Atascadero News • February 20, 2025

Western Bonanza breaks records at 40th annual livestock show

The event began in 1985 as a senior project featuring only a steer show

By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com

NORTH COUNTY — The Western Bonanza Junior Livestock Show, Cal Poly’s renowned student-run event held on February 13-16 at the Paso Robles Event Center, marked its 40th anniversary with record-breaking participation. The event, which began in 1985 as a senior project featuring only a steer show, has grown into the largest student-run jackpot livestock show in the country.

Kaylen Jaime, a third-year agricultural

communication student at Cal Poly, served as the marketing manager for this year’s milestone event. She played a key role in branding, merchandise, and media marketing to enhance the public image of Western Bonanza’s 40th anniversary.

“This is not like a traditional county fair show where the animals go to auction,” Jaime explained. “These animals stay with the exhibitors and travel throughout the state and country competing.”

Western Bonanza, which started as a steers-only show, now includes shows for cattle, steer, hogs, sheep, and goats, attracting exhibitors from across California and beyond. This year’s event saw over 900 exhibitors, 2,000 animals, and

School board presented with information on Measure B-24

Superintendent

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com

ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Trustees met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. Trustee Joey Arnold was not in attendance.

“I did want to take a moment and thank a lot of our staff that sometimes go kind of behind the scenes,” said Superintendent Tom Butler at the top of his report. “When we have a big storm, like we did just a week or so ago, it’s amazing how many of our people are out there early. They’re braving the storm. Some

of those departments would be transportation. They’re our first people in early in the morning, getting a look at all the conditions, making sure it’s safe, and making great decisions around transportation.”

He went on to also praise the maintenance and ground teams on the AUSD school sites for cleaning up storm-related messes before the students and staff even arrived at the sites.

“Certainly, the general classroom instruction also takes on different nuances when you’ve got the wind howling and the rain coming down. So, there’s challenges that are faced across the district on those days. So, a big thank you to everybody. I know it makes a big difference.

I’m really proud of the way the district dealt with that, and I know that that’s all because of

6,000 entries, cementing its place as the largest jackpot show in California. Western Bonanza operates as a jackpot event with exhibitors paying entry fees to compete; winners receive monetary prizes rather than auctioning their animals. The event is entirely funded by sponsorships, ensuring that all exhibitor fees go directly into the prize pool.

“Western Bonanza has only grown since I have been a part of it, which has been super fun to see,” said Jaime. Jaime herself has been involved with Western Bonanza since her freshman year, working her way up from an awards committee member to a leadership position. She takes pride in the impact students have on the event, emphasizing

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com

ATASCADERO — For almost the entire month of January, local business SLO Goats & Sheep was instrumental in helping the Atascadero Cemetery District (Pine Mountain Cemetery) clear weeds and reduce unwanted vegetation on the premises with sustainable grazing.

“We installed a team on Dec. 29, 2024, and they completed their work on Jan. 26, 2025,” stated Cindy Findley of SLO Goats & Sheep. “Winter was ideal because toxic plants like poison oak are dormant, making the clearing process safer and more efficient.”

This was the first time that the Atascadero Cemetery District and SLO Goats & Sheep had worked together. Findley said they were thrilled to be

Reclining chairs are coming to five auditoriums at the theater this year

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com

ATASCADERO —

Atascadero’s beloved movie theater, Colony Cinemas, will not be going anywhere soon, as the owners just signed a seven-year lease at the end of December 2024. The lease also comes with an option to extend to 20 years. Along with the good news that residents from North County and beyond will be able to continue enjoying films on the theater’s 10 screens, upgrades to their current facilities are coming soon.

“We’re definitely going to be installing recliner seats in five auditoriums by October [2025],” said Colony Cinema’s General Manager Luke Phillips. “That is just in five auditoriums. We’re hoping that

able to team up with the cemetery to help reduce invasive plants, improve the health of the land’s soil, and clear out dry grasses and weeds. This is especially important to reduce the possibility of fires. The goats and sheep were brought

the other five will be shortly after that.”

The theater is also implementing a new training program for employees to enhance the patron’s experience from the moment they walk through the front doors, purchase their snacks, and sit down to enjoy their film of choice.

“Luke [Phillips] and I view this next year, one because of the lease that we obtained and two because of the upgrades that Luke was mentioning, as a pivotal year for us,” said Assistant General Manager Dylan Perneel. “We know that a lot of people are going to come back out of curiosity, and we want their first impression of who we are now to be as positive as possible.”

Pernell went on to say that the new program will teach theater staff innovative techniques to improve the experience of going to the movies for guests. He added that

in, and they had five key roles in helping clear out and keep the cemetery safe. Those were:

Devouring invasive species, dry grasses and excess vegetation.

• The herd’s size made it so they could easily trample branches and new invasive growth.

The herd skirted the low-hanging branches on trees, which reduces ladder fuels that help fires get into tree canopies.

• The herd’s grazing also reduced fireprone fuel and created natural firebreaks while minimizing the need for extensive manual labor.

• The sheep and goats hoofs also aerate the soil and promote better drainage and health for new plant growth.

“In addition, the nutrient-rich compost produced by manure and decomposing vegetation works wonders for the soil,” Findley added. “It naturally boosts fertility and reduces our reliance

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how their hard work makes the show a success year after year.

What sets Western Bonanza apart is its student-led structure. More than 200 Cal Poly students contributed to organizing and executing the event, handling everything from facilities management to marketing and logistics. With only one faculty advisor, Hailey-Rose Switzer, students take full ownership of planning and operations.

“This is all student run and this is the epitome of learn by doing. We only have one faculty member or adult advisor on the grounds. And so everything from the facilities to the ring clerks to the marketing entries office staff is all students,”

MEASURE B-24

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our staff,” concluded Butler.

Dale Scott from Dale Scott & Company then presented the trustee board with three informational items that regarded Measure B-24. The measure passed during the Nov. 5, 2024, election, with at least 55 percent of district voters voting to issue up to $110 million of general obligation bonds for financing

Jaime explained. “We are learning how to get this done, and then we’re doing it for these exhibitors and their families.”

As Western Bonanza continues to expand, its future looks bright. The event’s growth, from just 75 exhib -

specific school facilities projects. When the bond is passed, there is no tax involved; however, when the bonds are issued, that is when the tax rate goes up.

“First thing that happens, one of your resolutions, is you certify the resolution results. That doesn’t have a great deal of effect, except it’s in the law, and it’s required,” stated Scott. “Then, you, as a board, pass two more resolutions. The first is the

on synthetic fertilizers. In fact, an adult goat or sheep produces about 4 lbs. of organic fertilizer every day, nicely distributed throughout the area. Studies have found that targeted grazing can reduce vegetation biomass by 40-60 percent, significantly enhancing the overall sustainability of the land.”

SLO Goats & Sheep is owned by the Ordaz family, which has decades of experience in the grazing business.

“Three years ago, we started as strangers who met when I stopped by a roadside to admire their small herd and request a consultation for my ranch,” said Findley. “Now they are my family, true and true. I work on everything that does not require sweat while they work their butts off transporting, erecting fencing, and managing the teams.”

The Ordaz business started out small, but now SLO Goats & Sheep is turning down business, being in such high demand.

“We run three teams every single day of the year providing fire fuel reduction across SLO County,” Findley continued. “It’s a good feeling when a business can support a family while providing valuable services for the community.”

Colony Cinemas wants their guests to have authentic and sincere connections with staff and enjoy a clean, friendly, and welcoming time at the movies.

“We have so many regulars, and it’s because of them that we’re still here. We want to make sure that we have personal connections with every single one of them,” added Pernell.

itors in its inaugural year to today’s massive participation, highlights its importance in the livestock showing community. Organizers are already planning for the next year, finding innovative ways to accommodate the increasing number of partici -

creation of a citizen’s oversight committee, that is in the law under Prop 39, to have that committee. To emphasize this, I’ve already said it once, and I’ll say it again: their job is not to tell you how to spend the funds; their job is to review how you have spent the funds and a few other things. And the third is the passage of the resolution, which allows for the issuance of a portion of that authoriza-

The Atascadero Cemetery District is currently in the midst of an extension in which they will open new burial grounds on undeveloped land, and having the SLO Goats & Sheep herd come in was just the start of their process.

“The cemetery had earmarked grazing as a method to reduce vegetation and cut down on manual labor during their expansion. Director Cindy Summers heard about us from a previous client and invited us to review the expansion project and propose a solution,” Findley said, explaining how the collaboration started. “After we presented our detailed plan and timeline, the board voted in our favor, and we were fortunate to be awarded the project. As an Atascadero resident, I was especially excited to be part of this initiative. I was especially excited to help transform a space that can often be somber into one that brings hope, renewal, and a touch of light to the community.”

