That particular state has rural counties with low population and few hams. This situation lent itself to the state organizing them into the State RACES instead of individual county RACES units.
It was noted at their statewide meeting that it is very important NOT to use "ham speak" when educating government officials and the public. For example they may understand the word "repeater", but technical jargon like "two meters" they do not. Even words like "amateur", "ham", "RACES", "ARES", and other acronyms are meaningless. Avoid jargon. I know it's hard --- but it can be important.
--- Stanly E. Harter, CA State OES Auxiliary Communications Service (formerly called the "RACES") program coordinator