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ランカスター（/ˈlæŋ.kæstər/ ）は、アメリカ合衆国カリフォルニア州南部、西モハベ砂漠のアンテロープバレーにあるロサンゼルス郡北部のチャーターシティです。 2020年の国勢調査によると、人口は173,516人で[ 7 ]、アメリカ合衆国で158番目に人口の多い都市、カリフォルニア州で31番目に人口の多い都市となっています。ランカスターは南隣のパームデールと双子都市であり、両都市はアンテロープバレー地域の主要都市です。[ 8 ]
ランカスターは、ロサンゼルスのダウンタウンから北へ約70マイル（110km ） （州間高速道路5号線と州道14号線経由）に位置し、カーン郡との境界に近い。南側はサンガブリエル山脈によってロサンゼルス盆地から、北側はテハチャピ山脈によってベーカーズフィールドとサンホアキン渓谷から隔てられている。ランカスターの人口は、1977年の市制施行時の3万7000人から、2020年には17万3000人以上に増加した。
ランカスターが現在位置するアンテロープバレーは、ヨーロッパ人との最初の接触当時、パイユート族の居住地でした。アンテロープバレーの中央部は、カリフォルニア沿岸、セントラルバレー、グレートベースン、アリゾナのプエブロの間で交易を行う部族の交易路の中心地として機能していました。[ 9 ]
州昇格後、アンテロープバレーは再び地理的な近道として利用されましたが、ストックトン・ロサンゼルス道路とバターフィールド・オーバーランド・メールは例外で、1850年代にはマッドスプリングとニーナックに2つの停車駅がありました。しかし、ランカスターの集落としての起源は、駅馬車のルートに取って代わったサザン・パシフィック鉄道に始まります。鉄道は、町の現在の中心地の場所に駅舎、機関車給水施設、区間作業員宿舎、線路を建設しました。1876年、サザン・パシフィック鉄道はアンテロープバレーを通る路線を完成させ、サンフランシスコとロサンゼルスを結びました。[ 10 ]
ランカスターはスコットランド人の入植地として始まった。[ 11 ] [ 12 ]ランカスターという名前の由来は不明で、鉄道駅員の姓、鉄道職員がつけたニックネーム、または無名の入植者の以前のペンシルベニア州の故郷（ペンシルベニア州ランカスター）に由来するとされている。鉄道サービスにより、給水所からコミュニティへと発展したこの町に乗客が訪れるようになり、宣伝資料の助けもあって新たな入植者が集まった。正式にこの町を開発した人物として知られているのは、モーゼス・ラングレー・ウィックスで、彼は1884年に鉄道から1エーカーあたり2.50ドルで土地を購入し、道路と区画のある町を地図に描き、9月には160エーカーの土地を1エーカーあたり6ドルで宣伝していた。翌年、ランカスター・ニュースが発行され、アンテロープ・バレー初の週刊新聞となった。 1890年までにランカスターは活気に満ち、繁栄しており、十分な降雨のおかげで、農民は何千エーカーもの小麦と大麦を植え、販売した。[ 13 ]
1894年に始まった10年間の干ばつにより町は壊滅的な打撃を受け、企業は倒産し、牛は北へ移動したが、1890年代後半に近くで金とホウ砂が発見されたことで状況はいくらか改善した。ロザモンドのトロピコ金鉱山は、1956年に閉鎖されるまで、南カリフォルニアで一時的に最大の金鉱山だった。[ 14 ] [ 15 ]パシフィック・コースト・ボラックス・カンパニーの鉱山は後に世界最大のホウ砂鉱山となり、世界のホウ酸塩供給量のほぼ半分を生産することになる。[ 16 ] 1912年にアンテロープ・バレー高校が完成したことで、成長著しい地域の生徒は遠くの都市へ移る代わりに地元で学ぶことができ、州初の高校寮制度が導入された。[ 17 ]
ランカスター州立刑務所は1993年に開所したが、それ以前はロサンゼルス郡には刑務所はなかったものの、カリフォルニア州の州立刑務所の収容者の40%を占めていた。[ 18 ]「ランカスターの市民指導者や住民のほとんど」が刑務所の建設に反対し、開所初年度には4人の受刑者がLACから脱走した。[ 19 ]それにもかかわらず、2000年までに最高警備受刑者の割合を増やす提案はほとんど批判を受けなかった。[ 19 ]
2005年、現代自動車は、近隣のカリフォルニアシティに、4,300エーカー、6,000万ドルを投じた最先端の自動車およびスポーツ用多目的車（SUV）のテスト施設である「プルービンググラウンド」のグランドオープンを発表した。
2010年、市はランカスター大通りの西10番街とシエラ・ハイウェイの間の1マイルの再生区間であるザ・ブルバードを開通させ、エルム・アベニューとフィグ・アベニューでの追加工事がその後数ヶ月間続いた。[ 20 ]
市の指導者たちは、国内初のネットゼロ都市になることを目標に掲げた。これは、市が消費するよりも多くのクリーンエネルギーを生産するという目標である。市庁舎、地元の学校、マイナーリーグの野球場など、市のインフラの多くは太陽光発電で賄われている。2013年3月、ランカスターは、地域社会のカーボンニュートラル化を目指し、すべての新築住宅に太陽光パネルの設置を義務付けた米国初の都市となった。この規則は2014年1月に施行された。[ 21 ]
ウォー・イーグル飛行場は、ランカスター中心部から西へ約8キロメートル（5マイル）のモハベ砂漠にある、かつての飛行場である。
1944年、飛行学校はミラ・ロマ飛行アカデミーに名称を変更した。飛行場は1945年10月1日に閉鎖され、1946年に余剰資産と宣言された。その責任は戦時資産管理局に移管された。その後、土地はロサンゼルス郡によって購入された。飛行場はミラ・ロマ拘置所に転用された。2012年、ロサンゼルス郡は拘置所を閉鎖した。[ 22 ]ロサンゼルス郡は現在、ランカスター市、宗教団体、非営利団体と協力して、この施設を冬季シェルターに転用している。[ 23 ]
ランカスターは半乾燥気候で、乾燥気候に近い。ランカスターの地域は、低木地（80%）、森林（8%）、草原（7%）、湖と川（2%）、農地（2%）で覆われている。[ 24 ]ランカスターとその周辺地域は、USDA植物耐寒性ゾーン8bに属している。[ 25 ]冬は涼しいから温暖で、11月下旬から1月下旬まで、日中の最低気温は氷点下か氷点下をわずかに下回る。夏は暑く、ほとんど雨が降らない。平均して、年間68日の朝は最低気温が氷点下か氷点下、午後は35.7 °F（2.1 °C）で最高気温が100 °F（37.8 °C）以上となる。[ 26 ]年間降水量は平均6.81 インチ (173 ミリメートル)で、周囲の山脈が雪に覆われる冬でも晴天の日が一般的です。雷雨はまれですが、7 月から 9 月にかけて発生します。春にはルピナス、カリフォルニア ポピー、フィドルネック、パープル フクロウズ クローバー、カリフォルニア ゴールドフィールズ、クリームカップ、コレオプシスなどの野花が豊富に咲きます。夏の夜は涼しく、パシフィック ツリー フロッグやメンフクロウの鳴き声が聞こえます。年間平均降雪量は約2 インチ (5.1 cm)です。
