Meet the judges
Vern Thompson
Vern Thompson is a native of Oakland. Vern worked as a staff audio technician and soundman for NBC Radio and NBC News for 29 years. In 1969, he went to work at KJAZ-FM off and on for the next twelve years using the air name Lee Thomas. Presently he is on the air at KCSM - FM. An accomplished musician and composer, he is specifically interested in writing music to expand the jazz repertoire.
Mark Jones
Mark Jones is a broadcast veteran with more than three decades of journalism experience. He is currently KRON’s transportation reporter featured in his segments called “On the Move”. Jones is the recipient of 26 regional Emmy nominations from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Sal Castaneda
Sal Castaneda joined the KTVU news team in 1999. Sal fronts the KTVU Channel 2 News Live Drive Time Traffic center weekdays and is a general assignment news reporter for the 5 and 6 PM news. Sal has received awards for his work from the Radio Television News Directors Association. From the Associated Press, he received an award for breaking news coverage with a story concerning the construction of the new eastern span of the Bay Bridge.
Alex Gronke
Alex Gronke is the co-founder of OakBook magazine. A longtime public transportation geek, he lives in Oakland with his wife and daughter at the intersection of five AC Transit lines. His favorite route is the 1R.