The grazing business installed a team of 75 goats and sheep that was perfectly planned and sized to cover the 10 acres that Atascadero Cemetery District needed to have grazed on. The goat-to-sheep ratio was carefully selected to make sure that the job was done thoroughly, and they were watched over by their guardian dog, named Peligro

pants while maintaining the event’s excellence.

“I always get chills when I walk around the fairgrounds because I can point to things and be like, I did that ... Western Bonanza would not be the same without all

tion. In this case, the resolution, this is the preliminary offering document, the resolution’s for $40 million.”

He went on to say that if AUSD passes the resolution for the $40 million, bonds will then be sold through an underwriter and, with the district’s consensus, set interest rates. The interest rates will be for the repayment of the bond over the next 20 to 25 years. After

the students that helped put it on,” said Jaime.

Western Bonanza remains a testament to student dedication and agricultural excellence, continuing to thrive as a premier event in the livestock competition circuit.

passing the resolution to issue the bond, the trustee bond will basically be removed from the process.

“The money goes to the county,” Scott added. “The county sets the tax rates. The county handles the investment of those funds. The county handles the repayment of those funds. And your role then becomes to figure out which projects you are going to finance.”

(“danger” in Spanish).

“Despite his intimidating name, Peligro is a kind and gentle soul devoted solely to protecting his herd,” Findley said. “He patrols day and night, helps with new births by keeping the little ones warm, and makes sure no predators disturb his family.”

There was even an unexpected birth of a lamb during the targeted grazing at the cemetery, which was adorably named Pine in honor of Pine Mountain Cemetery. Visitors were

think that’s what’s kept us going these past couple of years, honestly. We don’t have the recliner seats, we don’t have all of those fancy amenities, but people come here to see the people who work here. See their friends.”

Superintendent Butler stated that the trustee board has a pre-approved study session where they will talk about the size and scale of the first bond sales, and all three items will be brought back in about a month and agendized for voting. The next regularly scheduled AUSD Board of Trustees meeting will be on Tuesday, March 4, at 7 p.m.

also able to watch the herd graze, and SLO Goats & Sheep even received a few phone calls thanking them for brightening cemetery visitor’s days.

“Hearing that our team brought a smile to someone’s face means a great deal to us. It’s a reminder that sustainable, eco-friendly practices can have a real, positive impact on our community,” concluded Findley. To find out more about SLO Goats & Sheep, go to slogoats.com

features a group of movie enthusiasts sharing about an hour’s worth of content, including interviews, stories, cosplay contests, and trivia, before showing the movie of the night.

“It’s really just about catching back up to the other theaters in the area as far as amenities and that kind of thing go,” added Phillips. “Even these past couple of years since we’ve been Colony, our focus has always been on fantastic customer service. I

Locally owned Sanborn Theatres took over as operator of the theater’s facility in the summer of 2022, renaming it Colony Cinemas. Prior to that, the theater was operated by Galaxy Theatres. The forthcoming upgrades to the facilities will start to bridge the gap between them and other local theaters when it comes to amenities.

On top of the upcoming reclining seats and excellent customer service, Colony Cinemas also provides unique movie-viewing experiences for the community with its Monday Night Movie Club (MNMC), which takes place every other Monday during the month for just $8.

“It’s something that the other theaters don’t have,” said MNMC Co-Host Danny Foster. “As of yet, they don’t offer that. It’s something that maybe Luke had picked up the idea, maybe from screenings that had happened in the past or down in LA. They are really spoiled, and we want to bring that experience to the Central Coast. Just because we’re a town of, you know, 24,000 doesn’t mean we can’t entertain like we’re a town of 3 million.”

MNMC will be a year old in May of this year and

“We have grown a community around the [Monday Night] Movie Club. Danny has been integral in making that happen. It’s happened because of him. He was the first one, and he brought everybody else in, and it’s been a pretty big party since then,” added Phillips.

“We’re really all about forming a community around the theater. That’s a big part of why we started the [Monday Night] Movie Club. We want people to feel like this is their theater and they have a stake in it,” Phillips stated.

To find out more about Colony Cinemas, go to: atascadero. themovieexperience.com

Colony Cinemas is hoping to be able to add more weekly nights, similar to but different from MNMC, as an added bonus for their guests.

To keep up to date on MNMC showings, go to: facebook.com/ groups/1953067815137184 WESTERN

(Left) Cindy Findley shows off a lamb from SLO Goats & Sheep. (Right) Miracle the goat from SLO Goats & Sheep’s herd is shown during the grazing at Pine Mountain Cemetery. Photo provided by SLO Goats & Sheep

(Left) More than 200 Cal Poly students contributed to organizing and executing the Western Bonanza, the largest jackpot livestock show in California, on Feb. 15. (Center) Young handlers show off their goats during the Western Bonanza on Feb. 15 at the Paso Robles Event Center. (Right) Scarlett Hermosillo, 7, showed her boer goat named Kelce at the 40th Annual Western Bonanza Junior Livestock Show on Saturday, Feb. 15. This is Scarlett’s second year showing at Western Bonanza. Photo by Camille DeVaul

PASO ROBLES

Driver identified in fatal Creston road crash

The San Luis Obispo County Coroner has identified the driver in the fatal solo-vehicle crash on Creston Road as Lucio Ornelas Avina, 34, of Paso Robles.

The crash occurred on Feb. 3, at approximately 4:24 p.m., when a 2005 Ford Escape traveling at high speed lost control, veered off the road, and struck an oil pipe fence before catching fire. Witnesses reported the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames upon impact. The driver was unable to escape and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is continuing its investigation and has not yet determined whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.

ATASCADERO

Charles Paddock Zoo welcomes new Mexican spider monkeys

The Charles Paddock Zoo has welcomed three young Mexican spider monkeys, joining longtime resident Izzy, a 45-year-old spider monkey. The new arrivals, all under a year old, came from another Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo.

Mexican spider monkeys are an endangered species native to Mexico and Central America, facing threats from habitat loss and the pet trade. Their new habitat at the zoo recently received upgrades, with MGP Paintings sponsoring the renovation.

The Charles Paddock Zoo focuses on animals from biodiversity hot spots, which make up just 2.5 percent of Earth’s land surface but support nearly half of all unique bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species. The zoo is home to over 300 animals, including red pandas, meerkats, a Malayan tiger, and more.

The zoo is open daily at Atascadero Lake Park. For more details, visit charlespaddockzoo.org

Spring season adult basketball team registration now open

The City of Atascadero is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Adult Basketball Spring Season. The league will run from March 23 through June 1 at the Colony Park Community Center, featuring seven regular season games followed by an end-of-season tournament. Games will take place on Sundays, with some holidays excluded. The league is open to coed teams, and registration is team-based only, requiring a minimum of eight players and a maximum of 12 players per team. A mandatory team manager’s meeting is scheduled for March 17, with the time to be determined.

The team registration fee is $489, with an additional $5 per non-resident player. Teams with eight or more non-resident players will have an added 10 percent fee ($48.90). All registrations and payments must be submitted in person at the Colony Park Community Center, located at 5599 Traffic Way, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The registration deadline is March 3, so gather your team and secure your spot for an exciting season of basketball competition.

Adult Social Kickball spring season team registrations now open

The City of Atascadero is excited to announce that registration for the 2025 Adult Social Kickball League is now open. Games will be held on Wednesday evenings at the Paloma

NEWS BRIEFS

Creek softball fields, with the season running from April 9 through May 28. Teams will play for eight weeks, with each game lasting seven innings or one hour, whichever comes first. The league is coed, and registration is teambased only, requiring a minimum of 11 players and a maximum of 18 players per team. A mandatory team manager’s meeting will take place the week before the season starts, with the date and time to be determined.

The team registration fee is $436, with an additional $5 per non-resident player. If a team has eight or more non-resident players, an extra 10 percent fee ($43.60) will apply. Registration and payments must be submitted in person at the Colony Park Community Center, located at 5599 Traffic Way, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..

The registration deadline is March 20, so gather your team, relive your childhood, and get ready for a fun season of kickball.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Storm brings heavy rain and wind, but emergency calls remain low

Despite heavy rainfall and strong winds during the storm that ran through the county last week, emergency services report that emergency calls remained minimal.

Cal Fire Station 30 responded to 66 incidents county wide, including eight traffic collisions, none resulting in major injuries. Officials expressed surprise at the low number of emergency calls given past storm-related incidents.

