City of Camarillo
Public Comments
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 08:37 AMPUBLIC COMMENTS
NOTICE
This is a public document and will be posted as part of the public record. Any attachments, pictures, and information submitted will be subject to disclosure in accordance with applicable law, including the Public Records Act.
Meeting Date Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Agency City Council
Item Type Item Not On Agenda
Item Number or Subject Camarillo Public Radio-CAMARadio Position Not Applicable
Comments Dear Hon.Council Members and Staff
Good evening members of city council and those watching here and online, my name is Barry Funkhouser and my Board
Member Simhan Mandyam. We are a lifelong resident of
Camarillo, a radio professional and executive, and we are here to share a dream with you: Community radio. We part of a group launching a non-profit, low-power community radio station licensed by the FCC to serve the residents of Camarillo. Imagine a station that's truly our own. A station that provides:
• Vital Emergency Information: In times of crisis, reliable information is crucial. Our station will be a lifeline, broadcasting critical alerts, evacuation instructions, and updates during emergencies like wildfires, earthquakes, or power outages. • A Voice for Our Community: This station will be a platform for local voices. Residents, businesses, and non-profits will have the opportunity to share their stories, ideas, and perspectives. • Youth Development: We plan to partner with local schools and universities, providing valuable media training and hands-on experience.
1 The station is called Camaradio, and it not only enriches the cultural fabric of our city but also enhances community safety and resilience. By supporting this initiative, the City Council would be demonstrating a commitment to our local
commitment, fostering civic engagement, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
We understand the challenges. Operating a radio station requires resources. That's why we're seeking your support in finding a suitable location for our studio. We're looking for a donated space, any available area, open to the public with parking and a restroom – where we can build our studio and train future broadcasters. We're seeking your support and guidance in identifying potential locations within the city.
We're committed to making this station a reality through crowdfunding, sponsorships, and community support. This is never easy but we believe in the power of community and the importance of local voices.
We know this community radio station has the potential to be a valuable asset to Camarillo, and we're eager to work with the City Council to make this dream a reality. Thank you for your time and consideration.
We will leave some brochures and presentations for your review Thank you
Barry Funkhouser/Simhan Mandyam
Current Status:
1. FCC License Approved
2.Transmission Antenna location secured.
3.Hardware and installation scoped and secured.
3.Building bridges with local non-profit organizations.
CAMARadio Needs Help with following:
1. Building Space for Studio for Broadcasting
2.Classroom space for Public Education to help community organization and City of Camarillo to develop programs for broadcast
3.Building bridges with local non-profit and City organization to be partners in building a sustainable and thriving City of Camarillo community .
Additional Reference for Importance of Low Power Radio
Transmission
https://www.dailynews.com/2025/01/13/low-power-radio-
stations-catering-to-local-listeners-try-to-make-themselves- heard/
Upload Additional Information
PDF Camaradio Short.pdf
2 IDENTIFICATION
Name Barry/Simhan Funkhauser/Mandyam
Address Camarillo, CA, 93010
Telephone (708) 533-6132
Email [email protected]
Public Records AcknowledgementBy checking this box, I acknowledge that I understand anything I submit will become part of the public record and be subject to disclosure in accordance with applicable law, including the Public Records Act.
3 The Voice of
Ventura
County
01 03
02 04
What Is Camaradio?
● Local news, traffic & weather
● High school sports coverage
● Live event broadcasting
A beacon for our local
community, improving quality of
life in Ventura County.
● Community Radio stations
cannot accept commercials.
● We operate as nonprofits.
● We have underwriters.
● We rely on donation drives.
● Community radio stations
provide vital resources in
emergencies.
● Our ability to share information
about other nonprofit
organizations as well as our
local schools and colleges
Community Engagement Nonprofit Connection
Listener Supported Public Service Outlet
What is Low Power FM?
Low Power FM (LPFM) radio stations are a class of radio station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2000. LPFM stations are only authorized for
noncommercial educational broadcasting. They have an
effective radiated power (ERP) of 100 watts (0.1 kilowatts) or less, and can reach an area with a radius of about ten miles.
LPFM stations are a forum for nonprofits, schools, churches, community centers, farmworker organizations, unions,
environmentalists, and others who want to amplify their message.
Low power community radio
stations are a new concept,
however Camarillo is one of the
only cities in Ventura County
without its own station. The
Federal Communications
Commission has recently
opened a window for
applications, which they have
only done twice before.
99.1 FM KLLO Coverage Area
Commitment to Public Service
And Emergency Information
One of the primary reasons for having a community radio station is the advantage it can have for public safety in an emergency situation. Community radio stations provide resources when emergency strikes, and it is by law that we maintain a national Emergency Alert System. Camaradio has a strong relationship with the City of Camarillo, and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. We hope to add more public services and educational institutions to our network.
OVERVIEW
Camarillo is currently one of the last cities in
Ventura County without a low power FM radio
station.
Over the past 3 years we have been working on
government licensing for this station with the FCC
and in February we were granted approval.
However it’s not easy finding a location to place
the transmitter, which is very small but needs “line
of sight” to the city for coverage.
Since this station is not 40,000 watts like typical
commercial stations, it’s imperative to find a
location without any terrain interference for this
small signal.
What’s necessary is a doghouse sized shack with
a 100-watt transmitter and antenna in, or near the
city of Camarillo.
Studio Space easily accessible to the public
Transmitter Site land on hilltop to cover broadcast transmission Connections a platform to broadcast announcements and fundraising efforts Current Challenge
More info can be found at:
camaradio.org