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The exciting news is that The Cazadero Community Club will equally share with the Cazadero Volunteer Firefighters Association the $3500 cost of installing a second GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) on Mohrhardt Ridge.  Repeater #1 is currently being constructed near the Wildwood Resort with private funding.
As you know, the Myers Grade and Walbridge fires last fall demonstrated several days into the events that two-way communications of any type, except by government agencies, was non-existent. The situation disrupted evacuation decisions and the ability to coordinate activities to support those who remained in the area to support the fire-fighting efforts. A secondary purpose is to effectively communicate during PG&E's Public Safety Power Shutoffs events that the county suggests will increase some 75% during 2021 and last significantly longer than the 5 consecutive days in the past.
Each user of the GMRS system will need to purchase a radio and supporting equipment for about $25. There is no limit on the number of units per household and licensing requires no testing with a nominal registration fee. Arrangements are underway to stock the radios at Caz Supply that will be programmed and training will be provided to use and operate within protocol standards.
Reported by Natasha Pehrson for the Sonoma County Gazette