KBBF RadioLand By Serena Makofsky - May 2019

By Serena Makofsky

It’s with a heavy heart that KBBF announces the passing of Jose Israel Arreguin. With roots in activist movements at Sonoma State University, Arreguin went on to help form KBBF 89.1 as a bilingual community radio station. KBBF staff members remember him as a wonderful person who made history for this station. Descansa en paz.

Dia del Niño

Voces Mexicanas, Cali Calmecac drama students, comedian Luis Vazquez, and Ballet Folkórico Sarita performed at KBBF’s Dia del Nino celebration in April. The station sponsors gatherings and celebrations nearly every month at its headquarters, 1700 Corby Avenue, in Santa Rosa. Keep current with KBBF events by consulting the station’s Facebook page: KBBF 89.1 FM –kbbf.org.

En Frecuencia

In 1974, KBBF began publishing a newsletter filled with bilingual news as well as program notes from the station. Now, thanks to the work of Kiersten Elzy-Loving and journalist and consultant Jeremy Hay, En Frecuencia is being published again. According to Hay, “It was launched in March and will deliver news and information about KBBF every month.” Listeners can get on the mailing list by writing info@kbbf-fm.org.

The newsletter is part of a larger project being overseen by Elzy-Loving and Hay. They have been working with KBBF board members and staff to update its strategic plan. Hay adds, “KBBF just completed its first membership drive in two years...so far, more than 70 people have become enthusiastic new members, and more are joining every week!”

Community Radio Making a Difference

During and after the fires that ravaged Sonoma County, KBBF was instrumental in providing bilingual reporting that kept people safe and linked them with resources and shelter. This past February, KBBF again provided essential outreach during the floods. Over the course of three weeks, Friday’s night’s Informe KBBF public affairs program aired current news in Spanish and English about the flooding, its impact on residents, and the recovery efforts. Guests on the show included Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, Guerneville School Superintendent Dana Pedersen, and Marco Suarez of the Sonoma County Economic Development Board. KBBF Director of Programming Edgar Avila also interviewed Roberto Barrios, an anthropology professor at Southern Illinois University, who talked about equity in disaster recovery.

Support KBBF

Join the many people who support KBBF’s great work in the community. Visit the KBBF.org website and choose a monthly donation or a one-time gift. GRACIAS!