SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS : Park Information Broadcast on Radio

Motorists passing through the Santa Monica Mountains are tuning in to the latest information on recreational activities, special events and natural resources available in the rugged region.

Messages in English and Spanish on 1610 AM introduce drivers to the history and unique features of several distinct National Park Service sites: Malibu Lagoon State Beach along Pacific Coast Highway, Sycamore Cove in Point Mugu State Park, Malibu Creek State Park and Rocky Oaks on Kanan Road.

Updated periodically, the information is broadcast over a 2 1/2- to 3-mile range in each area, said parks spokeswoman Jean Bray. Thousands of drivers pass through the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area each day, but the park service does not know how many tune into 1610 AM.

English-language broadcasts have been aired at a few of the sites for the past year, but the Spanish announcements started earlier this year, when the park service expanded its radio coverage to target all four recreation areas.