Jonathan Linden
Podcast Producer / Central Valley Journalism CollaborativeJonathan Linden is a podcast producer at KVPR. Born and raised in Riverside, he's a Southern California native. Jonathan's passion for public radio began at a young age when his brother would play NPR while driving him home from middle school. He earned his B.A. in journalism from Biola University in 2019.
Jonathan has worked at several NPR affiliates, including serving as Morning Edition host at KCLU and reporting at KAZU and KVCR. While reporting at KAZU, Jonathan covered the flooding of the town of Pajaro and the first U.S. Women's Open held at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Both stories helped contribute to KAZU's two 2023 regional Edward R. Murrow awards.
When not working, Jonathan can often be found walking or running his Alaskan Malamute Balto or keeping up with the latest Dodgers game.
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There is a crucial part of California’s water infrastructure that is key to preventing flooding. They’re called levees, and you may see them in your own community. Today, we break down the importance of these systems and how they’re holding up. Emily Zentner from The California Newsroom brings us why levees are important and the questions we still have about their sustainability. Plus, the latest news headlines, including a Kern County bakery discrimination case being reversed and what we saw at the World Ag Expo as it comes to a close. -
Bird flu has wreaked havoc on dairy cattle, poultry, and egg prices. But now, there’s a risk to even one of our most beloved household pets: cats. Today, we speak with Sarah Boden, who recently reported on this topic for KFF Health News. She explains how cats have become vulnerable to the virus. Plus, the latest news headlines, including new maps revealing the state’s fire risk and advocacy groups pushing for awareness of farmworker deportations.
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President Donald Trump is cutting funding for a lab that studies a small fish known as the Delta Smelt. The tiny fish are an indicator species, meaning they help reveal the health of the ecosystems where they live. But the fish have also become a symbol of the tension between environmental groups and many politicians. Today we’re talking with John Buse from the Center for Biological Diversity about the future of the fish. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the latest on the reopening of Madera Community Hospital and the opening of the World Ag Expo.
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The immigration debate over President Trump’s enforcement policies has reached classrooms. In recent weeks, hundreds of Central Valley students have walked out of class and protested in the street because they are concerned about mass deportation efforts. Today, we speak with Esther Quintanilla, a reporter at the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative, about how schools and educators are responding to immigration concerns among students and parents. Plus, the latest news headlines, including how farmers reacted to Trump’s release of Valley water and a rabies scare in Reedley.
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Agriculture. Water. Immigration. Many of President Trump’s earliest actions back in office have had direct effects on the Central Valley. Today, we speak with Casey Creamer, president and CEO of California Citrus Mutual. He discusses Trump’s recent executive orders and how his organization is wading through the politics. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the CSU faculty union’s response to working with A.I. companies and delays for Yosemite National Park entrance reservations.
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Faculty and administration at Madera Community College are at odds over a new teaching method. Competency-based education prioritizes course mastery over grades – and students learn at their own pace. It has been tried in other colleges, but a recent attempt to bring it to Madera met some roadblocks. We speak with a faculty leader about what this means for the future of the practice. Plus, the latest news headlines, including Cesar Chavez Boulevard moving forward in Fresno and Clovis residents seeking to become a “non-sanctuary city.”
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Gov. Gavin Newsom sought to provide mental health treatment to those facing homelessness through a controversial program that established what is known as “CARE Courts.” Little data exists to know whether the program has been meeting its goals so far. But in today’s episode, we look at how it’s working in Stanislaus County. We speak with reporter Marijke Rowland from our partner, Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. Plus, the latest news headlines, including how farmers are reacting to Trump’s hasty water order last week and a new indictment that was revealed in the Bitwise Industries fallout.
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What’s in a pile of dirt? For residents of the small Sierra Nevada community of Oakhurst, the answer is unity–and a little bit of mischief. On today’s show, KVPR reporter Rachel Livinal takes us to the town where a seemingly normal dirt mound became a viral sensation. We also hear what it inspired residents to do next. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the reason why some are taking part in a “day without immigrants,” and why normally dry rivers were flowing this past weekend in Tulare County.
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San Joaquin Valley agriculture has a rich history, particularly the largely immigrant workers who have sustained it for generations. An education program in Bakersfield is calling teachers to learn about it. Today, we speak with Adam Sawyer, who is leading the project "California Dreamin’: Migration, Work, and Settlement in the Other California." We’ll hear about its goals and mission. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the impact of Trump’s orders on Valley refugee agencies and the capture of a Kings County kidnapping suspect in Mexico.
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Water in California is a complicated subject. But now, President Donald Trump is pushing an idea to send water from Northern California down to places like Los Angeles. His reason? Provide enough water to fight fires. But moving water like that is not so simple. And then there are issues like drought. Today we speak with Alastair Bland from CalMatters, who brings us the logistical challenges of this idea. Plus, the latest news headlines, including what the latest strain of bird flu might mean for humans and should California leave the U.S.?
