Dear Member,
    You know, dear member, how proud we are of our national, Emmy award winning, environmental series, Natural Heroes. Well, we now have reasons to be even prouder.  You will recall that Natural Heroes, produced for KRCB by our Val Lanes, is an anthology series of independent films celebrating individuals and organizations making a difference in their community. We are currently working on season 5.
    Well, we just learned that NH  is now being carried by 129 PBS stations across the country.  That means viewer access by 51% of the total US population! The program is being aired in 68% of the largest cities in the country. One other interesting factoid —there are twice as many younger folks (18 - 49) viewing—than folks over 50. That is very unusual for a PBS audience so we are proud of developing that audience as well.
    When we launched Natural Heroes  in 2004, there was no other regular television series dedicated to environmental issues. Not on commercial or noncommercial stations.  KRCB was, and largely still is, unique in this area. Your support is what makes compelling, critical programming possible, not just for our North Bay but for the country. Thank you for your incredible, loyal support for KRCB.

Sincerely,

Dear Member,
   Phew! What a spring and early summer. There’s so much going on here at the station that it’s hard to keep up! We hosted a wonderful spring event with Sylvia Poggioli for our Leadership Circle members. Then a great radio membership drive and a very fun Big Read project with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Two weekends of Travel and Leisure Auction in April/May and the concluding weekend in June. And finally the June television membership drive. Thanks for all your great support for these events.
   And in the midst of all of that activity, the 18th year of KRCB’s local election coverage aired on June 8. With Dick Spotswood and Bruce Robinson anchoring the television show, we welcomed former NPR reporter John McChesney into the radio booth to help out at that end of the house. Finally, on June 30 we premiered Arts ID on KRCB-FM, a collaborative project with the Arts Council of Sonoma County and the North Bay Bohemian.
   Plus recognition. Two more Emmys for Natural Heroes and the Merit Award for KRCB’s David Waxman for his piece on the AXIS Dance Company. That award came at the international disability film festival, Superfest, 2010.
Wow!

Sincerely,

Dear Member,
   I’m looking forward to a great month of fantastic programming with you. As usual, Stan and Robin have brought us the best national programming, complemented by unusual programming from independent producers. We often hear that this mix of programming makes KRCB Television and Radio the best in public broadcasting in the Bay Area.

   The additional really unique element in our radio programming is an incredible team of volunteer hosts. Most of what you hear in the evenings and on the weekends are programs that have been developed by individuals who are passionate about local public radio. They come in week after week (in many cases, year after year!) to share that passion with you. The eclectic mix of music they share is often complemented by bits of “insider” information about the singer, the band or the songwriter.     Whatever you tune in for—jazz, roots, classical, Sonoma Spotlight, and so much more—know that KRCB’s volunteer programmers are dedicated to bringing you the best of the genre.  Give them a shout and let them know how much you appreciate everything they do for KRCB and the community.

Sincerely,

   April is, of course, our super duper Travel and Leisure Auction, as is clearly apparent from this Open Air. Mariah and her team have scoured the globe for great items for your bidding. As you see, you can view items on line now, and online bidding will be open on April 16.
   This auction is an important source of income for KRCB. Hundreds of volunteers and donors make this great event possible. Because so many items are available for online bidding, please send the word of the auction to your friends and family across the country. We are particularly reaching out to Canada this time ’round so send messages in that direction, too! Also, share your own great travel adventures at krcb.org/traveltalk, where you can upload your photos and videos as well.
   Have a great vacation or trip and support your PBS & NPR station at the same time.

Sincerely,

Nancy Dobbs, President and CEO