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.comIf you are part of an organization that needs help getting the word out to the community, let’s work together.
Recent Episodes
April 10, 2026
Mayor Mark Kairis Explains The Biggest April 7 Council Decisions
Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Crime trends, park funding, neighborhood upkeep, refuse rates, safer streets, and summer fireworks all show up in one fast City Council recap with Mayor Mark Kairis. If you want to understand what Hanford City Council decisions actually mean for …
April 5, 2026
Hanford Insider: Community News/Sports and Kings County History Pt. 1
Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! A city council agenda can tell you where a town is headed, and Hanford has some real signals this week. We walk through the upcoming meeting items, including Heroes Park funding, public hearings that affect neighborhood costs, and the possibility…
March 29, 2026
Hanford Insider: Recreation Roulette with Brad Albert
Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Something big is happening in Hanford this spring, and it’s not just the warmer weather. We’re seeing new signs go up in old buildings, downtown events filling the calendar, and parks gearing up for the months when everyone wants to be outside. I…
March 27, 2026
Hanford City Council Recap for 3/17/26
Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! 150,000 visitors don’t show up by accident. We’re back with a quick, clear wrap-up of the City of Hanford City Council meeting from March 17, led by Council Member Travis Paden, and it’s packed with local wins, big numbers, and decisions that aff…
March 22, 2026
Hanford Insider: Pioneer School District Superintendent John Raven
Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Hanford is changing quickly, and our schools feel it first. Today I’m joined by John Raven, the new superintendent of the Pioneer Union Elementary School District, for a grounded conversation about what it takes to lead a district that’s proud of…
March 16, 2026
Hanford Council Recap - March 16, 2026
Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! City decisions can feel abstract until you hear how they land on your street, your parks, and your sense of safety. We’re breaking down two Hanford City Council meetings with Vice Mayor Nancy Howze, highlighting the moments that signal where the …
Sign up for my email list and receive notifications when a new episode is posted!
Listen On
Recent Blog Posts
Jan. 21, 2026
Renovating the Old Kings County Courthouse
Downtowns don’t rebound by accident—they rise when people decide to invest sweat, patience, and capital into places others wrote off. That’s the heart of our talk with Kevin Nickel, co-founder of Esteem Land Co., Carvalho Construct…
Nov. 17, 2025
2025 Winter Wonderland and Christmas Parade Preview
Hanford’s holiday season arrives with a full slate of community news, major event updates, and a practical guide for anyone planning to celebrate with family and friends. We start with the essentials: City Council meets with recognitions for y…
Aug. 3, 2025
Board of Supervisors - Doug Verboon
In a revealing conversation on The Hanford Insider podcast, Kings County Board of Supervisor Doug Verboon provided valuable insights into ongoing county projects and his approach to public service. As a fifth-generation resident of the Central Valle…