As an excessive heat warning envelopes portions of North County this week, Supervisor Kathryn Barger wants her constituents in the region to be aware of and access County resources that bring low-cost heat relief.
“The public in the Antelope Valley and other communities will seek relief from the triple-digit heat that is going to persist for several days,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “There’s a variety of free or low-cost resources that can help families, seniors, and others who want a break from the heat. These resources are offered at no cost to the public, so they’re accessible and not cost-prohibitive. I hope the public uses these resources to cool off and keep safe.”
Cooling Centers
Los Angeles County and its city partners offer Cooling Centers that provide no-cost air-conditioned spaces to the general public at libraries, community centers, and senior centers. Days and hours of operation are extended during periods of excessive heat. Visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat to find a list of Cooling Centers that are now serving the public. Some Cooling Centers are pet friendly and some will also be open on the Fourth of July holiday, according to Los Angeles County’s Office of Emergency Management. Residents who do not have access to the internet can dial 2-1-1 to find a nearby Cooling Center.
Keeping Cool and Having Fun
Antelope Valley residents can enjoy a low-cost summer escape by using Los Angeles County’s Beach Bus service to the Santa Monica Pier. Operating from now through September 4–and on the Fourth of July holiday–anyone can enjoy a stress-free trek to the famous pier for a nominal fee of just $6 per round-trip.
The Beach Bus conveniently departs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 8:30 a.m. from Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park, located at 43063 10th St. West in Lancaster, and at 9:00 a.m. from the Palmdale Transportation Center, located at 39000 Clock Tower Plaza Drive. This program is coordinated by Los Angeles County Public Works. Make your reservation at www.LAGoBus.com up to ten days in advance, but no later than 10:00 a.m. one day prior to your trip. Senior citizens ages 60 and over and individuals with disabilities pay only $2 per round-trip.
Families can also beat the summer heat with a fun array of free activities now taking place after hours at L.A. County Park pools through Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department’s Parks After Dark Summer Pool Program. Select County pool facilities offer extended evening swimming hours from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. weekly from Thursdays through Saturdays until August 5–a schedule that accommodates the availability of working parents and provides an opportunity to keep youth busy during evening hours when there are typically fewer activities available. Participating pools in the Antelope Valley and surrounding region include George Lane Park in Quartz Hill, Val Verde Community Regional Park in Castaic and the Castaic Aquatic Center. There are no Parks After Dark events scheduled on the Fourth of July holiday, but the program resumes the following day.