetA and 100LL), and an Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) reporting weather conditions 24-hours a day. www.dpw.lacounty.gov/avi/airports/GeneralWMJFox.aspx
INYOKERN AIRPORT
Inyokern Airport is a public use airport serving the northeastern communities of Kern County, CA. The airport covers 1,640 acres at an elevation of 2,457 feet, with three asphalt paved runways that can accommodate almost any class of civilian, commercial or military aircraft. • Unrivaled test sites under the largest contiguous block of unrestricted airspace in the nation (22,000 miles or 12% of California’s total airspace). • 350 Clear flying days a year • Desert, mountain and maritime environments • One million acres of California desert Inyokern Airport provides a playground to intrepid aviators, film crews, military and high-tech testing operations, and supporting some of the greatest milestones in manned and unmanned flight. www.InyoKernAirport.com
4. Implementation of a statewide rail modernization plan, investing billions of dollars in local and regional rail lines.
PROPOSED HIGH DESERT CORRIDOR
The High Desert Corridor (HDC) project proposes a multi-purpose, multi-modal transportation link between State Route (SR)-14 in Los Angeles County and SR-18 in San Bernardino County. This project would connect some of the fastest growing residential, commercial and industrial areas in Southern California, including the cities of Palmdale, Lancaster, Adelanto, Victorville and the Town of Apple Valley. Goals of the project include: • Address current and future regional growth • Improve east-west mobility • Enhance safety • Improved connections between regional airports and efficient movement of goods www.metro.net/projects/high-desert-corridor/
MOJAVE AIR & SPACE PORT - THE WORLD’S PREMIERE FLIGHT TEST FACILITY!
The 3300 acre Mojave Air and Space Port has amassed more first flights and significant newsworthy flight activity than any other airport in the world over the past ten years. Currently home to more than 70 companies Mojave Air and Space Port and industrial park might very well be a future destination for your business. • Upgraded infrastructure, 3,000 feet of runway and integrated a new commercial development taxiway system. • Our upgraded rail infrastructure and switch engine moves product in/out of Mojave Air and Space Port with 34 daily rail car shipments through a license agreement with Union Pacific. • Home to the National Test Pilot School (accredited in 2006), where more test pilots are educated than any other site in the world. Flight research activities include endo- and exo-atmospheric craft supporting private sector and government funded projects. www.MojaveAirport.com
PALMDALE REGIONAL AIRPORT
The City of Palmdale assumed control of the airport December 2013, managing it via the Palmdale Airport Authority, and is currently developing a joint use agreement with the United States Air Force at Palmdale Plant 42. Located just 60 miles from downtown Los Angeles, the airport will play a central role in Palmdale’s future transportation plans. Positioning itself to be an intermodal center unlike any other in the world, plans are underway to bring the airport, two high speed rail systems (California High Speed Rail CHSR and Xpress West from Las Vegas), two freeways, Metrolink rail, Amtrak, AVTA and Greyhound all together converging and connecting in Palmdale.
ROSAMOND SKYPARK AIRPORT
A privately-owned and operated residential skypark located in Southern California’s Antelope Valley (AKA “Aerospace Valley”). Our FAA designator is L00 (Lima-Zero-Zero), is open for public use, and features a paved 3,600-foot (1,100 m) runway.
TEHACHAPI MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
At an elevation of 4,001 feet, Tehachapi’s Municipal Airport is known as the corridor to Northern and Southern California! Located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Tehachapi is an ideal spot to stop for some of the most affordable fuel in California, and as a place to locate your business. 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
R EG I O N A L H O U S I N G M A R K E T 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!
D A R E T O C O M PA R E
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 $100.00
This 920 square foot 3-bedroom 1-bath home built in 1961 in 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
This 3,992 square foot 5-bedroom, 3-bath home built in 2005 in West Lancaster sold in April 2014 for $337,000.
LANCASTER
PALMDALE
$184,785
$237,898
SANTA CLARITA $424,012
VALENCIA $518,465
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
Area
2013
2014
% OF CHANGE
2013
2014
% OF CHANGE
2013
2014
% OF 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
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
$170,216 $181,877 $161,549 $190,705 $205,393
Cal City, Mojave
$61,900 $64,157 $60,547 $72,049 $85,386
Source: First American Real Estate Solutions.
