In 1970, KXOA-FM switched to an automated Country format. During this time, KXOA AM and FM were sold to separate parties. The AM station was sold to investors involved in the ownership of KSJO in San Jose. The FM station was sold to Drake-Chenault, a national radio syndicator, who moved the station to Loma Vista Drive off Fulton Avenue. In early 1971, they flipped KXOA-FM to their syndicated "Solid Gold" format, which featured pop hits from the 1950s through the present. In August 1972, the station flipped a progressive rock-oriented format branded as "Earth Rock 108"; the station hired Steve Rosetta as General Manager and Rick Carroll from KNDE as a consultant. Air talent from this era included Tom Buck, Greg Mundae, Tom Cale, and Kent Randles. In February 1973, the station was switched to an automated oldies format branded as "Nostalgia Radio".