The storm caused widespread road closures and power outages. Several roads, including Highway 1 near Santa Maria and Santa Rita Road in Templeton, were temporarily shut down but had reopened by Friday. Over 4,000 PG&E customers in San Luis Obispo and 1,045 in Guadalupe experienced power outages, with most restored within hours.

In response to the storm, Cambria’s Coast Unified School District canceled classes. Authorities continue monitoring conditions and urge residents to stay informed through CHP and PG&E updates.

Sewage spill into San Luis Obispo Creek; avoid ocean water in certain areas

A sewage spill at the San Luis Obispo Wastewater Treatment Plant released approximately 7,800 gallons of partially treated wastewater into San Luis Obispo Creek, significantly lower than the initially estimated 50,000 gallons. The spill, caused by a storm surge event, was mitigated within 20 minutes.

Environmental Health Services advises beach goers to avoid ocean water at the creek outfall at Avila Beach and surrounding areas until water quality samples confirm safe bacteria levels. Officials warn that storm runoff can carry harmful pathogens, posing health risks such as skin infections, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory problems.

The public is urged to avoid ocean water contact during and for at least three days after heavy rainfall. For updates on water quality, visit SurfSafeSLO.org or call the Ocean Water Monitoring Program hot line at (805) 788-3411

Jury convicts man of felony possession of ammunition

A San Luis Obispo County jury has convicted Rye Daniel Wardlaw, 47, of felony possession of ammunition, a charge stem-

ming from his arrest while out on bail for a separate felony case.

Wardlaw was arrested on Nov. 17, on a warrant for failing to appear in court in a felony vandalism case. During his arrest, police found 55 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition in his backpack, despite his felony record prohibiting firearm or ammunition possession. The jury also found he was out on bail at the time, which could impact his sentencing.

Following the conviction, Wardlaw pleaded no contest to the felony vandalism charges, which involved throwing a lock through a business window and damaging a parking pay machine with a golf club.

Wardlaw faces a maximum sentence of five years and eight months in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for March 5, in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court.

San Luis Obispo man sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for sex crimes on multiple children

San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Catherine J. Swysen sentenced Pablo Reyna Esparza, 80, to 50 years to life in prison for sexual abuse of multiple children under the age of 14.

On July 17, 2024, Reyna Esparza pleaded guilty to two felony crimes of committing lewd acts on a child under the age of 14. He also admitted two special allegations that his crimes were against multiple victims under the age of 14, which subjects him to the 50 years to life sentence.

The crimes occurred in the city of San Luis Obispo between 2016 and 2018 and involved multiple children who attended an unlicensed in-home daycare run by the defendant’s wife at their shared residence. The young survivors were between 5-11 years old when the crimes occurred.

“We are very proud of these young survivors for their remarkable courage in reporting these horrible crimes which enabled us to bring Reyna Esparza to justice,” said SLO County District Attorney Dan Dow. “This substantial prison sentence for an 80-year-old sexual predator should ensure he will never victimize another child.”

During the sentencing hearing, Deputy District Attorney Kristin Barnard stated “Mr. Reyna Esparza’s selfish and predatory actions in taking advantage of multiple children are the reason he has lost his freedom.”

As part of the sentence, Reyna Esparza will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

The District Attorney’s Office

urges all parents looking for childcare to verify credentials and proper licensing prior to making a selection. You may search for licensed childcare facilities at the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division.

March art listings at the Gallery at Marina Square

The Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay, is excited to feature four talented artists throughout March, showcasing a variety of artistic styles and mediums. This month’s exhibits highlight the creative works of Grant Kreinberg in photography, Teresa Ferguson in photography, Ron Dieb in knife painting, and Thomas Mackenzie Brown in ceramics. Each artist brings a unique perspective and approach, making this exhibition an exciting visual experience.

Kreinberg, featured in Upper Gallery I, is a Northern California-based photographer with a background in civil engineering. His passion for photography has led him to explore and capture the world through a distinctive lens. His work primarily focuses on nature, outdoor scenery, and abstract compositions, reflecting his keen eye and imaginative perspective. Upper Gallery II will showcase the photography of Ferguson, a Central Coast artist whose journey began in painting before transitioning to the camera. Her work beautifully captures the breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and human experiences of the region, bringing the natural world to life through her lens.

In the Lower Gallery, Dieb’s knife painting in oil presents an

expressive exploration of color and texture. Utilizing thick applications of paint with knives and brushes, Dieb’s work conveys energy, movement, and vibrancy, inviting viewers into a world of bold artistic expression. Meanwhile, the Craft Atelier Space will feature the ceramics of Brown, a specialist in crystalline glazes. With years of technical expertise and artistic innovation, Brown’s ceramic pieces showcase rich textures and striking colors, elevating the traditional craft to new heights.

The exhibition runs from March 1 through 30, with a special Opening Reception on Saturday, March 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. The gallery, located at 601 Embarcadero, Suite 10, Morro Bay, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (805) 772-1068

NATIONAL

Google renames Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America in maps update

Google has officially changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in its Maps application, following a recent executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump. In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Google confirmed that the name change aligns with its long-standing practice of adopting official government designations.

The change comes after the federal Board on Geographic Names formally approved the new designation on Monday. The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), maintained by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), provides the

official names used in Google Maps, ensuring compliance with government decisions.

In addition to renaming the Gulf of Mexico, President Trump’s executive order also reinstates the name Mount McKinley for Alaska’s tallest peak, reversing former President Barack Obama’s 2015 decision to rename it Denali in recognition of indigenous heritage. Google has indicated that this change will also be implemented “quickly” once the GNIS is updated.

Trump’s executive order described the renaming efforts as a move to “honor American greatness,” criticizing Obama’s decision to rename Mount McKinley as “an affront to President McKinley’s life, his achievements, and his sacrifice.” The order also drew historical parallels between Trump and McKinley, emphasizing McKinley’s advocacy for tariffs and his assassination as a symbol of the nation’s values.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a notice on Monday informing pilots and navigational bodies of the geographical name changes, ensuring that updated terminology is reflected in official aeronautical charts and federal documents.

Google’s decision to implement these changes underscores the broader implications of political influence on geographic naming conventions. As of Tuesday, U.S.-based users of Google Maps now see the body of water labeled as the Gulf of America, though the changes have yet to appear in international versions of the platform.

It is with great sadness that her family gives notice of the peaceful passing of Velmalee “Vel” Carol Miller on the evening of January 9, 2025, at her home in Atascadero, CA. Vel was born in Wisconsin in January 1936 to parents Clarence and Celia. Her family later moved to California and settled on a small ranch in Fair Oaks. After Clarence’s passing, Celia

Lifelong Paso Robles resident Kenneth Dyck passed away peacefully at the age of 83 at home in his favorite chair on January 11, 2025. Kenneth was born to

PASO ROBLES POLICE DEPARTMENT

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

16:50 — Andrew Delucas, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on Arciero and Mentebello Oaks for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL [23152(G)VC], Case no. 250230

21:54 — Adan Chavarriaestrada, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 1200 block of Ysabel Ave for UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION [11550(A)HS], POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], Case no. 250532

22:00 — Joshua Brown, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 1400 block of Creston Rd for WILLFULLY RESISTS,DELAYS,OBSTRUCTS…[148(A)(1)PC], DUI ALCO-

HOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC], Case no. 250533

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

08:44 — Audreena Wiley, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the corner of US HWY 101 NB and RT 46E for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 250535

00:00 — Vazquez Espinobarros, of San Miguel was arrested for DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE [12500(A)VC], Case no. 250542

RECORD

and Vel moved to Los Angeles, where Vel met Warren Miller in 1953. They were married in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where Warren was stationed in the Navy.

The newlyweds became crew members sailing the Hawaiian Islands and honeymooning on a 106ft schooner named the “Dwyn Wen,” the namesake of their first daughter, Jennifer Dwyn, who was born in Hawaii. Their adventures then took them to Joseph, Oregon, where their second child, Andrea, was

John ‘Jack’ Guffey, Jr. of Paso Robles passed away with his family at his side on November 21, 2024, in Templeton, CA. Jack was born to John Walton Guffey, Sr. and Naomi Dolson Guffey in Bakersfield, CA. In 1954, Jack’s father acquired the Hilltop Ranch in the Adelaide area west of Paso Robles and relocated his family. From that time on, Jack had a lifelong love of farm life, serving as FFA Pres-

Henry and Margaret Dyck on July 1, 1941, the baby of their 10 children. Known to many as Kenny, he spent his entire life in North San Luis Obispo County. Kenny is survived by three children, Bradley (Kay), Randal (Jamie), and Krista (Scott Winegarden), and grandchildren Jessica (Keith Winter), Meghan, Abby, Adam, Robyn, and great-grandson Henrik.

