La Placita Bilingüe, a weekly live call-in program in Spanish, recreates an imaginary town plaza on the airwaves of KHDC 90.9 FM every Sunday from 10:00 - 11:00 AM. Graciela Orozco, educator and mother of two daughters, hosts round table discussions with parents and professionals who share their expertise in parenting and child development. Recognizing the strength of cultural values and traditions, the program serves as a bridge for immigrant parents who need first-hand information about new systems in this country. By linking parents with services provided by local agencies, KHDC carries out its mission of using radio to empower individuals within the Spanish-speaking community.
La Placita Bilingüe is made possible through funds from the California Wellness Foundation and Sound Partners for Community Health, a program of the Benton Foundation, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, dedicated to improving health and health care for all Americans. KHDC was one of 35 radio stations in the country selected by Sound Partners for Community Health to participate in innovative programs that enhance the ability of citizens to make better health decisions.
One of the most interesting features of La Placita Bilingüe is that it builds on KHDC youth training. Producer Noel Barrera arrived at the station seven years ago, at the age of 15, one of the youngest volunteers on board. Several other youth trainees now help produce the mini-dramas on La Placita Bilingüe. Luis Enrique Barrera, Moisés Medina, Nancy Huante, Alma Milán, and Roberto Solorio, who range in ages from 8 to 20, are the voices heard in the mini dramas of the parenting program. The students also host talk shows for teens and produce musical programs like "Rock en Español" and "Free Style Music."
The radio production training was provided to local junior and senior high school youths through The Youth Programming Initiative, funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. This year with the renewal of the Packard Foundation Grant, KHDC hired one of the youth trainees, Roberto Solorio.
Thanks to Volunteers of All Ages
KHDC's regular programs reflect the diversity of the local population. Hawaiian music and culture is available six hours a week under the direction of Nora Galiza. Tex-Mex music has become a mainstay and is contributing to the formation of social clubs that help Tejanos preserve their roots. Ten hours a week of "Hip Hop Music" attract African-American and other youths. The Filipino Program at KHDC is unique in the region. And of course, KHDC continues to provide traditional Mexican music, along with Oldies and Reggae. Again, thank you volunteers!