The article has been revised to include new, updated information from the West Contra Costa Unified School District.
Student-led KECG 97.7 FM and 88.1 FM will officially resume broadcasting on Tuesday, Feb.10. The station, which operates out of El Cerrito High School, has been off the air since early 2025 due to a significant power outage on campus that necessitated the use of temporary generators. Although power was fully restored in November 2025, the district spent the following months preparing the facility and equipment for a formal relaunch.
The relaunch will follow a structured, phased approach, according to the district. From February through June 2026, the station will broadcast a mix of music, district announcements, and recordings of Board of Education and community meetings. During this initial spring phase, students will contribute station IDs, short commercials, and two-minute audio vignettes while the district establishes formal submission norms.
A major milestone for the program is set for Fall 2026, when the district plans to officially reopen the radio station class at El Cerrito High School. This course will provide comprehensive training in journalism, audio engineering, and FCC compliance, eventually allowing students to take on expanded roles in daily station operations. While the studio is located at El Cerrito High, the district has clarified that participation is open to students from all local high schools, including De Anza, Hercules, Kennedy, Richmond, and Pinole Valley, with additional opportunities being extended to elementary and middle schoolers.
Listeners can tune in to 88.1 FM in El Cerrito and 97.7 FM in San Pablo during school hours. While the station currently relies on traditional FM signals, the district confirmed that online streaming services are being developed and will be available to the public in the near future. Questions regarding the new submission process or programming can be directed to the district communications office at [email protected].
