Lou then had Past President and current AAA Special Investigations Unit Investigator David Dempsey lead all the members in the pledge of allegiance.

Lou then had the members in attendance do self introductions.  It was nice to see some old (member, not age) faces in the crowd like Bill Robertson, Randy Ballin, and Tony Bartolotto.  It was also nice to see some returning newer members like Mike Bender, Duane Pudgin,  Doug Dubois, and Henry Duchene.

Lou then introduced the 2002 WSATI Southern Chapter Officers, as well as the many Past Presidents attending.

Lou then thanked WSATI Webmaster Gary Labb for his continued efforts in keeping the website current, as well as sending out all the informative e-mails.

Lou spoke about a special upcoming event for law enforcement officers and NICB Agents only.  If you are a member of law enforcement or a NICB Agent, contact NICB Agent Dennis Lessiak at (661) 296-3566 (mailto:dlessiak@nicb.org) or contact Rosalinda Rodriguez, NICB Glendora, at (626) 963-6058 extension 217 (mailto:RRodriguez@nicb.org).

Lou then thanked LoJack and Keystone Towing for their sponsorship of the meeting.

Lou then conducted the election of officers for the 2003 Calendar Year.  The results of the elections were: 

President Dave Randolph, 21st Century Insurance (Riverside PD retired) 
Vice President Phil Macklin, AllState Insurance (Garden Grove PD retired) 
Secretary Frank Graber, Fullerton Police Department 
Treasurer Steve Torres, Department of Motor Vehicles 
Sergeant-at-Arms Bud Hood, Orange County Sheriffs / OCATT

Lou then introduced former CHP Investigator, now San Bernardino County Deputy District Attorney, Margaret Osborne, who is assigned to SANCATT (909 388-4898).  Margaret gave a presentation regarding computer forensics, Mexican/California titles, and VIN cloning.  Following Margaret's presentation, Lou presented Margaret with a thank you gift on behalf of WSATI.

Lou then introduced Diana Rummel of the Construction Industry's Crime Prevention Program (CPP) of Southern California (562 860-9006).  Diana spoke about the CPP "Hooter's Hummer" Award that is presented yearly by CPP.  She introduced past winners of the award.  Diana then introduced this year's winners, members of the CHP Border Division Investigative Services Unit, including Investigator Bill Kibbett, Officer Steve Reardon, Sergeant Rich Henry, and Investigator Bill Chamberlin.  Also attending were CPP Board Members Mike Smith, Gerry McEwen, Bill Kibbett, and Lou Koven.

LoJack Law Enforcement Liaison Ted Saraf (213 286-2610) spoke about a new LoJack product that will soon be available that will allow a more timely notification of a vehicle's theft to the victim.

Santa Ana PD/OCATT Detective Gary Labb (714 634-1385) then advised the attendees that the National Equipment Register (212 297-1805) had provided construction equipment training CDs and brochures that were available in the back of the classroom.

LAPD Hollywood Autos Detective George Molina (213 485-4321) then gave a presentation about a large number of Lexus thefts in the Hollywood area.

Lou then spoke of the upcoming 51st Annual IAATI Training Seminar to be held in Woodland Hills, hosted by the IAATI Western Regional Chapter and the Los Angeles Police Department, on August 3rd to August 8th, 2003.

Lou then asked for any nominations for the Bent Screwdriver Award.   Based upon Margaret Osborne's presentation, the award was presented to the FBI Los Angeles Office.

The attendees were then served a Santa Maria style barbecue held just outside the auditorium.  The Santa Maria Barbecue Company (a Lou Koven "find") catered the lunch and most everybody commented that it was the best lunch that WSATI has ever had.  Barbecued tri-tip, chicken, baked beans, garlic bread, two salads and dessert were on the menu.  If you went away hungry it's your own fault!  Hopefully we will have them back again soon (possibly March).  They can be located in Culver City.  Call them at 310 559-5709.

The raffle was then held.  Once again, many of the members coincidentally drew their own tickets or the tickets of friends sitting at the same table.  There were numerous items provided by LoJack and Keystone Towing, as well as the many prizes provided by WSATI.  As our very own Carol VanNatter was about to go away very upset by not being a winner, the last (and of course, best) prize ticket was drawn...yes, it went to Carol.

The meeting was adjourned. 

Thank You to LoJack and Keystone Towing for supporting WSATI and providing raffle gifts.