Victor Valley Times

Town of Apple Valley issued the following announcement on Dec. 11.

In response to California’s latest “Stay at Home” order, the Town of Apple Valley will transition to offering virtual customer service beginning Monday, Dec 7, through the end of the year. 

Due to the rising COVID case rate in Southern California, the percentage of available ICU beds is quickly decreasing toward the state’s safety threshold of 15%, straining the region’s healthcare system and frontline workers.

The Town is also closely monitoring the positivity rate of the high desert region, which stands at approximately 19.2% in Apple Valley. This means that for every 100 persons tested, 19.2 will test positive. The rate is higher still in Hesperia, at 22.5%, and in Victorville, 20%; by comparison, the rate is only 10.3% in Upland and 11.3% in Rancho Cucamonga.

As such, for the safety of residents, customers, and staff, the Town will close its offices and facilities to public access. However, Town staff will continue to provide customer service via phone and online features.

• Trash payments and business license renewals can be made at av.town/onlinepayments.
• Reports of potholes, graffiti, and more can be made at av.town/letusknow.
• Building inspections will continue to occur under safe practices, limited contact, and in some cases, virtual inspections. Building plans and applications can be submitted online via the Town’s Electronic Permit Center at av.town/eplancheck. Physical submittal of plans and permit applications can mailed or delivered to Town Hall and will be distributed after defogging. For more information please call (760) 961-7047 or email building@applevalley.org.

Several upcoming events will also be canceled, including Household Hazardous Waste collection on Saturdays, and Tire Drop Off Day, Dec 5.

The Apple Valley Animal Shelter will also be closed to the public. Animal Control officers will continue in-take of animals in the field; however, owner turn-ins of healthy animals will not be accepted at this time.

Code Enforcement officers and Public Works crews will continue to patrol, service roads and facilities, and work from their vehicles but with limited public contact.

Parks and the golf course will remain open and adhere to CDC guidelines. However, high-touch public playgrounds will be closed.  Use-permits for gatherings greater than 10 are prohibited.

Regularly scheduled Town Council and Planning Commission meetings will continue to be held virtually at applevalley.tv or on Frontier channel 29 or Spectrum channel 186. Visit applevalley.org for a list of public meetings and agendas.

Local information will be updated on the Town's Facebook page and special webpage at av.town/coronavirus. Please email questions to info@applevalley.org.

Original source can be found here.