Latest news with #Palmdale
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
High-speed rail project that links with Brightline West to Vegas making progress
The High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency has selected HDR for design and engineering services for a segment of California's high-speed rail system between Victorville and Palmdale. The California train line between the Victor Valley and Antelope Valley will span about 54 miles and will connect with Brightline West's planned high-speed rail project and station in the Victor Valley. The Brightline West project includes 218 miles of track, with a main passenger station in Las Vegas and stops in Apple Valley, Hesperia and Rancho Cucamonga. In July 2024, High Desert representatives, including Victorville Mayor Elizabeth Becerra, a member of the joint agency, gave their support to the project, the Daily Press reported. Becerra, along with her fellow board members, signed "landmark agreements" with union labor representatives to construct, operate, and maintain the future multimillion-dollar High Desert Corridor High-Speed Rail Project. Barstow tourism summit sparks buzz: Is Inland Empire the next big travel destination? The east-west High Desert rail corridor will improve connectivity with California's planned high-speed rail network and open access to housing, jobs and cultural opportunities previously out of reach, HDR officials stated. With proposed speeds of up to 180 miles per hour, the High Desert rail service project will provide a fast connection from a multimodal transportation hub in Los Angeles County's Antelope Valley to the future Brightline West high-speed rail station in San Bernardino County, HDR said. Eventually, the rail network will connect Southern California to the northern half of the state, Las Vegas and beyond. 'The High Desert Corridor will improve connectivity and accessibility for millions of travelers, generate billions in economic activity, and open new opportunities for the whole region,' said HDR Project Manager Girair Kotchian. 'It's a privilege to be involved with such a momentous project for Southern California.' Under a five-year contract, the HDR-led team will provide a wide range of engineering services for the authority, including rail design, systems and station integration, operations and maintenance facility design, systems planning, bridge design, right of way coordination, environmental support services, stakeholder coordination, risk management, procurement support, and contract administration, among others. 'Delivering the engineering and advisory services associated with the High Desert Corridor requires a multidisciplinary team that can maximize a broad array of opportunities and tackle diverse challenges with resilience, technical expertise and unwavering focus,' said HDR Global Transit Director Matt Tucker. 'We have an exceptional team gathered with world-class expertise in large-scale transit corridors. This is great news for Southern California and the future of high-speed rail in the United States.' The Antelope Valley to Victor Valley project is completing environmental documentation and preliminary engineering. Construction of the project is expected in the early 2030s, HDR stated. Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@ Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Victor Valley to Palmdale high-speed rail project hires HDR for design
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Construction Begins on Maison's Village II, Bringing 189 New Affordable Homes to Palmdale
WNC & Associates and Ravello Holdings continue partnership to meet urgent housing needs Maison's Village II PALMDALE, Calif., June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WNC & Associates (WNC), a family-owned business known as both a pioneer and leader in the affordable housing industry, and Ravello Holdings, Inc., one of California's leading developers and builders of quality single and multi-unit homes, have begun construction on Maison's Village II, a $72 million, 189-unit affordable housing community in Palmdale, California. Situated at the intersection of Oak Street and East Palmdale Boulevard, Maison's Village II offers residents proximity to nearby shopping, employment hubs, recreational amenities, entertainment venues, and educational institutions. The community will feature a mix of duplexes and single-family accessory dwelling units (ADUs) across 66 lots. Designed to meet diverse household needs, the development will include 64 one-bedroom units, 46 two-bedroom units, 57 three-bedroom units, and 22 four-bedroom units. Three- and four-bedroom homes will include attached two-car garages, while one- and two-bedroom units will offer convenient surface parking. All residences are reserved for households earning between 30% and 70% of the area median income (AMI), ensuring long-term affordability and community stability. Maison's Village II will be the second phase of the larger Maison's Village project, which opened in January 2024. Maison's Village, the preceding phase, offers 168 units and achieved stabilized occupancy in just four months. 