When appliances fail, life comes to a halt in many modern-day households. Food can't be prepared or cooked, laundry can't be washed or dried, and leftovers spoil because they aren't refrigerated. Due to the complex nature of home appliances, repairing them yourself isn't a good idea. It takes a professional appliance repair technician to get the job done safely. And that's where Appliance Service Plus comes in - to give hardworking folks quick, effective appliance repair services at prices that won't break the bank.
Unlike other appliance repair companies in Hanford, our customer's needs come first before everything. We strive to keep affordability and high-quality appliance repair at the forefront of our work. We stack that with factory-trained technicians and protective warranties to provide the very best appliance repair in town.
Appliance Service Plus has provided high-quality appliance repair in Hanford for over 50 years. With such extensive experience, there are few appliance issues we haven't seen and fixed. From basic repairs to more complicated diagnostics, our team is here to give your appliance new life, so you can get back to living yours.
Attempting to fix an appliance on your own can be costly, time-consuming, and damaging. In the end, DIY fixes are often more expensive and less effective than working with a pro. Appliance Service Plus is here to help you save time, money, and stress that come with DIY solutions. Our customers choose us because they know we'll get the job done right the first time around. At the end of the day, we want to resolve your issue quickly and effectively, saving you time, hassle, and worry.
When you hire the Appliance Service Plus team, our technicians come prepared to diagnose and repair your appliance in a professional and timely manner. We're happy to answer questions about your problem and won't quit until the problem is fixed. Our appliance repair techs are constantly learning and refining their skills. That way, they can fix any appliance you need with confidence and quality. And when it comes to customer service, we're the best in town. You can always count on your technician arriving on time and ready to work.
If you have questions or need to make an appointment, a friendly, helpful voice will always be on the other end of the phone, waiting to assist.
When we say we put our customer's needs first, we mean it. That's why we offer a 30-day warranty on labor and a 90-day warranty on parts, giving our customers peace of mind with every appliance repair we complete.
Our Services
- Dishwasher Repair in Hanford, CA
- Keep Dishes Fresh & Clean with Dishwasher Repair in Hanford, CA
- Common Signs You Need Dishwasher Repair in Hanford, CA
- Keep Food Cool and Crisp with Refrigerator Repair in Hanford, CA
- Common Signs You Need Refrigerator Repair in Hanford, CA
- Keep on Cooking with Stove Repair in Hanford, CA
- Common Signs You Need Range or Stove Repair in Hanford, CA
- Your Top Choice for Expert Appliance Repair in Hanford, CA
Services Area
At Appliance Service Plus, we're passionate about providing personalized services and helpful advice with a friendly smile. We believe our commitment to quality distinguishes us from the crowd. When your appliances fail, we're here when you need us the most.
Whether you need washer repair, stove repair, or anything in between, our process is simple and streamlined:

Schedule your service call
We work with your busy schedule to get you the service you need.

Technician Diagnoses
Your factory-trained technician will travel to your location and diagnose your appliance problem.

Quote & Repair
We'll itemize the time and parts necessary to get your appliance back in action and get it repaired ASAP.
We support all major brands and appliances, handling extended service warranty agreements for Lowe's, Home Depot, and other major brands. When you contact us, we strive to provide an engaging, positive experience. It all begins with a friendly smile from our office staff and hard work from our licensed and insured technicians.
Here are just a few of the most common appliance problems we solve every day:
Keep Dishes Fresh & Clean with Dishwasher Repair in Hanford, CA
If you've got a gray hair or two, you may remember when washing dishes by hand was the only option. It was a long, involved process that took lots of time. Today, most families use their dishwasher to do the cleaning for them. Dishwashers are a huge boon for working families and save us all time that we can dedicate to our loved ones. Despite improvements in technology, it's common for dishwashers to break down or fail without notice.
When your dishwasher is on the fritz, it becomes a huge inconvenience, causing you to carve out time to handwash and dry your family's dishes. Because of their finicky nature, there could be several reasons why your dishwasher isn't performing, from leaks to unusually long wash cycles.
Regardless of the problem you have, our dishwasher repair technicians will diagnose your issue quickly and give you a fair estimate on repairs. That way, you don't have to waste time handwashing dishes when you already have a lot on your plate.
With years of factory training on many mainstream brands, makes, and models, there's no dishwasher repair situation we can't handle.

