Public Comments - June 10, 2025 — Apple Valley City Council, June 10, 2025

Dear Town Council member of Apple Valley, dear supervisors of San Bernardino County, I'm writing to urge immediate oversight of Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS).

In 2023, the live release rate for cats at AVAS was just 7% In 2024, it’s only risen to around 21%
In April 2025, over 100 cats were euthanized — but only 5 were listed online In May 2025, just 5 adult cats were labeled as friendly and moved to the adoption floor The Shelter Is in Transition — But the Animals Still Need Protection We’re encouraged that the County’s purchase of AVAS may be finalized in the next 60 days.

We Urge Immediate Action:
- Review current shelter practices and staƯ performance - Establish and enforce clear standards for humane care and accurate animal assessments Sincerely,
Rayan ElAmry
The County may finalize the purchase of AVAS within 60 days. We believe that a County takeover of AVAS will have a positive impact, bringing greater transparency and a muchneeded improvement in animal welfare. But these animals can't wait.

AVAS Needs Immediate Oversight — The Animals Can’t Wait ׆ׇ In 2023, the live release rate for cats at AVAS was just 7% ׆ׇ In 2024, it’s only risen to around 21%
ᘔᘕᘖ In April 2025, over 100 cats were euthanized — but only 5 were listed online ᘔᘕᘖ In May 2025, just 5 cats were labeled as friendly and moved to the adoption floor Dear Town Council member of Apple Valley, dear supervisors of San Bernardino County, I'm writing to urge immediate oversight of Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS).

We Urge Immediate Action:
- Review current shelter practices and staƯ performance - Establish and enforce clear standards for humane care and accurate animal assessments Sincerely,
Ariel Magid
RE: Town Council Consent / Agenda Item 6.9
June 5, 2025
Dear Town Council,
Respectfully, I’m requesting that the Town does not extend the County’s contract for another six months.

Further, I respectfully request that the sale is not approved to go through, and that it is voted on this month, June 2025.

Realistically, it’s unfair to continue to ask the staff to stay in limbo for another six months, not knowing the outcome of this potential sale. This potential sale has been going on since last year; it is time to resolve this matter and move on accordingly. I realize things like this take time to sort out, but it shouldn’t leave staff in limbo for over a year. This isn’t just their job, but it affects their personal life too, and that should be considered; it’s mentally stressful.

Further, as a long-time supporter of AVAS, I wish to express my opinion and say this potential sale does not benefit the Town of Apple Valley’s animals. The shelter was built and very proudly (I was there) opened to benefit the Town of Apple Valley animals and give them “a better way of life”. Now, this shelter is being considered for sale, leaving animals without a safe plan, should the deal go through. This is not in the best interests of the animals, which should be the focus. If you sell to County, the Town animals will have no safe plan as mentioned. San Bernardino County will be able to decide when, how, and if they need to decrease the amount of Apple Valley animals coming in for a day, week, or longer.

Then where do Apple Valley animals go if County says “no”? Just not picking up animals for however long is not the answer. It’s about what is best for public safety, residents, and the animals the town is entrusted with the care of. Leaving control at County’s discretion, isn’t “a better way of life”. If this deal goes through, there’s no guarantee that down the road Apple Valley’s contract with the county couldn’t be cancelled or not renewed. Even if you don’t think it’s a possibility, it is still a possibility and must be considered. How does this benefit Town residents and the animals in need of help? Please consider not agreeing to the contract extension and saying “no” to the shelter purchase. Give Town of Apple Valley animals a true “better way of life” as was promised in 2010.

Lastly, please staff or approve staffing all vacant positions (part time / full time) at the shelter. This is not just to lessen the load on staff but create a better environment for the animals and enhance customer service to the public.

With your continued help and support we as a community can work together to give “a better way of life” for the animals entrusted to the Town of Apple Valley and the citizens who love them.

Thank you for your time.

Respectfully,
Long-time Apple Valley Animal Services and Shelter Supporter.

Dear Town Council member of Apple Valley, dear supervisors of San Bernardino County, I'm writing to urge immediate oversight of Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS).

