I know this is sort of last minute but the PCTA is hosting a chain saw class which is a 3 day course on friday the 12th through the 14th, it turns out allot of people dropped out and they were having problems finding more volunteers so spaces are available if anyone is interested.
The class is in Santa Clarita, contact Anitra Kass - 760-977-8684
The Forest Service now requires you to be CPR and basic first aid certified in order to receive a license to operate a chain saw, if you don't have these you can still attend the class and get certified but you will not be able to operate a chainsaw on Forest Service land until you get the other required certifications.