KBCZ, Boulder Creek’s homegrown radio station, continues to amaze by offering eclectic programming and an intimate glimpse into small-town life.
Broadcasting at 90.1 FM, the station got its start in 2013 when the Federal Communications Commission made available non-commercial, low-power licenses. KBCZ beams at 100 watts.
“We said, ‘We’d like to have a radio station,’ not knowing what that meant,” said station manager Tina Davey, remembering when the Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District first purchased the license.
Led by director Hallie Greene and board member George Galt, the Boulder
Creek Recreation Center drove the project through a series of community meetings.
“People think of the Rec Center as being just for kids,” said Green. “This has brought a whole new demographic.”
Green originally handed over the volunteer work of daily operations to interim director Tim Welch, and associate directors Davey (the station’s only paid employee at 10 hours a week) and Sam Peacock. Nitty-gritty technical work was taken on by Paul Nanna.
A relatively small investment – slightly more than $12,000 including paid legal and technical assistance – propelled the station into what can arguably be called a worldwide presence.
Global listeners from the Netherlands to United Kingdom can tune in at kbcz.org online, while locals from Ben Lomond to Boulder Creek can spin the dial to 90.1 FM for a variety of radio programming.
About 25 local DJs entertain listeners, touching a vast range of topics from the garden report and reggae music to heavy metal and Brookdale bluegrass.
“The radio station provides a unique recreational outlet for a portion of the residents that was previously underserved,” said Davey. He is currently in search of as many as 30 additional DJs to create programs on just about any subject, from cars and health to cooking and hobbies. Experience is nice, but the station will train those who have never had a radio show.
About 50 percent of the station’s shows are prerecorded, but that is slowly changing to live broadcasts. Current live shows include a live drive-time show 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Celtic music with Julie O, noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, and Metal from the Mountains 10-11 p.m. on Friday.
Though an actual listener count is not available, about 1,500 people have subscribed to the station’s Facebook page, where there is a link to live radio.
Davey said the FM reach will soon expand south to Felton, after their antenna is relocated from the Rec Center to a donated space near one of the San Lorenzo Valley Water District’s tanks.
Though the Rec Center continues to make donations, along with other businesses and residents, the station is barely meeting its operating expenses.
Davey said the station’s fund-raising goal is $10,000 this year to help with equipment and software. Most of the money to run the station comes from fundraiser dances and summer outdoor movies.
The fourth annual all-ages spring fundraiser is scheduled from 7-10 p.m., Saturday, April 22. The dance will take place at the Bear Creek Country Club, 15685 Forest Hill Dr. in Boulder Creek.
All ages are welcome and donation is $10 adults and $5 for kids.
KBCZ DJs will be spinning 60s platters and there will be a silent auction. Beer and wine will be served. The theme for this year’s dance party will be: “Time Machine Dance Party, 1960s Edition.” 60s attire and costumes are encouraged.
“Flicks in the Sticks” Outdoor Movie Night, presented by KBCZ at Junction Park, begins again in June.
