Most of that pressure, however, is exciting. The constant flood of juicy stories vested residents are interested in throwing my way each day keeps me on my toes.

But one aspect of election reporting that’s not so fun is the over-analysis of every adjective, of story order, of headlines and more by those who are certain we journalists must have a hidden agenda. Since this person had this many words, I must like them more. Since the photo department mixed up a photo, I must be endorsing another candidate.

Let me set the record straight: I have no personal or professional connection to any of the Apple Valley Council candidates (or Victorville for that matter, but that’s fodder for another blog). I don’t live in Apple Valley and have no vested interest in who wins or loses, aside from wanting what’s best for the readers I’ve come to feel incredibly loyal and responsible to. I hope this gives me an advantage to be truly objective when looking from the outside in, though it also means I can fall behind on the inside gossip (that’s where you tipsters come in, thank you very much).

What I do want is to treat each candidate fairly. To report on what’s most interesting and relevant to readers. To share facts that may influence voters’ decisions one way or another. If that means disclosing who has endorsed who or who has a sign permit, I’m willing to do that because I think voters deserve to know.

No Apple Valley candidate calls and feeds me stories and I don’t call some candidates for stories and not others. It’s always been all or none — usually tending toward the latter, with no room for quotes from eight candidates in each story.

I do hope that impression comes through to readers, though it may not always read that way to admittedly hyper-sensitive candidates. If you ever feel I am being unfair to a candidate or showing favor to someone, rest assured it’s not intentional and please feel free to call me on it: 955-5358.

Post from: Inside Apple Valley

The first came in reaction to the two stories. After reprinting (I say “re” because this figure has been reported before) the fact that Apple Valley plans to spend roughly $8 million on its new shelter, there was a minor backlash from residents concerned over this amount. I spent a good seven minutes on the phone with an elderly woman, trying to explain to her that it wasn’t my decision to spend $8 million on dogs and cats while people are homeless and kids go hungry. The figure was also the main source of comment for the story’s online version.

Days later, I wrote about how Victorville planned to lease the old H & E building to house more city offices, likely including a temporary shelter. When Councilman Hunter approved the lease with the condition that staff look into using the location for a Boys and Girls Club or Uturn meeting space, I heard (second-hand) from one community leader who was upset because “We need an animal shelter!” (To be fair, Hunter didn’t disagree. He just thought another location might be better suited for the purpose.)

It just goes to show: You can’t please ‘em all!

The other interesting issue brought up by the shelters is how, in the words of one town leader: “Once one city does something, we all have to follow.”

Apple Valley was the second Victor Valley city to break off on its own in terms of animal control, with Hesperia running its own shelter for years. Victorville is now following suit, though they were forced out of their Victor Valley Animal Protective League contract rather than opting out as Apple Valley did.

Victorville will now likely follow Apple Valley’s lead, in opening a temporary shelter in a refurbished warehouse while building a custom facility.

I suppose it goes back to the “grass is always greener” mentality. Or just learning by example…

Post from: Inside Apple Valley

It’s also a time of change for the town, with a new town manager, new town attorney, a soon-to-be new mayor in the works and, most recently, a goodbye to the deputy town manager. A new animal shelter is coming, and perhaps a new town-owned country club steeped in 60 years of history.

How do you feel about where Apple Valley has come in the last 20 years? What do you hope to see added to the town or changed in the next 20?  

Post from: Inside Apple Valley

Before the meeting even starts, Apple Valley’s council agendas are easily accessible through the Town’s Web site. Supporting documents are linked separately, making it easy to get to what’s needed without sifting through the entire agenda. This shows me that the town actually wants its public to be able to understand what’s being voted on which is, after all, the point of the meetings.  

The council meetings are long — significantly longer than those in my other beat of Victorville. While this can seem to be a negative, after a long day or for those waiting to hear that one item on the agenda that always seems to come up last, I’ve come to see it as a positive because of what it means.  

In Apple Valley, I often feel like I’m actually watching democracy take place, with councilmembers unabashedly asking questions of each other and of town staff. While it would be nice to see a more varied group, with a woman or two or some ethnic diversity represented, the council does have different viewpoints and they don’t typically try to hide it, hopefully knowing that it’s healthy for people with different opinions and backgrounds and personalities to speak for a community that is far more varied than they are. 

