Veronica Golub (Protest Organizer)
A few people have asked me how we did it. How were we able to get the Town of Apple Valley, California to listen to us and ultimately help update their policies, and implement changes to the shelter?

1. We SHOWED UP! We started with a peaceful protest/rally in front of AVAS and others joined us.

2. We attended and spoke at every city council meeting! Various individuals came up and shared their stories (both locals and non-locals).

3. We brought visuals, and we spoke about the individual victims.

4. We did our research and we showed them the statistics and shared the facts.

5. We walked through the shelter and helped network the animals. We took note of the shelter conditions and the treatment of animals.

6. We were respectful to the shelter staff and to the Town Council Members.

7. WE ASKED AT EVERY MEETING FOR THEM TO PUT AVAS ON THE AGENDA!

8. We spoke about the problems/issues, but we also discussed the solutions. We offered our experience and advice.

9. Although we are all independent voices, we were all united in the cause to create a better shelter environment for the animals.

Little by little we would see positive changes made at the shelter and finally they added AVAS to the agenda. We were able to get input from the mayor and council members, and listen/watch the discussion regarding the changes. The council voted unanimously to pursue the proposed changes that the Town Manager shared in his presentation. Obviously the changes won’t happen overnight, but we’re confident that once implemented Apple Valley can and will be one of the better shelters in Southern California. I do have to say that I misjudged the Town Manager and was pleasantly surprised to see how much research went into his presentation. We will continue to monitor the changes that were discussed and I’m personally trying to build a more efficient line of communication between the shelter, rescues and networkers. After speaking with some of AVAS’s staff, I know that we all want the same thing…for the animals to leave the shelter and live happily ever after. I know it’s possible and I will work diligently to make that a reality.
  
Theodore Trentman (Co-Organizer)
Agreed. I want to acknowledge all the people who spent years trying to make changes at this facility. Your efforts are what kept me checking in on this specific shelter. I listened. My friends Miriam Stokes and Lori Wagner who truly inspire me....thank you. I participated because these two women showed me tireless dedication and commitment to facts over fiction. Together, we all shattered whatever stood in the way for change. When Marina told me Veronica was going to protest, I dropped everything. Something in my gut told me...now...now is the time. I applaud Veronica for her unwavering courage to stand. To every voice that showed up, you gave voice to thousands of lives lost. I believe the Universe wants love to win but the Universe created humans with heart to create this very unique beauty happening on our planet. Though the job is truly just beginning, I believe it is those ultimately that stood at the mics and the AV Council and Town Manager who opened their hearts to create BETTER TOGETHER. To the employees of AVAS, I plead with you to take our lead. Always give voice to the animals first. The City of Apple Valley doesn't want to lose you. You MATTER. If you see someone breaking the law, reach out to us. We will help you keep our animals safe. There is NO oversight BESIDES the City Council. This is WHY I showed up WHERE I did.

Watch the council meeting and learn what is possible in your city/county.
https://applevalley.tv/CablecastPublicSite/show/479?site=1&fbclid=IwAR1WXiqVXgdNy35fD-MTb9Mz9aA8KrV2YSobw1t-mxlwJz3tYk0wP4KquuY