CC SR 20260317 F - Emergency Radio
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 03/17/2026
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Consent Calendar
AGENDA TITLE:
Consider installing and operating a Citywide emergency AM radio station.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Approve the installation and operation of a Citywide emergency AM radio
station, including installing three antennas, a 10-foot tall antenna to the roof at
City Hall; a 27-foot tall antenna to the auditorium roof and a 10-foot tall antenna
at Ridgecrest Intermediate School, to communicate critical emergency
response and preparedness information to the Rancho Palos Verdes
community;
(2) Authorize the City Manager to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
between the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and the Palos Verdes Peninsula
Unified School District (PVPUSD) to install and operate the emergency AM
radio station and associated equipment, including a 27-foot and 10-foot tall
antenna, at Ridgecrest Intermediate School; and,
(3) Direct staff to return with a recommended radio station name for City Council
consideration at a future meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT: The installation of an AM radio station will require a one-time cost of
approximately $32,000, which includes equipment, installation, and
backup power to operate the radio during an outage. Sufficient funds
are available in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Budget and no
additional appropriation is requested. VR
Amount Budgeted: $71,500
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): 101-400-1430-5101 VR
ORIGINATED BY: Lubna Mohammad, Emergency Management Coordinator
REVIEWED BY: Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager CJ
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. MOU with Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (Page A-1)
B. Cost proposal for AM Emergency Radio Station (Page B-1)
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BACKGROUND
Major disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, and wildfires are often accompanied by
concurrent outages of power, internet, and/or cell service. These utility outages pose
numerous public safety risks, primarily the loss of all communication capabilities. Among
the key takeaways from the Palisades Fire in 2025, particularly in the City of Malibu, was
the loss of such capabilities and the community’s subsequence reliance on a local AM
emergency radio station to obtain critical information about the status of the fire, its extent,
and evacuations orders routes. This was particularly useful, as most automobiles in the
United States are equipped with an AM radio , and the AM band is a feature of most
weather and emergency handheld radios. Thus, most residents, including those who are
actively evacuating, were able to tune in to receive updates, even during outages.
Testing
In light of the recent fires, the Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC) began
considering the feasibility of the City deploying its own emergency AM radio station, given
its high risk of wildfire, landslides, and other hazards that can cut off wireless, cellular,
and landline communication. The EPC, with the support of City Staff, hired Information
Station Specialists (ISS), to further explore its feasibility. ISS conducted a radio frequency
search to identify any available AM radio frequencies on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and
found one on the 1680 kHz AM band.
The City then completed an FCC license application to reserve that frequency for a period
of one year, starting May 3, 2025. City Staff, EPC, and ISS then identified Ridgecrest
Intermediate School as the most likely site to successfully accommodate an emergency
broadcast radio transmitter that could cover nearly the entire Peninsula. This location was
chosen due to its central location for the Peninsula, high altitude (which increases signal
propagation), distance from other antennas, and large flat roof of the school’s auditorium
building, where the antenna could be installed. Following discussions with PVPUSD, the
City’s request to utilize the Ridgecrest Immediate School Auditorium to test the range of
the radio station’s coverage was accepted.
EPC and HAM radio members conducted this test, with the assistance of PVPUSD and
ISS, utilized their car radios, NOAA radios, and/or other equipment to test the clarity of
the broadcast. The test, broadcasting at the legal limit of 10 watts, demonstrated that the
radio station could cover over 95% of the Peninsula.
Signal levels were lower along the outer edges of the Peninsula to the north and west
ends of Palos Verdes Estates, along the southeast borders of Rancho Palos Verdes, and
along the eastern border with San Pedro. Despite the lower signal levels, the broadcast
was still easy to understand. The handheld radio signal performance was weaker, due to
their smaller antennas but generally understandable enough to receive emergency
guidance when required.
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Even in areas with weak
signals (indicated with a
yellow highlight and circle on
the map to the right) the
broadcast could be heard
with 60% noise in the
background, which is still
intelligible enough to be
understood in the event of a
real emergency. Two small
areas highlighted and circled
in red along a sliver of Palos
Verdes Drive South and
Western Avenue, were the
only areas where the
broadcast was unintelligible.
