KPFK Listener Member Voting
(KPFK PAID STAFF or VOLUNTEER TEAM MEMBERS, Click HERE
Both New Day Pacifica and Pacifica Forward ask that you vote for ALL of the candidates below.
Click on their names to see their photos and candidate statements:
KPFK Listener Members,
Please Nominate & Vote for:
Pacifica National Board Chair: Susan Young
Pacifica National Board Vice Chair: Minerva Sanders
Pacifica National Board Secretary: Akio Tanaka
Pacifica National Board Treasurer: Fred Dodsworth
Pacifica National Board Station KPFK Representative: Jan Goodman
KPFK LSB Chair: Tatanka Bricca
KPFK LSB Vice Chair: Lee Thorpe
KPFK LSB Secretary: Sophia Wallace
KPFK LSB Fundraising/Membership Coordinator: Chipasha Luchembe
KPFK LSB Outreach Coordinator: Steven Meeks
KPFK Paid Staff and Volunteer Team Member Voting
Below are our endorsements for the 2026 Pacifica Election, for whom KPFK Paid Staff and Volunteer Team Members can vote.
(KPFK LISTENER members, Click HERE)
Both New Day Pacifica and Pacifica Forward ask that you vote for ALL of the candidates below.
Click on their names to see their photos and candidate statements:
KPFK Paid Staff and Volunteer Team Members,
Please Nominate & Vote for:
Pacifica National Board Chair: Susan Young
Pacifica National Board Vice Chair: Minerva Sanders
Pacifica National Board Secretary: Akio Tanaka
Pacifica National Board Treasurer: Fred Dodsworth
Pacifica National Board Paid Staff or Volunteer Team Members (Vote for BOTH): Myla Reson AND Egberto Willies
KPFK Local Station Board Paid Staff and Volunteer Team Members (Vote for BOTH): Arnella Barbara AND Mansoor “Buzz” Sabbagh
More about these wonderful candidates
Pacifica National Board (PNB) Officer Candidates, for whom all members may vote:
Susan Young for Pacifica National Board (PNB) Chair
I am Susan Young — Current PPNB Chair running for reelection as a Pacifica Forward candidate.
Since its founding in 1946, Pacifica has met the challenges of fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, power outages, bombings, financial threats, lawsuits, physical violence against staff, volunteers and board members, dysfunctional bylaws, FCC and IRS compliance issues and the loss of CPB funding.
THE PACIFICA FOUNDATION IS STILL HERE!!!
Listeners, staff, volunteers and donors who have devoted time, heart and treasure to the network and all five stations have made this possible.
Pacifica is uniquely positioned in a dynamic media universe to be a voice against war, domestic violence, discrimination and environmental destruction. The Pacifica Forward coalition works as a team to advance progress in governance, management and financial sustainability needed to uphold our mission and expand national coverage of breaking news produced by five stations and 200+ affiliates around the country and abroad.
Serving as PNB chair since 2024, I have helped:
- End years of costly litigation through mediation and court approved bylaws that permit all members to vote directly for the national and their own local station boards;
- Preserve Pacifica’s priceless archives;
- Reduce Pacifica debt and increase financial accountability and regulatory compliance;
- Establish policies and procedures for hiring capable, productive managers;
- Establish guidelines for safe, respectful and productive meetings.
Now retired, I have served on the boards of Pacifica, KPFT, the ACLU of Texas and organizations for the arts, parks, housing, international relations, voter engagement and neighborhood planning and advocacy. I served on the first KPFT LSB in 2002, three years as Chair, and then on the CAB.
I ran for the LSB after organizing the Cities for Peace effort to oppose waging war on Iraq enlisting the support of 8 courageous Houston City Council members and progressive icons Sissy Farenthold, Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza and Reverend Bill Lawson who spearheaded desegregation in Houston.
I have served on all PNB committees, currently chair the Personnel Committee, and have raised thousands of dollars for Pacifica to help meet financial emergencies and support the programming I cherish on KPFT.