ランカスターの最高気温の記録は、 2013 年 6 月 30 日に115 °F (46.1 °C)でした。最低気温の記録は、 1984 年 12 月 24 日に2 °F (-16.7 °C)でした。最も降水量が多かった「雨の年」は 1992 年 7 月から 1993 年 6 月で19.57 インチ (497.1 mm)、最も降水量が少なかったのは 2012 年 7 月から 2013 年 6 月で1.26 インチ (32.0 mm)でした。1 か月あたりの降水量の最大記録は、 1993 年 1 月に7.46 インチ (189.5 mm)でした。24 時間あたりの降水量の最大記録は、 1983 年 3 月 1 日に2.93 インチ (74.4 mm)でした。1979 年 1 月に、ランカスターでは23.9 インチ (0.61 m)の雪が降りました。[ 27 ]
The 2020 United States census reported that Lancaster had a population of 173,516. The population density was 1,840.6 inhabitants per square mile (710.7/km2). The racial makeup of Lancaster was 32.6% White, 21.3% African American, 1.7% Native American, 4.7% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 23.8% from other races, and 15.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 45.1% of the population.[35]
The census reported that 97.1% of the population lived in households, 0.8% lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 2.2% were institutionalized.[35]
There were 53,280 households, out of which 41.4% included children under the age of 18, 43.1% were married-couple households, 7.4% were cohabiting couple households, 31.1% had a female householder with no partner present, and 18.4% had a male householder with no partner present. 20.7% of households were one person, and 7.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 3.16.[35] There were 39,310 families (73.8% of all households).[36]
The age distribution was 27.1% under the age of 18, 10.3% aged 18 to 24, 27.9% aged 25 to 44, 23.5% aged 45 to 64, and 11.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.2 males.[35]
There were 55,137 housing units at an average density of 584.9 units per square mile (225.8 units/km2), of which 53,280 (96.6%) were occupied. Of these, 58.8% were owner-occupied, and 41.2% were occupied by renters.[35]
In 2023, the US Census Bureau estimated that the median household income was $76,083, and the per capita income was $29,766. About 12.3% of families and 15.5% of the population were below the poverty line.[37]
The 2010 United States census[38] reported that Lancaster had a population of 156,633. The population density was 1,656.7 inhabitants per square mile (639.7/km2). The racial makeup of Lancaster was 77,734 (49.6%) White (34.2% Non-Hispanic White),[39] 32,083 (20.5%) African American, 1,519 (1.0%) Native American, 6,810 (4.3%) Asian (2.2% Filipino, 0.4% Chinese, 0.4% Indian, 0.3% Vietnamese, 0.3% Korean, 0.2% Japanese), 362 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 29,728 (19.0%) from other races, and 8,397 (5.4%) from two or more races. There were 59,556 people of Hispanic or Latino ancestry, of any race (38.0%).
The Census reported that 148,374 people (94.7% of the population) lived in households, 1,484 (0.9%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 6,775 (4.3%) were institution
