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R. Rex Parris
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The City of Lancaster Pronounced a HEAL City
Lancaster, CA. August 10, 2011 – During last night’s Lancaster City Council meeting, the Council received a plaque recognizing the City of Lancaster as a HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Living) City.
“The health of our community is extremely important,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “Studies show that nearly 30% of the students in Lancaster are overweight, and that overweight individuals are at a much greater risk for many health problems. Being fit and healthy helps us lead and enjoy a better quality of life.”
The HEAL campaign was launched by the League of California Cities to encourage cities to embrace policies that promote healthy lifestyles both among residents and City staff. In January 2011, the Lancaster City Council voted to support the initiative. In order to do so, the Council adopted a resolution outlining the City’s health and wellness efforts including; the Master Plan for Trails and Bikeways; the City employee wellness program; the LanCoaster BLVD Bicycle Experience; Wellness Homes; Neighborhood Impact Homes; and Community Gardens. The resolution also stated the City’s commitment to further implement policies to create healthier work, school, and neighborhood environments.
Last month, the City of Lancaster was designated as a HEAL City, making the City eligible to receive public relations and marketing resources, including the use of the HEAL Cities logo.
“With all of the health initiatives the City is already involved in, it just made sense to join with the League of California Cities to further our common goal of promoting the health of local citizens and California residents,” said Mayor Parris.
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City of Lancaster Furthers Partnership with Taiwan-based Company, US Topco Energy Inc.
City of Lancaster Mayor Rex R. Parris and representatives from U.S. TopCo Energy Inc. met today to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a power purchase agreement (PPA) regarding US TopCo’s upcoming construction of solar facilities in Lancaster.
“We are thrilled to have developed this partnership with TopCo, and grateful to Supervisor Antonovich for his role in helping establish these relationships with overseas companies and investors,” remarked Mayor R. Rex Parris. “Great partnerships such as these are vital as Lancaster strives to further our goal of becoming the solar energy capital of the world.”
Mayor Parris and City staff have been working closely with US Topco Energy, Inc. to further develop this public/private partnership, allowing for the development and construction of a number of solar energy facilities, with the intent to sell the power generated on a wholesale basis to other utilities.
Under the PPA, the Lancaster Power Authority (LPA) will provide the initial property site of approximately 25 acres for US Topco Energy, Inc.’s use in constructing a 7.5 megawatt Generation Facility. In exchange, the LPA will receive 12% of the program revenue from US Topco Energy, Inc. The estimated revenue of the initial 7.5 megawatt CREST (Southern California Edison’s California Renewable Energy Small Tariff Program) project is $3.9 million over the 20-year term of the Agreement.
The Amended and Restated Memorandum of Understanding expands on the possibility of other projects and programs such as a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, which would allow residents within the City to purchase solar systems for their homes and finance the purchase of such systems through individual property assessments. On April 12, 2011, the City Council approved the original MOU between the City of Lancaster and US Topco Energy, Inc. The original MOU committed the City to work with US Topco Energy to investigate opportunities to develop one or more photovoltaic solar power plant(s) capable of generating at least 50-megawatts of electrical power. The amended and restated MOU increases the size of the partnership between the LPA and US Topco Energy from 50-megawatts to a total aggregate of up to 200-megawatts of electrical power. The MOU does not commit the City to any current or future expense. It does, however, commit City staff time toward establishing this partnership, in order to generate revenue to the Lancaster Power Authority (LPA).
About US TopCo
US Topco Energy, Inc.’s mission is to provide their customers with a reliable source of vertical solar system integration solutions. Their line of service includes the planning and establishment of solar power plants ranging from 500kW to 50MW, to various new and retrofit commercial and residential constructions. US Topco Energy, Inc. has one of the most experienced teams of renewable energy systems designers in the industry. Their group offers unparalleled technical expertise, and has designed some of the largest commercial photo voltaic systems in the United States, as well as highly customized off-grid systems around the world.
