[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6202747,"mediaKeyId","3785452-bcd64b20211d4043fb79180db3ac3ea9","parentId",3785452,"title","Apple Valley public information officers win three CAPIO EPIC awards; town recognizes staff","audioSeconds",518,"startMs",459000,"endMs",977000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3785452-bcd64b20211d4043fb79180db3ac3ea9&start=459&end=977","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3785452-bcd64b20211d4043fb79180db3ac3ea9/thumbnail_459000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6202747/Apple-Valley/San-Bernardino-County/California/Apple-Valley-public-information-officers-win-three-CAPIO-EPIC-awards-town-recognizes-staff","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6202747-0bc1a33cfa442f5792f4a12cc3285f5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776110017&Signature=I6BH5HZLCFdVz6ETywoXz48vSza9k6~Z6Ux9GEukccYTmweb1TwJn74sSQv-6zLhhgRNIgpPaaoCw8o8rE5h6Erq0iGCdn8opT8hfCa6fHVhwYKLBcgQONnDEwpGMLh3D5P9aWMxndgJOsbFr21O9ueBxv0ET3aulewP4hhYWjR4u~wuL~5iHjOzwb5eacdlHAwW1Btr94OguPRU4QZMfwg09TvWMGnw0I4gqHWqYpBioYDRClZ3qUSuN00NQVZELVlzZiaIqXYM8mhdcM2YKjhu~0dDwU69o4Dk1yPpu-wTJnY7QZS7wMyGVlzvHa0nLi9oKBNKbZj~Ie727aKgRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Apple Valley, CA","date","2025-06-10T00:00:00Z","article","The Town of Apple Valley on Tuesday publicly recognized its public information staff after the town\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000s PIO won three EPIC Awards from CAPIO, the California Association of Public Information Officials.

Steven, vice president of the CAPIO awards program and a representative of Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, presented the awards and described the EPIC competition as highly competitive. \"These awards really mean something especially amongst communicators in the field,\" Steven said, noting that CAPIO received 501 submissions for this year\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000s conference and recognized fewer than 40 EPIC winners.

The town's entries that won EPIC Awards included a photography project, \"Images of Apple Valley,\" a special community event entry for \"Spotlight on the Arts 2024,\" and a recognized \"State of the Town\" presentation. In addition, the town's small public information team of Sarah and Shannon won in the inaugural \"Best Small Shop\" category, which the presenter described as requiring four distinct projects to show both range and depth.

Why it matters: The awards highlight the town\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000s communications work and are seen by staff and the council as validation that local government communications can achieve statewide recognition and contribute to public engagement.

Mayor Nassif and councilmembers invited the PIO staff and their families forward for recognition and a photograph. The council also publicly thanked CAPIO and Las Virgenes Municipal Water District for sending a representative to present the awards.

Speakers
- Steven — Vice President, CAPIO Awards Program, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (nonprofit/government partner)
- Sarah — Public Information Officer, Town of Apple Valley (government)
- Shannon — Public Information Officer, Town of Apple Valley (government)

Clarifying details
- CAPIO submissions: 501 entries in the most recent awards cycle; fewer than 40 EPIC winners nationally/statewide.
- Award categories: photography (Images of Apple Valley), special community event (Spotlight on the Arts 2024), State of the Town, and Best Small Shop (for teams with 2 or fewer staff and four project entries).

Provenance
[{\"block_id\":\"block_459.23\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":160,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"In April, our public information, office staff won 3 epic awards at, their Capio conference... I'm gonna introduce Steven... representing Capio as the vice president of award.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_965.85\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":140,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"It's strategy. It's empathy. It's skill. It's science. It's all of those things, and I don't think that could be any more represented from your staff here.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]

Salience
{\"overall\":0.30,\"overall_justification\":\"Ceremonial recognition; community goodwill item with limited policy impact.\",\"impact_scope\":\"local\",\"impact_scope_justification\":\"Affects community communications and staff recognition; not a regulatory decision.\",\"attention_level\":\"low\",\"attention_level_justification\":\"Positive recognition but limited public policy implications.\"}

