Hanford Insider

Mayor Travis Paden Wednesday Wrap Up 8/6/25

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode!Mayor Travis Paden takes listeners behind the scenes of Hanford's marathon six-hour City Council meeting in this special edition of the Hanford Insider Podcast. What started at 4 PM and stretched until 10 PM covered critical decisions that will shape the city's future for years to come.The Council chambers were packed as three of Hanford's finest received recognition – with Officer Matthew Novielli's swearing-in and the promotions of Sergeants Rolando Jaime and Chad Medeiros highlighting the community's commitment to public safety. This commitment extended to substantial raises for police and fire personnel, with new contracts providing 9-9.5% increases over two years to those who protect our neighborhoods.Public safety remained center stage as Mayor Paden detailed the milestone decision to hire Darden Architects to design Hanford's comprehensive public safety complex – fulfilling the promise made to voters through Measure H. This isn't merely a police station but a forward-thinking facility encompassing emergency services, administration offices, and specialized training areas. Meanwhile, immediate safety concerns are being addressed with 36 new flashing beacons and radar feedback signs to combat speeding, particularly timely as students return to school.The East Lacey Corridor project represents another significant development as the city embarks on a two-year transformation process. Mayor Paden emphasizes this is just the beginning, with multiple opportunities for public input scheduled in the coming months. Additional topics included potential changes to feather flag signage regulations, park drinking fountain upgrades, and a new downtown mural bringing color to West 8th Street.Want to dive deeper into any of these topics? Visit www.hanfordca.gov to watch the full meeting with convenient navigation features that let you jump directly to specific agenda items. Have questions or feedback? Connect directly with Mayor Paden at TPaden@hanfordca.gov, and mark your calendar for the next meeting on Tuesday, August 19th.You can find the Hanford Insider at www.hanfordinsider.com and on social media at @hanfordinsiderThank you for supporting the show!

Hanford Insider: Supervisor Doug Verboon

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode!Dive into a fascinating conversation with Doug Verboon, Kings County Board of Supervisor for District 3, as he unpacks the inner workings of county government and shares his vision for Kings County's future.As a fifth-generation resident with deep roots in the Central Valley, Verboon brings 32 years of public service experience to the table. His family's journey from operating a hotel in pre-Corcoran Angiola to farming the same land his ancestors worked provides a compelling framework for his commitment to community stewardship.The transformation of Kings County's abandoned hospital into a comprehensive behavioral health facility stands as a testament to effective governance. This innovative renovation has become a blueprint for future county building projects, showcasing how thoughtful repurposing can honor history while meeting present-day needs. Similarly, the new KART station nearing completion in downtown Hanford represents years of persistent advocacy and creative problem-solving.Transportation infrastructure emerges as a critical focus, with Verboon revealing how his roles as Amtrak San Joaquin Chairman and member of regional transportation committees have helped secure millions in funding. The recent $2 million grant for the Grangeville Boulevard crossing study addresses one of the community's most pressing traffic concerns. Meanwhile, progress on the Houston Avenue bridge replacement demonstrates the complex dance between local needs and federal requirements.Homelessness presents multidimensional challenges requiring balanced solutions. Verboon thoughtfully distinguishes between individuals seeking assistance and those resistant to intervention, highlighting partnerships with Kings County Action Organization to develop low-barrier shelters while maintaining community standards through no-camping ordinances.Water management looms as perhaps the most existential threat to Kings County's agricultural economy. Though deserving its own dedicated conversation, Verboon emphasizes its fundamental importance to the region's future prosperity.Subscribe to hear more conversations with local leaders shaping our community, and join us next week for an update from the Kings Homeless Collaborative with Mark Kairis and Jeff Gardner.You can find the Hanford Insider at www.hanfordinsider.com and on social media at @hanfordinsiderThank you for supporting the show!

