The event will be next to the Carnegie Museum, 109 E. 8^th Street, in downtown Hanford from noon to 5 p.m.

The Oct. 4 event is free to the public and will feature performances throughout the afternoon by the Cal Poly Lion Dancers and the Fresno Gumyo Taiko. The lion dancers have been the main attraction at Moon Festival celebrations for more than four decades. Raymond Thomas, will be giving lessons on the Japanese art of paper folding. The Hanford High School Salad Bowl Club will be painting Hennah tattoos. Other vendors and food trucks will enhance the event experience.

“For me, the Moon Festival has always been a lantern of light. For decades families gathered in China Alley to taste mooncakes and to watch lion dancers and Gumyo Taiko. It’s important not only because it celebrates Chinese tradition, but has become a celebration for the entire Hanford community. It’s a way of saying; this history belongs to all of us. The Festival’s return after the 2021 Taoist Temple arson feels like a phoenix rising, proof that our heritage, like the moon itself, may be obscured at times, but always shines again. I’m grateful for the Carnegie Museum’s help in making that happen” says Arianne Wing, President of the China Alley Preservation Society.

“Kids love interacting with the lion dancers and the lions are so gentle with them,” said Steve Banister, China Alley Preservation Society board member.

“The Carnegie Museum of Kings County is once again honored to collaborate with the China Alley Preservation Society for their Annual Moon Festival. The 2024 event brought out hundreds of people from the community to celebrate this was part of our shared history” said Carnegie Museum board President Rob Bentley.

The museum will be open during the event. The current exhibition at the museum is the second installment of A History of Kings County Agriculture. Admission to the museum is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12. There is a maximum entry fee of $10 for families.

The post Iconic Moon Festival Celebration Returns To Hanford this Weekend! appeared first on Valley Voice.

In a powerful show of community partnership and commitment to heart health, Valley Strong Credit Union has pledged $1 million to Adventist Health Hanford—fueling the expansion of the hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab (cath lab). This transformational gift will help bring more advanced, life-saving heart care to families throughout the Central Valley.

The post Hanford Adventist Health Heart Care Expansion Project Receives $1 Million in Support from Valley Strong Credit Union appeared first on Valley Voice.

Proud parents Rachel and Jordan Kangas welcomed their healthy baby girl with hearts full of joy, marking a truly special start to the year. This milestone is particularly meaningful as Amelia is the couple’s first child.

Amelia’s middle name, Jana, carries a touching family connection. She was named in honor of her father Jordan’s grandmother’s stillborn baby—a heartfelt tribute that brought tears of joy to Amelia’s great-grandmother when she learned of the gesture.

Adventist Health Hanford is proud to be part of this beautiful moment and extends warm congratulations to the Kangas family.

For more information about the maternity services offered at Adventist Health Hanford, visit AdventistHealthHanford.org.

About Adventist Health: Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit, integrated health system serving more than 100 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii with over 440 sites of care, including 28 acute care facilities. Founded on Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics, home care, and hospice agencies in both rural and urban communities. Our compassionate and talented team of more than 38,000 includes employees, physicians, Medical Staff and volunteers driven in pursuit of one mission: living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness, and hope. We are committed to staying true to our heritage by providing patient-centered, quality care. Together, we are transforming the healthcare experience with an innovative and whole-person focus on physical, mental, spiritual and social healing to support community well-being.

The post Adventist Health Hanford welcomes the first baby of 2025 appeared first on Valley Voice.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolized years of dedication and collaboration among various partners. Event speakers included Jessica Hoff Berzac, President of UPholdings (co-developer), Betsy McGovernGarcia, Vice President of Self-Help Enterprises (co-developer), Mark Kairis, Vice Mayor of Hanford, Dr. Lisa Lewis, Director of Kings County Behavioral Health, and two Northstar residents, Sylvia Moreno and Stacey Lander, who shared their personal stories of finding stable housing at Northstar.

“People often ask me what a ribbon cutting symbolizes, and for me, it’s always about the years of hard work and collaboration that go into making a project like this a reality,” said Jessica Hoff Berzac. “Northstar Courts faced many challenges along the way, but thanks to the dedication of all our partners who stayed committed, we now get to stand here and celebrate in this beautiful space. This isn’t just a building – it’s already changing lives, and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped make that happen.”