Common Signs You Need Dishwasher Repair in Hanford, CA
Curious when you might need to call Appliance Service Plus to diagnose your dishwasher malfunction? Keep an eye out for the following signs:

Clean Dishes Are Cool to Touch After Removing: For dishes to be germ-free and clean, you need hot, soapy water for washing. The FDA recommends using water that is approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be uncomfortable for handwashing but perfect for dishwashers. If you find that your dishes come out cold and clammy instead of hot and steamy, your dishwasher might need a new heating coil.

Dishwasher Isn't Draining Correctly: You'll know quickly if your dishwasher isn't draining properly because there will be a pool of water under your machine. If you're dealing with drainage problems, it could be due to a clogged drainage system or non-functioning pump.

Your Dishwasher is Leaking: This common problem can be caused by a damaged door gasket, loose valve, leaky dishwasher tub, or another issue. If you notice or hear signs of leaking, call our office ASAP.
Keep Food Cool and Crisp with Refrigerator Repair in Hanford, CA
Your refrigerator is easily one of the most important appliances in your kitchen - not just for convenience but for food safety as well. Without it, our food would spoil, and we would have to spend much more money on groceries.
At Appliance Service Plus, we know how crucial it is to have a fully-functioning refrigerator for day-to-day life. When your fridge decides to quit working, you need a trustworthy appliance repair company in Hanford for a quick fix. We know that a refrigerator or freezer breakdown is never convenient. For most families, it is the epitome of stress and hassle.
Fortunately, our team of expert fridge repair technicians is here to step in so you can get back to a normal life. Like all our appliance repair services, it's our goal to give you A++ service. We will offer you an honest, fair estimate on your dishwasher repair. Once we know the scope of repair work, your technician will get to work with laser focus, making for a quick yet effective fix.

Like dishwashers, refrigerator repairs are one of our most-requested repair services. If you're unsure if your refrigerator needs repairs, keep an eye out for these warning signs:
Common Signs You Need Refrigerator Repair in Hanford, CA

Spoiled Food: The whole point of putting your food in the refrigerator is so it doesn't spoil. So, if you notice your food spoiling prematurely, it's a telltale sign you need appliance repair for your refrigerator. Due to the nature of these repairs, it's important to hire a licensed repair technician from Appliance Service Plus to repair the root cause of your problem.

Loud Humming and Vibrating Noises: Low-level vibrating and humming sounds are not uncommon for refrigerators. Despite popular belief, these noises are a normal part of its operation. However, these noises should not be very loud. If you hear unusually noisy knocking, vibrating, or humming, you could have a problem on your hands. Whether it's a faulty compressor or a blocked condenser fan, our team will diagnose the problem and get to work on a long-term fix.

Water on Floor Underneath Fridge: Finding a pool of water under your fridge is a big problem. Not just for the health of your appliance, but for water leaking into your home. Typically, leaks are caused by trapped condensation due to clogged hoses or pipes. You'll need an experienced refrigerator repair tech in Hanford to clear blockages and ultimately solve your leaky fridge issue.
Keep on Cooking with Stove Repair in Hanford, CA
Like your dishwasher and refrigerator, your stove and range are appliances you need to work, every day. From home-cooked meals on weeknights to large holiday feasts, family bonding time at the dinner table begins and ends with your stove. But just like with any home appliances, stoves aren't exempt from wear and tear. At some point, your stove will show signs of damage and will eventually break down. When ranges and stoves are out of order, it can create chaos in your household, making you resort to unhealthy takeout or fast food.
And while you might be tempted to try a DIY fix on your stove, these devices can be dangerous to fix without training. To make matters more difficult, doing the research and ordering the parts can be time-intensive. If you don't know the correct part or how to install it, you could end up with more damage than you expected. That's where our factory-trained stove repair technicians jump in to help.
If your gas or electric stove needs repairing, give us a call. Let us help you replace those oven coils, burners, and sensors, so you don't end up in the hospital. Before you know it, you'll have a normal, fully-functional kitchen back in place.

