
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.
Episodes
98 episodes
Beyond the Boom: The Real Cost of Illegal Fireworks
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 la...
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20:00

Hanford Insider: City Council News, Children's Storybook Garden & Museum
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 continu...
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19:02

Hanford Insider: Adventist Health Transforms Hanford's Medical Landscape
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.<...
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21:57

The Hanford Civic Auditorium Turns 100: A Century of Memories
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 co...
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35:38

Hanford Insider Podcast: Memorial Day Ceremonies & City Council Actions
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...
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11:32

Hanford Insider: 80 Years of Gonsalves Fasso Nursery
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 s...
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25:56

Hanford Insider: Off the Vine's Tasty Bold Move
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 downtow...
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26:29

Hanford Insider: Celebrating our Educators
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 throu...
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18:59

Hanford Insider: 25 Years of Thursday Nights in Hanford
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 in...
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24:24

Hanford Insider: Echoes of Courage - Vietnam Veterans Finally Welcomed Home!
"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...
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23:44

Hanford Insider: City Council Meeting Agenda, Insider Kings County CASA with Maritza Lemus
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 Cou...
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25:54

Hanford Insider: Hanford Firefighters run while pushing their physical limits to support burn injured children
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,...
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28:15

Hanford Insider: Library Week Celebrations, Community Updates, High School Sports
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 c...
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19:42

Hanford Insider: KCSO Explorer Program with Sgt. Andrew Mazza/High School Sports with Eric Bentley
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 pers...
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21:37

Hanford Insider: Traffic Signal Updates, City Council News, and the 5th Annual Autism Awareness Run
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 abo...
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12:26

Hanford Insider: If These Walls Could Talk: A Century of Memories at the Hanford Civic Auditorium
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 d...
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25:31

Hanford Insider: Foodie Update, City Council Meeting, Sierra Pacific wins Valley Championship
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 H...
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19:53

Hanford Insider: Echoes of Courage Parade, Community Challenges, and Celebrating Local Arts!
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...
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21:09

Hanford Insider: Youth Empowerment, Miss Kings County Celebrations, and Hanford's Exciting Events!
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 th...
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18:41

Hanford Insider: Soup Kitchen Update, City Council, and Celebrating Hanford's Milestones!
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 Ha...
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25:33

Hanford Insider: The Spirit of Community - Dream It, Be It Conference, City Updates, and Local Celebrations!
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 c...
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20:02

Hanford Insider: Building Bridges - Law Enforcement and Community Harmony, Plus City Council and Events Update!
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 s...
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25:06

Hanford Insider: Weather Operations, City Council Highlights, and Community Buzz!
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 servi...
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21:28

Hanford Insider: The 136 Year Legacy of Lacey Milling
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 ...
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46:20

Hanford Insider Encore Episode: KCSO Air Support Unit Insights and Aerial Law Enforcement Stories
Encore Episode from July 28, 2024Unlock 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 ...
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19:17
