Community Meeting Regarding Upgrade to Emergency Communication System at Shepard Mesa Tank

The Carpinteria Summerland Fire Protection District, Montecito Fire Protection District and Carpinteria Valley Water District will hold a community meeting to share their proposal to upgrade the VHF emergency communications system. The proposed upgrade will allow both fire agencies and regional fire agencies to integrate emergency communication channels providing enhanced communication capabilities for local first responders. The Carpinteria Valley Water District’s Shepard Mesa water reservoir tower provides an optimal location for the upgraded communications system, as an antenna already exists at this site.

The proposal includes adding a 36-inch microwave antenna on the Shepard Mesa water tank and an equipment storage locker with radio equipment below the water tank. See attached rendering. The antenna is pointed in a westerly direction toward Gibraltar peak. The agencies are engaged in acquiring all applicable permits and have had the project vetted by a licensed communications engineer. The emissions generated by the equipment are less than that generated by a typical household microwave oven. In addition, the fire districts are working on a License Agreement with the Carpinteria Valley Water District. in order to move forward with this important project.

Support and cooperation in helping our local firefighters find a solution for a more reliable and sustainable VHF emergency radio coverage for our community is appreciated. To that end, please join us at a community meeting, details below, where we will share our proposal and answer any questions. We will also answer questions by email at info@montecitofire.com.

Community Meeting

January 31, 2024 @ 7pm

Carpinteria Lions Club

6197 Casitas Pass Road, Carpinteria 93013