ARRL Los Angeles Section

Nation Traffic System and Field Day

For information on how to earn point for Field Day:  NTS 100 points along with the operating schedule,  please see ARRL-LAX Traffic - Ten Steps to Field Day Traffic Points

Calendar of Events

California Vehicle Code Hands Free Law

Enforcement of Section 23123.5 of the California Vehicle Code
To: All Commands
Reference: Action Required
Subject: Enforcement of Section 23123.5 of the California Vehicle Code

Effective January 1, 2017, Section 23123.5 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) was amended by Assembly Bill 1785, which substantially expanded the scope of Section 23123.5 CVC, from simply prohibiting the use of a wireless phone to text while driving, to prohibiting holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device while driving.

However, a driver may still use a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communication device while driving when:

The handheld wireless communication device is mounted to a windshield (in compliance with Section 26708[b] CVC), dashboard, or center console in a manner which does not interfere with the drivers view of the road, and; The drivers hand is used to activate or deactivate a feature with a single tap or swipe of the drivers finger.

Pursuant to Section 23123.5(f) CVC, the definition of an electronic wireless communications device includes, but is not limited to: a broadband personal communication device, a specialized mobile radio device, a handheld device or laptop computer with mobile data access, a pager, or a two-way messaging device.

Section 23123.5 CVC does not apply to manufacturer-installed systems which are embedded in the vehicle, nor does it apply to an emergency services professional using a wireless telephone while operating an authorized Emergency vehicle, in the course and scope of employment.

For the purposes of Section 23123.5(f) CVC, a radio installed and mounted in a vehicle with a wired hand microphone (e.g., business band or citizen band [CB] radio) is not considered a wireless communication device, nor is it considered a specialized mobile radio device, and therefore is not subject to enforcement under this section.

This information will be added to an upcoming revision to Highway Patrol Manual 100.68, Traffic Enforcement Policy Manual, Chapter 5, Other Enforcement Issues.

CHP Headquarters/Office of the Commissioner/061/18227

County Proclamation Acknowledges
Amateur Radio's Disaster Communicators:

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation at their June 28, 2016, meeting declaring "Amateur Radio Month in Los Angeles County" to recognize the many ham operators throughout the County who voluntarily provide disaster amateur radio communication. This proclamation was issued to the ARRL on behalf of all disaster amateur radio operators whether at the County, City, ARRL, or special group level--and regardless of whether ARRL members or not. ARRL LAX Section Manager Diana Feinberg, AI6DF, accepted the proclamation at the Supervisors' meeting alongside ARRL Southwestern Division Vice Director Marty Woll, N6VI, and LAX Section NTS Manager Kate Hutton, K6HTN. Thank you for your ongoing public service providing emergency communication throughout Los Angeles County.

VHF Traffic Net

The ARRL Los Angeles Section NTS has a VHF/UHF phone traffic net Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2030 local time on the PAPA repeater system. Volunteers are needed as net control stations. All ARES members -- and especially current ARES net control stations -- are encouraged to participate. For more information, see David N6HD's posting on the Yahoo user group. The net schedule and script for net control stations are available here.

Public Service Honor Roll

Want to see your call in QST? (We mean inside the magazine, not just on the mailing label.) Here's a link to N6HD's PowerPoint presentation on how to rack up public service points and be recognized in QST's monthly Honor Roll.

Be a Volunteer

Find a volunteering opportunity to match your interest.

Donations (Gladly) Accepted

Los Angeles ARES has received IRS approval to accept fully tax-deductible contributions. Your donation will help defray the costs of our ongoing operations. Contributing is easy. Any time you're feeling generous, just click on the button in the sidebar and donate any amount via PayPal. It's a good thing to do.