My experience with pubic finance, government, non-profit management and Pacifica governance at the national and local levels have prepared me to serve as PNB Chair protecting the future of Pacifica at this critical moment in national and global history.
Please vote for me and the Pacifica Forward team of candidates who can work together to build on progress in strengthening Pacifica.
Endorsed by Egberto Willies, Brian Edwards Tiekert, Philip Maldari.
Minerva Sanders for PNB Vice Chair
I am Minerva Sanders running for reelection as the PNB Vice Chair with Pacifica Forward candidates.
As Vice Chair since 2024 and a former WPFW Board Chair I champion community outreach and participation. I actively support WBAI’s in-depth independent news reporting and powerful, inspiring music. I look forward to working with all of our Pacifica Stations— collaborating and expanding our social media communications, hosting progressive author, music and film events, fund raising, grant writing and membership building. With the new bylaws we can now roll up our sleeves and get to work letting our diverse communities know about the amazing peace and social justice programming at KPFA, KPFK, KPFT, WPFW and WBAI and the 200+ Pacifica affiliates, and Pacifica’s historic archives.
I have also Chaired the Pacific Audit Committee which is urgently engaged in bringing Pacifica into non profit compliance with the 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 Audits. Our Pacifica Forward coalition is dedicated to strengthening Pacifica operational capacity through fiscal accountability, with new well- functioning accounting software and responsible budgeting to protect our mission and assets. Through responsible fiscal management and improvements we can help Pacifica to realize its potential as a powerful peace and social justice radio network.
I live in the Washington DC area and have recently retired from a career in government service with FEMA. I understand the urgent need for independent media to help keep our communities and families safe and informed in these challenging times.
Please vote for me and Pacifica Forward Candidates. We are endorsed by: Evelia Jones, Brian Edwards-Tiekert, Egberto Willies
Fred Dodsworth for PNB Treasurer
With decades of experience in journalism, everything from the business of publishing to the hard work of daily journalism, I know the media business first hand.
Additionally, as a long time Pacifica fan and listener, I know what it once was and can still be. America needs the voices and ideas Pacifica offers more now than ever before and I’m here to do everything I can to see the network survives and thrives.
For the past five years, as a member of the KPFA Local Station Board and as an elected delegate to the Pacifica National Board I’ve worked hard to insure that the network endures, and as important, grows and responds to the needs of these times. I’ve been bringing order and fiscal management to the Pacific Network in my role on the PNB member, including as chair of the Governance Committee, current chair of the Finance Committee, and as a voting member of the Personnel Committee. I have worked with delegates from the other stations and the affiliates to see that they are getting the support they need.
As the chair of the National Finance Committee, I’ve worked with the Pacifica National Board, the local station managers and the Executive Director to make sure we have up-to-date financials allowing us to work together to make sure each station has the tools it needs to remain on the air.
We have been building a network-wide news team that unites and coordinates our terrestrial stations with our 300 affiliates. Pacifica is a truth and integrity oasis in a sea of dishonest, divisive broadcast media. Pacifica’s critical network is situated, both on the radio waves and on the internet to connect us all, giving us the tools to see our nation lives up to its professed ideals.
If I’m elected Treasurer I will see our tools are up to date and accurate so that we can ensure our survival as a voice of peace and freedom in this nation.
Akio Tanaka for PNB Secretary
I am Akio Tanaka—current PNB Recording Secretary and a PNB Secretary candidate with the Pacifica Forward Coalition. I help to ensure that meeting decisions are recorded and available to listeners and staff and have helped to update past records.
I work with our national Pacifica Forward Coalition and others across the network to foster collaboration among board members, staff, volunteers, management and the listeners from all of the Pacifica stations and 200+ affiliates to meet the challenges ahead.
Many conflicts and legal challenges have been resolved through board training and mediation initiated by the Pacifica Forward Coalition. I appreciate that board meetings are more productive and respectful This past year the PNB and our local boards began implementing the 2025 Pacifica Bylaws which support democratic direct member voting for board members and decision making by majority vote.