There were 46,992 households, out of which 22,021 (46.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 22,108 (47.0%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 9,481 (20.2%) had a female householder with no husband present, 3,389 (7.2%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 3,374 (7.2%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 376 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 9,239 households (19.7%) were made up of individuals, and 3,060 (6.5%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.16. There were 34,978 families (74.4% of all households); the average family size was 3.62.
There were 47,160 residents(30.1%) under the age of 18, 18,607 (11.9%) aged 18 to 24, 42,575 (27.2%) aged 25 to 44, 35,632 (22.7%) aged 45 to 64, and 12,659 residents (8.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.5 males.
There were 51,835 housing units at an average density of 548.2 per square mile (211.7/km2), of which 28,366 (60.4%) were owner-occupied, and 18,626 (39.6%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 9.4%. 90,064 people (57.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 58,310 people (37.2%) lived in rental housing units.
According to the 2010 United States Census, Lancaster had a median household income of $50,193, with 21.5% of the population living below the federal poverty line.[39]
As of 2000, Mexican (16.9%) and German (10.3%) are the most common ancestries in the city. Mexico (44.3%) and the Philippines (8.4%) are the most common foreign places of birth in Lancaster.[40]
German, English, Irish, Italian and French are the top ancestries. Spanish and Tagalog are the most common spoken non-English languages.[41]
In 2022, there were 636 homeless individuals in Lancaster.[42]
The Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance describes five areas as business and industrial parks in the city of Lancaster: Fox Field Industrial Corridor (adjacent to the General William J. Fox Airfield) along Avenue G, North Valley Industrial Center, Lancaster Business Park, Enterprise Business Park, Centerpoint Business Park, and the Southern Amargosa Industrial Area. The former Lancaster Redevelopment Agency is credited with attracting major business operations to the area such as SYGMA, Rite Aide, Micheals, Bank of America, and many more. In 2012 the state of California abolished all local redevelopment agencies. The city's economic development department is now responsible for recruiting large employers and is involved in attracting retail and dining to Lancaster Town Center, Front Row Center, and other retail centers throughout the city.
Another focus of the Agency and the city was the revitalization of Downtown Lancaster. With historic buildings interspersed with modern amenities such as a library[43] and performing arts center,[44] downtown businesses formed the Lancaster Old Town Site (LOTS). LOTS has resulted in the renovation of business facades and attraction of new businesses, including boutiques and restaurants in the Old Town Area.
