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.
Where to Find Emergency Information in Santa Cruz County
California Local first posted this listicle back in January, as the floodwaters were rising on the Pajaro and San Lorenzo rivers. We’ve since updated it to reflect Santa Cruz County’s switch to Cruz Aware, a new emergency notification system.
• Sacramento to Roseville Train Service Set to Triple Routes
The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded $42.51 million to the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority to complete Phase 1 of its Sacramento to Roseville Third Track Project.
(10/02/2023) → Roseville Today
• El Dorado County Civil Grand Jury Asking Community Members to Submit Their Concerns
The civil grand jury’s primary function is to act as the public’s watchdog by investigating complaints and recommending ways local governments can be more efficient and accountable.
(09/29/2023) → Mountain Democrat
• Placerville’s Newest Brewery Has Grand Opening on Tap
Mark Geartooth Alewerks on your maps, beer enthusiasts and southern comfort food fans.
(09/29/2023) → Mountain Democrat
• Placer County Water Agency Receives State Approval to Acquire Weimar Water Company
The PCWA states that this consolidation means Weimar’s 550-plus customers will benefit from improved water supply reliability and more stable water rates.
(09/29/2023) → YubaNet
• Tahoe Homeless Camp Mess Gets Cleaned Up
Trash reportedly left behind by illegal campers that has over the years piled up in the Johnson Meadow area of South Lake Tahoe has been hauled out in recent weeks.
(09/27/2023) → Mountain Democrat
• Cameron Park Keeps on Truckin’ Toward New Engine
The Cameron Park Community Services District Board of Directors voted Sept. 20 to continue with the planned purchase of a nearly $400,000 fire engine despite a lack of clear funding.
(09/27/2023) → Mountain Democrat
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.