With the implementation of new policies Pacifica operations are expanding and becoming more productive. After the 2025 LA fires and violent immigration raids Pacifica Forward board members began advocating for a strong Pacifica National News Team capable of responding to the daily emergency events that are unfolding across the country. And now, Pacifica News Team members from all of the stations meet weekly and produce headlines and coverage of major events in collaboration with the Pacifica Affiliates.
Please help Pacifica Forward to continue to build unity and expanding the network in these challenging times. Please nominate, vote and ask others to support me and Pacifica Forward candidates, endorsed by KPFA Protectors, Brian Edwards Tiekert, Philip Maldari, Sasha Lilley, Evelia Jones, Egberto Willies
Jan Goodman for KPFK’s Listener Representative on the PNB
I’m a lawyer, activist, and longtime KPFK/Pacifica volunteer running again for the Pacifica National Board.
KPFK is still one of the most important progressive media institutions in Los Angeles. KPFK, the Pacifica Foundation and all independent media are at risk now and are worth fighting for as the democratic structure of our country is under siege.
I AM ENDORSED BY IAN MASTERS, MAGGIE LEPIQUE, ALAN MINSKY, “BUZZ” (SOMETHING’S HAPPENING*) AND EARL OFARI HUTCHINSON, (AMONG MANY OTHERS).
I helped to found New Day Pacifica and Pacifica Forward—coalitions of listeners, staff, volunteers, and activists from all five Pacifica stations who share a common goal: making sure Pacifica survives, grows, and fulfills its mission.
That means:
• Building a national news team capable of covering major stories from a grassroots perspective
• Preserving and expanding access to Pacifica’s extraordinary archives
• Strengthening intellectually and culturally diverse programming
• Bringing Pacifica onto new digital and media platforms
• Creating training opportunities for young people and emerging broadcasters
• Building partnerships with unions, community organizations, artists, and changemakers across the country
• Improving fundraising and long-term financial sustainability
I’VE SUPPORTED KPFK AS A BOARD MEMBER, PRO BONO ATTORNEY, VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER, EVENT ORGANIZER, PHONE BANKER & OUTREACH VOLUNTEER.
For 20 years, Pacifica operated under a governance structure involving 122 board members managing Pacifica’s media assets worth over $65 million. The structure fostered: overlapping authority, endless procedural conflict, management instability, declining listenership, and recurring financial crises.
In response to the organizational dysfunction a group of members initiated New Day Pacifica bylaws reform—dedicated to simplifying Pacifica’s governance while preserving its democratic character.
After a membership vote, years of litigation commenced by Pacifica, mediation, and ultimately a settlement, many reforms have now been incorporated into Pacifica’s bylaws. with a far more workable 15-member Pacifica National Board directly elected by listeners and staff and a new focus on outreach, fundraising and community needs assessment for Local Station Boards.
PUBLIC-INTEREST ADVOCACY AND ORGANIZING EXPERIENCE
- President, National Lawyers Guild–Los Angeles
- Co-Founder and Executive Director, Paul Robeson Community Center and Robeson Youth Radio Training Project
- I’m an activist “BERNIE-CRAT”
- Work with SHARON KYLE of LA Progressive on Left Coast Forum & Etc.
- Chair, Sunset Hall Retirement Home for Ageless Radicals
- Director, San Bernardino County Legal Aid Society
- Co-Founder, Working Peoples’ Law Center
- Attorney, Greater Watts Justice Center
I grew up in Watts in a biracial activist family. My stepfather fought to become the first African-American member of the Printers Union in Los Angeles. From an early age, I learned that racial justice, economic justice, and community solidarity are not abstract ideals. They are things people build together—and defend together.
This election will help determine whether Pacifica continues moving toward stability, growth, and relevance—or slips back into the dysfunction that nearly overwhelmed it.
If you treasure independent media please help us to build a strong, unified Pacifica network at this urgent time.