In 2009, Lancaster had 17% unemployment.[45] Given the strength of China's economy in the face of the global recession, Mayor R. Rex Parris identified recruitment of Chinese manufacturing firms as a high priority in 2009. In early 2010, Mayor Parris led a delegation to explore trade opportunities with China.[46] An essential component of this trade mission was a stop in Shenzhen, China to meet with representatives of the battery, alternative energy, solar panel, and vehicle manufacturing firm BYD. BYD was looking to break into the United States vehicle manufacturing market, and was introduced to the City of Lancaster by Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and his wife, Christine.
Lancaster's partnership with BYD began with the "Home of the Future", in which KB Home utilized BYD's energy efficiency and storage technology to construct some of the first affordable near net-zero homes in the U.S. Through the success of this project, a working relationship was born, which BYD and Lancaster continued to cultivate as BYD Auto prepared to enter the U.S. market. Once the firm was ready to establish its manufacturing facility, Lancaster was its first stop. In May 2013, BYD Auto announced two manufacturing facilities to be located in Lancaster. These include a 120,000-square-foot BYD electric bus manufacturing facility, as well as a separate 44,000-square-foot energy storage system (large scale battery) manufacturing facility.[47][48] By April 2019, BYD Lancaster had produced over 300 electric buses for US and Canada.[49] Lancaster has the highest solar production per capita in California.[50]
As of 2017 unemployment is around 6%.[45]
The city has prioritized arts and culture as an economic driver, opening the Lancaster Museum of Art and History, or MOAH, in 2012 locating the new facility in its downtown district known as The BLVD. Originally founded as the Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery in 1986, the MOAH operates four sites within the city, serving the Antelope Valley, Los Angeles County, and parts of Kern and San Bernardino Counties.[53] The museum contains over 10,000 art pieces about Southern California.[54]
In 2018, downtown Lancaster was designated The BLVD Cultural District, one of fourteen California Cultural Districts recognized as a place where culture happens within the state. Within the district, BLVD Cultural District Family Days and the biannual POW! WOW! Antelope Valley mural and arts festival has added nearly 50 murals by both local and internationally known artists to the district. The BLVD project was completed in 2010 and consists of Lancaster Blvd from 10th Street West to Sierra Highway. The multiple festivals have attracted huge crowds in the tens of thousands. The BLVD project was largely accepted as a major success. The Western Hotel (1876) is the oldest standing structure in the city of Lancaster, which was converted to a museum under the California Historic Site program in 1992, is also located within The BLVD Cultural District.
The Lancaster Performing Arts Center, in addition to MOAH, is a cultural anchor within the cultural district, providing a varied array of fine arts from community theatre productions to classical music and various forms of dance. It also draws celebrity performers from across the country and around the world, including renowned singers, dancers and musicians of all genres as well as comedians and variety shows.[55]
The BLVD Cultural District is also home to the Lancaster Aerospace Walk of Honor. Established in 1990 by the Lancaster City Council, the Aerospace Walk of Honor celebrates test pilots who were associated with Edwards Air Force Base. Recognition is awarded for distinguished aviation careers marked by significant and obvious achievements beyond one specific accomplishment. The sidewalk monuments are dedicated to a distinguished group of internationally known experimental test pilots. Five honorees are inducted each year in a special ceremony held in September.
The city has changed from a railroad water stop of the 19th century to a city with many residents and visitors. Lancaster was the headquarters of the "Flat Earth Society" from 1974 through 2001.
Lancaster has the first musical road in the United States. The Civic Musical Road "plays" part of the William Tell Overture, also known as the theme to the 1950s television show The Lone Ranger. It was first put in by Honda for a television commercial. After noise and safety complaints, it was paved over two weeks later. After complaints in favor of the road, the musical road was reinstalled in a new location, at 30th Street West and Avenue G, near Fox Airport and Apollo County Park, completed October 17, 2008. While it plays the same song, it is now two miles (3 km) away from the nearest residence.[56]
Each spring, the California Poppy Festival draws upward of 60,000 guests to Lancaster City Park to celebrate springtime. The California Poppy Reserve, 20 miles (32 km) west of Lancaster, boasts one of California's most abundant crops of the state flower, and the Poppy Festival has become a popular event not only for Lancaster residents, but also for visitors from around the world. The California Poppy Festival began as an Earth Day celebration and has grown into an event with over 55 acres (220,000 m2) of activities and extensive wildflower information.[57]
"Celebrate Downtown Lancaster", a street fair and farmers' market, is held multiple times throughout the summer and features family-friendly activities, street musicians and a variety of specialty vendors.
