BRIEFLY.

Viewing tonight at poppy reserve

LANCASTER -- The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve will open tonight for star- and shooting-star viewing hosted by the Antelope Valley Astronomy Club.

The state park, located on Lancaster Road off Avenue I 14 miles west of the Antelope Valley Freeway, will be open 5 to 9 p.m. today.

Rangers will lead hikes through the reserve at 5 and 7 p.m. to look for creatures of the night. A Reptile Rescue representative will show exotic and native reptiles at 6 and 8 p.m.

The astronomy club will have telescopes set up in the reserve's main parking lot, and club members will be available to answer questions.

The reserve's Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. to sell coffee, cocoa and hot apple cider, as well as books, clothing, posters and gift items.

State park staffers recommend that visitors dress warmly and bring binoculars and flashlights.

-- Daily News

A.V. man killed in pickup crash

LANCASTER -- A Lancaster man died when his pickup truck ran off a road, hit a home's chain-link fence and overturned, tossing him out.

The victim was identified as Eric Simpson, Los Angeles County coroner officials said.

Simpson's 1997 Ford Ranger had been traveling west at about 55 mph on Avenue K just before 9 p.m. Thursday when it veered off the pavement near 70th Street East, California Highway Patrol officials said. Simpson was not wearing a seat belt, officials said.

-- Daily News

Arts, craft fair set for weekend

GREEN VALLEY -- The 29th annual Country Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair will be held this weekend at Green Valley Community Hall on Calle Bonita at Spunky Canyon Road.

The fair will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and will feature handcrafted items such as burl wood clocks, wood birdhouses, homemade jellies, handmade jewelry, quilts, feather dusters, soaps, ceramics, and personalized pet ornaments.

There will be free hot apple cider and cookies, and country-style breakfasts and lunches will be sold. For more information, call Cheryl Lepisto at [phone] or on the days of the event at [phone].

-- Daily News

Block Jam 5 at bicycle shop

LANCASTER -- Six bands and demonstrations by professional BMX riders will be part of a celebration at a Lancaster bicycle shop.

Block Jam 5 will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at The Block Shop, 42217 12th St. W. Admission is free.

A road ride offering 20- and 60-mile routes will start at 7:30 a.m. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. Prizes for the 60-mile course include a helmet, saddle, pump, bottles, shirts and socks.

Bands playing include Common 3rd, Eudora, Victory Within, American Eyes, Phathom and The Prisoners Dilemma.

-- Daily News

Victims of theft can see property

PALMDALE -- Burglary and theft victims can inspect electronic gear, jewelry, cell phones, athletic shoes and other items seized at the homes of suspected members of a burglary ring.

The property viewing will last from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Palmdale sheriff's station, 750 E. Ave. Q.

The property had been put up for viewing Nov. 4, two days after it was seized during searches at 25 homes, but deputies scheduled a second showing because of the short notice for the first.

Anyone coming to the viewing must present a copy of their crime report, dated within the past 12 months, deputies said.

-- Daily News

District trustees complete course

QUARTZ HILL -- Westside Union School District trustees Gwendolyn Farrell, Linda Jones, Joan Sodergren, John Curiel and Steve DeMarzio, along with Superintendent Regina Rossall, completed the California School Boards Association's Masters in Governance program.

The Westside officials underwent 56 hours of training on subjects such as setting a school district's direction, student learning and achievement, school finances and facilities, human resources and collective bargaining.

-- Daily News

Playhouse offers tickets online

PALMDALE -- Tickets for shows and events at the Palmdale Playhouse can now be purchased through a new online ticketing system at www.ThePalmdalePlayhouse.com.

The site offers secure payment using Visa or MasterCard. There are no service fees for online ticket purchases.

The new system allows patrons to choose the seats they want. The system automatically suggests the best available seats, and customers may choose those seats or pick others.

For more information, call the playhouse box office at [phone].

-- Daily News

Lancaster fatal stabbing probed

LANCASTER -- Sheriff's homicide detectives investigated a fatal stabbing in central Lancaster.

Authorities released little information about the circumstances but said they were told a man was stabbed just before 5 p.m. Friday near Trevor Avenue and Avenue J.

The victim's name was not immediately released.

-- Daily News