Editor’s note: In last week’s newsletter we inadvertently provided outdated information on the opening date of tinyB chocolate in downtown San Mateo. Their opening is set for Dec. 2.
There are many different ways to experience a region’s culture — through its art, its people, its cool local newsletters (ahem). But one of the more unique avenues is free and as low-tech as turning a dial.
Listening to the radio has always been part of my life. It may be old school, but I love the serendipity of flipping through my saved stations and stumbling upon an old song I haven’t heard in ages or an artist I haven’t heard before who quickly becomes a new favorite. I’ve spent countless hours listening to Bay Area sports teams’ games on local airwaves and fans griping or celebrating on postgame shows. I was overjoyed last year when Live 105 returned after becoming a victim of reformatting in 2021. Can I listen to the same songs they play on my own? Sure, but grabbing my phone to cue up a playlist just isn’t the same.
On the Peninsula we have multiple noncommercial radio stations that also have loyal listeners. As defined by KFJC station supervisor Robert “Doc” Pelzel, noncommercial radio is “local, community homebrew, as opposed to the high-powered, high-budget commercial stations.”
These stations broadcast everything from local news to local bands and niche programming like KKUP’s “There’s No Biz Like Show Biz,” which focuses on soundtracks, show tunes and TV show themes. And they help foster community by keeping listeners informed and engaged, connecting them with resources along with news, sports and music. Check out Karla Kane’s feature on eight local stations and give them a listen.
Stay tuned,
Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com
All ears: Tune in to these 8 noncommercial Peninsula radio stations
From jazz to news to noise, there’s something for everyone on Silicon Valley’s airwaves.
‘It’s about time’: A Bay Area restaurateur steps away from her prominent ramen chain as a new sushi spot opens under its name
After a 14-year reign as a top ramen spot in the Bay Area, Orenchi Ramen is down to one location – and its founder has stepped away from the brand entirely.
Spiritual shelter: Stanford exhibition explores hauntings, inheritance and the deep power of art
Thirty-three contemporary artists of Asian descent take part in a group show that looks at the afterlife, death and legacies and more at Stanford’s Cantor Arts Center.
Congrats to Shelley C. of Mountain View, who was the first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s The Coastal Vine Wine Lounge in Moss Beach!).
The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win a prize from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!
Where are we? (Photo by Devin Roberts)
Springline’s Diwali Celebration: Nov. 8 Food from New Delhi Restaurant, cocktails and mocktails from Burma Love, a marketplace and live performances are planned for Springline’s Festival of Lights celebration.
Meeting of Acoustic Women: Nov. 9 Musicians Emily Zisman, KatGrüvs and Karen Soo Hoo will perform a concert benefiting Aragon High School’s music department.
CASP Open Studios: Nov. 9 The artists of Palo Alto’s Cubberley Artist Studio Program offer a peek into their processes, along with food trucks, programming and activities by other local organizations. Free prints for the first 200 attendees.
Mike E. Winfield: Nov. 9 See the “almost family-friendly” comedian at one of his two Stanford sets.
Holidays at the Johnston House: Nov. 9 Tour a historic house, try wine, cider, and food, shop for boutique items and listen to live music at this event benefiting three nonprofits: AAUW, Coastside Women’s Club and Johnston House Foundation.
Kandace Springs: Nov. 10 Catch soul/jazz vocalist, pianist and songwriter Kandace Springs when she performs in Half Moon Bay.
Patchwork Show: Nov. 10 Artisans and makers will be selling their unique wares as part of this bi-annual makers festival, which also features DIY crafts, food and more.
Nobuntu: Nov. 13 Nobuntu, an acclaimed vocal group from Zimbabwe, performs traditional Zimbabwean songs, Afro jazz and gospel.
Of Microbes and Mushrooms, Science and Sculpture: Nov. 15 Textile artist Minga Opazo, photomicrographer Tracy Debenport and science-based artist Jenifer Wightman will discuss their work at an event hosted by the Stanford Arts Institute.
Big Head Todd and The Monsters: Nov. 15 The long-running rock band is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a tour.
Winter Wine Walk: Nov. 16 Taste wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains while strolling downtown Menlo Park, with proceeds benefiting the Menlo Park Atherton Education Foundation.
Fantastic Feasts and Where to Find Them: Nov. 19 Kepler’s hosts an evening of food samples and drinks, featuring four culinary writers: Carole Bumpus, Sara Calvosa Olson, Jennifer Newens and Vina Patel.
Domenico Winery’s Holiday Boutique and Craft Fair: Nov. 19 Find unique gifts and handcrafted items from small businesses at this event, which will also feature a full bar, wine and food for sale.
Turkey Trot: Nov. 20 Midpeninsula Open Space naturalists lead a leisurely 4-mile hike at Rancho San Antonio, with a break along the way. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys!
Plan Ahead
Mystic Poetry and Music Salon: Nov. 22 The work of Persian lyric poet Shamsuddin Hafiz will be celebrated at an event featuring music from Fiume di Musica chamber ensemble and a poetry reading by Palo Alto pastor Burke Owens.
Dude, Where’s My Flying Car?: Nov. 22 Automotive industry veteran, aviation enthusiast and author Tim Jackson presents his book on the future of electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles.
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair: Nov. 23-Dec. 22 See Scrooge, dance at Fezziwig’s and find all sorts of fun treats when the ever-festive and immersive Dickens Fair returns.
Zoppe Italian Family Circus: Through Dec. 1 Downtown Redwood City once again hosts Nino the Clown and his dazzling troupe of circus performers as they return to amaze local families on their annual visit.
Winter Festival: Dec. 5-7 Gamble Garden’s Winter Festival kicks off Dec. 5 with a grand opening event featuring a tree lighting and refreshments. The following days include events like a visit from Santa and holiday tea times.
Shoreside Shark Discovery Day: Dec. 7 Learn all about sharks, including getting up close with some gentle local leopard sharks, at a special event dedicated to these marine creatures.
Guided Walk at Bean Hollow: Dec. 8 Join a state park educator on a guided 2-mile hike along the bluffs between Bean Hollow State Beach and Pebble Beach.
Fungus Fair: Dec. 8 Calling all fungus fans! The Mycological Society of San Francisco Fungus Fair offers workshops, lectures, displays and vendors and even some tasty mushroom soup.
Poetry and politics: EPA Councilman Antonio López on his new book, gentrification and optimism as social justice
East Palo Alto’s 27-year-old City Councilman Antonio López sat down with The Six Fifty to talk about his new book of poetry, “Gentefication.”
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Redwood City attorney sues ‘First Amendment auditors’ after Menlo Park disputeApril 2, 2026 11:31 am
