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Community radio advocates ask SFPUC to clarify authority to allow temporary mobile broadcast van on watershed site
Summary
Representatives for a new low‑power FM station asked the Commission to confirm staff authority to temporarily allow an emergency mobile broadcast van on an out‑of‑the‑way spot in the Crystal Springs Watershed to meet FCC deadlines while the station's permanent antenna application remains pending.
Fan Wen (station manager, Milbury Radio Inc.), Booker Wade (General Manager, KMTP Channel 32) and Eric Huang (president, KQEA LP FM) spoke during general public comment to describe their low‑power FM community station initiative and to request SFPUC staff clarification to allow temporary use of a mobile broadcast van at a non‑public site in the Crystal Springs Watershed near the Crystal Springs Golf Course.
Wen framed the request in human terms (many Mandarin‑speaking residents lack public‑radio options) and said the proposed station aims to serve Mandarin and Cantonese audiences with public‑service programming. Booker Wade described FCC history on ownership and the low‑power FM class; Eric Huang provided technical specifics, saying their permanent antenna is planned for placement on a PG&E high‑voltage tower but that their license application is still pending and they risk forfeiture unless they can demonstrate temporary operation. Huang described the vehicle (Ford Econoline E350 with telescopic antenna) and said the van would be parked in a non‑public area not visible from Highway 280 or nearby residences and used only until the permanent installation is approved.
The Commission observed this was a non‑agenda item so no formal action could be taken. President Moran asked the General Manager to ensure staff considered the request and be as flexible and reasonable as possible within required procedures; staff indicated the matter and historical materials had been received and would be reviewed.
Next steps: SFPUC staff will review the historical materials and existing policy to determine flexibility and report back; the presenters said they were not asking for formal action at this meeting but sought staff clarification to avoid forfeiting the FCC license.
