Atascadero News • June 22, 2023

Student Representative

Olivia Otter thanked for her reports this year

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com

ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Unified School District (AUSD) met for its regularly scheduled school board meeting on Tuesday, June 6, at 7 p.m. The meeting took place in person at the Kenneth Beck Building. Since August 2022, the district has remained with in-person meetings only, without a live streaming option. All five trustees were present for the meeting.

After Olivia Otter gave her Student Representative report, the trustees gave her a lovely bouquet of flowers and thanked her for a job well done, since it was her last meeting being on the board.

During Oral Communications from the Public, two parents addressed the Board of Trustees and requested that their children who are attending charter schools get the option to be able to play sports on AUSD teams. They asked if the district would consider

applying for a multi-school membership to make that possible, and if it was a financial reason why they don’t allow it currently.

Like in previous weeks, three teachers come forth worried about the sizes of classes, and that there have been rumors about combos on grade levels. They asked the trustees to make students and their learning a highest priority by keeping class sizes smaller.

The minutes for the May 16 meeting passed unanimously.

Trustee Rebekah Koznek pulled items 6, 7, and 8 from the Consent Agenda, which was the approval of new biology, chemistry, and physics textbooks. Assistant Superintendent of Educatonal Services E.J. Rossi clarified the need for the new textbooks before the full Consent Agenda was unanimously passed.

Rossi then addressed the trustee board with the evening’s first Public Hearing: the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and Annual Update. Rossi briefly reviewed the plan, but has been presenting the LCAP over the last couple of meetings, and will

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Elks

Lodge

Fifty-four classic cars were shown off in the second annual event

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com

ATASCADERO — On Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18, vintage and classic vehicle lovers headed out to the Atascadero Elks Lodge park-

hosts Veteran’s Car Show

ing lot for its second annual Veteran’s Car Show. The event brought in hundreds of North County residents, and tons of fun was had by all.

“It actually went really good,” said Elks member Ronnie Maxwell, who helps put the car show together. “As you know, this was the second one. We decided to start one last year because we try to do

a few things during the year for vets. With the Elks, we really try to give back to the veterans.”

The Elks Lodge spoiled our local veterans with a free breakfast cooked and served by the lodge’s members for any vets who wanted to partake in the yummy breakfast burritos they had on offer.

“We had a lot of people that

showed, and everyone had a wonderful time,” Maxwell stated.

Fifty-four beautiful cars and trucks filled the parking lot, and once the car show kicked off, everyone showing a vehicle was given a ticket to cast their vote for first, second, and third place. When the votes were tallied, they announced

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By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com

ATASCADERO — At

Atascadero Cemetery on Saturday, June 17, at 11 a.m., Charles “Cap” Capper received full military honors. His four surviving grandchildren and six surviving great-grandchildren were in attendance as well as a group of his neighbors and friends from the community.

Capper was born in Illinois on Sept. 2, 1922, and passed away 100 and a half years later on March 6, 2023. Capper, a staple in the Atascadero community for the last 51 years, devoted his life to the

city and his friends and family here.

“Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow soldiers and I are here to render final military honors to the following comrade. Military honors will consist of the playing of taps, unfolding/ refolding, and presentation of the flag,” said the the sergeant of the guard after the Invoca/

tion was given by Chaplain Jesse Sykes.

A moving and emotional rendition of taps was then played in memory of Capper and all he did for the U.S. military when he fought overseas as an Army corporal in World War II. The honor guard and sergeant of the guard then

PASO ROBLES — A proposed power transmission line in Paso Robles has sparked strong opposition from residents in North County. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is seeking approval to construct a new 70 kV transmission line and substation, but local residents are voicing concerns about its potential impact on the community.

The project, known as the Estrella Substation and Paso Robles Reinforcement Project, aims to enhance power reliability for residents from Paso Robles to Santa Margarita. It includes upgrades to the existing Estrella Substation and the connection of various transmission lines. According to Trans-

formers Magazine, the project would also involve upgrading a portion of the San MiguelPaso Robles 70 kV transmission line and making reliability upgrades to the Templeton, San Miguel, and Paso Robles substations.

However, many residents are opposing the proposed project due to its potential implications for the community. One of the major concerns is the visual impact of the trans-

mission lines, which would reach heights of up to 90 feet. The prospect of power lines running directly through the city raises worries about the negative effects on the city’s aesthetics, potential harm to businesses and property values, and increased risk of fire hazard.

Residents and business owners have formed an organization, Citizens for a Safe

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With division, SLO County supervisors proclaim

June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Supervisors

BY CAMILLE DEVAUL

LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

SAN

— Supervisors were again divided on Tuesday, June 20, regarding a proclamation declaring June 2023 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in San Luis Obispo County. What was proposed on the consent agenda for approval was pulled for separate consideration by District 5 Supervisor Debbie Arnold.

Stacy Korsgaden came to the podium to introduce herself for public comment on the proclamation. She lives in Grover Beach with her partner and strongly opposed the proclamation calling it outdated and submitting to identity politics.

“It does not acknowledge our desire to be accepted not based on sexual orientation but by our contribution to society,” said Korsgaden. “If you should vote yes on this resolution, it encourages segregation. It separates us from decades of efforts, sacrifice, and successes we have made to be included.”

Referring to the proclamation as a call back to the 1980s, Korsgaden specifically pointed out the document’s phrase to grant LGBTQ+ the right to joy and success.

“I submit to you, Board of Supervisors, this list is and should be for everyone and not just the LGBTQ+ community,” said Korsgaden.

Arnold echoed Korsgaden, saying

this is the second proclamation the board has seen within the last two meetings that she felt adds division to the community. During the June 6 meeting, Arnold voted against a proposed proclamation condemning racism. She and District 1 Supervisor John Peschong voted against the proclamation because of it singling out Templeton for a “White Pride” banner incident.

More on that meeting can be found here: atascaderonews.com/news/ slo-county/county-supervisors-argue-over-resolution-condemning-racism

Arnold had presented her own proclamation for condemning racism which she felt was more inclusive, and mentioned that proclamation again at Tuesday’s meeting.

“We’re all Americans,” said Arnold. “We have become a much more inclusive society just by being good friends, neighbors, and community members.”

However, District 2 Supervisor Bruce Gibson strongly disagreed with Arnold.

“Those who would oppose this expression of tolerance and respect for our fellow community members are either unaware of history, or ignorant or willfully ignorant of the history that that community has experienced,” said Gibson, rebutting against Arnold.

He added, “I am proud for us bringing forward this expression of values, and I am proud to celebrate with the community it references.”

Before presentations, Arnold responded to Gibson’s comments.

“I value the LGBTQ+ community as spelled out in last week’s reso-

lution,” she said. “It tried to be very inclusive, and we are all going to try to go forward working with each other as community members of this county and not as individual separated groups.”

In a repeat of the June 6 meeting, Arnold and Peschong both voted no on the proclamation as it stood. Supervisors Dawn Ortiz-Legg (District 3), Gibson, and Jimmy Paulding (District 4) voted to approve the Pride Month proclamation. SLO County Gala Pride and Diversity Center Executive Director Dusty Colyer-Worth and Content Creator Lola White-Sanborn were present to accept it.

During their acceptance, Colyer-Worth said that LGBTQ+ rights have not been covered by blanket human rights laws.

Referencing a comment made by

Korsgaden, he said, “It [the resolution] is not taking us back to the ‘80s in any way when we look at the fact that there is an unprecedented amount of antiLGBTQ+ legislation nationwide ... know that pride and the recognition an uplifting of LGBTQ+ people is needed now more than ever.”

White-Sanborn echoed Colyer-Worth’s sentiments and shared some of her experiences in SLO County.

“I am regularly stalked and harrassed for being queer,” said White-Sanborn. “Trucks have attempted to run me over. It is, therefore, difficult for me to believe that anyone who would seek to oppose such a proclamation has an [any] angle other than exclusion.”

Paulding then referenced the proclamation as a day going down in history for the Board of Supervisors, adding that the last Pride Month proclamation was made in 2011 by the board. He said he took “great issue” with Arnold’s earlier comments.

“Your community has been historically, not just represented, but historically marginalized,” said Paulding.

“You and your fellow members in the community have been under attack, especially lately.”

In response to Paulding’s comments, Arnold thanked White-Sanborn and Colyer-Worth for being at the meeting.

“I hope you know, I meant it when I said we value everybody,” said Arnold. “I believe we are striving for the same thing, just a little different approach.”

The next Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 11, at 9 a.m.

Ranchers look to raise more cattle amid hot market

U.S. Department of Agriculture anticipates beef production in 2024 to decline 8 percent

BY CHING LEE CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

CALIFORNIA — Short supplies of cattle nationwide have sent prices soaring at a time when California ranchers have less to sell after years of drought forced them to shrink their herds.

With more rain and an explosion of feed on pastures this year, ranchers are eager to rebuild their numbers while the market is hot. But buying cattle at current prices may not be palatable for some.

“I’ve never seen prices this high,” said Tulare County rancher David Whaley.

Normally, Whaley would sell his heifers and use the money to buy cows that are already bred so that he could get a calf crop in the fall and then sell those calves the following spring.

But with bred cows going for $3,000 a head, he said he decided to keep his heifers and raise them as replacements instead. This saves him money, but he won’t have calves until the fall of 2024.

With a core portion of the nation’s beef herd still under severe drought conditions in the Southern Plains, cattle inventories are expected to remain tight next year, pushing prices even higher.

In its May forecast, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it anticipates beef production in 2024 to decline 8 percent compared to this year, resulting in the lowest per capita beef available domestically since records began in 1970.

For now, Whaley said he’s enjoying the “feed galore” on his ranches. It’s a far cry from the past several years when dry conditions forced him to buy expensive hay and cull “extra heavy.”

With plenty of grass this year, he sold calves at around 700 pounds or more, whereas they usually weigh barely 600 pounds when he takes them to market.

“I don’t find too many things negative when I can sell seven-weight steer for over $2 a pound,” he said.

As a rancher who also operates a feedlot in Colusa County, Jerry Maltby said he thinks the cattle market will remain strong for two to three years. That’s because it takes at least two years from when a calf is born to get it to

slaughter weight.

Ranchers, he said, are in “no great rush” to restock their herds if it means having to buy high-priced heifers.

He said he expects the price of bred cattle to be “substantially higher” in the fall while quality breeding females will be hard to find and very expensive for another two years.

“(Ranchers) are holding on to breeding cattle because they can see that they can make a profit by selling the offspring,” he said. “It’s not like this thing is going to change. You can’t make these cows overnight.”

With so much feed on the ground, Maltby said his feedlot business has been slower compared to the past two years when pastures were decimated by drought and ranchers had no choice but to send their cattle to feedlots.

This year, “there’s more feed than there are cattle,” he said. Not only is there an abundance of hay, but grain prices have also dropped.

