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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: understand the challenges of inevitable growth, listen to the entire community, and remember that Hanford's median age of 32 represents residents who may not regularly attend council meetings. The City Council wasted no time scheduling a special meeting for May 29th to discuss interim leadership and the permanent replacement process.

Meanwhile, community improvements continue with several noteworthy developments. Children's ice skating rates at Winter Wonderland will drop from $16 to $10 per session, increasing accessibility for local families.

The Council is exploring free senior access to the Longfield Center and affordable family membership options. After several delays, the new Live Oak subdivision will feature Hanford's first-ever park with built-in cornhole games, while the long-awaited signal light at 10th Avenue and East Lacey Boulevard should finally be installed next week.

Memorial Day weekend brings the impressive Avenue of Flags to Grangeville Cemetery, featuring 1,034 flags and a Monday ceremony.

Looking ahead to June 7th, two significant events coincide - the Carnegie Museum Car Show bringing 200+ vehicles downtown, and the "Century of Memory" celebration marking the Civic Auditorium's 100th anniversary with historical displays, music, and cake for all attendees. Sports fans can follow local playoff action, with Hanford West baseball advancing to the D4 semifinals and Hanford West softball concluding an impressive season with an undefeated league title despite a narrow playoff loss. Want to stay connected with everything happening in our community? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the most comprehensive event calendar available and follow us on social media @HanfordInsider.

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