Welcome to the website for the Ventura County Auxiliary Communications Service/Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ACS/ARES).
The Ventura County ACS mission is to serve the County in support of any possible communications need in an emergency. ACS members act as emergency communications reserves to support the County in providing reliable, point-to-point voice and data communications anytime, anywhere. In addition to emergency activations, ACS is involved in promoting emergency preparedness.
Click here to view the basic requirements for ACS/ARES membership.
If you would like to know more, please contact ACS Radio Officer/ARES District Emergency Coordinator, Rob Hanson – W6RH at ec@vccomm.org.
Ventura County ACS/ARES is launching a comprehensive training program to help members learn and master Winlink Global Radio Email.
Winlink has become an essential emergency communications tool, providing a reliable connection between radio operators and the internet when normal communications systems fail. Using amateur radio frequencies—VHF/UHF for local communications and HF for long-distance communication—Winlink allows operators to send and receive email messages, weather maps, ICS forms, damage reports, casualty lists, and other important information without depending on local internet or cellular networks.
While it is desirable to send Winlink messages via packet, VARA FM, VARA HF, or mesh, anyone with a computer and Winlink Express can participate in the training program by sending messages via Telnet.
The program is built around a “learn by doing” approach. Participants will complete a series of exercises that become progressively more challenging, helping them develop Winlink skills while becoming familiar with the many forms commonly used during emergency communications operations.
The program will begin countywide on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. ACS/ARES members should look for an email with exercise details and instructions.
To learn more about the program, including suggested Winlink frequencies and helpful instructions, click this link or go to the “Operations” drop down at the top of this page and select “ACS/ARES Winlink Training.”
The next ACS-ARES meeting will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, starting at 7:30 P.M. at the Camarillo Police Department Community Room. 3701 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, CA 93010
• From the 101 Freeway • Head northeast on N. Lewis Rd and travel 2.2 mi. • Turn left onto E. Las Posas Rd and travel 0.6 mi. • Destination will be on the right.
The meeting will start promptly at 1930 (7:30 P.M.) You are encouraged to arrive at 1900 for a bit of social time before the meeting.
Hams provided radio support for the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K on Sunday, April 19, 2026 which started in Ojai and finished near the Ventura Pier.
The next ACS-ARES meeting will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, starting at 7:30 P.M. at the Camarillo Police Department Community Room. 3701 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, CA 93010
• From the 101 Freeway • Head northeast on N. Lewis Rd and travel 2.2 mi. • Turn left onto E. Las Posas Rd and travel 0.6 mi. • Destination will be on the right.
The meeting will start promptly at 1930 (7:30 P.M.) You are encouraged to arrive at 1900 for a bit of social time before the meeting.
A capacity crowd gathered Sunday, March 8, in the Community Room at the East County Sheriff’s Station for a Celebration of Life honoring Zak Cohen, N6PK-SK.
Amateur radio operators from across the county came to remember Zak. In tribute to his dedication to emergency communications, many ACS members wore their yellow shirts. It was a heartfelt gathering and a fitting tribute from Zak’s many friends.
The next ACS-ARES meeting will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, starting at 7:30 P.M. at the Camarillo Police Department Community Room. 3701 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, CA 93010
• From the 101 Freeway • Head northeast on N. Lewis Rd and travel 2.2 mi. • Turn left onto E. Las Posas Rd and travel 0.6 mi. • Destination will be on the right.
The meeting will start promptly at 1930 (7:30 P.M.) You are encouraged to arrive at 1900 for a bit of social time before the meeting.
ARRL reports that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted changes to its rules to require that every holder of an FCC Registration Number (FRN) update their contact information in the CORES system (email and postal addresses) within ten business days of a change.
The Conejo Valley Amateur Radio Club (CVARC) and the Bored Net Group are inviting everyone to a special party.
We lost our friend and colleague Zachary “Zak” Cohen-N6PK, on January 27. Please join us while we remember Zak and share our stories of all the good times he shared with us all.
