* Los Angeles County Hams Honored for Community Service: On February 27, members of the Disaster Communications Service (DCS), based at the Carson Sheriff Station, received individual and group awards from the State of California, the County of Los Angeles, the Carson Sheriff Station Support Foundation and the City of Carson, California for their participation in a wide range of both planned and emergent events. These 27 Amateur Radio operators provided almost 8000 hours of service to the agencies, including assisting in providing assistance during a bicycle race, tactical alerts due to civil unrest, funerals for fallen deputy sheriffs and the fires that plagued Southern California. Members of their Rapid Deployment Team spent five days on Catalina Island, serving as the primary means of communication between the island and the mainland until telephone systems were restored. The service provided by the Carson Station DCS volunteers saved the taxpayers of Los Angeles County almost $320,000, "but more importantly, they selflessly provided an invaluable service that is a critical component to the safety of our communities and families," the DCS coordinator said. Thirteen deputies, a firefighter, two station volunteers and two citizens were also recognized in the second annual event that pays tribute to Carson sheriff's deputies and supporters for their work in the city. More information can be found at the Los Angeles County Disaster Communications Web page .

Los Angeles County Hams Honored for Community Service