Lake LA
E. Lancaster
W. Lancaster
E. Palmdale
W. Palmdale
Rosamond
Tehachapi
$70,400 $67,619 $73,346 $93,733 $118,980
$118,146 $115,215 $122,032 $141,675 $164,052
$155,157 $154,929 $153,870 $182,835 $250,517
$135,124 $130,891 $131,318 $159,478 $186,782
$211,462 $201,997 $207,598 $244,920 $289,014
$123,306 $112,204 $117610 $145,858 $159,766
$173,019 $156,830 $169,898 $198,022 $208,894
ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 35
A N T E LO P E VA L L E Y H O U S I N G NEW HOME SALES/BUILDING PERMITS ANTELOPE VALLEY NEW HOME SALES AREA
2013
UNITS SOLD 2014
% CHANGE
2013
AVERAGE SALES PRICE 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!
RESIDENTIAL DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s
NEW HOUSING UNITS
CAL CITY*
Year 2014
Single Multi- Total Family Family Units 4
0
4
NEW HOUSING UNITS
PALMDALE
$415
RESIDENTIAL
Single Multi- Total Year Family Family Units
New Single- Family
2005 1,579
0
1,579
$367,806
2010
149
0
149
$30,295
2014
42
0
42
$7,899
NEW HOUSING UNITS
LANCASTER Year
New Res. Multi- Alter. & Total Family Additions Residential 0
$39
$454
New Res. Multi- Alter. & Total Family Additions Residential
New Single- Family
78
2,877
$504,987
NON-RESIDENTIAL DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s
Year
New Comm’l
2014
$14
New Indust’l $10
New Other 0
Year
New Comm’l
New Indust’l
New Other
2005 $18,875 $13,944 $19,628
$371,767
$1,870
$32,166
2010
$1,108
$- $1,897 $11,319 $14,325 $46,491
$-
$3,242
$11,141
2014
$7,179
$-
NON-RESIDENTIAL
Year
$5,091 $6,973
2005 $17,023 $2,667
New Comm’l
New Indust’l
New Other
Alter. & Total Total All Additions Nonresid. Building
$ 6,810
$7,082 $33,582 $550,633 $8,025 $10,928 $70,533
$-
$1,333
$59,605
2010
$1,581
$- $1,321
2014
109
0
109
$29,834
$-
$15,604
$45,438
2014
$8,005
$-
NEW HOUSING UNITS
Year 2014
RESIDENTIAL DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s
0
$-
54
New Single- Family
$1,848
$7,436
$-
$1,808
$9,244
$3,054 $10,115 $21,174
$66,612
NON-RESIDENTIAL DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s
Year
New Comm’l
2014
$399
New Res. Multi- Alter. & Total Family Additions Residential
Source: Construction Industry Research Board - First Fidelity Title - GAVEA Research 36 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org
RESIDENTIAL DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s
Single Multi- Total Family Family Units 54
$1,629
$41,410
DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s
New Res. Multi- Alter. & Total Family Additions Residential $517,051
$9,719 $62,167 $433,934
$3,988 $19,103 $30,270
$58,272
86
Alter. & Total Total All Additions Nonresid. Building
$3,961
277
-
$594
$-
0
86
$140
$-
277
2014 RIDGECREST $3,477
$116
DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s
2010
NEW HOUSING UNITS
Alter. & Total Total All Additions Nonresid. Building
NON-RESIDENTIAL
DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s
RESIDENTIAL DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s
Single Multi- Total Family Family Units
2005 2,799
TEHACHAPI
New Single- Family
New Indust’l $-
New Other $56
Alter. & Total Total All Additions Nonresid. Building $302
$757
$4,234
NON-RESIDENTIAL DOLLAR VOLUME IN $1,000s
Year
New Comm’l
2014 $14,949
New Indust’l $280
New Other $-
Alter. & Total Total All Additions Nonresid. Building $867 $16,096
$25,340
HEALTH CARE IN THE HIGH DESERT
“
Residents of the Antelope Valley will now have local access to quality medical care at this state-of-the-art Regional Health Center which is centrally located and accessible by public transportation. The new facility offers primary care clinics, a broad range of specialty clinic, urgent care, and cutting edge diagnostic services
ANTELOPE VALLEY HOSPITAL Antelope Valley Hospital, a facility of Antelope Valley Healthcare District, is a full-service 420-bed, not-for-profit, acute care, medical and surgical hospital established in 1955. Our staff believes that providing excellent healthcare is the key to success.