Kenny was raised in the Paso Robles/Templeton area and never left. After completing high school in Templeton, he went to work as a fabricator/welder at H.A. Wood in Paso Robles. From there, he joined the Army National Guard and worked as

born. There, they managed the Lightning Creek, a 12,000acre cattle ranch, for the Walter Brennan family. Vel cooked for all the ranch hands, and Warren was the foreman of the ranch.

After leaving Oregon, they moved back to California, where Matt and Stuart were born.

Since childhood, Vel had always enjoyed creating artwork. Now, with four kids underfoot, she continued to draw and paint and also started teaching painting classes in a small garage studio Warren built for her.

Warren’s mother, Mary, saw the great potential in Vel and, along with a number of renowned western artists, convinced her to start exhibiting her art. With determination and hard work, Vel became a notable artist, “depicting the West through the eyes of a woman,” the softer side of the rugged old West.

Vel’s paintings were shown

ident at PRHS, then enrolling at Cal Poly, SLO, with an Ag major. The home ranch was eventually sold and is presently the location of Adelaida Vineyards and Winery. Jack was a member of the California National Guard. He worked for VanGas, servicing customers from Big Sur to the upper Salinas Valley. He was hired by Pacific Gas & Electric in 1971 during the construction phase of Diablo Canyon

a heavy equipment mechanic at Camp Roberts for 31 years before retiring. Retirement lasted about six months. Kenny went to work at Advanced Adaptors, where he continued to share his love of car culture. After retiring from Advanced Adapters, Kenny spent time working to restore a ’29 Model A, a project gifted to him as a 65th birthday present because it was the first car he ever drove.

Family was everything to Kenny, and he was the definition of a family man. He grew up surrounded by family and had many stories of spending time with his cousins, which were some of his favorite memo-

in the most prestigious galleries and museums, which took her and Warren all over the world. Their adventures include many welcomed visits to Indian homelands, photographing, trading, and learning about Native American life. Vel was even known to hand deliver her art to European dignitaries to ensure safe transport and, of course, to travel and meet new friends abroad.

Vel loved music and gatherings and was usually invited on stage to sing and play her guitar with the band at her various shows. She was a featured artist at the San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen’s Western Art Shows and Paso Gatherings held at the Pioneer Museum.

Vel donated her artwork to many organizations here in our local area and was a proud, long-time member of her much-adored San Luis Obispo

Nuclear Power Plant. Taking a break in the 80s, he opened Lakeview Feed Company in Lakeview, OR. A few years later, he was hired back with PG&E and eventually transferred to General Construction, working in many field offices from Templeton to Solvang to Felton to Hollister. He retired while living in Atascadero, then kept busy either volunteering at the Pioneer Museum, pouring wine in tasting rooms, turn -

ries. He was a 4H group leader, involved with Boy Scouts, and our greatest fan in the stands at every baseball, softball, and volleyball game. He worked at night if times were tight or to make sure the kids could participate in extracurricular activities.

Faith was a cornerstone of who Kenny was. He was a lifelong member of the First Mennonite Church in Paso Robles. In addition to regularly attending Sunday services, he served on the Board of Trustees for many years.

Kenny was preceded in death by the love of his life, Carolanna, after 58 years of marriage, his parents, Henry and Marga-

County Cattle women.

One of Vel’s local achievements was the creation of her monumental sculpture, “Reward for Valor,” which honors first responders and is displayed at the Paso Robles Police and Fire Center. The installation and ceremony remain one of the highlights of her artistic journey.

Vel was adored by her husband Warren (72 years together), her family, and anyone who had the opportunity to know her and her welcoming heart.

Vel’s beautiful smile and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A quote that Vel was fond of: “Life is a continuance. You may lose a loved one, then you have new birth. I think you become a little bit of everybody you’ve ever loved.”

Vel’s love of life and the beauty that surrounded her will be forever remembered by

ing wood on his lathe, growing a small vineyard, making family wine, or entertaining grandchildren.

Jack is survived by his wife of 54 years, Virginia Skinner Guffey. Affectionately known by immediate family members as ‘Ace,’ he is also survived by four children, Catherine Jaeger, Carrol Roberts-Roesling (Scott), Megen Guffey, and John Guffey (Natasha Boffman), and eight grandchildren,

ret Dyck, and his nine brothers and sisters.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, March 22, from 11:45 am – 2 pm at Estrella War Birds Museum. There will be a Presenting of the Colors and military flyover to start the ceremony before the service, followed by a BBQ luncheon. Attendees are encouraged to share a favorite memory or anecdote at the service. Please RSVP no later than March 10 to CelebrateKD@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to First Mennonite Church of Paso Robles or the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum.

11395(B)(1)], Case no. 250251

her husband, Warren Miller; four children, Jennifer Dwyn Skophammer (Paul), Andrea Lynn Emery-Drayton (Steven), Matt Miller (Tammy), Stuart Mitchell Miller (Becky); eight grandchildren, Lauren Malan (Derek), John Alton Emery (Katie), (Kevin Mclaughlin), Dane Skophammer (Kyrra), Marley Miller (Shannon), Maddie Miller Styler (Max), Robert Miller, Fulton Miller (Becca), and Spencer Drayton; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and other family members she loved. Vel was preceded by her father, Clarence; mother, Celia; and brother, Bob. Granddaughter Ashley Ann Emery McLaughlin and her son-in-law, John A Emery.

A celebration of Life will be held sometime in the spring, TBA, at Warren and Vel’s “Hayfork Ranch” in Atascadero.

Brian, Jesse, Cara, Mallory, Cooper, Jordan, Adison and Rileigh, as well as sister Karen Guffey Crouch (Michael), nieces Janna Baker and Victoria Baker, and nephew Kevin Crouch. A card-carrying member of the infamous Musty Studs since high school, Jack always had a twinkle in his eye and a joke in his back pocket. He is sorely missed. A Private Celebration of Life is planned for March.

DEATHS

CAROL LEE COWGILL, 90, of Los Angeles passed away on January 27th 2025. Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach. RONALD WESLEY KIRBY, 77, of Arroyo Grande passed away on February 8th 2025. Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

Share your annoucement story with the community to celebrate your love. Submit your announcement to: Email: office@13starsmedia.com

22:04 — Noe Garciasalazar, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the corner of Riverbank and Bridgegate for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B) VC], Case no. 250545

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

05:05 — Cristian Melgarceremo, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the corner of 24th ST and Black Oak Dr for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A) H&S], DEFRAUDING AN INNKEEPER [537(A)PC], WILLFULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC], Case no. 250546 04:51 — Roxanne Sutton, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the corner of 24th St and Black Oak Dr for POSSESSION OF SPECIFIED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11377(A) H&S], UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION [11550(A)HS], Case no. 250546 09:38 — Manuel Stone, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 1400 block of Creston Rd for POSS CNTL SUB W/2 OR MORE PRIORS [HS 11395(B)(1)], UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED

SUBSTANCE WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION [11550(A)HS], Case no. 250548 14:46 — Amy Levin, of Paso Robles

was on view arrest on the 2900 block of Riverside Ave for UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION [11550(A)HS], POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], Case no. 250551

FEBRUARY 13, 2025 08:38 — Nelson Perezgarcia, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 900 block of Park St. Case no. 250552

20:23 — Justin Calderon, of Fresno County was taken into custody on the corner of Spring Street and 5th Street for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 250563

FEBRUARY 14, 2025 10:04 — Paul Brill, of Atascadero was on view arrest on Ysabel St and 24th St for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], Case no. 250565

12:38 — Robert Dawsey, was on view arrest on the 3300 block of Spring Street for POSSESS A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITH THE INTENT TO SELL [11351HS], POSSESSION OF DRUGS WHILE ARMED [11370.1(A) HS], Case no. 250568

14:24 — Raul Leon, was on view arrest on the 900 block of Park St for INFLICTING CORPORAL INJURY ON SPOUSE/COHABITANT [273.5(A)PC],

Case no. 250553

19:28 — Brandon Pulkrabek, of Carlsbad was on view arrest on the 1200 block of Park St for WILLFULLY RESISTS,DELAYS,OBSTRUCTS… [148(A)(1)PC], DISORDERLY CONDUCT/DRUNK IN PUBLIC [647(F) PC], Case no. 250571 00:00 — Jose Lopezbarron, of Grover Beach was arrested. Case no. 250573

