Welcome
Welcome to the home of the Clairemont Repeater Association.
CLARA is a non-profit service organization serving most of the Southern California Amateur Radio area. Visitors are welcome to use our repeater systems for short QSOs as long as they practice courteous and considerate operating procedures. Join us if you are looking for a great repeater group, want to expand your Amateur Radio experiences, and would like to make some friends along the way. Learn more.
IMPORTANT:
CLARA has a new PayPal address. See the Membership page for details.
The STEM Net will be cancelled on November 27th. Happy Thanksgiving!
Upcoming Events:
December 13: repeater will be used for communications for the Chino Hills 50K race
December 20: CLARA tailgate party
January 17: CLARA breakfast meeting
News
CLARA in the News
November 15, 2025
From member Todd, KI6RBW, here's an article on why amateur radio still matters. He uses the CLARA repeater association as an example of how ham radio connects people. The Art of Connection: Why Ham Radio Still MattersChino Hills Race Delayed Until December
November 13, 2025
Due to rain, the Chino Hills 50k Race has been delayed until December 13th. Several CLARA members are volunteering at race checkpoints to help with radio communications. If you are interested in joining us, we'd love to have you -- please join the Info Net on Tuesday evening at 7pm, or mention it on the radio and we'll connect you with the right people.
November Breakfast
November 8, 2025
The November CLARA breakfast was held on the 8th at Denny's in Tustin.
Congratulations to the lucky raffle winners!
New Associate
November 3, 2025
CLARA extends a warm welcome to new associate Michael, KO6HGU!
Tram Scramble at Mount San Jacinto
November 1, 2025
On Saturday, November 1st, CLARA members and friends hiked Mount San Jacinto from the top of the Palm Springs Tram. The weather was beautiful and it was a great day.
Thanks to Eric, K6EDK, and Jade, K6JDJ, for organizing this adventure. For news on future hikes or adventures, join the Adventure QSO on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm, or check The Unoffical 145.220 Repeater Group on facebook. Photo credit goes to Craig, KI6WLP, and Darcy, WI6ORG.
October Tailgate Party
October 18, 2025
The October tailgate party in the Inland Empire was very well attended and lots of fun, with some new faces, extended families, dogs, and a camping gear demonstration.
Limestone Canyon Hike
October 4, 2025
On Saturday, October 4th, CLARA members and friends hiked Limestone Canyon to The Sinks, followed by lunch at Cook's Corner.
Thanks to Jade, K6JDJ, for organizing this adventure. For news on future hikes or adventures, join the Adventure QSO on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm, or check The Unoffical 145.220 Repeater Group on facebook.
September Breakfast
September 20, 2025
Here are highlights from the bi-monthly CLARA breakfast on Saturday September 20.
- CLARA members voted to move the November breakfast meeting to November 8th because several members are volunteering to help with radio communications at the Chino Hills 30k/50k Trail Run on November 15th. (If you are interested in volunteering, please contact a board member or join the CLARA Information Net on Tuesdays at 7pm.)
- SCE has restored power to Saddleback Mountain so the repeaters are no longer running on generators, and the occasional interference issue on the repeater was solved by adding an attenuator. Many thanks to the tech team for keeping us on the air.
- If you are interested in hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, or other outdoor adventures, please join the Adventure QSO on Wednesdays at 7:30pm, usually hosted by Brian, AG6UH. Also, check The Unofficial 145.220 Repeater Group on Facebook for news about upcoming hikes.
- The next tailgate party will be on October 18th at The Crossings in Corona.
- As in previous years, CLARA will be collecting donations for Toys for Tots for Christmas. If you'd like to contribute, please bring unwrapped toys to the Tailgate party on October 18th or the breakfast on November 8th.
- Congratulations to the lucky raffle winners, including Kevin, AJ6EE, who won the 50/50 cash prize. Also, check out the photo of Kevin's Quantum SDR (Software Defined Radio) which he showcased at the meeting.
August Tailgate Party
August 16, 2025
The August tailgate party was small but fun!
Volunteer Opportunity
August 15, 2025
If you are interested in helping with radio communication at the Chino Hills 30K/50K Trail Run on November 15, please contact a member of the board, or join the CLARA Information Net on Tuesdays at 7pm. In the past, CLARA members have supported the trail run, and it's a great opportunity to spend the day in beautiful Chino Hills State Park. This is an all-day event.
