Minutes for DAW General Meeting of August 28, 2005

We discussed having an organized format and voted on the date for future meetings. They will be held on the first Sunday evening of every month at 6 pm (starting in October) at Shalom Printing, 15133 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. 

DAWs can independently decide what issues they want to take to their councils. Even though another DAW may encourage other councils pass or support something, a DAW will decide what to present or not present to his/her council.

We discussed having presentations by speakers/experts at future meetings. Charlotte Laws will lead the meetings. George Shea will act as the secretary for the group.

Items discussed at the meeting:

1. California Animal Commission - information to take to your councils if you want to support this idea. Passed by the Greater Valley Glen Council in August 2005. Distributed at the meeting. Will be placed on the DAW website.

2. If you are a confirmed DAW, please submit your resume and photo for the website. Go to www.dawprogram.org to see our site. Photos and bios can be emailed to drlaws@adelphia.net

3. Dog Beaches - Santa Monica DAW will let us know what we could do to help.

4. Animal Legislation - Discussion about whether or not to support SB 861. Presentation by Silverlake DAW. Animal community would be better served to come together on issues. E-mail Pamelyn Ferdin for contact info for legislators to contact about this issue pamelyn@pamelynferdin.com

5. Animal Survey - Silverlake DAW will provide copies of Silverlake survey at the next meeting.

6. Coyotes - West Hills DAW presentation. Suggestion to invite Michael Bell to discuss this issue.

7. Idea of changing status of animals as property - Discussion by Pacific Palisades DAW

8. DAWs want talking points to use when asked to describe the DAW program in detail and introductory letter to give to councils. Valley Glen DAW will provide these at the next meeting. Idea that we could all go together to Neighborhood Council meetings to show solidarity and talk about the program.

9. Idea that agenda items are to be presented in the order that they are given to the Valley Glen DAW. Agenda items should be emailed to drlaws@adelphia.net Also, idea that we will put some procedures (bylaws) together for future meetings.

10. Idea to start a yahoo group for all DAWs. Valley Glen DAW will try to get this started prior to the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned. Next meeting is October 2, 2005 at 6 pm.