[SCCC] AB1228 signed

[Doug Brandon]

AB1228, CALIFORNIA PRB-1 - Governor Gray Davis has signed AB1228, which
officially recognizes the Federal PRB-1 Amateur Radio antenna preemption
in California state law.

In his letter to the California Legislature, Governor Davis stated, "I
am signing Assembly Bill 1228 which would declare that it is the intent
of the Legislature to recognize the FCC's regulations that require that
local regulations (1) reasonably accommodate structures needed by
amateur radio stations and (2) be in compliance with federal statutes.

"In signing this bill, I also want to acknowledge the thousands of
Californians who are licensed amateur radio operators and who each year
give thousands of hours of volunteer service to the state and local
governments.  They have a long and proud record of helping the state
during times of natural disasters and emergencies.  Since the September
11, 2001 attack on America, we also have come to rely on them and
appreciate their commitment to the security and well being of all
Californians."

AND THANKS GO TO - Kudos to Assemblyman Bob Dutton and his staff for
shepherding this bill through the Local Government Committees and the
floors of both houses of the California legislature - without a single
dissenting vote.  The California ham community also owes a vote of
thanks to Mike Mitchell, W6RW, for being our sparkplug on this bill. 
ARRL staffer Dean Straw and Pacific Director Bob Vallio ably represented
us at public hearings on the bill.  And last, but not least, thanks to
all the licensed hams in California who wrote cards, letters and e-mails
urging their representatives and their Governor to pass this
legislation.
 
Amateur' Radio's message got through "the pileup" in Sacremento. 
Particularly telling is this quote from Gov Davis' letter back to the
California legislature, "Licensed amateur radio operators give thousands
of hours of volunteer service to the state and local governments..."
They are an important part of our public safety network.
 
We couldn't have said it better ourselves...

73,

    Art, W6XD                 Tuck, NZ6T
     Director                Vice Director
  w6xd at arrl.org             nz6t at arrl.org