Hanford Insider
Welcome the Hanford Insider, I’m your host Rob Bentley. I’m a lifelong resident of Hanford and I’m very involved in the local history scene and podcasting so I decided to start this show as a resource to Hanford area residents for covering issues, promoting events, sports, and reflecting on some local history.
Tune in each Monday for a new episode.
Please help me get the word out about the show by sharing on social media, or telling a friend. For more information about the show, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, or Threads at @Hanford Insider.
If you have a show idea, be sure to email me hanfordinsider@gmail.com If you are part of an organization that needs help getting the word out to the community, let’s work together.
Hanford Insider
Hanford Insider: Community Updates, Community Calendar, High School Sports
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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 marching bands as they shine in recent competitions. Plus, find out how your simple gesture could warm a senior's heart through the annual Slipper Sock Drive hosted by Kings County Child Support Services.
As the seasons change, Hanford transforms into a festive wonderland! Mark your calendars for the grand opening of Hanford Winter Winterland and its magical Christmas tree lighting. For students in need of a winter formal gown, discover how the Cinderella Project is weaving dreams into reality with their dress distribution event. And if you're looking for entertainment, the iconic Hanford Fox Theater has a holiday lineup that promises nostalgia and cheer. From Asian Martial Arts Day at the Carnegie Museum to the King's Symphony Orchestra's Christmas concert, there's a festive event for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out—tune in to get all the details!
You can find the Hanford Insider at www.hanfordinsider.com and on social media at @hanfordinsider
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On this week's episode of the Hanford Insider. Rob will have an update on the busy community calendar and I'll be back with your sports report. This is the Hanford Insider for Monday, november 18th.
Speaker 2:This is the Hanford Insider, the podcast, where we dive into what makes our community tick, from local stories and hidden gems to conversations with the people shaping our neighborhoods. We're here to celebrate, explore and connect. Whether you're new to Hanford or a longtime local, this is your source for everything happening in our town, from events and news to unique conversations with people who make Hanford what it is. Thanks for tuning in and let's jump right into this week's community news. The Hanford City Council will be meeting on Tuesday, november 19th. In the afternoon study session beginning at 5, they'll receive a report on an accountability ordinance to report Measure H funds to the state of California. They'll also be discussing the celebration plans for the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Hanford Civic Auditorium During the regular meeting at 7, there will be several recognitions, including members of the Police Activities League boxing team, victor Chavarine Jr for his leadership of the yes on MeasureH campaign and, finally, a recognition of Main Street Hanford for their support of Small Business. Saturday, the one general business item on the agenda is the approval of the city's new policy for groups wishing to close down streets temporarily. There's a lot of confusion about the requirements for events such as parades, car shows, 5k runs and street fairs, and this policy will hopefully give organizations the direction they need for a successful event. Kings County Child Support Services is holding their annual Slipper Sock Drive for the senior citizens of Kings County. Any slipper sock that has a skid-proof bottom and is one size all can be donated through December 10th. There are several drop-off locations in town, including one of our great supporters of the Hanford Insider, cornerstone Cafe in the Fast Plaza. How about a big congratulations to our school marching bands as they wind down their competition season In Visalia on Saturday at the California State Band Championships Regional, the Hanford High Band placed fourth in Division 2A and the Sierra Pacific Band placed fifth in Division 4A. In Kingsburg at the Western Band Association Regionals, the Hanford West Band placed third in Division 4A and will be advancing to the state championships this weekend at Buchanan High School.
Speaker 2:Here are some things coming up on our community calendar. Hanford Winter Winterland opens this Saturday, november 23rd. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6pm. Tickets to the ice skating are also on sale now at hanfordwinterwinterlandcom. On Sunday, november 24th, the Cinderella Project will be distributing winter formal dresses to students in need of a gown for the upcoming high school winter formals. New and gently used formal dresses will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis from 11 am to 3 pm at the Hanford High District Office on Lacey Boulevard, across from Carl's Jr.
