Host Keith Porter interviews the man who is creating Crown Point Venues, a new concert hall, conference center and black box theater in Grass Valley.

Jason Robitaille was born in Walnut Creek, California, and raised in Valley Springs, just two hours south of Nevada County. He graduated from Calaveras High School, where he played football and studied medical science through the R.O.P. program, where he was assigned to the County Coroner’s Office.

Public service became a part of Jason’s life early on. At age 12, His father, a business owner and volunteer firefighter, often brought him to trainings and incidents.

Jason went on to earn a B.B.A. in Business Management from Harding University in Arkansas, an A.S. in Fire Technology from Modesto Junior College, and an A.S. in Paramedicine from American River College. His fire service career began with the Sylvan Hills Fire Department, a suburb of Little Rock, AR, where he served on rescue units, ladder trucks, engines, and medic squads, as well as a member of the Arkansas US&R Task Force.

After returning to California, Jason primarily served in Calaveras County, where he played a key role in consolidating two agencies into one. He holds California State certifications as both a Fire Officer and Chief Officer. In 2015, he was honored with the California State Firefighters’ Association President’s Hall of Fame Award for coordinating a four-year statewide live fire training program.

Jason and his wife, Leah, have been married for 21 years and have two sons, Carson (16) and Luke (14), who both attend Bear River. He enjoys traveling with his family, fishing with his boys, and attending local events. In his spare time, he is also restoring his first truck, a 1959 Chevy.

Host Kimberly Ewing talks with Judy Mosely coordinates the annual Children's Festival in Pioneer Park.