The Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station (CVS) held a National Night Out event on the evening of August 5 in La Crescenta. The program’s goal was to strengthen community bonds between residents and local law enforcement and other first responders.

DCS members from CVS station were one of several DCS districts in the county who were on hand at local events with outreach information. Along with enthusiastic radio amateurs, the CVS team included radio demo equipment and materials about getting involved as a DCS volunteer.

Activities included meeting deputies, family-friendly fun, food, and safety demonstrations from various public safety partners like Los Angeles County Fire Department, CHP Altadena, Angeles National Forest, and other local organizations.

Earning an entry-level FCC radio license isn’t hard. It just takes a little focused study, like your first written driver’s test. See full article in PDF

All the FCC exam questions are known ahead of time. Study tools are based directly on them. Helpful radio amateurs can assist you in preparing and suggest ways to utilize your license as a hobbyist or emergency communications operator.

Ways to prepare for the FCC entry-level license

Exam-specific books, online study tools, podcasts, and lectures are all based directly on this known FCC material. Pick the learning style that is most effective for you.

• “Read the book” Both Fast Track and Gordon West books are on Amazon and feature learning tools.
• Attend a workshop based on the book you read on Zoom or in-person, depending on the instructor.
• Self-study online http://www.hamstudy.org, http://www.qrz.com/hamtest/, Hamradioprep.com mixes videos and mock tests.
• Take the FCC exam via Zoom at https://glaarg.org or in person through your instructor, club, or agency.
• Get active once you pass! Learn by talking on “radio nets.” Put new skills to use by becoming a volunteer.
• Helpful groups like LACDCS, ACS, ARES, and local radio clubs.

Online study options

If online study works for you, the three self-study sites listed above have been recommended by experienced emcomm practitioners.

Online learning combines video presentations with study-review modules of FCC test information and mock exams. Many students excel using these tools around their busy schedules. The mock exams are a credible gauge of how ready you are to take the actual FCC exam.

Tip: Students can mix and match online tools with traditional book study.

Traditional book study with review workshops

Before 2020, studying one of the exam-specific books shown was followed by attending a live workshop was the typical way to prepare for the entry-level FCC exam. Give the very popular “Gordon West” and “Fast Track” books a look. Each has good reviews and has been adding a mix of online and podcast-type features. They may even tie in with the online study options noted.

Both books are often paired with 6-8 hours of instructor-led workshop review. We’ve listed some volunteer instructors active with local radio clubs and emergency radio groups like DCS, ACS, and ARES. Instructors typically offer 1-3 sessions a year. Workshop costs may vary but tend to be limited to covering baseline expenses. Additional classes can be found using the ARRL link below.

In-person workshop instructors

The list shows instructors from various parts of LA County. Ask them when their next class will be held, what book they use, and if they offer in-person or online testing.

Walt Ordway, waltfordway@juno.com, is affiliated with the Palos Verdes Amateur Radio Club and the Peninsula Alert Network, PVAN.

Norm Goodkin, hamclass@goodkin.net, is affiliated with multiple emcomm groups, including the LA County Disaster Communications Service (LACDCS). Location NW LA County.

Dennis Swink, dennisps1@msn.com, is affiliated with LACDCS and others. Location NE LA County.

Dan Romanchik, cwgeek@kb6nu.com, is affiliated with ARES LAX. Location NE LA County.

Marty Woll, n6vi@socal.rr.com, is affiliated with ACS/LA City Fire Department and LACDCS.

Mark Chung, mchung@prodigy.net, is affiliated with the American Red Cross.

ARRL Class look-up

You can also look for classes online at: https://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-class

Since 1914, the American Radio Relay League, ARRL, has been the non-commercial organization representing amateur radio nationally and offering many educational programs and supporting emergency and hobbyist radio activities.

LACDCS celebrates the holidays with a little added public service. Members pitch in countywide and in their local communities. This sampling from the 2024 holiday season is meant to say thanks to our members and send a holiday greeting out to the region.

PHOTOS: DCS District 12 from Crescenta Valley Station, with some help from DCS District 8/29 from San Dimas Station, assisted at Altadena’s 104-year holiday tradition known as “Christmas Tree Lane.”
Members M-622 Joe Young M-622 and M-02 Eric Christensen visit with Santa, the crew takes a break with the San Dimas mobile radio van often used for search and rescue radio support. Their smiles and support helped light a stretch of nearly a mile along Santa Rosa Avenue (the real name of Christmas Tree Lane). Thousands of visitors made the annual event a big hit.

PHOTO: DCS District 22’s K-05 Mark Winn of Lost Hills Station recognizes JAKKS Pacific for their very generous donation of 286 toys to the Bell Canyon Volunteer Wildfire Fire Department toy drive DCS supported.