In October 2009, the city launched the first annual Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix, a professional go-kart racing event, in downtown Lancaster. In October 2010, the event was held along the newly revitalized BLVD and expanded to 3 days of festivities, boasting an attendance of 35,000. The event is accompanied by a street festival, live music, and a car show.
In April of each year the "Antelope Valley Gem and Mineral Club" hosts its annual gem and mineral show. This show usually takes place the last weekend of April at the Lancaster High School grounds. This event usually draws many visitors and local residents as it is a unique opportunity to see rare rocks, gemstones, specimens and hand made goods such as cabochons, faceted stones and hand made jewelry.[58]
The Miss Lancaster pageant takes place every year in June. The winner represents her community at the Miss Antelope Valley Pageant in September and serves as an ambassador for the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce. Notable recipients include Hannah Fernquist (2010), the first Miss Lancaster to be crowned Miss Antelope Valley since 1999 and the redhead featured on the Miss Antelope Valley banner.
BLVD Market is a farmers market held every Thursday year round on Lancaster BLVD between Fern and Ehrlich Avenues.[59]
Today, the city has over 600 acres (2.4 km2) of developed or planned parkland, including playground and picnic areas as well as tournament-level sports facilities at Big 8 Softball Complex and the Lancaster National Soccer Center. The Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, located in West Lancaster, is a facility dedicated to preserving the pristine beauty of the High Desert and educating residents about their environment through nature walks and educational programs at its unique Interpretive Center. Forrest Hull Park, located near the southern border of the city on its west side and across the street from Paraclete High School, is a popular dog park where local residents frequently gather to allow their dogs to play and exercise together.
In 1996, the city built Lancaster Municipal Stadium (now The Hangar). It was home to the Lancaster JetHawks, a California LeagueHigh-A minor league baseball team, from 1996 to 2020.[60] As of 2023 it is home to the Lancaster Sound Breakers, a professional baseball team in the Pecos League.[61]
The Lancaster JetHawks were a minor league baseball team of the California League located in Lancaster, California. The team was named for the city's association with the aerospace industry and played its home games at The Hangar. The Lancaster JetHawks were last the Class A - Advanced affiliate of the Colorado Rockies since 2016. In 2012, the JetHawks won their first California League Championship in franchise history. In 2020, MLB revoked the JetHawks' affiliation in a contraction of all Minor League Baseball.[60]
The Los Angeles Slam is a team of the American Basketball Association, formed in 2008. The team relocated to Lancaster in 2011.[62]
On November 8, 2022, the Independent Pecos League announced the Lancaster Sound Breakers as an expansion team. The team played their first home game in May 2023 at The Hangar.
On October 4, 2023, AV Alta FC was announced as an expansion team in USL League One, the third division of soccer in the United States. The team began play in 2025 at the newly renovated Lancaster Municipal Stadium, after having converted "The Hangar" into a soccer-specific stadium.
The city's declared intent is to create a connected network of on-road and off-road trails and bikeway facilities to accommodate users of all ages and abilities including equestrians. This network is to provide linkages between residential areas, commercial centers, transportation hubs, employment centers, and recreational activities.
The Master Plan of Trails and Bikeways has been a collaborative effort with a variety of community interests, from transportation, public health, law enforcement, people with disabilities, schools, public and community-based bicycling, walking, equestrian groups and general public. The Master Plan directly responds to citizen input from the General Planning process. The plan will guide the design and development of pedestrian, bicycle and trail facilities to try to encourage people to use healthier transportation modes in Lancaster.[63]
Lancaster is a charter city which utilizes a City Council/City Manager system of government. This system of government provides accountability and responsiveness to the electorate, while maintaining the stability necessary for implementation of a long-term vision.