— LA COUNTY SUPERVISOR MICHAEL ANTONOVICH”
24-hour emergency room, Obstetrical Services including NICU and OB Clinics, Comprehensive Diagnostic Imaging Services, including stateof-the-art CAT scanner and MRI, Critical Care Units, Highly regarded medical/surgical services and Outpatient surgery services, Rehabilitation, Occupational, and Physical Therapy Outpatient and Inpatient services, Home Care services, including Skilled Nursing, IV Therapy, Wound Care, Newborn Baby/Mother Visits, Pediatrics, Medication Administration, Pain Management, Personal Assistance by licensed Home Health Aides, and Medical Social Workers and Forensic Services.
”
HIGH DESERT REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER The new Health Center, operated by the LA County Department of Health Services provides coordinated outpatient services, including adult and pediatric primary care, urgent care, specialty care, and outpatient surgery. A wide range of diagnostic and treatment services such as radiology, laboratory testing, respiratory, physical therapy, and oncology services are offered under one roof. The Health Center’s urgent care clinic will provide walk-in access seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to midnight. The facility, which was designed to meet environmental energy and design (LEED) gold standards, also houses special programs including an HIV/AIDS Clinic, Foster Care Medical HUB Clinic, disease management programs for diabetes and asthma, and a pediatric dental clinic. The new Center is located at 335 East Avenue I, Lancaster, CA 93535. dhs.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dhs/highdesert KAISER PERMANENTE Kaiser Permanente—one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans—has been helping people get and stay healthy in the Antelope Valley since 1968. With more than 120 physicians and 900 employees, Kaiser Permanente provides high quality care to more than 108,000 patients at six convenient locations in Lancaster and Palmdale. In September 2014, Kaiser Permanente opened the Antelope Valley Medical Offices, which has 25 specialty care departments, as well as diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, and laboratory. This modern, eco-friendly building is designed to be home to up to 66 clinicians. Primary care services—pediatrics, internal medicine, and family medicine—are available in Lancaster and Palmdale. Each location houses diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, and laboratory with extended hours to accommodate patients’ busy schedules. In addition, the Palmdale Medical Offices offer preventive services to both patients and community members through its health education center. The center features classes in weight management, prenatal care, and diabetes management; a literature and video room; a health store; three family education rooms; and four conference rooms. More information and locations at kp.org/antelopevalley
Antelope Valley Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission. Some of our services include:
AV Hospital by the numbers • 57% Market share • 450 Physicians in 66 specialities • 2,500 Employees, ranking #5 in the AV • 200,000 Patients each year • 400 Volunteers • 115 Acres - Main hospital campus • 200 Wireless workstations avhospital.org CITY OF HOPE Recognized as one of the country’s “Top Hospitals for Cancer” by U.S.News & World Report, City of Hope, in partnership with Antelope Valley Hospital, brings unsurpassed cancer care to Lancaster. Serving the greater population of Antelope Valley, Palmdale and Edwards Air Force base, City of Hope collaborates with local physicians to develop comprehensive cancer care plans individualized for each patient. This state-of-theart clinic provides the best of academic and community medicine. In addition, City of Hope l Antelope Valley provides community education and Continuing Medical Education for physicians. www.cityofhope.org/ antelope-valley PALMDALE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Palmdale Regional Medical Center continues its journey towards becoming one of the premier providers of healthcare services in the region. The primary focus is and will always be on becoming the clear leader in the provision of quality driven, patient-focused care. In addition, 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 cancer care. New programs that are currently being developed on the PRMC campus to support the hospital’s core initiatives include a new regional acute rehabilitation center which will focus on the care of stroke/spinal cord/head injury patients, a near-doubling of the number of surgical suites offered, and the opening of a new radiation-oncology center as a component of the Antelope Valley Cancer Center expansion. The Bariatric (weight-loss) Program at PRMC also continues to grow with its recent affiliation with the National Football League of Players Association and the Hope Foundation in order to improve the health of retired NFL players, and to also impact childhood obesity in the Antelope Valley through retired NFL player involvement in the community. The Bariatric Program is also currently waiting for national designation as a Bariatric Center of Excellence. www.palmdaleregional.com/ RIDGECREST REGIONAL HOSPITAL Serves the community of the Southern Sierra Region and is continually seeking areas to expand to better serve this area. The balance of two qualities; clinical excellence and the sense of belonging, combined with advanced technology, integrity, professional expertise and thoughtful understanding, help to make our hospital and its services an excellent place to receive care. RIDGECREST REGIONAL HOSPITAL was the first Critical Access Hospital in the Nation to receive the quality based certification of ISO 9001 from DNV Healthcare and shows how committed we are to patient safety and total quality.
