Respect the employees, please (August 20, 2015)
We all know the Town of Apple Valley (TOAV) wants to take over Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company (AVR) and the residents are divided. All I ask is that those who support the TOAV to please treat AVR employees with respect. That includes the workers out in the field and anyone wearing AVR clothing. Some of our employees have already been harassed in public, verbally and physically. It doesn’t help that the Town posts questions and statements on their social media regarding the drought, which creates negative responses from the public. It would help if the Town was more supportive during the drought and pointed the residents to please call AVR with their concerns and questions. For those of you who have treated us with respect, it is very much appreciated and I thank you.
AVR has been involved in the community for many years. We just gave away school supply-filled backpacks to Apple Valley schools. We continue to give scholarships to the SCADA program at Granite Hills High School. We volunteer our time and donate to Secret Santa in coordination with the AV Firefighter Association, AV PAL, AV Rotary, Sunset Hills Children Foundation, Victor Valley College Foundation, AV Optimistic Club, Boy Scouts, AV Legacy Museum and the High Desert Community Foundation. AVR is a good company to work for and all of the employees are wonderful, caring people, some of whom have worked here for 20-plus years to keep your water clean and safe.
We are hard-working people, have families and children who attend schools and live in this community, too. The Town’s decision to try to take over AVR is going to last for at least another 18 months, if not more. If you support the Town, then please do it in a respectful way without harm to AVR employees.
Kaye Walraven, employee of AVRWC and Apple Valley resident for 27 years
Source: Daily Press