The Pioneer Christian Voice for the California Central CoastOn-the-air July 4, 1988

A History of its founders, Norwood & Dawn Patterson

Just outside San Francisco overlooking the bustling city are a group of hills called "Twin Peaks," where you can view the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay, and the entire city. It was there many years ago that a minister said these words to his son:

"Son, look at all those lighted windows. Every home represents a family. Now look at KSAN's tower. God gave me His great Commission, to buy this radio station for spreading His Gospel. I can't do this from my pulpit, my church wouldn't hold them. But KSAN's signal can reach thousands for Christ. Norwood, we must OWN radio stations to keep the Gospel always available."

And so Norwood carried on his father's commission, ministering on the radio and in churches, while he designed and built with the Patterson Family many radio stations to further God's Kingdom.

In 1985 Dawn frequently traveled between Los Angeles and San Francisco, constantly searching the car radio for a Christian station, but found none. As she talked to God about this, the only answer was "And why not you?" She, too, stood upon a hill, which overlooked the vast Central Coast, and later shared her burden with Norwood. He searched, but nothing was available that would cover this large area. As they prayed and waited upon the Lord, suddenly the FCC in Washington, DC made 660 AM available. Norwood eagerly began his engineering, and soon filed an application for 10,000 watts on 660 AM, with hopes in the future to build it to 50,000 watts.

It took the FCC several months to approve KGDP's application, two years to get CUP permission from the County to build it. God supplied Norwood & Dawn with excellent health, much enthusiasm, and a non-wavering faith that it could be done. With outside engineering services for other broadcast identities bringing income from their engineering work, and with the help of lending institutions and lease companies, KGDP was built and put on the air July 4, 1988.

Many Christians rallied behind the radio station, first in attending county meetings to persuade the county and/or city to grant approval of a Conditional Use Permit, which eventually took place. Later these same devoted listeners joined in monthly and one-time donations to cover expenses for broadcasting much needed Christian programs.

Having formed a non-profit 501(C)(3) corporation in 1974 ("People of Action") it was possible for donors to receive a yearly receipt for donations. For many years KGDP has depended upon donations for a portion of expenses involved in bringing Gospel programming throughout the Central Coast.

The call letters "KGDP" reflects the initials of Gloria Dawn Patterson as a tribute to her commitment years ago for a Christian Station on the Central Coast. Her burden has prevailed throughout the years as she prays over each donation and prayer request every morning during her private devotions. As she thanks the Lord for each supporter, she then thanks each supporter with a hand-written, beautiful card. Everyone recognizes "G. Dawn Patterson" as that person who has sent words of encouragement just when needed most, and the hand-written cards have become a blessing, not only for Dawn but for each recipient. She also is keeper of the books from her home/office and combines being assistant to Norwood and controller of expenditures and income.

The FCC has approved a Construction Permit for KGDP to increase its power to 50,000 watts, an answer to prayer and much faith. A 50 kW transmitter is on its way, the phasing equipment is being built, and towers have been placed for bids. Surely Norwood's father is looking down from his Heavenly Home saying, "Well done, Son, you are carrying on with my commitment to keep the airwaves open for the Gospel."

Patterson Family Members Become a Part of KGDP's History

Roy & Dawn (Patterson) Delgatty

1/3^rd Owner/Founder

It is inspiring to see family units work together, and the entire Patterson Family were united in bringing a Christian Radio Station to the Central Coast. The Delgattys are currently a vital part of KGDP's operation. However as time progressed, the two sons found commitments in other fields. Jim Patterson felt the call to politics, received his degree in Political Science, and gave to Fresno, California an outstanding Christian Mayor for 2 terms.  Sherwood Patterson selected to follow his career in Aviation, which he studied in school at LeTourneau College in Texas. 

Roy Delgatty married Dawn in 1972 while still in college. He received his Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering Technology at LeTourneau University, and his Master's in Technical management at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He is currently an Engineering Specialist with Halliburton in Houston, Texas. When he finished his education, he encouraged Dawn to go back to college (while raising 3 daughters). She graduated magna cum laude from Cal State, Bakersfield, California, in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. From their home/office in Texas, Dawn is a full time accountant and treasurer for KGDP and oversees payroll, tax returns, financial statements, and general corporate activities as Chairperson of the Board. Although Roy is employed at Halliburton, he is always available for discussions and suggestions relative to Christian Radio. It is a blessing for KGDP to have this fine family united in furthering the Gospel and being an integral part of this ministry.