News Flash

It takes a dedicated team to keep our city running smoothly, and this month we’re shining a light on Kristina Watson for our Employee Spotlight. Kristina plays an essential role in maintaining and improving the infrastructure of Spring Valley Village, and we’re excited to share more about her.

Kristina Watson, Director of Public Works

Q&A with Kristina Watson

What’s your position with the city, and how long have you been in that role?

I’m the Director of Public Works for Spring Valley Village, I’ve worked in Public Works for 12 years, and I’ve been with SVV since November 2023. My role includes overseeing capital improvement projects, managing the public works budget, and supporting the Public Works staff.

What’s an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?

 Growing up, my parents always joked that I could argue with a brick wall. Because of that, I was convinced from a young age that I’d grow up to be a criminal defense attorney.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Hobbies?

Outside of work, I enjoy watching and reading true-story content, spending time with my family and dogs, as well as finding and trying new experiences whenever I can.

What do you like about working for the City of SVV?

I love working for the City of Spring Valley Village because of the people and the passion for the community. Public Works plays such an important role in residents’ every day lives, and it is rewarding to be part of a team that truly cares about doing things the right way for the right reasons.

What would you be doing if you didn’t work here?

If I didn’t have to work at all, I’d love to travel full time. If I were still working, I’d still be in public works or public service somewhere, it is something I’m very passionate about.

If you have one thing you could share with the residents of SVV, what would it be?

Public Works may not always be visible, but we’re always working behind the scenes 365 days a year, no matter the weather, to keep the city running safely and efficiently. Our Public Works team is proud of what we do and genuinely care about serving the residents of Spring Valley Village.

Thank you, Kristina, for your dedication and leadership in our City. We’re grateful for your impact and proud to have you as part of our team.

This month, we are pleased to highlight Brianna Salas, who has served as the Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police for the past one and a half years.

Brianna Salas, Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police

In her role, Brianna provides key administrative support to the Police Department and also plays an important behind-the-scenes role in keeping the community informed. She helps manage the Police Department’s Facebook page and enjoys creating the graphics shared with residents, often coming up with new ideas to keep the page engaging and informative.

Outside of work, she enjoys collecting CDs and organizing her music collection. She also likes spending time on creative projects, listening to music, and relaxing with family and friends.

What Brianna appreciates most about working for the City of Spring Valley Village is the strong sense of community. Being part of a team that genuinely cares about serving residents and making a positive impact is especially rewarding, along with the collaboration between departments and the support from City leadership.

If she weren’t working for the City, Brianna says she would likely still be in an administrative role or might have returned to college to continue her education.

She shared this message with residents:

“Thank you for being such a supportive and engaged community. The work we do is for you, and it truly makes a difference when residents stay involved, informed, and connected with the City and the Police Department.”

We are grateful for Brianna’s dedication and the important role she plays in supporting the Spring Valley Village Police Department.

The City of Spring Valley Village invites residents to enjoy its annual Snow Day on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., in the City Park.

Snow Day offers a snowy hill for sledding and a dedicated snow play area where children can build snow angels and snowmen, and enjoy the snow.

This event is geared toward children, with activities best suited for younger participants. Parents and guardians are encouraged to supervise children throughout the event to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

The City will provide a limited number of sleds for shared use. Residents are welcome to bring their own sleds to ensure participation.

Parking will be available in the City Hall parking lot.

Please note that Snow Day is weather-dependent. In the event of inclement weather or unsafe conditions, the event may be modified, postponed, or canceled. Any changes will be communicated through the City’s official communication channels.

The City looks forward to welcoming the community for an afternoon of seasonal fun in Spring Valley Village!

The City of Spring Valley Village would like to inform residents that City Hall offices will be closed in observance of the holiday season on the following dates:

• Wednesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve

• Thursday, December 25 – Christmas Day

• Friday, December 26 – Day After Christmas

• Thursday, January 1 – New Year’s Day

Regular business hours will resume following each closure.

Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly and complete any time-sensitive business in advance.

The City wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

For our December 2025 Employee Spotlight, we’re proud to recognize Ismael Castillo, a longtime member of our Public Works team who has dedicated decades of service to the City of Spring Valley Village. Known for his work ethic, friendly presence around the City, and commitment to serving residents, Ismael has witnessed and contributed to many of the changes that have shaped SVV over the years. Get to know more about Ismael below and the experiences that make him such a valued part of our City family.

Para nuestro Empleado Destacado de Diciembre del 2025, nos enorgullece reconocer a Ismael Castillo, un miembro de larga trayectoria de nuestro equipo de Obras Públicas que ha dedicado décadas de servicio a la Ciudad de Spring Valley Village. Conocido por su ética de trabajo, su trato amable en a Ciudad y su compromiso con el servicio a los residentes, Ismael ha sido testigo y ha contribuido a muchos de los cambios que han dado forma a SVV a lo largo de los años. Conozca más sobre Ismael a continuación y las experiencias que lo convierten en una parte tan valiosa de nuestra familia de la Ciudad.

Ismael Castillo, Maintenance Worker

Q&A with Ismael

What’s your position with the city, and how long have you been in that role?

Maintenance Worker, started doing temporary work in April of 1997 and started full-time work on October 1, 1997

What’s an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?

I have 14 grandchildren, the oldest is 21, and the youngest is 5 months old

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Hobbies?

Spending time and traveling with my family and fishing

What do you like about working for the City of SVV?

Because it is not the same routine every day and I can stay active, I like being able to be outside and connecting with the residents around the City, I love that I have seen the City through many phases and changes in my time here

What would you be doing if you didn’t work here?

Somewhere where I could be active, probably a chauffeur, I enjoy driving

If you have one thing you could share with the residents of SVV, what would it be?

I love to be of service and will always help in whatever I can

Preguntas y Respuestas con Ismael

¿Cuál es tu puesto en la ciudad y cuánto tiempo has estado en ese cargo?

Trabajador de Mantenimiento; comencé haciendo trabajo temporal en Abril de 1997 y empecé a trabajar de tiempo completo el 1 de Octubre de 1997

¿Cuál es un dato interesante sobre ti que la mayoría de las personas no conoce?

Tengo 14 nietos; el mayor tiene 21 años y el menor tiene 5 meses de edad.

¿Qué disfrutas hacer fuera del trabajo? ¿Tienes algún pasatiempo?

Pasar tiempo y viajar con mi familia, y pescar.

¿Qué es lo que más te gusta de trabajar para la Ciudad de SVV?

Porque no es la misma rutina todos los días y puedo mantenerme activo. Me gusta poder estar al aire libre y conectar con los residentes de la Ciudad. Me encanta que he visto la Ciudad a través de muchas etapas y cambios durante mi tiempo aquí.

¿Qué estarías haciendo si no trabajaras aquí?

En algún lugar donde pudiera estar activo; probablemente como chofer, porque disfruto manejar.

Si pudieras compartir una sola cosa con los residentes de SVV, ¿qué sería?

Me encanta servir y siempre ayudaré en todo lo que pueda.