Many regions in California were hit hard by the 2022-23 winter storms. In Sacramento, the losses came in the form of a thinning of the urban forest.
In the modern world of niche media and streaming entertainment, it’s not often that the citizens of the United States of America share a simultaneous experience. One such occurrence will take place this week, when the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, conducts a test of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System.
This is the seventh time that this system will be used. An updated version of the Emergency Broadcast System—which delivered those familiar bursts of electronic noise followed by “This is a test…”—the Wireless Emergency Alert will simultaneously send a message to all of the nation’s cell phones. This will happen on Oct. 4 at around 5:20 p.m. Pacific Time.
This imminent event got us thinking. No, we weren’t thinking about ridiculous conspiracy theories, though predictably some folks are. Instead we thought it was an opportune time to contemplate the value of a smartphone in an emergency situation.
Making Radio Waves
This week we’re posting checklists for each of the counties we cover, offering information on resources that can help you stay safe during a local emergency. Each checklist is topped with a link to the county’s office of emergency services and specifics on how to sign up for local alerts. Counties may use different tech platforms to get the word out, but the end result is the same: real-time information dispensed simultaneously to your family, friends and neighbors. These are messages that could literally be lifesavers.
Many communities in California are lucky enough to have groups of local citizens who prepare not only to take care of themselves during a disaster but also to protect others. They form Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) to assist first responders, train to do search and rescue, or form ham radio groups. California Local reporter Kimberly Hickok shares the story of how one such group of radio enthusiasts in the disaster-prone Santa Cruz Mountains works to keep the lines of communication open.
Listening Skills
How local amateur radio operators can help in the next big emergency.
• Lodi Wine Country Offers Array of Surprises and Flavors
Longtime wine columnist Bob Highfill joins Stocktonia with a monthly column about the local industry.
(10/02/2023) → Stocktonia
• New Playgrounds Approved By Stockton City Council
Three parks in Stockton will be getting their playground equipment replaced following a City Council vote. It will cost $526,452 to fund the projects, which are at Panella, Weber and Brooking parks.
(09/30/2023) → Local News Matters Stockton
• Sacramento Lowriding Community Tells Its Story in New Exhibit
The show at the Sacramento History Museum, titled “Boulevard Dreams,” runs through Jan. 21.
(09/29/2023) → CapPublicRadio
• Tracy Council Makes Appointments for Advisory Bodies
The Tracy City Council appointed new members to the Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, and Arts Commission.
(09/29/2023) → Tracy Press
• Centennial Event Translates to Big Fundraiser at Grand Theatre
It has been 100 years since the Grand Theatre became a fixture in Tracy. The Grand Foundation hosted a formal gala to mark the occasion and raise money for arts programs at The Grand.
(09/29/2023) → Tracy Press
• San Joaquin, Alameda Counties Found to Have Highest Violent Crime Rates Involving Firearms
The Public Policy Institute of California published research that says nearly 40 percent of violent crimes from 2010 to 2022 in San Joaquin and Alameda counties involved firearms.
(09/29/2023) → Local News Matters Stockton
• Salvation Army Recommended to Run Tracy Homeless Shelter
One of the oldest organizations dedicated to helping people in need has been recommended to run Tracy’s homeless shelter for at least the next year.
(09/29/2023) → Tracy Press