By David Akins, N6HHR, SCMA ORC-209
Morro Bay is a beach town in San Luis Obispo County, about 250 miles northwest of Long Beach. It’s best known for Morro Rock, a 576-foot volcanic plug situated in the middle of the bay, sometimes called “California’s Pet Rock.” Morro Rock is one of the Nine Sisters – all volcanic plugs formed after the cessation of volcanic activity in SLO County about a bajillion years ago. Home to 10,560 residents, Morro Bay thrives on tourism in a very temperate climate. The high temperature rarely exceeds 72 degrees F at the peak of summer.
Amateur Radio
There are several 2 meter and 70cm repeaters serving Morro Bay and other nearby communities. Start with 145.670, located on nearby Tassajera Peak (el. 2,750 ft). This one is designated as the primary repeater for SLO County, and many of the local hams gather here. Also try 146.860 in Los Osos (the next town over from Morro Bay), and the 444.100 multi-site simulcast system covering all of Slo County, All of these are easily reachable with a handheld radio anywhere in Morro Bay.
| 145.670 – | 127.3 | Tassajera Peak – Primary for SLO |
| 146.860 – | 127.3 | Los Osos |
| 444.100 + | 127.3 | Countywide voting/simulcast |
| 443,500 + | 162.2 | CARLA lined system (statewide) |
Public Safety
SLO COunty still uses analog FM VHF and UHF radio for most public safety applications. Here are a few frequencies to scan:
| Morro Bay Police | Police Dispatch (Green) | 460.075 |
| Police Tactical | 460.625 | |
| Morro Bay Fire | Fire County Dispatch | 154.385 |
| Fire Command | 154.130 | |
| Fire Tac | 155.790 | |
| SLO Sheriff | Dispatch (Blue) | 460.150 |
| Ch 2 (Yellow) | 460.475 | |
| Tactical (Gray) | ||
| Emergency (Red) | 460.050 | |
| CHP White Rebroadcast (Copper) | 460.550 | |
| Search and Rescue | 155.160 | |
| SLO Emergency Medical Services | Ambulance Dispatch | 463.000 |
| State Parks | Rangers and Lifeguards | 855.7125 |
Marine Radio
Morro Bay is home port to numerous pleasure craft, a fleet of commercial fishing vessels, and a small Coast Guard station. Maritime-related radio traffic can be heard on VHF marine channels 9, 12, 16, 22A, 68, and 72.
| Marine Ch 9 | 156.450 | Marina Operations |
| Marine Ch 12 | 156.600 | Port Operations |
| Marine Ch 16 | 156.800 | Calling and Distress |
| Marine Ch 22A | 157.100 | Coast Guard Public |
| Marine Ch 68 | 156.425 | Vessel-to-Vessel |
| Marine Ch 72 | 156.625 | Vessel-to-Vessel |
Broadcast Radio
Two AM broadcast stations provide primary service to Morro Bay:
- KVEC 920kHz News and Talk
- KKJL 1400 kHZ Adult Standards
Several other AM stations can be tuned-in from the San Luis Obispo area.
At least a dozen FM broadcast stations can be heard in Morro Bay, representing all types of programming. Tune the band to find your favorites.
Visit Morro Bay for the relaxed easy feel of a coastal tourist town. Walk the marina district, dine at any of dozens of places, gaze at Morro Rock, and make an e-a-s-y few days of your stay. And, of course, bring your radio!
Source: David Akins, N6HHR, ORC-209