Mt. San Bernardino Hike
August 2, 2025
CLARA members and friends hiked Mount San Bernardino on Saturday, August 2nd. It was a tough hike but the views were amazing. Check The Unoffical 145.220 Repeater Group on facebook for news about future hikes.
Photo credit goes to Jade, K6JDJ and Darcy, WI6ORG.
CLARA friends in Idyllwild
July 2025
CLARA members Jade, K6JDJ, and Eric, K6EDK, met Chris, AK6BL, at his winery in Idyllwild. If you're in the area, stop in and meet Chris.
Photo credit goes to Jade, K6JDJ.
July Breakfast
July 19, 2025
The bi-monthly CLARA breakfast on Saturday July 19 had a good turnout. Congratulations to the lucky raffle winners; some goodies from Harbor Freight went to Ruben, KN6ZJM; Mike, N6QG; and Steve, K6ITR. Rick, WA6FB, won a $150 gift certificate to Ham Radio Outlet.
New Associates
July 18, 2025
CLARA extends a warm welcome to the following new Associates!
- Denny, KN6DKQ
- John, K6JBM
- Michael, KF6RES
Field Day 2025
June 28, 2025
For ARRL Field Day this year, CLARA members and friends set up their gear at Borrego Park in Lake Forest, where they made contacts using the club call sign, N6CRA. The longest commute award goes to Richard, K6RDJ, who was in town from Missouri.
Photo credit goes to Dave, W6DLR, and Darcy, WI6ORG.
June Tailgate Party
JUne 21, 2025
It was a beautiful warm evening at the June Tailgate Party in Tustin on Saturday, June 21st.
Photo credit goes to Vaughn, KE6V.
Ham Scramble 2025
May 24, 2025
Once again, it was a beautiful day on the mountain! CLARA members, friends, and family met for the annual Ham Scramble on the Saturday before Memorial Day. This year we hiked the Three T's trail, from the Notch to Thunder Mountain and Telegraph Peak, and then enjoyed lunch at the Notch.
Photo credit goes to Jade, K6JDJ; Craig, KI6WLP; Joe, KM6RPA; and Darcy, WI6ORG.
May Breakfast
May 17, 2025
Here are highlights from the May 17th CLARA breakfast:
- The annual election was held. Congratulations to the new and re-elected board members:
- President - Dale, WE6ER
- First Vice President - Eric, K6EDK
- Second Vice President - George, KM6AFI
- Secretary - Dave, W6DLR
- Treasurer - Jeff, N6JSV
- First Member at Large - Brian, AG6UH
- Second Member at Large - Vaughn, KE6V
- Third Member at Large - Todd, KI6RBW
Steve, K6ITR, continues as the CLARA trustee. - Congratulations to the lucky raffle winners: Some goodies from Harbor Freight went to Dave, W6DLR; Mike, N6QG; Brian, AG6UH; Todd, KI6RBW; and Jeff, KO6BUV. Jeff, K06BUV, also won the grand prize, a $150 gift certificate to Ham Radio Outlet.
- Don't forget! Join CLARA members and friends for the annual Ham Scramble at Mount Baldy on this coming Saturday, May 24th. Meet at the bottom of the chairlift around 7:30am if you plan to hike, or join us later for lunch at The Notch (the restaurant at the top of the lift). Everyone is welcome!
New Associates
May 12, 2025
We extend a warm welcome to the following new Associates!
- Chris, AK6BL
- Thomas, KG6TSZ
April Tailgate Party
April 19, 2025
The April Tailgate Party in Corona on Saturday, April 19th was well attended, with twenty-three and a half people, perfect weather, and delicious treats to share.
New Associates
March 18, 2025
We extend a warm welcome to the following new Associates!
- Steve, K6TOE
- Fred, KD6DKH
- Carolyn, KF5IWI
- John, KF5DRO
March Breakfast
March 15, 2025
The March CLARA breakfast was held on the 15th at Denny's in Tustin.
Here is news about upcoming CLARA events:
- The next tailgate party will be on April 19th at The Crossings in Corona.
- Get ready for the annual Ham Scramble at Mount Baldy on May 24th. Although the Devil's Backbone trail is closed this year due to the recent fire, Eric, K6EDK, has identified an altnerative route. Hike a lot, hike a little, or just hang out at The Notch. Everyone is welcome!