I’ve been a bit disappointed when councilmembers have used meeting time to serve their own agendas, taking jabs at neighboring cities or at the Daily Press, but this comes with the territory I suppose.  

I was, however, truly shocked by what took place during a meeting a couple weeks ago, when Mayor Jasper stopped the audience from applauding after a citizen’s three-minute speech. He said he wouldn’t allow it in case it discouraged those with differing viewpoints from feeling comfortable speaking up. I received several messages and several readers commented on the DP Web site after this took place, appalled by this outburst. I hope that, in the future, the mayor will allow his public to express their opinions openly and appropriately through such things as applause.

However, something new has come up for this coming Tuesday’s agenda that shows me the town is responding a bit to the requests of the public. The town is preparing to vote on updated park ordinances that give a bit more leeway for bikes on pathways, which all regular VVDailyPress.com viewers will know is a frequent topic of comment. Watch this week’s Web site and paper for a full story on this topic, and attend Tuesday’s meeting to hear how the vote goes.

Oh, and feel free to express yourselves as you see fit…

Post from: Inside Apple Valley

While people choose to commute for a variety of reasons, it seems reasonable to assume most have determined a better job opportunity awaits them somewhere other than where they live. With Apple Valley holding on to 12 to 17 percent more of it’s workforce than other local cities, the town must be doing something right.  

It must be said that Apple Valley residents would likely face the longest commute from home down the hill, which may contribute a bit to this statistic. But residents couldn’t be staying around to work locally if there wasn’t a job market to support them. 

Even with the recent growth in commercial development, I’ve read comments to past stories expressing concern over the lack of high-paying, professional job opportunities in AV. And so I wonder, does the lower number of commuters mean AV residents are taking lower-paying jobs? 

But the latest U.S. Census data shows that AV residents have an average household income nestled comfortably between that of neighboring Hesperia and Victorville.  

Why does it even matter how many people commute? One reason is what some refer to as the “brain drain,” where talented, commuting professionals take needed skills, growth and smarts away from their hometown economy. There have also been several studies about how a long commute can have a detrimental effect on health and family life, particularly if the drive involves fighting traffic.  

I’m a commuter myself, though fortunately my drive doesn’t involve much if any traffic. I actually enjoy the 35 to 40 minutes to blast my music and be alone with my thoughts. The cell phone has intruded on this a bit, but it’s also a good chance to catch up with family and friends. 

So to what can Apple Valley attribute its low commuter statistic? Is this cause to celebrate, or an issue of concern over the types of jobs residents are taking? Has commuting impacted your life at all? I welcome your comments and insight…   

Post from: Inside Apple Valley

My name is Brooke Edwards, and I joined the staff of the Daily Press nearly three months ago. If you’ve been reading the paper regularly, you may have noticed that one of the main beats I cover is the Town of Apple Valley.

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Yes, it’s a BROAD TOPIC.

That’s where this blog will come in handy. I hope to open up a dialogue with members of the community who take an interest in issues beyond what can make it into the daily paper. I know there are so many of you who know this town far better than I yet do, and I want to hear from you.

Though I have roots locally, I am relatively new to the area. I was born at St. Mary’s and grew up in Big Bear. I got my bachelor’s degree in English, my teaching credential and a Masters in Education from California Baptist University. After teaching high school for four years at Rubidoux High School, I decided to pursue a career in one of the things I was teaching: journalism. And so I spent the last year and a half living in New York City, completing my masters at NYU.

It’s been exciting to return and see the explosion in retail that has happened in Apple Valley. I am anxious to watch this growth continue, as the town prepares to open its second movie theater, Best Buy and more.

However, it has been in getting to know the people of this community that I have found my inspiration. I look forward to getting to know many of you better, through this blog and through future stories.

If you have a question for me or would like to suggest a future topic for this discussion, please feel free to either post it here as a comment or e-mail me at bedwards@vvdailypress.com with “blog” in the subject line.

In the meantime, check back soon for my first posting and take care.

Post from: Inside Apple Valley