Welcome to the Hanford Insider!
Hanford Insider
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.
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Recent Episodes

Hanford Insider: City Manager Explains The Projects Shaping Hanford’s Next Decade
March 8, 2026

Hanford Insider: City Manager Explains The Projects Shaping Hanford’s Next Decade

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Streets that last longer, a downtown built for people, and a public safety HQ that anchors confidence in the city center—this week we sit with City Manager Chris Tavarez to map how Hanford turns plans into pavement and services into momentum. Fro…
Hanford Insider: Big City Council Updates, Youth Athletic Complex Ribbon Cutting, and a SPHS Valley Championship!
March 1, 2026

Hanford Insider: Big City Council Updates, Youth Athletic Complex Ribbon Cutting, and a SPHS Valley Championship!

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! A fresh ribbon, the scent of tri-tip, and a packed crowd set the scene for a milestone day at the Hanford Youth Athletic Complex. We walk the grounds with city leaders and community voices to unpack a $1.3M renovation that delivers where families…
Hanford Insider: Where Youth Meet The Badge: Sport As A Bridge To Belonging
Feb. 22, 2026

Hanford Insider: Where Youth Meet The Badge: Sport As A Bridge To Belonging

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! Step inside Hanford’s old National Guard Armory and you’ll hear it: jump ropes snapping, gloves popping, bikes rolling, and kids trading high-fives with officers who spot them between rounds. We sat down with Police Chief Stephanie Huddleston and…
Hanford Insider: Hanford Multicultural Theater
Feb. 15, 2026

Hanford Insider: Hanford Multicultural Theater

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! A theater can be a building—or a beacon. We sit down with volunteer tech lead and musician Ted Hillman to reveal how Hanford Multicultural Theater Company turned a small downtown space into a living hub for acting, improv, comedy, puppetry, and a…
Hanford Insider - February 9, 2026 - Mayor's Wrap Up
Feb. 9, 2026

Hanford Insider - February 9, 2026 - Mayor's Wrap Up

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! A live federal update turned into breaking good news: Hanford secured an extra $2 million for the Grangeville Boulevard Grade Separation Project, closing critical gaps in right-of-way and utility work that keep rail safety and traffic flow on tra…
Hanford Insider - Katelind Donahue - "The Writer's Haven"
Feb. 8, 2026

Hanford Insider - Katelind Donahue - "The Writer's Haven"

Send me a text and give me feedback on this episode! A town grows when people show up for each other, and this week we spotlight how Hanford’s energy is fueling real creative work. We kick off with quick hits around the city: a new city manager sworn in, downtown speakers set to bring music to Irwi…

Recent Blog Posts

Renovating the Old Kings County Courthouse
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…

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2025 Winter Wonderland and Christmas Parade Preview
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…

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Board of Supervisors - Doug Verboon
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…

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