Episodes

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Discover how our city is evolving and the incredible stories that shape our community in this must-listen episode of the Hanford Insider. We kick things off with a major update from the Hanford City Council, where we celebrate the achievements of Dispatcher of the Year Stephanie Hernandez and unveil plans for a brand-new concession stand at the Youth Athletic Complex. Plus, get the lowdown on a pivotal district sales tax measure designed to fu...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Have you ever wondered what it takes to transition from a small-town upbringing to a career in high-stakes political journalism? Join us this week as we sit down with Hanford native and NPR Senior White House correspondent, Tamara Keith, who shares her remarkable journey from local beginnings to reporting from the corridors of power in Washington, D.C. Gain exclusive behind-the-scenes insights as we discuss the intricate balance of maintaining...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Curious about the roots and significance of Juneteenth? Join us as Carolyn Hudgens and Paula Massey from Women with Visions Unlimited illuminate the historical and cultural importance of this vital celebration for community unity and joy. We also provide a thorough recap of the recent Hanford City Council meeting, with Martin Devine's appointment to a vacant council seat taking center stage, and preview a pivotal proposed revenue measure for t...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Get ready for a jam-packed episode of the Hanford Insider! This week, we promise an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming Hanford City Council meeting, where we'll witness significant badge-pinning ceremonies, essential promotions within our police force, and a heartfelt dedication of the Freedom Park Playground to honor former mayor Dan Chin. Plus, the suspense thickens as the council prepares to interview and select a new member f...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Get ready to feel a swell of hometown pride as we sit down with Superintendent Victor Rosa, diving into Hanford Joint Union High School District's major facelift and the Neighbor Bowl's grand reveal, just in time for graduation season. You'll be inspired to hear how the community's vision and dedication have brought stunning renovations to life—from wellness centers to modernized classrooms and athletic fields. And with the Hanford City Counci...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Discover what it takes to navigate the post-pandemic educational landscape with Kings County Superintendent of Schools, Todd Barlow. He joins us on Hanford Insider for an insightful look into the ongoing support for student learning and the unsung heroes behind the scenes. From the transformative programs at JC Montgomery for incarcerated youth to the dedicated work for students with special needs at Shelly Baird, we're highlighting the victor...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Get ready to peel back the layers of Hanford's firefighting operations with new Fire Chief Daniel Perkins at my side. We're confronting the city's burning questions about our first responders' stretched-thin resources and what it takes to douse the flames of a department in need. From the heart of the community's pulse, we'll reveal the ins and outs of the daily heroics that safeguard our streets, and the strategy Chief Perkins has ignited to ...

Explore the heart of Hanford's vibrant community scene and fiscal future with us! This week's Hanford Insider takes you from the lively Thursday Night Marketplace to the corridors of city decision-making, with Mayor Travis Paden on and Vice Mayor Mark Kairis offering their firsthand perspectives. Relive the energy of local gatherings and learn how your city council is addressing the tough questions on funding and development. Get ready to engage with the deeper issues that shape our city. We're...

Step right up to the vibrant pulse of Hanford's community heart, the Thursday Night Marketplace, as we chat with Jim Castleman about its 24th-year celebration and the exciting expansions in store. This episode is your VIP pass to the latest local news. We raise our glasses to Laura Lutz, the Soropitmist International of Hanford Teacher of the Year, and keep you looped in on must-attend happenings, from the High-Speed Rail open house to enriching local school and church events. Savor the taste o...

Discover the strength of unity and the significance of remembrance as Pastor Andrew Cromwell and Shanna Meyer join me, Rob Bentley, in a heartening dialogue about the communal pillars that keep our society compassionate and connected. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the National Day of Prayer, and feel the communal embrace as we reflect on the poignant Homicide Quilt Unveiling and Candlelight Vigil. From the splashes of excitement with the Hanford Piranhas swim team to the cultural tapestry wo...

Discover the latest heartbeat of Hanford with your host, Rob Bentley, on the Hanford Insider. We're rolling out the red carpet for the city's sleek new digital front porch and taking a breather on City Council meetings, but only to spruce up our beloved auditorium. Take a virtual bow with Gary Feinstein, our local hero earning the Distinguished Citizenship Award. But hold onto your hats, because we've also got a calendar chock-full of local happenings: from the aroma of food truck fare to the fl...

Discover the heart of Hanford as we unpack the latest City Council meeting with pivotal developments for our community spaces and dive into the rich tapestry of local Asian heritage. From ADA-compliant upgrades to Bob Hill Athletic Complex to honoring the triumphs of our high school champions, this episode of Hanford Insider will not only keep you informed but also immersed in the vibrant cultural fabric of our town. We're also igniting civic spirit with a call to action through the City of Hanf...

