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Stepping through the doors of Gonsalves-Fasso Nursery feels like entering a living time capsule of Hanford's history. Paul Rhodes, the third-generation owner of this 80-year-old floral institution, welcomes us into his world with stories that span decades and connect countless families across our community.

When Mary Fasso opened this shop with her brother Pete and sister-in-law Virginia Gonsalves in April 1945, she couldn't have imagined the legacy she was creating. Paul, who took over the business after an injury on the family farm, shares how his grandmother's words still guide him: "You're not going to get rich, but you'll make a good living." Those simple words have sustained a business that has weathered dramatic industry changes for eight decades.

The conversation takes surprising turns as Paul reveals how California's marijuana legalization transformed the flower industry, forcing suppliers to source internationally rather than from traditional coastal growers. "I could have roses cut in Colombia and delivered to my door within 72 hours," he explains, giving us a glimpse into the global supply chains supporting this local business. The challenges facing small florists are substantial—from competition with untaxed vendors during major holidays to the exhausting behind-the-scenes work that customers never see.

Most touching are the generational connections fostered through flowers. "My grandmother used to come here," customers often tell Paul, or "You did my grandmother's wedding flowers." These statements highlight how deeply woven Gonsalves Faso has become in Hanford's social fabric. The shop doesn't just sell arrangements; it creates living memories that mark life's most significant moments across multiple generations.

The episode also features comprehensive community news, including updates on the Hanford City Council meeting, upcoming events at the Carnegie Museum, the Fox Theater, and Kings Art Center, plus a roundup of local high school baseball and softball playoff action.

Subscribe to our podcast and newsletter at hanfordinsider.com to stay connected with everything happening in our vibrant community. Have a story idea? Email us at hanfordinsider@gmail.com—we'd love to hear from you!

You can find the Hanford Insider at www.hanfordinsider.com and on social media at @hanfordinsider
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Discover the heartbeat of Hanford in this packed episode featuring a candid conversation with local entrepreneur Kayla Houk, who shares the remarkable journey of Off the Vine Restaurant from pandemic-born charcuterie delivery service to downtown dining destination.

When COVID-19 shut down the culinary world, chef Kayla returned to Hanford and launched a charcuterie box delivery service that quickly grew from 3-10 boxes weekly to 30 boxes daily. This success propelled her to open Off the Vine's first location during the pandemic, despite all the challenges of social distancing requirements and takeout-only service. Now, the restaurant has relocated to a prime downtown spot (formerly Fatte Albert's Pizza), expanding from 20 to 80 seats while maintaining their commitment to scratch-made, locally-sourced food.

What makes Off the Vine special? "We literally live in the hottest spot of the valley where we get fresh peaches, strawberries—anything you can think of is grown here. Why wouldn't we use it?" Kayla explains. This farm-to-table philosophy extends to everything they serve, from their popular Smoked Bird sandwich (house-braised turkey, caramelized onions, smoked gouda, and garlic aioli on sourdough baguette) to their daily-made dressings sweetened with local honey instead of artificial sugars.

The episode also delivers crucial community updates: Hanford has been recognized as one of California's fastest-growing cities with a population now exceeding 61,000; three new murals have been approved for downtown; and the City Council has voted to let residents decide on a transient occupancy tax increase in November. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate comprehensive coverage of local championships, with Hanford West Softball claiming the Tri-County Kings League title with a perfect 8-0 record and Sierra Pacific Baseball securing their own league championship.

Subscribe to the Hanford Insider newsletter for the most comprehensive community calendar available, and join us on YouTube for live coverage of the upcoming baseball and softball playoff bracket releases!

You can find the Hanford Insider at www.hanfordinsider.com and on social media at @hanfordinsider
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The heartbeat of community education takes center stage in this week's Hanford Insider as we celebrate Educator Appreciation Month. Against the backdrop of bustling local news, our microphones capture the voices of gratitude reverberating through Hanford's educational landscape.

School superintendents from across Kings County share powerful messages of appreciation for the educators who shape our future. Paul VanLoon of Pioneer Union praises teachers for "shaping the next generation of thinkers and leaders," while Kings County Superintendent Todd Barlow poignantly notes that "teachers somehow make the impossible look routine." These tributes, alongside heartfelt messages from parents and students, reveal the profound impact our educators have on the fabric of our community.

Meanwhile, Hanford continues to evolve with significant developments on the horizon. The City Council prepares to discuss a potential increase in the transient occupancy tax from 8% to 12%, which could generate $375,000 in additional annual revenue for essential services. The ongoing demolition of the historic Lacey Milling signals change while prompting important conversations about preserving our town's heritage. And looking ahead, the community anticipates the Century of Memories celebration on June 7th, marking the 100th anniversary of the beloved Hanford Civic Auditorium.

On the sports front, Eric Bentley delivers comprehensive coverage of our local athletes' achievements. Hanford West softball maintains their undefeated league status, while Sierra Pacific's bats come alive with impressive offensive performances. These athletic triumphs complement the academic focus of the episode, showcasing the well-rounded excellence that defines our community.

Want to stay connected with everything happening in Hanford? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at hanfordinsider.com for the most comprehensive community calendar available, or support the show at buymeacoffee.com/hanfordinsider. Your town, your stories, your insider connection.

You can find the Hanford Insider at www.hanfordinsider.com and on social media at @hanfordinsider
Thank you for supporting the show!