![]() ![]() We’ve done all this and more while avoiding layoffs and managing our fiscal health in a manner which has once again garnered national award recognition. We’ve invested in the safety and infrastructure of our community by upgrading City Hall’s emergency generator and providing training for Emergency Operations. We’ve established a number of commissions which provide Lancaster with the ability to steer itself into the future. We’ve reduced telecommunication costs and installed solar lighting at major facilities, including Lancaster Municipal Stadium and our Performing Arts Center. We’ve instituted electronic processing for development applications, while offering a one-stop-shop for developers. Staff is continuously cutting costs in a sea of rising demands and expectations, representing the epitome of “doing more with less.” We’ve instituted online payment systems, which add convenience and reduce spending. And the only thing that impresses me more than this display of care and commitment to the public is our ability to pull all this off while becoming increasingly efficient, frugal and effective at the same time. I do know, however, that the effort I see every day and at every function is selfless, innovative, attentive and genuine. I don’t know if any of us can put an actual figure to the number of hours city staff has put towards improving and serving our community. We offer these free and low-cost activities for the public in order to give everyone a reason to smile each day, be proud, and contribute to their community. ![]() With well over 100,000 people participating in these annual events each year, it is evident that Antelope Valley residents and visitors see the value in seizing the moment and enjoying today, even in the toughest of times. New and recently added events such as the Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix, Celebrate America, BooLVD, the Magical BLVD Christmas, the farmers’ market, and more join our list of long-time reputable events such as the California Poppy Festival, Bark at the Park, JetHawks games, 7Summer Day Camp, Lancaster Performing Arts Center shows, and museum exhibitions to create a year-round host of excitement, engagement and opportunity for all to experience in Lancaster. As the pulse throughout the City has improved, we have infused a variety of events and features for our City to contribute to the ongoing building up of our community. This downward trend was necessary for us to be able to move forward in other areas of development.īy enhancing public safety, the City has positively impacted a major factor which typically limits citizen participation in local events. Thanks to our Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Criminal Justice Commission, Public Safety Office, and many active citizens, our crime rate has drastically decreased over a brief period of time. Overall crime has dropped more than forty percent over the past four years, while Neighborhood and Business Watch group participations reached unprecedented numbers. There wasn’t a single gang-related or gun-related homicide in our city. In 2011, we realized crime reduction outcomes unheard of in our Valley’s recent history. For this reason, attacking crime in our city has been the number one priority for this City Council. However, nothing is more disturbing to personal and communal peace than the threat of being harmed or violated by a criminal. ![]() Life presents us with numerous challenges which make family, work and social living a bit trying at times. ![]() “Safety first” is more than just a coined phrase. Let’s reflect on how Lancaster moved toward this end in 2011. Because we are open to new possibilities, unafraid of action, intolerant of barriers and unwavering in our goal to make Lancaster the best city it can be for our residents and even the world we have been able to bring about a tremendous amount of change and growth in a relatively short period of time. The City of Lancaster has been recognized locally, regionally, nationally and internationally as a city which excels at overcoming obstacles and accomplishing the unimaginable, particularly given our size, this economy, and the incomprehensible timeframes within which we have achieved so much. And when our time is coupled with fervent effort and precious resources, the outcome is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether we are evaluating the past, focusing on the present or planning for the future the most significant contribution we can apply to any effort is our time. The amount of time we invest into our work, our relationships and ourselves directly correlates to the amount of success we have in those areas. Time is the most valuable intangible asset in all of our lives we never have enough of it we’re appreciated most when we give of it freely and we regret when we run out of it. ![]()
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