ATASCADERO POLICE DEPARTMENT

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

16:31 — Jessica Mueller, was arrested on the 8300 block of El Camino Real for SHOPLIFTING UNDER $950 [459.5(A)PC], Case no. 250242

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

00:06 — Jorge Alpuchealejandro, was arrested on the 9400 block of El Camino Real for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC], Case no. 250245

11:46 — Heriberto Salazarperez, was arrested on Capistrano Ave and Sycamore Rd for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], Case no. 250248

16:24 — Darrick Friedrichsen, was arrested on the 8100 block of El Camino Real for POSS CNTL SUB W/2 OR MORE PRIORS [HS

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

00:12 — Katie Kassir, was arrested on the 7400 block of Sombrilla Ave for WARRANT/M, Case no. 250254

08:28 — Snappaiti Galindo, was arrested on the 900 block of El Camino Real. Case no. 250255

09:11 — Andres Rodriguez, was arrested on the 900 block of El Camino Real for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], Case no. 250255

15:58 — Steven Copass, was arrested on the 9300 block of El Camino Real for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC], Case no. 250262

16:02 — Belinda Kenise, was arrested on the 6900 block of el Camino Real for POSS CNTL SUB W/2 OR MORE PRIORS [HS 11395(B)(1)], Case no. 250263

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

22:39 — Nicholis Agor, was arrested on Traffic Way and US 101 S for FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM [29800(A)(1)PC], Case no. 250268

FEBRUARY 14, 2025

11:41 — Roger Gonzalez, was arrested on the 6200 block of Atascadero Ave for WARRANT/M, Case no. 250271

VELMALEE “VEL”

KENNETH W. DYCK

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR OF EVENTS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY EVENTS

FEB 20-23

BLENDFEST ON THE COAST

San Simeon and Cambria Daily

Experience a taste of Paso Robles Wine Country on the beautiful California coast. Paso Robles BlendFest on the Coast will take place Feb. 20-23 in San Simeon and Cambria with a selection of exciting events.

FEB 22

PASO ROBLES

VETERANS RESOURCE FAIR

Paso Robles Elks

1420 Park Street

10am-2pm

Free lunch for any Veteran in attendance. Veteran resources include VA claim help, mental health, finance, employment, homelessness, and more.

MARCH EVENTS

MAR 2

13TH ANNUAL

CIOPPINO & VINO

Paso Robles Event Center

1-4pm

Indulge in a mouthwatering feast while supporting a great cause — The Paso Robles Children’s Museum.

Cioppino & Vino will feature cioppino tasting from local chefs, wine tasting, cheese and wine pairings, and live and silent auctions with all proceeds going directly to the museum.

“DYNAMIC DUOS” CONCERT

Atascadero Bible Church

3-5pm

Atascadero Community Band presents “Dynamic Duos”, a free concert celebrating famous partnerships in music.

MAR 21-23

25TH ANNUAL CITY WIDE YARD SALE

Morro Bay, Multiple Locations

8am-2pm

The 2025 Morro Bay CityWide Yard Sale runs March 21-23, rain or shine. Signups begin January 1 via email or phone. Provide your name, address, participation days, and sale item descriptions. Sale maps available March 17.

MAR 22

6TH ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST CRAFT BEER FEST

Sunken Gardens, Atascadero

12-4pm

Enjoy unlimited samples from 55+ craft breweries, wineries, cideries, and more, plus food trucks, live entertainment, vendors, and lawn games. Shuttle services available.

APRIL EVENTS

APR 2

ATASCADERO FARMERS MARKET 8TH ANNIVERSARY

Sunken Gardens, Atascadero

3-5:30pm

Get fresh and locally grown produce every Wednesday at the

APR 5

TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL ANNUAL GALA AND AUCTION

Paso Robles Inn Ballroom 1103 Spring Street, Paso Robles 5-10pm

For Details and Tickets visit: Auctria.events/casinoroyale2025

APR 19

PART FOR THE PLANET CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO 10AM-3PM

The Annual “Party for the Planet” Earth Day Celebration is a fun way for children of all

ages to experience interactive adventures, hands-on activities, exhibits by sustainability-conscious businesses, plus a variety of educational demonstrations. Party for the Planet activities are included with General Admission.

APR 26

CITYWIDE YARD SALE

Atascadero 8am-2pm

For more information on how you can participate or for shopping information, go to atascaderoyardsale.com

VINTAGE SIDECAR RENDEZVOUS, RECYCLED

TREASURES, ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLES & SIDECARS, BRITISH CARS & PR COMIC BOOK EXPO Downtown Paso Robles 9am-3pm For more information or vendor forms, call the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street office at

Atascadero’s Farmers Market in the beautiful Sunken Gardens.

How Nology Computers powers North County

The heart of Nology Computers is its connection to the community

By CAMILLE DEVAUL

PASO ROBLES — Nology Computers began with a vision — to provide North County with reliable, honest computer repair services tailored to the needs of local families and small businesses. The idea took root when owner Travis Robinson managed another local computer shop and realized the community deserved better. Frustrated by a misaligned business model and rejected innovations, Robinson left to start fresh, with family support, to create a service-centric business.

From day one, Robinson says the demand was overwhelming. Rapid growth created adjustments, including a move to a new location on Spring Street. The new space allowed for an expanded service area, a well-stocked showroom, and additional repair benches to meet the community’s needs. To maintain top-tier quality, the team downsized, focus -

ing on personalized service and attention to detail. Nology Computers stands out for its ability to diagnose and resolve issues that

often leave customers caught in a blame game between software developers and hardware manufacturers. Acting as impartial prob -

lem-solvers, the team gets to the root of issues, offering clear explanations and effective solutions.

Unlike IT providers focused on large corporations, Nology prioritizes everyday users and small businesses. They test new technology daily, gathering insights from real-world feedback, and provide unbiased recommendations. By cutting through marketing hype, they save customers time and money, ensuring solutions are practical and reliable.

The heart of Nology Computers is its connection to the community. From solving email glitches for a local radio station to helping ranchers with PDF issues, the team plays a role in supporting North County’s diverse industries and residents. Whether it’s a teacher’s software setup or a winery’s wireless system, Nology contributes to the stories that make the community thrive. Their commitment to empowering locals through technology makes them a cornerstone of the area’s success.

Nology Computers, located at 1740 Spring St. STE C, Paso Robles, can be reached at (805) 226-5200 or visited online at nologycomputers.com

DAR announces winners of Good Citizen and essay contests

PASO ROBLES — The El Paso de Robles Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is proud to announce the winners of its annual contests celebrating young citizens and their knowledge of American history.

Good Citizen Contest winner

This year, local high schools in North County were invited to participate in the DAR’s Good Citizen Contest, where students were judged based on their academic performance, participation in community and school activities, dependability, service to others, leadership, and patriotism. Students were also required

to submit letters of recommendation, transcripts, a statement of future plans, and an essay on a given topic.

Two outstanding students were nominated this year. Adane Siegrist from Paso Robles High School, son of Nancy Siegrist of Creston, and Audrey Higgins from Templeton High School, daughter of Ben and Rochelle Higgins. Adane was the local chapter winner and also won at the district level.

At Her Table kicks off under Chef Candice Custodio, celebrating women in food, wine, and hospitality

NORTH COUNTY — For the past years, At Her Table has been a cornerstone of the Central Coast community, championing women in food, beverage, and hospitality through its annual Women’s Week celebration. This year marks a new chapter as Candice Custodio (Chef Candice) steps into leadership, bringing her passion for storytelling through food, deep industry experience, and commitment to uplifting women in industry.

Local students honored for leadership, service, and patriotism Country star brings chart-topping hits to Paso Robles, joined by Dylan Marlowe and Drew Baldridge

NORTH COUNTY — The California Mid-State Fair (CMSF) has announced that country music sensation Bailey Zimmerman will perform on Wednesday, July 23. Special guests Dylan Marlowe and Drew Baldridge will start the show at 7:30 p.m. The concert will take place in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles

Patriot of the American Revolution Essay Contest winner

Each year, the DAR sponsors the Patriot of the American Revolution Essay Contest for students in grades 9 through 12. Contestants were tasked with selecting an influential figure from the American Revolution era (1773-1783) and describing their contributions to the founding of our nation. This year’s winner is Katherine Nicholson,

Custodio is dedicated to continuing At Her Table’s mission while expanding its impact. With fresh leadership and a renewed commitment to celebrating the women shaping our food, beverage, and hospitality scene, this year’s lineup of events is just as dynamic, diverse, and inspiring as ever.

