PRESS RELEASE: COMMUNITY RADIO KNSJ 89.1 FM SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE WHEN WINTER STORM TOPPLED ITS RENTED TOWER

A KNSJ fundraising campaign has been created. Click Here to Donate.

February 27, 2026

Our volunteers have confirmed that the American Tower Company’s tower on Monument Peak at 6,200 ft. elevation collapsed in the February winter storm due to severe ice accumulation and wind. The tower where KNSJ rented space since beginning broadcasting on July 4th, 2013, is now a crumpled pile of steel and cabling. The tower also hosted two cell phone transfer stations, for AT&T and T-Mobile, as well as several other smaller clients. KNSJ was the only broadcast station on the tower. KNSJ is still streaming online, but restoring our broadcast signal will require urgent funding for engineering, equipment, and a possible new site.

DEVASTATING EXPENSE

There is no way yet to assess the total losses KNSJ will sustain from this catastrophic collapse, which happened through no fault of our own. For the last six years, our antenna has been brutalized by falling ice from the new installations above us, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage and time off the air. We had developed a strategy to overcome this problem when tragedy struck.

PROGNOSIS: BIG EXPENSES AHEAD

It initially cost KNSJ supporters and donors upwards of $50,000 (in 2013 dollars) in labor and equipment to establish ourselves at this location. The station was built without any outside funding from grants or foundations. Since 2013, hundreds of hours of labor have been spent maintaining and improving our installation with the most recent engineering provided by KNSJ’s chief engineer, Tony McDaid, and regular consulting services by Chris Durso. Chris Durso, a radio engineer formerly with KPBS, speculates that rebuilding the tower will take more than one year, adding “if ever,” suggesting that the American Tower Company may not rebuild.

A VERY DIFFICULT CHALLENGE

This bleak assessment means that KNSJ could be off the air for one year, which could exceed the legally permitted time the FCC allows for a full-power radio station to be silent. We have already begun seeking an alternative site; even if that move is temporary, it will be costly. Monument Peak was the ideal place for our antenna when we first applied with the FCC for the station because it had a line of sight to the Pacific Ocean as the highest peak in southern San Diego County and has provided a signal all the way down to the shore and downtown San Diego, and reached from Tijuana up the coast to Highway 52 to the north.

INDEPENDENT MEDIA IS CRITICAL

The destruction of our broadcasting capability comes at a most unfortunate juncture. After receiving a generous seed money grant from the Prebys Foundation to support independent media and journalism, KNSJ was in the process of dramatically expanding its vision and role in San Diego and the Imperial Valley. KNSJ’s Steering Committee, as well as its parent license holder, Activist San Diego, firmly believe that independent media will play a crucial role in defending democracy and freedom of speech in these troubled times. KNSJ has been reaching out to other independent and non-profit media outlets to initiate collaborations and a future consortium to share resources, believing that we can all be stronger, and more sustainable working together.

KNSJ PHONE APP COMING SOON!

KNSJ was already planning to increase its online presence through a phone app (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enabled) that will give listeners not only easy access to programming from anywhere in the world, but also an opportunity to communicate with station management. This phone app is expected to go live in the next 60-90 days and will provide 24/7 news and public affairs on one channel and 24/7 locally curated music on another. To sign up to be notified when the app is available for download, please visit: https://news.knsj.org/sign-up-to-be-notified/

JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN TO REBUILD!

A monumental fundraising campaign has already been created, with the intent to rebuild the broadcasting side of KNSJ and build out two smaller FM stations in the Imperial Valley. The tower may have collapsed, but certainly not the will and determination of our KNSJ producers, listeners, and supporters who depend on the free flow of information to guide their civic engagement. To contribute any amount and share with family and friends, please visit us HERE.

Donations can also be made via check made payable to: Activist San Diego (a registered non-profit), PO Box 5631, San Diego, CA 92165. Add KNSJ to the checks memo line.

Martin Eder 619-871-9354 Martin@KNSJ.org

Marie Johnson 619-283-1100 marie@KNSJ.org

THE ELECTRIC PICNIC with Susan Taylor Sa 7pm,M 8am, W 3pm

Guest Poets Paola Hornbuckle, Phillia, James Coats

POEMS ABOUT PALESTINE

A thoughtful in-depth conversation about poetry, inspirations, observation of life around us, compassion, war and more.

http://www.healpalestine.org

PROGRAM:

Poetry

“Vulnerable”, “Gatekeepers” written and
performed by Arwen Jamison. (Fri,Sat,Sun)
“Joan of Arc”, “Throwing a Ball to My Dog” written
and performed by Susan Allen. (Sat,Sun)

Anti-War Poetry Skit

“We Deserve a Better Death” by Mosab Abu Toha
performed by Andrea Nasset
“Enough for Me” by Fadwa Tuqan, performed by
Andrea Nasset.
“We Suck and Other Thoughts About War” written
and performed by Paola Hornbuckle.
“If I Must Die” by Refaat Alareer, performed by
Andrea Nasset.
“Not Poetic” by Ayling Zulema Dominguez
(@maizymachetepoeta), performed by Kimberly
Sellers.
“The Only Thing That Matters”, “2+2” written and
performed by Phillia Downing.

