REMOVING THREAT - A member of the Los Angeles County Fire Department's hazmat team on Monday transports a poisonous substance and threatening letter taken from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services office in Lancaster. EVELYN KRISTO/Valley Press

LANCASTER - Antelope Valley College President Dr. Jackie L. Fisher Sr. scoffed at Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford's proposal that the college use Lancaster redevelopment funds to pay for a planned campus theater, which the mayor said could free up money from a 2004 bond issue to put toward a Palmdale college campus.   Complete story.

LANCASTER - If you hear a ringing in your ears starting Friday, there's no need to panic or call a doctor. It's the sound of Salvation Army kettle workers ringing their bells.   Complete story with picture.

PALMDALE - With thousands of ballots yet to be tallied, Republican Steve Knight continues to lead Democratic opponent Linda K. Jones in a race for the 36th District Assembly seat.   Complete story.

LANCASTER - Gentle sounds, much like those of a chirping songbird, flowed from wooden flutes, creating a sense of peace at the Native American celebration Tuesday at Antelope Valley College.   Complete story with picture.

PALMDALE - The city's Planning Commission has voted unanimously to allow the Vulcan Materials Co. to operate around the clock, expand its mining area and make other changes at its gravel quarry and concrete mixing facility at 70th Street East and Avenue T.   Complete story.

EDITORIAL OF TUESDAY, NOV. 18 - What's the news from national and local elections? Quick answer: Democrats gained, and Republicans lost ground. In the Antelope Valley, it looks as if the area hold maintained by Republicans on local offices will stand pat at least for the present. But what was the big news?   Complete story.

PALMDALE - Being the champs can reap a few rewards. Antelope Valley College swept the Pacific Conference Player of the Year Awards as voted on by conference coaches on Tuesday. Safety Troy Butler was named the Defensive Player of the Year, while running back Dominique Blood won co-Offensive Player of the Year honors. Marauders coach Perry Jehlicka was named the Coach of the Year, the first time in school history AVC has won all three awards.   Complete story with picture.

LANCASTER - Steve Lockhart has grown sick of the turnovers. The Eastside High School football coach doesn't even want to talk about the Lions' 17-10 loss to Quartz Hill on Oct. 24 when Eastside reached the end zone just once despite traveling inside the Rebels' 30-yard line six times.   Complete story with picture.