Dave Padilla
The magic of radio for me began, oddly enough, when I watched television sports broadcasts as a youngster growing up in Crockett, a blue collar town in Contra Costa County. I would mimic the voices and cadences of broadcasters, pretending thousands of people were listening to my voice announcing the names of famous sports figures.
My big break in Bay Area radio came in 1977 when I became a news intern at, what was then rhythm and blues or R&B station, KSOL-FM in San Mateo. The station had a small, but functioning news department. Program director “Hard Punching’” Herman Henry ,a former boxer , gave me the opportunity I had dreamed of. I’ll always be grateful to him for giving the Chicano kid from Crockett, a shot in one of the most competitive radio markets around.
I have been very fortunate. I struck gold twice in my radio broadcasting career. The second time came in August of 1990 when I was hired at one of the most prestigious radio news stations in Northern California–KCBS-AM in San Francisco. I am currently the Contra Costa County Bureau chief and weekend morning anchor. I have covered stories of triumph and tragedy. I have met many wonderful people whose inspiring stories continue to reverberate to this day with valuable life lessons about character, dignity and sensibility.
I love the Bay Area! It’s a culturally diverse region with artists, writers and musicians who are some of the best in the world. When it comes to music, the Bay Area cannot be beat. I love jazz. My favorite jazz club is Yoshi’s in Oakland. I’ve seen some of the greats there, Arturo Sandoval, Charles Lloyd, Milt Jackson, Billy Higgins and so many more. I’m usually the guy sitting in the front row.
Yes, the Bay Area is my home. I’ve never lived anywhere else. I think this has given me a greater appreciation for the people and the events I cover for KCBS. I have a sense of history about this region and I know how important it is to all of us who live here. This is a special place and you, the listener, are even more special. Thank you for listening to All News 740, KCBS. You’re the Best! Dave Padilla…
KCBS Cover Story: Saving Historic Beacon On Mount Diablo
A fundraising effort is underway to save a historic, 85-year-old beacon on the summit of Mount Diablo as a tribute to those who served at Pearl Harbor.
Sonoma County Working On Greener Energy Alternative For Residents
Sonoma County residents will soon have the option for greener electricity, but officials said the program wouldn’t completely replace PG&E.
Search On For New Superintendent At Mt. Diablo School District
The largest school district in Contra Costa County is searching for some new leadership, after the firing of Superintendent Steven Lawrence and General Counsel Greg Rolen last week.
Pensions ‘Elephant In The Room’ As CoCo County Eyes New Budget
Contra Costa supervisors are expected to adopt a new county budget next month and the county administrator is optimistic about it despite rising-pension costs.
Contra Costa Fire Protection District May Close Two More Stations
After the closure of four stations so far this year, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District may close two additional stations citing a lack of revenue.
Richmond Police Create Anti-Crime Program To End Youth Violence
This comes after two teens were gunned down last week.
Chevron Report Details Failures That Led To Richmond Refinery Fire
Corrosion that damaged a steel pipe led to a disastrous fire at Chevron’s Richmond refinery last August, oil company officials confirmed in a report released Friday.
Construction Underway On Interstate 680 Widening Project In San Ramon
The project will create auxiliary lanes on the roadway between San Ramon and Danville.
Contra Costa County Supervisors Zap Use Of E-Cigarettes
Contra Costa County Supervisors took steps Tuesday in Martinez to short-circuit the use of e-cigarettes in places where smoking is prohibited.
Top Commanders To Play Key Role In New Oakland Police Strategy
Following reports that the Oakland Police Department will divide patrolling the city into five districts from the previous two, Chief Howard Jordan announced police commanders will be more accountable as part of a new community policing strategy.
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