![](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4c32547/2147483647/strip/true/crop/375x500+13+0/resize/150x200!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fsites%2Fkcho%2Ffiles%2F201409%2FIMG_9440WEB.jpg)
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.
-
Anderson Union School District Board President Jackie LaBarbera announced that the district would continue its current policy requiring school officials to inform parents when a student requests a change to their records, including requests to change their gender identity or sexual orientation. Also, tribal and conservation groups are advocating for national monument status for the Medicine Lake Highlands in Siskiyou County, and there are now more restrictions on fires in Lassen National Forest.
-
We’re continuing to cover the city of Chico’s announcement this week that it hopes to change the terms of Warren v. Chico — a settlement agreement that outlines its homelessness policy for clearing encampments. In a letter responding to the city, the law firm representing the unhoused plaintiffs in the 2021 case pushes back. Also, Councilmember Tom van Overbeek says he supports the city’s move to challenge the settlement and says Councilmember Addison Winslow is incorrect about the details. And members of Tehama County’s largest employee union have declared no confidence in the Chief Administrative Officer and Personnel Director.
-
The city of Chico wants to change the conditions of Warren v. Chico, a major settlement agreement that outlines its policies on removing homeless encampments in the city. We hear from Mayor Andrew Coolidge and Councilmember Addison Winslow.
-
The Butte County Public Health Department says lab tests of water at the city of Chico’s sanctioned encampment have come back clear of contamination. Also, the majority of council seats are close to the end of their four-year terms. New candidates can begin the candidacy process this week, and the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District announced that West Nile Virus is now active in Butte County.
-
Widespread cases of diarrhea have been reported at the city of Chico’s alternative campsite on Eaton and Cohasset Roads. The illness has caused advocates to push for better conditions at the city-sanctioned encampment for unhoused residents. Also, as the nation reacts to the assassination attempt of former president Donald Trump, North State residents are speculating about what it means for the upcoming election, and the Oroville City Council is revisiting a program that could reduce electricity costs for residents.
-
The city of Chico is being ordered to release information surrounding the 2017 police killing of Tyler Rushing. Also, health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated against the newest strains of COVID-19, and as a prolonged heat wave continues in the North State residents may struggle to pay their electricity bills.
-
Officials announced full containment of the Thompson Fire yesterday and said residents should stay ready to evacuate possible future fires. Also, Butte County fire survivors now have a hotline they can call to get information about resources, and California voters will face 10 state-wide propositions in this fall’s general election.
-
The Supreme Court has sided with the city of Grants Pass in a landmark case on homelessness. The decision reverses a previous ban on criminalizing people for sleeping outside if they have no other options. In Chico, some say the decision could affect how the city responds to homelessness in the long term. Also, the Pit River Tribe is getting more than 1,500 acres of its land back in Shasta County, and the City of Redding is making it easier for utility customers to pay their bills online.
-
Independence Day is right around the corner. While many will celebrate the holiday with family gatherings and food, Chico officials are reminding residents that setting off fireworks is illegal. Also, nearly six years after the Camp Fire destroyed the Honey Run Covered Bridge reconstruction is now underway, and Avelo Airlines is leaving Redding and passengers without direct flights to Southern California.
-
PG&E customers will see a rate reduction this summer, but the relief will be temporary. Also, evacuations have been lifted for the Apache Fire in Butte County and the Sites Fire in Colusa County.Officials offer some advice to residents on what to do after returning home, and a lawsuit against the Shasta County Elections Office has been dismissed by a superior court judge this week.