Moon Child
18 th Century Gypsy Love Story
Written and directed by Paola Hornbuckle
Song “Hijo de La Luna” by Mecano

Adria……………………………………..Kimberly Sellers
Ghost…………………………………….Paola Hornbuckle
Theo………………………………………Angel Mangual

W.C., Tennesee, The Blues, & Me
By Levi Frazier Jr, directed by Rhys Greene

Robert Johnson………………………Rhys Greene
Shugga………………………….Portia Gregory-Burnette
Conductor………………………………Kimberly Sellers
Diva Blues………………………………Paola Hornbuckle

All proceeds go to HEAL Palestine
www.healpalestine.org

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact: Paola Hornbuckle
Producer, Director, Playwright Actor
Paola.hornbuckle7@gmail.com
619 227-4883
www.communityactorstheatre.com
San Diego, CA, Feb, 26, 2026 –
Community Actor’s Theatre presents:
Poetica Theatre Festival
Celebrating Resilience of the Spirit
Blending poetry and theatre, featuring a lineup of local San Diego poets, an anti-war poetry skit including poems by three Palestinian poets, and two staged reading of the short plays: “Moon Child” by Paola Hornbuckle and “W.C., Tennessee, The Blues & Me” a musical by Levi Frazier Jr.
Poetica Theatre Festival runs from Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 at 8 p.m, to Sunday, March 22 at 3 p.m at Community Actors Theatre. “We created this festival to provide a platform for poets and actors to collaborate, come together and inspire.” says Paola Hornbuckle, producer, of Poetica Theatre Festival, “We are focusing on bringing together seasoned professionals, like director Rhys Greene, and emerging artists ensuing a dynamic experience for the audience.” Festival Highlights include: San Diego Poets: Arwen Jamison, Susan Allen, Phillia Downing, Paola Hornbuckle.
“Moon Child” a short play of gypsy folklore about unrequited love. Written and directed by Paola Hornbuckle. “W.C., Tennessee, The Blues & Me” a short musical play, by Levi Frazier Jr and directed by Rhys Greene, that highlights the major experiences that impacted three very different Mississippi Delta bluesmen: W.C. Handy, Robert Johnson, & Tennesee Williams, a blues brother from another mother called “Theatre.” Incorporating a travelling train motif, the musical not only touches on the times and people that affected these geniuses and their music, but it also illuminates the very significant places where these three great bluesmen created, played and lived. Clarksdale, Memphis, and St. Louis. The show is educational and entertaining and incorporates audience participation. There will be an opportunity to talk with poets and playwrights after the show, and buy poetry books from local poets. All proceeds will go to victims of war.
Friday and Saturday, March 20 & 21 at 8 pm, Sunday, March 22 at 3 p.m.
Community Actors Theatre, 2957 54 th Street, San Diego, CA 92105. Tickets: $15

TALK OF THE TOWN with Mike Aguirre Sat 11am

LIVE–CALL IN WITH QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS AT 619-790-KNSJ (5675)

NEW REVENUE STREAMS FOR SAN DIEGO WITH
GUESTS KATHERYN RHODES AND MANDY HAVLIK

Dealing With Budget Deficits. An in-depth discussion about a proposed ballot measure on revenue, loopholes, out-of-state companies doing business in San Diego and more.

With Don Kimball Wed 7pm, Sat 2pm

Don talks to VFP member Nick Mottern from Stop Killer Drones and Leila Zand PhD an Iranian native and expert on International Affairs. They’ll discuss the pitfalls of US policy towards Iran, and the potential for a wider conflict

DEMOCRACY NOW! with Amy Goodman M-F 7-8am and 6-7pm

Speeding Up the “Kill Chain”: Pentagon Bombs Thousands of Targets in Iran Using Palantir AI

Trump’s Counterterrorism Chief Resigns over Iran War, Criticizes “Pressure from Israel”

“Warmongers Come for the Media”: Trump Threatens Media with “Treason” Charges over Iran War Coverage

Israel Says It Has Assassinated Iran’s Security Chief, Ali Larijani, Known for Negotiating with the West

THE WOMEN’S RADIO HOUR with Patricia Law Wed 5pm, Sat noon, Sun 6pm

Building Authentic Community with guest Sparkle

Patricia and Sparkle are in conversation about our own authenticity, connecting with our inner self and with others, speaking from the heart, and more

Charley Lapomardo, who performs as Sparkle, is a dynamic Speaker and Vocalist known for their magnetic stage presence, effervescent energy, and soulful expression.