PLEASE VOTE for me, JAN GOODMAN, and for all of the NEW DAY PACIFICA and PACIFICA FORWARD Candidates.
KPFK Local Station Board (LSB) Candidates:
Tatanka Bricca for KPFK LSB Chair
My name is Tatanka Bricca, and I am asking for your vote to continue serving as Chair of the KPFK Local Station Board.
WHAT DO I BELIEVE? I believe that even in times of great turmoil, hope remains a powerful force.
Today we face profound challenges: threats to democracy, racism, economic injustice, climate crisis, war, and the erosion of civil liberties.
I believe that our task is not simply to resist what is wrong, but to help build what is right. We must strive to create a society rooted in justice, compassion, nonviolence, and a recognition that we are, in truth, one human family. That work requires courageous institutions. It requires independent voices. It requires Pacifica. 115
WHAT DO I KNOW?
I know how to bring people together around a common purpose.
That has been my life’s work.
I have served as public school teacher in East Los Angeles; Vietnam War draft resister; full-time organizer trained by Dolores Huerta with the United Farm Workers; co-founder, with Joan Baez & Ginetta Sagan, of Amnesty International USA, West Coast.
I have worked with organizations and leaders dedicated to justice and human dignity, including Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Gorbachev Foundation’s State of the World Forum, Agape Foundation, CISPES(Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador), Silicon Valley United Nations Association, and Circle of 100, co-founded with constitutional attorney Danny Sheehan.
I have also been honored to work for decades alongside leaders such as Camila Chavez, Sara Nelson, Chase Iron Eyes, and Tokata Iron Eyes, all of whom have dedicated their lives to building a more just and compassionate world.
Throughout these experiences, I have learned that lasting change comes when people find common ground, share a unifying vision, and work together.
WHY KPFK?
KPFK and Pacifica are more than radio stations. They are part of a great democratic experiment in people’s media.
Pacifica’s archives preserve the history of movements for peace, civil rights, labor rights, environmental justice, and human dignity. As Pacifica founder Lou Hill understood, a listener-sponsored, noncommercial voice is essential to a healthy democracy.
Southern California faces enormous challenges, and KPFK’s signal reaches millions of people across this region. We need a strong, independent communications network capable of informing, inspiring, and connecting our communities.
As Chair of the Local Station Board, I will continue working to strengthen outreach, fundraising, governance, and healthy communication. After decades of internal conflict, Pacifica now has an opportunity to move forward with greater unity, accountability, and effectiveness.
I am endorsed by Dolores Huerta, Camila Chavez, Danny Sheehan, Sara Nelson, and Chase Iron Eyes.
I am Tatanka Bricca and I respectfully ask that you vote for me and my New Day and Pacifica Forward teammates. I believe that—together with your help—we can build a stronger KPFK, a stronger Pacifica, and a powerful local and global movement for peace and social justice.
Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ—All Our Relations.
Sí, Se Puede!
Lee Thorpe for KPFK LSB Vice Chair
Hello all! I am Lee Thorpe. I first encountered Pacifica when researching the Vietnam War. I came across the Winter Soldier Hearings (1971) that was covered by Pacifica detailing American atrocities during the war. This archived recording helped with my political education. I was later introduced to KPFK when I was asked to assist with documentation, after that I served dutifully as interim and then regular Secretary of the KPFK LSB. In that time I have come to further my already deep appreciation of the service and history KPFK has to offer.
To me, KPFK and the greater Pacifica network serves, and has served, an ever important role in society, a fair progressive network that will permit the voices of the people to be heard. We look to the past and see how it has given voice to a great deal of movements over the years, both here and abroad. In the present it continues to provide a much needed voice in the fight against fascism and oppression. But, it is evident to me that the KPFK LSB must move into the future. If we are to preserve the legacy of KPFK for posterity and to continue building upon it, we must bring forward a new generation of progressive activists and leaders. I seek to join the LSB as the Vice-Chair to help bring this future forward, by building and working with New Day Pacifica there is an avenue to see it through. My views and the views of New Day tend to coincide on a number of matters, some of which being:
- Expanding programming that is both intellectually and culturally diverse.
