The meetings are for auto theft investigators, insurance company special investigation agents, vehicle leasing loss prevention agents, and other individuals involved in the investigation, recovery and prevention of vehicle thefts.  Investigators from in and out of Southern California attend the meetings to share information about current cases, suspects and auto theft trends.  The meetings also feature a guest speaker who gives training during the course of the training meeting / luncheon format.

The Training Meetings / Luncheons begin at 10 a.m. and go until about 1 p.m. Lunch is served about 11:30 a.m.  We would recommend coming about 9:30 a.m. to meet your peers and share coffee or tea. 

The next WSATI Southern Chapter Training Meeting / Luncheon will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2019 10:00 am at the El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant, 3550 Santa Anita Avenue, El Monte, CA 91731 (626) 448-3311.

2019 WSATI Southern Chapter President Mick O'Neill (Hagerty Insurance SIU) welcomed everyone to the meeting at the at the SCE Energy Education Center in Irwindale.  Mick thanked everyone for making it to the meeting in all the rain and traffic.

Mick introduced the other 2019 WSATI Southern Chapter Officers who were in attendance:

Associate Director Luis Alvarez (Viper Group), Associate Director George Molina (LAPD / TRAP), Associate Director Alan Skobin (LASD / TRAP). Associate Director Richard Spallinger (NICB), and 2018 Past President Jeff Enfield (LASD / TRAP) could not make it to the meeting.

WSATI Southern Chapter Past Presidents who were in attendance:

Ted Saraf (1992), Dennis Frias (1997), Gary Labb (2000), Lou Koven (2002).

Mick then introduced the Guest Speakers, Pasadena Fire Department Fire Captain / Arson Investigator Trey Sorensen and Arcadia Fire Department Engineer / Arson Investigator Gary Robinson from the Verdugo Fire Investigation Task Force.  They gave a presentation on "UP IN SMOKE - Auto-Theft, Arson & Insurance Fraud," a case overview of a major case they investigated in Monrovia that began on October 9, 2017 and wrapped up earlier this year.

Following Trey and Gary's presentation, Mick opened up the Roundtable Discussion.  Webmaster Gary Labb (Santa Ana Police / OCATT [retired]) advised the attendees of the encrypted online networking roster and gave the attendees the password to allow them access to the roster.

Mick O'Neill spoke about the 2019 WSATI Training Seminar, hosted by the Southern Chapter, which will take place October 13-17, 2018, at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley.  The preliminary information is posted on the WSATI website.  WSATI Southern Chapter is seeking manpower assistance and sponsorship support.  

Mick then invited those who purchased luncheon tickets to enjoy their lunch while networking with the others in the room.  A catered lunch was provided to the attendees by Marguerite Siliceo and Carin McClain of Chefs A La Carte Catering.  This luncheon was enjoyed by the Meeting attendees.  

Following the luncheon, the raffle was conducted by Mick O'Neill, with the help of Melissa Somers, Rob Midzuno, and Jesse Bravo.  The raffle helps raise money for WSATI funds that assist in putting on future seminars, as well as supporting events such as the San Diego and Orange County ATAC Vehicle Theft Recovery Officer of the Year programs.  

There were several new faces that came to the meeting, as well as several "old" members who had not been to the meetings in some time.  Thank you all for your attendance.

Mick announced the next meeting / luncheon would be held on July 18, 2019 at a venue to be determined.