Searchable_tags:[\"CAPIO\",\"EPIC Awards\",\"public information\",\"Apple Valley\",\"PIO\"]","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council Meeting - 06/10/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Town of Apple Valley was presented three EPIC Awards by CAPIO for public communications work, including photography and community event outreach. The council honored Sarah and Shannon of the town's PIO for winning top honors in the 'best small shop' and other categories.","taxTitle","Apple Valley, San Bernardino County, California","taxId",9327,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6202751,"Apple Valley council adopts fiscal year 2025–26 budget; Measure P revenue to be reserved for later allocations",998,6175000,7173000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3785452-bcd64b20211d4043fb79180db3ac3ea9&start=6175&end=7173","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3785452-bcd64b20211d4043fb79180db3ac3ea9/thumbnail_6175000.jpg","/articles/6202751/Apple-Valley/San-Bernardino-County/California/Apple-Valley-council-adopts-fiscal-year-202526-budget-Measure-P-revenue-to-be-reserved-for-later-allocations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6202751-d36943bbc8bf544725283b4362345c27/orig.mp4?Expires=1776110017&Signature=VeNxF~SKhSg0rSTYczjdkG5FazOvWVYTuzKRaMM1Ze4GFl-SKXYQuWgtQ0UZAp0ynEhEI-qSPLelE-zQP9ploRnM1-h8C1hIhja3RqpitdXWX-J7Zli6lffdU9GDrrrChprpHph6jhEHMGq57iu4euQrGzItlVk3ZXC3efO~tBCONssaUen-SNunyHUz5fCo6nCxBnYZiXm0IiUOIagTe3zBkt7eEvl-UEHvh78pmwTl2U~9aRYWQhdQIR3~rsm1eJeKLcUdjjNZymIRRDipCASBiy-O48fp-45va9P3rZNgmbZXq5pd5RUK2p1b8fcmeNZ0OWncBKsvD6af3mOQuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Apple Valley adopted its fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget and set the year\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000appropriations limit during Tuesday's council meeting, approving two resolutions by unanimous roll call.

The council voted to adopt Resolution No. 2025‑13, approving the proposed operating and capital improvement budget for FY 2025–26, and Resolution No. 2025‑14, adopting the statutory appropriations limit. Both measures passed on unanimous votes.

Town Manager Doug told the council staff used last year\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000s adopted budget as the baseline and retained most operating levels. The one major change included in the proposed budget is the addition of eight sheriff deputies, one sergeant and a sheriff service specialist, along with vehicles and associated equipment. \"The estimate [for Measure P] was $9,000,000; we are being conservative,\" the manager said, and recommended that the council place incoming Measure P receipts into reserves until staff can present a plan for prioritized use.

Adam Kripps, interim assistant director of finance, summarized that the general fund includes one‑time capital for the aquatic center and noted some reductions where capital projects were complete. He called out an anticipated increase in parks and recreation revenues due to stronger participation and said the proposed budget anticipates an increase in the general fund balance of about $1.8 million.

Why it matters: The budget sets townwide spending priorities and reserves for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The council\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000accepted the manager\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000s recommendation to hold unallocated Measure P revenue until staff brings forward options for public safety deployment and a later plan for street and infrastructure investments.

Council action: The vote on Resolution 2025‑13 (budget adoption) was unanimous. The roll call was recorded as: Art Bishop — yes; Scott Cusack — yes; Larry Leon — yes; Mayor Pro Tem Emmick — yes; Mayor Nassif — yes. The appropriation limit resolution (2025‑14) likewise passed unanimously.

Follow up: Manager Doug said the council would likely consider Measure P allocations at midyear or in next year\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000s budget process after receipts begin; Measure P collections began April 1 and the town receives funds from the county on July 1. Staff also plans further proposals on public safety (park rangers and other programs were mentioned) and the council asked staff to return with more detailed spending scenarios.

Speakers
- Doug — Town Manager (government)
- Adam Kripps — Interim Assistant Director of Finance (government)

Authorities
[{\"type\":\"resolution\",\"name\":\"Resolution No. 2025-13: FY 2025–26 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget\",\"citation\":\"Town of Apple Valley\",\"referenced_by\":[\"apple-valley-adopts-fy26-budget\"]},{\"type\":\"resolution\",\"name\":\"Resolution No. 2025-14: Appropriations Limit for FY 2025–26\",\"citation\":\"Town of Apple Valley\",\"referenced_by\":[\"apple-valley-adopts-fy26-budget\"]}]

Clarifying details
- Measure P revenue: Collections began April 1; county remits funds to the town on July 1. Town manager recommended holding receipts in reserve until a formal allocation plan is presented.
- Public safety staffing: Budget includes eight deputy positions, one sergeant and one sheriff service specialist plus vehicles; estimated incremental cost discussed by finance staff.