The station could easily be
heard north into Torrance on
Sepulveda and Hawthorne
Boulevards without any
impediments.
Based on the results of the testing, the City Council is now being asked to consider
establishing a Citywide emergency AM radio station to communicate critical emergency
response and preparedness information to the Rancho Palos Verdes community as
discussed in the next section.
DISCUSSION
Radio Equipment
The radio antenna needed to operate the
AM radio station is approximately 27 feet tall.
It transmits at 10 watts and has a reach of 5-
10 miles. Radio equipment will be mounted
in the boiler room of the Ridgecrest
Intermediate School and connected to the
antenna that allows pre-recorded looped
messaging along with live recordings and
can be left on 24/7. Messages can be
uploaded via internet, digital radio, or
manually through a flash drive.
Furthermore, when the City is not in a state of emergency, looped messages can include
emergency preparedness tips or information about upcoming emergency prep events or
programs.
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To ensure functionality of back up message uploading via digital radio, two 10-foot-tall
antennas will be installed; one at the northeast corner of the roof over City Hall and the
other at Ridgecrest Intermediate School located as close as possible to the permanent
location of the broadcast equipment.
Radio Installation
The City will coordinate with ISS to complete all installation work after the City and
PVPUSD execute a MOU for the installation, maintenance, and operation of the AM radio.
Installation will include the cabinet for radio equipment, antenna installations, and
permitting and inspection requirements through the City’s Building and Safety Division.
PVPUSD will be responsible for checking with the Division of State Architecture to
complete any of their inspection or construction requirements and correspond with the
City accordingly. PVPUSD will also ensure the room holding the radio equipment is
weatherproof.
Maintenance
While there are no ongoing maintenance fees for the radio, the City will complete an FCC
renewal every 10 years and perform any repairs as needed.
Back Up Power
While Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall has a backup power system, Ridgecrest
Intermediate School does not. To ensure the continuous functionality of the radio during
power outages, an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) will be purchased and installed
by the City for Ridgecrest Intermediate School. A UPS is capable of supplying power for
at least 72 hours, allowing enough time to transport and connect a small portable
generator, should the power outage continue beyond the 72 -hour time frame.
Furthermore, the City has several small generators that can be deployed during an
emergency to ensure the radio station remains operational.
Radio Use Protocol
Upon installation, the radio station will continuously broadcast a pre-recorded message
on a 24-hour loop identifying the radio station as an emergency channel for the City and
PVPUSD.
The primary method for uploaded pre-recorded or live messaging to the radio station will
be through the internet, allowing authorized users to remotely add or update messaging.
However, recognizing that internet service may be disrupted during a major disaster, a
secondary upload method will be available through a digital radio connection operating
on the 470 MHz band and using 50-watt radios at City Hall and Ridgecrest Intermediate
School. Finally, if both the internet and digital radio connections are unavailable,
messaging may be uploaded directly to the broadcast unit at Ridgecrest Intermediate
School, by inserting a USB drive containing the message. This is the only instance where
physical access would be needed at the facility to upload messaging.
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Radio Messaging
The City and PVPUSD leadership will have full access to the radio station and may upload
pre-recorded messages or live recordings under the following circumstances:
• A potential or active hazard posing a threat to life or property.
• Emergency-related information, including preparedness, mitigation, response,
and/or recovery messaging.
• Announcements of events or programs related to disasters, emergencies, or
hazards.
To ensure coordination, newly uploaded messages or recordings should be shared
between the City and PVPUSD at least 48 hours in advance by one of the following
representatives or their designees for each entity:
• PVPUSD Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent
• Rancho Palos Verdes City Manager, Deputy City Manager, or Emergency
Management Coordinator
When messaging pertains to immediate life -safety matters, advance notice is not
required; however, every reasonable effort should be made to notify the individuals listed
above as soon after the message is uploaded.
Radio Access
PVPUSD will provide City leadership with keys granting access to the room housing the
radio equipment, which also provides access to the antennas. This access will allow
authorized City personnel to manually upload emergency messaging to the radio station
when necessary and perform any required maintenance or repairs.