Following the ceremony, guests were invited to enjoy food, snow cones, cotton candy, outdoor games, and other family activities. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour one of the newly completed units, providing a glimpse into the high-quality, affordable housing Northstar Courts offers. The development features 72 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed for individuals and families, with some units specifically reserved for households including farmworkers, people living with disabilities, or those exiting homelessness. The units are income-restricted based on household size, ensuring that families in need can access this critical resource.

“This beautiful complex offers more than a safe home, it is a life change,” wrote Northstar resident Sylvia Moreno in a letter that was read during the ceremony. “It is the foundation to a new and positive life. Northstar also offers behavioral health resources that are available to us right here on the property. It is truly a blessing to be living here.”

Northstar Courts was designed by Central Valley architect RL Davidson and constructed by BJ Perch Construction. The property includes a variety of amenities including onsite managers and support services, a large community room, a playground, outdoor seating, laundry facilities, a computer room, and proximity to public transportation, all aimed at supporting the residents’ well-being and fostering a vibrant community.

“Today is a special day for all of us here in this room and the Hanford community as we address the critical need for affordable housing,” said Betsy McGovern-Garcia. “Northstar Courts is the result of strong partnerships, and we know it will have a lasting impact on both its residents and the surrounding area.”

Northstar Courts is made possible through the efforts of key funding partners including the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee, California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, California Department of Housing and Community Development, City of Hanford, Kings County, Walker Dunlop, and Key Bank. For more information on Northstar Courts and other affordable housing developments owned and operated by UPholdings and Self-Help Enterprises in the Central Valley, please visit www.upholdings.net and www.selfhelpenterprises.org

The post Northstar Courts Affordable Housing Opens in Hanford appeared first on Valley Voice.

The Moon Festival is an important part of Kings County history. For more than 40 years, it has been celebrated on the first weekend in October in Hanford’s China Alley. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a devastating arson fire at the Taoist Temple Museum in 2021, have made it impossible for organizers to hold the event since 2019, said Arianne Wing, board president of the China Alley Preservation Society.

“I am touched to the core of my soul,” Wing said of being able to partner with the museum to bring the event back to Hanford. “The museum has always done a great job telling history that speaks to the power of place and the sense of home and that is what China Alley means to me.”

The Sept. 28 event will feature performances throughout the afternoon by the Cal Poly Lion Dancers and the Fresno Gumyo Taiko drummers. The lion dancers have been the main attraction at Moon Festival celebrations for more than four decades.

“Kids love interacting with the lion dancers and the lions are so gentle with them,” said Steve Banister, China Alley Preservation Society board member. “I’m thrilled to be able to share the Moon Festival with our community again.”

There will be a Bonsai display by Ken Rank and an origami display by Raymond Thomas, who will also be giving lessons on the Japanese art of paper folding. Other groups participating in the day’s celebration include the Hanford High School Salad Bowl Club and several food vendors.

The China Alley Preservation Society will have a booth with items from the Taoist Temple gift shop as well as information on how visitors can help restore China Alley. Wing said the Moon Festival will return to China Alley after the Taoist Temple Museum restoration is complete and the artifacts damaged by the fire are conserved.
The museum will be open during the event. Kings County’s Asian Experiences – Part II showcases local Asian communities in the years following World War II. Specific displays focus on the histories, cultures and traditions of Chinese, Japanese, Filipino and Hmong in the area.

Admission to the museum is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12. There is a maximum entry fee of $10 for families.

The post Iconic Moon Festival to return to Hanford appeared first on Valley Voice.

Family Healthcare Network will no longer provide OBGYN services at Adventist Health Hanford, according to a July notice to its patients.

The July 5 letter states that “Effective September 1, 2024 Family HealthCare Network will no longer provide OBGYN services, including delivering infants, at Adventist Health in Hanford.”

The letter went on to say that FHCN would continue delivering babies and providing OBGYN services at Kaweah Health and Sierra View Medical Center.

Kerry Hydash, President and CEO of FHCN stated in an email, “Based on the volume of activity at Adventist Hanford, we are transitioning away from providing OB inpatient services there.”

Renee Garcia, Marketing Account Manager for Adventist Health, said she was unaware FHCN had sent any such notice to its patients. She said she had no firsthand knowledge of why FHCN was pulling its services from Adventist Health Hanford, and referred questions to FHCN.

“We provide and will continue to provide prenatal care at many of our sites, including Hanford.  Regardless of where patients receive their prenatal care, they have always been able to deliver at any of the hospitals where we provide OB inpatient services,” a follow-up response from Hydash read.