The Lancaster City Council consists of an elected Mayor and four elected Council Members. As the city's legislative and policy entity, the Mayor and Council Members are responsible to the residents of Lancaster for all municipal programs and services as well as for any legislative matters concerning the city. The Council approves and adopts ordinances, resolutions and contracts and enacts regulations and policies. It appoints the City Manager and City Attorney as well as members of commissions and citizen advisory committees that provide broad perspective in the decision-making process. Members of the council also serve as directors of the Lancaster Redevelopment Agency, the Financing Authority and the Housing Authority.
City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, with special or adjourned meetings scheduled as needed. City Council meetings are open to the public and include opportunities for residents to voice concerns and suggestions.
The office of City Manager is an appointed, long-term professional position. With oversight and direction from the City Council, the City Manager sets and implements policy. The City Manager leads the management team to achieve the goals and directives set forth in the city's General Plan and to develop and implement a long-term vision for city growth and achievement.
A Deputy City Manager and Assistant City Manager are appointed by the City Manager to help manage, coordinate, control and direct Administrative Services, and to ensure achievement of operating department goals and objectives.
As of 2021 the mayor was Lancaster native and local lawyer R. Rex Parris.[64] He was first elected in April 2008 and was re-elected in 2010, 2012, 2016 and 2020.[65] The City Manager is Trolis Niebla, who was appointed City Manager in 2024, after serving as Assistant City Manager since 2020.[66] The current Vice Mayor is Marvin Crist, and other current Council Members are Raj Malhi, Ken Mann and Lauren Hughes-Leslie.[67]
In the California State Senate, Lancaster is in the 23rd senatorial district, represented by RepublicanSuzette Martinez Valladares. In the California State Assembly, it is split between the 34th Assembly district, represented by RepublicanTom Lackey, and the 39th Assembly district, represented by DemocratJuan Carrillo.[68]
In the United States House of Representatives, Lancaster is in California's 27th congressional district, represented by DemocratGeorge T. Whitesides.[69]
There are three elementary school districts in Lancaster: Eastside Union School District, Westside Union School District, and Lancaster School District.
The city has taken an active role in education through its Lancaster CARES after-school program created in collaboration with the Lancaster School District. CARES provides learning and enrichment activities as well as mentors and positive adult role models to give children the encouragement and personal attention essential to building future leaders.
The Antelope Valley Union High School District covers all high schools in Lancaster.
SOAR (Students on the Academic Rise) is a specialized high school which is located on the Antelope Valley College campus, but is part of the Antelope Valley Union High School District. It is an Early College High School which integrates college courses into the high school curriculum. Successful students receive both a high school diploma and an Associate's college degree within five years. SOAR High School has an emphasis in mathematics, science, and engineering. In the 2011–2012 academic year, SOAR students received an API score of 945, which is ranked in the top 1% of all high schools in the nation.
In March 2015, two students from Lancaster's SOAR High School demonstrated a blood alcohol content detection wristband at the fifth annual White House Science Fair.[70]
The Antelope Valley Union High School District currently houses 6 Career Academies, all of which include some STEM component: Green Enterprise at AV High School (Project Lead the Way pre-engineering and business); Law and Government at Highland High School (crime scene investigation); Digital Design and Engineering at Knight High School (PLTW pre-engineering, 3D simulations); Agriculture and Environmental Science at Littlerock High School; Health Careers Academy and Falcon Academy of Sustainable Technology (FAST) (PLTW pre-engineering, automotive, construction, 3D simulations) at Palmdale High. AVUHSD also has 3 middle school academies, which include Soar Prep, Knight Prep, and Palmdale Prep.
In addition, STEM career pathways and courses are in place at other high schools, including: PLTW pre-engineering at Lancaster and Quartz Hill High School; Health Science with dental concentration at Antelope Valley High School; Automotive technology at Highland, Littlerock, Quartz Hill, and Desert Winds; Agriculture science at AV High School and Palmdale High; Computer multimedia design at every AVUHSD comprehensive site.
Quartz Hill High School of the AVUHSD houses the district's International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The IB program combines advanced content knowledge with a focus on the development of critical thinking. Earning an IB diploma requires a multi-year commitment across disciplines.
The U.S. News & World Report education site shows the district falls below the California Academic Performance Index Evaluation. 70% of students receive a free lunch, with 8% participating in Advanced Placement courses or credits.[71]
There are also several private schools in the city including Bethel Christian School (K-8), Desert Christian Schools, Grace Lutheran Christian School, Sacred Heart School (TK - 8th grades), Paraclete High School, Lancaster Baptist School, Desert Montessori Academy, Antelope Valley Adventist School, Country Christian School, and Desert Vineyard Christian School.
