Ken Devol
All Things Considered Anchor & ReporterKen 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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Early results show that Valley’s Edge has little chance of moving forward. While some are celebrating that the development likely won’t come to fruition, others say Chico is missing an opportunity. Also, Scotty’s Landing — a gathering place for many locals for almost 70 years — has been forced to shut down, and the California State Student Association says it’s now the largest college advocacy group to pass a ceasefire resolution in the nation.
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Paradise will apply for $7 million to improve evacuation messaging. This comes as officials report all 21 towers in the town’s early warning system are now operational. Also, as preliminary voting results continue to be counted in Shasta County the recall election of Supervisor Kevin Crye now has a narrow margin, and Sunday is the last day to see a new art exhibit at MONCA that asks Chico residents to question their assumptions on homelessness.
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Artists and musicians join volunteers at a pile burn in Berry Creek hosted by the Butte Prescribed Burn Association. Also, fire survivors have been paid 60% of the total amount owed in compensation for wildfires started by Pacific Gas & Electric Company. In April that number will go up to 66%. And workers from PG&E will begin laying underground cables in Oroville next week.
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The California Public Utilities Commission approved a fee increase for Pacific Gas and Electric Company customers. PG&E reports it requested adding the fee to help pay for infrastructure improvements. Also, Butte County officials say they still have hundreds of free Alert FM emergency warning devices to hand out to residents in unincorporated areas, and around 300 people have possibly been exposed to measles after a child with a confirmed case of the disease was seen at the UC Davis Emergency Department last week.
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Fire survivors finding it challenging to pay for building permits in Butte County could get some help from the board of supervisors. Also, part of Highway 70 may remain blocked for two more weeks after a rockslide, and the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook that it will now dispatch emergency calls for all fire districts as well as law enforcement.
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Chico State’s student government has passed a resolution urging an immediate ceasefire in the war in Gaza. The resolution also asks Chico State leadership and the city of Chico to join the call for a ceasefire. Also, PG&E is warning customers of an increasingly common phone scam, and several streets in downtown Chico will be closed to the public Sunday due to the upcoming bicycle race.
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Shasta County voters had many races and measures to weigh on Super Tuesday. Which issues mattered most them? Also, many Butte County voters said they headed to the polls to vote on the future president and Prop. 1, and the Chico City Council this week took the final step needed to annex a 20-acre parcel in north Chico to allow development there.
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Early election results show Valley’s Edge could be rejected by Chico voters. Last night Stop Valley’s Edge organizers celebrated while gathering to watch the results. Also, two incumbents for the Butte County Board of Supervisors — Tod Kimmelshue and Doug Teeter — will likely keep their seats for another term, and it’s a tight recall race for Shasta County Supervisor, Kevin Crye.
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Today is California’s primary election. What you need to know about voting today, including if you haven’t registered yet or received your ballot. Also, some young voters in Chico say their generation lacks engagement with politics, and the controversial Orchard Creek Estates project will come-up for a confirming second vote tonight after the Chico City Council approved moving forward with the 75-acre residential development at its last meeting.
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Butte County voters have two district supervisor incumbent positions being challenged by newcomers. NSPR interviewed the candidates, here’s what each had to say in under four minutes.