Garcia said that the move would not impact patients.

“Adventist Health Hanford Birth Center is fully staffed with six on call OB providers. FHCN currently provides one on call OB, once per month. This will have no impact on the ability to support our maternal patients’ needs,” she said. “Adventist Health has been notified that FHCN can no longer provide their OBGYN provider to take call for the Adventist Health Hanford Birth Center.”

Whether the issue lies with FHCN or Adventist Hanford isn’t clear. But the fact that Tulare Adventist shuttered their labor and delivery unit “after a precipitous drop in births” April 30 of this year begs the question if the same thing is happening in Hanford – though it seems unlikely.

In May 2019, The Valley Voice interviewed Amanda Jaurigui, Communications Director for Adventist Hanford, who said that Adventist delivers approximately 2400 babies a year and the labor and delivery rooms are almost always full.

Eight years ago Adventists Hanford opened a new birthing center next to its hospital in conjunction with Valley Children’s.

Jaurigui pointed out that Adventist Hanford serves all of Kings and parts of Fresno County. Kings County includes Lemoore Naval Air Force Base that has a majority of young families also served by Adventist Hanford.

FHCN’s July 5 letter also implied Adventist Hanford birthing center was robust.

“We understand that this change may cause some inconvenience, and we apologize for any concern this may cause you. While we hope you continue your care with us, we understand if you want to transfer care to an alternative provider who delivers at Adventist Health.”

Garcia concurred.

“We’re still able to provide delivery services to these patients if needed.”

The post FHCN to withdraw OBGYN services from Adventist Hanford on September 1 appeared first on Valley Voice.

New Employers Knew About Allegations – Moved Forward After Hanford Denied Allegations

Additionally, a spokesperson for Sever’s new employer – the Heber City, Utah City Council – says officials were aware of some of the allegations when Sever was hired as the city’s new police chief.

Hanford’s city attorney, they said, assured them the claims against Sever were without merit.

According to reporting by television station ABC4 in Salt Lake City, Heber City officials were told about one of the lawsuits by Sever during interviews. This self-revelation worked in Sever’s favor, a spokesperson for Heber City told ABC4, saying it “spoke highly of his integrity.”

Heber City officials claim that Hanford city attorney Mario Zamora told them claims of racism made by former HPD officer Jason Stingley against Sever are “baseless.”

Heber City officials issued a statement reprinted in part by ABC4.

“With an understanding of the City of Hanford and the Hanford Police Department’s defense of these allegations, Heber City felt confident in moving forward with the hiring process,” the Heber City statement said, according to ABC4.

The case on Stingley’s behalf was filed six months before Sever began working for Heber City; however, the second suit, brought on behalf of current HPD Det. Patrick Jurdon, was filed in December. Sever began his new job in October.

The two suits, both in federal court, are ongoing. Sever is named as a defendant in both cases, as is the city of Hanford.

In a response to the Stingley’s case, filed in the US District Court Eastern District of California, Hanford’s attorney has denied the allegations against the city and Sever.

Sever Says He’s Unable to Comment

In another story about the allegations against him, Sever told the Park Record newspaper he “would love” to talk about the details of the cases and his innocence, but cannot because of the pending lawsuits.

“I look forward to the truthfulness of the allegations to come out,” Sever told the Park Record.

He repeated the sentiment in an interview with radio station KPCW.

“I look forward to the actual facts of this case coming out,” he told them.

Sever also told the Park Record his former employers in Hanford don’t “believe he did anything wrong,” while telling KPCW Hanford City Hall issued a statement calling the allegations in the suits “unfounded.” KPCW also reported that city attorney Zamora “gave his endorsement of Parker Sever.”

In his federal lawsuit, former officer Stingley claims Sever made him kneel in front of a crowd of Black citizens while fellow officers demonstrated how HPD officers might carry out the “beating and excessively aggressive arrest of a Black man.” Stingley was the HPD’s only Black officer at the time. The suit describes other alleged racist behavior on Sever’s part, including allowing an HPD officer to hang a noose on his vehicle after a racially-charged confrontation with Stingley.

Jurdon, who is White, claims he was targeted by fellow officers after reporting incidents of racism and excessive force. Sever and other command officers did nothing to stop the alleged abuse, according to both suits.

Co-Defendant Named New Hanford PD Chief

Sever is not the only HPD officer named in the lawsuits who’s got a new job. Co-defendant Stephanie Huddleston – a command officer with HPD whom Stingley said ignored and enabled racist behavior – has been hired as Sever’s replacement.

