Episodes

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! The week’s headlines feel different when you hear them from the people building the future they want to live in. We sit down with podcaster and community organizer Rob Esquerdo to trace a clear line from storytelling to action: how a classroom-born show, Rob Live, grew into a platform for resilience and a catalyst for change in Stratford. From interviews that turn grief into policy to partnerships that keep food moving to families, Rob show...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Quick wins matter, but so do the quiet calls that shape a city’s future. Mayor Travis Paden’s Wednesday wrap-up delivers a clear, helpful tour of the October 21 Hanford City Council meeting—what moved forward, what paused, and why it affects your street, your park, and your wallet. We start with people power: three new hires in surveying, engineering, and building maintenance, the backbone roles that keep growth safe and services reliable....

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Big projects are finally lining up for Kings County, and the details matter. We sit down with Caltrans District 6’s Alex Aguilera to unpack the planned 198–9th Avenue interchange, how five design alternatives could reconnect north and south Hanford, and why early community input will shape the safest, smartest option. We also trace the ripple effects tied to the East Lacey Corridor and the extension of 9th Avenue to Grangeville, showing how...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! The week bursts with energy—city moves that affect our day-to-day, a stacked fall calendar, a symphony season opener, and a high school football finish that had us on our feet. We also bring a crucial safety story to the front: Fire Chief Daniel Perkins joins us to unpack why residential fire deaths have climbed even as fires have declined, who’s most at risk, and the simple habits that tip the odds. From a free smoke alarm installation day...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! A small city can change big outcomes when information, care, and community line up. We sit down with Candy Bertaina and Kathy Mittleider from Links for Life, Kings County, to explore how a volunteer-led nonprofit funds the crucial first step in breast cancer care: diagnosis. From the origins of their work to the powerful reach of the Pink Passion Picnic, we unpack the stopgap they provide before state programs kick in, why early mammograms,...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Fall festivities take center stage in Hanford as our community gears up for a season packed with beloved traditions and exciting changes. The 46th annual Renaissance of Kings Fair returns to Civic Park on October 4-5, bringing with it a rich tapestry of period entertainment, food, and activities. Parks Director Brad Albert reveals this may be the longest-running Renaissance Fair in California, featuring expanded entertainment this year in...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Kings Partnership serves as a vital lifeline for Kings County residents, offering an impressive array of free services designed to strengthen families and build community resilience. Program coordinator Jennifer Quinones brings enthusiasm and expertise to her role, detailing how this preventative nonprofit organizes its work into focused "buckets" addressing mental health, trauma-informed care, and substance abuse prevention. The organizat...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Mayor Travis Paden takes us behind the scenes of Hanford's latest City Council meeting, revealing crucial decisions that will shape our community's future. The Council has approved $325,000 for much-needed repairs to the Hanford Plunge, including a new slide and slide pool, with an additional $100,000 set aside for future maintenance—extending this beloved facility's life by approximately ten years. A moment of civic pride illuminated the ...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Step into the unexpected cultural richness of Hanford with our exploration of the community's vibrant arts scene. While Kings County might not immediately come to mind as an arts destination, this episode reveals the surprising breadth of creative opportunities awaiting residents of all ages and interests. From the Kings Art Center's exhibits and classes to the multiple dance studios, theater companies, and museums scattered throughout the...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! The Kings County Homelessness Collaborative represents a remarkable coalition of 18 organizations working together to tackle one of our community's most persistent challenges. In this eye-opening conversation, Hanford City Councilman Mark Kairis and KCAO Executive Director Jeff Garner reveal how their coordinated efforts have already reduced the county's homeless population from 417 to 302 individuals. Mark explains the practical challenge...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! A historic downtown law firm is making waves in Hanford with their commitment to community, clients, and careers. The Griswold LaSalle Law Firm, celebrating 80 years of service, has transformed the iconic Hanford Furniture Building into a thriving legal practice while maintaining its historic charm. With plans to expand to the third floor due to significant growth, this firm continues to evolve while honoring its roots. What sets Griswold ...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Tragedy often reveals the true character of a community. When Christy Camara lost her son Wyland under horrific circumstances in March 2020, Hanford didn't just offer condolences—it embraced her mission to prevent similar tragedies and honor her son's memory. The heart of this episode revolves around Christy's raw, powerful story. Born and raised on a Hanford dairy farm, this former yoga instructor and business owner shares the unimaginabl...