In the event a neighboring jurisdiction wishes to utilize the emergency radio station for
disaster-related messaging, that jurisdiction must submit its proposed message to City
leadership for review and approval. If approved, the messaging will be shared with
PVPUSD’s leadership and uploaded by the City in accordance with the process described
above and an established fee.
PVPUSD MOU Approval
On February 25, 2026 the PVPUSD Board approved and signed the MOU , which is under
Attachment A and presented tonight for City Council’s consideration in order to effectuate
this Project.
Radio Station Name
At this time, a name has not been selected for the radio station. Prior to going live, an
item will be brought back to the City Council to consider the name of the radio station (i.e.
AMRPV, Radio RPV, RPV Emergency AM Radio: 1680 AM).
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Next Steps
Upon approval by City Council and completion of all signatures on the MOU, City Staff
will purchase the radio equipment and work with PVPUSD to get all installation work
completed. The process should take approximately one month, with the actual installat ion
requiring one to two days. To ensure compliance with the City’s FCC license, the radio
station must be live by May 3, 2026.
The Vendor will then provide radio use training to City and PVPUSD leadership and
coordinate the recording of pre-scripted messaging. The City will also work with PVPUSD
to sign any facility access agreements to receive keys to the radio location at Ridge crest
Intermediate School. The radio station will then go live and will be incorporated into City
emergency plans and outreach material as a communications tool.
The total cost to install the AM radio station is approximately $32,000 (Attachment B).
Sufficient funds are budgeted in the Emergency Preparedness program budget for FY
2025-26. No additional appropriation is requested.
Peninsula Cities
In late 2025, the City engaged the other three Palos Verdes Peninsula cities to gauge
their interest in participating in this project and contributing towards the installation cost.
At that time, the three Peninsula cities indicated that they would be willing to discuss
participation in the future and to proceed without their participation at this time. It should
be noted that if approached by the other three Peninsula cities to participate or to use the
system for messaging, a fee or cost share formula will be established.
CONCLUSION:
Installing an emergency radio station for the City enhances communication capabilities
during emergencies, strengthening response capabilities and protecting public safety.
The City Council is recommended to approve installing the emergency radio station,
including associated antennas and equipment, and authorizing the City Manager to sign
the MOU between the City and PVPUSD.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for
the City Council’s consideration:
1. Do not approve the installation of the emergency radio station and subsequent MOU.
2. Take other action, as deemed appropriate.
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Description Unit Price Amount
Deliverables
Deliverables Subtotal
Discount %-
Deliverables Discounted
Quantity
The Information Station - IP & USB Editions
Number Date
Author Contact Info
Version Frequency
Contact
Agency
Ship To
Mail To
Phone
Number
Email
Comments:
Quote Estimate Proforma Invoice
Customer Reference
Number
Phone 616.772.2300 - info@theRADIOsource.com - www.theRADIOsource.com Page 1 of 5
USBEditionIPEdition
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Services (****)
Description Unit Price AmountQuantity
State sales tax will be applied to all deliverables and services on this document, unless you
are remitting the tax to your state as “use tax” or you are exempt. We denote partial
taxation by checking applicable boxes to the right of line items. If you feel we have not
applied tax correctly, please let us know before ordering. We will also send you a "State
Tax Information Form" to complete and submit, after we receive your order. If sales tax is
not to be applied on this quote, please indicate at the time of ordering if you are
Packaging and Handling
Shipping
State Sales Tax %
Grand Total
Subtotal
Services
or paying use tax.tax exempt
Quotations are valid for 180 days from quotation date.
Footnotes
The Information Station basic package includes yard or isolated antenna/groundplane installation equipment, a transmitter; a digital message
player.
Installations of Vertical Profile Antenna Systems assume adequate room and no underpaving excavation work required.
Flashing ALERT Signs are 42" x 24" aluminum with LED beacons and custom text. Each sign must be physically wired to the RCPU for power and
control. Each RCPU includes a receiver, cabinet and LED/flasher, solar-charging system and support and attachment hardware. RCPUs are powered by
the sun and triggered to activate Flashing ALERT Sign beacons via your 2-way radio system. Each RCPU can power and control up to 4 signs. Flashing
ALERT Sign System installation is not included unless specified. Installation is typically done locally.