“I believe Captain Huddleston is the right person to move the department forward in our growing community,” Hanford city manager Mario Cifuentez said in a statement on LinkedIn. “Her character and leadership are beyond reproach, and I look forward to seeing what she will accomplish in the years ahead.”

Huddleston has worked for HPD since 2006. She was sworn in as HPD chief on Tuesday.

“As Police Chief, Huddleston will oversee all department functions and activities, including patrol, traffic, investigations, internal affairs, community policing, and support services,” the statement said. “With a passion for mentoring the community’s youth, she plans to continue her involvement in Hanford PAL, a crime prevention program for local children.”

Officer Named in Suit Denies Involvement

One law enforcement officer named in the suit brought by Jurdon says he can prove he had no involvement in alleged retaliatory acts against the HPD detective.

Former Kings County Sheriff deputy Taylor Lopes was named as a participant in an alleged incident of excessive force in Jurdon’s suit. But Lopes did not work for HPD at the time of the alleged incident and hadn’t for more than a decade.

Jurdon’s lawsuit appears to claim that someone in the department pasted a picture of Jurdon’s face over the face of former Minneapolis, Minnesota police officer and convicted murderer Derek Chauvin while he leaned on the neck of his victim, George Floyd. The act was allegedly retaliation for Jurdon’s objections to Lopes’ behavior.

But Lopes said he no longer worked in law enforcement at all when the “meme” featuring Jurdon’s face was created. He said he wasn’t aware he was named in the suit until it was reported in the media. Lopes also said an HPD investigation discovered who had created the meme, and it wasn’t him.

“If there was a complaint, I was never aware of it,” he said “I can’t retaliate if I don’t know there’s a complaint.”

If that’s true, then retaliation on Lopes’ part is highly unlikely. Mostly, Lopes is puzzled.

“I don’t have a dog in this fight,” Lopes said. “I’m not sure why I’m involved in this.”

Accused Officer Feels Threatened

Lopes and his family have come under fire because his name appears in Jurdon’s suit, he said.

“I’ve had threats, saying I’ve made comments about George Floyd,” Lopes said. “My family is being slandered. My kids have read it. They know it’s false.”

The situation is particularly painful for Lopes since Stingley is his closest friend.

“Jason Stingley is my best friend and godfather to my children,” Lopes said. “I feel there’s a big misinterpretation.”

Lopes believes one of two things led to his name turning up in Jurdon’s lawsuit: a misunderstanding or an intentional lie.

“I personally feel like he (Jurdon) told his attorney a bunch of stuff and he just jumbled it up,” Lopes said.

Or, he said, Jurdon might be trying to bolster his case against Sever and the city.

“If he’s saying it’s true, that I had anything to do with retaliation, then that is 100% a lie,” Lopes said.

Lopes feels the situation requires a more formal approach from him now.

“Unfortunately, it’s gotten to the point I have to hire an attorney,” he said. “It’s a string of events Jurdon caused, and at this point there’s no remorse.”

Lopes feels particularly injured since he is vehemently anti-racist.

“I’ve been accused of a lot of things in law enforcement, but never racism,” he said.

Stingley’s complaints about the treatment he received at the HPD are not without merit, Lopes said.

“I think Jason has some righteous allegations against the former chief,” he said. “The others I don’t know about.”

He is concerned the case laid out by Jurdon may harm Stingley’s chances in court.

“Jason has a very strong case against the chief,” Lopes said. “Obviously, Chief Sever has done some things wrong, but Jurdon’s allegations are going to hurt Jason’s case.”

The post Former Hanford police chief, new bosses respond to racism allegations appeared first on Valley Voice.

Among the HPD officers accused of targeting their fellow officers with race-based abuse is the department’s former chief Parker Sever, who left his position in October to move to Utah with his family, according to local press reports.

The City of Hanford has denied all claims in one case, and has yet to file a response to the other.

Officers Claim Racism by Former Chief

The two federal lawsuits in the US District Court’s Eastern District of California are brought by officers: one who still works for the department and a second who says he quit his job to escape the allegedly intolerable work conditions.

Both are represented by Sausalito-based attorney Charles Bonner.

The plaintiff in the first suit – filed in federal court in January of 2023 – is former officer Jason Stingley; the plaintiff in the second case is current officer Det. Patrick Jurdon. Jurdon’s suit was filed last month on December 7.

