CB Radio Enthusiast Fined $50 by Homeowners Group : Technology: Neighbors had complained of interrupted TV and phone service by the Scout, even though he used the device to help save stranded boaters.

LAGUNA HILLS — A citizens’ band radio enthusiast was fined $50 Wednesday by his homeowners association for his radio conversations, which have interrupted his neighbors’ telephone and television reception but also helped save a family stranded on a boat.

The Moulton Parkway Homeowner’s Assn. No. 1 voted 5 to 1 to fine Richard Wright, 20, after neighbors complained of both repeatedly interrupted reception and profanity.

In addition to the fine, a letter will be sent to Wright notifying him that he will face a $50 fine for each subsequent complaint of his CB radio usage.

But at least once, the CB came in handy. On Dec. 28, through a series of questions and communication relays, Wright, an Eagle Scout, and two other CB radio operators were able to approximate the location of a stranded boater with engine trouble in Dana Point. He forwarded that information to the Coast Guard, which sent a rescue helicopter from San Diego. The boaters, four adults and two children, eventually were rescued by two boats from the Orange County sheriff’s patrol boat and Coast Guard.

But rather than a hero’s welcome for Wright, his use of the radio upset neighbors, who complained that cordless telephones and television reception were continually interrupted by the radio.

“This little Richie and his CB friends talk on their radios to meet girls at the park and use profanity all the time,” said Vicki Karr, 40, a mother of two, who lives near Wright and complained to the homeowners association.

Karr accused Wright of being racist, claiming he has called her children, whose father is black, racist names more than once.

“This is not a hero,” she said of Wright. “This is a problem. This kid from 10 o’clock at night to two in the morning is out there on his CB talking to his friends. It’s difficult to sleep at night.”

Teri Lansdell, 42, a former resident at the same complex, said her 12-year-old daughter couldn’t walk to her friend’s house without Wright and his friends making catcalls.

“I don’t think the problem with the neighbors or myself is that he did a wonderful thing saving those people in the boat,” Lansdell said. “I don’t think anybody is disputing that. But the problem is that they are using the CB for other purposes.”

Lansdell had hoped Wright would get fined.

“They’ve been given every chance,” she said. “The neighbors have gone nicely to these people asking them to please turn down the CB, at least during the evening hours.”

Karr complained to the Orange County Human Relations Commission about the racist comments she said he made. Rusty Kennedy, the commission’s executive director, confirmed that the commission stepped in to conduct informal mediation in March, 1993, between Karr and Wright’s mother, Sue Sampsell.

“The complaint had to do with profanity and racial comments made by a resident there,” Kennedy said. “I spoke with both parties back and forth about their problems with each other trying to reduce the conflict between them. But it resulted in both parties choosing not to have or continue any formal mediation.”

Wright could not be reached for comment.