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 2024 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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For years, March 31st has been known as “Cesar Chavez Day.” But earlier in March, the New York Times published a bombshell investigation alleging the late civil rights leader sexually abused and assaulted women and girls in the 1960s and 70s. Some states have scrambled to rename the day. And farmworker communities are reeling – especially in Kern County. KVPR’s Kerry Klein has the view from the town of Delano, where the labor movement was born. Plus, the latest news headlines: Kings County and Avenal tussle over fire services; and Merced College claims KVPR is costing them money amid reporting investigation. -
In his latest book, a Bakersfield College professor explores the lesser-known history of civil rights with a focus on Bakersfield. Oliver Rosales, who holds a doctorate in history, discusses his research and highlights the introduction of ethnic studies courses into local schools.
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In the small Kings County town of Avenal, city leaders and residents are caught up in a messy dispute over the future of the town’s fire department. -
Bull riders are descending on Fresno for the Professional Bull Riders Velocity Tour at the Save-Mart Center this weekend. On today’s episode, bull rider Edgardo Figueroa tells us what eight seconds on a bucking bull is really like.
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In the small Kings County town of Avenal, city leaders are embroiled in a very messy dispute. The majority of its city council members are facing a recall by residents, and the county and city have slung lawsuits at each other over public meeting laws and special elections. KVPR’s Jonathan Linden speaks with us about how this all started. Plus, the latest news headlines: California threatens Valley cities, counties over housing; and a bill to protect houses of worship fails to advance in the state senate.
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Public outrage was palpable after allegations of sexual abuse against Cesar E. Chavez were published in the New York Times last week. His public image was virtually erased in mere hours. On today’s episode, we discuss the downfall of a civil rights icon with writer Miriam Pawel, who published the 2014 biography “The Crusades of Cesar Chavez.” Plus, the latest news headlines: Republican lawmakers push for menstrual products for farmworkers, and the son of a Filipino farmworker activist speaks out on Cesar E. Chavez.
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The Fresno arts community was shaken after reports that $1.5 million in taxpayer funding was allegedly embezzled from the Fresno Arts Council. When reporter Doug Hoagland wasn’t getting answers from the city, he published an open letter calling out one official in particular. On today’s episode, Hoagland discusses what prompted the letter and where the investigation stands today. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County won’t recognize Cesar Chavez Day, and Attorney General Rob Bonta weighs in on lawsuit against desert ICE facility.
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Students across the country left school in February to protest the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement actions. In the city of Clovis, school district officials said they witnessed adults encouraging students to leave school. Then, threats of criminal charges followed. On today’s episode, Nigel Duara with our news partner CalMatters breaks down where things stand today.
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The name “Cesar Chavez” turned from a symbol of benevolence into a blemish seemingly overnight, after a New York Times report detailed allegations of a pattern of sexual misconduct by the late civil rights leader. On today’s episode, KVPR News Director Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado and Associate Editor Kerry Klein break down how the region of Central California, where Chavez built a farmworker movement, is reckoning with his fall from grace. Plus, the latest news headlines: What a new voter poll reveals ahead of the midterms, and California sues the federal EPA.
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Renters in the city of Merced are pushing to improve housing conditions. Some say they live in unsafe conditions and are calling out so-called slumlords for the problem. Alma Villegas with The Merced FOCUS breaks down how the residents are organizing and how the city is responding. Plus, the latest news headlines: Local reaction to damning reports about the late civil rights leader Cesar E. Chavez.
