Local Politics · Hanford, CA
Francisco Ramirez, former Hanford mayor (2014–2022) and sole candidate for City Council District D, spoke at a Monday-night Sons of Liberty candidate forum at the Elks Lodge, where he outlined his vision while fielding hostile questions from current council members Travis Paden and Nancy Howze. Ramirez discussed rising water and trash rates, opposition to FLOCK cameras and data centers, and a preference for hiring more officers over building a state-of-the-art police station funded by Measure H. He addressed past controversies including a 2018 recall, campaign-finance violations found by the Kings County Grand Jury and the California Fair Political Practices Commission, and lawsuits from former city officials. Council members raised concerns about his role running the Facebook group Kings Network News and potential conflicts of interest if elected.
Local Politics · Hanford, CA
Incumbent Travis Paden and challenger Sheldon Blackwell are competing for the Hanford City Council District A seat in the election scheduled for November 3. The candidates responded to questions regarding infrastructure maintenance, data center zoning, police surveillance technology, and park development. Paden emphasized fiscal efficiency and completing Hidden Valley Park, while Blackwell highlighted his tenure as an educator and support for existing safety measures like FLOCK cameras. Both candidates addressed priorities such as public safety, youth resources, and senior services.
Local Politics · Hanford, CA
Victor Chavarin Jr. and Cheyne Strawn are running for Hanford City Council District E, a seat being vacated by Mayor Mark Kairis in the Nov. 3 election. Strawn declined to speak with The Sentinel, leaving Chavarin as the sole respondent. Chavarin addressed Measure H spending oversight, opposition to data centers, conditional support for FLOCK cameras, Hidden Valley Park development, and construction of a Northwest fire station. He emphasized proving responsible use of existing tax revenue before requesting new taxes.