We Urge Immediate Action:
- Review current shelter practices and staƯ performance - Establish and enforce clear standards for humane care and accurate animal assessments Sincerely,
Lucie Friedrich
Dear Town Council member of Apple Valley, dear supervisors of San Bernardino County, We're writing to urge immediate oversight of Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS).  In 2023, the live release rate for cats at AVAS was just 7%  In 2024, it’s only risen to around 21%
 In April 2025, over 100 cats were euthanized — but only 5 were listed online  In May 2025, just 5 cats were labeled as friendly and moved to the adoption floor The Shelter Is in Transition — But the Animals Still Need Protection.

We’re encouraged that the County’s purchase of AVAS may be finalized in the next 60 days.

We believe that a County takeover of AVAS will bring greater transparency and a muchneeded improvement in animal welfare. Under the County’s current animal care system:
- All cat/dog intakes are posted online the same day
- Cats/dogs are vaccinated the same day they enter the shelter - Volunteers are allowed to take photos and videos of the animals to help network them - Community cat TNVT program is better established even though the volume needs to be expanded
- The County animal care team is significantly more supportive and cooperative with rescue eƯorts
But the animals can’t wait for reform to start after the deal closes. We Urge Immediate Action:
- Review current shelter practices and staƯ performance - Establish and enforce clear standards for humane care and accurate animal assessments
Sincerely,
Friends of Apple Valley Shelter Cats Networking Group
Dear Town Council member of Apple Valley, dear supervisors of San Bernardino County, I'm writing to urge immediate oversight of Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS).

We Urge Immediate Action:
- Review current shelter practices and staƯ performance - Establish and enforce clear standards for humane care and accurate animal assessments Sincerely,
Lisa Haut
Dear Town of Apple Valley Council Members,
In 2023, the live release rate for cats at AVAS was just 7%. It only increased to around 21% in 2024. That is, 21 out of 100!
In April 2025, over 100 cats were euthanized with only 5 listed online. That is, 5 out of 100 were given a chance. In May 2025, only 5 adult cats and 23 kittens were labeled "adoptable".

While the facility is on transition, the cats need protection from malpractice. Transparency and major improvements in assessing the cats are required. How is it that the cats mislabeled "Feral/fractious: this can't be handled by Kathy Burharp, RVT, and "shows no sign of aggression" after being transferred to Devore? They were fortunate to be on the unincorporated grounds.

I wholeheartedly support the County's take over in an expedited manner because under their current animal care system:
- All cat/dog intakes are posted online the same day.
- Cats/dogs are vaccinated the same day they enter the shelter. - Volunteers are allowed to take photos and videos of the animals to help network them. - The community cat TNVT program is better established even though the volume needs to be expanded.
- The County animal care team is significantly more supportive and cooperative with rescue eƯorts.

I urge the county to review the current shelter practices and staƯ performance,as well as, establish and enforce clear standards for humane care and accurate animal assessments.

With Regards,
Shirin Shamloo
Please, please, strongly consider revamping this shelter. They have very few cats that get out alive. I heard that in 2023 only 7 percent made it. This is an outrage in a state so wealthy( other cities have lowered their euthanasia rate that were also hi kill.) I am a senior and hope you hear my pleas for these marvelous felines.

Sincerely,
Subject: Please Vote NO on Further Contract Extensions with the County Regarding the Animal Shelter
Dear Honorable Members of the Town Council,
As a concerned resident of the High Desert and a supporter of responsible animal care, I am writing to urge you to vote NO on any further contract extensions with the County regarding the operation or potential sale of the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.

The staff at the shelter—our neighbors and fellow residents—have endured enough uncertainty and strain as these negotiations have dragged on. Prolonging this process only continues to place unnecessary stress on those who have dedicated themselves to the care and well-being of the animals in our community.

This shelter was built for the animals of the Town of Apple Valley, not for the county's broader needs. It was promised to our residents as a facility focused on serving our town. That promise must be honored. Selling or handing over control of the shelter to the county undermines the original intent of this facility and the expectations of the community.