- Building new outreach on various media platforms.
- Development of training and internships for youth and diverse communities
- Maintaining and ensuring access to Pacifica’s extensive and historical archives.
- Collaborating with community organizations, labor groups, media creators, and various groups across the country and beyond.
- Fiscal sustainability.
All this however can only be done through the efforts of many, should I be elected to the board by the desire and the will of the KPFK base, I will see to it that the foundations for this are sown by working with community organizations, the listener base, and the station staff to build up the necessary infrastructure within the KPFK LSB. It will undoubtedly be a long road, and so it is my hope that, in the name of liberation from the forces that threaten destruction of all in the drive of profit, hatred and greed, we all stand and do our part and duty in these times, no matter how small. Whilst I am most certainly new on the block, I believe with my ability and skills I can contribute greatly to the KPFK and overall Pacifica network. Be it through documentation, discussions, mediation, through networking and outreach or even simple technical skills, I can, and will contribute to the future of KPFK and its LSB. Thank you for reading this short statement, and hopefully I will earn your vote.
Sophia Wallace for KPFK LSB Secretary
I am running for KPFK Local Board Secretary with New Day Pacifica. As a 23 year old recent college graduate, I am looking forward to bringing new voices to carry on the mission that KPFK has been driving forwards since 1959. My background is in psychology and education, and I am excited to use this experience to involve the public in Pacifica’s outreach and education programs. I also studied biology and have worked in field research, which requires strong writing, organizational and computer skills. As Secretary, I hope to use these skills to bring KPFK further into the 21st century.
I began at KPFK as a dedicated listener, then a volunteer, and since then have been working on environmental issues for the station. Since I listened to KPFK before getting involved, I understand the importance of catering to our listeners and supporters, and will advocate for and design surveys to find out what listeners most want to hear. I am also going to focus on involving young listeners to bring ideas and support from new generations.
I have experience organizing and advertising art and music showcases, including ticket sales, social media, and poster design. I want to use these skills to reach an even bigger and more diverse audience when marketing KPFKs’ events. I’ve previously worked in fundraising, an experience that will allow me to understand and contribute to KPFKs’ fund raising goals.
Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of Los Angeles’ most progressive listener supported radio station.
Please VOTE for Sophia Wallace
Please also vote for other New Day Pacifica Candidates: Tatanka Bricca, Lee Thorpe, Casey Adler and Steven Meeks, as well as National Board Candidates: Susan Young, Minerva Sanders, Akio Tanaka, Fred Dodsworth, and Jan Goodman.
Steven Meeks for KPFK LSB Outreach Coordinator
I grew up in the Crenshaw/Adams community of Los Angeles.
When I was 15, I attended an all summer leadership training institute at the HBCU, Howard University in Washington D.C. It was the impetus that set the stage for my long life in taking responsibility and leadership roles in community organizing – and always being actively engaged. Spending that summer in DC “politicized and radicalized” me in wanting to at least try to make a difference in the community in which I lived. The principles I learned that summer I carry with me even today. I’m a firm believer in,”don’t just say what you’re going to do, do what you said you would do.”
Though my first love is music, my passion is organizing and building alliances, whether they are personal or professional. I love bringing people together. Many if not most of my friends count on me to inform them about things that happen around LA. Many friends and associates don’t even know that I’m a musician, a composer, because they’ve witnessed me, as usual, “being in the streets,” beating a different type of drum. Whether it’s environmental, electoral politics (especially the current mis-administration regime in DC), abuse of authority in law enforcement, quality of life issues, affordable housing, gentrification, I believe in speaking up with voice and action..
Most of my organizing has revolved around and centered on culture/art in the American African community.
More recently, I spent 10+ years on the West Adams Neighborhood Council Board and around 8 years as president. Now I co-manage Good Earth Community Garden.