Not sure if you need to call in the pros? Check regularly for these red flags.
Common Signs You Need Range or Stove Repair in Hanford, CA

Stove Door Won't Close: It might seem minor on the surface, but when your stove door doesn't close, you can't cook your food. Chances are you need a licensed stove repair technician to refit or replace the hinges on the door, so you can keep churning out casseroles.Unusual Cooking Times

Unusual Cooking Times: Are your grandma's time-tested recipes coming out undercooked? Have you had to change cooking times because your stove is acting up? Unusual differences in cooking times are signs that your stove needs professional appliance repair.Electrical Problems

Electrical Problems: If you have an electric stove and notice that it cuts off during cooking or won't turn on at all, it's probably due for repair. Like gas, electrical problems are best remedied by professionals, like those you'll find at Appliance Service Plus.nine
Your Top Choice for Expert Appliance Repair in Hanford, CA
Whatever appliance repair issue you're stressed over, there's no problem too big or small for our team to handle. At Appliance Service Plus, we offer a total package of quality service, fair prices, friendly customer service, and effective fixes. Unlike some appliance companies in Hanford, our technicians are trained rigorously and undergo extensive background checks. We work with all major appliances and are capable of GE appliance repair, Maytag appliance repair, Frigidaire appliance repair, and more.
New and repeat customers choose Appliance Repair Plus because we offer:
- Over 50 Years of Combined Appliance Repair Experience
- Quick Service and Effective Results
- Warranties on Parts and Labor
- Friendly, Helpful Customer Service
- Licensed & Insured Work
- Vetted, Tested, Factory Trained Technicians
- Contact Us
- Mobile Service. We Come Right to Your Front Door!
Whether you need an emergency repair for your clothes washer or need routine maintenance for your dishwasher, we're here to exceed your expectations - no if's, and's, or but's.

