In addition to the weekly 2 meter nets and monthly meetings, MESAC participates in formal activities when requested by our served agency, the Costa Mesa Police Department. We also have activities such as projects to improve our EOC radio room and repeater maintenance. Our members also participate in informal (non-MESAC) opportunities to help with communications at local events such as Costa Mesa’s summer “Concerts in The Park”, parades, races, etc. Additionally, there are occasional social events, such as our holiday party.
MEMBERSHIP
- ACTIVE membership is open to anyone age 18 or over who possesses a Valid Amateur Radio License, who lives within a reasonable commuting distance of the City of Costa Mesa, and has a sincere desire to assist others in time of emergency or need.
- YOUTH membership is open to those under the age of 18 who possess a current FCC amateur Radio License with a desire to become an ACTIVE member.
- AUXILIARY membership is available to those who for any reason cannot commit to ACTIVE membership, but who may be counted upon to offer assistance in an emergency. Their participation is limited because they have not been vetted and therefore are not registered Disaster Service Workers.
Please see the By-laws for a full description of MESAC membership levels.
TRAINING
All members utilize the FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) training courses and are required to minimally become certified in the following areas:
ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
IS-700: National Incident Management System
IS-800: National Response Framework
Training drills conducted by Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service of Orange County (RACES) are held to provide real life communication experiences in a non-emergency drill format. Such drills strengthen the capabilities of MESAC. Actual field communication work in non-critical events offer additional opportunities to improve skills. Monthly meetings offer an another way members are able to hone their skills by sharing ideas and learning practical concepts.
JOIN AND PARTICIPATE
Interested in joining MESAC? One way to learn more about us is to listen in on our Monday Night 2 meter weekly Radio Net. Starting at 1915 hours we are on 147.060 MHz, positive offset, with a 100 HZ PL tone (CTCSS). So give us a listen and hear what it is all about.
You might also attend a Monthly General meeting on the fourth Wednesday at 99 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa CA 92626. Guests are always welcome. Once you decide to join us, you can download our membership application here. Bring it to the next monthly meeting and we’ll get you started.