Charter schools include Academy for the Advancement of Children with Autism,[72] Antelope Valley Learning Academy, Assurance Learning Academy,[73] Desert Sands Charter High School, Gorman Learning Charter Network, iLEAD Innovation Studios High School,[74] iLEAD Lancaster Charter School, Learn4Life Concept Charter School, Life Source International Charter School, and Options For Youth Charter School.[75]
Lancaster is home to Antelope Valley College, the University of Antelope Valley, as well as a satellite campus of California State University, Bakersfield. In 2005, Charter College was opened. The city has spearheaded the development of the Lancaster University Center to provide local students with a chance to receive a first-rate education in engineering and technology. The $3.5 million reconstruction of Challenger Hall, located at the old Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, gave the new campus 13 classrooms, two of which are high tech distance learning rooms and 2 of which are lab classrooms, as well as office space, through partnerships with local aerospace companies, and California State University, Bakersfield. Previously California State University, Fresno offered two Bachelor of Science degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering in association with the Lancaster University Center. However, CSUF began phasing out these programs in the Antelope Valley in 2010, ceasing course offerings at the end of the 2011 spring term. Beginning in fall 2011, California State University, Long Beach will now be offering Bachelor of Science degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering at the LUC, ensuring students in the Antelope Valley will receive a first-rate education without leaving the area.
Antelope Valley College is the oldest institution of higher learning in the Antelope Valley. It was founded in 1929 on the campus of Antelope Valley High School. In the mid-1950s, it moved to its current location.
California State University, Bakersfield-Antelope Valley (CSUB-AV) is located on the north side of the Antelope Valley College campus. Many bachelor's and master's degrees are offered on this campus.[76]
Lancaster is also home to West Coast Baptist College, an accredited independent Baptist Bible College offering graduate and undergraduate degrees in pastoral studies, evangelism, missions, church ministries, music, Christian education, youth ministry, and secretarial studies. West Coast opened in 1995.
The University of Antelope Valley, formerly known as Antelope Valley Medical College, was a private, for-profit institution[77] approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC). In June 2009, the institution received approval from the United States Department of Education to offer Associates, Bachelors, and master's degrees. On February 29, 2024, the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education ordered the university to cease all operations by March 8, 2024 due to its "severe financial position," at which point it closed permanently.
Directory of locally based TV stations, otherwise they get all Los Angeles area on cable TV and sometimes, through the airwaves.
General William J. Fox Airfield (also known as Fox Field) is the local airport serving Lancaster. Fox Field previously had scheduled passenger air service primarily to Los Angeles (LAX) but no longer has airline flights.
Lancaster station is the northern terminus of the Antelope Valley Line on the Metrolink commuter rail network. The line runs south from Lancaster through multiple cities in Los Angeles County, such as Palmdale, Santa Clarita, Burbank, and Glendale down to Los Angeles Union Station, which is located in Downtown Los Angeles and connects to multiple local Los Angeles Metro Rail lines.
Antelope Valley Transit Authority operates local bus service, including weekday commuter service to Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Antelope Valley Health Center in Lancaster.[78]
Law enforcement in Lancaster is provided by contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD). The LASD operates the Lancaster Station in Lancaster.[79]
The city also makes use of technology in law enforcement, allowing citizens to file police reports with the Sheriff's Department through the city's website.[80] These and other programs are reducing response times to law enforcement incidents. In August 2012, the city also launched the use of a Cessna 172 aircraft equipped with a remote control camera for use in patrolling the city. Initially, aircraft surveillance was carried out in a single ten-hour shift daily, but its use has been expanded to nighttime hours, as well.[81]
The Two Pines Church in Lancaster is a chapel used by Quentin Tarantino in many scenes of his film, Kill Bill.[90]
Lancaster was also used to film spots in Rob Zombie's film, The Devil's Rejects.[91]
The video to the R.E.M. song Man on the Moon was shot in black and white over three days in Lancaster in October 1992.
Lancaster is a sister city with Namie, Fukushima, Japan.[92]
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