Contact Us
Latest News in Hanford, CA
Kings County residents speak their minds about Northstar project
ERIC GILL egill@hanfordsentinel.comhttps://hanfordsentinel.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/kings-county-residents-speak-their-minds-about-northstar-project/article_c673dd10-5768-51a7-a16f-687259988435.html
A brief "Special Meeting" was called by the Kings County Board of Supervisors for routine business. It was not brief, and it was anything but routine.Supervisors heard 90 minutes of comments from residents about the controversial Northstar Courts affordable-housing project before a unanimous vote pertaining to AB 361, which extends abbreviated teleconferencing provisions.Prior to the meeting, Supervisor and Board Chairman Joe Neves (District 1) said he could not comment on any topic regarding litigation.Diane F...
A brief "Special Meeting" was called by the Kings County Board of Supervisors for routine business. It was not brief, and it was anything but routine.
Supervisors heard 90 minutes of comments from residents about the controversial Northstar Courts affordable-housing project before a unanimous vote pertaining to AB 361, which extends abbreviated teleconferencing provisions.
Prior to the meeting, Supervisor and Board Chairman Joe Neves (District 1) said he could not comment on any topic regarding litigation.
Diane Freeman, Kings County administrative officer and counsel, also made clear she could not discuss the closed session portion of the meeting.
Public Speaks Up
About 100 people attended the meeting. Dozens spoke within the allotted two-minute limit. Nearly all of them voiced opposition to the project — primarily the location and what they perceive as insufficient opportunities to participate in planning, accepting or rejecting Northstar Courts.
Mariane Lewis of Hanford said she was "highly concerned" about the project.
"If UpHoldings wanted to do something for the community, they certainly did not go about it the right way," she said. "Deceit, secrecy and bait and switch ... I'm urging the board of supervisors to draw the line. Please hear our voices."
The project will reportedly cost $32M. The county will provide $1M, according to a spokesperson for UPholdings, one of two developers involved in the affordable-housing effort. The bulk of the funding will come from federal grants and state money, UPholdings has stated.
Brian Knoll, who identified himself as the owner of a local pest-control company, said affordable-housing projects like Northstar — in his experience — cause problems.
"With this program, I don't see it as a hand up to get people on their feet," he said. "To me, it sounds like a social experiment we don't need to participate in."
Mike Rodriguez called the project a "firestorm." He questioned whether it was deliberately hidden from the public.
"I'm very disappointed about the decision of not letting us know what was happening," Rodriguez said, adding that he believes millions of people are coming into the United States in search of low-income housing built by U.S. taxpayers.
Beverly Rodriguez, Mike's wife, asked whether the project is a private-public partnership between UPholdings and various government entities.
"It is absolutely government overreach," she said. "And that is the problem."
Rebecca Bell of Hanford is one of the few people who attended the Feb. 24 meeting to speak in favor of the Northstar project.
"I was originally against the location because it didn't make sense," Bell said. "Then I found out there was a need for low-income housing in the community. We deserve some help."
At issue is why Kings County and Hanford officials did not seek public input during the initial phase of the proposal. Dozens of people also questioned why the designated location was selected.
One by one, Kings County citizens politely admonished public officials and private individuals for approving Northstar Courts without seeking sufficient feedback from Hanford residents.
They also voiced concerns about safety issues and tenants. Residents and business owners from the surrounding neighborhood where Northstar Courts is planned expressed displeasure about reports many renters could have mental-health issues.
"I'm in favor of helping the homeless," said Mike of Hanford. "Good project. Wrong neighborhood. He added, "I love my community," he said. "I want it to stay the way it is."
When the public comments session concluded, Chairman Neves thanked everyone for participating. Supervisor Doug Verboon (District 3) also applauded people who spoke.
"I just want to thank the community for coming out and being professional today," Verboon said. "I'm really impressed ... We need to work with the city to come up with a plan.
"I believe we may have missed the mark on this" he continued. "We work for you. And without you, we are nothing."
The evening prior to Thursday's meeting, Verboon said the Northstar project changed from the time it was initially presented to the Kings County Board of Supervisors.
Kings County was involved in approving the overall concept of offering affordable housing within the community, Verboon confirmed. However, he clarified local public officials are limited by certain federal mandates and state laws that address providing low-income rentals within specific neighborhoods.
