Ken Devol
Host, All Things ConsideredKen came to NSPR through the back door as a volunteer, doing all the things that volunteers do. Almost nothing – nothing -- in his previous work experience suggests that he would ever be on public radio.
His resume is nearly Frankensteinian with one disparate job sutured to another: California Department of Parks and Recreation, marina employee, archaeological field technician, electrician, woodworker, furniture import, and 20 years in manufacturing management. He was an English major.
He’s traveled some. He likes to sail and writes fraudulent poetry. And now he’s in radio -- another unlikely part is sewn into the whole. And he loves it.
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Ten public entities in the North State announced a settlement agreement with Pacific Gas & Electric for damages incurred in the 2021 Dixie Fire. Also, FEMA has added more counties to its major disaster declaration in the wake of recent winter storms, and experts are skeptical California’s electric grid can handle the planned phaseout of gas cars. -
Residents in the Butte County community of Berry Creek say they weren’t properly notified about a proposal to temporarily close a fire station in the community. Also, opponents of the Valley’s Edge development plan in Chico announced the launch of a referendum campaign, and Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to unveil his proposed state budget today.
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Unhoused residents in Chico are calling for more aid to protect campgrounds from flooding. Also, some Butte County residents remained without power following this week’s storm, and Gov. Gavin Newsom will take the oath of office for his second term as governor today in Sacramento.
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Another potent storm will impact Northern California today. Also, snowpack in California’s mountains is off to one of its best starts in 40 years, and residents should prepare for the possibility of losing power for several days due to the incoming storm.
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A lawsuit alleges the federal government needs to do more to protect gray wolves. Also, a law going into effect in 2023 equalizes the penalty on hate symbols, and the earthquake warning system known as ShakeAlert was tested in last week’s 6.4-magnitude quake that hit the North Coast.
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The Butte County Board of Supervisors heard from Camp Fire survivors about their experience with the PG&E Fire Victim Trust. Also, the city of Chico announced the appointment of Billy Aldridge as police chief, and furniture fires are on the rise in Chico.
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Doug LaMalfa and Mike Thompson addressed the House Wednesday urging their colleagues to pass a bill relieving Fire Victim Trust payees of federal taxes. Also, new Redding City councilmembers Tenessa Audette and Jack Munns were sworn into office Tuesday, and Butte County Public Health in partnership with the Feather River Recreation and Park District has installed a new Fit-Trail at Riverbend Park in Oroville.
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The Chico City Council is set to consider raising signing bonuses for certain police officer candidates. Also, gray wolves are staging a comeback in California, and the state has seen a relatively mild 2022 fire season.
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The Chico Planning Commission voted Thursday to certify the environmental impact report for the Valley’s Edge development. Also, some fire survivors may be eligible for a refund on state taxes they’ve paid on PG&E settlement money, and state lawmakers are scheduled to address high gas prices.
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Local tribes and environmentalists are commending a historic decision to tear down four dams along the Klamath River. Also, research shows power outages are related to adverse health outcomes, and California prepares to launch the nation’s first state-funded guaranteed income program.
