Who We Are

Founded in 2012, KXFM is South Orange County’s only independent, nonprofit community radio station and the region’s only FCC-licensed LPFM broadcaster. Based in Laguna Beach, we amplify the voices, stories, and culture of our community through hyperlocal journalism, curated music, and 24/7 emergency communication.

Our Mission

KXFM serves as a creative commons and civic utility — powered by and for our community. As a trusted, independent media outlet, we deliver essential information and moments of surprise and delight to keep you uplifted, connected, and inspired every day.

Our Vision

KXFM is evolving from a radio station into a communal town square, strengthening its roots in Laguna Beach while expanding its reach across Orange County. With a new ground-floor home and a growing digital presence, we’re building the next chapter of local media.

Our goal is to make KXFM more visible, more participatory, and more connected to everyday life, inviting people to engage through live radio, music, events, and original programming. Whether people tune in, walk in, or connect online, KXFM is creating meaningful ways to stay informed and get involved.

Meet Our Team

Billy Fried

Chairman and Chief Listening Officer

What brought me to this little enterprise was believing that radio could be the 21st century town square. I spent my career in media and marketing, most recently as an opinion columnist at the Laguna Beach Independent and radio talk show host of “Laguna Talks” on this station. And what I’ve learned is the importance of listening, because everyone has a story. And listening to people tell theirs is frankly the most interesting thing in the world to me. And if we all just listened more, we would discover that we more alike than different – and get along a whole lot better.

Jonathan Tufano

General Manager and Chief Vinyl Officer

Originally from Connecticut, Jonathan got his start on the airwaves at WHUS 91.7 UCONN college and commercial free radio; spinning his records on the 4 – 6 am Saturday morning shift. Upon moving to Southern California, he heard word of a local non profit community oriented radio station called KXFM broadcasting live right here in Laguna Beach. He could hardly believe his good fortune to discover such a rare pearl. Jonathan joined the station in June of 2014 graciously accepting the mantle of KX’s resident Vinylcologist, he has been spinning records ever since, mostly on Thursday evenings. When he’s not sharing music and good vibes through the radio waves, Jonathan enjoys training Jiu Jitsu, a long standing passion of his; flexing his culinary skills in the kitchen and traveling near and far seeking the next addition to his record collection.

Lex Simonton

Director of Operations & Community Relations

Born in SoCal, bred in Brooklyn. I made my prodigal return to the West Coast at the beginning of 2024. There really is nothing quite like the sunset over the Pacific, am I right?

I met Billy shortly thereafter and was instantly captivated and energized by his community-centered vision for KXFM. Nowadays we yearn for more connection and presence. My hope is that we can serve as the conduit for others to share, learn and come together.

I’d been spending my free time exploring the multi-faceted music scene in New York (equipped with my dancing shoes of course). Feet aching as I trudged through the door was the sign of a good time. Now I’ve been called back to the water. Never did I think I’d end up working at a radio station in Laguna Beach of all beautiful places, but I am delighted to be here, helping ferry this local hub into its new era. I promise to handle it with utmost care. x

Board of Directors

Billy Fried, Chairman

Billy Fried

Billy assumed co-management of the station in 2024, after a career in media, communications, and entrepreneurship. An avid storyteller, Billy has hosted an interview / talk show on the station for 10 years, as well as writing an opinion column for local newspapers over the last 15 years. He has launched a home design magazine, clothing line, advertising agency, and the outdoor activity company La Vida Laguna, in which he still serves as Chief Executive Officer. Billy graduated from Amherst College with a BA in English and Asian Philosophy.

Jonathan Tufano, Treasurer

Jonathan Tufano

Originally from Connecticut, Jonathan got his start on the airwaves at WHUS 91.7 UCONN college and commercial free radio; spinning his records on the 4 – 6 am Saturday morning shift. Upon moving to Southern California, he heard word of a local non profit community oriented radio station called KXFM broadcasting live right here in Laguna Beach. He could hardly believe his good fortune to discover such a rare pearl. Jonathan joined the station in June of 2014 graciously accepting the mantle of KX’s resident Vinylcologist, he has been spinning records ever since, mostly on Thursday evenings. When he’s not sharing music and good vibes through the radio waves, Jonathan enjoys training Jiu Jitsu, a long standing passion of his; flexing his culinary skills in the kitchen and traveling near and far seeking the next addition to his record collection.

Brenden Hexberg, Secretary

Brenden Hexberg

Brenden Hexberg moved to Laguna Beach from New Orleans at age 13 and is a graduate of Laguna Beach High School (Class of 2006). After spending several years in Texas attending SMU and coaching youth soccer, he returned to Laguna Beach in 2014. He is involved in golf media and lifestyle branding, including work with Random Golf Club, and remains active in the local community.