About the City of Lancaster
The City of Lancaster is a thriving community of more than 156,000 in northern Los Angeles County. Clean air, attainable housing, wide open spaces, and a close-knit community make Lancaster the ideal place for families. A low cost of doing business, endless potential for growth, and a strong commitment to business from local leaders has earned Lancaster the Eddy Award for "Most Business-Friendly City" in Los Angeles County from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. In addition, Lancaster boasts more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making it the ideal place to pioneer new solar energy technologies. No matter how you look at it, it's positively clear that Lancaster is the perfect place to live, work and play!
See the full gallery on Posterous
#Mayor R. Rex Parris#City of Lancaster#Lancaster Power Authority#Property Assessed Clean Energy#Southern California Edison’s California Renewable Energy Small Tariff Program#Topco Energy Inc.
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City of Lancaster Furthers Partnership with International Company, US Topco Energy, Inc.
Press Conference
WHAT: City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris and representatives of U.S. TopCo will sign a Memorandum of Understanding and a Master Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), to further develop this public/private partnership, allowing for the development and construction of a number of solar energy facilities.
WHERE: Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse
42011 4th St. West
Lancaster, CA 93534
WHEN: Wednesday, July 20, 2011
11:00am
WHO: L.A. County Supervisor Michael Antonovich
City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris
City of Lancaster Council Members
City of Lancaster Deputy Mayor, Kit Yee Szeto
Mr. Joshua Chang, Chairman, US Topco Energy, Inc.
Mr. Chung-Chen Kung, Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles
Mr. Charles Lee, President, Topco Scientific Co., LTD.
Mr. Simon Chang, Chairman, PowerCom Co., LTD.
Mr. Jackson Torng, Chairman & CEO, Ligitek Photovoltaic Co., LTD.
Lancaster Deputy City Manager Jason Caudle
#Honest Politician#Lancaster Mayor#Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse#R. Rex Parris#AV Best Attorney#City of Lancaster#U.S. TopCo
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City of Lancaster Goes Online with Business License Renewals
The City of Lancaster now offers business license renewal capabilities on its website. As the City continues to expand its green initiatives while maximizing customer convenience options, one more avenue is provided to make doing business in Lancaster a breeze.
“This new feature enables existing business owners to renew their business licenses online,” stated Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “Many people now pay their bills from the comfort of their home via the internet, reducing the time and energy they spend on a necessary task. We’re glad to offer this convenient option to our citizens as well.”
Business owners will continue to receive their renewal notices in the mail. However, the paper bills will provide information on how the process to renew a business license and pay the fees due can be completed by visiting the City’s website at www.cityoflancasterca.org. Once at the site, proceed to “I Want To… Renew a Business License” or “Finance Department… Renew a Business License” and click on the link provided. Two pieces of information are required to complete the process online: 1) the business license account number and 2) the four-digit pin number (which is located on the paper renewal notice near the summary of charges at the top of the page). If this information has been lost or misplaced, the City of Lancaster Finance Department can be contacted at (661) 723-6237 for further assistance.
The business license online renewal system accepts both full and partial payments. Please note that although partial payments are allowed, business license certificates will not be issued until accounts are paid in full. Certificates are printed and mailed every Friday for all (paid in full) payments received by the previous Thursday. The online payment option is not available for renewing the following types of businesses: massage, group home, taxi or tow service. These businesses are excluded because they require additional steps for renewal processing, such as fingerprinting and background checks.
For additional information regarding utilizing the online business license renewal feature or to learn how to obtain a business license, please call the City of Lancaster Finance Department at (661) 723-6237.
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PRESS CONFERENCE
WHAT: The City of Lancaster will recognize Lancaster’s Citizen of the Year, Dr. Jennifer Hill for her ongoing contributions to the community and efforts to better the lives of hundreds of people.