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Step inside the remarkable transformation happening across Hanford Joint Union High School District campuses in this revealing conversation with district leaders Renee Creech, Lance Dowd, and Ben Stidman. Against the backdrop of steady enrollment growth while other districts struggle, HJUHSD has strategically invested millions in creating educational spaces where students genuinely want to be. From the gleaming new tennis courts at Hanford...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! The fast-growing phenomenon of pickleball has taken Hanford by storm, creating a vibrant community that welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. Our deep dive into this increasingly popular sport reveals why it's captured the hearts of so many—from the exceptional accessibility that allows 13-year-olds to compete with 70-year-olds to the unique social environment that fosters lasting friendships and networking opportunities. We speak...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Mayor Travis Paden takes listeners behind the scenes of Hanford's marathon six-hour City Council meeting in this special edition of the Hanford Insider Podcast. What started at 4 PM and stretched until 10 PM covered critical decisions that will shape the city's future for years to come. The Council chambers were packed as three of Hanford's finest received recognition – with Officer Matthew Novielli's swearing-in and the promotions of Serg...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Dive into a fascinating conversation with Doug Verboon, Kings County Board of Supervisor for District 3, as he unpacks the inner workings of county government and shares his vision for Kings County's future. As a fifth-generation resident with deep roots in the Central Valley, Verboon brings 32 years of public service experience to the table. His family's journey from operating a hotel in pre-Corcoran Angiola to farming the same land his a...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Have you ever wondered about the deep bonds formed between police officers and their canine partners? This week's episode delves into a touching community initiative to honor fallen K9 officers, specifically Officer Krash who served the Hanford Police Department. Dionicia Parks and Jim Carpenter join us to share their passionate mission to create lasting memorials for these four-legged heroes. Krash's story – from his dedicated service alo...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Making local government more accessible takes many forms, and today we're bridging a crucial information gap for our community. Mayor Travis Paden's City Council meeting wrap-ups have been a Facebook staple for engaged citizens, but what about those who prefer to stay off social media? We've solved that problem by bringing the Mayor's updates directly to your podcast feed. This debut edition delivers a comprehensive rundown of Hanford's la...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! When Nancy Howze stepped into her role as Hanford City Council member six months ago, she brought something beyond political ambition—a genuine desire to model community service for her three children. Now, as Hanford's newly appointed Vice Mayor, she's creating waves of positive change while navigating the complex machinery of local government. In this milestone 100th episode of The Hanford Insider, Nancy opens up about her journey from c...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! The dangerous reality of Fourth of July celebrations takes center stage as Hanford's top public safety officials sound the alarm on illegal fireworks. Fire Chief Daniel Perkins reveals shocking statistics: 92 firework-related emergency calls last Independence Day weekend, four severe burn victims (three being children), and one home suffering $50,000 in damage from a single errant firework. Meanwhile, Police Chief Stephanie Huddleston share...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! The Hanford Insider peels back the curtain on local governance while celebrating one of our community's most cherished spaces in this engaging episode. A significant shake-up is coming to City Hall as Mayor Lou Martinez steps down while continuing to represent Area D, necessitating new leadership as the council tackles important financial decisions. With nearly a million dollars in Measure H funds potentially allocated for new vehicles and ...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! What does world-class healthcare look like when it's right in your backyard? Tim Haydock, Operations Executive at Adventist Health Central California, joins us to reveal how specialized medical care has quietly transformed in Kings County. Did you know that of the four hospitals with "A" safety ratings in our entire region, three belong to Adventist Health? Or that surgeons in Hanford are performing specialized procedures only available at...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Hanford's crown jewel is turning 100, and we're pulling out all the stops to celebrate! Join us for an in-depth look at the Century of Memories celebration marking the centennial of the Hanford Civic Auditorium—a building that has shaped our community's cultural identity for a century. Brad Albert and Randy Shaw take us behind the scenes of this milestone event, sharing fascinating details about the meticulously planned celebration on June...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Leadership changes take center stage in Hanford as City Manager Mario Cifuentez announces his upcoming departure after nearly five years at the helm. Taking a position in Cottonwood, Arizona, Cifuentez leaves thoughtful advice for his successor: understand the challenges of inevitable growth, listen to the entire community, and remember that Hanford's median age of 32 represents residents who may not regularly attend council meetings. The C...