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- Lockheed wins F-35 contract
Nov 2007, Contributor: Wayne Gregori - Lancaster City Manager ends the year on this note
Nov 2007, Contributor: Wayne Gregori
By JIM SKEEN
Valley Press Business Editor
PALMDALE - Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. was awarded a $134.1 million modification to an existing contract to continue development of a F-35 joint strike fighter for international partners.
Lancaster City Manager ends the year on this note
GROWING FASTER than the Antelope Valley as a whole, Lancaster will continue to grow 2.5 percent annually over the next decade ''because the Los Angeles basin is bursting at the seams,'' according to Lancaster City Manager Bob LaSala.
Speaking at the AV Board of Trade luncheon Sept. 25, LaSala reported on the 2007 Short Term Economic Forecast that the Southern California Association of Governments prepared for the city of Lancaster from data extrapolated from the Los Angeles regional economic forecast. The study was designed to help the city plan for future growth.
The demographic numbers revealed that the city is becoming more diverse and affluent. He said that African-Americans and Hispanics outnumber all other groups within the city's population, and the average household size is increasing. In addition, the fastest growing sector was households with incomes of more than $100,000.
LaSala noted that residents with more disposable funds are very attractive to retailers looking to locate in the Valley.
The Valley's affordable homes are also continuing to attract more young workers who commute out of the area. Commuters comprise 35 percent of the city's population despite the growth in new jobs locally.