From immersive dining experiences to inspirational workshops, every event is designed to spotlight the creativity, resilience, and leadership of the amazing women in the industry of food, wine, lodging, hospitality, and artistry.

This year’s Women’s Week brings a fresh vision with new leadership, infusing the event with energy, innovative ideas, and an even stronger commitment to celebrating women in the food, wine, and hospitality industries. The lineup of nearly 30 diverse events offers

Event Center and is part of the Michelob Ultra Concert Series.

Tickets for this highly anticipated show will go on sale Friday, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m. on the fair’s official website, MidStateFair.com. The ticket prices are $52, $77, $97, and $127 (pit). The California Mid-State Fair has partnered with Ticketmaster. Fans can now use their Ticketmaster accounts to purchase tickets. Visit MidStateFair. com, click “Buy Tickets,” and you will be directed to the purchasing page.

Arrive 10 minutes early and complete these steps before the sale begins:

• Sign in to your account in advance to speed up your purchase later.

• Check that your payment info is

a student from Templeton High School and daughter of John E.D. and Cynthia Nicholson. Katherine’s essay also earned her the title of District VII winner.

American History Essay Contest winners DAR also recognized outstanding students in the American History Essay Contest for grades 5 through 8. This year’s theme, “Enjoying A New Kind of Tea Party,” asked

students to imagine themselves as women in North Carolina participating in a “tea party” following the Boston Tea Party.

• Fifth-grade winner: Sabina Soenen, Heartland Charter School, daughter of Philippe and Marisa Soenen. Sabina also earned the district award. Seventh-grade winner: Anna Ferrera, St. Rose Catholic School, daughter of Chris and Adrienne Ferrara. Anna also won the district award.

something for everyone, including immersive chef collaborations, unique wine pairings, networking experiences, dancing, and crafting. Some standout highlights include exclusive speed tastings and dinner at Somm’s Kitchen, the “Gather & Grow: The AHT Launch” event at Barton Family Wines on March 1, the Annual Untamed Dinner at Paso Bamboo, “Through Her Craft: Wine & Art” at Studios on the Park, and the Women’s Week Festival at the Sunken Gardens in Atascadero.

Tickets are officially on sale, and events will sell out fast — secure your spot today. Events are happening Feb. 28 through March 9. Tickets are available on athertable.com/ events and my805tix.com

Be part of a week that’s more than just great food and drinks — it’s a celebration of

current for a seamless checkout.

• Event details can vary. Check for ticket limits before the sale by tapping More Info next to the event name. Bailey Zimmerman has taken country music by storm with his record-breaking debut, “Religiously. The Album.,” which became the biggest streaming country debut of all time. The album features four consecutive No. 1 singles, including the 5x-Platinum mega-hit “Rock and a Hard Place” and 4x-Platinum debut single “Fall in Love.” With high-energy performances that have captivated audiences on “Good Morning America,” “TODAY,” “Jimmy Kimmel

Eighth-grade winner: Lyla Morones, St. Rose Catholic School, daughter of Evan and Maggie Morones. The El Paso de Robles Chapter of the DAR congratulates all winners for their exceptional essays and citizenship. These contests are an important part of the DAR’s mission to encourage young people to embrace their American heritage and continue to contribute positively to their communities.

community, connection, and the power of women in the industry. Events are happening across various locations on the Central Coast.

LIVE!,” and more. Zimmerman’s meteoric rise has earned him multiple award nominations from the Billboard Music Awards, ACM Awards, People’s Choice Country Awards, and CMT Music Awards. His newest releases, “Holding On,” “Holy Smokes,” and “New to Country,” mark an exciting new chapter for the breakout star. Rooted in the classic skills of country music’s past — but finding new ways to deliver three chords and the truth — Dylan Marlowe broke out with an attention-grabbing cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s “drivers license” in 2021, changing the lyrics to reflect his own backwoods story and resulting in more than half-a-million TikTok

followers. Marlowe went on to drop the self-penned singles and EPs like “Record High” and “Dirt Road When I Die,” eventually racking up 328 million global career streams as an artist, while co-penning Jon Pardi’s No. 1 hit, “Last Night Lonely.”

Drew Baldridge’s viral hit “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” has amassed over 400 million TikTok impressions and has been streamed over 120 million times with no editorial playlists. Since going to country radio, the track has hit the top 10 on Billboard Country Music Chart and is climbing toward the top 5. The 2025 California Mid-State Fair runs July 16 through July 27, with this year’s theme “Off To The Races!”

Nology Computers Lead Technician Dylan Johnson (left) and Travis Robinson pose inside their store located 1740 Spring St. STE C, Paso Robles. Photo by Camille DeVaul

AUDREY HIGGINS (LEFT) AND ADANE SIEGRIST

ANNA FERRERA KATHERINE NICHOLSON LYLA MORONES

SABINA SOENEN

SLO County Wine Country raises a glass to pets in need at 17th Annual Wine 4 Paws

More than 75 wineries to donate 10 percent of Sales to Woods Humane Society on April 26-27

STAFF REPORT

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY —

Wine 4 Paws, the 17th annual, weekendlong wine country fundraiser for the dogs and cats at Woods Humane Society, returns to SLO County on April 26 and 27. More than 75 wine, cider, olive oil, dining, and other businesses throughout the county will donate 10 percent of their proceeds from the

weekend to support dogs and cats in need.

The event, which has raised more than $700,000 for homeless pets at Woods Humane Society since it began in 2009, commences with the annual Hayseed & Housdon Kick-Off Party on Friday, April 25, at Cal Coast Beer in Paso Robles. The full weekend’s lineup includes wine tasting, special wine sales, and unique ticketed events such as paint your pet parties, wine-paired dinners, vineyard dog walks, wine-blending seminars, and more.

Woods Humane Society CEO Emily L’Heureux said Wine 4 Paws is a crucial

CONTACT INFO

P.O. Box 3120, Atascadero, CA 93423 (805)712-6356 atascaderogreyhound foundation.org

fundraiser for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter.

“We are seeing crisis-level numbers of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens in need of shelter across the state as the costs of providing shelter continue to rise,” she said. “On top of that, spring is baby season, which means Woods is also providing round-the-clock services for unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. Wine 4 Paws is essential to help us respond to these demands and save the lives of up to 3,000 pets in 2025.”

“With so many animals in need this year, I can’t wait to see how much impact our county’s many wine and pet enthusiasts can have in one

LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero

AWARENESS - PREVENTION - INTERVENTION - EDUCATION

fun weekend,” says Wine 4 Paws organizer Sarah Tomasetti. “Come enjoy all that the Central Coast has to offer while helping Woods Humane Society continue to care for homeless animals in our community who await loving homes.” Wine 4 Paws event details and participating businesses can be found at Wine4Paws.com

Woods Humane Society is located at 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, and at 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero, and is open to the public daily from 12 to 5 p.m., with adoption hours from 12 to 4 p.m.

For more information about Woods, visit WoodsHumane.org or call (805) 543-9316.

About: The Atascadero Greyhound Foundation has been serving the Atascadero community for more than 20 years, gradually adding more events that serve its mission. We have grown, and continue to give because of the generous donors, sponsors and participants of our events. Our events are a benefit to the community in healthy activity — either athletically, musically, educationally, or in the fight against addiction. Donations: Our support comes from generous donors and sponsors. To make a difference, visit: lighthouseatascadero.org

ALF Food Pantry

OUR MISSION: ALF Food Pantry is dedicated to providing nutritious groceries to the food-insecure residents of the communities we serve. ALF Food Pantry (formerly known as Atascadero Loaves and Fishes) is celebrating 40 years of service to our community, providing groceries to families and individuals. The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce honored ALF as the 2024 Community Organization of the Year. With an all-volunteer workforce, we distributed nearly 600,000 pounds of food in 2023, the equivalent of 360,000 meals. We provide quality fresh and shelf-stable ingredients to food-insecure people in Atascadero, Templeton, Santa Margarita, Creston, and California Valley. Clients have increased by 20% each year since 2020 and food costs are dramatically higher.

Atascadero, CA 93442 (805)461-1504 contact@alffoodpantry.org alffoodpantry.org Monday - Friday 1 pm - 3 pm

Donations: We need your help to allow us to continue our vital work. Donate today using our QR code or mail a check to ALF Food Pantry, 5411 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422.

United Way of San Luis Obispo County

EDUCATION. INCOME. COMMUNITY.

