EAST COUNTY MOVERS AND SHAKERS TURN OUT FOR PEOPLE’S BALL TO SUPPORT KNSJ RADIO

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Melody Ponchot and Miriam Raftery

January 22, 2013 (San Diego) – Community members , activists and political leaders from across East County were among hundreds in attendance at the People’s Ball Saturday night at the World Beat Center.  The event raised over $4,000 that will be matched by an anonymous donor, leaving just $5,000 left to raise for a transmitter to put KNSJ radio on the air in East County.

Prominent East County residents in attendance included Lemon Grove Councilman George Gastil, Boulevard Planning Group member Melody Ponchot, who rocked out on the dance floor, and Ben Kalasho, who narrowly missed winning his race for El Cajon Council.  Musicians, artists, and groups ranging from human rights advocates to Green Party members also turned out to support KNSJ, which will reach portions of San Diego in addition to a vast area in East County.

East County Magazine, which will broadcast an “East County Magazine Live” radio program weekly once the station is on the air, will also air daily news blurbs and live emergency alerts.  ECM filled two tables at the event and is currently seeking sponsors for the radio show and news broadcasts. East County Magazine Live will focus primarily on East County issues and will feature a wide variety of voices and viewpoints from our region. 

Martin Eder, chair of Activist San Diego, described the organization’s victory over huge odds to secure the last FM license to be issued by the Federal Communications Commission in San Diego County.  “But this is not Activist San Diego Radio. This is your radio,” he told the crowd. “This is community radio…this is people-powered radio.”

Musical entertainment was provided by Harpist Kelsea Rae Little, Troubador Jason Brock, TranscenDANCE Youth, &  the Full Strength Funk Band. Comics from Brew Ha Ha provided laughs for this light-hearted and upbeat celebration. 

Guests enjoyed dancing, a variety of ethnic foods dished up by the World Beat Center, as well as drawings for prizes, such s a winery tour and professional photography session

An anonymous donor has pledged to match up to $9,000 raised by January 31.  To donate to support KNSJ Radio, send checks payable to ASD to ASD, 4246 Wightman St, San Diego, CA 92105. 

To donate to help East County Magazine put a show on the air, click here:  http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/donate .  If you would like to sponsor our radio show or a specialty segment on the program, email editor@eastcountymagazine.org or call 619-698-7617.