Tuning In to the County’s Airwaves: From Towing Calls to FBI Surveillance

You know that science fiction device about simultaneous reality?

That is, a duplicate plane of existence that thrives side-by-side with us, yet remains invisible because it’s in a different warp, woof or kilter?

I think I’ve found one right here in San Diego County, and, what’s more, I’ve also found the key to accessing it.

Meet now, “San Diego ScanFan, Up To Date Frequencies For Radio Scanners,” a compendium by Fred White, 23, mathematics major at Cal State San Marcos and scanner cultist.

“The book is for people who want to be more in touch with reality, who are tired of television or movies,” White says.

You want to listen to communications among local police and fire departments, the CHP, the FBI, the DEA, the Border Patrol, the Secret Service (from Able to Zulu), the Internal Revenue Service, Sea World (“breaker, breaker, we’ve got a porpoise in distress”), Rhodeway Tow Service on Mt. San Miguel, the Livestock Control section of Baja Public Works, SEAL Teams from Coronado, the Blue Angels when they perform above Miramar, and/or much more?

Then “ScanFan” is for you: 242 pages, 3,000-plus frequencies, paperback, $15.25.

Yes, some cops are changing frequencies to thwart scanners, but “Scan-Fan” is in hot pursuit and will be updated next spring.

White got interested by listening to train engineers on his scanner radio. Then he graduated to listening to FBI and DEA surveillance operations. There’s nothing he likes better than a freeway chase:

“I like it when the CHP starts in L.A. and chases some guy all the way to the border. I can listen all the way.”

White spent two years bird-dogging frequencies of private and public groups. Some are available from the Federal Communications Commission.

Others have to be plucked from the air and verified (viz: the Nickerson Nursery in Fallbrook is at 463.650).

Sometimes frequencies stay dormant for months then crackle with the hard edge of real life.

“The radio spectrum is weird,” White says. “When it isn’t being used, it isn’t there. It’s a strange concept.”

Jumping the Political Gun

Timing is all (wrong).

Jim Madaffer, 32, of Tierrasanta, who runs a direct-mail firm and dabbles in politics, figured he’d get a head start in the race to replace Judy McCarty on the City Council.

So even before the recent election was over, he placed an order for an ad in Bravo, the gay newspaper: “Together in ’93. New Leadership For Our City.”

He was sure McCarty would beat Pam Slater for supervisor. He was working in McCarty’s campaign.

At the same time, he was also raising money and plotting strategy for his own council campaign: “We were ready to go out the door Nov. 4.”

Oops, McCarty lost, and the edition of Bravo with Madaffer’s ad is on the streets.

Madaffer now says he won’t run against McCarty if she decides to seek a third term as the 7th District member on the council. McCarty hasn’t decided what to do.

“I’m on hold,” Madaffer says.

His Philadelphia Story

People and their situations.

* Miguel Cervantes is back at the Zeta newspaper in Tijuana as photo editor, but he remembers his six months on a fellowship program at the Philadelphia Inquirer:

“My mouth hurt from speaking so much English.”

* Sagon Penn (a.k.a. Meecee Parks), acquitted in the 1985 killing of a San Diego cop, is due in court Monday.

Prosecutors want him thrown in jail for allegedly beating up a girlfriend. He’s already on probation for some previous domestic fisticuffs.

* The San Diego Police Department is forming an (off-duty) singing group, headed by Sgt. Dorothy Powell.

So far, only female officers have responded, but hopes exist to add a baritone.

And no, the chorus will not be serenading jail prisoners with “I Fought The Law And The Law Won.” I checked.

* The 1992 Mrs. America Pagaent is set for the Town & Country Hotel in Mission Valley starting Friday.

Contestants “are encouraged to voice their opinions on marriage, world events and important issues of the day.”

For traditionalists, there’s also a swimsuit competition.