HIGH DESERT MEDICAL GROUP High Desert Medical Group, (HDMG), is an affiliate of Heritage Provider Network—a recognized innovative leader in healthcare delivery networks in California for more than 30 years. Since our formation in 1982, HDMG has mirrored the reputation of our parent company by being at the forefront in providing residents of the Antelope Valley with the highest quality health care possible. Cities we serve: Palmdale, Lancaster, Quartz Hill, Pearblossom, Acton, Rosamond, Lake Los Angeles, Pinon Hills, California City, Tehachapi, Mojave. To learn more visit www.hdmg.net SIERRA MEDICAL GROUP Founded in 1984, SMG joined Heritage Provider Network in 2008. We have created an atmosphere of wellness by promoting the idea that health is a function of mind and body. We have diligently invested our time and resources in the development of programs and services responsive to the healthcare needs of today’s patient, while adapting to the increasingly diverse needs of tomorrow’s healthcare agenda. We emphasize the importance of getting to know you and your history to ensure that you receive the highest quality medical care. Convenient locations in Lancaster and Palmdale with access to urgent care centers, on-site radiology and lab services, health education programs. www. sierramedicalgroup.com OTHER HEALTH SERVICES FOUND IN THE REGION •Long-Term Care providers •Home Care & Hospice
Ridgecrest Regional Hospital Services:
•Adult Day Health Care Centers
• Emergency Care, Urgent Care, Intensive Care, Transitional Care & Rehab Unit, General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgeries & Sports Medicine, OB/GYN & Perinatal Care Unit, Pediatrics, X-Rays, MRI, 4D Ultrasound, CT Scans, Digital Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy, Home Health & Hospice, Mental Health, Skilled Nursing Facility and more.
•Dialysis Centers
To learn more go to rrh.org/ 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
•Chiropractors •Dentists •Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons •Orthodontists •Ambulance / Transport agencies
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 COMMUNIT Y EVENTS CALIFORNIA CITY www.californiacityparksandrec.com • Desert
City Renaissance Festival (Oct)
• Randsburg
Western Days (Oct)
LANCASTER www.destinationlancasterca.org/things-to-do • LA
County Air Show (Mar) www.lacountyairshow.com
• California
Poppy Festival (Apr)
• Lancaster
Jazz Festival (Jun) on the Lot (Jun) • HOT HOT HOT 4th of July extravaganza (Jul) • Antelope Valley Fair (Aug) • Celebrate America on the BLVD (Sep) • Bark in the Park, Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix, The BOOLVD, California Circuit Finals Rodeo (Oct) • Thunder
• A
• Mojave
Gold Rush Days (Oct)
Tortoise Days (May)
• California
• Field
MOJAVE
of Drafts Beer Festival (Nov) Magical BLVD Christmas (Dec)
PALMDALE www.cityofpalmdale.org/Residents/ Recreation-and-Culture • Springfest
– Egg Hunt (Mar) Concert Series – Summer • Family Movie Nights – Summer 2015 • National Night Out – Summer • 9/11 Ceremony – Fallen Heroes (Sep) • Gracefest – Christian Music Festival (Sep) • Taste of Palmdale – (Sep) • Making Strides Against Cancer Walk – (Oct) • Holiday Open House – (Nov/Dec) • Antelope Valley Mall Tree Lighting Ceremony – (Dec) • Summer
The city of Palmdale has been selected to participate in the Special Olympics World Games “Host Town” program from July 21 – 24, 2015. Before the Special Olympics World Games begin on July 25, 2015, more than 7,000 athletes from 177 countries will be welcomed to Southern California through the “Host Town” program. One hundred communities from San Luis Obispo to San Diego will have the honor of being selected as an official Host Town. “It is quite an honor to be selected as a Host Town for an event that’s as well-known, admired and respected as the Special Olympics,” said Mayor of Palmdale Jim Ledford. “We look forward to welcoming all the athletes, coaches and visitors to Palmdale — the birthplace of the space shuttles — and sharing our wonderful hospitality and amenities.”
ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE REPORT 2015 | 39
QUARTZ HILL • quartzhillchamber.com • Almond
Blossom Festival (Mar)
RIDGECREST www.ridgecrest-ca.gov/recreation • Wildflower
Festival Beer, Wine & Food Walk (April)
• The
Desert Empire Fair (Oct)
• Ridgecrest
Petroglyph Festival (Nov)
TEHACHAPI www/tvrpd.org • Tehachapi
Mountain Festival (Aug) Gran Fondo (Sep) www.tehachapigranfondo.com A cycling event for over 700 participants. The inaugural event attracted visitors from over 120 different cities and generated more than $300,000 in economic activity.
• Tehachapi
LIBRARIES • Kern
County Libraries
• www.KernCountyLibrary.org
www.cityofpalmdale.org/Airpark Museum/Art Gallery Maturango Museum • MOAH www.lancastermoah.org • Maturango Museum@ Ridgecrest - maturango.org • Mojave Transportation Museum www.mojavemuseum.org/ • Tehachapi Railroad Museum www.tehachapidepot.com/ • US Naval Museum of Armament & Technology www.chinalakemuseum.org/ • Western Hotel Museum www.lancastermoah.org/about-westernhotel-museum.php • Lancaster
SHOPPING • Antelope Valley Mall www.AV-Mall.com • THE BLVD: www.theblvdlancaster.com • Destination Lancaster www.DestinationLancasterCA • Main Street Tehachapi www.mainstreettehachapi.org
MUSEUMS • 20 Mule Team Museum - Boron, CA 93516 Phone: (760) 762-5810 • Antelope Valley Indian Museum @ Lancaster www.avim.parks.ca.gov/ • Black Bird Air Park @ Edwards Air Force Base www.afftcmuseum.org/visit/blackbird-airpark/
DINING • Lancaster: Eighteen new restaurants opened or expanded in Lancaster during 2014 and more are set to open this coming year. 2014 also saw an increase in total restaurant sales from $106 million annually in 2009 to $162 million in 2014 -- 3.5 times the National average. While this dramatic increase in sales was influenced by the influx of new restaurant options, the majority of the increase is indicative of Lancaster residents enjoying more meals-out than in previous years, and at a steeper incline than most other cities throughout the Nation.
EDWARDS AIR FORCE FLIGHT TEST MUSEUM www.afftcmuseum.org/visit/edwards-museum/
UNIQUE BREWERIES AND WINERIES www.destinationlancasterca.org/things-to-do/ things-to-do-breweries-and-wineries/
• Joe
• Antelope
• Los
Angeles County Libraries www.CoLAPubLib.org
• Palmdale
City Library www.CityofPalmdale.org/library
Davies Heritage Airpark@ Palmdale
40 | GAVEA www.SoCalLeadingEdge.org
Valley Winery
www.avwinery.com/ Greater Tehachapi Wineries and Vineyards: • Dorner Family Vineyard dornerfamilyvineyard.com • Souza Family Vineyard: www.souzafamilyvineyard.com/ • Triassic Legacy Vineyards: www.triassiclegacy.com • Veritas Tapas & Wine Bar www.veritastapasandwine.com/ • Acton / Agua Dulce Area Wineries: • Agua Dulce Winery www.aguadulcewinery.com/ • Reyes Winery - reyeswinery.com/ PERFORMING ARTS • AV Symphony Orchestra & Master Chorale avsomc.avc.edu/ • Community Light Opera & Theater www.Ridgecrest-Arts.org • Lancaster Performing Arts www.LPAC.org • Palmdale Amphitheater www.cityofpalmdale.org/TheAmp • Palmdale Playhouse www.cityofpalmdale.org/Playhouse MOVIE THEATERS • Over
60 screens regionally 22 and IMAX • Cinemark Movies 12 • Cinemark at Antelope Valley Mall • BLVD Cinema • Hitching Post Theaters • Cinemark
• Ridgecrest
Cinemas
SPORTS VENUES / PARKS • The Lancaster JetHawks, our hometown minor league affiliate of the Houston Astros and the 2014 California League champions, offers a great baseball outing for the whole family with bargain prices, up-close stadium seating, and frequent special events. The Jethawks stadium, known as The Hangar, is located on Avenue I alongside the
freeway and is a small, intimate stadium with a big-game feel. While adults enjoy the exciting game, children can have fun playing in the kids zone located next to the batting cages. It offers fun activities such as bounce houses and inflatable games. The stadium also offers food and drinks from their concession stands. Come to a Lancaster JetHawks game for a true ballpark experience! www.JetHawks.com • Best
