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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 City Council wasted no time scheduling a special meeting for May 29th to discuss interim leadership and the permanent replacement process.

Meanwhile, community improvements continue with several noteworthy developments. Children's ice skating rates at Winter Wonderland will drop from $16 to $10 per session, increasing accessibility for local families.

The Council is exploring free senior access to the Longfield Center and affordable family membership options. After several delays, the new Live Oak subdivision will feature Hanford's first-ever park with built-in cornhole games, while the long-awaited signal light at 10th Avenue and East Lacey Boulevard should finally be installed next week.

Memorial Day weekend brings the impressive Avenue of Flags to Grangeville Cemetery, featuring 1,034 flags and a Monday ceremony.

Looking ahead to June 7th, two significant events coincide - the Carnegie Museum Car Show bringing 200+ vehicles downtown, and the "Century of Memory" celebration marking the Civic Auditorium's 100th anniversary with historical displays, music, and cake for all attendees. Sports fans can follow local playoff action, with Hanford West baseball advancing to the D4 semifinals and Hanford West softball concluding an impressive season with an undefeated league title despite a narrow playoff loss. Want to stay connected with everything happening in our community? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the most comprehensive event calendar available and follow us on social media @HanfordInsider.

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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 the legacy she was creating. Paul, who took over the business after an injury on the family farm, shares how his grandmother's words still guide him: "You're not going to get rich, but you'll make a good living." Those simple words have sustained a business that has weathered dramatic industry changes for eight decades.

The conversation takes surprising turns as Paul reveals how California's marijuana legalization transformed the flower industry, forcing suppliers to source internationally rather than from traditional coastal growers. "I could have roses cut in Colombia and delivered to my door within 72 hours," he explains, giving us a glimpse into the global supply chains supporting this local business. The challenges facing small florists are substantial—from competition with untaxed vendors during major holidays to the exhausting behind-the-scenes work that customers never see.

Most touching are the generational connections fostered through flowers. "My grandmother used to come here," customers often tell Paul, or "You did my grandmother's wedding flowers." These statements highlight how deeply woven Gonsalves Faso has become in Hanford's social fabric. The shop doesn't just sell arrangements; it creates living memories that mark life's most significant moments across multiple generations.

The episode also features comprehensive community news, including updates on the Hanford City Council meeting, upcoming events at the Carnegie Museum, the Fox Theater, and Kings Art Center, plus a roundup of local high school baseball and softball playoff action.

Subscribe to our podcast and newsletter at hanfordinsider.com to stay connected with everything happening in our vibrant community. Have a story idea? Email us at hanfordinsider@gmail.com—we'd love to hear from you!

You can find the Hanford Insider at www.hanfordinsider.com and on social media at @hanfordinsider
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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 daily. This success propelled her to open Off the Vine's first location during the pandemic, despite all the challenges of social distancing requirements and takeout-only service. Now, the restaurant has relocated to a prime downtown spot (formerly Fatte Albert's Pizza), expanding from 20 to 80 seats while maintaining their commitment to scratch-made, locally-sourced food.

What makes Off the Vine special? "We literally live in the hottest spot of the valley where we get fresh peaches, strawberries—anything you can think of is grown here. Why wouldn't we use it?" Kayla explains. This farm-to-table philosophy extends to everything they serve, from their popular Smoked Bird sandwich (house-braised turkey, caramelized onions, smoked gouda, and garlic aioli on sourdough baguette) to their daily-made dressings sweetened with local honey instead of artificial sugars.

The episode also delivers crucial community updates: Hanford has been recognized as one of California's fastest-growing cities with a population now exceeding 61,000; three new murals have been approved for downtown; and the City Council has voted to let residents decide on a transient occupancy tax increase in November. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate comprehensive coverage of local championships, with Hanford West Softball claiming the Tri-County Kings League title with a perfect 8-0 record and Sierra Pacific Baseball securing their own league championship.

Subscribe to the Hanford Insider newsletter for the most comprehensive community calendar available, and join us on YouTube for live coverage of the upcoming baseball and softball playoff bracket releases!

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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 teachers for "shaping the next generation of thinkers and leaders," while Kings County Superintendent Todd Barlow poignantly notes that "teachers somehow make the impossible look routine." These tributes, alongside heartfelt messages from parents and students, reveal the profound impact our educators have on the fabric of our community.

Meanwhile, Hanford continues to evolve with significant developments on the horizon. The City Council prepares to discuss a potential increase in the transient occupancy tax from 8% to 12%, which could generate $375,000 in additional annual revenue for essential services. The ongoing demolition of the historic Lacey Milling signals change while prompting important conversations about preserving our town's heritage. And looking ahead, the community anticipates the Century of Memories celebration on June 7th, marking the 100th anniversary of the beloved Hanford Civic Auditorium.

On the sports front, Eric Bentley delivers comprehensive coverage of our local athletes' achievements. Hanford West softball maintains their undefeated league status, while Sierra Pacific's bats come alive with impressive offensive performances. These athletic triumphs complement the academic focus of the episode, showcasing the well-rounded excellence that defines our community.

Want to stay connected with everything happening in Hanford? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at hanfordinsider.com for the most comprehensive community calendar available, or support the show at buymeacoffee.com/hanfordinsider. Your town, your stories, your insider connection.