Also recently, I became a Board Member of South LA Food Co-Op (SoLA). With both of the above entities, taking ownership of our food.
The Pacifica Network is a jewel. People in LA should rejoice that KPFK is our/their local voice. As Mentioned in the prior sentence, I said “should” because not enough people in LA know about KPFK as the voice of the people. What can be done to help remedy that? I think it might be safe to say that many if not most people who attend local rallies/demonstrations are like minded thinkers to what KPFK espouses. We are talking about tens if not hundreds of thousands of people. If KPFK had 10-15% of these “politically” active people as members/listeners on a regular basis, it might help with station finances. There are dozens of wonderful ngo’s in LA doing great work. KPFK needs engagement with them to help build stronger community.
KPFK LSB has planned several really wonderful events. These events take thoughtful creating, planning, executing and post evaluation. Being a creative person, I love exercising my creative skills and intellectual thought in not only coming up with ideas for events but helping to plan and coordinate them in unison with team leadership, I hope to help make this happen as Outreach Coordinator working in concert with KPFK’s LSB.
Chipasha Luchembe for KPFK LSB Fundraising/Membership Coordinator
I am Chipasha Luchembe running for the KPFK Local Station Board because independent media requires a robust, proactive fundraising strategy deeply rooted in the community. As a KPFK listener-sponsor and volunteer since 1974, a global activist, and a Professor of History who has taught at UCLA, UC Riverside, Cal Poly Pomona, CSUN, and internationally, I understand how to connect with and mobilize diverse populations.
My extensive record of activism spans global liberation struggles, the Free South Africa and Free Palestine movements, and local battles for labor rights with the Paul Robeson Community Center. From co-founding Sister City committees to organizing the Perris Association for Community Empowerment (PACE) and the Inland Empire Lorenzo Torrez Club, I have consistently built bridges across diverse cultural, generational, and socioeconomic lines. I bring this practical organizing experience to the LSB—just as I did when successfully recruiting Lee Thorpe to serve as our outstanding LSB Secretary, proving the value of dedicated, one-on-one outreach.
To ensure KPFK’s financial sustainability, the LSB must move beyond traditional on-air pitching and take the station directly to the people. I propose a dynamic fundraising model that leverages Southern California’s rich social diversity. We must establish a consistent presence at major cultural events—such as Chinese Lunar New Year, African Independence Day, and Latin American heritage festivities—positioning KPFK as their voice while driving off-air memberships.
If elected, I will champion concrete revenue-generating initiatives: establishing specialized drive committees, creating dedicated online event pages, hosting charity concerts, silent auctions, cultural food festivals, community garden days, and open mic events. These initiatives will simultaneously raise crucial funds and deepen KPFK’s grassroots connections. I envision KPFK as an empowering bridge uniting our local neighborhoods with the world, and I respectfully ask for your vote to make this vision a reality.
Pacifica National Board Paid Staff or Volunteer Team Members – please vote for ALL the PNB Officers above, plus these candidates:
Egberto Willies AND Myla Reson for PNB Representatives (Vote for BOTH)
Arnella Barbara AND Mansoor “Buzz” Sabbagh for KPFK LSB Representatives (Vote for BOTH)
Egberto Willies for one of two PNB Representatives for Paid Staff & Volunteer Team Members
As the host of the daily morning program Politics Done Right, I have built and integrated an on-air and online presence that extends the reach of the airwaves, creating a continually intersecting community I consider access to the airwaves a privilege and as such treat my access to it with the respect it deserves my ensuring anyone listening feels that they have the have heard will enhance there understanding of any of the many political issues that we are surrounded by.
The goal as a staff rep on the PNB will be to listen to those throughout the network and offer advice and suggestions, based on my experiences with the public at large, to ensure the network remains a valued asset to the entire community, in line with our foundation’s values.
The media landscape is not changing; it has changed. I have used my daily program at KPFT, along with my online presence, to integrate various streams into a single platform. As such, our little KPFT station has brought in listeners/viewers from across the country and around the world on a daily basis.
