Episodes

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...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Stepping through the doors of Gonsalves-Fasso Nursery feels like entering a living time capsule of Hanford's history. Paul Rhodes, the third-generation owner of this 80-year-old floral institution, welcomes us into his world with stories that span decades and connect countless families across our community. When Mary Fasso opened this shop with her brother Pete and sister-in-law Virginia Gonsalves in April 1945, she couldn't have imagined t...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Discover the heartbeat of Hanford in this packed episode featuring a candid conversation with local entrepreneur Kayla Houk, who shares the remarkable journey of Off the Vine Restaurant from pandemic-born charcuterie delivery service to downtown dining destination. When COVID-19 shut down the culinary world, chef Kayla returned to Hanford and launched a charcuterie box delivery service that quickly grew from 3-10 boxes weekly to 30 boxes d...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! The heartbeat of community education takes center stage in this week's Hanford Insider as we celebrate Educator Appreciation Month. Against the backdrop of bustling local news, our microphones capture the voices of gratitude reverberating through Hanford's educational landscape. School superintendents from across Kings County share powerful messages of appreciation for the educators who shape our future. Paul VanLoon of Pioneer Union praises ...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! A quarter-century of community building takes center stage as Thursday Night Marketplace prepares to launch its milestone 25th season in downtown Hanford. Join host Rob Bentley as he sits down with Jim Castleman of Main Street Hanford for an inside look at how this beloved weekly tradition has evolved from a small street market to the largest recurring event in the community. "What would we be doing in Hanford if we didn't have the marketplac...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! "They deserve some recognition." These simple yet profound words from Navy veteran John Kuykendall capture the essence of Hanford's upcoming Echoes of Courage celebration honoring Vietnam veterans 50 years after the war's end. The weight of unspoken history fills our latest episode as we sit down with two local heroes who served during one of America's most controversial conflicts. Marine Corps Second Lieutenant Bill Zumwalt shares his experi...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! When a child enters foster care, their world transforms overnight. They face new homes, new rules, and a complex system of courts and social workers that can feel overwhelming. Who stands beside them during this tumultuous journey? In Kings County, it's often a CASA volunteer. This week, we sat down with Maritza Lemus to explore the remarkable work of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Kings County. These dedicated community voluntee...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Captain Scott Mellon of the Hanford Fire Department joins us to share a remarkable story of service beyond the call of duty. Since 2014, Scott has been running the Fresno Urban Run while wearing complete firefighter turnout gear – helmet, coat, pants, boots and all – navigating stadium stairs, parking garages, and even finishing with an oxygen tank strapped to his back. What began as a personal challenge has transformed into a powerful fundrai...