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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 marketplace on Thursday night?" This question, overheard at Castleman's morning coffee gathering, captures the essential role this event plays in the fabric of Hanford life. From its humble beginnings on 7th Street to its current home in the Civic Auditorium Park, the marketplace has become a gathering place where three distinct crowds converge - produce shoppers, dinner seekers, and those drawn by live music and the beer garden.

The 2025 season promises 27 nights of entertainment featuring 13 new bands, 25 food vendors including several new additions, and themed celebrations ranging from Navy Appreciation Night to Dairy Appreciation. Behind it all stands an army of 35-40 dedicated volunteers who make each Thursday possible from May through October.

Beyond the marketplace itself, downtown Hanford is experiencing a remarkable renaissance that Castleman describes as "vindication of everything we've done for 25 years." The interview highlights exciting developments including the Superior Dairy sale, Barrell House's courthouse purchase, and multiple new restaurants opening soon.

Stay connected with community happenings through the comprehensive community calendar featuring upcoming events like the National Day of Prayer, Cinco de Mayo Festival, and the Civic Auditorium's Centennial Celebration. Plus, catch all the local sports action with high school baseball and softball coverage from across Hanford.

Want to support your favorite teachers during Teacher Appreciation Month? Visit hanfordinsider.com to record your shoutout for next week's special episode. Subscribe to the podcast and newsletter to ensure you never miss what makes our community tick!

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"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 experiences patrolling the dangerous "Rocket Belt" around Da Nang, while Navy veteran John Kuykendall recounts commanding the first ship-to-shore missiles ever fired in naval combat history during Operation Linebacker.

What makes these conversations particularly poignant is the shared experience of returning home to a nation that wasn't ready to honor their sacrifice. "When I came back home, I basically was told not to tell anyone I was a veteran," Zumwalt reveals. Kuykendall adds that after witnessing "people spitting on you in the airport," he avoided veteran organizations for decades until moving to Hanford, a community he describes as "so unique and so pro-veteran it changed my life."

This Saturday's parade and ceremony represent a long-overdue welcome home. The event begins at 10am with a parade from Douty and 8th Streets to the Civic Center Park, followed by an 11am ceremony featuring food trucks, a beer garden, and a car show. For veterans who were drafted or volunteered, who came home wounded physically or carrying invisible scars, this community recognition offers a healing moment five decades in the making.

Beyond veteran stories, we cover local news including updates from the Hanford City Council, community calendar events through early May, and a complete high school sports report covering baseball and softball action. We're also collecting teacher appreciation shout-outs for our special May 5th show – record yours at hanfordinsider.com or call 559-424-3345.

Subscribe to our newsletter for the most comprehensive community calendar available, and if you appreciate our local coverage, support us at buymeacoffee.com/HanfordInsider. These stories of service and sacrifice deserve to be heard – join us in honoring those who answered their country's call.

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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 volunteers become powerful voices for children navigating the foster care system, standing beside them in courtrooms and ensuring their needs aren't overlooked. As Maritza explains, "Research shows it only takes one person to make a difference" – and CASA volunteers become that crucial person for vulnerable children who desperately need stability.

The stories Maritza shares are profoundly moving. One special needs youth, facing homelessness after aging out of the system at 21, found not just an advocate but a family when his CASA volunteer welcomed him home. For a young person who had never even celebrated a birthday with cake, this connection became life-changing. These volunteers serve purely from compassion, receiving no payment – a fact that often surprises the children they help and transforms their relationship into something truly special.

We delve into the comprehensive training CASA volunteers receive and how they're matched with children based on specific needs and circumstances. With approximately 300-400 kids in Kings County's foster system annually, the need for advocates remains urgent. Whether you're considering volunteering or simply want to understand how community members are creating brighter futures for our most vulnerable children, this conversation reveals how ordinary people become extraordinary heroes through their commitment to changing one child's story at a time.

Ready to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer? Contact 559-587-9908 or visit casakingsco.org to discover how you can help transform a child's life.

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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 fundraiser supporting young burn survivors.

The Fresno Urban Run has become synonymous with firefighter participation, attracting over 50 firefighters in full gear last year from departments across the Central Valley. Through friendly competition between fire academies at College of the Sequoias and Fresno City College, they've raised nearly $100,000 since 2019 for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, which supports CHAMP Camp – North America's largest summer camp for burn survivors ages 5-18.

Scott's passion for this cause shines through as he describes how CHAMP Camp creates a transformative space where "their burn injury is the least interesting thing about them." Young survivors who often face ongoing surgeries, social stigma, and physical challenges discover a place where they can participate in everything from horseback riding to swimming, with medical staff always on hand. The $1,200 per-child cost is covered entirely by donations, making this fundraiser crucial to the camp's mission.

After seven years as a camp counselor, Scott has witnessed firsthand how children grow from timid newcomers into confident young adults who refuse to be defined by their injuries. His dedication exemplifies the deep connection between the fire service and the communities they protect – not just in emergencies, but in the healing journey that follows.

Want to support this incredible cause? Donations can be made at givebutter.com/FresnoUrbanRun2025 before the May 4th event. Choose to support either fire academy team, the Hanford Fire Department, or simply contribute to this life-changing program that reminds burn survivors they are so much more than their injuries.

You can find the Hanford Insider at www.hanfordinsider.com and on social media at @hanfordinsider
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