In November, 1992, the City of Mission Viejo was developing an emergency plan. Concern about communications led the city to approached the South Orange Amateur Radio Association about organizing local amateur radio operators to provide emergency communications. In early 1993, the Mission Viejo Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) started with 10 members.

In the latter part 1994, with membership of about 20 members, re-organization took place. The RACES members decided they could better serve the community by holding dual membership in Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) and Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). By February, 1995, membership growing, training, and preparing for service.

The Mission Viejo RACES-ARES is guided by the City of Mission Viejo's Department of Emergency Services. Presently there are twelve active registered volunteer Amateur Radio Operators, who use their own and/or city owned equipment to assist with emergency radio communications.

As an ARES group, members become "local volunteers" helping out. In a "declared" disaster, the group can 'change hats' and become a Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) group. The OES/FEMA assumes responsibility and Mission Viejo RACES-ARES members are registered Disaster Service Workers who are eligible for workmen's compensation.

There is a weekly radio check-in net every Tuesday evening at 7:30 P.M. on the 447.180 Repeater with a member assigned as Net Control Station operating from their home or from one of the Emergency Operations Centers. We also hold meetings on the last Tuesday each month for the purpose of planning and training (meetings held at the Mission Viejo City Hall EOC RACES Radio Room 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.).

Emergency Coordinator and Radio Officer:

Charley Speelman, WA6RUZ ........... Email address: wa6ruz@cox.net

Assistant Radio Officer:        Lou Frank, KG6FCT

Station KE6SWE Trustee:     Jay Center, AD6AT