Feedlot operators feel the benefits and the sting of current cattle prices, said Imperial County rancher Bill Brandenberg, who buys feeder cattle for a feedlot.

The cattle-feeding business makes good money on the cattle it sells to packers, he said, but it’s also paying record-high prices to replace the cattle.

He said he expects these conditions will continue for another two to three years because feeder cattle will remain limited until ranchers build back their herds and send more cattle through the pipeline.

“It’s a seller’s market if you’re in the cow-calf business or the dairy sector selling feeder calves because they’re in high demand right now,” Brandenberg said.

California ranchers are not the only ones keeping more of their cows this year. Ranchers in other drought-stricken states, such as Utah and Colorado, also have received more rain and are looking to rebuild their herds, he said. That means fewer cattle going to feedlots.

Feed costs affect the price that cow-calf producers earn for their cattle. When feed costs drop, the price of feeders rises, which has been the case during the past eight to nine months, Brandenberg said.

Gaylor Wright, owner of California Fats and Feeders in Oakdale, said he has seen a lot of bred cows coming to California from “drought country” states such as Kansas and Nebraska. That’s because many ranchers here want to restock their herds, while those in the Midwest

need to move their cattle to places with grass, especially cows that are young and well-bred.

“It’s a shame to send those to slaughter,” he said. “They’re helping us stock our grass, and we’re helping them get rid of some of their product at probably a little higher price than if they had to send it to slaughter.”

Wright’s business buys and sells cattle. He buys cattle that weigh 500 to 600 pounds, puts them in a grow yard until they’re 900 pounds, and then sells them to feedlots, where they are fattened for slaughter.

With cattle so expensive now, he said he’s managed to maintain profitability by feeding byproducts such as potato chips, grape pomace, and dried beans, all of which he buys at a discount. It also helps that corn and hay prices have come down.

Wright also buys slaughter-ready cattle, such as from dairies, for a Washington-based meatpacking company, which he said is not currently making money because “they can’t sell the meat as high as what it’s costing to get it.”

Meanwhile, auctions continue to move cattle at unprecedented prices, Wright said, noting some 9,000 head of fed cattle recently sold

for $1.90 a pound — a record high. Even in 2014-2015, the last time cattle prices reached record levels, he noted, the fat market peaked at $1.70 a pound and then came crashing down within a week.

“How high is too high?” Wright said. “We’re getting to levels where I think people are beginning to look at other products as a potential for protein rather than beef.”

With the nationwide cattle shortage, Brandenberg of Imperial County said he expects market prices will remain higher than they’ve been over the past three to four years, but they won’t stay at the $1.80-per-pound range forever.

As long as the economy doesn’t crash, he said, prices should remain strong “because we know there’s good demand for beef.”

Consumers, he said, will ultimately determine where the market sweet spot will be. With summer grilling season starting, it’s yet to be seen at what price shoppers pull back and opt for other proteins such as pork or chicken.

“We know that consumers will switch for price,” Brandenberg said. “Then we’ve got to get our price back down to get their business back.”

Peschong and Arnold oppose LGBTQ+ proclamation for being divisive

SLO County Gala Pride and Diversity Center Executive Director Dusty Colyer-Worth and Content Creator Lola White-Sanborn take the podium to accept the

SLO County Supervisors proclamation recognizing LGBTQ+ Pride Month during the board meeting on Tuesday, June 20.

Screen Capture from SLO County Supervisors

PASO ROBLES

Vegetation fire sparks in Paso

Robles due to downed power line

At 2:22 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services was dispatched to the area of 2550 Dry Creek Road for a reported vegetation fire.

The first arriving unit reported approximately 1⁄4 acre burning under the power lines at a slow rate of spread with structures in the area. Access to the fire was impeded due to a downed power line and the fire being dissected by multiple fences. The fire was fully controlled at .77 acres at 4:55 p.m.

Three fire engines, a prevention officer, a battalion chief from Paso Robles Fire, and one water tender from Paso Robles Public Works responded. Under the City’s Automatic Aid Agreement with Cal Fire / SLO County Fire, three engines, one air attack, one dozer, and a battalion chief responded to assist in containing the fire. Additional assistance was provided by PG&E.

The cause of the fire was determined to be from a downed power line following a bird strike.

Child struck by vehicle, sustains

moderate injuries

On Sunday evening, June 18, a traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Cedarwood Drive and Teak Drive in Paso Robles. The incident involved a male child, aged 8, who was struck by a vehicle traveling westbound on Cedarwood Drive.

Upon receiving a report of the collision, the Paso Robles Police Department dispatched officers to the scene. They found the injured child, who had sustained moderate injuries as a result of the accident. The child was promptly transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

Preliminary investigations suggest that drugs or alcohol were not contributing factors in the incident. It appears that the child, who was riding a self-propelled scooter, failed to check for approaching vehicles before crossing the street. Although the vehicle involved was reportedly traveling at a slow speed of approximately 10-15 mph, it was unable to avoid the collision.

The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the collision to contact the Paso Robles Police Department at (805) 237-6464.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous can reach out to Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-STOP.

Arrest made after suspicious vehicle reported at Paso Robles gas station

for the offense of carrying a concealed weapon. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded additional concerning items, including ammunition, pepper spray, a stab-resistant vest, a stun gun, and a replica Glock handgun. Furthermore, officers discovered a scanner tuned to the “police” channel, a black ski mask, and duct tape.

Carlos Davis was subsequently booked into the SLO County Jail on multiple felony charges related to the possession of weapons and other associated items. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

Individuals with any relevant information regarding this case are encouraged to contact the Paso Robles Police Department at (805) 237-6464. For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers can be reached at 805-549-STOP.

Roundabout open: City to unveil Golden Hill and Union Roundabout with ribbon cutting ceremony

public to actively participate in this transformative process by providing valuable feedback.

To engage the community effectively, the City will host public sessions to review the draft goals proposed by the working group. These sessions will provide an opportunity for community members to share their perspectives, suggestions, and insights, which will play a crucial role in refining the goals and developing supporting objectives.

The public sessions are scheduled as follows:

• Date: Friday, July 7 at 6 p.m.

• Date: Saturday, July 8 at 9 a.m.

Both sessions will take place at the City Council chamber located at 1000 Spring Street.

Mayor Pro Tem John Hamon highlighted the City’s commitment to assisting homeless individuals in their transition to becoming productive members of the community.

Mayor Pro Tem Hamon stated, “This comprehensive five-year strategic plan demonstrates our City’s dedication to helping homeless individuals who are willing to accept assistance in becoming more productive citizens within our Paso Robles community. By engaging diverse stakeholders, we can develop a compassionate approach to address the needs of a few for the benefit of the many.”

immerse yourself in the Sounds of Summer at the Atascadero Lake Park Bandstand. Mark your calendars for this exciting series, and get ready to dance the night away with Club Dv8 on July 1.

For more information and updates on the Summer Concert Series, visit visitatascadero.com/events.

Atascadero 4th of July Independence Day Music Festival Festival scheduled

The 4th of July Music Festival is back and taking center stage at Atascadero Lake Park. Presented by Colony Days and the Printery Foundation, this festive event promises an unforgettable lakeside experience filled with music, food, and drinks.

Mark your calendars for July 4, from 4 to 8 p.m.

and rescue effort was initiated involving Sheriff’s Detectives, Cal Fire, Harbor Patrol, CHP, and the Coast Guard. Their primary objective was to locate the missing kayaker. At approximately 7 p.m., the body of the kayaker was discovered.

At this stage, the evidence suggests that the kayaker’s death was accidental. However, the identification of the deceased individual is being withheld pending notification of their next of kin.

Regional issue with Verizon 911 service impacts San Luis Obispo County

On Sunday night, June 18, the Sheriff’s Office in San Luis Obispo County received notification from Verizon Wireless regarding a regional issue with the 911 service for Verizon subscribers. This problem is affected the entire county, prompting Verizon to initiate corrective measures.

As a result of this issue, 911 calls from Verizon subscribers were automatically routed to the Sheriff’s Dispatch Center via 7-digit lines instead of the usual 911 lines. Consequently, callers had to provide their location and phone number when contacting emergency services, as this information was not received automatically.

In the early hours of Wednesday, June 14, a citizen at the Golden Hill Mobil gas station in Paso Robles flagged down a police officer to report a suspicious vehicle and person at the gas pumps. Responding to the call, officers intercepted the suspicious vehicle as it departed the gas station and initiated contact with the driver, identified as Carlos Davis, a 38-yearold resident of Santa Barbara County.

During the encounter, officers discovered that Davis had a fixedblade knife concealed in his waistband, leading to his immediate arrest

The City of Paso Robles Public Works Department announced the official opening of the long-awaited roundabout at the intersection of Golden Hill and Union Roads. Effective immediately, motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists can utilize the new roundabout, leading to the removal of detour signs.

To commemorate, a ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 23, at 10 a.m.

This modern roundabout design replaces the previous angled 4-way stop intersection, addressing congestion issues and establishing a safer and more efficient transportation network for residents, commuters, and visitors. The construction of the roundabout was made possible through $5.6 million in Development Impact Fees and a $360,000 grant from the SLO County Council of Governments.

On June 23, city officials, project contractors, and community leaders will gather at the roundabout site to celebrate. The event will commence with speeches by Ditas Esperanza, Capital Projects Engineer, and Mayor Pro Tem John Hamon. Following the remarks, a ceremonial ribbon cutting will take place.

City seeks resident input for Unhoused Strategic Plan

The City of Paso Robles is seeking the input of residents to contribute to a comprehensive five-year strategic plan aimed at addressing the needs and impacts of unhoused individuals in the community. Building upon the efforts of the Unhoused Futures Studies Task Force and the San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness, this plan aims to improve the quality of life for all residents and establish shortterm goals.

To ensure an inclusive and comprehensive approach, the City has formed a working group consisting of over 35 stakeholders, including representatives from nonprofit organizations, residents, and members of the education and business community. This collaboration will facilitate the development of goals and objectives that accurately reflect the needs and aspirations of the entire community.

The City of Paso Robles invites the

The City of Paso Robles encourages all residents, community organizations, and stakeholders to attend the public sessions and actively participate in shaping the future of the community. For more information and updates on the strategic plan, please visit prcity.com.

Paso Robles Police Department to conduct training at local elementary school

The Paso Robles Police Department will be holding training at Pat Butler Elementary School, 700 Nicklaus Street, on June 20 and June 22. This training is not open to the public. Residents should not be alarmed by the increased presence of law enforcement during this exercise. The Police Department is committed to the safety and well-being of all citizens within the community.

ATASCADERO

‘Saturdays in the Park’ Summer Concert Series Kicks Off with Club Dv8

The much-anticipated “Saturdays in the Park” Summer Concert Series is set to begin, promising an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment. The series will showcase a diverse lineup of talented performers and take place at the Atascadero Lake Park Bandstand every Saturday evening throughout the summer.

