Welcome to the brand-new home of the Cazadero GMRS Radio Network. For now we just have a bit of information available here, but stay tuned as more is coming!
What is the Cazadero GMRS radio network, and why does it exist?
GMRS (or General Mobile Radio Service) is an easy-to-use licensed radio (think: Walkie-Talkie) that can be used to contact people when other forms of communication (phone, internet, text, etc) aren’t working. It’s delightfully analog, old-school and reliable. After recent fires in west county, local community members weren’t able to reach family members during a possible evacuation. Long-duration power outages (as happened during this past winter’s storms, the fires a couple years ago, or during PG&E public safety shut-offs) also impact the ability for “normal” communication to work. Hence the radio network was born.
Unlike simple walkie-talkies, the Cazadero GMRS system includes “repeaters” (sort of like amplifiers) throughout the canyon and ridgetops that allow community members to reach each other most anywhere in the area and help coordinate assistance. Some of the repeaters are able to transmit as far away as Sebastopol and Fort Ross.
For more technical information about GMRS, start here.
How can I participate?
GMRS radios pre-programmed with the Cazadero repeaters (as well as other listen-only frequencies for local fire departments, Cal-Fire, etc) are generally available at Caz Supply in town for $25. Give them a call at 707-632-5257 or stop by 6152 Caz Hwy.
The group has a weekly “check-in” on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm. (Us radio nerds call this a “net” …) All you need to do is turn your radio on, and listen for the leader to ask for new/guest check-ins. Say hi, don’t be shy! The GMRS group maintains a local contact list with member addresses and phone numbers, please consider sending your information to cazgmrs@gmail.com and we’ll include you in the regular check-in roster.
In addition to checking in on our neighbors’ well-being, it’s great to put a voice to a name in this day and time of online – everything!
Additional Resources
Licensing: Non-emergency use of GMRS radios requires a license. Fortunately, it’s easy (only takes 30 minutes) and inexpensive ($35) and lasts for 10 years. We can help you with the process, or visit here and here to get started.
Other local radio networks and repeater networks:
West county GMRS in the news:
- GovTech: Sonoma County, Volunteers team up for multi-tech radio tower (June 6, 2023)
- Nor Cal Public Media: County infrastructure team regroups as more storms approach (January 6, 2023)
- Healdsburg Tribute: West county gears for radio communications in disaster scenarios (June 30, 2021)
- Sonoma Gazette: Communication updates in Cazadero (June 30, 2021)
- Sonoma Gazette: Sonoma County taking steps toward better communication infrastructure (June 25, 2021)
Other links:
- Cazadero Community Club (Facebook group)
- Cazadero GMRS (Facebook group)
Contact Us
Need help getting started? Email us at cazgmrs@gmail.com.
Who’s made this possible?
The Cazadero GMRS radio network has been funded by the Cazadero Community Club, local contributions, Sonoma County governement, Russian River Rotary, and the Cazadero Volunteer Fire Fighters Association.