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.
Our community has lost a pillar of strength and a source of steady guidance.
ZACHARY “Zak” COHEN, known on the air as N6PK, passed away on January 27, 2026, surrounded by family. His departure leaves a profound emptiness in the Amateur Radio world and in the hearts of all who knew him.
Zak, licensed since 1961 while in the Navy, was more than just a skilled operator; he was a builder of communities. Over the years, he dedicated countless hours to supporting local emergency communications efforts, mentoring new operators, strengthening nets, and helping maintain the continuity and resilience of our region’s volunteer services.
Whether working with CERT teams, ACS/ARES groups, training newcomers, or coordinating quiet but essential behind‑the‑scenes logistics, Zak brought dedication, patience, and reliability to everything he touched.
He had a natural gift for teaching. Many licensed operators today found their start — or their confidence — because Zak took the time to guide them, answer their questions, or simply encourage them to keep going. He mentored with kindness, never ego. When someone struggled, Zak didn’t step back; he stepped forward. He followed up. He checked in. He made sure people felt supported.
And in the moments that mattered most — emergencies, activations, or times of uncertainty — Zak was the person others looked to. Calm, steady, and clear‑minded, he embodied the spirit of service that Amateur Radio is built upon. His presence on the nets brought reassurance; his leadership brought stability.
Yet Zak’s contributions weren’t just technical — they were human. He was often the one who reached out to families when a community member became a Silent Key, ensuring that their service was honored with dignity. He offered encouragement when someone was discouraged, wisdom when someone was overwhelmed, and friendship when someone simply needed to feel seen.
For those of us who had the privilege of calling him a friend, the loss is especially deep. Zak was a confidant and a companion — someone who listened without judgment and spoke with sincerity. His absence leaves a vacuum not just in our clubs, nets, and organizations, but in our daily lives. Many of us are better Hams — and better people — because of him.
Godspeed, Zak. Thank you for every hour you gave, every student you mentored, every operator you supported, and every life you touched. Your signal may have gone quiet, but your legacy will continue to resonate — carried forward in the skills you taught, the systems you strengthened, and the countless people you inspired.
Click here view a collection of photos remembering Zak Cohen N6PK-SK.
Zak Cohen-N6PK flanked by Thousand Oaks Police Chief Jeremy Paris and Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff.
Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff and Thousand Oaks Police Chief Jeremy Paris honored Zak Cohen-N6PK, on Thursday, January 15, for his years of dedicated service supporting emergency communications in Ventura County.
Sheriff Fryhoff announced that the radio room at the East County Sheriff’s Station will be renamed the “Zak Cohen Emergency Communications Center.” As he presented Zak with a large plaque to be placed in the newly named center, Chief Paris said the honor was “really fitting” for all Zak has done for “the communications team and especially for all of us” at the sheriff’s station.
The presentation took place before a packed room just prior to the CVARC meeting. Several ranking Sheriff’s officers attended, along with members of the office team Zak worked with during his years with ACS, including his service as Area 2 Emergency Coordinator. Zak’s sons, Aaron and Sam, were also present.
In response to the honor, Zak said, “One thing that’s very important is that we help each other, that’s why I love doing emergency communications…if we help each other everyone wins. If we’re nice to each other, everyone wins double.”
The next ACS-ARES meeting will be held on Monday, January 5, 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.
Local hams demonstrated how amateur radio can serve the community during an emergency at the September 27, 2025 Emergency Preparedness Exp0 in Ventura.
The next ACS-ARES meeting will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, 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.
The ARRL Santa Barbara Section is composed of three counties, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, and Ventura County.
The purpose of this net is to allow clubs and emergency communication volunteer groups throughout our section to promote their activities, achieve better understanding of HF propagation as it affects our three counties and beyond, and promote fellowship within the larger amateur radio community.
The net will operate weekly at 8:00 PM (local) on Tuesdays beginning on August 12. The target frequency will be 3.987 MHz (LSB) plus or minus and may be relocated on the band (or bands) as experience dictates.