On July 1, music enthusiasts can look forward to the energetic sounds of Club Dv8. Comprising drummer Jim Moran, lead singer David Vail, bass player Paul Choboter, and lead guitarists Scott Grocott and Keith Powers, Club Dv8 aims to transform every performance into an exhilarating dance party.

Concertgoers are invited to bring their blankets, low-back chairs, and the entire family to Atascadero Lake Park from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The concerts are free to the public, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the warm summer evenings while reveling in the magic of live music.

The upcoming “Saturdays in the Park” Summer Concert Series will continue to captivate audiences with a diverse range of talent. The lineup features The JD Project on June 17, The Rockin’ Bs Band on July 8, Riff Tide on July 22, Way Out West on July 29, Unfinished With The Beatles on August 5, Painted Red Music on August 12, and The Cinders Blues Band on August 26.

Don’t miss the opportunity to

The festival offers an incredible lineup of three outstanding musical acts that will set the stage on fire. Kicking off the musical extravaganza at 4 p.m. is the electrifying Chris Keith Band, showcasing their signature tunes alongside songs from the Brad Elijah Band. Prepare to be blown away by their dynamic performances and infectious energy.

Following the Chris Keith Band, the immensely talented duo Brittain and Silva will take the stage, captivating the audience with their soulful melodies and harmonies. Their captivating performance is sure to leave an indelible impression on all music enthusiasts attending the event.

The highly acclaimed Bremen Town is Closing the night with an explosive finale. Prepare to be mesmerized by their powerful sound, catchy hooks, and energetic stage presence, making it an epic conclusion to an already incredible evening.

General admission to the festival is free, allowing everyone to join in the merriment. However, for those looking for an enhanced experience, there is a reserved VIP area available, providing a chance to get up close and personal with the artists. Additionally, VIP Plus offers frontrow access, ensuring an unobstructed view of the performances.

To make the most of your experience, don’t forget to bring along your camp chair or blanket, allowing you to relax comfortably while enjoying the music. With the picturesque Atascadero Lake Park as the backdrop, complete with its giant shady oaks, this event promises a truly memorable Independence Day celebration.

For more details and information, visit the official website at atascadero4thofjuly.org/.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Sheriff’s investigating possible drowning of kayaker in Avila Beach

On June 18, the Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call regarding a potential drowning incident in the waters off Avila Beach.

According to reports, a male individual contacted authorities, stating that he and his friend were kayaking near Avila Beach when his companion fell out of the kayak. The caller attempted to assist his friend but was unable to rescue him from the water. Subsequently, the man safely made it back to shore and promptly reported the incident to authorities.

Following the report, a joint search

Despite this service disruption, the 911 system remained operational, and calls were successfully going through without reported delays. The Sheriff’s Office assured the public that there had been no interruption in the emergency response process.

The Sheriff’s office was notified on Tuesday, June 20, by Verizon that the 911 service issue had been corrected.

CALIFORNIA

Governor Gavin Newsom proposes 28th Amendment to US Constitution for gun safety measures

On June 8, Governor Gavin Newsom put forth a proposal for the 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The proposed 28th Amendment includes provisions such as universal background checks, raising the minimum age for firearm purchases to 21, implementing waiting periods for gun acquisitions, and prohibiting civilian purchases of assault weapons. These measures have received overwhelming support from Democrats, Republicans, independent voters, and gun owners alike.

Governor Newsom stated, “Our ability to make a more perfect union is literally written into the Constitution. So today, I’m proposing the 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution to do just that.”

The 28th Amendment seeks to permanently incorporate four broadly supported gun safety principles into the Constitution. The regulations include raising the minimum age for purchasing firearms from 18 to 21, mandating universal background checks to prevent dangerous individuals from acquiring firearms, implementing reasonable waiting periods for all gun purchases, and prohibiting civilian ownership of assault weapons.

To pass the 28th Amendment, a convention known as an Article V Convention or amendatory convention will be required to propose amendments to the United States Constitution. In partnership with its State Senate and Assembly members, California intends to be the first state to call for such a convention. California State Senator Aisha Wahab and Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer will introduce a joint resolution to initiate this process.

The Governor plans to collaborate with grassroots supporters, elected officials, civic leaders, and diverse coalitions nationwide to advocate for similar resolutions in other state legislatures. A total of 33 additional states, along with California, must take action to convene this constitutional convention.

On May 27th, 2023,

with his wife and son by his side.

Bob was born in Long Beach, CA, to parents Don and Ramona Gentry on May 29th, 1946. He had one brother, Dennis Gentry. Bob graduated from Long Beach Poly High School in 1964 and then was drafted into the Army in 1966. After being discharged from the Army, he went on to obtain a bachelor of arts degree in recreation and leisure studies from the University of Long Beach in 1973. Bob is survived by his Wife, Teri Gentry, two chil-

Flynn from Minnesota. His Mother, Teresa Marie (O’Hanlon) Flynn from Winnipeg, Canada. Tom was the 10th of 13 children, six boys, and seven girls.

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dren, Chad and Lacey Gentry, and two grandchildren Colby and Hannah Gentry. Bob and Teri moved to Atascadero in 1980 after Bob secured a position as a recreation therapist at the Atascadero State Hospital. Bob enjoyed a long and successful career at the Atascadero State Hospital and eventually retired in 2011. Bob was an involved father that enjoyed coaching his son’s sports teams and supporting his daughter in her many extracurricular activities. He loved to camp and

and Marty.

travel with his family vacationing in Hawaii, Mexico, and many camping trips. He was extremely active in the community, volunteering his time with Atascadero’s Tent City festivals and organizing the famous pie-eating contests. He had many friends throughout the community and loved to meet up at the Atascadero Lake Park to play horseshoes. His hobbies included gardening, golf, and he was an avid sports fan. In his retirement, he became fascinated by the history of Atascadero and the state of California and even

went on to author a short book and several short stories. Bob will forever be remembered as a happy-go-lucky person that loved his family, had many friends, and was devoted to the community he lived in.

A memorial will be held on July 22nd at 10:00 am at the Refuge Church in Atascadero.

Refuge Church 6955 Portola Road

Atascadero, CA

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Atascadero Community Center in memory of Bob’s love for his city or the Refuge Church youth group.

DEATHS

JAMES GRAY, 93, of Arroyo Grande, passed away June 15, 2023.

Arrangements are under the direction of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel in Grover Beach.

GARY BIGLIONE, 85, of Nipomo, passed away June 10, 2023.

Arrangements are under the direction of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel in Grover Beach.

RONALD “THRASHER” RICH, 58, of Arroyo Grande, passed away June 7, 2023.

Arrangements are under the direction of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel in Grover Beach.

THOMAS FLYNN

1938 – 2023

Tom was born in the San Fernando Valley (Van Nuys, CA) at home on January 13, 1938. His Father, Elmer Daniel

Tom attended St. Elizabeth Grammar School, Van Nuys High School, and Notre Dame High School. In 1956 he joined the Navy and proudly served our country for two years of active duty on board the U.S.S. Columbus (heavy cruiser), then four years in the Naval Reserve. In 1960 Tom married the love of his life Sharon (Phillips) Flynn. They had two sons, Tom Jr.

he moved back to Atascadero and married Joyce (Elliott) in 1954, where he went to work at Hagle-DeCou Lumber. All four children, Jeanine, Jerry IV (Jay), Jeff, and John, were born and raised in Atascadero.

From 1960 to 1978, Tom Sr. and Sharon operated T.A. Flynn Gardening Service throughout the San Fernando Valley. In 1978 Tom, Sharon, Tom Jr., and Marty moved to the Paso Robles area and started Tom Flynn & Sons Landscape Contractors, Inc.

Tom absolutely loved Paso Robles! He was involved with the Paso Robles Lions Club, Paso Robles Main Street Association, Pioneer Day Committee, Paso Robles Pioneer Museum Foundation, and the Paso Robles District Cemetery. Tom considered

himself a very lucky man to be part of Paso Robles over the past 45 years.

Tom’s family: His wife, Sharon

Son: Tom Jr., daughter-inlaw Rosie

Son: Marty, daughter-inlaw Teri

Grandchildren: Jennifer Stafford (deceased), Marie Stafford, Eryn Flynn, Angee Calabria, Nikkie Calabria

Great-Grandchildren: Caden, Ruby, Dayn, Damian, Emma, Gracie, James Funeral Mass at St. Rose Catholic Church

820 Creston Road

Paso Robles, CA 93446

Friday, July 7, 2023, at 11 am

Followed by lunch and a Celebration of Life at 12:30 pm at the Flynn Home.

660 Oak Lane, Paso Robles, CA 93446

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to:

The Paso Robles Pioneer Day Committee

The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum

Arrangements were entrusted to Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett St., King City, (831) 385-5400, www.EFS-Cares. com.

JERRY DECOU, III, 92, of Atascadero, passed away June 11, 2023.

Arrangements are under the direction of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel in Grover Beach.

DOROTHY KROM, 92, a resident of Cambria passed away on 06/02/2023

In the care of Blue Sky Cremation and Burial Service

VERNON GORMAN, 85, a resident of Paso Robles passed away on 06/06/2023

In the care of Blue Sky Cremation and Burial Service

TIMOTHY MOORE, 61, a resident of San Luis Obispo passed away on 06/04/2023

In the care of Blue Sky Cremation and Burial Service

JERRY W. DECOU III

1931 – 2023

Jerry Wilkins DeCou III passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on June 11th at the age of 92.

Jerry was a lifelong resident of Atascadero. He only had two short stints out of the county. He and his mom moved to San Jose for three years, where he graduated from Lincoln High School. He also served in the military at the start of the Korean Conflict, including serving time in Okinawa. Following his military service,

PASO ROBLES POLICE DEPARTMENT

JUNE 12, 2023

03:02 — Daniel Otis, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on Carey Street for POSSESS

NARCOTIC CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

[11350(A)H&S], POSSESSION OF SPECIFIED

Jerry was the owner of DeCou Lumber and worked in the lumberyard industry for over 60 years, purchasing his father’s share in the business and later all remaining shares from the Hagle family following Ralph Hagle’s death. He was active in the Tri-County Lumberman’s Association serving twice as President and was a director and later President of the Northern California Lumber Merchants Association.