As the city of Hanford springs into April, our podcast brings you a front-row seat to the local buzz that makes our community pulse. We kicked off the month with egg hunts and museum openings, and now the Hanford City Council is stealing the spotlight. They've rolled up their sleeves to address the Community Block Grant, strategize our downtown's future, and face the challenging issues of homelessness and infrastructure head-on. We also bid a bittersweet adieu to Councilwoman Diane Sharp and gea...

Imagine lacing up your sneakers for a cause that hits close to home. That's exactly what Stacy and Steven Brazil did when they transformed their passion for their son, Luke, into the now-annual Autism Awareness 5K Run and Walk. On this episode of Hanford Insider, join us as the Brazils share the heartwarming story behind an event that started as a small gathering in their garage and has since exploded into a community celebration. We'll explore the significance of Quail Run Park, the upcoming fe...

Step into the pulse of Hanford City, where Brad Albert from the City Parks and Community Services Department unravels the latest community developments and local event buzz. This week's episode pays homage to the legacy of former Mayor Marci Buford and greets a fresh batch of Hanford Police officers. The Downtown Improvement Project's fate hangs in the balance, as we dissect the ARPA-funded initiative's critical features like potential roundabouts and enhanced safety measures. Don't miss my "LIV...

Unlock the secrets of Hanford's vibrant transformation with a first-hand look at our downtown revitalization efforts and community events that make our town pulse with excitement. As the City Council explores fresh traffic designs and we toast to the promotions of new police lieutenants, we also spotlight Hanford's medical facility growth in the Costco shopping center and the new Town Place Suites Hotel on Lacey Blvd. Main Street Hanford's Michelle Brown dishes out details on the Everybody's Ir...

Unlock the latest buzz from Hanford as we serve up a feast of community updates and engaging conversations. Your virtual seat at the Hanford City Council meeting awaits, where we preview the new Downtown Improvement Project with Brian Johnson, Hanford's Communications Manager. Get the inside scoop on how to stay in the know with agendas and online viewing, and brace yourself for a parade of events that will have you marking your calendar. Wave your community flag high as we navigate through the...

Discover how Hanford's heart beats with innovation and community spirit as we sit down with Joy Gabler, the Superintendent of Hanford Elementary School District. Learn about the district's dynamic expansion to accommodate a wave of new students and staff, and get the inside scoop on City Council's initiatives that are set to transform our winter nights with a new ice rink, add a lifesaving firefighter to our team, and tackle the critical issue of homelessness head-on. Plus, with the RAISE grant ...

Discover the heartbeat of Hanford as we unpack the vibrant community events and the march towards the primary elections. Lupe Villa, Registrar of Voters, joins us to peel back the curtain on the essential, yet complex, preparations for the upcoming primary elections under the new Voter Choice Act model. Navigating the twists and turns of election season, we tackle the real costs, both financially and in terms of voter engagement, that come with democracy's dance. We scrutinize the reasons behin...

Discover what's stirring in Hanford as we unpack the dynamic changes afoot, from the local government's latest moves to the vibrant community initiatives making waves. We kick off with a peek behind the curtain of the Hanford City Council's latest meeting – new faces in blue, the debate over caffeine near preschoolers, and the financial upkeep of our city's lifelines. Plus, we celebrate our local high school bands' high notes and spotlight the FFA students cultivating success. And for those with...

Shattering glass ceilings in Hanford, Stephanie Huddleston steps into the studio to share her groundbreaking journey as the city's first female police chief. With a story that begins in the probation department and culminates in her dream role, Chief Huddleston offers a candid look at the challenges she faced and the milestones she's celebrated in a profession that's both demanding and rewarding. Her commitment to community policing shines through as we uncover the transformative power of youth ...

Sarah Ritten from Upholdings stops by to give us an update on the Northstar Courts affordable housing project in north Hanford nearing completion. You can find the Hanford Insider at www.hanfordinsider.com and on social media at @hanfordinsider Thank you for supporting the show!

We take this opportunity to update you on all of the latest Hanford City Council News including the swearing in of new Chief of Police Stephanie Huddleston, Water Rate Increases, and a Downtown Revitalization Project update. There's a lot of road construction going on right now. Rob will update us on some of the large projects taking place soon that will affect your travels to the coast or to Tulare County. This episode isn't just about the physical infrastructure of our town, but also the soc...

Welcome back, Hanford community and beyond! As your host, Rob Bentley, I'm thrilled to whisk you through the ins and outs of our vibrant city's happenings. We've got our finger on the pulse of Hanford City Council's latest actions. And for those hungry for local culture, our community calendar is a treasure trove of local author meet-and-greets, high school musicals, and volunteer ops that will get you out and mingling in no time. Then, buckle up as we zoom into the heart of our show with an exc...