In a brilliant political maneuver involving a highly controversial affordable housing project in an affluent part of Hanford a majority of the council Tuesday (4/19) used the threat of potential lawsuits that they said could harm city’s delivery of basic services to stave off opponents and approve the issuance of $30 million in tax exempt […]
District C Council Member Diane Sharp, who already resigned as mayor due to fallout from an affordable housing project issue, is now the subject of a recall effort. The initial qualification filed by Jim Nelson was rejected yesterday but City Clerk Natalie Corral said she expected Nelson to fix the petition and refile the notice. […]
Darlene Mata, Hanford Community Development director currently on an extended medical leave, is suing the city and Council Members Art Brieno and Francisco Ramirez, in a discrimination lawsuit seeking a judgment for lost earnings and benefits. The suit filed in Kings County Superior Court on March 16 follows unsuccessful attempts by Mata and her attorney […]
The Hanford City Council voted for a reorganization at its March 15 meeting, choosing a new mayor and vice mayor. Councilmember Francisco Ramirez requested a reorganization be put on the agenda during the March 1 council meeting after public outcry over how then-Mayor Dianne Sharp handled an unruly crowd at a town hall concerning low […]
The controversial Northstar affordable housing project in Hanford is already the subject of a potential lawsuit after a tumultuous town hall took place in the Civic Auditorium February 16 to discuss the development. A closed session item concerning Whole Person Care Program funds, which is the behavioral health piece that the county has committed to […]
The city’s need for more affordable housing collided head-on with outraged North Hanford residents who loudly protested Wednesday night at a special town hall meeting in Hanford’s Civic Auditorium. The residents’ outrage was focused on a planned 72-unit housing project, 22 of which will serve vulnerable populations. The February 16 town hall was a “Presentation […]
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) staff proposed a $3500 fine on former Hanford Mayor Dan Chin but today, February 17, the commission unanimously rejected their own staff’s recommendation, embedded at the end of this article. The FPPC sent the matter back to the staff saying that the campaign law violation committed by Chin was […]
Coming up on January 20 Tickets still available for popular farm bureau fundraiser The Wine vs. Beer Showdown, Kings County Farm Bureau’s popular fundraiser, is coming up on Thursday, Jan. 20. from 5:30 – 8:30 at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. Tickets are $40 each, and can be purchased online at kcfb.org/winevbeer, from any Farm Bureau […]
A press release from Valadao for Congress Congressman David G. Valadao announced today he will run for reelection in the newly created 22nd Congressional District, in which he resides. Through his time in the California State Assembly and Congress, David has represented many of these Central Valley communities for over a decade. “My commitment to […]
Newly elected Mayor Diane Sharp wants to a see a better city website, public pickle ball courts and economic expansion. There was no discussion prior to the votes at the December 21 meeting. Council Member Art Brieno and outgoing Mayor Francisco Ramirez abstained in voting for Sharp. And Brieno nominated Ramirez for another term. “I […]