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July 16, 2026

Page 1

Volume 56 - No. 29

By Friedrich Gomez Just when you think you know all about our Escondido’s rich and storied history, sadly, many colourful and amazing stories of our city’s historic and cultural roots are often relegated to being lost and forgotten. Tragically, these indispensable truelife chapters of our city’s growth and history are often misplaced and, therefore, unavailable for our current and future generations to

July 16, 2026

learn, covet, and enjoy.

Such is the purpose of this cover THE PRESERVATION OF OUR story. CULTURAL, BUSINESS & ENI wasn’t around back then, when all TERTAINMENT ROOTS. of this unfolded, but thank God for It is often incumbent upon today’s historical records/sources, Wikipemainstream journalists, report- dia, living police witnesses, and my ers, and researchers, to keep alive, present-day editor, publisher, and bring to light, and recapture historic founder of Escondido’s weekly magevents for posterity and the preser- azine, THE PAPER. KOWN RAvation of our city’s growth in all its DIO: ESCONDIDO’S HISTORIC aspects which defines us: cultural, FIRST-EVER RADIO STATION economic, business and entertain- & “THE CRUISE!”According to ment. Wikipedia:“KOWN (AM 1450)

The Paper • 760.747.7119

online: www.TheCommunityPaper.com

email: thepaper@cox.net

was the first radio station established in Escondido, California, officially signing on in 1957 with studios on Hale Avenue. In its early years, the station broadcast easylistening music and was known for allowing shoppers to watch disc jockeys work through large windows at the old Escondido Village Mall.” WHAT PRECIOUS MEMORIES PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT RADIO STATION KOWN.People today in 2026, such as Gary Marshall, reflect back on the nostalgic ambience of that time: “The studio KOWN - See Page 7


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