of the West Softball Complex- Palmdale— Best of the West® Softball Complex features eight world-class, year-round softball fields that are home to youth and adult league play and softball tournaments. www.cityofpalmdale.org/BOTW ®
• Big
8 Softball Complex - Lancaster www.big8softball.com/
• Cal
City Motocross Park www.calcitymxpark.com/
• Dry
Town Water Park Palmdale www.cityofpalmdale.org/Drytown
• Lancaster
National Soccer Center www.lancastersoccercenter.com/ The Lancaster National Soccer Center is the largest soccer complex in the West. The facility includes 35 premium fields, with 11 fields fully lighted. A highlight of the Soccer Center is the five FIFA fields, so designated due to meeting the International FIFA specifications for turf quality. With an ongoing relationship with Cal South Youth Soccer Organization, the Lancaster National Soccer Center has been designated as an Official Cal South Venue. • Los Angeles County Raceway (LACR) - Palmdale. www.lacrmotox.com • Lake Isabella / Kernville www.lakeisabella.net/ • MotoCross at the AV Fairgrounds www.AVMotoplex.com • Red
Rock State Park -www.parks.ca.gov/
Butte State Park www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=618
• CA
T ehachapi Loop - For Train Enthusiasts! www.visittehachapi.com/play/555-tehachapi-loop.html • Vasquez Rocks Natural Area parks.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dpr/Parks/ Vasquez_Rocks_Natural_Area • Willow
Springs International Raceway www.willowspringsraceway.com/ A historic race track, in existence more than fifty years. The main track is a challenging 2.5-mile (4.0 km) long road course that is unchanged from its original 1953 configuration. The interesting elevation changes and high average speeds make it a favorite of many road racing drivers. Willow Springs International Raceway Park also features other racing facilities such as The Streets of Willow (1.8 mile road course), The Horsethief Mile (road course), Willow Springs Speedway (1/4 mile paved oval), Willow Springs Kart Track (a .625-mile, 9-turn paved sprint track), The Playpen (a 1/4-mile paved training track), and the Walt James Stadium (Clay Oval and Paved Oval). Efforts by fans have resulted in the State of California declaring Willow Springs International Raceway as a California Point of Historical Interest in 1996.
CAMPING, HIKING, FISHING, BOATING AND HUNTING • Angeles National Forest www.fs.usda.gov/angeles • CA
State Parks -www.parks.ca.gov/
• BLM
- www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/ridgecrest.html
• Jawbone
Canyon OHV Park www.jawbone.org
• Robbers
Roost - digital-desert.com/robbers-roost/
• LA
County Trails Website The website provides hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians with detailed, regularly-updated information to help you navigate the most scenic pathways in the region. trails.lacounty.gov/
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST • Poppy
Reserve Lancaster
www.destinationlancasterca.org/visitor/onlyinav/ poppyreserve/ • Aerospace
Walk of Honor - Lancaster www. destinationlancasterca.org/visitor/onlyinav/ walkofhonor/
• Exotic
Feline Conservation Center - Rosamond www.cathouse-fcc.org/
• Indian
Point Ostrich Ranch - Tehachapi www.indianpointranch.com/
• Musical
Road - Lancaster /www.destinationlancasterca.org/visitor/ onlyinav/musicalroad/
• Windswept
Ranch - Tehachapi www.windsweptranch.net/
• Devils
Punchbowl -parks.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/ dpr/Parks/Devils_Punchbowl_Natural_Area • High Desert Camping Info www.totalescape.com/tripez/desertcamp • Littlerock
Dam and Resevoir www.littlerockdam.org/
• Pacific
• Saddleback
• Trona
• Sequoia
• US
& Kings Cyn. National Forest www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm
Trail Users Coalition www.trailusers.org • El Mirage OHV Recreation Area www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/barstow/mirage.html
Crest Trail - www.pcta.org/
Pinnacles www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/ridgecrest/trona.html Forest Service -www.Recreation.gov
• 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