Jerry was an avid hunter and sportsman and was a life member of the San Lucia Sportsman Association. In 1960, he was appointed to the San Luis Obispo County Fish & Game Fine Commit-

arrest on the 1400 block of Creston Rd for SHOPLIFTING UNDER $950 [459.5(A)PC],

JUNE 13, 2023

— Michael Contreras, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the 2800 block of Black Oak Dr for UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION [11550(A)HS], Case no. 231851

— Daniel Rodriguez, of Paso Robles was summoned/cited on 13th at River Rd for DRIV-

WHILE SUSPENDED FOR DUI [14601.2(A) VC], Case no. 231853

— Nicolas Sardegna, of Paso Robles was arrested for OUTSIDE WARRANT/M, Case

— Hannah Bailey, of Jolon, was

for DRIVING WITH-

tee and served in that capacity for over 20 years, including four years as Chairman. He loved golfing, boating, and water skiing and spent many summers at Atascadero Lake, Nacimiento Lake, Shasta Lake, and Lake Powell with family and friends. Jerry could frequently be found at the 19th hole of the Atascadero Golf Course and participated in many golf charity and fundraising events. He and Joyce traveled extensively around the world and viewed forests and building industries of Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, along with Alaska and Hawaii. They also traveled to Europe, behind the “Iron Curtain,” and were one of the first foreign travelers to visit China in the 1970s. After his retirement from DeCou Lumber, he and Joyce enjoyed traveling in their motorhome

IN COURT [853.7PC], Case no. 2321859

JUNE 14, 2023

01:32 — Brian Hodge, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the 2600 block of Riverside Ave for WILLFULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC], Case no. 231861

02:11 — Carlos Davis, of Santa Barbara was on view arrest on the 2600 block of Golden Hill Rd for CARRYING A CONCEALED DIRK OR DAGGER [21310 PC], POSSES, OR USE

TEAR GAS FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN SELF-DEFENSE [22810(A)PC], Case no. 231862

10:12 — Stuart Weaver, of Paso Robles was arrested for ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON [245(A)(1)PC], THREATEN CRIME WITH INTENT TO TERRORIZE [422(A)], Case no. 231864

13:14 — Tanner Harris, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 100 block of Riverbank Lane for DRIVING OR TAKING A VEHICLE WITHOUT A PERSON’S PERMISSION [10851(A)VC], VANDALISM [594(A)(1)PC], Case no. 231867

JUNE 15, 2023

10:13 — Frank Reyes, of Santa Rosa was arrested for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], PUBLIC INTOXINATION [647(F)PC], Case no. 231876

with the Elks Roadrunner’s Club and with friends.

Jerry was very active in the community. He was a charter member of the Atascadero Jr. Chamber of Commerce, serving as President and working to chair the 4th of July fireworks display and the Atascadero’s 50th Birthday Celebration, which was the prototype for today’s Colony Day. He was also on the Board of Directors for the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce and was awarded a life membership. He was a member of the Atascadero Rotary Club for 65 years and served as President. He was on the Board of Directors of Atascadero Federal Credit Union (Coast Hills today) for 24 years and served 16 years as President and, following that, was the Chairman of the Board for Santa Lucia Bank. Jerry also served on the San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury.

16:13 — Daniel Stainbrook, of Paso Robles was arrested for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], RECEIVING/CONCEALING STOLEN PROPERTY,ETC [496(A)PC], Case no. 231879

18:24 — Tomas Mendozaguzman, of Paso Robles was arrested]. Case no. 231880

19:18 — William Young, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 2600 block of Vineyard Circle for VIOLATING A RESTRAINING, PROTECTIVE OR STAY AWAY ORDER [273.6(A)PC], Case no. 231881

JUNE 16, 2023

13:32 — Armida Madrid, of Paso Robles was arrested for UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION [11550(A)HS], Case no. 231887

14:24 — Elijah Kulinski, of Paso Robles was arrested for SHOPLIFTING UNDER $950 [459.5(A)PC], Case no. 231889

08:44 — Elizabeth Bonafede was on view arrest on the 1200 block of Elaine St for BATTERY [242PC], Case no. 231884

17:15 — Kevin Lopezlimon, of San Simeon was arrested for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 231891

17:38 — Dustin Baker, of Paso Robles was arrested for

Jerry is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joyce; his four children, Jeanine (Don) Walters, Jay (Babette), Jeff (Kathy), John (Ladonna); eleven grandkids Lynsey, Christopher, Joel (Gretchen), Robert (Jeena), Teressa (Scott), Jenna, Steven, Andrew (Paige), Katie (Austin), Sara, Heather (Aaron) and ten great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff at Garden View Inn and Hospice for the loving care they gave to Jerry in his final year. Arrangements are being made by Marshall Spoo Funeral Chapel, Grover Beach. There will be a Celebration of Life on July 3rd at 11:00 at the Atascadero Elks Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either Hospice of San Luis Obispo County or the Rotary Club of Atascadero Inc. “Scholarship Fund.”

21:42 — Patricia Johnson, of Paso Robles was arrested for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC], Case no. 231895

22:18 — Kenneth Simen, of Bakersfield was on view arrest on the 70 block of Navajo Ave for OUTSIDE WARRANT/M, Case no. 231896

00:27 — Lina Alvarado, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on 24th St and Yzabell for WILLFULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC], Case no. 231882

00:29 — Jason Rodriguez, of Santa Maria was on view arrest on 24th St and Ysabell for OUTSIDE WARRANT/F, Case no. 231882

JUNE 17, 2023

00:27 — Andrew Embry, of Paso Robles was arrested for WILLFULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC], Case no. 231897

16:17 — Albert Francis, of San Luis Obispo was on view arrest on the 2600 block of Riverside for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 231902

JUNE 18, 2023

02:17 — Santiago Gurrola, of Paso Robles was summoned/cited on the 1200 block of Ysabel St for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC],

ARLENE YELLIN, 95, a resident of Los Osos passed away on 06/09/2023

In the care of Blue Sky Cremation and Burial Service

KEVIN GODDARD, 64, a resident of Paso Robles passed away on 06/10/2023

In the care of Blue Sky Cremation and Burial Service

JACQUELINE WARD, 74, a resident of Atascadero passed away on 06/11/2023

In the care of Blue Sky Cremation and Burial Service

ANDREA EUPHRAT, 72, a resident of Atascadero passed away on 06/13/2023

In the care of Blue Sky Cremation and Burial Service

RESERVOIR LEVELS

SANTA MARGARITA LAKE (Salinas Reservoir): 99.6% capacity LOPEZ LAKE: 100% capacity LAKE NACIMIENTO: 92% capacity LAKE SAN ANTONIO: 69% capacity WHALE ROCK: 100% capacity

WEATHER

FRIDAY 71º | 48º

SATURDAY 75º | 49º

SUNDAY 80º | 52º

MONDAY 82º | 52º

TUESDAY 80º | 52º

WEDNESDAY 82º | 55º

BOB GENTRY

1946 – 2023

Robert William Gentry passed away from a brain tumor in his home

What does the Trump indictment mean for the U.S.?

it should be.

Sucking all the oxygen out of the news cycle air currently is the indictment of former President Donald Trump on 37 counts including willful retention of national defense information; conspiracy to obstruct justice; withholding a document or record; corruptly concealing a document or record; concealing a document in a federal investigation; scheme to conceal; and false statements and representations. In total, conviction of all counts could add up to a maximum term of imprisonment of 100 years, and that is only the tip of the state and federal indictments iceberg yet to come.

The special prosecutor released a speaking indictment that clearly outlines each set of counts that are clearly revealing and need not require a law degree to decipher. Still, however, interviews with Trump supporters and elected officials are replete with confessions they have not read the indictment. Compounding blind support and confounding logic, the defendant’s response can best be characterized as an in-your-face rebuttal that questions whether he broke the law. Putting aside partisan or political bias, Trump is innocent until proven guilty, and attempts to question whether the law prohibits actions that the defendant continues to claim he actually performed will require significant mental gymnastics and linguistic reconstruction. In other words, it looks bad for the Donald.

A substantial part of my professional career, which spanned four decades, was

in the policy/political arena. While I make no apology for my partisan leanings, which are liberal and Democratic, at the core of the decision I made to devote my energies towards advancing society towards a more equitable bent, where diversity makes us stronger not weaker, has been a guiding principle where fairness, justice, equality, empathy, opportunity, all represent the fundamental basis for what drives an enlightened society. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Or, at the very least, it should. I held a top secret security clearance for 15 years during my employment in Congress and two executive branch presidential administrations and truly felt the weight of responsibility, which accompanied the trust that accompanied that privilege.

The facts found in the 44-page indictment in United States of America v. Donald J. Trump are undeniably reprehensible and threaten to do great damage to our nation. Anyone, and I mean any one individual, political party, organization, or society that seeks to hold our principle democratic policies hostage to seditious violence is ipso facto an enemy of the state and must be held to the highest judicial scrutiny and punishment. This is true regardless of political affiliation. If he were a Democrat, I would hold the same position. No individuals, ex-presidents included, are above the law, and in this respect the law is relatively straightforward. To date Trump insists that the documents that he had transferred to his residences after Jan. 20, 2021, were his, classified or not. In actuality, that is false — they belong to the United States of America and the National Archives. Of course, his actual defense against the 37 charges he is facing will be developed in preparation for the legal proceedings he will be subjected to in the coming months and a jury and judge will decide his fate. That is how

The degree to which many of those loyal to the former president have risen to his defense while refusing to even read the indictment, which can readily be printed out and can be read in less than 30 minutes and does not require a law degree to be understood, is both intellectually lazy and inexcusable. Furthermore, Trump has conducted a misinformation/disinformation campaign to further the ignorance of not reading the charges set forth in the indictment. To those who are protective of the Trump brand, it is equally as dangerous to indict the institutional structures within the Department of Justice as it is for those who hate Trump to use the indictment as definitive proof of his guilt.

What should be preeminent in the public’s mind is the process that is operative in deciding guilt or innocence: namely a judge and jury. Ultimately, the populace should make their decisions on whom they want to lead the country at the ballot box. We must not settle this crisis with violence or retribution. If we continue to attack one another based upon which social media outlet we listen to or watch, or upon analyses of what the indictment says rather than reading the document ourselves we run the risk of being beholden to the distorted visions of others rather than using our own intellect and common sense to make decisions.

It is equally imperative that we strive to alleviate the deep divisions that currently grip the nation and the biggest step we can take is to ensure that we select leaders who are dedicated to the rules and laws that govern our democracy. Ultimately the decision is in our hands!

Lance Simmens is an independent columnist, he along with Don Schmitz write a bi-weekly column on national topics from the perspective of their political leanings. You can forward any comments or topics to editor@13starsmedia.com

Trump was indicted (again) last week, this time accused of mishandling classified documents. The first indictment in April was by leftist New York DA Alvin Bragg, and is such a farcical contrivance over record-keeping that it has been roundly pilloried by analysts on both the left and the right. The indictment this week by DOJ special counsel Jack Smith is much more serious, alleging retention and display of sensitive military documents by the former president. The sensitivity of what the DOJ charges is chilling, including war plans of our military and foreign adversaries. Contemptible that such documents weren’t secure.

After reviewing the indictment, I am struck by certain facts that we will watch unfold, including the apparent bugging of Trump’s offices by the DOJ, and that the classification process is built upon executive orders and not law. Regardless, a large part of the indictment is his alleged failure to comply with subpoenas, purported misrepresentations, and assertions that he tried to destroy documents. This and many other things will be intently discussed as the trial unfolds, and it is foolish to prognosticate until they do, but many will nonetheless.

