SAR City is a training for search and rescue (SAR) squads www.SARCity.com.  Most of these squads are civilian volunteer squads.  Few are sworn police and firefighters.  Squads come from all over California and the southwest U.S.  Some come from further away, even Canada.   About 400-500 people a year attend SAR City. 

In 2008, SAR City will be in its 36^th year.  It is sponsored by the Barstow Desert Rescue Squad with the San Bernardino County Sheriff, with co-sponsors: California Office of Emergency Services, Barstow College.   Over 100 instructors who volunteer their time and expertise.  

SAR City meets over 2.5-days, typically on second weekend in October of each year.  Sessions start Friday night and go until mid-day Sunday.  There are individual classes lasting up to a few hours or tracks which last up to the entire 2.5 days.  Most people arrive early-Saturday morning. 

The location at Barstow College, in Barstow, California where there are vast opens space affords an opportunity to do the kinds of training which are not possible in cities that are highly urbanized, such as LA.  The 50 or so classes at SAR City run a full range which vary yearly based on who volunteers to teach.  In previous years classes have included: swift water rescue, mine rescue, low angle rescue, rope rescue, auto extrication, man tracking, child abduction, tracking Alzheimer’s patients, crime scene, bone identification, helicopter operations, posse, K9, equine, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), medical, haz mat, winter survival, desert survival, supervision, amateur radio licensing, GIS, emergency locator beacons, map reading, GPS, wilderness nutrition, moulage, night navigation, night vision, radiological monitoring, explosive awareness, arson awareness, Meth lab awareness….  Some of the classes offer CEUs, or are POST Certified. 

SAR City also has specialty tracks search dog handlers and horse owners.  Some SAR participants have dogs or horses which they train and volunteer as search and rescue dogs or horses.  This is a great way to be of service and save a life, get exercise and be with your dog or horse.  

For information on the Amateur Radio – Emergency Communications Track – visit

www.NERP.myEweb.net  -à click - Ham Radio @ SAR City

Some classes are indoors and can be attended by those who are not physically fit.  Other classes are outdoors and may require physical exertion.  Choose wisely and consult your physician; know your limitations and act accordingly.  There are usually more than enough classes for people who are not physically fit. 

The 100 or so instructors at SAR City are all unpaid volunteers; many are civilian volunteers and some are full-time paid firefighters and police officers.  They have come a great distance to share what they know for free.  As disaster service workers, they may be called away at last minute.  SAR City’s schedule is a moving target.  Everything is tentative!  Participants need to keep checking the bulletin board for changes.   Some classes are very popular and overfilled.

SAR City also is a good place to buy equipment.  SAR requires specialized equipment.  You can see, touch and feel that equipment at SAR City rather than depend on internet shopping.

Administrative and Logistical Details

Participants earn a Certificate of Attendance.  A half-unit of academic credit is available from Barstow College by ordering a transcript for a separate fee directly paid to the college.  Please register at  www.SARCity.com.  You will be asked to fill out a few forms, including enrolling at Barstow College; while we all know that almost no SAR City people will become students at Barstow College, filling out the form permits SAR City to use the facility.  Please just do the paperwork and get it out of the way. 

SAR City is a bargain!  3 days of training for $85.  $70 for someone who is part of a group.  There will be an Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Track discount – please visit:

www.NERP.myEweb.net  -à click – Ham Radio @ SAR City

Saturday's meals and Sunday breakfast are included in the fees.   Housing is not included. 

Housing.

There are several motels on old Route 66 on the other side of the #15 freeway from Barstow College, about 4-5 mins. away.  In 2007, a motel room could be and for about $45 to $55 per night.   Please visit www.SARCity.com for a list of motels. 

Many people decide to bring their campers or camp out.  If you decide to do this, please be aware that you will be camping amongst the search dogs and their handlers.  Barking and allergies may be of concern.  The gym’s bathrooms and showers are open for use. 

Directions.

Barstow College is relative close, in Barstow, California, half-way between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.  About 2.5hrs. from downtown LA in good traffic.  If you want to come on Fri., be aware that that I-15 will probably have heavy long weekend Las Vegas getaway traffic.    

To get to Barstow College from downtown LA,

Take Interstate 10 east for about 30-40 miles.  Pass Ontario.  Go north on Interstate 15 North to Barstow, like you would go to Las Vegas.   When you get to Barstow take the Barstow Road (Highway 247) off ramp and turn right.  Now you will be on Barstow Road, which is also Highway 247, that will take you straight to the college.  Barstow College is on the right side of the road about 2 miles from Interstate 15.   

You are encouraged to carpool.   

Talk-in and On-Campus Frequencies.  If you are a licensed amateur radio operator, we will be on the air at SAR City.  Please the following website to find out what frequencies we will be on.     www.NERP.myEweb.net  -à click – Ham Radio @ SAR City

SAR City Registration.

Please visit www.SARCity.org and download the registration forms and follow the instructions.  Do not contact Dr. Cheng about registration issues.   

Note that a hacker has been attacking the SAR City website posting false information that it has been canceled or their website hosting bill has not been paid.  This is false information.  Avoid being misled.  Email the organizers or Dr. Cliff Cheng for correct information.