CONTACT INFO (805) 541-1234 unitedwayslo.org

CONTACT INFO

Offices in Atascadero, Paso Robles & SLO treeoflifepsc.com (805) 543-6000

CONTACT INFO

1000 Spring Street Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 237-3870 prcity.com

CONTACT INFO Operation Surf 80 San Francisco St. Avila Beach, CA (805) 544-7873 info@operationsurf.org operationsurf.org

CONTACT INFO

6875 Union Road Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 237-3751 redwingshorse sanctuary.org

United Way of San Luis Obispo County’s programs deliver the education and resources that can help families succeed, in the present and for the next generation. Our work is centered on three impact areas that give people the best start for a successful life: Early Childhood Education, Family Financial Stability and Community Strengthening. Please join us! Together we can do our part to make a stronger community in SLO County that benefits us all.

DONATE: Invest in lasting change through a charitable donation at unitedwayslo.org/donate

VOLUNTEER: Find a volunteer opportunity that fits you at unitedwayslo.org/volunteer

TREE OF LIFE Pregnancy Care Center

WOMEN. HEALTH. LIFE

Tree of Life has been helping women and families in our community for over 39 years. All services are FREE and confidential. Women facing pregnancy decisions can find compassion, hope, positive options, and practical help from our friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our goal is to provide resources to assist a woman in choosing life for her baby and then to parent or place for adoption. We also offer compassionate help for women struggling with the mental and emotional effects of a previous abortion. Donations: We’re grateful that all of our support comes from generous individuals here in our community.

Friends of the Paso Robles Library

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Support the Library through a Friends of the Library membership, starting as low as $10/year. The Friends of the Library appreciates donations, which are either added to the Library’s collection or used to generate considerable funds toward the purchase of new books, library materials, programs, services, etc. Support the Library in a 100% volunteer-run retail environment. We are seeking volunteers to assist with Gift Shop sales, book donation sorting, and to provide book sale support.

Due to limited storage space and staff, we are only able to accept two boxes or two bags of materials per household per day. Cash donations always welcome!

BOARD MEETINGS:

Call (805) 237-3870 for information

Operation Surf

MISSION

Our mission is to channel the healing powers of the ocean to restore hope, renew purpose, and revitalize community. Operation Surf’s curriculum-based programs aim to inspire injured military and veterans to seek wellness in all aspects of their lives while providing the necessary resources, tools, and peer-to-peer support to continue this mindset indefinitely. By staying true to our core values of care, inclusion, commitment, integrity, and communication, we change participants’ lives – one wave at a time. Local Veteran Opportunities: OS3- Three Month Surf Program Application is Open! Apply via the website www.operationsurf.org OS3 is a three-month, locally-focused program that provides veterans with an opportunity to bond through surfing, keep each other motivated, and move forward in life with a new perspective. Focused on four key pillars of mentorship, unity, family, and the peace of surfing, Operation Surf inspires to make lasting change in the lives of our community.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Redwings is always looking for volunteers to help us provide the highest standard of care for our horses and burros. You do not need to have any prior horse experience to volunteer at Redwings. If you would like to work with our horses, the first step is to take a Volunteer Training Class. This class covers sanctuary rules, basic safe horsemanship skills, and an introduction to some of the horses that you will be working with. After completion of the class you are welcome to come volunteer and help with the horses any time during our volunteer hours. Volunteer hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 8am to 3:30pm, and we are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Note: We do not allow volunteers to ride the horses at Redwings. There are other ways to get involved and volunteer at Redwings too. We have opportunities to help in our rose and memorial garden, volunteering in the office, helping with events and fundraising, and more. Please submit the form below to schedule a volunteer training or contact our office: info@redwingshorsesanctuary.org or (805) 237-3751. For information about making donations, adoptions, etc, visit redwingshorsesanctuary.com. For upcoming events, visit facebook.com/pg/redwingshorses/events

Atascadero Elks Lodge

CONTACT INFO 1516 El Camino Real,  Atascadero, Ca 93422 805-466-3557 www.elks2733.org

LODGE NO. 2733 Since 1987, the Atascadero Elks have contributed over $1,000,000 to local community-based programs, non-profits, youth groups, local sports teams, programs for handicapped and needy children, patriotic programs, veterans’ programs and many, many community activities. Our mission as Elks is to inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize our belief in God; to promote the welfare of our community; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; and to cultivate good fellowship. We have a full calendar of events and activities for our members. To learn more or to join us please contact us at (805)466-3557, visit the Lodge at 1516 El Camino Real, follow-us on Facebook or visit our website at: elks2733.org.

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WORSHIP DIRECTORY

ATASCADERO GOSPEL CHAPEL

8205 Curbaril Ave. (corner of Curbaril & Atascadero Ave.): Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. Ted Mort, Pastor. (805) 466-0175. atascaderogospelchapel.org

Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living

A New Thought Spiritual Community. Living the Consciously Awakened Life. Rev. Elizabeth Rowley Hogue Sunday 10:00am at the Pavilion 9315 Pismo Way, Atascadero (805) 391-4465. awakeningways.org

St. William’s Catholic Church 6410 Santa Lucia Road, Atascadero, CA (805) 466-0849 www. stwilliams.org Weekday Masses : 10:30 AM Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:30 PM Sunday Masses: 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM Spanish FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH

9925 Morro Road, Atascadero; "The Church on the Hill"; An independent church committed to the teaching of God's Word.; Praise and Prayer–10 a.m.; Morning Worship–11 a.m.; Evening Worship–6 p.m.; Wednesday Prayer–6:30 p.m.; Nursery care and children's classes provided.; Pastor Jorge Guerrero; (805) 461-9197.

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA

A place of hope! Join us for in-person worship on Sundays at 9 A.M. Services are also streamed on YouTube @Hope Lutheran Church Atascadero. Sunday School for all ages follows worship. Learn more at ourhopelutheran.net. 8005 San Gabriel Rd. Atascadero. 805-461-0430. office@ourhopelutheran.net. Pastor Aaron Smith.

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER-LCMS

4500 El Camino Real, Atascadero; 466-9350; Morning Bible class at 9 a.m. Sunday; Coffee and Sunday Worship with Holy Communion at 10 a.m. Sunday; Thursday morning Bible class 10 a.m. followed by refreshments and fellowship; Developmentally disabled Bible class 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings; redeemeratascadero.org; redeemeratascadero@gmail.com; Pastor Wayne Riddering.

TEMPLETON HILLS SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

God is love. We exist to know and share that love in practical ways. Join us for worship Saturdays at 11am. 930 Templeton Hills Rd, Templeton. For more info: https://templetonhills.adventistfaith.org/

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

940 Creston Road, Paso Robles; has Sunday worship services at 9:30 a.m; For more information, call the church at (805) 238-3702. Ext. 206.

ATASCADERO FOURSQUARE CHURCH–FATHER’S HOUSE

2100 Ramona Road. Sunday service at 10am. Will & Lori Barrow, Pastors; (805) 466-3191; fathershouseafc.com

ABIDE CALVARY ATASCADERO

4500 El Camino Ave (Downstairs, Rear Parking Lot) // info@abideatascadero. org. Sunday Service at 9am, Children’s Ministry provided for ages 2yrs–6th grade. Pastors Chris Vanoli & Ben Eisenman // Love God, Love Others // Abiding closely with Jesus and teaching others to do the same.

THE REVIVAL CENTER

A division of Alpha Beth Ministries; 3850 Ramada Drive (corner of Ramada and Cow Meadow), Paso Robles; 805-434-5170; Pastor Gabe Abdelaziz; a charismatic non-denominational fellowship; Reaching People, Building Homes; Sundays 10am, Wednesday 7pm; alphabeth@tcsn.net, www.alphabeth.org; Instagram @the_ revival_center

COMMUNITY CHURCH OF ATASCADERO, UCC 5850 Rosario Ave. Service 10 a.m. (in person and on Zoom) Pastor Heather Branton (805) 466-9108 atascaderoucc.org

ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH

820 Creston Road., Paso Robles; (805) 238-2218- Parish Office open Mon-Fri 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; website: www.saintrosechurch.org; Mass times; Daily Mass- 8:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.; Tues. 7 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass 5 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.; Spanish Mass at 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. Father Rodolfo Contreras.

SANTA MARGARITA DE CORTONA CATHOLIC CHURCH

22515 “H” St, Santa Margarita (805)438-5383 Parish Office hours:Wed-Thur 9am-12pm Mass Times: Saturday Vigil Mass:5pm Sunday:10am Wed-Fri 10am Adoration Wed following Mass Confessions: Saturday 4pm and Sunday 9am

RESURRECTION ECUMENICAL MINISTRY

offers an interdenominational communion service each Wednesday evening at 7:00, beginning January 22. Please join us at 9005 Santa Lucia in Atascadero. For more information call or text Rev. Dr. Cynthia Gaw at (828) 406-7253 .