We ask that you stand firm, respect the investment made by the town, and support the dedicated staff by voting NO to any further extensions or agreements that hand over our shelter to county control. The animals and the people who care for them deserve stability and support—not continued delays and uncertainty.

Thank you for your time and consideration into what the people want.

Sincerely,
Rudy Iraburo
Resident of the High Desert
Dear Town Council member of Apple Valley, dear supervisors of San Bernardino County, I'm writing to urge immediate oversight of Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS).

In 2023, the live release rate for cats at AVAS was just 7% In 2024, it’s only risen to around 21%
In April 2025, over 100 cats were euthanized — but only 5 were listed online In May 2025, just 5 cats were labeled as friendly and moved to the adoption floor The Shelter Is in Transition — But the Animals Still Need Protection We’re encouraged that the County’s purchase of AVAS may be finalized in the next 60 days.

We believe that a County takeover of AVAS will bring greater transparency and a much-needed improvement in animal welfare. Under the County’s current animal care system:
- All cat/dog intakes are posted online the same day
- Cats/dogs are vaccinated the same day they enter the shelter - Volunteers are allowed to take photos and videos of the animals to help network them - Community cat TNVT program is better established even though the volume needs to be expanded
- The County animal care team is significantly more supportive and cooperative with rescue efforts
But the animals can’t wait for reform to start after the deal closes.

We Urge Immediate Action:
- Review current shelter practices and staff performance - Establish and enforce clear standards for humane care and accurate animal assessments Sincerely,
Jordan Devito
Dear Honorable Members of the Apple Valley Town Council, Protect Apple Valley’s Shelter — Say NO to County Takeover As a resident of the High Desert and a strong advocate for responsible animal care, I’m calling on our town leaders to stand up for Apple Valley and vote NO on any further contract extensions or backroom deals with the County regarding the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.

This shelter was built by our town, for our town—not to serve the County’s broader needs. It was a promise to our community, to the taxpayers and that promise must be kept. Turning it over to the County is a betrayal of that commitment.

Our dedicated shelter staff—local residents who care deeply for these animals—have faced enough uncertainty. It’s time to give them the support they deserve, not more delays, confusion, or political games.

Selling out the shelter means losing local control, weakening community trust, and risking the welfare of the animals and people who serve them.

Tell our leaders: Apple Valley comes first.

Vote NO to county control. NO to more extensions. YES to protecting what’s ours.

Thank you for your time and consideration into what the taxpayers want.

Sincerely,
Analisa Delgado
To those this should concern:

The conflicts with rescue groups, high euthanasia rates, not networking in a timely manner to save lives for multiple reasons, leading to more deaths, reflects all people including Mayor Nasiff and retired Col. Supervisor Paul Cook, choice not to respond, work with rescues and my personal calls requesting, as a widow of a Marine (in my message) a conversation, were shamefully ignored!
What is of the utmost importance is what benefits the ability to save and truly care for the animals in Apple Valley and reunite owners and their pets.

Taxpayers dollars, plus funding, working with nonprofits and having a heart and soul would serve the citizens and animals in Apple Valley, in a way that’s not happening.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Dwork Teixeira
Dear Honorable Members of the Apple Valley Town Council, As a dedicated employee of the Apple Valley Animal Shelter, I am writing with deep concern and a heartfelt request: please discontinue negotiations for the sale of our shelter. No more extensions.

This shelter is not just my workplace—it is a critical lifeline for countless animals and a cornerstone of compassionate service in our community. My colleagues and I work closely with rescue organizations and volunteers who pour their time, resources, and hearts into saving lives. The possibility of selling threatens the collaborative spirit.

What’s more troubling is the climate of fear that has taken hold. Many in the rescue community have expressed reluctance to speak out publicly due to retaliation and harassment from out-of-area "networkers" who have actively targeted those who oppose the sale or contest to having a great working relationship with the shelter. These individuals have left damaging reviews, spread falsehoods, and attempted to discredit hard-working rescues—simply because they support our shelter’s current employees.

As an employee, I have also witnessed the stress and anxiety this environment creates among staff and volunteers. It is critical that the town adopt and enforce a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and workplace violence (in writing)—not only for the safety of those who work at the shelter, but also for the well-being of our partners and the integrity of our shared mission.