Provenance
[{\"block_id\":\"block_6175.25\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"So this is, the annual budget. I directed staff, this year, to essentially keep the budget the same as, as last year... The one major exception, which is, the addition of, 8, new sheriff's deputies, 1 sergeant, 1 sheriff service specialist, and then all of the vehicles and accoutrement that comes with it.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_7227.39\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Do I have any further discussion? Okay. I'm going to close the public hearing... I'll entertain a motion to adopt resolution 2025-13.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]

Salience
{\"overall\":0.65,\"overall_justification\":\"Formal adoption of the town operating budget and appropriations limit with a notable increase in public safety staffing; affects town services and reserves.\",\"impact_scope\":\"local\",\"impact_scope_justification\":\"Town budget defines local service levels and staffing.\",\"attention_level\":\"medium\",\"timeliness_urgency\":\"medium\",\"timeliness_urgency_justification\":\"Budget year begins July 1 and Measure P funds begin arriving in July; council opted to reserve funds pending a spending plan.\"}

Searchable_tags:[\"budget\",\"FY 2025-26\",\"Measure P\",\"public safety\",\"Apple Valley\"]","Council adopted the town\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000FY 2025–26 operating budget and set the appropriations limit. The manager recommended holding Measure P receipts in reserve and using them for public safety and later for streets after final plans.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6202756,"Apple Valley council approves short extension while negotiations continue on county takeover of animal shelter",4683,1360000,6043000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3785452-bcd64b20211d4043fb79180db3ac3ea9&start=1360&end=6043","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3785452-bcd64b20211d4043fb79180db3ac3ea9/thumbnail_1360000.jpg","/articles/6202756/Apple-Valley/San-Bernardino-County/California/Apple-Valley-council-approves-short-extension-while-negotiations-continue-on-county-takeover-of-animal-shelter","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6202756-11ecb192dd4a6d30a102584a17912488/orig.mp4?Expires=1776110017&Signature=bUSjvkUfBXESN-Y-wkpKWcR4LqTMfNTph-eGWfqmoWfDiLsdYL1hjPoUorfTUAvKaK8baagBmP4GKj~2KMgAxPgjwMrMvXEMrMrlcGPvtKs-oFmpVd088hMWWSHTp1Rr~E5SO5TTIOTiHNkfBxlEa34LLpumx7TsZTLgorA6HxaWbu908GfYLUjcSOzhAL4VNnj1n~ERBUI5lD4f7pchlGLdq1mG8f-QF7W85ZuCglFGjpIoaMTcVSTHs5rmQCJqD37zc5c8ny7SYl0YFMHghb~kXtnIrLZ-gYVb9C4pAs-8PXHvyhd9eatwbaglZe~wlOfSs7~txP3IICgVvHNqKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Apple Valley on Tuesday approved a temporary extension to its contract with San Bernardino County related to Apple Valley Animal Services, giving both sides more time to finish negotiations while preserving a 30‑day termination option.

The move came after more than an hour of public comment from residents and shelter employees who urged the council to keep the shelter under local control. The council voted unanimously to approve the extension, with all five members recorded as voting yes.

Town Manager Doug (Town Manager) told the council he had not been directed to finalize a sale and described the action as a pause to allow more work on terms. \"I have not been directed to negotiate the sale of the shelter to the county,\" Doug said. He said the temporary contract extension under consideration would run through December and that he had inserted \"a 30‑day notice of termination\" so either side could end the extended arrangement quickly if a final decision changed.

Why it matters: Apple Valley Animal Services (AVS) provides shelter operations and animal care for town residents and receives animals from a wide area of the Victor Valley. Speakers at Tuesday’s meeting said staff morale, capacity and long‑term care for animals are at stake if the county assumes control.

Public testimony: Autumn Cotton, who identified herself as a resident and former shelter volunteer, said, \"I don't agree with the idea of extending the contract or selling the shelter to the county.\" She and other speakers raised concerns about capacity at county facilities, caseholds for court or hoarding investigations, and the loss of educational programs for children that the town-run shelter has offered.

Brandy Garcia, who identified herself as a shelter employee of 14½ years, urged the council to \"not grant the extension for the San Bernardino County contract\" and described staff stress from prolonged uncertainty. Michelle Olayo, speaking for the Friends of Apple Valley Shelters Cat Networking Group, said recent intake and euthanasia numbers for cats raised concerns about evaluation and listing practices and asked the town to insist on reforms if any transfer goes forward.

Opponents of a sale also included Stephanie James and Gina Whelan, who told the council the county’s shelters (including Devore and Hesperia) operate under different policies and have higher euthanasia rates. \"We need to maintain local control of our animals in our shelter,\" James said.

Manager’s clarification and next steps: Doug said the town’s original contract with the county had been a 10‑year agreement with language that allowed up to three one‑year renewals. He said the town delivered the required 120‑day notice this winter to prevent automatic renewal and that the temporary extension on the table was intended to let both boards finalize terms. He estimated the council could have a final proposal within 60 days and cautioned that staff and employees had been working under prolonged uncertainty.