"It's not our project," Verboon said. "The county [supervisors] did not pick the location, did not pick the builder, did not pick the site."
He also took issue with the state legislature.
"The state of California puts the elected officials against the community when they force these projects on us," Verboon said. "The people are upset because they are surprised. The community is up in arms because they felt they should know what's going up around them."
Verboon said he empathizes with citizens who feel blindsided by the project.
Because it is now in the hands of legal staff, the project must be addressed in a closed session, the supervisor explained. However, Verboon said he remains optimistic that Kings County and Hanford leaders can address some of the concerns people expressed during a recent Town Hall Meeting hosted by the Hanford City Council.
"Nothing's ever a done deal," Verboon said, adding the Northstar project has become more complex as a result of the Town Hall Meeting.
"Now we have attorneys involved, so it could take a little longer," he said.
Verboon said he would like the board of supervisors to be given more time to review projects like Northstar.
"In the future, any project that has public assistance should be brought to the public for review, for public comment," Verboon said. "We need to hear what the taxpayer has to say. People have had enough."
Faraday Future Welcomes Hanford, California City Officials to Its Hanford Production Facility
Business Wirehttps://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211019006292/en/Faraday-Future-Welcomes-Hanford-California-City-Officials-to-Its-Hanford-Production-Facility
Matt Tall, VP of Manufacturing for FF reviewing the progress & layout of the construction site with the FF team and the Mayor of Hanford (Photo: Business Wire)HANFORD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (“FF”) (NASDAQ: FFIE), a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem company, recently welcomed Hanford Mayor Francisco Ramirez and City Manager Mario Cifuentez to its production facility...
Matt Tall, VP of Manufacturing for FF reviewing the progress & layout of the construction site with the FF team and the Mayor of Hanford (Photo: Business Wire)
HANFORD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (“FF”) (NASDAQ: FFIE), a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem company, recently welcomed Hanford Mayor Francisco Ramirez and City Manager Mario Cifuentez to its production facility in the Central Valley of California to share current and future progress updates related to its production plans. FF invited the local officials as a part of a recent executive update session at its Hanford plant that detailed upcoming milestones in its manufacturing process for the ultimate intelligent techluxury FF 91 EV. FF remains on-target to launch the FF 91 in July 2022.
“This facility will be a first-rate production hub for their vehicles and will allow local qualified residents to be part of the workforce they are bringing in now and the near future to help deliver the FF 91 to the market next summer.”
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“I want to thank FF for giving me a very straightforward and thorough update tour of their FF 91 factory here in Hanford last week. I was able to see firsthand just how far they have come in a short time and also hear about their strategic milestones, including local hiring plans, as they ramp up to fully complete their production facility in the coming months,” said Hanford Mayor Ramirez. “This facility will be a first-rate production hub for their vehicles and will allow local qualified residents to be part of the workforce they are bringing in now and the near future to help deliver the FF 91 to the market next summer.”
A video interview with Hanford Mayor Ramirez with more detail on his visit to FF’s manufacturing facility can be found here: https://ev.ff.com/3BXpYet
The FF 91 production goals are modest, focusing on smaller volume and specific clientele, ensuring a smooth roll out of the FF 91 and future vehicles. FF’s Hanford facility will adopt a bespoke, high-quality, luxury-focused production setup for its flagship FF 91 EV, engineered and designed for superior craftsmanship befitting FF’s exclusive, high-end, luxury vehicles. This is one of the many FF differentiators compared to traditional OEM mass production.
“FF represents a true anchor on which to attract additional technology and EV companies. The Economic Development Corp. (EDC) was involved in helping to recruit FF to Kings County, and we have maintained a positive relationship with the company,” said Kings County EDC President Lance Lippincott. “We are confident their success will encourage suppliers and other businesses to locate in Kings County. We are ready to help them be successful.”
Since going public in July, FF has kicked off construction at the Hanford plant and has completed the pilot line systems to support FF pre-production builds. A video link with more detail on FF’s Hanford manufacturing facility including a detailed walk through conducted by Matt Tall, FF’s VP of manufacturing can be viewed here: https://ev.ff.com/3E0mt7I