Barbara MacGillivray

Barbara MacGillivray has worked in film production and post-production for decades, collaborating on projects with her husband, filmmaker Greg MacGillivray. Alongside her film work, she spent 30 years with the Orange County Health Care Agency as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in Children and Youth Services. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and has contributed to science research and production on documentary films focused on conservation and education, including Journey to the South Pacific.

Harley Rouda

Harley Rouda is an American attorney, businessman, and former U.S. Representative for California’s 48th district (2019–2021), elected as a Democrat after a career in real estate and business. He served one term before losing re-election and was known for his focus on bipartisan solutions while representing coastal Orange County. Born in Ohio, he holds multiple degrees, including a J.D. and M.B.A., and previously served as President of the National Association of Realtors before entering politics.

Richard Reisman

Richard Reisman is Publisher and CEO of the Orange County Business Journal, a position he has held since 1990. He previously served as director of market development for the Orange County edition of the Los Angeles Times and earlier practiced law, including as special counsel to the U.S. House Ethics Committee. Reisman holds an MBA from UCLA and a law degree from George Washington University and brings deep media and business leadership experience to the board.

Advisory Board

Tom Bak

Tom Bak is a retired commercial real estate executive with more than three decades of experience in development and investment. He joined Trammell Crow Company in 1985, became one of the firm’s youngest partners within four years, and later led its Southern California Development & Investment Group as senior managing director. During his tenure, he oversaw more than 31 million square feet of industrial, office, life science, and medical office projects, representing over $3 billion in investment. A Laguna Beach resident for over 20 years, he remains active in the local community.

Meital Taub

Meital Taub is a Laguna Beach–based real estate broker and founder of the Meital Taub Luxury Group, with more than $1 billion in career sales. She has ranked among the top agents nationally and has represented several record-setting and high-profile transactions across Orange County. Meital also founded Livel Real Estate, a consultancy serving buyers, sellers, and investors, and serves on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire.

Newth Morris

Newth Morris is the co-founder and managing director at Ankona Capital, a growth-stage venture capital firm in Newport Beach. His career began as an electronic systems designer at Electronic Design Associates, working on early technologies like audio encoding and GPS. In 2000, he co-founded Telogis, a pioneer in fleet vehicle tracking (telematics). Telogis excelled in hardware, SaaS, digital mapping, and parallel computing, and Morris played a role in early product development before transitioning to sales and strategy. Verizon acquired Telogis in 2016, where Newth served as senior vice president for connected car and IoT strategy. Beyond his industry contributions, he chaired the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) chapter, received accolades as Orange County’s Entrepreneur and Innovator of the Year, and was named Business Person of the Year. Morris and his wife are active in the autism community and support initiatives in Guatemala through the Newth & Claudia Morris Foundation.

Joanna Bear

Joanna Bear is President and Chief Executive Officer of Visit Laguna Beach, where she leads destination marketing and stewardship efforts for the community’s tourism program. She previously served for more than two decades in hospitality leadership, most recently as general manager of the Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, where she oversaw major property renovations and operations. At Visit Laguna Beach, she is focused on promoting responsible tourism, strengthening collaboration between local businesses and arts organizations, and aligning marketing efforts with community priorities.

John Zegowitz

John Zegowitz is a seasoned creative strategist and advertising executivewith extensive experience leading brand and content work for major clients. He served as Chief Creative Officer at Schiefer Chopshop, guiding the agency’s creative vision through significant growth and diverse campaigns. Zegowitz also developed the Radical Origins film series and related branding work for Visit Laguna Beach, a tourism initiative focused on deeper engagement and mindful visitation. Currently, he advises on stewardship messaging to help visitors understand and respect Laguna Beach’s community and environment, drawing on his background in creative direction and destination marketing.

Dave Anderson

Dave Anderson, also known as “New Wave DJ Dave,” is a longtime mobile disc jockey and emcee in Orange County. He hosts Flashback Thursdays on KXFM, featuring music from the New Wave era and drawing on decades of firsthand experience with the genre. His background spans performance, teaching, and live event hosting, which informs his on-air storytelling and interviews with artists connected to the era.

Mark Schwartz

Mark Schwartz is a sports business executive and longtime performing arts professional. He is a veteran theatre actor, event emcee, and announcer for the annual Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano. Mark hosts Feeling Jazzed on KXFM, where he shares his passion for jazz and live performance.

John Dittmar

John Dittmar is a retired booking agent with more than 40 years of experience in the music industry. Over his career, he represented major touring artists including Alice Cooper, Oasis, Sting, R.E.M., Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple. He now hosts Johnny Strikes Up the Band on KXFM, drawing on his industry background through long-form conversations with musicians and other creative professionals.