WHERE: Antelope Valley Outpatient Imaging Center
Conference Room 15, Fourth Floor
44105 15th Street West (J-5 & 15th W. intersection)
WHEN: Wednesday, July 6th, 1:30 pm
WHO: Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris
Edward Mirzabegian, CEO, Antelope Valley Hospital
Dr. Jennifer Hill, Lancaster Citizen of the Year
Lancaster City Council Members
Lancaster City Manager Mark V. Bozigian
#Mayor R. Rex Parris#Antelope Valley Outpatient Imaging Center#City of Lancaster#Dr. Jennifer Hill#Lancaster’s Citizen of the Year#PRESS CONFERENCE
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R. Rex Parris Shares The Desert Christian Girls Soccer CIF
Congratulations to Desert Christian for winning the CIF Southern Section Division V Girls Championship. Desert Christian capped off an amazing season (23-0-0) by beating a tough Downey team in penalty kicks in the CIF finals.
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Elm Avenue Community Garden Growing Strong Residents Encouraged to Submit Projects for 2011 UNITE Program
November 6, 2010 marked the launch of the City of Lancaster’s Uniting Neighbors in a Team Effort (UNITE) Program, which aims to provide area residents with a forum to propose neighborhood improvement projects and compete for the funding and resources they need to bring these projects to fruition. Among the efforts initiated on the event’s inaugural project day was the Elm Avenue Community Garden, under the leadership of Dave Mashore and Master Gardener Susie Bowman. Now, six months later, the dream of a thriving community garden in the heart of downtown Lancaster is still growing strong. The site celebrated its official grand opening this Saturday, June 4 at 10:00 am at the corner of Elm Avenue and Milling Street.
In November, more than 100 volunteers turned out to help transform what was once a vacant lot into a neighborhood gathering place which would also serve to provide participating families with fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables. In this first phase, volunteers worked together to clear weeds; dig irrigation ditches; and build planters.
“The Elm Avenue Community Garden is an excellent example of a project with the power to truly unite a neighborhood,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “Not only did it bring more than 100 local residents together to work toward a common goal on its initial launch day; it will also continue to bring neighbors together day after day, year after year as they enjoy the healthful benefits of gardening and growing their own organic produce.”
The garden’s next major workday was the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, when over 110 volunteers gathered to make further improvements to the garden, including raised bed planters throughout. Eventually, the garden will feature gardening classes for the community; a meditation area; a garden shed donated by Youthbuild; a mosaic garden sign donated by local artist Kris Holladay; and more. More than a dozen local organizations and businesses have supported the garden, including:
• America the Beautiful Fund
• City of Lancaster
• Home Depot
• Lees Bees
• Paving the Way Foundation
• Round Table Pizza
• Superior Nursery
• Sparkletts Water
• Starbucks Coffee
• Target
• The Catalyst Foundation
• Tip Top Tree Service
• Wal-Mart
• Wallace Demolition
“I encourage our residents to put their creativity and energy to work on projects such as this,” added Parris. “Only you know how your neighborhood could best benefit from this program. I urge you to put that vital knowledge to good use by proposing a project that would enhance your area of our community, whether it be a community garden; a mural; an after-school program; or something entirely original.”
This year’s UNITE Program is now accepting applications. To apply, visit www.saferstrongerneighborhoods.org, click “UNITE Lancaster Program,” and download an application. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on Friday, June 17. Further information is available on the website, by phone at (661) 723-6072, or via e-mail at [email protected].
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R. Rex Parris New Season at Lancaster Performance Arts Center
The City of Lancaster has navigated the turbulent waters of a struggling economy and, in the process, continued to advance the Arts in the Antelope Valley. We have grown and flourished as a community with deep-seeded respect for our history and our culture. This is evidenced by the multitude of performances drawing crowds to the Antelope Valley’s entertainment Mecca, theLancaster Performing Arts Center (LPAC). Our City is committed to further enhance the livability and quality of the community by providing a level of arts and entertainment which engages, uplifts and inspires us all.
