Hanford

Hanford
Hanford is notable as commercially important and culturally significant city in the south central San Joaquin Valley, California. As of 2006 estimates, the population of the city was 41,686. However, the California Department of Finance estimates tells a different story that the population had increased to 51,965. Hanford receives a climate that hot, dry summers and cool winters with dense Tule fog.

Economy
According to the California Employment Development Department 2007 estimates, majority of the Hanford city is employed in various sectors.

Around 29,200 employees are working in services, 14, 300 employees are serving government and 7, 600 are employed in farming sector and over 3,400 employers are engaged in manufacturing enterprises.

Hanford is primarily a major trading center serving the surrounding agricultural areas. However, its heavy industry sector had to see decline drastically over the last two decades. At present, the Hanford City Planning Commission has launched its new project for construction of a plant that is expected to produce 60 million gallons of ethanol annually.

As a result of the project, the ethanol will be served as an alternative fuel and gasoline additive for vehicles. Also growing is the retail sector with taxable sales of USD 414.7 million reported in 2002.

Education
For most of Hanford, Kindergarten is provided through eight grade education by the Hanford Elementary School District. The elementary school district also operates other elementary and junior high schools including Hamilton Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Lee Richmond Elementary, Washington Elementary, John F. Kennedy Jr. High, Woodrow Wilson Jr. High.

Much of the northern part of the city is served by the Pioneer Union Elementary School District whereas a portion of north Hanford is served by the Kings River-Hardwick School District. Armona Union School District serves a small area in southwest city. While, secondary education in Hanford is provided by the Hanford Joint Union High School District.

Communities in Hanford
Since the city has diverse population with different backgrounds, it has become a mix plate containing different flavors, each sweet to tongue. Various communities have settled in the area creating and strengthening harmony among other communities as well. Stroll along the Hanfords Chinese Community which founded when Chinese immigrants stepped-in in the late 19th Century to work on farms and build railroads.

They established a thriving Chinatown in Hanford. Next to China Community is the black community that has played a significant role in the city. Hanford encouraged celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 15, 2007. The City Council later declared the day as an official holiday with a Resolution honoring Dr. King.

The most prominent African-Americans figures living in the black community is Chris Jordan. He had served almost 30 year veteran City of Hanford Police, then elected as the first African-American Sheriff of Kings County in 2006.

Culture
Hanford is alive with a wide array of opportunities for both residents and visitors alike. The region celebrates various vibrant events and eclectic festivals. Moreover its museums, art centers and galleries truly depict the rich cultural history of the region.

If youre planning your holiday outside home, the Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture will certainly make the most of it. The Clark Center set up to display off a stunning collection of Japanese arts. It also features the Ruth & Sherman Lee Institute and the Center comprising of building reflecting Japanese architecture.

The institute is working with the mission to collect, preserve and exhibit works of fine art whereas the Center is characterized for featuring a specialist library for Japanese art and culture. You can also pause to add to your information at the Hanford Carnegie Museum.

It was primarily built as a library which later revamped and re-opened as the Hanford Carnegie Museum. The building follows Romanesque architecture with exclusive items on display describing the history of the Hanford city.

Sites of Interest
Experience a thriving nightlife, super theaters, echoing streets, delectable gardens and tranquil well-kept gardens altogether at Hanford. The Hanford Fox Theater is known for its world-class ambience and movie mania.

The theater was constructed in 1929 on Irwin Street in Hanfords city center. It has been anchoring various hilarious performances by Bob Hope, Red Skelton and John Denver in the past.

Moreover, it is a popular venue for live concerts as well and has featured artists such as the Charlie Daniels Band, Dwight Yoakam and George Jones in 2006 and 2007. Also of interest is the site of The Bastille located just north of the old courthouse.

The building is a true reflection of Romanesque style and is notable for its crenellated octagonal tower. Seek out dreamy nightclubs and restaurants and treat yourself to the enchanting attractions and amenities of Hanford.