Minutes from July 30, 2006 DAW Meeting

The regular DAW Secretary George Shea was absent so the abbreviated minutes were taken by DAW President Charlotte Laws.

Discussion about puppies being set on fire, capturing, torturing and vicious attacks on animals at the Mara Villa Housing Development in East Los Angeles. The address is 522 Colonia De Los Cedros Blvd. A tenant in the complex asked us to help end the killing of animals on the property. We forwarded the information to GM for LAAS Ed Boks who said he would respond immediately. People also get cats then toss them out later to live on the street. Contacting the owner / property manager is another avenue.

Ideas for improving and further structuring the DAW program were discussed. DAWs were asked to think about whether they would like to serve on a DAW Executive Committee. A vote will be taken in a couple of months to fill these board positions.

Motion passed unanimously – the DAWs decided that every DAW should be required to either attend a DAW meeting or fill out a DAW Report (or the DAW could get an assistant / associate to come on his or her behalf) and every DAW should be required to attend at least six of their Neighborhood Council meetings per year. (It would be City Council meetings if they act as the DAW for a city). If a DAW is not in compliance with this rule, he or she can be brought before the DAW Grievance Committee.

It was decided that DAWs should be encouraged to help with animal adoption events and that DAWs should sponsor one adoption event per year with Los Angeles Animal Services.

It was decided that new DAWs should have at least two letters of reference about their qualifications for the position and if they are chosen by a Neighborhood Council (rather than coming out of the DAW program), they would be interviewed and approved by the Executive Committee before being a full-fledged DAW. It is important that DAWs have some experience with animal welfare.

Current DAWs should try to escort new people to the NC meetings. New people can also accompany current DAWs. This helps to familiarize new people with how the process works.

DAWs would like to have basics about “being a DAW” typed up and placed on the website. This would cover Roberts Rules of order, the mission and structure of NCs, and the structure of the DAW organization.

Coby Sigenthaler has vast resources so any referrals should be forwarded to her. She can be reached at sealme@sbcglobal.net or at (818) 341-6153.

DAWs should be encouraged to visit the LAAS shelters and to introduce themselves to the staff.

DAWs should be asked to make a list of their niches or expertise, so other DAWs will know who has certain information or who is best equipped to handle a particular situation.

People were encouraged to use the DAW Yahoo group to post upcoming animal events.

The meeting was adjourned.