Reaching a new audience does not require abandoning the previous audience; it means integrating them. I hope that, as a member of the PNB who listens to all inputs, we find ways not just to integrate one program or station with its audience, but to integrate the entire network into an integral, common cause aligned with our values in a forward-looking manner.
I have written several books and have been a member of several organizations, Move to Amend, Coffee Party USA, Houston Peace and Justice Center, KPFT LSB, Pacifica National Board Member, and many other movement organizations where communication is imperative. I want to bring the skills I have developed over the years to invite EVERYONE to the table and ensure ALL feel respected.
Myla Reson for one of two PNB Representatives for Paid Staff & Volunteer Team Members
I’m Myla Reson, running for reelection to represent staff and team volunteers on the PNB with Pacifica Forward candidates.
Along with Harvey Wasserman I co-produce California Solartopia/the Solartopia Show on KPFK & the Pacifica Affiliate Network.
With Earth at the brink of Apocalypse, energy issues dominate California, the nation & the world. California Solartopia breaks down our fiercest ecological battles — nuclear threats, defending wetlands, stopping plastics, fracking, and the political cronyism gutting nuclear safety while attacking solar/wind/geothermal/battery solutions.
Working together with national board directors from Pacifica’s five sister stations and the Pacifica Affiliate Network we’ve ended three years of litigation with court approved bylaws that empower members to vote directly for the national and local station boards.
Our combined efforts have resulted in reducing Pacifica’s overall debt with greater financial accountability.
We’re rebuilding Pacifica’s national news with our 5 sister stations and 200 plus affiliates.
I see our news coverage as the crown jewel in our media project.
I’ve often said I was educated at the University of Pacifica Radio. That education began over 60 years ago when I was still in high school listening to the music of Paul Robeson and Pete Seegar on KPFK.
I owe a great debt of gratitude to the many thoughtful and provocative programmers who over the years helped me understand the importance of working together to make our world a better place. I support the editorial freedom of Pacifica Staff.
I ask that you vote for me, as well as all candidates endorsed by Pacifica Forward for their records of service and teamwork.
Arnella Barbara for one of two Staff & Volunteer Team Member Representatives on KPFK’s LSB
I am honored to seek the opportunity to serve KPFK and the communities it represents.
With more than a decade of experience in broadcasting, media production, community engagement, and public service, I bring creativity, dedication, and a strong commitment to the mission of independent media. As a producer, host, and DJ at KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles, I have had the privilege of working alongside programmers, volunteers, staff, guests, and listeners from many different backgrounds. Through these experiences, I have gained valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing community radio and nonprofit broadcasting today.
My professional background includes radio broadcasting, production design, education, event production, and community outreach. These experiences have taught me the importance of collaboration, communication, problem-solving, fiscal responsibility, and building meaningful relationships. I understand that KPFK’s greatest strength is its people—its listeners, volunteers, staff, programmers, and supporters.
If elected, I hope to bring a practical, community-centered perspective focused on strengthening listener engagement, supporting quality programming, encouraging volunteer participation, and helping KPFK build a sustainable future. I believe we must continue to grow our audience while remaining true to the values that make KPFK unique: free speech, independent journalism, cultural diversity, music, arts, education, and service to underserved communities.
I believe in transparency, accountability, respectful dialogue, and thoughtful decision-making. I am committed to listening carefully to different viewpoints and working collaboratively to find solutions that benefit the station as a whole. KPFK has played an important role in Los Angeles for generations, providing a platform for voices and perspectives often overlooked by mainstream media. I would be honored to contribute my experience, energy, and passion to help ensure that KPFK remains a vibrant, independent, and community-driven institution for years to come.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Mansoor “Buzz” Sabbagh for one of two Staff & Volunteer Team Member Representatives on KPFK’s LSB
(candidate statement to come)
The election period is just getting started, and we’ll have more information about these excellent candidates soon, so please check back here later.