Cultivation of the arts is an essential element in the vibrancy of our community, one which is key to residents from all walks of life. As such, the arts must be vehemently supported and sustained. The City of Lancaster is working hand-in-hand with the LPAC Foundation as an unyielding cohesive force driven to expose the Valley’s youth to the performing arts.Thousands of youth are impacted annually through the Arts for Youth Program, which provides for scholarships, bus funds, school shows, and various outreach projects that make reaching our City’s most precious citizens possible.
I am deeply appreciative of all the efforts and contributions of our patrons, sponsors, Foundation members, and staff, which enable us to continue to flourish as a progressive City centered on the betterment of lives through the appreciation of the Arts. I especially wish to thank Ralph Bozigian, Lou Bozigian and Scott Ehrlich for their tireless dedication to the Arts in the City of Lancaster.
Sincerely,
R. Rex Parris, Mayor
Great New Things coming to the BLVD!
New Independent Film Theatre!
New Lancaster Museum / Art Gallery!
New Micro Brewery!
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Making A Difference
I received this message on Facebook earlier last week and wanted to share it with everyone:
"Mayor Parris,
I just wanted to thank you for ALL that you are doing for our community. My wife and I teach ESL (English as a Second Language) at AVC, but, partially due to the budget cuts at AVC, we have just recently begun teaching FreeESL! within the Community Homes on Kingtree... and beginning next week (because we are growing) on Desert Sage. As Palmdale residents ourselves, we were disappointed that we have found no opportunities like this in our city... yet.
Keep up the great work! You are making so many more differences than you will ever know!
Scott (and Priscilla) Jenison."
I think its obvious the Scott and Priscilla are the ones that really deserve our thanks for going out and making a difference in the community. It's great to see the people of the Antelope Valley coming up with creative solutions to the challenges facing our community.
- Rex
P.S. I'd love to hear your ideas and feedback - http://www.facebook.com/mayorrrex.parris
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Aimee Pierson Named Mayor's Athlete of the Month by R. Rex Parris
http://rrexparris.com Lancaster, CA. April 27, 2011--Desert Christian athlete and scholar Aimee Pierson has been chosen to receive the Mayor's Athlete of the Month Award for April.
"For her outstanding accomplishments in athletics, academics, and in the community, I would like to present Aimee Pierson with the Mayor's
Aimee Pierson Named Mayor's Athlete of the Month by R. Rex Parris
Athlete of the Month award," said Parris.
As a scholar, Pierson has maintained a 4.15 GPA and is ranked third in her class. She has been on the Principal's List and the California Scholastic Federation each semester. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has been awarded U.S. Achievement Academy Awards for Geometry, French, Algebra, Chemistry, World History, Trigonometry, and U.S. History. Aimee has earned the Association of Christian Schools International awards for academics and athletics, and their All-American scholar award.
As an athlete, Pierson is a four-year varsity goalie, who helped lead Desert Christian to four undefeated league championships and three CIF championships. She was named first team all-league and 2nd team all-CIF in 2011 as well as making the High Desert Senior All-Star team.
In her spare time, Pierson volunteers at Valley Bible soccer camps, the Desert Christian auction, and at her church. She plans to pursue a degree in Business/Sports Management at one of several schools which have offered her either academic or athletic scholarships.
"As an all-around athlete, scholar and volunteer, Aimee is an inspiration. We need more students like her," said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris.
Recipients of the Athlete of the Month are selected based on community involvement, academic and athletic accomplishments.
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Mayor R. Rex Parris to Join Top Scholars and Leaders at “Leading to Well-Being” Conference
Mayor R. Rex Parris to Join Top Scholars and Leaders
at “Leading to Well-Being” Conference
Lancaster Mayor to Participate in Conference to Study Community Health
and Happiness through the Latest Research and Applications of Leadership
and Positive Psychology
Lancaster, CA. 4/6/2011 – This week, Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris will attend one of the most progressive health and wellness conferences available in the nation, The Leading to Well-Being Conference hosted by George Mason University (GMU) in Fairfax, VA. The conference is a collaborative effort sponsored by George Mason University's Center for Consciousness and Transformation and the GMU MasonLEADS website. Notable authors, scholars and industry leaders will address innovations in leadership and well-being via keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.