Stingley is African American, and Jurdon is of European descent. All defendants in the case are current and former members of the HPD. The City of Hanford is also among the defendants.

Named defendants in Stingley’s suit are Sever, retired Cpl. Jeff Davis and Cpt. Stephanie Huddleston. Sever is also named as defendant in the case brought by Jurdon, along with Cpl. Gabriel Jimenez, Lt. James Lutz, Cpt. Karl Anderson and Lt. James Edlund.

While Huddleston, Lutz and Edlund are accused only of creating a hostile work environment when reacting to complaints from Stingley and Jurdon about racist and illegal conduct of their fellow officers, the other named defendants – including former HPD chief Sever – all allegedly participated in overt racism.

The case filed by Jurdon also describes incidents of excessive force by HPD officers.

Sever left the HPD in September. In October, he began working as police chief in Heber City, Utah.

Noose Hung from Patrol Car

According to his lawsuit, Stingley was subjected to a series of racist incidents involving Sever during his time with the HPD that created a generally hostile workplace.

“They would force him to get on his knees and they would pretend to beat him to show how they treat black men,” said Stingley’s attorney, Bonner.

The lawsuit describes the incident taking place on a busy street corner, where Sever ordered Stingley onto his knees so white members of the HPD “could conduct a staged violent arrest of Mr. Stingley in front of the African American citizens of Hanford.”

Another allegedly racist incident involving Sever and Stingley took place in 2007, before Sever became HPD’s chief. Sever supposedly told Stingley he had asked the current chief of police if Stingley could carry a spear in place of his handgun. At the time of that incident, Sever was Stingley’s direct supervisor.

Conditions apparently became intolerable for Stingley after his superiors failed to investigate an incident when former HPD officer Davis is alleged to have used a racial slur while arresting a young African American. Davis later allegedly referred to Stingley with another racist slur, an incident supposedly witnessed by the entire HPD staff.

Davis is also accused of hanging a noose from his patrol car as result of his conflict with Stingley.

“Mr. Stingley was further subjected to a hostile work environment when Defendant Jeff Davis called Mr. Stingley an ‘Uncle Tom’ in front of the entire department. Defendants, including but not limited to Jeff Davis, continued to foster a hostile work environment when Jeff Davis, with the consent and appreciation of others in the HPD displayed a noose hanging from his patrol vehicle,” the suit states.

Davis is no longer employed by the HPD. He retired in March 2022.

Sever’s Alleged Racism Detailed

Stingley’s suit describes additional alleged incidents of racist behavior on the part of former chief Sever.

On December 20, 2016, Sever is said to have sent an office-wide email racially targeting Latinos. He also allegedly made an additional racist remark regarding the email.

“I meant Officer Rivera. Curse all of you for looking alike. Lol,” Sever allegedly wrote, according to the suit against him.

When the HPD hired a second African American officer, Sever supposedly told Stingley, “Now, we don’t have to promote you, Jason.”

Then in September 2020, Stingley was subjected to an internal affairs investigation following allegations of improper behavior made by Davis.

“Mr. Stingley was falsely accused of attending work in his pajamas, ‘smelling like a men’s locker room,’ threatening officers, making aggressive and sexually explicit comments, and causing other officers to fear for their safety,” the suit said of Davis’ accusations.

The suit says Stingley was not allowed to appeal the result of the internal affairs investigation before he was demoted on October 21, 2020 by Hanford city manager Mario Cifuentez.

In March of 2021, the suit claims Stingley was the subject of a second “baseless” internal affairs investigation, accused of challenging a citizen to a fight. He was placed on administrative leave at the time.

‘Racial and Discriminatory Animus’

The second suit claims current HPD officer Det. Patrick Jurdon “was forced to incur a protracted campaign of hostility, retaliation and disparate treatment founded upon racial and discriminatory animus by his own department” after speaking out against what he believes are “misdeeds” by other HPD officers.

Jurdon’s trouble with fellow officers appears to have begun in October of 2020 when he reported two unnamed fellow officers for creating and distributing a racist meme. Three months later, Jurdon says he filed a report against Cpt. Karl Anderson for unspecified misconduct during a secret service assignment.

In spring of 2021, Jurdon filed another report of misconduct against fellow officers, accusing Sgt. Taylor Lopes of assaulting a member of the public and using excessive force. Jurdon accused Lopes of pushing an unnamed individual 10 feet across an alleyway during a confrontation, causing the person to fall. A second officer, identified only as Rivera, was also involved in the violent incident.