Speaker 2:The Hanford Fox Theater has announced their lineup of holiday shows. They'll be showing Home Alone on Saturday, november 30th, it's a Wonderful Life on December 1st, a Winter Garden on December 5th and Harry Potter on December 7th. Check foxhanfordcom for a full listing of events at this historic venue. The Hanford Branch Library is holding their fifth annual Winter Open House on Wednesday, december 4th, from 4 pm to 6 pm. There'll be raffles and a visit from Santa. The Hanford Breakfast Lions Club is presenting Breakfast with Santa at the Hanford Civic Auditorium on Saturday, december 7th, from 7 30 am to 1130 am.
Speaker 2:The Carnegie Museum of Kings County is presenting an Asian Martial Arts Day on Saturday, december 7th. There will be demonstrations in kendo, tai chi, kung fu, karate, eskrima, ekedo and jiu-jitsu. For tickets and more information, visit carnegiemuseumofkingscountyorg. The King's Symphony Orchestra will be presenting their annual Christmas at the Fox on Sunday, december 15th at 4 pm. This year the choirs from local high schools will be joining in this festive event. If you have an event coming up and you'd like some help getting the word out. Let's work together. Send your information to hanfordinsider at gmailcom. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get a complete calendar of events.
Speaker 2:I know many of you probably came here to hear the interview with the Hanford Chamber of Commerce about next Friday's Christmas parade.
Speaker 2:The truth is, after multiple attempts to meet with organizers, we simply weren't able to meet to conduct the interview. You see, the Hanford Christmas parade is run by the Chamber of Commerce, not the City of Hanford. The Chamber has had its struggles lately and is in the process of reorganizing. I want to wish them well at organizing this event that is so important to the community. If you're on Facebook, you can follow their page at facebookcom slash Hanford Parade. If you're not on Facebook, you can see if they post anything on their website, at hanfordchambercom or in the Hanford Sentinel. I'd like to apologize to my listeners for not coming through for you on this one. I even delayed the release of this week's show, hoping that I would get a response from them. I know many of you look forward to this annual event and, like I said, I wish them the best of luck. Next week we will hear from our friend Brad Albert from the city of Hanford about all of the exciting things happening at Hanford Winter Wonderland and the brand new Santa experience.
Speaker 1:Let's go to Eric now for the sports report. And now it's time for Hanford Insider Sports with Eric Bentley. It's crossover season where fall sports are wrapping up and winter sports are preparing for the start of their seasons. So let's wrap up some of those fall sports. Sierra Pacific's Waterpolo was able to defeat Napomo and Frontier in the section playoffs before suffering a loss in the semifinals to Cabrillo. The Golden Bears finished their season with a solid 20-12 overall record.
Speaker 1:On to football news where, after suffering a tough playoff loss, the postseason accolades rolled in, as expected for Hanford High. After their impressive 10-1 season, daniel Gomez earned WIL Offensive Player of the Year for the second straight year, after the senior threw for 2,700 yards and accounted for 33 total touchdowns. And while Gomez and the Bullpups' offense were busy putting up points, the defense was stifling opposing offenses and with a stellar year, defensive lineman Emmanuel Jackson IV was named WIL Lineman of the Year. And naturally, after such a successful season, the Bullpups coaching staff was named WIL Staff of the Year. Another congratulations to the Bullpups for a successful season. And on the other side of the football spectrum, hanford West is looking for their eighth coach in eight seasons, after it was announced that Nico Heron won't return after the Huskies' winless 2024 season. Coach Rashard Hayes will be the interim as the struggling football program tries to turn things around. We'd like to cover as many local sports as we can, so if you have a score report or a story idea, make sure to email hanfordinsider at gmailcom.
Speaker 2:I'm Eric Bentley and this has been your Hanford Insider Sports Report. That's all the time we have for this week's show. I'm Eric Bentley and this has been your Hanford Insider Sports Report. Thank you for your support. For more information about the show, you can find this podcast on Facebook, instagram, threads X and YouTube. At Hanford. I'm also on TikTok now at HanfordInsider1. If you have a show idea, be sure to email me at HanfordInsider at gmailcom and I'll look into it. Thanks for listening. Have a great week.