“This conference will provide a unique opportunity to further expand our understanding and knowledge-base regarding the use of positive psychology in improving the overall well-being of a community,” stated Mayor Parris. “I am very excited about what I hope to take away from this experience and bring back to our community.”
Mayor Parris was personally invited to Leading to Well-Being by the conference’s featured keynote speaker, Dr. Martin Seligman; a world-renowned positive psychology researcher, scholar, best-selling author, and Director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Among his more than 20 books is Dr. Seligman’s newest acclaimed work, “Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being.” Published just this month, Flourish is already receiving five-star customer ratings on online retail sites. Dr. Seligman’s bibliography, extensive life’s work, engagement schedule and multitude of resources can be found on Penn State’s Positive Psychology website (http://www.ppc.sas.upenn.edu/bio.htm), as well as the university’s Authentic Happiness website (http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/seligman.aspx).
Seligman is one of a number of experts and community leaders sharing their wealth of research and knowledge at the conference, which is designed to provide participants with the tools to go out and jumpstart well-being practices in their own organizations and communities.
“I am honored to be personally invited to this gathering of innovative and esteemed individuals who are as passionate as I am about advancing our world and our communities through new ways of thinking,” added Mayor Parris. “I didn’t think twice about attending this prestigious conference which specifically deals with how to better our cities.”
Mayor Parris is personally paying for his travel and attendance costs associated with this trip. For more information regarding the Leading to Well-Being Conference, call (703) 993-6090 or visit http://lead.gmu.edu/wellbeing.
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R. Rex Parris Talks Poppy Festival / Family / Technology
http://rrexparris.com
R. Rex Parris Talks Poppy Festival / Family / Technology At the City of Lancaster press conference The Mayor talks with ilivetodayav about the upcoming event.
#Mayor R. Rex Parris#R. Rex Parris#lancaster poppies#r. rex parris family#r. rex parris poppy festival
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Calming the Streets of Lancaster With Music
Birds chirp through downtown Lancaster, as water laps gently in the background and a soft piano melody encompasses the area.
But the birds aren't real, and neither is the water. Even the piano music is computer-generated.
In fact, all the noises are coming from the same place-small, indiscreet green speakers that line the main street of downtown Lancaster known as The BLVD.
It might sound like another generic background track, but each of the three components has a specific goal designed to decrease the listeners' stress, and along with it, crime rates, said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris.
The piano beat is half the speed of the human heart, which has a calming effect. The birds are supposed to evoke a feeling of security, since apparently birds used only to chirp when predators weren't around. The water is supposed to add to both the security and the calmness.
In six months, Parris said he hopes to see an increase in sales and a decrease in traffic counts and aggressive crimes, especially the latter.
Parris came up with the idea as a result of his interest in cognitive science, and contributed a few thousand dollars of his own to develop the soundscape for downtown Lancaster, he said.
"I'm absolutely convinced that because of cognitive science, we have the ability to solve most social problems in society today," Parris said.
The only problem Parris can see is that since it's outside, the wind and other natural elements might interfere with the water and birds people are supposed to hear.
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Salman Khan: Let's use video to reinvent education
Salman Khan: Let's use video to reinvent education
Every school board member in the Antelope Valley should see this presentation. It is will change the world and could change the Antelope Valley tomorrow.
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City of Lancaster Opens First Phase of Downtown-Area American Heroes Park
City of Lancaster Opens First Phase of Downtown-Area American Heroes Park
WHAT: The City of Lancaster will open the public-ready grounds of downtown’s American Heroes Park next week. Named in honor of local fallen heroes, this new park offers a multitude of community- and family-gathering opportunities.