The FF 91 Futurist Alliance Edition and FF 91 Futurist models represent the next generation of intelligent techluxury EVs. They are high-performance EVs, all-in-one all-ability cars, and ultimate robotic vehicles that allow users to experience a third internet living space beyond their home and office. The models encompass extreme technology, an ultimate user experience and a complete ecosystem. Users can reserve an FF 91 Futurist model now via the FF intelligent APP or FF.com at: https://www.ff.com/us/reserve
Download the new FF intelligent APP at: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1454187098 or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.faradayfuture.online
ABOUT FARADAY FUTURE
Established in May 2014, FF is a global shared intelligent mobility ecosystem company, headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Since its inception, FF has implemented numerous innovations relating to its products, technology, business model, profit model, user ecosystem, and governance structure. On July 22, 2021, FF was listed on NASDAQ with the new company name “Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc.”, and the ticker symbols “FFIE” for its Class A common stock and “FFIEW” for its warrants. FF aims to perpetually improve the way people move by creating a forward-thinking mobility ecosystem that integrates clean energy, AI, the Internet and new usership models. With the ultimate intelligent techluxury brand positioning, FF’s first flagship product FF 91 Futurist is equipped with unbeatable product power. It is not just a high-performance EV, an all-ability car, and an ultimate robotic vehicle, but also the third internet living space.
FOLLOW FARADAY FUTURE:
https://www.ff.com/ http://appdownload.ff.com https://twitter.com/FaradayFuture https://www.facebook.com/faradayfuture/ https://www.instagram.com/faradayfuture/ www.linkedin.com/company/faradayfuture
NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION
This communication shall neither constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release includes “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “estimates,” “projected,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “future,” “propose” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside FF’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors, among others, that may affect actual results or outcomes include FF’s ability to execute on its plans to develop and market its vehicles and the timing of these development programs; FF’s estimates of the size of the markets for its vehicles and costs to bring its vehicles to market; the rate and degree of market acceptance of FF’s vehicles; the success of other competing manufacturers; the performance and security of FF’s vehicles; potential litigation involving FF; the result of future financing efforts and general economic and market conditions impacting demand for FF’s products. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the preliminary registration statement on Form S-1 recently filed by FF and other documents filed by FF from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and FF does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Hanford Mayor Diane Sharp visits Faraday Future plant
ERIC GILL egill@hanfordsentinel.comhttps://hanfordsentinel.com/news/local/hanford-mayor-diane-sharp-visits-faraday-future-plant/article_a14f15ff-51e7-563b-be00-0644f542ce9e.html
After numerous fits and starts, Southern California-based electric vehicle (EV) company Faraday Future is gearing up to launch its long-anticipated Central Valley production facility, according to a company press release.To showcase the Hanford manufacturing plant, Faraday Future (FF) invited Mayor Diane Sharp to tour the facility this week."I found the plant to be clean, organized and buzzing with activity," Sharp said of her FF tour. "We are pleased to have Faraday Future in the neighborhood, and appreciate the...
After numerous fits and starts, Southern California-based electric vehicle (EV) company Faraday Future is gearing up to launch its long-anticipated Central Valley production facility, according to a company press release.
To showcase the Hanford manufacturing plant, Faraday Future (FF) invited Mayor Diane Sharp to tour the facility this week.
"I found the plant to be clean, organized and buzzing with activity," Sharp said of her FF tour. "We are pleased to have Faraday Future in the neighborhood, and appreciate the myriad of ways they contribute to the local economy."
Sharp met with John Lehn, director of government affairs at FF, established in 2014 and headquartered in Los Angeles.
"Hosting Mayor Diane Sharp at our facility was a great honor, especially with the launch of the FF 91 [EV] this summer," stated Matt Tall, vice president of manufacturing for Faraday Future. "We are working to make the city of Hanford proud to have FF here and look forward to welcoming our city officials back to our plant on a regular basis."
Sharp was given an "introductory walk-through" of the EV plant, which uses cutting-edge manufacturing processes to produce "all-ability cars, and ultimate robotic vehicles," the company announced.
FF has been plagued by a variety of issues over the years, causing employee layoffs and the delay of its much-touted Hanford manufacturing plant.
