Low-power community radio station KXFM (104.7 FM), serving the area of Laguna Beach and available over the air, on apps, and at kxfmradio.org, is launching a new series of programs designed to super-serve the beach area community.
In total, 30 new shows are planned beginning Sept. 16th, 27 of which are part of the brand-new Neighborhood Block Party, a special block of programming to air weekdays from noon to 4 p.m.
Station chairman and executive director Billy Fried described it as shows designed to appeal to “our fascinating and eclectic community,” and includes programs hosted by actors, architects, environmentalists, musicians, mountain bikers, real estate agents, and surfers, among many others. Topics will include pretty much anything and everything related to the hosts’ expertise and interests.
The station has even installed a backup generator in case of power interruption so that it can be a source of information for the area during emergencies. Fried explained that Laguna Beach is prone to emergency evacuations, and the station is now set up to continue broadcasting if and when internet and phone service are interrupted.
Program hosts will include IMAX filmmaker Greg MacGillivray, former professional surfers Ryah Arthur and Hans Hagen, artist Jorg Dubin, sports announcer Pat Parnell, musicians Beth and Steve Wood, pro mountain biker Richie Schley, and even former Laguna Mayor Paul Freeman (no relation to retired air personality Paul Freeman, who was heard on various local radio stations).
Music will continue as well, in most other parts of the day. You can find the new schedule once it launches at the station website, as it embraces a new slogan: “Tune in. Tune on … to Laguna’s Community Radio.”
Reactions
Thanks for your piece on earlier days of radio in SoCal. It was great and brought back so many memories. I thought you would like to hear of one of my favorite memories:
I am 81 now, but I am a product of the “Happy Days” during the ’50s and ’60s. It was during my high school years (1956-60) when my friends from Culver City would spend our entire summer vacations on Venice Beach. KFWB did live broadcasts on the sand, and Wolfman Jack was a DJ at the time, along with the others you mentioned in your story.
The thing I remember most was that at the start of summer, the station would hold a contest for those who could create the best KFWB suntan. We used masking tape, bandages and other methods to block the sun’s rays on that area while the rest of the body became sunburned and finally browned to a golden tone.
In the fall, just before school started, the blockades were removed and the winner was chosen for the record player prize and other goodies. There was absolutely no concern about skin cancer – it was pure teenage fun. — Les Goldberg
I might add that it did not seem to negatively affect you!
I really enjoyed reading your terrific radio column on radio station KRLA. I remember some of the things you wrote about this wonderful Top 40 radio station from Pasadena. I enjoyed all the different rock formats this station tried; my favorite period was when the station decided to go all oldies. I also remember the AOR format, and when it tried a mellow rock format similar to the one KNX-FM was doing at the time.
You brought back many wonderful memories. I hope that when KFWB and KHJ hit their milestones you will do a similar article on these two other Top 40 radio stations we had in the Los Angeles area. — Russell Cinque, Jr.
You can count on it. In fact, next year is the 60th birthday of Boss Radio on KHJ!
I won a transistor radio in a KRLA in the early ’60s … The contest was something to do with coming up with a jingle for a KRLA commercial. I can’t remember exactly but I think the Dave “TheHullabalooer” Hull mentioned my win on the air.
“KRLA was my favorite station in those years. — “Rgaone”
I had to ask: Did he still have that radio?
In the late ’60s, my sister took the radio to the beach. Tide came in while she was in the water. The radio got wet and never worked again. I kept it for a long time. Over the years, it has disappeared.
That is a shame!
I enjoyed your column on the history of KRLA. I was a fond listener from 1960 on. The early years were the best: home from school to listen to Jimmy O’Neill and after-dinner homework with Sam Riddle. I enjoyed Johnny Hayes countdown show at noon in the ’80s. It brought back a lot of memories. — John Powers
Thank you for the excellent article on KRLA. It was my go-to during my Santa Monica High School days in the ’60s. Can’t tell you how many memories you brought back. — Chris Frost
Richard Wagoner is a San Pedro freelance columnist covering radio in Southern California. Email rwagoner@socalradiowaves.com
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