The Press-Banner’s own Suellene Petersen received the proclamation honoring Amateur Radio week at Capitola City Hall on June 25.
At approximately 7 p.m., the regular city council meeting began with roll call and pledge of allegiance.
“We have two proclamations to make this evening and the first one is for honoring amateur radio week June 21 through June 27,” said Capitola Mayor Dennis Norton.
Capitola City Clerk and Amateur Radio Operator Susan Sneddon, decided to invite Petersen into the meeting with her hand held ham radio.
“K6CPA, K6CPA, this is N6SLC,” Sneddon said. “… We would like to invite you to our city council chamber to receive a proclamation.”
As the Public Information Coordinator for the ARRL Pacific Division — Santa Clara Section — Petersen and the Santa Cruz County Amateur Radio Emergency Service District Emergency Coordinator, Robert Richie approached the stage and accepted the proclamation from Norton.
“Every year we do this, we honor people who stand behind us on amateur radio and help in our emergency system and thank you for doing that,” Norton said.
Norton continued with the proclamation, which honored amateur radio operators in Capitola and Santa Cruz County for thousands of hours of service in support of local agencies like CalFire, the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office, Santa Cruz Police Department, American Red Cross, Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service.
“They also provide valuable assistance during parades, charity bike events, and running and walking events within our community,” he said.
Santa Cruz County amateur radio operators are dedicated to safety preparedness and work closely with emergency service organizations to provide volunteer communication services during fires, severe weather, natural disasters, power outages, and other emergencies.
“Therefor I, Dennis Norton Mayor of Capitola, do hereby proclaim June 21 through June 27 of this year as Amateur radio week in Capitola California and I count on all residents to support the very important emergency preparedness exercise and recognize this tremendous contribution that Santa Cruz County Amateur Radio Operators have made to our community.”
“You are most welcome and I thank you for the proclamation,” Petersen said.