Most of FF's issues revolve around financing including an "arbitration case against the car maker's largest financial backer and shareholder, Chinese real estate group, Evergrande," as reported by the Hanford Sentinel in September 2021.
"Faraday Future claims its financial crisis was brought about by Evergrande's refusal to make scheduled payments," according to the 2021 Hanford Sentinel article.
The difficulties have not deterred FF from moving forward with its planned facility in Hanford, which is projected to benefit from the hiring of more than 300 workers.
For her part, Hanford's newly appointed mayor indicated she is excited by the EV company's plans to ramp up production and bring potential revenues to the area.
"It is great to see so many people at Faraday Future's Hanford plant working to bring the plant to full production," Sharp stated. "Faraday Future is an exciting company. I am thrilled with the investment that is being made in our community, and am honored to have been invited to tour their very impressive facility."
Developer committed to building Northstar Courts, behavioral health housing in Hanford
Daniel Gligichhttps://sjvsun.com/news/hanford/developer-committed-to-building-northstar-courts-behavioral-health-housing-in-hanford/
A week after a contentious Hanford City Council meeting surrounding a proposed affordable housing project, the developer of the project is moving full steam ahead.Illinois-based developer UPHoldings – which has a local regional office in the Central Valley – has partnered with Self-Help Enterprises to construct Northstar Courts, a 72 unit complex in north Hanford.Over 500 people attended a special council meeting last week, the majority of which were in opposition to the project, which will set aside 22 units for vu...
A week after a contentious Hanford City Council meeting surrounding a proposed affordable housing project, the developer of the project is moving full steam ahead.
Illinois-based developer UPHoldings – which has a local regional office in the Central Valley – has partnered with Self-Help Enterprises to construct Northstar Courts, a 72 unit complex in north Hanford.
Over 500 people attended a special council meeting last week, the majority of which were in opposition to the project, which will set aside 22 units for vulnerable populations in need of behavioral health services, which is currently set to be provided by Kings County.
Despite the public outcry, UPHoldings co-owner Jessica Hoff Berzac told The Sun that the project is moving ahead as planned with no consideration to move to a different location.
“We’ve invested over $1 million in this project,” Hoff Berzac said. “We own the land. It’s fully entitled. We’ve secured $34 million that is tied to this location. The site was designated by the state. There’s no way without abandoning all of that financing that’s been secured and all of the investments we’ve made. You can’t just switch locations. That’s not possible.”
While last week’s meeting was raucous with opposition, Hoff Berzac said UPHoldings has been flooded with phone calls in support of the project, as well as people asking to put in an application to live in one of the units, which is expected to be completed by November 2023.
She also noted the concerns that some people have with the project housing mental health patients, saying that it has not been an issue with any other developments that UPHoldings owns and manages.
“We’re just trying to hear people out. There’s still just this unbelievable assumption that because someone has a disability they’re inherently going to ruin a neighborhood. It’s based on Hollywood, right? That’s just a false, false statement,” Hoff Berzac said.
“We don’t have a single project where someone’s disability has ruined the neighborhood. We’ve never had tenants do some of the things that people are assuming and guessing. My hope is just that people will continue to hear the stories of people, talk to their neighbors and friends that also might have a mental illness and really kind of understand the human side of this, because that’s the way that some of those stigmatizing comments and assumptions are going to be broken down.”
Hoff Berzac expects the building permits to be finalized within the next couple of months, and she will continue to engage with the community and prove that Northstar Courts will be a good neighbor.
She has not heard anything of concern that the city may try to prevent the project from going through.
“I don’t have reason to think that they would back away from that position,” Hoff Berzac said. “I think they know how desperately housing is needed for all the people they serve.”
There could be potential hiccups with the project starting this week, however.
The Kings County Board of Supervisors is holding a special meeting Thursday and will discuss a closed session item related to the project.
The closed session item revolves around potential litigation over the county’s Whole Person Care Program funds, which is the behavioral health piece that the county has committed to Northstar Courts.
When asked, Hoff Berzac said she was unaware of any potential litigation against the County of Kings over Northstar Courts.
