S.A.R.A. Minutes of Meeting of
December 6, 2006
Location: Saratoga Fire Department
The minutes were respectfully submitted by Christina Sand, Secretary.

 
In attendance were:
  • David Ritchie, W6DR
  • Yin Shih, N9YS
  • Christina Sand, KG6ORH
  • Kelly Johnson, N6KJ
  • Matthew Dion, KF6NBO (visitor)
  • Martin Mijangos, KE6QPM (visitor)
  • Don Bertossa, KC6OGH
  • Don Steinbach AE6PM
  • Rob Vance, N6ROB
  • Joe Talaich, N6IWJ
  • Fabrizio Corno, KG6UOH
  • Jim Yoke, Emergency Services Coordinator, Santa Clara County Fire Department (visitor)
The meeting having been duly noticed, it began at approximately 7:30 pm and was called to order by Yin Shih. There were introductions around the table, those present introduced themselves.

Old Business:

EOC Net. Fabrizio Corno attended the City to County EOC Net this morning.

 

  

New Business:

 Treasurer's Report.The Treasurer was not present and, therefore, did not give his report.
  Minutes.The October and November minutes have been posted on the web site and were approved, with two amendments to the November minutes.
  QSL.Net. After some discussion, it was decided to make a donation of $50 to QSL.Net via Rob's Paypal account. This is QSL.Net's preferred method of payment, therefore S.A.R.A. will reimburse Rob Vance.
  Emergency Services Coordinator Report. Jim Yoke updated us on the following items:
  • NIMS/SEMS/ICS training is to be given to all Saratoga city staff in early 2007.
  • Saratoga CERT has formed Logistics and Planning committees which will be meeting next week.
  • Funding levels for Emergency Services from Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) and the City of Saratoga.
  • Upcoming school drills.
  • City of Saratoga EOC drill will be held in the Spring of 2007.
  Emergency Communications Committee Report.
  • The statewide disaster drill, the 2006 Golden Guardian Exercise occurred on November 15, 2006. The disaster being simulated was a major earthquake. Rob, N6ROB, participated at the County EOC, while Christina participated at the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross EOC. Rob participated in simulated traffic, and observed the CalNet 440 MHz repeater system in use. Christina, KG6ORH, assisted with Disaster Assessment and noted the new ARC plan to deal with animals.
  • Rob informed us that the new Section EC is Bill Dale.
  • Rob informed us that a ARES update report has been submitted. ARES forms will be coming soon.
  • DSW cards are still needed by Fabrizio, Don B., and Antonella.
  Elections. The following officers and directors were elected for the 2007 year:
  • President - Christina Sand, KG6ORH
  • Vice President - Kelly Johnson, N6KJ
  • Treasurer - Fabrizio Corno, KG6UOH
  • Secretary - Don Steinbach, AE6PM
  • Director - Yin Shih, N9YS
  • Director - Dave Ritchie, W6DR
  • Director - Joe Talaich, N6IWJ
  Bank Account/Checkbook. The members discussed the checkbook, and it was decided that Fabrizio, KG6UOH, Christina, KG6ORH, and Don, AE6PM, would be authorized to sign checks on the bank account.
  Speaker. Martin Mijangos of Task Force 3, Urban Search & Rescue, out of Menlo Park, CA, gave a presentation on communications in USAR situations and discussed the impact of September 11th, 2001 on the use of amateur radio in national disasters related to homeland security. All USAR communications are now digitally encrypted. The point of contact for amateur radio operators is the Incident Commander who will then liaison with the USAR team. Issues for repeaters at the World Trade Center were the shards of mirrored glass, the different elevations and distance, as well as the lack of power in the "pile". California has 7 USAR teams, including Oakland and Riverside.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:00 pm.