The DSA Grinder served as the official publication of the Deputy Sherriff's Association of Alameda County from January 2000 to September 2004 before going into a long hibernation. Well it's back, albeit in a far trimmed down format.

The DSA Grinder will exist as an eight page newsletter and will include articles that underscore the interests of the Alameda County DSA and its members. For example, this issue includes an article that details proposed changes to the DSA bylaws - changes intended to make the DSA Board of Directors a more efficiently run operation.

The DSA Grinder is the first of several communications vehicles being developed by the DSA Board of Directors (Thanks go to the DSA Publications Committee, especially Chairman Tim Sneddon and committee member Mark Reese, for helping make it operational). A completely redesigned DSA website (ascodsa.org) will be unveiled in early September followed by the creation and distribution of an E-Newsletter.

The DSA website and E-newsletter, which will be emailed to members as often as once a week, will be the DSA's leadership's primary means of disseminating information to the members. Driving internal communications on-line. and away from the print publication, will result in a substantial cost savings to the Association.

For online communications to be successful, however, it is absolutely critical DSA members register either at the website or by calling DSA Administrative Assistant Kristen Doctor at (925) 463-3760. Unlike a print publication that will find you, you have to come to the website.

The DSA leadership plans to do its part to draw you to the web site by making the information timely, interesting and interactive. To that end, we invite every DSA member to participate by providing photos and news articles on events involving Association members. For additional information, contact Jon Rudolph at (925) 463-3760.

If you wish to contribute an Article to The Grinder, Contact the Ginder Editor