Category: News

ACS member and past CVARC President Tim Wheeler-K6POI has passed away. For the last several years he has been living with increasing problems due to Parkinson’s disease. He was 81.

ACS Area 2 Emergency Coordinator Zak Cohen-N6PK described Tim as a good friend and regular dinner companion who was knowledgeable and helpful in his role as an Assistant Emergency Coordinator. Tim is remembered by Norm Campbell-AB6ET as a friend, mentor, and “all around good guy” both in person and on the air. James Smith-KK6YAM recalled, “Tim was the first person I met when I joined the club. He saw I was new and came over and welcomed me.” Wendy Joffe-WB6ADC, who attended the ham radio classes he taught remembered Tim’s “kind smile and the twinkle in his eyes when he’d share a joke.” 

Memorial plans have not been announced. Tim’s family has created a tribute page on the Michael J. Fox Foundation website. Contributions in honor of Tim to the foundation’s Parkinson’s research would be welcome.

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors proclaimed June 2023 as Amateur Radio Month in Ventura County. The June 20^th presentation was held in the supervisors’ hearing room in the Hall of Administration at the County Government Center in Ventura. The event was well attended by ACS volunteers, ham radio club members and other amateurs from throughout the county.

The agreement emphasizes the importance of skilled Amateur Radio Operators in times of crisis and the role of ARES leadership within the emergency communications space. 

Continue reading “ARRL and FEMA Sign Agreement: Ham Radio is as Relevant as Ever (via arrl.org)”

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution June 7th proclaiming June 2022 “Amateur Radio Month” in honor of the more than 3,800 FCC licensed amateur radio operators residing in Ventura County. 

On Tuesday June 7, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors will present a proclamation honoring the county’s Amateur Radio volunteers at their regularly scheduled meeting at 9:30 A.M. in the board’s hearing room at the County Government Center in Ventura.

The proclamation will designate June as “Amateur Radio Month” in Ventura County.

All hams and clubs are welcome; this is the first such presentation recognizing our efforts since the COVID outbreak. If you can attend, please wear ACS uniforms or other apparel such as club shirts and call sign badges that will make a good impression to the supervisors and the TV audience.

At this time, it is not known if a mask will be required at the county complex; best to check ahead or bring one just to be on the safe side. This event is also an opportunity to build public awareness about Field Day activities in the county.

Thank you & 73

Jeff Reinhardt AA6JR

ARRL Public Information Coordinator

Santa Barbara Section

Bruce Schubert-KM6ZJK has passed away. He had been battling cancer for some time  His intellect and kindness will be missed.

He was an ARES member in Ventura and had great technical skills. A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, April 19th at Coastline Bible Church, 426 S. Mills Road, in Ventura. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Ventura County Library READ Adult Literacy Program.

Continue reading “KM6ZJK (Bruce Schubert) SK”

What will California look like after June 15th?

California has reopened its economy with businesses resuming normal operations (with limited exceptions for mega-events). The new Health Order, effective June 15, replaced previous health orders issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Click Beyond the Blueprint to learn more.

Key Points to Beyond the Blueprint

• The Tiers, guidance documents, and prevention plans are no longer in effect. Most businesses can resume normal operations (how they conduct business with their customers.)
• There are no limitations on capacity or physical distancing of attendees, customers, or guests.
• Businesses with employees must continue to follow the Cal/OSHA Covid-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). This includes mask-wearing and other preventive measures. Click to read the ETS.
• Mega Events are characterized by large crowds greater than 5,000 (indoors) and 10,000 (outdoors) attendees. These events must still follow limited guidance and prevention guidance.

We are saddened to report that ACS member and CVARC President Brett Price-KM6VFW passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 9, 2021.  Brett just celebrated his 71st birthday on May 2nd.

He is survived by two sons, Andrew and Kevin and a fiancee, Shirlee Huffman. There will be a small family service in the future in the Lake Tahoe area where Brett had requested his ashes be scattered, near those of his father.

Brett spent four decades working as an attorney. He has represented governmental entities, public and private companies, and individuals in the areas of property tax law and civil litigation, commercial and business law, oil and gas law, energy resource law, construction law, real estate and bankruptcy matters.

Brett was in his second term as CVARC President.  His commitment to ACS and efforts in advancing amateur radio will be greatly missed.

A 45-year-old hiker who was reported missing after he texted a friend that he was lost in Angeles National Forest has been found. VC ARES member and satellite mapping enthusiast Ben Kuo-AI6YR, working from a cell phone photograph, helped authorities pinpoint the hiker’s location. View this interesting Twitter thread in which Ben explains how he was able to geolocate the hiker using only the general area and the grainy photograph on the left. Ben’s efforts resulted in nationwide attention from the New York Times to Good Morning America.