“As the individual fell back, Hanford Police Department Officer Rivera administered a kick or a foot stomp to this person’s head,” the suit claims.

Retaliation Followed Reports of Misconduct

After Jurdon reported the alleged violent misconduct of Lopes and Rivera, the two allegedly recreated the infamous image of convicted murderer and former Minneapolis, Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on the neck of his victim, George Floyd, replacing the face of Chauvin with a picture of Jurdon.

Floyd was killed by Chauvin in May of 2020, when Chauvin kneeled for more than nine minutes on the neck of Floyd. The incident was captured on video by bystanders, leading to national attention and the start of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Chauvin was found guilty of murder in April 2021.

Jurdon claims he was disciplined for driving a dusty patrol car at some point in 2021, despite the pool vehicle being used by various officers.

The alleged harassment continued when Jurdon transferred to a job in dispatch in the spring of 2021. Defendant Sgt. Gabriel Jimenez allegedly took the keys to the department-issued vehicle used by Jurdon just 15 minutes before the end of the work week, leaving him with no way home. Jurdon reported the incident to Cpt. Huddleston, but the keys were not returned for three days.

In September 2022, Jimenez again singled Jurdon out for disciplinary action, accusing him of being “rude and discourteous.”

Jurdon said Jimenez would not disclose the exact behavior that led to the disciplinary action, and that Jimenez did not follow standard department procedure.

‘Good morning, cocksucker’

Not long after, Jimenez and Jurdon had another confrontation, the lawsuit alleges.

“Approximately two weeks after the counseling Sgt. Jimenez came into the room at the start of shift and said, “Good morning, cocksucker,” to Officer Jurdon. Detective (Jacob) Fogal was sitting nearby and heard this statement,” the suit alleges.

Jurdon then complained to Lt. James Lutz about Jimenez’ conduct, attempting to discover what conduct had led to disciplinary action against him. Lutz allegedly told Jurdon he would face an internal affairs investigation if he pursued the matter, advising him to talk again with Jimenez.

This led to another confrontation, with an apparently angry Jimenez yelling at Jurdon “he knew what he had done,” and telling him he was doing him a favor by not starting an internal affairs investigation, the suit claims.

The conversation with Lutz was allegedly witnessed by Hanford Police Officers Association president Brent McCarthy, also an HPD officer. Jurdon is secretary of the association’s governing board.

Jimenez found reason to discipline Jurdon again in October 2022, accusing Jurdon of being inefficient and confronting him with an issue regarding “personal communication devices.”

Jimenez had earlier told Jurdon that Lutz disliked Jurdon’s use of headphones while working.

Jurdon claims the facts as presented by Jimenez were untrue. Specifically, Jimenez said Jurdon had failed to respond to a woman trying to retrieve her deceased son’s cellphone. The phone was evidence in an ongoing case, and Jurdon provided an email documenting his response to the woman’s request.

The disciplinary meeting between Jimenez and Jurdon was attended by a third member of the HPD. When that officer left the room momentarily leaving the pair alone, Jimenez allegedly confronted Jurdon.

“Sgt. Jimenez asked Officer Jurdon why he was looking at him. (Jurdon) asked him what he meant and (Jimenez) replied, ‘You look like you want to do something to me right now,’” the suit states.

The suit describes Jimenez’ conduct as an “unprofessional, extremely out of line” attempt to provoke Jurdon.

Jurdon’s attorney Bonner describes his client as someone trying to do the right thing and paying the price for challenging hostile and unresponsive supervisors.

“He is an outstanding police officer,’ Bonner said. “He objects to ongoing violations of people’s civil rights, and the people he works for didn’t like that.”

Jurdon was also singled out for abuse because he objected to the treatment Stingley was forced to endure.

“He witnessed the treatment this black cop received,” Bonner said.

The lawsuits brought by Bonner seek unspecified monetary compensation for damages to his clients caused by multiple ongoing violations of their civil rights.

Bonner claims the officers’ acts were “intentional, outrageous, despicable, oppressive, fraudulent, and done with ill will.” They must be addressed to protect the community at large, not just to achieve a measure of justice for Bonner’s clients.

“These officers have their jobs because of the privilege of the citizens,” Bonner said. “With that privilege they also have to be good citizens. At the end of the day, treat everyone equally.”