CONGREGATION OHR TZAFON"THE NORTHERN LIGHT"

Located at 2605 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA 93422. Friday Night Service 6:30 pm 805-466-0329 congregationohrtzafon.org

Be included in the Atascadero News & Paso Robles Press Worship Directory for an entire year at $175

Hoo-ray, the time is now to start your “Daffodil Watch.” I’ve seen them all over our property, popping their little yellow heads out of the ground as if to say, “Hi, I’m tired of being underground!” Our Graves Creek-San Fernando Road area will soon be alive with those beautiful yellow blossoms. In fact, watch for them all over town. It’s exciting and fun to do a daffodil count with your family. You’ll be surprised at how many you will see.

Every year I try to remind our community that Lee Swam, aka Daffodil Man, who has passed, started the project of planting daffodils all over Atascadero. We owe him a debt of gratitude for initiating the idea and we should continue planting more each year.

I would love to see daffodils planted in the planters of the

Ilive on the edge of a small town whose only fast food is a Subway. The void has been filled by food trucks. I don’t know if they’ve come to your town yet but every day at lunch time there are at least two food trucks open for business and some days three in my town. These include food trucks named The Greasy Weiner, Hanna’s Street Tacos and La Taqueria. The trucks appear to be doing a land office business judging by the long lines of construction workers and nine-to-fivers on their lunch hour.

One of the good things about a food truck is that if you don’t like your present location, you just up and move. I don’t know what’s in it for the people who own the parking lots where the food trucks set up shop but I’m sure they get at least a free taco or two as rental income. The food trucks are so popular that restaurants in the bigger towns are play-

God is constantly calling us to something greater. We were never meant to stay stagnant. Everything that is alive is constantly moving and trying to emerge and become more. Even a blade of grass will press through cement for growth. It doesn’t stay in the safe dark place of the seed. There is a call from God to us. It is a call to knowledge, curiosity, and a call to new awareness. This call is a divine invitation to something greater.

The call to Knowledge can be seen in Hosea 4:6 where it says we are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. In Habakkuk 2:14 it says that the earth is filled with

Daffodils and dinner

new parking work being done in the downtown area along El Camino Real. Lee would have been so pleased to see that happen. This is a big hint to the City Council, Jim Lewis, and Terrie Banish. And how about the Atascadero Rotary Club, since Lee was such a valued member for so many years? Let’s help make Atascadero a Daffodil City!

Recipes this week are definitely geared for cold weather, and we’re certainly experiencing some of that. So turn on the oven and enjoy one of these easy-toprepare, comforting dishes, your family will love.

Cordon Bleu Casserole

Ingredients:

2 cups cubed fully cooked ham

• 4 cups cubed cooked turkey (or chicken breast)

• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese

1 large onion, chopped 1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon ground mustard

• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 3/4 cups milk

Topping:

1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs

1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions: In nonstick skillet, saute ham for 4-5 minutes or until browned; drain and pat dry. In greased 2 quart baking dish, layer the turkey, cheese and ham; set aside. In a saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in flour, mustard and nutmeg until blended. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Pour over ham. Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Serves 6

Beefy Crescent-Topped

Casserole

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef

1/4 cup chopped onion

• 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce

Playing ketchup

ing catch-up, or is it ketchup, and are copying items invented by the food truck owners. For example, “street tacos” have found their way onto menus at fancy restaurants and my wife really likes them. They are about half the size of a regular taco and they can be made with fish, beef, pork even bison. The one thing I haven’t seen yet are food trucks that specialize in hamburgers and we really need one or two of them.

Whenever I see a food truck it reminds me of the old photos I’ve seen of cowboys gathered around the chuckwagon at a roundup only instead of cowboy hats the construction workers are wearing hard hats and there are no chaps and spurs. Since there is no seating provided the construction workers can be seen sitting uncomfortably on a curb or on their haunches. The advantages of a food truck are it costs about a third of what a restaurant meal would cost and it’s fast, so people on their lunch hour don’t have to worry about clocking in late when their lunch hour is over.

Food trucks really are modern day chuckwagons. Legendary cattleman Charles Goodnight invented the chuckwagon in 1866

the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Proverbs 9:10 tells us the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Gaining wisdom and knowledge is a requirement of growth. Whether that is from the Word, teachers, preachers, books, divine revelation, etc.

There is a call to Curiosity. Matthew 18:3 tells us that unless we become as little children we will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. One distinct trait of children, that adults tend to lose, is curiosity. Proverbs 25:2 says that it is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. In Acts 17 the believers in Berea received the word with great eagerness, examining the scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.

The call to Awareness is mentioned in Psalm 119:18-19, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from your law. I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide your commandments

• 1 envelope spaghetti sauce mix

3/4 cup sour cream 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 tube (8 ounces)

refrigerated crescent rolls

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions: In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no  longer pink; drain. Stir in tomato sauce and spaghetti sauce mix. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream. Spoon into a greased 13-in. x9-in. x2 in. baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Unroll crescent dough into one rectangle; seal seams and perforations. Place over cheese. Brush with butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Serves 6-8

Barbie Butz is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email her at bbutz1@outlook.com

when he got an old army wagon with extra durable iron axles and he put a box on the back that served as the cookie’s kitchen. They became so popular that Studebaker, the only company I know of that made the transition from selling wagons to selling cars, sold their version of the chuckwagon for about a hundred bucks. They were called chuckwagons because the grub the cowboys ate was also referred to as chuck. The chuckwagon, which was sometimes also called “the crumb castle” by the cowpokes, was the center of activity during a branding and cowboys “put on the nose bag” and even took an afternoon siesta underneath the chuckwagon because it provided the only shade for miles around.

I don’t know why someone doesn’t launch a “chain” of chuckwagon food trucks that serve hamburgers and other beef items. Instead of a truck the chuckwagon would be a wagon designed to look like chuckwagons of yesteryear, with the addition, of course, of brake lights and turn signals. If one location was bad you could just hook up the chuckwagon to a vehicle and move it to a new location,

no horses necessary. My idea of a chuckwagon food truck could be a great “green” concept that environmentalists should love. Picture in your mind six burley construction workers ordering gigantic beef and bean burritos and chimichangas and then getting in their work truck with all the windows rolled up. In the cab would be an on-board methane digester that would turn the gas produced by the workers into fuel. It would be a totally enclosed enviro system and the gas produced would propel the workers far enough to get to them to the next chuckwagon where they could re-fill on beans again. I can even envision a hybrid version for people who don’t want to eat beans for every meal.

If Elon Musk ever caught wind of my concept I have no doubt that in a matter of weeks we’d have thousands of Tesla Taco Trucks at Tesla charging stations around the country, thus giving an all new meaning to the words “gassing up.”

Lee Pitts is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email them at leepitts@ leepittsbooks.com.

from me.” Daniel 2:22 says that it is God who reveals the profound and hidden things. Amos 3:7 says the Lord does nothing unless he reveals his secrets to his prophets first. I love what Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever.”

Once you’ve been made aware, there is no going back. You are now responsible for what you know. You weren’t before.

So, what do these three calls cause? They cause us to stretch beyond our limits. A call to get out of our — comfort zone! We cannot gain knowledge, respond to curiosity, and gain awareness without getting outside our comfort zone. It naturally happens.

When leaving our comfort zone we tend to feel anxiety, nervous, unsure, etc. That is because we are looking at that comfort zone boundary through the lens of fear, so it feels like

resistance and a sign to retreat. Don’t hit that wall and quit with your emotional response. If we looked at the edge of the comfort zone through a lens of learning instead, it would result in growth and transformation. We would also be able to accept discomfort as a sign of growth, not a sign to quit.

Discomfort is the gateway to growth. Successful people are willing to be uncomfortable in the interest of growth. If you want new results, you’ve got to do new things, which will most likely take you out of your comfort zone. The call to knowledge, curiosity, new awareness, and the call to get out of your comfort zone is a divine invitation to something greater. Your miracle is on the other side of your comfort zone.

Sarah-Kate Duran is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email them at alphabeth@tcsn.net

lee pitts COLUMNIST

barbie butz COLUMNIST sarah-kate duran COLUMNIST

AHS BOYS WRESTLING

LOGAN CAMACK

The

Atascadero High School boys wrestling team takes on Santa Maria at home on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

by Rick Evans