It was a strikingly different tone in Thursday’s Coachella Valley Animal Campus Commission meeting—one that stood in stark contrast to the crisis that plagued Riverside County animal shelters just one year ago. Back then, the department faced intense scrutiny for high euthanasia rates, overcrowding, and what many called a lack of transparency under former leadership. But today, there is a sense of cautious optimism. Under the direction of newly appointed Animal Services Director Mary Martin, the department has shifted toward a culture of transparency, collaboration, and community engagement. Advocates say it’s the kind of progress they’ve been demanding for years. NBC’s Fred Roggin sat down with investigative reporter Mary Strong, who has spent the last year uncovering conditions inside the shelters. Together, they take an in-depth look at how Director Martin is changing the narrative—and why so many believe this could be the turning point Riverside County’s animals desperately…..