Services: (a) Frequency Planning Package includes Frequency Search and Signal Monitor Radio Receiver. (b) The FCC License includes the
engineering study, FCC filing and FCC-required construction notification, as well as tracking, changes, temporary test licenses and notifications. (A FCC
license is required for 10-watt Information Stations, except for federal agencies, which obtain an authorization separately thru their agencies.) (c)
Transmitter Site Preparation Package typically includes connection to services, installation of coaxial cables, cabinets, groundplanes, conduits and
excavation. (d) The Electronics Installation Package typically includes installation, tuning and testing of electronics. (e) The Training and FCC Signal
Intensity Survey typically include FCC-required signal documentation, complete staff training, certification and customer materials. Unless otherwise
specified, the buyer is responsible for providing telephone, network, leased line or other services to the site. (f) Required Services: life-time remote
technical assistance for product operation, maintenance and troubleshooting during the life of the equipment. Unless required by the purchase
contract, the following are not included: wood antenna support poles, ordering of telephone, network, paging, cellphone or other services from third-
party providers; connection to customer computer networks; cutting and replacing pavement for buried services installation; restoration of landscaping
or yards; securing work permits.
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Notes
We prepay ground freight within the 48 contiguous United States, if the total of the order before tax exceeds $7,500. Freight to Alaska and Hawaii
bears an additional charge. The product is typically available for shipment 30- 60 days after we receive your order and the equipment configuration is
provided.
Terms for Government Entities: Net 30 days to government entities and their agents.
Terms for Private Entities: Payment is required at the time of order or shipment. Check clearance time will apply. Terms may be extended after
initial orders.
Payment Methods: Check, money order, credit card or wire and electronic funds transfer (EFT).
Warranty: See "Warranty and Service Information" at the end of this document.
Organization or Agency Name
Today'sDateYourName & Title
EmailPhoneLocalContact's Name (if different)
Federal Tax ID Number (if applicable)
State Sales Tax Exemption Number (if applicable). Or attach certificate.
Shipping Address
Billing Address
Credit Card Information:
Credit Card Number
Expiration Date 3-Digit Security Number Name on Card
Billing Address
Purchase Order # (Net 30, Government Agencies Only)
Person and Phone Number to Call for Credit Card Info
For charges exceeding $2,000, please note that a surcharge of 2% for MasterCard or 3% Visa and PayPal will be added.
The Agreement
This agreement comprises an order for the aforementioned products and services. Purchases are subject to the "Standard Terms and Conditions"
presented on the next page, which becomes part of the contract. Please submit the below information in association with or in lieu of a purchase order
document.
Customer Information:
MasterCard Visa Send PayPal Invoice
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Standard Terms and Conditions
These terms and conditions shall be part of any purchase contract with Information Station Specialists, Inc., unless, by agreement between buyer and
sellers, modified in writing.
Orders
Orders for products and services will be accepted and will be entered for implementation only when configuration information is provided to
Information Station Specialists. This information, if not provided by the buyer on the purchase order, is to be provided by the completion and return of
special questionnaires sent to the buyer immediately after the order is received. Purchase orders are deemed incomplete and are not accepted until
configuration information is received by Information Station Specialists.
Billing
Payment terms by the buyer of Information Station Specialists' equipment and services shall be net 30 days (maximum government buyers only).
Information Station Specialists reserves the right to invoice for equipment at the time of delivery and separately for labor at the time of completion.
Deliveries of equipment and provision of services may be in stages. Partial billing may occur as the project proceeds. Information Station Specialists
reserves the right to postpone or cancel field labor or subsequent equipment shipments in the event that invoices beyond 30 days are unpaid. Net-30
payment terms are independent of any arrangement or contract the buyer has with any other party, including his customer, if any. For credit card
charges exceeding $2,000, a surcharge of 2% for MasterCard or 3% for Visa and PayPal will be added. A PayPal invoice can be sent. Other credit card
payments are not currently accepted. A 1.5% interest charge shall be levied against invoices not paid within the 30-day period, beginning on the date
30 days have elapsed and monthly on that calendar date thereafter. Return of components and materials to Information Station Specialists are subject
to a 20% restocking fee to cover freight and labor, a cost the purchaser shall bear.
