{"id":395192,"date":"2026-07-12T00:36:11","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T00:36:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/395192\/"},"modified":"2026-07-12T00:36:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T00:36:11","slug":"san-francisco-chinatowns-historic-golden-star-radio-sign-restored-back-to-life-after-nearly-60-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/395192\/","title":{"rendered":"San Francisco Chinatown’s historic Golden Star Radio sign restored back to life after nearly 60 years"},"content":{"rendered":"

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — It was a lighting ceremony nearly 60 years in the making.<\/p>\n

On Friday, dozens gathered in Chinatown as the old Golden Star Radio unveiled a brand new neon sign.<\/p>\n

Ron Tong’s parents opened the radio station back in the 1930s, becoming the first Chinese-language radio broadcaster in the country.<\/p>\n

“It was a void that needed to be filled. You know, there was no Chinese broadcasting,” Tong said.<\/p>\n

Throughout the years, Golden Star Radio became an institution in Chinatown, connecting thousands of new immigrants with a piece of their homeland.<\/p>\n

MORE: SF Chinatown’s historic Empress of China building being revived into cultural campus<\/a><\/p>\n

But over the years, the radio station’s iconic sign fell into disrepair and in the 1970s, the broadcasts stopped altogether.<\/p>\n

Now, thanks to donations, the sign is officially lit again — and on the same building still owned by Tong’s family.<\/p>\n

“It means a lot, because we’re still remembered. Most of the population that listened, they’re all gone. So you have to be 65+, minimum, to get it,” Tong said.<\/p>\n

But Golden Star Radio has meaning for more than just the Tong family. For many who grew up in this vibrant neighborhood, it’s a piece of San Francisco and American history.<\/p>\n

“For me, it means bridging the last generation to the new generation. And now the space is still being utilized. I think it’s very meaningful,” said lifelong Chinatown resident Amy Lee.<\/p>\n

MORE: SF Chinese Culture Center, oldest of its kind in the nation, celebrates new permanent home<\/a><\/p>\n

Local leaders, too, say preserving that intangible culture is critical, especially in an era of mass technology and rapid change.<\/p>\n

“There are families who passed down this memory, who know about this. But then there are others who don’t, who need to learn about this. And it’s a physical sign. It’s a physical representation to tell that story,” said Supervisor Danny Sauter.<\/p>\n

And even though they’re no longer here to see the new sign themselves, Tong believes his parents would be prouder than ever.<\/p>\n

“I’d think they’d be happy to see the sign. It’s 40 years of dedication, commitment to the community. It’s a great tribute,” he said.<\/p>\n

\"Now<\/a><\/p>\n

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