For those following the movement of KTRB - 860 to the San Francisco Bay Area, an accurate historical account of the station can be found in Bob Wien's column in the the March 3, 2007 issue of DX Monitor and "soft" DX MONITOR.
I was born and raised in Modesto and my cousin, Milt Hibdon, began his radio career at KTRB. He often talked about the station -- a clear channel station that maintained its regional programming and appeal for many years, and one that he was proud to have been a part.
Bill Bates was a local figure, had an AM program which I listened to back in the 50's while getting ready to go to school. Bill provided programming for the community. Whether it was involving downtown Modesto, the Portuguese community of the West Side (broadcasting in the Portuguese language), local sports, weather information, lost children, lost animals (and the occasional wandering cow), he tried to provide something for all listeners.
Years ago, KTRB conducted a DX Test for the IRCA and NRC. When I approached Cal Purviance, PD and part-time CE, about the test, he enthusiastically agreed. KTRB was a part of the community and never forgot its roots.
Mike in Jacksonville, NC