Field Labor
Information Station Specialists reserves the right to invoice for additional field labor and travel-related expenses required of Information Station
Specialists' technicians due to lack of preparation on the part of the customer or his/her agents or contractors under his/her direction. A 30-Day
minimum leadtime is required to schedule field labor.
Submittals
By entering into this agreement, the buyer agrees that Information Station Specialists' product specifications are acceptable to him/her as well as to
his/her customer, if said product(s) is(are) to be resold.
FCC Licensing
Information Station Specialists cannot guarantee FCC approval of license applications in advance of such grants. If the buyer elects to build the station
in advance of a regular license grant, components that might subsequently require return or modification are subject to additional freight, labor, parts
or restocking fees.
Interference
Information Station Specialists is not responsible for signal interference from the environment, including, but not limited to: other radio stations,
power lines, computer or communication systems. Signal reception cannot be guaranteed at any location unless a signal test is performed in advance
of the provision of equipment and services. In such a case, similar reception can be guaranteed only given the same environmental conditions and
equipment configuration present during testing. IMPORTANT: For AM antennas installed on/near buildings, the installation of an AM antenna on or
within 50 feet of other communications systems increases the likelihood of interference to such systems (telephone, computer, radio and other AV
systems). The buyer will accommodate or otherwise be responsible for rectifying any resulting interference to these systems.
Insurance
If the buyer stipulates insurance coverage levels or exposure protections that exceed Information Station Specialists' standard insurance policies, costs
to provide the requirements may be added to the purchase contract at the discretion of Information Station Specialists.
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Warranty and Service Information
Lifetime Product Support
Information Station Specialists provides remote technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the life of your Information Station Specialists
system.
By telephone: Call 616.772.2300 and press 2, 9 am to 5 pm Eastern Time. After hours, press 3 to contact a technician.
By email: Send to info@theRADIOsource.com, 24 hours a day. You will receive a response within 24 hours and/or on the next business day.
For assistance with computer-based audio control systems: Call between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm Eastern Time at 616.772.2300 (and press 2) to
have an Information Station Specialists technician work with you live online.
General Warranty
Information Station Specialists, Inc., warrants its new products against defects in workmanship for one year from the date the products are placed
into service. Defective components may be returned prepaid to Information Station Specialists for repair or replacement at no charge during the
one-year warranty period. Damage that occurs after delivery, such as from lightning or other physical, electrical/digital sources, including improper
use or abuse, is not covered by this warranty. The warranty is void should the configuration of components, hardware or software, including the
total system, be modified (or modified with respect to the operating environment) subsequent to delivery.
This is the full and complete warranty for new products and services. Information Station Specialists assumes no obligation or liability for additions
or modifications to the above warranty unless made in writing and signed by an officer of Information Station Specialists, Inc. Information Station
Specialists supplies this warranty in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied, including warranties of fitness of the product(s) for a particular
purpose. In no event shall Information Station Specialists be liable for incidental or consequential damage to the full extent that might be
disclaimed by law.
Warranty periods for preowned / reconditioned products, may vary and will be stated on associated quotations.
Certain personal computer components, peripherals and software might have warranties that exceed the one-year Information Station Specialists
warranty and might begin on the date of sale, e.g.: Dell-brand computer hardware has a three-year onsite warranty with next-day service.
The Information Station Specialists general warranty may be extended beyond one year for an annual charge.
Service Information
The warranty service location is Zeeland, Michigan, USA.
Service contracts are available after expiration of the warranty period. These contracts provide for prompt repair and replacement of defective
components in the field. Please inquire for pricing.
Repair parts may be purchased directly from Information Station Specialists, Inc., maintains a 24-hour access line and email service to make contact
simple and immediate.
The proposed equipment includes diagnostic equipment operators might use to easily identify defective components. Typically, defective modules
are removed by users and sent to Information Station Specialists for immediate replacement or repair.
Technical training may be requested of Information Station Specialists at the time of system installation and/or by calling 616.772.2300 to arrange
an appointment.
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