Mobile Radio Communications in California

Abstract

The sole function of the La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley Irrigation District is the distribution of domestic water to two incorporated cities and a large unincorporated area, comprising 22,000 acres within a large, rapidly growing region immediately east of San Diego. Considerable distances are covered by the various crews in maintenance, operation and construction work, and it is important that the men in charge of the work be readily accessible to the office as well as to the superintendent. Shortly after World War II, serious consideration was given to installing some form of mobile telephone communication. Because there is no fire or police department radio system available, a radio communication system operating under a special license for the district's own use, similar to that used by police or fire departments, was considered. The terrain, however, is rolling and somewhat mountainous, and the installation of many relay stations would have been necessary to obtain full coverage. Furthermore, the initial cost of the equipment and the continuing cost of manning such a station, on a 24-hour basis, precluded the adoption of such a plan. Telephone Company Service