News:

The ARRL is looking to all affiliate clubs for help to pass the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act:

As part of ARRL’s nationwide grassroots campaign, we asked all hams to send letters to Congress urging support for the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act -- but we need more radio clubs to stand up to be counted too.  What we’re asking:

We’re asking every ARRL Affiliated Club to prepare formal letters to your Congressional representatives in support of the bill. Your letters show collective support from an organized, respected local group -- not just individuals. That’s powerful. You’ll find everything you need -- including a sample letter in WORD format -- on our dedicated campaign page at https://send-a-letter.org/club.

The California Great Shakeout Exercise

Is happening on October 16th at 10:16AM. We will be having an exercise on both voice channels and over Winlink messaging. The exercise Situation Manual can be found here. All are welcome to participate. More information on the Great Shakeout is available on the Shakeout Website.

San Luis Obispo County Emergency Communications Council (SLOECC)

The San Luis Obispo County Emergency Communications Council (SLOECC) provides vital logistical support for amateur radio emergency communications across San Luis Obispo County—California’s scenic Central Coast, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

This site highlights the work of SLOECC, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). These organizations are made up of FCC-licensed amateur radio operators who volunteer their time, skills, and personal equipment to serve the community during emergencies. Members are positioned throughout the county, maintaining independent radio systems that operate without commercial power and can be deployed whenever regular communications fail or become overloaded. Our volunteers stand ready to respond to disasters such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes, toxic spills, nuclear plant emergencies, or other critical incidents.

Founded by local amateur radio operators, SLOECC coordinates the activities of ARES and RACES while supporting all amateur radio emergency services in the county. Through its Board of Directors and program committees, SLOECC provides:

• Logistical support for emergency communication operations

• Training through regular meetings and field exercises

• Weekly on-air drills to maintain readiness

• Community engagement via public service events such as bike races, marathons, parades, County/OES emergency exercises, and local “century” bicycle rides
  
  

Our mission is simple: ensure that when disaster strikes, San Luis Obispo County has a reliable, resilient, and well-trained network of radio operators ready to keep information flowing.

What ARES / RACES / SLOECC Means To You

Communities – If you are an elected or appointed public official representing a municipality in San Luis Obispo County, ARES volunteers would be glad to show you how amateur radio can provide reliable back-up communications when regular systems fail. In times of crisis, amateur radio keeps communities connected. During an emergency situation, Ham Radio operators can provide accurate, real-time "ground truth" information gathered directly from the field.

Schools – Is your district prepared to communicate with families during a possible evacuation? Would you have a way to reach buses or other district sites if phone and internet service went down? Amateur radio offers a proven, independent backup that can keep you in touch when it matters most.

Hospitals – During a recent power outage in Orange County, a major hospital’s telephone system failed. Within minutes, local amateur radio operators set up emergency communications, restoring vital contact. That same capability is available here in San Luis Obispo County.

Agencies – Across the nation and here in SLO County, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army rely on amateur radio through formal service agreements. Trained operators assist with “health and welfare” messages, keep agencies connected, and relay information to concerned family members across the country. Could your agency benefit from this kind of support in an emergency? Amateur radio is ready to help.