Greetings from West Point,

As the weather gets hotter and the grass turns brown, we all know that summer is just around the corner. With summer brings us the threat of wildland fires, as the ARES Emergency Coordinator this means the need for radio operators at evacuation shelters is on the scope. CARS, Inc. has a good plan in place and is working to make it better, i.e. installing low level repeaters and interconnecting them to the N6FRG repeater.

I am unsure if everyone in the club knows how our ARES team is structured. Well as I said earlier I’m the Emergency Coordinator (EC) but I do not do this by myself. There are 4 Asst. EC’s; Ken, AE6LA has the Arnold, Avery, Bear Valley, Dorrington, Hathaway Pines, Murphys, and Vallecito areas. Jack, W6JAK has the Calaveritas, Jesus Maria Rd-East, Mountain Ranch, San Andreas, and Sheep Ranch areas. Mike, N6AXQ has the Altaville, Angels Camp and Copperopolis areas. I also have the West Point, Wilseyville, Railroad Flat, Glencoe, and Mokelumne Hill – which Includes Jesus Maria Rd-West.

The Burson, Jenny Lind, Paloma, Milton, Valley Springs and Wallace area were being covered by Mike, KC0QID. Mike has sold his home and moved out of state, so this leaves the area in need of an AEC.

The AEC is expected to be able to step in and assist the EC in any matter regarding the operation of the County. AEC’s may have specializations or sub duties as defined by the EC. AEC’s are encouraged to earn certification in Level 1 of the ARRL “Intro to EmComm, EC-001”  Course (See ARRL for details). If you are interested in this, please contact me at SamTheHam@flojobrew.com.

73,

Sam – WS6P

Calaveras County Emergency Coordinator