The media is invited to come walk the grounds; view the open areas of the park; and learn about what more is in store at this wonderful new addition to the downtown area.
WHERE: American Heroes Park
Kettering Street, East of Fern Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
WHEN: March 22, 2011
1:00 pm
WHO: Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris
Lancaster City Manager Mark V. Bozigian
Lancaster City Officials
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City of Lancaster Opens First Phase of Downtown-Area American Heroes Park
City of Lancaster Opens First Phase of Downtown-Area American Heroes Park
WHAT: The City of Lancaster will open the public-ready grounds of downtown’s American Heroes Park next week. Named in honor of local fallen heroes, this new park offers a multitude of community- and family-gathering opportunities.
The media is invited to come walk the grounds; view the open areas of the park; and learn about what more is in store at this wonderful new addition to the downtown area.
WHERE: American Heroes Park
Kettering Street, East of Fern Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
WHEN: March 22, 2011
1:00 pm
WHO: Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris
Lancaster City Manager Mark V. Bozigian
Lancaster City Officials
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R. Rex Parris Interactive Recycling Kiosk on the BLVD
Waste Management Greenopolis Kiosk Arrives on The BLVD
Lancaster Performing Arts Center Hosts Interactive Recycling Kiosk
Lancaster, CA. 3/14/2011 – The first Waste Management Greenopolis Kiosk in the Antelope Valley arrived today at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center. The Greenopolis community, sponsored by Waste Management, aims to make recycling easy and rewarding through their online and on the street programming. On the street, the Greenopolis Kiosk is an interactive recycling station where the public can bring their recyclable containers, receive points redeemable for discounts on tickets to LPAC shows, and, ultimately, donate to the LPAC Arts for Youth program. Online, recyclers can track their points, play recycling games and interact with other online community members to learn more about conservation and how to keep their communities clean.
“The City of Lancaster is always looking for ways to improve the community and benefit our citizens,” stated Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “The addition of Greenopolis to The BLVD is not only a ‘green’ advantage for our city, but also a resource for increasing exposure to the arts for both recyclers and community youth.”
“The new Greenopolis Kiosk is a great way to get Lancaster residents excited about recycling,” explains Sandra Pursley, Community Relations Manager with WM. “You can win amazing prizes, support a great local community organization and help the environment at the same time, just by recycling!”
The WM Greenopolis Kiosk arrived in celebration of The Aluminum Show, sponsored by Waste Management, showing Tuesday, March 15th and Wednesday, March 16th at 7:00pm, at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center.
The Aluminum Show, a unique and energetic experience for the entire family, is a stimulating tour de force which combines movement, dance, visual theater and plenty of humor. In the show, talented dancers and actors breathe life into recycled aluminum-tone industrial materials to tell the story of a young machine determined to reunite with its long lost parents. During its travels through a futuristic world ruled by bizarre technology, it finds adventure, excitement and even a human friend, who does whatever it takes to get it back home in one piece.
The Aluminum Show uses recovered materials from industrial factories that are re-used to build the set, dress the cast and interact with the audience. As industrial materials are given new and surprising contexts, then combined with visual effects, lighting manipulations and enchanting music, all senses are on high alert. With sights and sounds universal to all, this is visual entertainment at its best.
In partnership with Waste Management, the Lancaster Performing Arts Center has pledged to recycle all of the recyclables collected through the concession recycling bins and contribute their proceeds in the name of Waste Management to the Arts for Youth program. Patrons who attend the public performances of The Aluminum Show will have the chance to sign their own recycling pledge at the Waste Management booth in the LPAC lobby before or after the show. All patrons who sign their own pledge to recycle at home will be entered to win six-months of FREE residential trash service from Waste Management. One patron from each public performance will be chosen to win.
For more information or to purchase tickets
Call, Click or Visit the Lancaster Performing Arts Center Box Office:
(661) 723 – 5950 / LPAC.org / 750 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA 93534
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