Minutes for February 1, 2001

All Board members except Treasurer and Vice President were in attendance. Present at the meeting also were members Jan Kelly, Michael Wise, P. Miller, Phil Tabby and Terry Kaiser.

Minutes from last meeting are reviewed and accepted into records.

OLD BUSINESS:

Regarding "The Valley Fair", The Army Corps of engineers reported to the 51st Agricultural District that Gabrieleno Park and the Hansen Dam area was in a flood plain and therefore no permanent structures were allowed there. At the last Board meeting of the 51st Agricultural District, VHOA was in attendance as were other local organizations. The LVTHOA presented a stack of letters from members of the community opposing the Valley Fair as a permanent facility in the Hansen Dam area. A small Agricultural 4-H fair would be more acceptable.

MEMBERSHIP:

Our membership continues to grow. It is discussed that we will have a membership drive this spring at East Valley Feed and Tack in Shadow Hills. We will combine our efforts with ETI Corral 20 and SHPOA to spread the word and help gather volunteers to help with a new trail opening at the top of Terhune Avenue in Shadow Hills.

TRAILS AND EVACUATION:

There will be a meeting of the EERT (Equine Emergency response Team) on Wednesday, February 28th at 7:30 PM. The meeting will be held at the Sylmar Chamber of Commerce on Foothill Blvd. Come and check it out. The EERT needs all types of volunteers, so if you don't have a truck and trailer, don't let that stop you, the phones need to be manned, and the rescued horses need to be tended!

The Ponds trail is open once again on Saturday and Sunday to equestrians and hikers, but still closed during the week. Try to stay away from chipped Arundo that has been laid down.

There has been some dumping near the pond and after investigation it turns out that Park and Recreation has allowed Clean Fill to be dumped there.

NEW BUSINESS:

Phil Tabby from Shadow Hills Crime Watch group visits VHOA to let our members know, that an equestrian arm of the Neighborhood watch would be helpful and appreciated. Please contact our website or any board members for information on how to reach Phil. We are looking for anyone who can carry a cell phone while out riding through our neighborhoods or on the trails which cannot be patrolled by car.

Terry Kaisers attended the meeting to tell VHOA about the California Trail Users Coalition and what that group is doing as well as some of the goings on in Shadow Hills regarding a new trail access through private property. There is a discussion on protecting and mapping trails in an effort to preserve their use for equestrians. This is not always an easy process and soon it will be time for all of the community to chip in and help all of the local organizations who are working on this.

The meeting adjourned at 9 PM.