DAW Executive Meeting Minutes

Meeting called to order.

Lenny Goodman can help us to get Petco for monthly meetings.

Discussion about using the old East Valley Shelter. Possibly letting the volunteers run it. It would help LAAS greatly, relieve stress on the system.

Discussion and motion to send DAW Executive Committee letter to Ed Boks which suggests LAAS reinstate terminated volunteers, etc.  This was Valley Village DAW Scott Sorrentino’s idea.

Discussion about AB 1634 and getting NCs to vote on the issue.

Discussion about table for AR 2007.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes DAW Meeting May 6, 2007

A. Kate Oakland speaks about PCRM. Facts about dieting.
            1. Get fats out of your diet. Olive oil is not good. Low fat diet.

            2. Increase fiber. Animal products have zero fiber.

            3. Replace meat.

Soy milk, tofu, miso, rice milk, oat milk are good in small amounts. Don’t eat fake meats.

For transition, Amy’s veggie burger is better than the Gardenburger.

There is morphine and codeine in dairy and cheese; this is why it gives you good feeling.

Hard cheeses are the worst for you.

Oreos and some Doritos are vegan, but aren’t good for you.

            4. Use garlic. Smash it open and let it sit for 10 minutes in the open air.

            5. Turmeric (curry powder). It’s good for you. Indian population has 80% - 85% less Alzheimers or buy pill form (New Chapter). Or Tumeric Force.

            6. Get off fake sugars. Stevia is ok.

B. Tami O’Hana lives near downtown LA and discusses problem of poaching pigeons. Two men lure them and trap them. They are used for hunting dog training. She has the names of the poachers. She thinks they may also be selling pigeons to Chinese restaurants. There has been a 10 year investigation on these guys. Officer Pablano of LAAS said to do nothing because he did not want the 10 year investigation to be messed up. DAW will contact Debbie Knaan and Ed Boks about this issue. Animal Cruelty Task Force and police officer friend.

C. LAAS volunteers issue discussed. Testimony that Erica Meadows is causing the problems and that LAAS is like a military operation. It’s about power. Volunteers are not allowed to challenge staff and cannot be too emotional or outspoken. Staff does not want volunteers to have a different opinion. Volunteers say that if they don’t speak out, animals will die.

D. Discussion about idea DAW president Charlotte Laws brought forth to the city two years ago – about using the old East Valley Shelter facility (after all building completed) to be run by the nonprofit. The current volunteers (many who have been released from their shelter duties) could run the facility. It would be a no kill facility. People would adopt from the facility and volunteer.

E. Discussion about the letter sent to Ed Boks regarding his idea that DAWs serve on the Appeals Board. It would consist of one animal commissioner and Debbie Knaan and one DAW. DAWs agreed that we would only participate if decisions were made by democratic process. Boks wants Knaan to be able to overrule other Appeals Board members in all cases.

F. Presentation by Glendale DAW Tina Reynolds about pet shops. She wants to make a list of who sells puppies and where they get them from. Many come from the Hunt Corporation. She wants to ask shops to stop selling puppies. She wants to ask them to work with LAAS or rescues. She wants to educate people entering stores. Tina Reynolds was named the chair of the Pet Shop Committee. Anyone who wants to join this committee should contact her.

G. Discussion about AB 1634 which is now supported by three NCs.

H. Discussion by Van Nuys DAW Cliff Jacobs about creating comment card about experience at the shelters. This idea should be presented to the Animal Commission.

I. Announcement about bunnies and need for temporary places to keep them so they won’t be killed. There are over 100 who are facing death unless they get homes within a week.

J. Next meeting will be on June 10, 2007 at 5:30 pm at Petco in Encino.