Classically trained from the age of 5, Sparkle has performed solo and ensemble pieces in genres including musical theater, a cappella harmony/barbershop, rock, and pop.

Charley holds a BBA in Marketing, Theater, and Media Literacy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Today, Sparkle is based in San Diego, CA where they perform, speak, and facilitate events and workshops. They sing with the San Diego Women’s Chorus, Encore Vocal Ensemble, and Sonic Bloom Quartet.

Charley’s mission is to co-create a joyful world where all beings may be happy and free to sparkle

https://www.oursparkleworks.com/

CIVIC CIPHER Wed 4pm

Guest RAVEN SCHWAM-CURTIS

Curtis Discusses the Political Intersection of Black and Jewish Americans Under Trump. Today’s special guest is Raven Schwam-Curtis, the Black and Jewish content creator, advocate, and speaker who creates content on social media under the name @RavenReveals.

THE ELECTRIC PICNIC with Susan Taylor Wed 3pm, Sat 7pm Mon 8am

POET LYNNE HOLYOKE

Lynne Holyoke is a San Diego–based writer, visual artist, singer, and independent researcher whose work blends poetry, music, memoir, and family history. Drawing on a life rich with artistic exploration and personal storytelling, she creates poems and songs that reflect memory, resilience, humor, and the search for meaning.

Holyoke is currently developing a series of illustrated books that weave together her poetry, music, and visual art with stories from her family’s deep American roots. When not writing or performing, she continues to explore genealogy, painting, and songwriting, allowing each discipline to inform the others. Her poetry readings often carry the spirit of spoken storytelling—intimate, reflective, and occasionally mischievous.

TALK OF THE TOWN with Mike and Arthur Aguirre Wed 1pm, Fri 3pm, Sat 11am

Replay of THE STATE OF JOURNALISM with InvestIgative Journalist JEFF McDONALD

Jeff McDonald is a watchdog and accountability journalist at The San Diego Union-Tribune. He has been an irritant to elected officials across San Diego County since he arrived at the newspaper in 1998, although readers appear to appreciate his interest in local doings. In past years, he has drawn attention to a variety of issues, from exposing a major theft ring inside the San Diego Food Bank and lax oversight in San Diego area assisted-living homes to recurring deaths in San Diego County jails and a exposing a back-room deal between electric utility executives and California regulators that resulted in an million rebate to consumers.

THE ELECTRIC PICNIC with Susan Taylor

Author AUDREY STEIDL

Sat 7pm, M 8am, W 3pm

Audrey returns to The Electric Picnic to talk about her latest book To Die For. Audrey reads passages from her book and she and Susan talk about the characters, back stories as well as a conversation about writing, research, inspirations, tips for writers and more.

audreysteidl.com

TALK OF THE TOWN with Mike Aguirre LIVE Sat 11am-noon

SOMALI–A CONVERSATION with SHUGRI SALH

Call in with quetions or comments 619-790-KNSJ (5675)

Shugri Salh was born in the desert of Somalia and spent her early years living as a nomad. In 1992 she emigrated to North America, later attending Pacific Union College, where she graduated with honors in nursing.

She is the author of the acclaimed memoir The Last Nomad (Algonquin Books, 2021), published by one of the most respected literary houses in the United States. She also appeared as a supporting actor in Apple TV+’s Little America, in the episode focusing on a Somali immigrant community.

Although this is her first book, Shugri has been storytelling since she could talk. From her grandmother and the nomadic community in which she was raised, she heard stories and learned of their power to entertain, teach, and transform. She also collects recorded Somali stories and translates them into English to help preserve them for future generations. Alongside her writing and public speaking, she works as an infusion and cardiology nurse in San Diego, where she lives with her family.

________Awards & Recognition

Her memoir The Last Nomad has earned wide acclaim and multiple honors, including:

• Finalist – 2022 Dayton Literary Peace Prize

• Winner – 2022 Gold Nautilus Award, Multicultural & Indigenous Category

• Finalist – CALIBA/Golden Poppy Award, Martin Cruz Smith Diversity Category

• Finalist – Northern California Book Award (NCBA), Creative Nonfiction

• Apple Best Book of the Month – August 2021

• Amazon Best Book of the Month and Amazon Pick of the Month, Biographies & Memoirs – August 2021

Library Journal also strongly recommended The Last Nomad for all libraries, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.

Shugri has additionally appeared on NPR, KQED, and BBC News, where she shared her powerful story and insights from her life as a nomad and refugee.

Children’s Book

Shugri’s debut children’s book, Suban’s First Day, has already been released and reflects her deep commitment to sharing cultural narratives with younger generations.