'With many families in Palmdale struggling to find quality housing within their means, developments like Maison's Village II are critical,' said Anil Advani, Executive Vice President of Originations and Finance at WNC. 'This community represents our continued commitment to expanding access to safe, affordable homes, while also investing in the long-term health and stability of the neighborhoods we serve. We're proud to partner with Ravello Holdings to bring this next phase to life.' Each residence at Maison's Village II is outfitted with modern, energy-efficient amenities to enhance comfort and convenience. In-unit features include a refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, and range, along with central air conditioning to ensure year-round comfort. Additional features include durable vinyl flooring, privacy-enhancing window blinds, and in-unit washer/dryer hookups. Residents will enjoy private patios or porches, and select units include spacious walk-in closets. Maison's Village II includes a variety of on-site amenities to support everyday living and create a sense of community. Residents can enjoy a swimming pool, clubhouse, fitness center, and a community park for recreation and relaxation. The property also features a playground, business/computer center, and convenient laundry facilities. On-site management will be available to assist residents, and surveillance cameras will help enhance security. Picnic and barbecue areas provide space for outdoor gatherings and building community bonds. 'Ravello Holdings is thrilled to be partnering again with WNC and the City of Palmdale on Maison's Village II. The need for affordable and quality housing in California has never been greater. Our present and future developments reflect our continued commitment to addressing housing challenges without compromising design, comfortability, or long-term value,' said Kirby Taylor, Vice President of Ravello Holdings, Inc. Maison's Village II will be financed through a combination of funding sources, including $72 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity from WNC, a $58 million construction loan from KeyBank, and a $30 million long-term permanent loan from CalHFA. The project will break ground immediately and construction is expected to be completed in WNC & AssociatesFounded in 1971, WNC & Associates (WNC) is a family-owned business known as both a pioneer and leader in the affordable housing industry. WNC and its affiliated companies specialize in tax credit syndication, affordable housing development, and preservation equity fund investments. Combined, the WNC companies have acquired approximately $18.2 billion in assets across 48 states, including more than 1,800 affordable rental properties that house more than 1 million residents. With offices in 16 states, WNC has partnered with more than 400 developers and 125 institutional investors. To learn more, visit: About Ravello Holdings, in 2012, Ravello Holdings, Inc. ("Ravello") is a for-profit real estate development corporation whose principal is Dilip Ram. Mr. Ram has over 40 years of development experience throughout Southern California, having developed approximately 140 properties, which range from: over 6,000 units of high-end condominiums and apartments; luxury homes; beachfront and mountain retreats; urban revitalization; student housing; affordable housing; senior communities; and mixed-use projects. To learn more, visit: MEDIA CONTACT:IDEA HALLAndy Vernier Andy@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fact Check: Yes, Christian Bale is building homes in California to keep foster siblings together
Claim: Actor Christian Bale is building 12 homes in a $22 million village in Palmdale, California, that aims to keep siblings in the foster-care system together. Rating: In June 2025, a claim (archived) circulated online that Batman actor Christian Bale was building 12 homes in a $22 million village in Palmdale, California, that aimed to keep siblings in the foster-care system together. One popular Facebook claim read: "Christian Bale Is Building 12 Foster Homes That Aim to Keep Siblings in the Foster Care System Together and Under the Same Roof." The claim circulated on X (archived), Instagram (archived) and Bluesky (archived), where posts included an alleged $22 million price for the development. Snopes readers also searched our site for more information about the rumor. The heartwarming claim is true. Bale and Together California, a charity founded by the actor; his wife, Sibi; and University of California, Los Angeles, Dr. Eric Esrailian, broke ground on the project in 2024. According to Together California, the village, located near Palmdale, will feature 12 homes and a community center. The project was estimated to cost $22 million at the time of the groundbreaking, according to international media. According to Together California's Facebook page (archived), construction remained ongoing in June 2025. In May 2025, CBS reported the village was hoping to welcome its first children "next