AM 1680 emergency radio station
Summary
The city's 1680 AM information station is funded and could be broadcasting by mid-to-late April, with an FCC deadline of May 8. It'll broadcast emergency info and preparedness tips even when cell and internet fail.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 13
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 17, 2026.
Impact analysis
Funding approved by City Council; streaming module (about $1,400 recurring) deferred for now.
Every resident who could lose cell or internet service in a disaster — especially those in evacuation zones.
Residents who still depend on landlines could lose that option if Frontier's plan is approved.
Mentions & discussions (13)
Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting - Sep 17, 2026
The emergency radio system's operating guide is nearly done and antenna installations are moving forward — just as Frontier warns it may decommission copper landlines. On the Peninsula, satellite internet would be nearly the only backup if power, cell and internet all fail, making the radio system and resident satellite options more critical.
City Council Meeting - Aug 18, 2026
The council celebrated the launch of the city's new emergency AM radio station, honoring the volunteers and contest winners who named and built it — a communication lifeline inspired by how radios helped during the Palisades fire.
Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting - Aug 17, 2026
The 1680 AM emergency radio station's final equipment is installed at Ridgecrest Intermediate School, but the naming contest winner — "Peninsula Emergency Radio Station" — was deemed too long by members, who favored shorter names like "PV Emergency Radio." City council gets final say on the name.
City Council Meeting - Aug 4, 2026
The city's 1680 AM emergency radio station — broadcasting 24/7 from Ridgecrest Intermediate School — now has a name: "1680 AM: Palos Verdes Emergency Radio." It will carry emergency info when power and phones fail, shared with the school district.
Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting - Jul 16, 2026
The final piece of radio equipment is installed at Ridgecrest Intermediate, but the committee is still waiting for system access before the July 23 training. Members want the name shortened from 'Peninsula Emergency Radio Station' and formed an outreach subcommittee ahead of the City Council's August 4 naming decision.
Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting - Jun 18, 2026
The city's new 1680 AM emergency radio station is on air and being tested. The committee picked 'Peninsula Emergency Radio Station' as its recommended name going to City Council, and work continues on training, procedures, and coverage verification across the city.
Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting - May 21, 2026
The new emergency radio antenna is up and running with stronger signal than ever. The City Council rejected a general-purpose use (too costly) and wants a catchier name — a student contest will pick it.
Amended City Council Meeting - Apr 21, 2026
The council put off adopting the proposed name "1680 AM: Peninsula Emergency Updates" and instead ordered a community naming contest, a soft launch, and a plan to program the station so residents actually tune in before emergencies happen.
Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting - Apr 16, 2026
The City Council approved the emergency radio project on March 17; installation happens May 13-14. The station, 'Peninsula Emergency Updates' at 1680 AM, will be the information lifeline when cell and power are out, serving the whole peninsula. Look for signs on evacuation routes and flyers telling you to tune in.
City Council Meeting - Mar 17, 2026
The city will install an emergency AM radio station with three antennas — including one at Ridgecrest Intermediate School under an MOU with the school district — to broadcast critical emergency information citywide.
Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting - Mar 16, 2026
The city's 1680 AM information station is funded and could be broadcasting by mid-to-late April, with an FCC deadline of May 8. It'll broadcast emergency info and preparedness tips even when cell and internet fail.
Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting - Feb 13, 2026
The city is negotiating with the school district to mount an emergency radio antenna, aiming for installation by April to meet an FCC deadline, and is buying a Starlink backup system for the EOC. Members debated keeping the Starlink gear mobile in case City Hall can't be used after an earthquake.
Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting - Jan 15, 2026
The city is building a ham radio partnership with the school district and adding a Starlink satellite backup that can go mobile if City Hall becomes unusable in an earthquake. Members stressed testing it regularly so it works when needed.
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