What is worthy of discussion today is the context of how this will be received by the American people, for we are about to reap a bitter harvest from the years of prosecutorial and political abuse and misrepresentation against Trump that is now well documented.

To be clear, I fervently hold

that no one is above the law, and if Trump committed felonies and endangered our national security, he should pay the price if convicted beyond a reasonable doubt. Accordingly, the following isn’t a case of “whatabouts,” but a frank discussion on why so many Americans view anything coming from the DOJ and FBI with a jaundiced eye. Their reputation is in tatters, with most Americans no longer trusting them, and they ruined it by engaging in immoral and illegal political actions against candidate and then President Trump, as documented in reports from the inspector general and the recently released Durham report. The sordid tale of abuses and lies are lengthy. Then, of course, there were the obviously politically driven impeachment votes by the Democrats, the second one after he had been voted out of office.

Impeachment is to remove a sitting president, but the Democrats sought to declaw him from running again. The second time, he was impeached for incitement of insurrection. If there was credible proof he did so, why didn’t the DOJ charge him with treason? Because it was a political make-believe charade.

We have observed the double standards at the DOJ and FBI with anger and sadness. Hillary Clinton deleted 30,000 emails three weeks after receiving a subpoena from Congress, but disgraced FBI director James Comey refused to file charges. Hunter Biden’s infamous laptop, replete with documentation of felonies, has been under “investigation” by the FBI for years, with no indictment. When President Trump discussed with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky the reopening of their investigation of Hunter Biden and the energy company Burisma, Nancy Pelosi’s Congress impeached him for it, but when then Vice President Joe Biden threatened

Ukraine in 2016 with losing $1 billion in U.S. loan guarantees unless they fired the investigator of Burisma (of which he later publicly boasted), there were no repercussions. Today the FBI is being forced, despite its strong resistance, to release to Congress documents that the Biden family, and President Biden himself, engaged in a $5 million bribery scheme involving Burisma. Additionally, we have seen the pictures of the boxes of classified documents that Biden took as VP, kept at his think tank and in his garage. They report that he is cooperating, but that is what they say … No matter how rich and powerful, no one is above the law, at least that is the way it’s supposed to be. It is a bona fide concern that we are devolving into the authoritarian model whereupon political opponents are destroyed by those in power and their law enforcement allies. Russian President Vladimir Putin had popular opposition leader Alexei Navalny charged with and convicted of fraud, whereupon he is now spending years in jail barred from running from office. I’m sure the “evidence” provided to the court was compelling. This is all no protection for Trump if he broke the law, but his public defense, and possible his defense in court, is that he is being set up again by a corrupt system that is willing to lie, fabricate, and falsify evidence. The fact that this narrative is something that resonates with millions of Americans is dreadful and based upon the real world abuses we have observed, which many have tried to sweep under the rug. This is bigger than Trump, bigger than Biden, and distressing for a nation of laws, not men.

Don Schmitz is an independent columnist, he along with Lance Simmens write a bi-weekly column on national topics from the perspective of their political leanings. You can forward any comments or topic ideas to editorial@13starsmedia.com

Despite the bleating, transit budget cut merited

There was no doubt more cuts would be needed from the moment Gov. Gavin Newsom submitted his preliminary budget plan for fiscal 2023 last January, basing it on a minimalist $22 billion estimated deficit.

As expected, the deficit turned out to be much more by the time Newsom’s May spending plan revision appeared — it’s now pegged at $31.5 billion.

So more cuts are proposed as budget negotiations between the governor and legislators continue. After school programs will likely endure a small slicing. Public schools themselves will probably suffer a cut between 1 percent and 2 percent, somewhere north of $1 billion out of the previous $108 billion. Prisons will see a reduction, but not commensurate with lowered inmate population. Even Newsom’s pet plans to fight climate change will take about a $6 billion hit.

But the single cut that appears most merited, from a place where many billions of previous dollars have been sunk, is the $2 billion reduction for mass transit, down to a “mere” $5.7 billion for building new lines.

From the moment this emerged in January, the transit systems’ most fervent advocate

in Sacramento, Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco, pronounced it an unmitigated disaster. The cut, he said, “could lead to significant service cuts, which is a downward death spiral for some (transit) agencies.”

Wiener upped his rhetorical ante after the May revise.

“If we don‘t address the transit fiscal cliff, we will see massive and devastating service cuts, harming the millions of Californians who rely on transit to get to work, school or the grocery store.”

The “fiscal cliff” is another term for the fact that federal pandemic relief funds expire soon, meaning transit agencies will need to stand on their own much more unless the state bails them out. Newsom appears to want the light rail and bus systems to vastly increase their self funding.

That won’t happen until and

unless the systems become cleaner and safer. “Riding the MTA in Los Angeles or Bay Area Rapid Transit … is putting your life at risk,” wrote Jon Coupal, head of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn., in a recent essay.

To many potential riders, that looks correct. Riders see frequent gang presence on light rail trains, sniff strong urine odors in some cars and occasionally, unpredictably, encounter violence on the big systems. Neither BART nor the MTA has come close to regaining the ridership they had before the pandemic. Shifts of white collar workers to home offices account for only part of the deficit, which at last reading saw BART carrying barely 60 percent of its pre-pandemic passenger load.

Without those tens of thou-

sands of paying passengers, the big urban systems — which seem continually to build extensions — can’t possibly survive on their own without massive service cuts like Wiener predicts.

Wiener, of course, doesn’t mention one of the key reasons he does not want cuts in transit service levels no matter how many riders switch back to their individual vehicles:

Over several years of steadfast advocacy, he has made himself the face of ever-denser housing in California, even while an abundance of vacancy signs decorating most new apartment buildings seems to proclaim them unneeded or unwanted.

Bills written or endorsed by Wiener and legislative allies like fellow Democratic state Sen. Nancy Skinner of Berkeley favor lowering or eliminating parking require-

ments in new buildings, thus allowing more dwelling units. Their theory is that residents of buildings near rail stops and major bus lines will always use public transit and not drive themselves.

But this is not New York. The folks legislators expect to ride transit exclusively will not unless the big systems earn their patronage. All this is beginning to create severe parking shortages in some places.

It is further proof that just because a few legislators convince themselves something will happen does not make it so.

Which means Newsom would be well advised to stick to his guns and stay with his planned cut in transit funding, at least until the systems get more policing, more sanitation and more safety in general, and thus attract more riders.

THOMAS

LANCE SIMMENS COMMENTARY

CAR SHOW

CONTINUED FROM A1

the winners.

“All the participants did the voting,” Maxwell said. “They picked out their first, second, and third place on what they thought were the best cars.”

Jim and Alex Johnson won first place with their 1970 Dodge Charger. David Kennedy took second with his 1965 Pontiac GTO. And third went to Pat’s 1956 Chevy Nomad.

This year, the car show added raffle prizes into the mix, including a gift package from Wilwood Brakes, $100 gift cards from ARP, and a smog certificate donated by Ferrell’s Auto Repair, just to name a few prizes.

“Next year, we’ll just build on it. We’ll do a couple different things,” Maxwell said. “Every year it seems like you get some more kinks out of

AUSD

CONTINUED FROM A1

it. I used to be the president of a car club, where we do Cruisin’ Paso and the car show there too. That’s why they asked me to start it [the Elk’s Car Show] last year.”

All money raised at the Elks Veteran’s Car Show will go back into helping the Elks Lodge pay to put the show on and feed the veterans who attended. Though numbers have not been calculated, any extra will go to their next event in support of the community’s veterans.

“It was perfect. I mean, couldn’t have had a better day. We had a lot of really nice cars come in,” Maxwell said. “Like I say, everyone was just happy to be here and happy to be part of it.”

The third annual Elks Veteran’s Car Show will return on Father’s Day 2024.

CAPPER FUNERAL

CONTINUED FROM A1

return to the next meeting with the item before a final vote.

He then presented the California School Dashboard — Local Indicators for the State Priorities

1, 2, 3, 6, and 7. He added it is required to present them to the board prior to the approval of the LCAP. He reported that this had been done. Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Jackie Martin then presented the Board Compensation Increase. She added that education code limits the increase to 5 percent a year, and stated that the remainder of the district employees recieved a 7.5 percent for this year, so she proposed getting the trustees caught up. She was asked how much of a monthly increase that is, to which she replied $14, or $166 a year. While the motion passed, both Koznek and Vy Pierce voted no on the item.

Martin then presented the board with the Governor’s 2023-24 State May Revision Budget Update and a Public Hearing on the 2023-2024 Annual Budget and Reserves.

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

Curt Eichperger brought Approval of Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators/2023-2024 School Year before the board. It is an annual, routine item. He stated that in the 2022-23 school year, the AUSD hired over 70 credentialed employees and that the district seek out highly qualified individuals. The declaration allows the AUSD to hire individuals who are not yet fully credentialed. The motion passed unanimously.

The next regularly scheduled school board meeting took place, in person, on Tuesday, June 13, at 4 p.m.

TRANSMISSION

CONTINUED FROM A1

Paso Robles, to voice their concerns. In April, the organization launched a petition that garnered over 100 signatures within the first week.

Former State Representative Jordan Cunningham is working as a spokesman for the organization. In speaking to Atascadero News Cunningham emphasized the need for decision-makers to consider alternatives that prioritize the environment, economy, and safety. He stated that there is a route identified in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that has been ranked as the most environmentally friendly option and should be given serious consideration.

“There’s a sense that the level and depth of opposition to this hasn’t been fully taken into account by the people

5860 El Camino Real, Ste. G Atascadero, CA 93422

unfolded and refolded an American flag in Capper’s memory to continue the beautiful ceremony.

The flag was then presented to Capper’s great-granddaughter Genesis Stanley, who accepted it with tears in her eyes.

Capper’s neighbors, who lived around him in Rancho Del Bordo Mobile Home Estates, spoke about how caring and fun he was.

“His kindness and what he did for our Atascadero community was absolutely wonderful,” said one neighbor. “My husband and I are involved with, it’s not called Meals that Connect, but it was Meals on Wheels then, and we always got to see him [Capper] before he took off to Templeton [to deliver food]. He was wonderful.”

Don Luce, who helped Capper’s granddaughters Jennifer Pederson and Christina Stanley put on the military honors memorial for Capper, was also there. Luce was Capper’s best friend, neighbor, and fellow military veteran who served in the U.S. Army for 28 years.

“In the last three years that Cap was with us on this earth, I spent a lot of time with him. He shared his whole life story with me, going all the way back to when he was a child in Illinois and all of his journeys. He even told me about

that will be making the decision,” said Cunningham.

In 2021, the city strongly opposed the proposed project’s pathway.

City manager Ty Lewis told Paso Atascadero News, “The council has not changed, and they do not support the route running through the city along Wysteria. However, there [are] a few other routes identified and likely would support the preferred route identified within the recent iteration of the environmental documents. That route is mostly run outside the city, with power line upgrades mostly running along the existing path.”