- CLARA will participate in ARRL Field Day on June 28th at Borrego Park in Lake Forest. The park will be open from dawn to dusk. Feel free to bring your gear and anything else you need, or just stop by for a visit.
Congratulations to the lucky raffle winners:
- Jeff, KO6BUV, won a mug.
- Cheryl won a T-shirt.
- Kevin, AJ6EE, won the grand prize, a gift certificate to HRO.
If you want to order a CLARA T-shirt, as shown below, please contact Dale at we6er@arrl.net. The cost will be between $18-22, depending on the number of shirts ordered. Payment will be due after the shirts arrive. Thanks to Todd, KI6RBW, for the logo design.
Chino Hills Hike
March 1, 2025
CLARA members and friends had a great time hiking at Chino Hills State Park on Saturday, March 1st. We did an approximately 7-mile loop starting from the Rim Crest trailhead. Thanks to Eric, K6EDK, for organizing this event.
For information on future hikes, watch The Unofficial 145.220 Repeater Group on Facebook.
Photo credit goes to Eric, K6EDK.
CLARA Repeaters back online
February 22, 2025
Shortly after the last update on February 21st, the CLARA repeaters came back online. We thank Southern California Edison for all their work to restore power to Santiago Peak and maintain the generators. Thank you also to CLARA members for your patience and support.
Update on CLARA Repeaters
February 21, 2025
Here is a follow-up message from CLARA Trustee Steve, K6ITR, on February 20th after speaking with a representative of Southern California Edison:
As you may know, the power at the repeater site has been provided by backup generators supplied by Edison since last fall after the Airport Fire damaged the power poles and lines. These generators need frequent refueling to continue operating, and they have been operating almost non-stop since they were put in place. Due to the heavy rains last week, the roads leading to the peak were washed out in places, so Edison has been unable to transport fuel to the site. Last Saturday night, the generators ran out of fuel. Once the roads are repaired, Edison will be able to transport fuel. There is no published time line for this, but it is a priority due to the large amount of equipment on Santiago Peak. Additionally, Edison is in the process of replacing damaged power poles with new steel poles, as well as the power lines. Because of the fires last month, Edison crews have been working in the burn areas across California. Work on the Santiago Peak power poles is set to resume this month.
CLARA truly appreciates the efforts of Southern California Edison as they work to restore power, especially to those most in need of it, as well as all of those involved with recovering from these fires. We appreciate your patience. Thank you for supporting CLARA.
CLARA Repeaters Down
February 16, 2025
Here is a message from CLARA Trustee Steve, K6ITR, on February 16th:
Last night, the CLARA repeaters on Santiago Peak went off line. As of this morning, 2/16, they are still down. We suspect it is because of a power outage on Santiago Peak, as Edison is still running the equipment on Santiago Peak with backup generators while they repair and replace power lines and poles that were damaged during the Airport Fire last September. We don't have information at this time as to how long the outage will last. Once power is restored, the CLARA equipment should come back on line. Feel free to try QSOs on the repeaters (don't just kerchunk them), and if there are any updates, I will communicate via email. Thank you for your patience.
February Tailgate Party
February 15, 2025
CLARA members and friends gathered for the bi-monthly Tailgate Party on Saturday February 15th. It was a fun evening with good conversation, 20 meter radio contacts, delicious cookies, a cute puppy, and an impromptu World War II song and dance exhibit.
January Breakfast
January 18, 2025
Happy New Year! The first breakfast meeting of 2025 was held on Saturday, January 18th at Denny's in Tustin.
Thank you to Todd, KI6RBW, for donating four Midland weather radios for the raffle. Congratulations to the lucky radio winners: Mike, N6QG; Jeff, KO6BUV; Nathan; and Kevin, AJ6EE.
Congratulations again to Mike, N6QG, for winning the cash prize.
Photo credit goes to Vaughn, KE6V.
New Associates
December 30, 2024
We extend a warm welcome to the following new Associates!
- Dan, NC6O
- Jeffrey, KN6VFA
December Tailgate Party
December 21, 2024
CLARA members and friends had a fun and festive gathering at the Tailgate Party on Saturday December 21st. We saw some old friends and some new faces, and enjoyed four different kinds of chili with all the fixings and a big assortment of cookies for dessert. Merry Christmas to all!
