Cal Poly Amateur Radio Club: A Legacy of Communication and Service

Title: Cal Poly Amateur Radio Club: A Legacy of Communication and Service

Introduction: Hello, today we will introduce the Cal Poly Amateur Radio Club (CPARC), a storied institution at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo. Founded in 1947, CPARC is one of the oldest clubs on campus and continues to play a pivotal role in emergency communications and public service.

Club Overview:

• Club Name: Cal Poly Amateur Radio Club
• Call Sign: W6BHZ
• Contact: Marcel Stieber AI6MS
• Daytime Phone: (805) 756-2737
• Email: calpolyradioclub@gmail.com

Basic Information:

• Annual Report: July 31st, 2024
• Meeting Time: Bi-weekly on Thursdays at 6:30 PM (see website calendar for current schedule)
• Meeting Place: Cal Poly Campus, Bldg 20, San Luis Obispo, CA
• ARRL Section: SB (Santa Barbara)
• Affiliation Date: July 22nd, 1980
• Specialties: General Interest, Public Service/Emergency, Repeaters, School or Youth Group
• Services Offered: Entry-Level License Classes, General Or Higher License Classes, License Test Sessions, Repeater
• Links: http://www.w6bhz.org

Club Description: The Cal Poly Amateur Radio Club is deeply embedded in the fabric of the Cal Poly community and the broader San Luis Obispo area. The club operates a well-equipped station, W6BHZ, which is capable of worldwide communications and serves as an Emergency Communications Center for San Luis Obispo County. This station is fully equipped with emergency power and radio equipment to support various public safety agencies in case of a disaster.

CPARC members routinely participate in mock-disaster training with local agencies and have been instrumental in providing emergency communications during significant events such as the Highway 41 Fire and the Loma Prieta earthquake. Beyond emergencies, the club supports a variety of non-emergency events, including bicycle races, triathlons, and parades, by maintaining critical communications for logistics and medical support.

The club's commitment to amateur radio aligns with Cal Poly's "Learn by Doing" philosophy, offering members hands-on experience in public speaking, radio theory, electronics, and emergency management.

Club Statistics:

• Club Members: 20
• Voting Members: 20
• Voting Licensed Amateur Members: 20
• Voting ARRL Members: 3

Leadership: The Cal Poly Amateur Radio Club is led by a dedicated group of officers who ensure the club's operations run smoothly:

• Contact: Marcel Stieber AI6MS
• President: Michael Mazzola KN6RJK
• Treasurer: Hunter R. Herring-Alderete KN6RJA
• Vice President: AJ Gregory

Conclusion: The Cal Poly Amateur Radio Club stands as a beacon of tradition and innovation in amateur radio. With a rich history and an active presence in the community, CPARC continues to uphold the values of service and education.

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