The current path proposed for the new transmission lines, named the Union Route Option, is ranked fourth in the EIR. It is the shortest distance between the existing San MiguelPaso Robles transmission line and the Morro Bay/Diablo gates. The route

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his courtship with his wife,” said Luce at the service. “Cap did a thousand things, if not more, to make sure that others were well and taken care of. He did not take anything like recognition or any of his attributes lightly. He shared them regardless of who you were. Today this ceremony is a way for us to not say goodbye but say, ‘hello, Cap, and I’ll see you on the other side.’”

Sykes returned to conclude the funeral after people shared their stories of a well-lived life for Capper.

“It would be an impossible task to sum up such a man and such a life he has led,” added Sykes before he read the words to taps.

“For his years of service in our country, serving during World War II in five theaters of war and after his demobilization in the Ohio Army National Guard and obtaining the distinguished rank of U7. One hundred years, while truly a remarkable accomplishment, is made more remarkable when you consider who Charles Capper was to each of you here gathered today.”

A beautiful bouquet of flowers adorned what will be Capper’s final resting place, where he will be laid to rest next to his late wife of over 50 years, Betty. The flowers represented the red, white, and blue of the flag Capper loved so

crosses over the Riboli Wine Estates, Cava Luxury RV Resort and Homes near Golden Hill Road.

“Everybody gets that we need more electricity transmission infrastructure in our state,” said Cunningham. “Our ask to the decision makers, the powers that be on this, is just choose the one that’s already been scored the most environmentally friendly route.”

The alternative route proposed and favored by residents is the Estrella Route, following the outskirts of town on the east side.

The decision-making process lies with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The CPUC has not yet made a decision on whether to issue a permit for the proposed project or explore alternative options. The community has the opportunity to provide input and comment on the proceeding through

much, while the rifle, boots, bayonet, and hat symbolized his time as a combat veteran.

“There were so many memories with my Grandpa that were popping up in my head,” added granddaughter Jennifer Pederson.

“I couldn’t pick just one to talk about.”

Capper, who was also a Freemason, had a second service held in his honor at the Cypress Mountain Masonic Lodge in Paso Robles at 12:30 p.m. that same day.

“I feel like everyone who knew Grandpa knew what kind of person he was,” stated grand -

the CPUC’s website.

Cunningham notes that while CPUC has the final vote, the city and residents have a voice.

“We want to be unified and strong in making our voice heard,” said Cunningham. Atascadero News reached out to PG&E, who declined to comment, and CPUC for a statement. CPUC spokesman Terrie Prosper provided the following information:

The Estrella Substation and Paso Robles Reinforcement Project (Proceeding Number A1701023) is a joint application from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Horizon West Transmission (HWT) for a Permit to Construct from the CPUC. The CPUC has not yet made a decision whether it will issue a permit authorizing the proposed project, an alternative, or deny the permit. The proceeding is in progress.

daughter Christina Stanley. “He wasn’t a different person. He treated everyone the same. I can really say that. He’s a very ... we were very lucky to have him for 100 years. He was good with my children. Those were his babies, you know. Just the kind of man he was throughout his whole entire life was amazing and inspiring.”

To learn more about Capper’s extraordinary life, see Atascadero News’s article covering Capper’s 100th birthday at atascaderonews. com/lifestyle/atascadero-residentcharles-cap-capper-turns-100years-young

There are several steps remaining in the proceeding prior to the CPUC considering and voting upon a Proposed Decision. A website containing information on the California Environmental Quality Act analysis for the application is available here ia.cpuc.ca.gov/environment/ info/horizonh2o/estrella/index.html

The public can comment on the proceeding and see documents at https://apps.cpuc.ca.gov/apex/f?p=401:56::::RP,57,RIR:P5_ PROCEEDING_SELECT: A1701023.

This is a developing story that Paso Robles Press/Atascadero News is following and will update as more information becomes available. Anyone with a business or residence in the proposed pathway of the transmission lines and who would like to share their position on them, please email editor@13stars.media.

ad consultant dana mcgraw dana@atascaderonews.com

layout designer neil schumaker neil@atascaderonews.com

layout designer evan rodda evan@atascaderonews.com

layout designer anthony atkins anthony@atascaderonews.com

ad design jen rodman graphics@atascaderonews.com

correspondent christianna marks christianna@atascaderonews.com

Photos of Charles “Cap” Capper are displayed during his funeral at the Atascadero Cemetery. Photo by Christianna Marks

Fifty-four classic cars filled the Atascadero Elks Lodge parking lot on Father’s Day for the Veteran’s Car Show. Photo by Rick Evans

EVENTS

NORTH COUNTY LIFE

Making Communities Better Through Print.

7th annual Templeton 5K beer run promises fun-filled day for a good cause

over, everyone can enjoy some music at the BarrelHouse Brewing Co. Amphitheater.

Tickets are currently priced at $90, but after Friday, they will be available for $100 at the event

STAFF REPORT

ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival is just around the corner, and time is running out to secure tickets for the event. This week marks the final opportunity to purchase tickets for the 26th annual festival.

Tickets can be obtained at the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce office, located at 6907 El Camino Real, Suite A, or through the festival’s official website at atascaderowinefest. com.

Tickets are currently priced at $90, but after Friday, they will be available for $100 at the event. Non-drinker tickets can also be purchased for $30. As an added bonus, each attendee will receive $10 in Festival Bucks to spend on food, art, crafts, or even make a donation to the Charles Paddock Zoo.

On Saturday, June 24, from 4 to 8 p.m., the picturesque

Atascadero Lake Park will come alive with the 26th edition of the Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival. Wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to indulge in a diverse selection of premier wines, brews, ciders, and spirits from both the Central Coast and beyond. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and a low-back chair, allowing them to relax and bask in the scenic ambiance while savoring their favorite beverages.

Adding to the excitement, this year’s festival introduces the unique “Roar-and-Pour” experience. Attendees can delight in the exquisite wines while enjoying the captivating presence of animals at the Charles Paddock Zoo, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Director of Membership

Julie Matthews expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We’ve added some wow factor fun to elevate the Wine Fest experience. Whether you’re seeking adventure, artistic expression, or simply a day of relaxation, there’s an activity for every taste.”

Festival-goers can look forward to paddleboat riding, modern vintage sidecar rides, axe throwing, wine glass painting, live painting sessions, and much more.

To learn more about the Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival and secure your tickets before they’re gone, visit atascaderowinefest.com or call (805) 466-2044. Don’t miss out on this remarkable celebration of wine, art, and community.

TEMPLETON — The Templeton REC Foundation and Templeton Recreation Department are hosting the 7th Annual Templeton 5K Beer Run at BarrelHouse Brewing Company, located at 3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, on Saturday, June 24. Runners, joggers, walkers, parents with baby strollers, and dog owners (dogs must be on leash) are welcome. All proceeds will go toward supporting the Templeton

Recreation Department.

The family-friendly 5K loop course takes runners through Tin City and the local area, with the finish line ending at the Barrelhouse Brewing Company. Each participant (21 or over)

will be provided with a 0.5 oz taster at the start of the race and a nice cold pint at the finish. A non-alcoholic beverage option will also be available for participants. There will also be kid drinks and snacks. Once the race is

The registration table opens at 7 a.m. and the Beer Run starts at 8 a.m. The run is about having a good time and is not an officially timed event this year. However, there will be a clock on hand for those runners wanting to check their time at the finish line.

The cost for pre-registration is as follows: $30 Kids 12 and under $65 Youth 13 and over and adults

Participants registered after June 2 “may” receive a T-shirt.

For more information and to register, visit the Templeton REC Foundation website at templetonrecfoundation.com.

California Mid-State Fair announces lineup of special guests for concert series

Renowned artists join the roster at the fair’s Grandstand Arena shows

PASO ROBLES — The California Mid-State Fair has announced all the special guests joining its stacked lineup this summer. Some dates do not include a special guest and are noted below. Tickets for all the Grandstand Arena concerts are on sale now at MidStateFair. com.

July 19: Annie Bosko will open the show for Tim McGraw. A California farmer’s daughter and the middle of five children, Annie Bosko, has been praised by Rolling Stone magazine as an artist to watch. From writing songs for legends like Willie Nelson to performing onstage with Adele and Darius Rucker, Annie has worked with the “greats.”

July 20: Jon Foreman will open the show for Lauren Daigle. Jon is the lead singer and founding member of the Grammy Award-winning alt-rock band Switchfoot. Jon’s latest release and first live album

“Roll Tape: Live At Melody League Studios” is available now.

July 21: Jet Black Roses will open the show for Sammy Hagar. Often described as rock and roll with a country soul, Jet Black Roses combines the intensity of such rock legends as Tom Petty and Aerosmith with the storytelling sensibilities of country stalwarts like George Strait and Alan Jackson.

July 22: Lou Gramm will

Ian Munsick, a Wyoming-born singer and songwriter, is scheduled to be the opening act for Parker McCollum. Contributed Photo

open the show for The B-52s. Gramm was the lead vocalist on all of Foreigner’s hit songs, including “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold as Ice,” “Long, Long Way from Home,” “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” “Blue Morning, Blue Day,” “Head Games,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Urgent,” “Juke Box Hero,” “Break It Up” and “Say You Will.” He co-wrote most of the songs for the band, which achieved two of its biggest hits with the ballads “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” which spent ten weeks at #2 on the 1981-82 American Hot 100, and “I Want to Know What Love Is,” which was a #1 hit internationally (U.S. and U.K.) in 1985.

July 23: Conner Smith will open the show for Luke Bryan (sold out). Just 22 years old

and already a seasoned veteran of Nashville’s elite songwriting community, Smith has become one of country’s most hotly-anticipated new artists — an uncommon talent mixing prime-of-life passion with old-soul perspective.

July 24: T.I. will open the show for Nelly. Labeled the Jay-Z of the South by Pharrell Williams and the creator of Trap Muzik, T.I. undoubtedly possesses all the qualities and has the accolades to back them up as an artist, songwriter, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. With over 35 million followers on social media, three Grammy Awards and 4 No. 1 hit records, and 11 top 10 hits like “Dead and Gone,” “Live Your Life,” and “Whatever You Like” under his belt, it’s easy to see why T.I.

has enjoyed continued success as a recording and touring artist for the last 20 years.

July 25: Ian Munsick will open the show for Parker McCollum at the California Mid-State Fair. Breathing fresh Rocky Mountain air into the Nashville music scene, Ian Munsick is pioneering a new brand of country. The Wyoming-born singer/ songwriter’s upbringing was a mix of working the ranch and working crowds. Under the tutelage of their fiddle-playing father, Munsick and his two older brothers grew up playing everything from bluegrass to the Beatles. Captivated by traditional lyrical truth and the modern soundscape, Munsick followed his ear to Music City. The recent releases of “Long Live Cowgirls” (with Cody Johnson), “More Than Me,” and “Horses & Weed” are ushering in the next chapter of his musical saga ... and fans are finding that, with Ian Munsick, western country is reborn.