year." CBS also reported that "trained foster parents" would take care of the children living in the village. According to AC Martin, the architects on the project, Together California's "Village for Brothers and Sisters" will feature 12 town house units for children in foster care, two studio units for young adults transitioning out of the foster-care system, a 7,000-square-foot community building and outdoor space. Bale first got involved with the U.S. foster-care system in 2008, according to CBS, after considering what would happen to his own daughter if she were left without her parents. DALTON, ANDREW. "Christian Bale Breaks Ground on Foster Homes He's Fought for 16 Years to See Built." AP News, 7 Feb. 2024, Gardner, Chris. "Christian Bale Breaks Ground on 16-Year Passion Project: 12 New Homes for Foster Children." The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Feb. 2024, "Our Village." Together California, Accessed 19 June 2025. Shoard, Catherine. "Christian Bale Unveils Plans to Build 12 Foster Homes in California." The Guardian, 8 Feb. 2024. The Guardian, Smith, Tracy, and Jennifer Earl. Christian Bale's on a Mission to Keep Foster Siblings Together. For Him, It's the Role of a Lifetime. - CBS News. 18 May 2025, Together California. "Together California Had the Incredible Opportunity to Sit down with CBS Sunday Morning and Speak about the Mission That Drives Us Every Day. ." Facebook, 7 June 2025, Together California: A Village for Brothers & Sisters. Accessed 19 June 2025. Williams, Martha. "Christian Bale Breaks Ground on 12 Foster Homes in California." Mail Online, 9 Feb. 2024,
Washington Post
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Many here wanted Trump to enforce immigration, but ‘it's going overboard'
PALMDALE, Calif. — Jesus Martinez, a 36-year-old aerospace worker, said he initially supported President Donald Trump's decision to send the military to quell immigration protests in California. But he has grown increasingly uneasy after seeing images of ICE raids near schools, neighborhoods and at workplaces where families are being separated. 'It's going overboard. It's too much,' said Martinez, a former Democrat who supported Trump in 2020 and sat out the 2024 election.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Where Is Pearl Fernandez Now? What Happened to the Mom of 3 After Brutally Murdering Her Son Gabriel 12 Years Ago
Pearl Fernandez was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the horrific murder of her son, 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. Twelve years ago, on May 22, 2013, emergency personnel responded to a 911 call from Pearl, who alerted paramedics that her son was not breathing. When they arrived at the home she was then sharing with her boyfriend Isauro Aguirre in Palmdale, Calif., paramedics found that the little boy had sustained serious injuries including a fractured skull, broken ribs and BB gun pellet marks on his body. Pearl and Aguirre were quickly arrested for their presumed involvement in Gabriel's death and were both charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances of torture when he was taken off life support on May 24, 2013. In court proceedings in the years to follow, many of Gabriel's family members, including his siblings Virginia and Ezequiel, testified about the torturous abuse the child experienced at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend. Social workers were even implicated after being accused of neglecting Gabriel, although charges against them have since been dropped, per the Los Angeles Times. But, where is Pearl Fernandez now? Here's everything to know about what happened after Gabriel Fernandez's tragic murder in 2013. Gabriel was an 8-year-old boy who was severely abused to the point of torture by his mother, Pearl, and her boyfriend, Aguirre, until his horrific death on May 24, 2013. According to TIME, Gabriel spent the majority of his childhood living with his uncle and later his grandparents. In 2012, however, Pearl regained custody of her son, which The Atlantic reported in 2018 was allegedly done so she could gain welfare benefits, much to the dismay of family members who were concerned for Gabriel's well-being because of Pearl's alleged history of drug abuse and neglect. When testifying years later in court, Gabriel's grandfather, Robert Fernandez, claimed that it was within Pearl's legal right to take her son back and that deputies had told him that his custody was not valid, per CBS. So, the then-7-year-old boy moved to his mother's house, where months of horrifying abuse began. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Gabriel was often beaten by Aguirre because he believed that he was gay. Prosecutors said that he had suffered several injuries from the abuse, including 12 broken ribs, burn marks and a fractured skull. The young boy was also forced to eat cat litter and feces, and slept 'bound and gagged inside a small cabinet,' the DA's Office added. On May 22, 2013, Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel arrived at Pearl's home after she called 911 to report that Gabriel was not breathing. She and Aguirre had beaten him extensively that day, allegedly as punishment for not cleaning up his toys. Gabriel was declared brain dead that day and was taken off life support two days later. A day after Pearl called police to alert them that her son was unresponsive, she and Aguirre were arrested for their involvement in his abuse. At the time, Aguirre was charged with attempted murder while Pearl was arrested for felony child endangerment and abuse, per Newsweek. However, when Gabriel was taken off life support the next day, Aguirre and Pearl were then both charged with first-degree murder with a special circumstance of torture. Following court proceedings, a jury found Aguirre guilty of first-degree murder and the special circumstance of the infliction of torture in November 2017. He was then sentenced to death by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge George G. Lomeli. Meanwhile, Pearl pleaded guilty in February 2018 and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in June. 'This case showed how evil can not only inflict lasting damage to those who loved Gabriel but our society as well,' Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said in a June 2018 statement. 'The horrific nature of Gabriel's abuse and murder has been seared into our minds and the defendants will now spend the rest of their lives in prison for their reprehensible actions.' After Gabriel's death, four social workers were accused of failing to protect him and were each charged with one felony count of child abuse and one felony count of falsifying public records. Prosecutors alleged that social workers Stefanie Rodriguez and Patricia Clement ignored evidence of Gabriel's abuse, including calls from his teacher, and falsified reports that were intended to document signs of his abuse. Meanwhile, their supervisors, Kevin Bom and Gregory Merritt, were also accused by prosecutors of approving false reports that contradicted evidence of the abuse Gabriel was suffering. All four employees pleaded not guilty to the charges. 'I think Gabriel could have been saved about a dozen different ways and that's what's so intense and so heartbreaking about his story,' Brian Knappenberger, the director of Netflix docuseries The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez, told PEOPLE in 2020. 'I think you see that in a lot of the pictures of Gabriel. If you look at him, it's easy to understand the kind of warmth and potential he had.' Gabriel's case ended up with Rodriguez after his teacher, Jennifer Garcia, called the Los Angeles County child abuse hotline to report signs of abuse she was witnessing, including bruises and alarming conversations. According to a 2018 investigative report from The Atlantic that cited L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) records, neither Rodriguez nor Bom reviewed Pearl's history, despite four previous, unrelated calls being made to the agency with claims of abuse, nor did Rodriguez go to Gabriel's school or talk to his neighbors. Moreover, the social worker reportedly never interviewed Gabriel or his siblings alone, which is standard, required department policy. In a brief statement to The Atlantic, Rodriguez said she was supervising other cases at the time that presented equal or greater danger. Four years after being charged, an appellate panel ruled in January 2020 that the social workers could not be prosecuted in Gabriel's death because they would not have been able to control the actions of his parents, nor did they have custody or care of Gabriel. A few months later, in July, their charges were officially dismissed by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge. In 2018, Aguirre was admitted to San Quentin State Prison following his death sentence. It seems, however, that he has moved facilities since as the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmate search showed that he is in California State Prison, Corcoran, as of May 2025. While Aguirre is still on death row, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced in March 2019 that the state would have a moratorium on capital punishment, meaning Aguirre's execution date is yet to be determined. According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmate search, as of May 2025, Pearl was serving her sentence at the Central California Women's Facility located in Chowchilla, Calif. In April 2021, she attempted to make a bid for resentencing, arguing that she could no longer be convicted of first or second-degree murder because of changes to California's penal code. Her petition was denied, however, a few months later in June by Judge Lomeli, who said Pearl was 'not entitled to resentencing relief,' according to the Los Angeles Daily News. 'It has been established by her own admission during her guilty plea that the murder was intentional and involved the infliction of torture over a period of several months,' the judge continued, adding that records show Pearl was a 'major participant in the murder of a child victim.' Read the original article on People
