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When gas prices are on the rise, scooters can be a great alternative source of transportation for budget conscious commuters.  Stay safe on your scooter with Riding Tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. http://msf-usa.org/downloads/Scooter-tips-2005.pdf

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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.

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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Everyone’s invited to join in on this family-friendly bike ride which will tour Lancaster on Wednesday, June 8th. On the second Wednesday of each month, from May to September, LanCoaster launches out from City Hall for a leisurely-paced, 15 mile ride around the community.

“Community bike rides are excellent way to get exercise, to get better acquainted with other residents in your community, and enjoy seeing Lancaster from a different perspective than you normally would,” remarked Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris.

The ride launches out from Lancaster City Hall (44933 N. Fern Ave.) promptly at 7pm, and usually runs for approximately 2 hours. There will be a check point at Lancaster City Park around 7:30pm, where Block Bike’s weekly Cycology biking group will join in. LanCoaster will conclude at City Hall, while Cycology riders may elect to continue to City Park.

This month, participants will receive a complimentary bag containing a small souvenir. The bags were donated courtesy of Waste Management, a sponsor of the LanCoaster Bicycle Experience. The ride souvenirs will be available at the end of the ride. Leading this month’s LanCoaster Bicycle Experience is celebrity rider Sean McElroy, a Road, Mountain and BMX National Champion.

LanCoaster, launched by the City of Lancaster and Block Bikes, is offered at no cost to participants. The City also provides a police escort to help bikers negotiate traffic. Each ride will include a rest stop at a location where participants can purchase snacks and drinks and use restroom facilities.

All types of bicycles are welcomed, except those with motors or training wheels. Helmets are required for minors and strongly encouraged for adults. Bike lights are also encouraged.

Participants are required to sign a liability waiver form once for the entire series of rides, and are requested to arrive at City Hall at 6:30pm to allow time for signups. The liability waiver for the ride can be obtained here:http://www.cityoflancasterca.org/index.aspx?page=920.

For more information, please contact Block Bikes at 661-729-2800.

“This is a wonderful time of year to spend time outdoors, enjoying the fresh air, warm weather and beautiful evenings,” concluded April Bartlett, co-owner of Block Bikes. “What better way to do it than joining a community bike ride?