July 26: Let’s get the party started with a Live D.J. opening the show for Pitbull.

July 27: Los Tucanes de Tijuana will not have an opening act and will take the stage at 7:30p.m.

July 28: Styx will not have an opening act and will take the stage at 7:30 p.m.

The 2023 California Mid-State Fair runs July 19 through July 30 and this year’s theme is “Shake, Rattle & Roll!”

DONATION

18th annual Paso Pinot and Paella Festival supports local arts organization

PASO ROBLES — The Paso Pinot Producers, now known as “The Beaune Rangers of Paso Robles,” announced that the 18th Annual Paso Pinot & Paella Festival proceeds will be awarded to the Paso Robles Youth Arts Center, on Monday, June 26, at 4 p.m., 3201 Spring St., Paso Robles. PRYAC will be awarded $40,000 from the 2023 event proceeds. This year’s event was attended by more than 500 pinot noir and paella lovers, along with 27 Pinot Producers and 15 Paella chefs.

The Paso Robles Pinot & Paella Festival is a celebration of the Paso Robles appellation’s pinot noir. Paso Robles local pinot noir has a storied history, growing from originally being planted in the early 1960s by Dr. Stan Hoffman of Hoffman Mountain Ranch to the present-day count of 20-plus pinot noir producers. Since the first Paso Pinot & Paella event 20 years ago at Windward Vineyard, more than $500,000 has been given to Paso Robles Youth Arts Center.

All wineries donate their wine, and most of the chefs donate both their time and cost of ingredients for this event.

There was an official Judges’ Prize award and the People’s Choice award. The three judges, all local Paso residents, included cookbook author Brigit Binns, an accomplished food writer, cooking instructor and culinary personality; William S. Bloxsom-Carter, co-proprietor and chef at Canyon Villa in Paso Robles who also held a 30-year position as executive chef & food and beverage director at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles; and Pandee Pearson, who has been a professional chef for 36 years, heading up some of the Central Coast’s restaurants during her tenure.

While there were many creative versions of paella represented, the judges’ final decision for first place was Chef Trish Jacobs of Paso Catering, for her Basque paella of Valencia rice layered with duck-four-ways, which included duck confit, fat, crackling, and sous-vide duck breast along with smoked leg of lamb, smoked chicken thighs, local J&R Meats’ chorizo, olives, green beans, peas, and roasted peppers.

First place for the People’s Choice award was Chef Jeffry Wiesinger, owner of Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ.

Our focus is on maximizing independence and health, while providing personalized care in a guest-centered environment. We embrace the seasons of the vineyard, encouraging eldercare guests to experience Paso Robles life in a safe, comfortable environment. The Lodges at Ada’s Vineyard support senior care in wine country, a place where all seniors desiring eldercare would like to be.

Lodge is located downtown Paso Robles close to all the activities the community offers.

Runners at the 2022 Templeton 5K Beer Run take off from BarrelHouse Brewing Company in Paso Robles. Photo by Rick Evans

July Happenings at the Paso Robles City Library

PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles City Library has announced its calendar of events and activities happening in July.

Bring the sea inside with colorful macrame fish as August craft wraps up Dive into Summer

July 1, Round out the oceanthemed Summer Reading Program — Dive into Summer — by making a fish wall hanging to display. Using the square knot, double half hitch, and lark’s head knots, learn to add in various colors of macramé cord to create a colorful fish like the one depicted. The fish can be hung from the wooden ring included in the kit. This is a perfect class for beginning and intermediate level knot crafters.

David Butz art on display in July

Pushing the limits of printmaking

Capturing the beauty of nature, from its raucous spectacle to its soft quiet moments, David Butz explores the parks and wilderness areas of the western United States, searching for breathtaking subjects to translate into prints and paintings. Adept at expressing effects of light and water, Butz hopes to provoke the same emotions for the viewer that he feels when witnessing a scene. He explores printmaking processes, pushing limits and trying new techniques, including intaglio printmaking. His exhibit in July will consist of about 15 framed pieces, mostly etchings and other prints.

Summer in the City fun continues at the Library

The Library’s popular Summer Reading Program continues this month. Simply register through Beanstack, then hook a good book and get started. Log your minutes to earn great prizes. One lucky reader will win the Grand

Prize — a one-year membership to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, so you and your family can get up close and personal with all the fish in the sea.

Then enjoy more family-friendly activities and performers on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.

• July 5 — Magician

Shawn McMaster

July 12 — Finding Nemo: Dive into a Good Movie

July 19 — Tidepools on

Tour

July 26 — Sand Art

Some programs require free admission tickets, available 30 minutes prior to program.

Ocean-themed programs and events continue with ‘The Island of Sea Women’ by Lisa See

The Summer Reading Program’s Dive into Summer theme continues this month with a group discussion of Lisa See’s “The Island of Sea Women” on Wednesday, July 19, from 6 to 7 p.m., in the Library Conference Room.

Mi-ja and Young-sook, two girls living on the Korean island of Jeju, are best friends who come from vastly different backgrounds. When they are old enough, they begin working in the sea with their village’s all-female diving collective. As the girls start their positions as divers, they know they are beginning a life of excitement and responsibility — but also danger. Little do the two friends know that forces outside their control will push their friendship to the breaking point.

This title is available in various formats through the catalog. Registration is required for each participant. For ages 16 and over.

The Paso Robles City Library is located at 1000 Spring St. and is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit prcity.com.

Atascadero Greyhound Foundation

AWARENESS - PREVENTION - INTERVENTION - EDUCATION

CONTACT INFO

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

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: atascaderogreyhoundfoundation.org/donate.html

Friends of the Paso Robles Library

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

CONTACT INFO

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

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. upport 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 info

Cancer Support Community – California Central Coast

DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

CONTACT INFO

1051 Las Tablas Rd.

Templeton, CA 93465

(805) 238-4411

Monday - Thursday 9 am – 4 pm

Fridays by Appointment cscslo.org

CONTACT INFO

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

All of our direct services are provided free of charge. Your donations make this possible. You can trust that you are making a difference for local families. We know you have many options when it comes to putting your charitable gifts to work! Our funds go towards the invaluable programs and services that help so many in our community facing cancer. Our online donations are processed securely through authorize.net. Your donations are 100% tax-deductible.

For more information or to discover how you can help, visit cscslo.org/DonationOptions

Redwings Horse Sanctuary

For information about making donations, adoptions, etc, visit redwingshorsesanctuary.com.

For upcoming events, visit facebook.com/pg/redwingshorses/events

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.

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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 SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY

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) 460-0762. awakeningways.org

GRACE CENTRAL COAST NORTH COUNTY CAMPUS

9325 El Bordo Avenue, Atascadero; Sunday Services at 9:30 and 11 a.m.; (805) 543-2358; gracecentralcoast.org; Helping people find and follow Jesus.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH

238 17th St. Paso Robles; Sunday Worship 10 a.m.; Sunday School 10 a.m.; Our Wednesday Testimony; Meeting is the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.; Reading room-same location after services & by apportionment.

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.

GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH

535 Creston Road., Paso Robles ; (805) 238-3549 ; Dr. Gary M. Barker, Pastor; Goal of church: To teach Believers to love God and people.; Sundays: 9 a.m. Sunday School; 10 a.m. Fellowship; 10:30 a.m. Service; 6 p.m. Eve Service; Wednesdays: 7 p.m. prayer meeting.

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 our YouTube channel, Hope Lutheran Church Atascadero. We offer Sunday School for all ages after worship. Learn more at ourhopelutheran.net. 8005 San Gabriel Road, Atascadero. 805.461.0430. office@ourhopelutheran.org.

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.

PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC

We honor ancient scriptures, responding to God’s contemporary call to be just and kind.; Join us for Worship Sunday, 10 a.m.; Church School Sunday, 10:15 a.m.; Coffee Fellowship 11 a.m.; Men’s Bible Study, Wednesday, 8 a.m.; Women’s Bible Study, Friday, 10 a.m.; Youth Group; 1301 Oak St., Paso Robles; (805) 238-3321.

ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH

820 Creston Road., Paso Robles; (805) 238-2218- Parish Office open Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; website: www.saintrosechurch.org; Mass times;Daily Mass- 12:00 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.; Tues. 7 p.m. Spanish; Saturday 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Spanish Vigil Mass; Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.; Spanish Mass at 12:30PM. Father Rudolfo Contreras.

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.

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF ATASCADERO

11605 El Camino Real, Atascadero; Sunday Service Time: 10 a.m.; Nurs-ery Care Provided:; 9:45 a.m.- 12:15 p.m.; Mid-week student ministry; PreK-12th grade Sept-April, Weds, 4 p.m.; (805) 466-2566; Pastor Steve Poteete-Marshall; atascaderoumc.org.

ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

513 Palma Ave., Atascadero; Sunday services: Holy Eucharist — 9 a.m., Taize — 8 p.m.; the Rev. W. Merritt Greenwood, interim director; the Rev. James Arnold, Deacon; the Rev. Jacqueline Sebro, Deacon; office (805) 466-0379, fax (805) 466-6399; website stlukesatascadero.org; email office@stlukesatascadero.org

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

Wow weekend and summer grilling

barbie butz COLUMNIST

This is going to be a wow Wine Festival weekend. The Kiwanis are presenting their Winemaker Dinner at the Pavilion on the Lake on Friday night (June 23) from 5 to 10 p.m. There just might be a seat or two available, so contact Trudy Meyer at (310) 489-9443 or visit kiwanis23. givesmart.com.

Adding more to the wow factor will be the Atascadero Optimist Club’s 12th Annual Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival Golf Tournament, organized by Jerry Tanimoto. It’s not too late to sign up and play in this popular event that starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday (June 24). Contact Chalk Mountain Golf Course at (805) 466-8848 or Jerry Tanimoto at (805) 423-3364 for sign up information.

And finally, the main event, the Atascadero Lakeside Wine

Festival, will commence at 4 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. on Saturday (June 24) at Atascadero Lake Park. Tickets can be purchased at the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce office at 6907 El Camino Real, Suite A, or online at atascaderowinefest.com. Tickets are $90 now or $100 at the gate. Non-drinker tickets are $30.

In addition to premier wines, there will also be brews, ciders, and spirits from the Central Coast and beyond. Now celebrating its 26th year, attendees may bring a blanket and a low-back chair to enjoy scenic Lake Atascadero and live music during the festival.

This year, the ticket will include $10 in Festival Bucks to spend on food, art, crafts or donate to the zoo. “Roar-andPour” will allow attendees to taste wine while viewing animals in the Charles Paddock Zoo, the only zoo on the Central Coast. Quota of Atascadero invites you to join in the fun as they “Celebrate the USA” at their fundraising Bunco Event, on Thursday, June 29, at 6 p.m., at Kiwanis Hall, 7848 Pismo

Avenue, Atascadero. The $20 ticket includes beverages, food, and a raffle with great prizes. And don’t forget an evening of fun.