The best outcome in Bonner’s opinion would be one that improves conditions for everyone involved.

“We hope to have this settled for both the benefit of the community and the police department and (the officers),” he said. “That would be a win-win-win.”

The lawsuits may also have a broader, longer-term impact, Bonner hopes.

“It’s all about making our society a better place,” he said.

The post Current, former officers’ lawsuits claim racism, abuse in Hanford PD appeared first on Valley Voice.

Ice skating tickets include 90 minutes of skating and skate rentals, with prices ranging from $16 to $18. Family and group packages are also available, and all ticket sales are final. Those who purchase an online ticket will receive a confirmation email with a barcode to be used for entry.

Box office tickets will be limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Ice skating times Monday-Friday 4 – 9:30 p.m. Winter Break (12/19-1/8) 2 – 9:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday 12 – 9:30 p.m.

Hanford Winter Wonderland begins on Saturday, November 18, 2023 and continues every day through Sunday, January 7, 2024.

In addition to skating, the seven-week event will feature great food, attractions, music, and a new festive holiday village. The quaint village will consist of seven Tuff Sheds configured in a semicircle and a 14-foot Christmas tree. The decorated sheds will house various local food vendors.

“Every year, we look for ways to elevate the holiday atmosphere that surrounds the ice rink, and we feel the village does just that” said Hanford Parks and Community Services Director Brad Albert. “Our goal is that our guests will have a great time, because there’s really something for everyone.”

Other new features at this year’s Hanford Winter Wonderland include a nine-hole minigolf course and three festive photo opportunities for lasting holiday memories.

Reservations for the North Pole Lounge can be made at www.hanfordwinterwonderland.com. The North Pole Lounge is a private, gated seating area located in front of the historic Bastille. The lounge has heaters and fire pits and offers a spectacular view of Hanford Winter Wonderland festivities. Reservations for the North Pole Lounge do *not* include ice skating tickets. North Pole Lounge North Pole Lounge reservation times Weekdays: 4 – 9 p.m. Weekends: 12 – 4 p.m. & 5 – 9 p.m. North Pole Lounge fee $350.

Visit www.hanfordwinterwonderland.com for more information about special events and programs, including skating lessons, turkey bowling and broomball. Follow Hanford Winter Wonderland on Facebook and Instagram for more updates. Last but not least, sponsorships for this year’s event are still available and can be arranged by contacting the Hanford Chamber of Commerce at 559-582-0483 or director@hanfordchamber.com. The community is also invited to subscribe to the Chamber’s weekly Hanford Winter Wonderland newsletter.

The post Third Annual Hanford Winter Wonderland Starts Saturday! appeared first on Valley Voice.

Hanford City Manager Mario Cifuentez has appointed Jack Amoroso to serve as the Interim Police Chief until the City selects a permanent Police Chief. The deadline to apply for the executive level position is next Friday, October 27.

Amoroso is a former Hanford Police Department Sergeant, Kings County Sheriff’s Office Commander, and Police Chief for the Avenal Police Department. He has served as an instructor for the Tulare-Kings Counties Police Academy for more than 35 years and was Academy Director from July of 2017 to November of 2019. Amoroso is a longtime Hanford resident.

“It’s literally the last thing on the bucket list,” Interim Chief Amoroso said. “I started here in 1979, and now this will be the end of at least the active law enforcement part of my career.”

Hanford City Manager Mario Cifuentez says Amoroso is well-equipped to lead the department and provide key insights into its operations and identify any possible areas for improvement during his temporary assignment.

“He checked every box,” said Cifuentez. “He’s a beloved figure in the community and that’s important. You want the community to have tremendous comfort in who has the reigns— be it the permanent chief or the interim chief.”

Amoroso assumed the role of Interim Police Chief on Monday, just three days after Parker Sever’s last day as Hanford Police Chief. Sever held every rank during his 26-year career with the department. Sever departed Hanford for Heber City, Utah, where he will serve as Chief of Police before ultimately retiring. Although he is leaving, Sever says Hanford will always be home.

“I have a great love for the City of Hanford, for the Hanford officers and the other members of the City that I’ve worked with,” he said. “I think they’re amazing individuals and I never tested anywhere else because I just didn’t think there were any better people anywhere else.”

“Parker exemplified the definition of teamwork and was a valued member of the City’s executive team,” Cifuentez said. “His many accomplishments and efforts will have a lasting impact on our community. We wish him and his family the brightest of futures.”

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