Hanford Insider: Honoring Canine Officer Krash

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode!Have you ever wondered about the deep bonds formed between police officers and their canine partners? This week's episode delves into a touching community initiative to honor fallen K9 officers, specifically Officer Krash who served the Hanford Police Department.Dionicia Parks and Jim Carpenter join us to share their passionate mission to create lasting memorials for these four-legged heroes. Krash's story – from his dedicated service alongside Officer Cano to surviving fentanyl exposure and becoming a beloved family member during retirement – highlights the unique role these animals play in our community. The pair discuss their fundraising efforts for a memorial bench and statue, explaining how these tributes will serve both as remembrances and practical additions to the community space. Their advocacy extends beyond physical memorials to raising awareness about the need for better protections for retired police canines, similar to those afforded to military working dogs.GoFundMe LinkBefore this powerful conversation, we catch up on local happenings with our community calendar, featuring details about Navy Appreciation Night at the Thursday marketplace and the upcoming Evening of the Arts at King's Arts Center. We also spotlight the Child Support Awareness Month Summer Kids Day event on August 7th, featuring free haircuts, school supplies, and family resources. Marie Waite provides a comprehensive overview of this collaboration between Kings County Child Support Services and numerous community partners.FlyerWhether you're an animal lover, community advocate, or simply someone who appreciates the essential services provided by our law enforcement teams and their K9 officers, this episode offers meaningful insights into how passionate citizens can make a difference. Join us to learn how you can support the memorial project and help ensure no canine officer's service goes unrecognized.You can find the Hanford Insider at www.hanfordinsider.com and on social media at @hanfordinsiderThank you for supporting the show!

Mayor Travis Paden Wednesday Wrap Up 7/16/25

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode!Making local government more accessible takes many forms, and today we're bridging a crucial information gap for our community. Mayor Travis Paden's City Council meeting wrap-ups have been a Facebook staple for engaged citizens, but what about those who prefer to stay off social media? We've solved that problem by bringing the Mayor's updates directly to your podcast feed.This debut edition delivers a comprehensive rundown of Hanford's latest civic decisions. Mayor Paden's walks us through discussions on supporting businesses affected by graffiti vandalism, the unanimous approval of downtown improvement funding through Main Street Hanford, and critical infrastructure investments including road maintenance equipment and citywide concrete repairs. The Council's approval of 134 new housing lots in the Stonehaven and Linaria developments signals continued growth for our community, while an $85,000 grant from the California Highway Patrol strengthens our traffic enforcement capabilities.The meeting also demonstrated thoughtful governance in action, with Council members choosing to postpone decisions on a feather flag sign ordinance until all representatives could be present to voice their constituents' perspectives. This careful balance of progress and deliberation exemplifies the careful stewardship our local leaders provide. Whether you're a longtime civic enthusiast or just beginning to engage with local government, these regular updates will help you stay connected to the decisions shaping our community's future. Subscribe to ensure you never miss a Council wrap-up, and consider reaching out directly to your Council representative with questions or concerns before the next meeting on August 5th.You can find the Hanford Insider at www.hanfordinsider.com and on social media at @hanfordinsiderThank you for supporting the show!

Hanford's New Vice Mayor Nancy Howze: Leading with Heart and Vision

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode!When Nancy Howze stepped into her role as Hanford City Council member six months ago, she brought something beyond political ambition—a genuine desire to model community service for her three children. Now, as Hanford's newly appointed Vice Mayor, she's creating waves of positive change while navigating the complex machinery of local government.In this milestone 100th episode of The Hanford Insider, Nancy opens up about her journey from concerned citizen to city leader with refreshing candor. She reveals her mission to foster greater cohesion among council members through one-on-one connections that transcend policy disagreements. "I like to ask questions about their life and pay attention and be involved," she explains, underscoring how personal relationships strengthen governance.The conversation delves into pressing issues facing Hanford, from the critical search for a new City Manager to implementing Measure H funding for public safety. Nancy provides an insider's look at how the recent budget approval is already transforming into tangible action—police vehicle purchases, new officer training, and efforts to address community priorities within inevitable financial constraints. Her perspective on the Hidden Valley Park project illuminates how council priorities shape community development over time, while her passionate advocacy for traffic safety near schools reveals her deep commitment to public wellbeing.What stands out most is Nancy's heartfelt invitation for greater community involvement. "As a citizen of Hanford, you have every right to email us, call us... You will not be bothering us. It is your right to share what you think and it is our job to listen." She particularly welcomes input from younger residents and families, recognizing that without diverse community feedback, council decisions become mere guesswork.Beyond policy talk, Nancy shares a profound message about human consideration that transcends politics. Whether discussing cell phone use in school zones or illegal fireworks affecting veterans with PTSD, her appeal for greater thoughtfulness toward others reveals the values guiding her leadership. As she reflects on her first months in office, her overwhelming feeling is gratitude—for the opportunity to serve, for the dedicated people she's met, and for witnessing firsthand the goodness in her community.Ready to connect with your local leadership? Listen now and discover how your voice can help shape Hanford's future.You can find the Hanford Insider at www.hanfordinsider.com and on social media at @hanfordinsiderThank you for supporting the show!