Mask mandate in Hanford schools to disappear soon
ERIC GILL egill@hanfordsentinel.comhttps://hanfordsentinel.com/news/local/mask-mandate-in-hanford-schools-to-disappear-soon/article_a5088b20-82bb-5301-b387-eaebd834023f.html
Face masks will no longer be required in public schools to combat COVID-19 throughout Kings County beginning March 12.At least, that seems to be the consensus."I met with 12 of the 13 superintendents this morning, and nobody indicated they are extending the mask policy," said Todd Barlow, superintendent of schools for Kings County Office of Education. "I'm quite sure the [superintendent] that wasn't there isn't extending it either."Barlow clarified that the county's education department does not have ...
Face masks will no longer be required in public schools to combat COVID-19 throughout Kings County beginning March 12.
At least, that seems to be the consensus.
"I met with 12 of the 13 superintendents this morning, and nobody indicated they are extending the mask policy," said Todd Barlow, superintendent of schools for Kings County Office of Education. "I'm quite sure the [superintendent] that wasn't there isn't extending it either."
Barlow clarified that the county's education department does not have the authority to dictate face mask policies. It is up to the superintendents of each school district within the county to make autonomous decisions about healthcare policies.
"The realm of responsibilities and authority is theirs," Barlow said. "Every indication is they're not going to be requiring masks as of midnight on the 12th."
"The role of the county office is to support them," he said of individual superintendents. "My job is to make sure they have all the information they need in order to make the decisions that they do."
Barlow said the 12 superintendents at Monday's policy meeting will continue to follow guidelines set forth in the tier system regarding masks: 1. required, 2. strongly recommended; 3. recommended; and 4. optional.
"They're going with a 'strongly recommended' language in their system," Barlow said.
Dr. Victor Rosa, superintendent of the Hanford Joint Union High School District (HJUHSD), confirmed the district is following state guidelines.
"We do not intend to implement any added restrictions on masking, apart from the state guideline," said Rosa.
The HJUHSD superintendent said he is unaware of any displeasure on the part of teachers or administrative staff pertaining to the decision to no longer require face masks.
"There has not been any reluctance communicated to me about the removal," Rosa said. "I am sure there will still be many who choose to mask for their own safety, but they have not expressed any desire to be more restrictive than the state guidelines."
Superintendent Barlow, Kings County Office of Education, said students and staff who remain concerned about catching or spreading the COVID-19 virus may continue to voluntarily wear masks.
"Anyone that wants to wear a mask, they're welcome to do so," Barlow said. "I think everybody seems to understand we're in a phase right now where if someone is concerned, they can get self-vaccinated and wear a mask if they choose."
Dr. Rosa concurred: "We will continue to provide masks to those who choose to wear one and will support any student or staff members' choice to do so."
In a website post, the HJUHSD informed students, parents and staff of its updated policy on masks to combat the COVID-19 virus.
Referring to a statement from Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom, Superintendent Rosa informed everyone the governor's statement effectively "ends the mask mandate for all students and staff in the school setting on March 11."
In keeping with a statement from Gov. Newsom, California announced schools and child-care facilities are not requiring vaccinated or unvaccinated children to wear masks because of falling COVID-19 cases.
However, it is strongly recommended that children continue to wear masks, especially indoors.
"California continues to adjust our policies based on the latest data and science," Gov. Newsom stated in lifting the mandate. "Masks are an effective tool to minimize spread of the virus and future variants, especially when transmission rates are high."
The statement on California classrooms comes after the state lifted its mask mandate for most indoor settings, beginning March 1.
"We cannot predict the future of the virus," Gov. Newsom stated, "but we are better prepared for it and will continue to take measures rooted in science to keep California moving forward."
A press release issued by the governor's office made clear local jurisdictions may choose to implement their own face covering policies and requirements pertaining to COVID-19. However, the state will continue to require face masks in certain settings.
"Masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities," a California-issued press release stated.
"We know this has been a very difficult mandate for many students and families," HJUHSD Superintendent Rosa stated. "For some, this change comes too late and for some too early. However, as a district and county, we have worked hard to abide by state law regardless of our personal beliefs about those laws."
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