Rebuilding doesn't always call for brick, mortar, wood or steel. Hams in the San Fernando Valley Amateur Radio Club W6SD are using antennas, coax, power supplies, spare HTs and base-station radios instead. These pieces of vital equipment and others are being donated, along with funds, to help amateurs in the region refurbish the shacks that kept communication lines open during the Eaton and Palisades fires last winter - the same fires that ultimately destroyed the stations themselves.

Club president Richard Frankie, N6NCW, told the Los Angeles Times that the hams see the donations and loans as tools to repair the communication safety net so devastated last winter. He's been a part of the club and the community for nearly 50 years and knows that ham radio is about passing along the support so freely given through mentorship, loans or outright gifts.

According to the LA Times article, hams in the region who are still in need of equipment or assistance with their stations can contact the club through their Facebook page or website. The club is, of course, also offering mentorship and training for anyone wanting to join them on the air.