Council reaction and vote: Council members repeatedly said they wanted more information before making a permanent decision and emphasized public input. After deliberation the council approved the extension as presented on agenda item 6.9. The roll call recorded: Councilmember Art Bishop — yes; Councilmember Scott Cusack — yes; Councilmember Leon — yes; Mayor Pro Tem Emmick — yes; Mayor Nassif — yes. The action includes a 30‑day termination provision for either party.

What the vote did and did not do: The council's approval put a limited extension in place but did not finalize a sale of the shelter. The town manager and county staff will continue negotiating terms and are expected to return to the council with further detail; the manager said he expected additional material within roughly 60 days.

Community context: Multiple speakers from local rescue and advocacy groups said they will continue to monitor any transfer and urged the council to require firm performance standards if the county becomes the operator. Shelter employees said staffing, facility upkeep and programs have suffered amid the extended negotiations and asked the council to provide clarity quickly.

Votes at a glance
- Agenda item 6.9 — Extension/negotiations with San Bernardino County on Apple Valley Animal Services: Outcome — approved (5 yes, 0 no). Motion details: extension through December (as presented by town manager) with a 30‑day termination clause. Mover/second: not specified in the public transcript.

Speakers (excerpted)
- Doug — Town Manager (government)
- Autumn Cotton — Resident / shelter volunteer (citizen)
- Brandy Garcia — Apple Valley Animal Services employee (citizen/town employee)
- Michelle Olayo — Representative, Friends of Apple Valley Shelters Cat Networking Group (nonprofit)
- Stephanie James — Resident (citizen)
- Gina Whelan — Resident (citizen)
- Carrie Hernard — Resident/commenter (citizen)

Clarifying details
- Existing contract: 10‑year county contract with up to three 1‑year automatic renewals; town issued 120‑day notice to stop automatic renewal (as of December email referenced by manager).
- Temporary extension: presented as running \"through December\" and includes a 30‑day termination clause for either party.
- Staff concern: employees say the shelter is understaffed, overcapacity and that services to town residents have been reduced during the negotiations.

Proper names
[{\"name\":\"Apple Valley Animal Services\",\"type\":\"organization\"},{\"name\":\"San Bernardino County\",\"type\":\"agency\"},{\"name\":\"Devore Shelter\",\"type\":\"facility\"},{\"name\":\"Hesperia Shelter\",\"type\":\"facility\"}]

Provenance
[{\"block_id\":\"block_1360.74\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":140,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Good evening. As some of you know, my name is Autumn Cotton. I was here a couple council meetings ago to speak on the shelter. I am here to speak about it again. I don't agree with the idea of extending the contract or selling the shelter to the county.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_6039.09\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Council member Bishop? Yes. Council member Cusack? Yes. Council member Leon? Yes. Mayor Pro Tem Emmick? Yes. Mayor Nassif? Yes. Motion passes unanimously.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]

Salience
{\"overall\":0.90,\"overall_justification\":\"Multiple residents and employees testified; council took a formal vote to extend negotiations; decision affects public services and animal welfare; follow‑on action expected.\",\"impact_scope\":\"regional\",\"impact_scope_justification\":\"Shelter serves Apple Valley and unincorporated areas of the Victor Valley; transfer affects county operations.\",\"attention_level\":\"high\",\"attention_level_justification\":\"Heated public comment and a formal council vote; anticipated follow‑up meetings.\",\"budgetary_significance\":0.20,\"budgetary_significance_justification\":\"Current action is procedural (extension) but future sale could shift operating costs; immediate budget impact limited.\",\"legal_significance\":0.40,\"legal_significance_justification\":\"Changes affect an intergovernmental contract; contract law and county board review required.\",\"affected_population_estimate\":500000,\"affected_population_estimate_justification\":\"Shelter intake and services affect Apple Valley residents and unincorporated Victor Valley communities; estimate based on regional population.\",\"decision_deadline\":null}

Searchable_tags:[\"animal shelter\",\"contract extension\",\"San Bernardino County\",\"public comment\",\"Apple Valley Animal Services\"]","The Town Council voted unanimously to approve a short contract extension with San Bernardino County and added a 30‑day termination clause while negotiations over a possible county purchase of Apple Valley Animal Services continue. Dozens of residents and shelter staff urged the council to keep local control.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Apple Valley public information officers win three CAPIO EPIC awards; town recognizes staff

Apple Valley council adopts fiscal year 2025–26 budget; Measure P revenue to be reserved for later allocations

Apple Valley council approves short extension while negotiations continue on county takeover of animal shelter