Hanford Insider

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 remarka...

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 t...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Breaking news leads our latest podcast as we reveal the Hanford Chamber of Commerce is shutting down operations, leaving many wondering about the future of our cherished Christmas Parade. This longstanding tradition needs community support to continue as the Chamber, which has organized it for years, faces volunteer and funding challenges. More...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! The extraordinary impact of youth service programs in our community takes center stage as Sergeant Andrew Mazza shares the remarkable success of the Kings County Sheriff's Explorer program. With 11 years of law enforcement experience and a personal journey that began as an Explorer himself, Mazza offers unique insights into how this program...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Life in small towns moves at its own special rhythm, and the latest Hanford Insider podcast captures that beat perfectly with updates that matter to our community. After months of questions from frustrated residents, we finally have answers about those troublesome traffic signals at 10th and Lacey - mark your calendars for early June installatio...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Brad Albert joins us to unveil the exciting plans for the Hanford Civic Auditorium's 100-year anniversary celebration happening June 7th. This historic landmark, dedicated in 1925, has been the backdrop for countless community memories – from dances and performances to political speeches and polio vaccinations. The multi-day celebration, th...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Join us for a delicious journey through the valley's evolving food scene, where new restaurants and food trucks are reshaping the culinary landscape. We dive into the heart of our community and explore the stories behind the flavors that make Hanford unique. In this episode, we chat with food enthusiast Jordan Burrow, who shares exciting ne...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Unlock the heartbeat of Hanford's community as we bring you the latest updates from our vibrant town. We'll explore the solemn yet celebratory Echoes of Courage parade, marking half a century since the Vietnam War's conclusion. From the pivotal decisions at the Hanford City Council meetings to the festive plans for the Civic Audit...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Ready to uncover the vibrant threads tying our community together? Tune in to learn how Kyria Martinez from the Kings County Administrative Office unveils the exciting prospects of the 2025 Kings County Youth and Government Day. Discover how this enlightening event aims to empower young minds by offering a firsthand glimpse into local governance...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! What does it take to sustain a vital community service for nearly four decades? Discover the answer as we highlight Father Luke Martinez, Associate Priest, who shares the remarkable story of the Episcopal Church of the Savior Soup Kitchen in Hanford. For 38 years, this essential resource has been feeding those in need, thanks to the unwavering s...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Discover the heartbeat of Hanford as we dive into the magical world of the Dream it, Be it conference with our special guest, Marlene Tapia. She shares her inspiring story of joining the Soroptimist Club and the incredible community work they champion. Get the latest buzz from Hanford, including the exciting new developments from the City Counci...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! What truly happens when officers and residents unite to foster a positive community spirit? Join us for a compelling episode where we sit down with Darrin Ellis and Linda Mello, ardent supporters of Kings County Positive Law Enforcement. They share their insights on the unique advantages of law enforcement in smaller communities like Hanford, as...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Get ready to explore the heart of the San Joaquin Valley's weather operations with Felix Castro from the National Weather Service in Hanford. Felix shares the secrets behind the iconic Doppler radar and the critical mission of the weather service in guarding life and property while boosting the national economy. We also keep you in the loop...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Rob returns with updates on the traffic signal at 10th & Lacey as well as downtown stop signs and the new flashing stop sign at 13th & Fargo after a fatal accident last month. The city announces a hefty grant destined to sprinkle a bit of magic along the China Alley corridor from the Amtrak station to 10th Ave. And, a shoutout to our loc...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Encore Episode from July 28, 2024 Unlock the secrets of aerial law enforcement with Sergeant Jerry Hunter and Senior Deputy Eric Johnson from the Kings County Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit. Established in 2014, this unit is not just about flying high; it's about enhancing public safety through the innovative use of both airplanes a...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Encore Episode from January 14, 2024 Uncover the exciting transformation set to redefine public transit in Hanford with the new transit center project. Join me and our special guest, Heather Corder, the accountant auditor for the Kings County Public Transit Agency, as we explore how this initiative is not just a plan but a promise of enhanced ac...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Encore episode from February 25, 2024 Curious about how a school district transforms in the face of modern educational challenges? Join us for an enlightening discussion with Hanford Elementary School District Superintendent Joy Gabler. You'll discover the district's remarkable achievements and forward-thinking initiatives that are set...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Join us for our final episode of 2024 as Hanford's City Manager, Mario Cifuentez, Vice Mayor Travis Paden, Community Relations Manager Brian Johnson, and HJUHSD Superintendent Victor Rosa reflect on an eventful year and we celebrate the successful initiatives that have shaped our city, from the vibrant Winter Wonderland to the strategic sal...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Unlock the heart of Hanford's community spirit as we promise an episode filled with compelling stories, impactful local news, and festive events. Featuring Missy Chavez, we shine a spotlight on the Wreaths Across America event that brings our community together to honor veterans at Grangeville Cemetery. This episode also delves into signifi...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Experience the magic of the holiday season like never before on this week's Hanford Insider. Discover how the vibrant Hanford Christmas Parade, orchestrated by the Hanford Chamber of Commerce, filled the streets with unparalleled community spirit. We'll guide you through the Downtown Mural Program, a creative endeavor uniting local art...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Uncover how Hanford's Winter Wonderland isn't just a seasonal delight but a powerful catalyst for economic growth and community connection. Join us as we explore the transformative role this event plays in the region, drawing over 107,000 visitors and capturing attention far beyond our city limits. With insights from the remarkable Par...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Ever wondered how local policies shape the vibrancy of our town? Get the insider scoop on the latest Hanford City Council meeting agenda, where we discuss everything from Measure H accountability to street closure policies designed to smooth our favorite community events. We also spotlight the high-flying achievements of our local school marchin...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Army veterans Don Knight and Gerry McKee take us on an unforgettable journey back to their days in Vietnam, sharing powerful stories of camaraderie and unexpected humor in the midst of chaos. We honor Veterans Day by highlighting these unique experiences and insights about transitioning back to civilian life. This episode promises to deepen your...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Margaret Cardiel, a remarkable former Army and Navy service member, graces our podcast with her inspiring journey from military service to becoming a vibrant part of the Hanford community. Margaret, now the VFW commander, opens up about the significance of Veterans Day and the profound contributions of Nisei veterans in Hanford. She has played a...

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Have you ever wondered how a library can transform into a vibrant community hub and a 21st-century marvel? Join us as we chat with Vikki Cervantes, the new Director of the Kings County Library in Hanford, who shares her inspiring journey into librarianship and reveals the exciting plans for the library's modernization project. We also bring...