A volunteer with the Arden Emergency Data Network described a county‑independent mesh communications system to the Community Safety and Welfare Committee on Oct. 28, showing a proposed phase‑1 San Clemente deployment that would connect City Hall, the community center, water facilities and other strategic sites.

The presenter described Arden as "a community supported digital communication system that creates a self‑healing high‑speed wireless network independent of the Internet or cell towers." He said the network uses repurposed Wi‑Fi hardware with custom firmware to create point‑to‑point links and temporary portable nodes that can carry video, maps, VoIP and file transfer when commercial infrastructure is unavailable.

"It creates a self‑healing high speed wireless network independent of the Internet or cell towers," the presenter said, describing equipment already deployed around the county and planned coverage for San Clemente. (Attribution: Arden presenter, committee meeting Oct. 28.)

The volunteer described existing coverage in nearby jurisdictions, showed a proposed map for San Clemente ridgeline and tower nodes, and offered to arrange demonstrations for committee members. He said the system has been used at community events and can interoperate with local EOCs and shelter sites.

Committee members asked technical and siting questions (line‑of‑sight issues, phased coverage). The presenter offered follow‑up demonstrations after the meeting.