Palmdale, California
Palmdale, California is one of two major cities in the Antelope Valley region of Los Angeles County, in Southern California. While Palmdale is in northern Los Angeles County, it is separated from the more urban areas of the county by the San Gabriel mountain range. Originally settled by Swiss and German families migrating from the Midwest, Palmdale was a sleepy farming community. Palmdale remains a family-oriented community, yet this fast-growing city has all the amenities associated with a thriving commercial base. The U.S. Census Bureau, 2000, listed Palmdale's population as 116,670 residents. The 2008 estimate shows 144,451 residents, with families as 82% of the households.
In Palmdale, the majority of the resident's first and only dealings with the California Judicial Branch are in one of the 58 trial courts, called Superior Courts. These courts are located in each county of the state. Palmdale residents utilize the Los Angeles County Superior Court, whose North District location at 42011 4th Street West. Lancaster, CA 93534 is the closest for Palmdale residents. Superior courts hear civil and criminal cases including felonies, as well as family, probate, and juvenile cases. The Courts of Appeal are the next highest judicial authority within California. The Courts of Appeal review contested decisions of the superior courts. The Supreme Court of California has the highest judicial authority within the California judicial Branch and reviews decisions from the Courts of Appeal, especially decisions in which the death penalty is imposed. The California Courts' Online Self-Help Center provides California residents with helpful information regarding the California Judicial Branch. In Palmdale, California, personal injury cases are decided in the civil courts.
The Antelope Valley Freeway, known as State Highway 14, links Palmdale and Los Angeles. CA State Highway 138 is the principal east-west route in Palmdale, California. The Palmdale Transportation Center is the hub for public transit services, including the Antelope Valley Transit Authority, a public bus system for metropolitan Palmdale and Lancaster, Metrolink, Amtrak, and Greyhound. The Palmdale Regional Airport also serves the city.
The aerospace industry is the backbone of Palmdale's, and the Antelope Valley's, economy. The thriving aerospace industry is attributed to Edwards Air Force Base and the many employees of Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, all of which have manufacturing facilities at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Antelope Valley. Air Force Plant 42 is the Antelope Valley's second-largest employer, after Edwards Air Force Base.
Palmdale, CA is the "Aerospace Capital of the World." The Aerospace Exploration Gallery in Palmdale features displays of NASA's ventures into outer space. NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, in cooperation with the City of Palmdale, operates the Gallery. The NASA Dryden Educator Resource Center and Visitor Center at the Aerospace Exploration Gallery offers math- and science-based programs, design competitions and events open to students and teachers nationwide.
While Palmdale, CA already utilizes the health care services of the two Antelope Valley hospitals -- Antelope Valley Hospital, and Lancaster Community Hospital -- Universal Health Services is constructing a 239-bed full-service hospital in Palmdale to be called the Palmdale Regional Medical Center. The hospital will feature all private, single-occupancy rooms and a state-of-the art Emergency Department. Other recent construction in Palmdale includes Whispering Palms and Cielo Azul, affordable senior housing complexes, and the new 118-unit Rancho Village assisted living center.
As Palmdale, CA enjoys 360 days a year of clear, blue skies and sunny weather, outdoor recreation opportunities are plentiful in the city. The Desert Aire Golf Course, Rancho Vista Golf Course, DryTown Water Park, and Littlerock Dam and Recreation Area provide residents and visitors a chance to enjoy Palmdale's perfect weather.
