Residents of Apple Valley face sinkhole crisis after major water pipe burst

The Apple Valley Town Council convened on December 10, 2024, to address various community concerns and updates. The meeting began with a resident voicing urgent issues stemming from a significant water main break on November 7, which resulted in extensive flooding and damage to her property. The resident described her front yard as a "lake" and reported ongoing problems, including a sinkhole threatening her driveway and persistent mold issues in her garage. She expressed frustration over the inadequate response from Liberty Utilities, the private water company responsible for the repairs, and highlighted a perceived disparity in how different residents were treated based on their circumstances.

Following this public comment, the council acknowledged the resident's concerns and assured her that they would communicate these issues to Liberty Utilities, despite the challenges in reaching the company. The council emphasized their commitment to addressing community concerns, even when they fall outside municipal jurisdiction.

The meeting then transitioned to council member reports. Council member Cusack shared updates on various community events, including the successful Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which attracted a larger crowd than the previous year. He also discussed ongoing efforts related to waste management and recycling initiatives, particularly focusing on solar module recycling and potential discounts for local cities.

Council member Bishop reported on his attendance at the California League of Cities Leadership Conference, where he expressed concerns about the state's fiscal challenges and their potential impact on local funding. He highlighted the importance of maintaining local control over funding sources and mentioned upcoming discussions regarding a proposed permanent sales tax measure that could be presented to voters in November 2026.

The meeting concluded with a reminder for residents to review written comments submitted to the council, which are available on the town's website. The council's proactive approach to community issues and their engagement with residents underscored their commitment to addressing the needs of Apple Valley.