At 12:00 on Thursday, February 5, 1998 the Oakland Office of Emergency Services activated RACES for flood patrols. The first 4 hour shift began at 14:00 and continued around the clock until 18:00 Friday. Soon after the patrols began it became clear that most of the traffic would be directed to Public Works, so a remote base was set up at PW using a Radio-in-a-box. Special commendation goes to Chris, KQ6JZ for putting in a marathon number of hours of duty, to Deborah, KE6MQV for facilitating the setup at Public Works, and to newcomer Michael, KF6MPP for an excellent first time doing Net Control. Abundant thanks goes to each of the 25 participants listed above, as well as countless others who reported in and monitored the frequency.
Rains continue to drench the saturated soil, so Oakland RACES remains on unofficial alert, listening more to 146.88 when the rains increase. Chris, KE6MQW pointed out that the city's Public Works crew has done a stellar job of responding to problems and suggested we write to Terry Roberts, Public Works, 1330 Broadway, 94612, praising his staff.
During the week of the 16th, Jim, K6JAT attended a city meeting where different departments reported on their emergency activities. He also spoke to them about our supporting activities. There was also a meeting of ACs and ECs to debrief about RACES activation. Our March meeting will continue discussions about what worked and where we need practice.
MS Walkathon: The annual MS Walk to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society is scheduled for the morning of Sunday, April 19. The walk takes place along the shoreline in Alameda with rest stops strategically placed along the route. We plan on using fixed operators at rest stops, mobile operators in support vehicles, and bicycle mobile operators to patrol the route.
This event is something the entire family can attend whether as participants or spectators. Non-licensed bicycle riders are welcome to patrol with a licensed rider. We need at least a dozen operators to staff this event. In years past, operators have been given T-shirts and pizza (no promises). Any interested members should contact Chris, KQ6JZ .
Problems plaguing the OUSD computer has made it impossible for Mike, KB6MP to update the web site since the start of January. Notwithstanding this, the site is rapidly approaching having its 1000th visitor. In the interim, updates are being posted onto http://www.pdarrl.org/ebsec/oak/ Please also check the East Bay Section website http://www.pdarrl.org/ebsec/ for ARES/RACES announcements in all 4 counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, and Solano, as well as the city of Oakland.
Web sightings: Wishing we were visiting the Kauai Amateur Radio Club instead of being here in the rain: http://www.KARC.NET/
FCC computers down: The FCC computer has been down since February 10, disrupting new licensing, vanity calls and their web site.
ARES/RACES nets: You may have noticed the "back of the envelope" part of this newsletter has a new table of Bay Area ARES/RACES nets. I'm sure this first draft is fraught with inaccuracies and omissions, so it's up to you to help correct and add to the list. Just give Mike, KB6MP the details.
Newsletter Production: Beginning with the April newsletter, Mike, KB6MP must hand off newsletter production to someone else. Mike will continue to edit the newsletter and run the web sites.
Directions to Leona Lodge: There was some confusion as to directions to Leona Lodge, which is at 4444 Mountain Blvd. From 13 north: take Carson exit, right onto Carson, right onto Mountain. From 13 south: take the Redwood/Carson exit, straight at light onto the frontage road, Aliso Ave, left under the freeway at Carson, right at Mountain. Lodge is about 0.1 mile on the left. From 35th Ave towards hills: Right at Aliso Ave (street before Highway 13), left under the freeway at Carson, right at Mountain. Downhill from Redwood Road: turn left at Mountain (near the Safeway) Proceed about 0.2 miles. Lodge is on left. You can also go this way from 13 south or from 35th Ave.
Participating in the February 5-6 RACES activation were:
|
Michael Achach |
KF6MPP |
|
Robin Goodfellow |
KD6OAQ |
|
Jim Ploss |
KB6MYV |
|
Debbie Barragan |
KE6MRK |
|
Richmond Harding |
EL2BG |
|
Mike Pompa |
KB6MP |
|
Robin Bartoo |
KF6CZL |
|
Charles Hixon |
KD6OCW |
|
Steve Renten |
KE6SAL |
|
Herbert Bowen |
WA6CUY |
|
Alan Horn |
KF6GYW |
|
Bernard Schormann |
KE6TYY |
|
Russell Bruno |
KF6BYF |
|
David Jaffe |
WA2BHJ |
|
Jim Tiemstra |
K6JAT |
|
Chris Burgardt |
KQ6JZ |
|
Dave McGuinness |
KF6EPQ |
|
Brian Treusch |
W6LL |
|
George Chong |
W6BUR |
|
Art McLaughlin |
W6THD |
|
Mark Violet |
N6RCG |
|
Dale Choy |
KD6KMU |
|
David Otey |
WB6NER |
|
|
|
|
Doug Faunt |
N6TQS |
|
Lori Pettegrew |
KE6SVS |
|
|
|
The next meeting will be Saturday, March 7, 1998 at 9:00 AM
at Leona Lodge, 4444 Mountain Blvd.