We come to work every day driven by a deep commitment to the animals and to this community.

Please don’t sell what so many of us have worked tirelessly to build. Protecting the shelter means protecting not only the animals, but also the people who care for them.

Sincerely,
Brandie
AVAS Rescue Coordinator
I want to confirm that today is the council meeting.

I also want to speak and make a comment at today’s meeting.

I’ve owned my home in Apple Valley for 7 yrs.

Please add my name to the commenters for today’s meeting.

Regina Cervantes
submitting public comments Juen 10th 2025
Dear Apple Valley Town Council Members and Mayor Nassif, Town Manager, Town Lawyer, Assistant Town Manager,
In favor of the sale of the Apple Valley Animal Shelter to San Bernardino County for the following reasons:

1. Town of Apple Valley is unable to financially sustain the shelter on it’s own. At a supposed cost of $2.2-2.3 Million-ish a year with a minimum of 26 employees on site plus an additional 2-7 (??) in the field, it is under budgeted for the amount of volume it handles. Even if you take out all the county animals and send them to other shelters immediately, the intake from the town of Apple Valley itself is too excessive. Lack of spay and neuter programs for the past 15+ years has contributed to this.

2. Town can’t afford TNVR – which also contributes to the overpopulation, so it’s a losing battle.

3. Change in mindset over the last 15+ years, more of the general public, voters and your constituents are not in favor of how the shelter is handled and unfortunately it doesn’t sound like the town council is willing to implement changes with a top down approach so it’s best to sell it to the county.

4. Employees of the shelter may actually get better pension plans, better health care, more benefits by being a county employee therefore it’s a win-win.

5. Once managed by the county the town council doesn’t have any authority therefore, does not bear the brunt of the vitriol of the residents.

6. Public mindset has shifted in the last 15+ years. The entire state is moving to become nokill . this requires extreme changes and perhaps the county with more funding can implement this more effectively and at a faster pace.

7. If it’s true that the towns budget is around $37Million total, a shelter of this size would need to run on $7-10Million a year. That’s almost 25%-33% of the towns budget which is simply not practical.

Other comments to submit…
You are done with the complaints about the shelter and you don’t want to listen to them. The shelter’s poor statistics need an overhaul. It’s sad to know only 4-5 residents had to speak up asking for pickleball courts and within a year they come to fruition versus 10+ years of residents and advocates for the animals contact the town council and nothing changes. It is met with resistance, obstinance and retaliation.

Why remain silent? It’s the town council’s job to do something regardless of how you personally feel that’s what being in a political position means and it sounds like it hard to separate yourself from subject matters that you have strong feelings about.

It also sounds like town council want to support the staff, if so would it be totally unreasonable then to suggest that town council should have changed their approach to lessen the vitriol and attacks they get daily.

Am I wrong to assume the shelter doesn’t publicize 80% of the cats because it’s embarrassing, it is a reflection on the years of mismanagement by the town to put programs in place and assist its citizens with spay and neuter and curb the overpopulation issues.

It feels like it’s easier to not share so that the facts remain hidden, however, that’s not the case.

It doesn’t seem like the anger will subside, and between now and when the shelter sells would it be crazy to suggest the town council try a different path and be more transparent and repair the towns reputation with a few small tokens of help prior to the sale. Is that asking too much? Remain silent if it is. Remain silent and do nothing and it’s more a reflection that perhaps you have never learned how to de-escalate a situation. How to resolve conflict. How to have a meeting of the minds between people with different beliefs. It’s not as complicated as it seems.

It seems harder and harder to keep the public in the dark.

This is a publicly funded shelter, not a private one. The town council has ignored constituents’ complaints for years, spending taxpayer dollars without adhering to public input. The public’s will and demands will ultimately outweigh personal opinions.

