Board of Animal Services Commissioners
View the Board Meeting Schedule for the Calendar Year of 2024.
*** A Special Commission Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 19 at 9:30 A.M. in City Hall, Room 1060. To join via Zoom, please click here. ***
View meeting agendas, electronic copies of approved meetings and other documents (General Manager and Commissioners' reports, future agenda items, etc.), and access Commission meeting audio that are available online.
The Board of Animal Services Commissioners meetings are archived and available to review.
Join a meeting in-person or via zoom. The link to virtually join may be found by clicking on the agenda & various documents link of the meeting you would like to attend.
Commission meetings occur every second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Tuesday of each month at 9:30 A.M., at:
Los Angeles City Hall, Room 1060
200 North Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
A few meetings in the year will be held at field locations during the early evening (please see meeting schedule). Meetings are open to the public and public comment will be taken both in-person and remotely via teleconference.
Management of the Department of Animal Services
Pursuant to the Los Angeles City Charter and the Los Angeles Administrative Code, the Board of Animal Services Commissioners serves as the head of the Department of Animal Services. The Board is authorized to supervise, control, regulate, and manage the Department; make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to exercise the powers conferred upon the Department by the Los Angeles City Charter; and provide instructions to the Department’s General Manager. The Board also must review and approve contracts with a duration exceeding one year and a value greater than $20,000.
As provided in the City Charter, the Board’s ability to direct staff is limited to providing direction to the General Manager. Commissioners only have authority when they act as a Board and not when they act individually. Accordingly, the Board is primarily concerned with making policy decisions, and the General Manager, as the chief administrative officer of the Department, manages the day-to-day department activities and makes and enforces rules and regulations necessary to exercise the powers conferred upon the Department.
Alison's journey as a community advocate began many years ago when she became actively involved in the South Los Angeles community, as a business and property owner. As Business Representative, and Vice President of the Park Mesa Heights Neighborhood Council, she demonstrated her commitment to improving the lives of those around her. It was during this time that she collaborated with her father, Jim McBeth, to organize small business owners affected by the construction of the Crenshaw/LAX Light Rail project along Crenshaw Boulevard. Together with the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority, other community advocates, the business interruption fund was established.
A significant aspect of Alison's life is her dedication to animal advocacy. For over a decade, she has worked alongside pet owners and community members to raise awareness about the needs of animals, particularly those in the shelter system. Her volunteer experience with animal rescues, including Take Me Home Rescue, GRFF Rescue, and collaborations with organizations like PMHCC, Watts Project, speaks to her commitment to this cause.
Alison has also been involved in organizing pop-up dog food giveaways and microchipping clinics to constituents in South Los Angeles. She strongly believes in the interconnectedness of community development, economic growth, and the well-being of animals as members of shared communities.
Board Commissioner
oliviaegarcia@outlook.com
Olivia E. Garcia is a partner at AVjustice Law Firm in downtown Los Angeles where she focuses on employment and family law matters. Ms. Garcia’s pro bono work includes representing unaccompanied minors in immigration court for Kids In Need of Defense. In addition, Ms. Garcia sits on the Board of Directors for Eastmont Community Center located in the heart of East Los Angeles. Ms. Garcia has been an animal welfare advocate working with underserved communities where the need for access to services for people and pets is considerable. Her work has involved volunteering with animal advocacy organizations at pet adoptions events, community fairs, spay & neuter events, and door to door canvasing.
Board Commissioner
jensvold.laasc@gmail.com
Jim has been involved in animal protection issues in the Los Angeles region for 30 years. He is currently the Assistant Director of Paw Project, a non-profit organization founded by Jennifer Conrad, DVM. He is the founding and current President of Democrats for the Protection of Animals, a chartered organization within the Los Angeles County Democratic Party. Jim helped craft legislation to prohibit declawing in Los Angeles and in several other jurisdictions. Jim was a Commissioner on the LA Animal Service Board of Commissioners between 2012 and 2014. He practices oral and maxillofacial surgery in Woodland Hills and lives in Los Angeles along with his beloved cats.
Board Commissioner
commissionerkasendorf@gmail.
Alexander S. Kasendorf, a seasoned legal expert with over twenty years of experience, now serves as a Commissioner for the Los Angeles Board of Animal Services. Alex has a distinguished legal career, and is dedicated to advocating for the welfare and safety of animals throughout Los Angeles.
Before his appointment, Alex built a reputation as a strategic litigator and effective negotiator. His legal career, which began with his admission to the California State Bar in 2001, spans diverse areas including business, real estate, and sports and entertainment law. Notably, he played a pivotal role in high-profile cases, including the $1 billion trial involving the Oakland Raiders and the NFL.
In his role as Commissioner, Alex applies his extensive legal expertise and strategic vision to enhance animal welfare policies, foster community engagement, and address the evolving needs of Los Angeles' animal population. His commitment to public service is reflected in his previous leadership positions, including Vice Chairman and Treasurer of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) and his contributions to various boards and committees focused on community and public safety issues.
Alex’s dedication to both the legal profession and community service has earned him numerous accolades, including the Attorney of the Year Award from the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. His educational background includes a Juris Doctor from Villanova University School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
As Commissioner, Alex’s passion for justice and community service now drives his efforts to make a meaningful impact on the welfare of animals in Los Angeles. Married with three children, Alex is also the proud owner of Richie, a golden retriever.
Board Commissioner
commissionerysmith@
Yvette Smith retired from the City of Los Angeles where she proudly served as an Animal Control Officer for almost 18 years. During that time she worked in the Animal Cruelty Task Force and was a member of the Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team.
She was also an Animal Control Officer for the City of Redondo Beach and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Over 30 years in the animal welfare field gives her a comprehensive perspective as an Animal Services Commissioner.
She is currently a volunteer at the Harbor shelter in her hometown of San Pedro.