For tickets, contact Sylvia Biddle at (805) 237-7326.

Quota of Atascadero is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) organization with a legacy of service to the community through its philanthropic projects.

Sometimes we will have summer, won’t we? And when we do, the grill will be working overtime. This week’s recipe offers a different take on grilling sweet corn. Look for fresh tender ears of corn at your local Farmers Market.

Sweet Corn ‘n’ Peppers

Ingredients:

1 medium sweet red pepper, julienned

• 1 medium green pepper, julienned

• 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and julienned

1 medium sweet onion, cut into wedges

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne

pepper

Still Kickin’

lee pitts COLUMNIST

Academics, politicians, and expert Easterners have been trying to bury the West for 200 years but to paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of the West being dead are greatly exaggerated. They say the sun is setting on the West because there is no more land to explore, no more gold or silver to discover, and no more societies to conquer. You can still find the real West if you want to but not in left coast cities like Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle or in sanctuary cities like San Francisco. No, you’ll find the West instead in places like Pie Town, Post, Cedar City, Show Low, Emmett, Guymon, Burns, Lakeview, Sheridan, and Elko when the cowboy poets show up and even in California in places like Red Bluff when the bull sale takes over the town in January. No, the spirit and traditions of the West never died — our critics are just looking in all the wrong places.

It’s not true that there are no more frontiers to conquer or gold rushes to attract brave adventurers ever westward. It’s just that now the courageous and hard working come to drill through shale for black gold or conquer bit and bytes in Silicone Valley. No, the West isn’t dead yet, but it’s not for lack of trying. The bureaucrats, environmentalists and politicians have done their level best to kill it off and turn it into Nature’s Disneyland for easterners to conquer the frontier via Delta, Hertz, and Hilton. Naturally, they come under the spell of America’s West and after their 10-day vacation to the Grand Canyon, Universal Studios and the Redwoods they now know what’s best for the land and the heathens who live here.

They halted the clear-cutting of forests that acted as firebreaks; got rid of thousands of miles of forest roads that provided access for fire fighting equipment; and wouldn’t allow the removal of dead and dying trees that provided the kindling that lit the huge fires that engulfed us. And they kicked the cows and sheep off public lands that kept grass and weeds from becoming fodder for fires.

But these so-called “experts” weren’t here to breathe the smoke, nor did they have to rebuild their homes. Tell me, doesn’t all that smoke qualify as greenhouse gas or is that just farting cows? And what about all those crispy critters, many of them endangered species, that their idiotic policies have murdered? What do the greenies and animal rightists have to say about them?

They used the spotted owl to put foresters out of work and kill off small towns but they don’t seem to care that those same spotted owls are now being killed by a close relative. Now they’re turning wolves loose to get rid of the rancher because they don’t like cows. They idiotically believe that cows never spend a day outside a feedlot, not knowing that range cows never spend a day in one. And why is it that steer manure is so good for their water-wasting lawns but is bad for our public lands? They ridicule farmers for “wasting” water not knowing it’s the stuff that grows the vegetables and fruits the vegans contend are so good for us to eat.

These over-educated idiots are so smart they’re stupid. First they told us not to put our grocer-

Choose healing thoughts

your thoughts. If there are many thoughts and none are appealing to you, you can add new thoughts by opening an inspiring book or listening to a song that makes you smile and fills you with joy.

• Dash paprika

6 large ears sweet corn, husks removed and halved

Directrions:

In a bowl, combine the peppers and onion. Combine the salt, pepper, cayenne and paprika; sprinkle half over the vegetables and set aside. Sprinkle remaining seasoning mixture over corn. Place the corn on a vegetable grilling rack coated with nonstick cooking spray or in a perforated disposable aluminum pan. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 10 minutes. Add reserved vegetables. Grill, covered, 5-10 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally and rotating corn. Serves 6

Note: For those who insist on butter on their corn, serve a bowl of melted butter with a small basting brush. Remember to wear rubber or plastic gloves to protect your hands when cutting and seeding hot peppers. Avoid touching your face.

Have a great weekend. Cheers!

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

ies in paper bags, not realizing that they came from a renewal resource that created jobs and paid taxes. So we switched to plastic bags until they figured out they were made from petroleum derivatives. Next, they said we should bring our own reusable bags until they found out that these germ-laden bags could be spreading the China flu. So now we’re back to paper.

Those wanting to kill off the West say we must get rid of fossil fuels, not realizing that those giant windmills are slicing and dicing up birds and that solar arrays create vast wastelands and we don’t know what to do with the spent solar panels yet, just like we haven’t come up with a way to get rid of the spent nuclear rods, other than bury them in Nevada. Why not New York instead?

Yeah, they thought they knew it all, and now we’re paying the price for their idiocy. I just wish they’d worry about all the momentous problems in their own backyards and leave us the heck alone.

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

We are always making choices. From the moment we wake up in the morning until we drift off to sleep at night. When you open your eyes after a good night’s slumber and gather your senses, thoughts begin to arise. You choose either unconsciously or consciously which of them to follow, and off you go, electing your way through the day. Thoughts are like taxi cabs on the freeway of your mind. Some of them are lovely, while some are not. You get to choose which taxi cabs you’ll get into and be taken for a ride. What a blessing it is to have the freedom to choose

In 2005, the National Science Foundation published an article showing that the average person has between 12,000 and 60,000 thoughts daily. Eighty percent of those thoughts are negative, and 95 percent are the same as yesterday. Your thoughts generate every action, emotion, feeling, and belief.

Your thought choices will either lead to your healing or contribute to your suffering. Why not choose healing thoughts? You could select sentiments of self-love and acceptance over judgment and condemnation, thoughts of forgiveness and surrender over resentment and control.

The beautiful thing about choosing healing thoughts is

that they affect every cell in your body. Thoughts are units of mental energy; thus, healing thoughts heal the mind and body, and healed people heal others. As you learn to make healing choices in your thoughts, which leads to healing your mind and body, you become a healing presence in the world. Your healing heals others.

Imagine a world of healed people? It would be a world of wholeness and joy. One of forgiveness, kindness, and caring, with generous sharing of resources where everyone sees the good in each other and love always prevails.

You have the power to transform your entire life by changing your mind. The only requirement is to become an observer or witness of your thoughts, which requires taking a backward step. As you step back from the constant flow of thoughts and thinking, you merge with the eternal, unborn nature of your

being, Pure Essence, which is the Thing Itself, or the Universe, Divine Intelligence, Spirit.

With so much in life that we have little control over, harnessing that which we do have control over, not only for our healing but the healing of the world, is a mighty and magnificent gift, practically a superpower.

One good choice leads to the next. As you find yourself on the path of choosing healing thoughts, the not-so-healthy thoughts lose their seductive power. Now you are in a beautiful dance with the Divine, allowing it to lead.

As Mike Dooley observed, “Thoughts become things. Choose them wisely.” Have fun with it!

And so it is.

Rev. Elizabeth Rowley Hogue is an independent columnist

rev. elizabeth rowley hogue COLUMNIST

Every MonDAY

Locals Night: Paso Robles

Firestone Walker

1395 Ramada Drive, Paso Robles

All Day Paso and Templeton’s residence, come to the Taproom, Visitor Center, and Emporium all day Monday for 25 percent off Beer, Food, and Merchandise. The 4 pm tour on Mondays is also free to Paso and Templeton Locals. Show your ID to redeem the discount.

Every Wednesday Concerts in the Park Templeton Park

6-8pm

Enjoy listening to music in the park.

Every Wednesday Concerts in the Park Templeton Park

6-8pm

CALENDAR

Enjoy listening to music in the park.

DAy JUNE 15, 22, 29

Concerts in the Park Paso Robles City Park

6-9pm

Enjoy listening to music in the park.

DAy JUNE 24

Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival

Atascadero Lake Park

4-8pm

The Atascadero WineFest experience will showcase premier wines from the Central Coast and beyond. Now celebrating it’s 26th year, this WineFest boasts over 100 wines from more than 50 wineries, breweries, food purveyors, and art exhibitors for attendees to enjoy while relaxing at the sun kissed, lakeside location. A portion of event proceeds will help benefit the Charles Paddock Zoo.

DAy JULY 1, 8, 22, 29

Summer Concert Series

Atascadero Lake Park Bandstand, Atascader 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Bring a blanket or chair to sit on and enjoy the summer at “Saturdays in the Park” concert series. July 1 will have music from Club Dv8, The Rockin’ Bs Band on July 8, Riff Tide on July 22 and Way Out West on July 29.

DAy JULY 5, 12, 19

Concerts in the Park Series Templeton Park 6–8 p.m. Listen to and enjoy live music outside.

DAy JULY 13, 20

Concerts in the Park City Park, Spring and 12th Streets, Paso Robles 6–8 p.m. Paso Robles Concerts in the

Community in Photos

Park is a family friendly, free community event in which proceeds from concession sales and donations collected at the concerts benefit the REC Foundation (Recreation Enhances Community), a local nonprofit organization that helps provide youth recreation scholarships to members of our community.

DAy JULY 13, 20

Concerts in the Park City Park, Spring and 12th Streets, Paso Robles 6–8 p.m. Paso Robles Concerts in the Park is a family friendly, free community event in which proceeds from concession sales and donations collected at the concerts benefit the REC Foundation (Recreation Enhances Community), a local nonprofit organization that helps provide youth recreation scholarships to members of our community.

DAy JULY 4

July 4 in Paso Barney Schwartz Park, 2970 Union Road, Paso Robles 2–10 p.m.

The City of Paso Robles, along with Travel Paso, is offering a family-friendly event throughout the day and culminating with a fireworks show at night. There will be a Family Fun Zone and live music with the Stephen Styles Band followed by the Young Dubliners, all beginning at 5:30 p.m. The City of Paso Robles, along with Travel Paso, is hosting a 4th of July Celebration at Barney Schwartz Park!

Bluegrass Freedom

Festival

Atascadero Lake Park, Atascadero 2–8 p.m.

Presented by Colony Days and the Printery Foundation, the 4th of July Bluegrass Freedom Festival will offer music, boating, bounce houses,

games and more. There will be food, bear and wine available for purchase. For information, visit atascaderofourthofjuly. com.

4th of July Parade

Downtown Templeton

10am

Come early and enjoy a pancake breakfast at the Templeton Fire Station before the parade starts, pre-sale tickets are recommended. Family activities will follow in the Templeton Park after the parade sponsored by the Templeton Chamber of Commerce.

Family Fun Day

Tidelands Park, Morro Bay 10 a.m.

Beginning at 10 a.m. with a decorated bike parade, followed by music, flag ceremony and magic show, it will be a fun day for all to celebrate. There will be a beer garden, food and activity wristbands for purchase.

Atascadero Elks Logde Car Show | Photos by Rick Evans