Sincerely,
Margaret Cashion
As I write this public comments. This is more directed toward the people of our town. tonight's meeting is to address two main issues that matter to our community. The council is looking to sale the animal shelter which raises two essential questions. what are they planning to do with the funds that they are going to acquire from the sale of the shelter. If they sale a part of our town back to San Bernardino County. Then why did we have secession from the county? if we are going to sale part of our town back to San Bernardino County
The passing of the 2025-2026 budget is at hand. While it is reassuring to know that hiring new police officers has been secured. We have to scrutinize the proposed raises. A total of $196,000 increase for the council, town manager, town clerk and town attorney. $349,000 for the finance office. The most mind boggling $797,000 for the Singh Center. A center that Mayor Nassif said last meeting that he hopes it breaks even. I know that Napa auto parts, AV Comm and councilwoman Leon's real Estate office is not run this way. how are roads going to be fixed, parks be repaired. Why are we always having budget deficits? we should be tired of hearing we don't have the funds and settle for mediocrity.

To Town Council members,

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The proposed sale of our town's animal shelter to San Bernardino County threatens the well-being of both our pets and their owners. Our community members, who have contributed their hard-earned taxes to establish and maintain this shelter, now face the prospect of losing this vital facility. What will happen to the animals that are found in town, if the county of San Bernardino takes over and the shelter is at capacity from county/unincorporated areas animals coming in ? Where will our residents of Apple Valley take animals, they have found? Where will they look for their own animals? The county's plan to take control means our local animals might be transported over 30 miles away, making it incredibly difficult for residents to reunite with their lost pets.

It's not just about distance; it's about the emoƟonal and physical stress on both animals and owners.

Imagine the anxiety of knowing your beloved pet is far from home, in an unfamiliar environment, and that you must undertake a long journey to possibly find it. This is not a fair outcome for our community, one that relies on accessible and local animal care services.

Apple Valley built this shelter with the intenƟon of providing a safe haven for our animals and a convenient place for residents to access these essenƟal services. Selling it might make a quick profit, but it undermines the very fabric of community care and responsibility that the town stands for.

I urge our town council and decision-makers to find alternaƟve soluƟons that do not disrupt the lives of residents and their pets. Please protect the integrity of Apple Valley's animal care services and keep our shelter local and accessible to all who rely on it.

Addressing the Crisis at Apple Valley Animal Shelter: A Call for County Support in the High Desert The Apple Valley Animal Shelter plays a vital role in the High Desert region by taking in stray and surrendered dogs from both within Apple Valley’s town limits and from the vast unincorporated areas surrounding it. However, this responsibility has become increasingly unmanageable due to the imbalance in intake sources: approximately 70% of the animals come from unincorporated County areas, while only 30% originate from within the town itself.

This disproporƟonate burden has overwhelmed the shelter’s capacity and directly contributed to a high euthanasia rate. Staff members, already stretched thin, face the emoƟonal toll of making heartwrenching decisions due to lack of space, Ɵme, and resources. This is not a reflecƟon of negligence or unwillingness to help—but rather a systemic failure to provide proper support for the region.

The High Desert comprises a significant porƟon of San Bernardino County, yet county-level investment in animal welfare infrastructure in this area has been insufficient. The shelter’s struggle is not just a local issue—it is a County issue that demands a County soluƟon.

We propose two possible paths forward:

Increased County Investment in ExisƟng Shelters
The County of San Bernardino should allocate funding and support to expand and properly staff exisƟng shelters in the High Desert, like Apple Valley. This would allow ciƟes to manage animals from their own unincorporated regions as well as share the responsibility across neighboring areas more equitably.

ConstrucƟon of a Dedicated County Animal Shelter in the High Desert If supporƟng exisƟng shelters is not feasible, the County should consider building its own dedicated facility in the High Desert. This would dramaƟcally reduce the intake pressure on Apple Valley and other local shelters, and significantly lower euthanasia rates. It would also improve the well-being of shelter employees, animals, and the residents who care deeply about them.

The current system is not sustainable, and the burden should not fall solely on one small-town shelter.

The animals and people of the High Desert deserve beƩer.

It is not fair that the employees have to wait any longer to get an answer on the situaƟon at hand .

Apple Valley City CouncilJune 10, 2025

Apple Valley City Council
June 10, 2025