This week the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed Amateur Radio Parity Act, H.R. 1301. The measure calls on the FCC to amend its Part 97 rules “to prohibit the application to amateur stations of certain private land-use restrictions, and for other purposes.”  In short it would enable radio amateurs living in deed-restricted communities to erect antennas that support Amateur Radio communication.

The ARRL website for support https://arrl.rallycongress.net/ctas/urge-senate-to-support-amateur-radio-parity-act

The Palm Springs Hamfest is back!

Palm Springs Pavilion, 401 S Pavilion Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, near the Palm Springs Baseball Stadium, Saturday, March 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is only 5 bucks.

More info here http://palmspringshamfest.com/

June 5-6 at the Pomona Fairplex, DARPA is hosting the Robotics Challenge. An international  competition to build a robot capable of autonomously completing a simulate search and rescue mission. It is open to the public and should be quite a show.

From the theroboticschallenge.org web site

The DRC is a competition of robot systems and software teams vying to develop robots capable of assisting humans in responding to natural and man-made disasters. It was designed to be extremely difficult. Participating teams, representing some of the most advanced robotics research and development organizations in the world, are collaborating and innovating on a very short timeline to develop the hardware, software, sensors, and human-machine control interfaces that will enable their robots to complete a series of challenge tasks selected by DARPA for their relevance to disaster response.

..and here is some youtube eye candy of the Boston Dynamics Atlas robot. All hail Skynet!

Only a few people left before the flagpole purchase. Get your money sent to Mike Blackburn KI6GFH soon.

From the Long Beach CERT calender…

This city-wide, open to the public, Community Preparedness Expo will include: vendors with emergency supplies and information; demonstrations by LB Gas & Oil, LB Water, Jr Life Guards and others; fun stuff for kids; and more! Partners include LB Port, LB Airport, Southern California Edison, and LB Health and Human Services, among others. CERT members are encouraged to help with planning and/or volunteer on the day of the event. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

When: October 4 10:00am – 5:00pm

Where: Clark and Carson in Heartwell Park.

Parking is available in the LBCC parking area.

Still looking for a good link. Long Beach CERT calender here
Found a Facebook page here READY Long Beach

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake hit southern California at 9:09 pm in the city of La Habra. Minutes later LBE-ERC members started checking in on the K6CHE repeater. KI6GFH Mike was on and responding to LBE-ERC members as well as other hams in a prompt and professional manner. Hat tip KI6GFH!

The earthquake should be a reminder of life in Southern California and a great time to review your emergency kit and plans.

73 KI6LSA

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