Paso Robles Magazine #231 • July 2020

JULY 2020

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The Safe Option While Wearing A Mask!

Call Today for Your Risk Free Trial Peter Lucier, owner of Hearing Aid Specialists of The Central Coast, has partnered with the German Hearing Aid Company Signia. Peter is trained and certified to fit this new hearing system that is revolutionizing the hearing aid industry.

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7/31/2020

contents JULY 2020 | Issue No. 231

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CRUISING FOR CHARITY

MOTORHEADS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY PARADE TO HELP FUND LOCAL CHARITY PROGRAMS

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TEMPLETON GRADUATION

DRIVE-IN STYLE GRADUATION WITH AN ESTRELLA WARBIRDS FLYOVER HAS THESE EAGLES SOARING

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LET’S GO EXPLORING

VENTURE OUT AND DISCOVER THE BEAUTY THAT IS THE NORTH COUNTY WITH YOUR LITTLES ONES

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MONTH IN REVIEW

THE PASO ROBLES PRESS—GLIMPSE OF BREAKING NEWS, PEOPLE, BUSINESS, AND THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY ON THE COVER “We Love Paso” fills the streets of downtown Paso Robles. We are #PasoStrong.

Creative Direction Hayley Mattson Photo By Nic Mattson

30,000 PRINTED | 26,700 DIRECT MAILED LOCALLY!

3,300 DROPPED AT HIGH TRAFFIC LOCATIONS IN SLO COUNTY

Paso Robles 93446 • Templeton 93465 • Shandon 93461 • Bradley 93426 • San Miguel 93451 Hotels • Wineries • B&Bs • Waiting Rooms • Restaurants • High-traffic Visitor Hotspots for advertising inquiries and rates email publisher @ pasomagazine.com, or contact one of our advertising representatives.

•Direct: (805) 434-8300 •Office: (805) 239-3310 •LIC# 01384413

•Diane Cassidy@remax.net •711 12th Street •Paso Robles, CA 93446

DEPARTMENTS

Something Worth Reading

Round Town

8

Publisher’s Letter

10

15

It’s Happening On Main Street: Happy July & Independence Day, Everyone!

Through The Grapevine: ‘Socially Acceptable’ Summer Fun General Store Local Goods Report: When Summer in Paso is Quieter Natural Alternative: Power Up with Electrolytes

Paso People

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16 18

Paso Robles High School Valedictorian: Danielle Halebsky Optimist Club Of Paso Robles: Phoebe Corgiat Dean Hill: FFA President of California

Local Business

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24 25 26

publisher, editor-at-large

Nicholas Mattson

publisher, editor-in-chief

Hayley Mattson

managing editor

Brian Williams

layout design

ad design

Michael Michaud

staff writer

Denise Mclean Jen Rodman

Connor Allen

ad consultants dana@pasomagazine.com jamie@pasomagazine.com

Dana Mcgraw | Jamie Self |

office administrator office@pasomagazine.com

Cami Martin |

OUR NEXT ISSUE: back to school | cruisin’ weekend

Hearing Aid Specialists: Helping You Hear for 20 Years All About Events: All About Agility A Heavenly Home: Where Our Home is Your Home

August 2020

PUBLICATION DELIVERY DATE Thursday, July 30, 2020

ADVERTISING DEADLINE*

27

Friday, July 10, 2020

Taste Of Paso

Sip & Savor — Exploring the Enclaves: Pleasant Valley Wine Trail

* ad reservation deadline is the 10th of each month preceding the publication. for more information about advertising, upcoming issues and editorial themes, contact our advertising representatives above, or see our media kit at pasomagazine.com/advertise

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Oak Leaf

San Luis Obispo County Office of Education: Adapt, Innovate, and Thrive Directory of Local Houses of Worship

PASOMAGAZINE.COM publisher@pasomagazine.com • (805) 237-6060

OFFICE

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Last Word

13 Stars Media Editorial Board: Carrying on the Conversation Directory to our Advertisers

MAIL

P.O. Box 427 Paso Robles, CA 93447

Subscriptions

Annual subscriptions are available for $29.99 Subscribe online at pasomagazine.com

Editorial Policy

Commentary reflects views of our writers and not necessarily those of Paso Robles Magazine. Paso Robles Magazine is delivered free to 26,700 addresses in North San Luis Obispo County. Our costs are paid entirely by advertising revenue.

Our Local Business section spotlights select advertisers. All other stories are determined solely by our editors.

Proud to be Local!

Paso Robles Magazine ©2020 is a local business owned and published by local people — Nicholas & Hayley Mattson No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form by any means without written consent from Paso Robles Magazine.

Like and Follow us: DID YOU KNOW? Although 2020 will be a break from the norm, the California Mid-State Fair draws more than 400,000 attendees annually to the Paso Robles Event Center. Known for showcasing big-name bands and artists, the fair has been in existence since 1946.

Get more local news!

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contributors Bill Pluma

James Brescia, Ed.D.

Mira Honeycutt

Camille DeVaul

Jeannette Simpson

The Natural Alternative

The General Store

Karyl Lammers

Tonya Strickland

6 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

FB/IG: @pasomagazine | Twitter: @thepasomagazine

The Paso Robles Press

The only real news source dedicated to the Paso Robles area. Serving real news since 1889.

Subscribe today for 26 or 52 issues delivered, and premium online content at pasoroblespress.com or call 805-237-6060 designed & printed in california

Paso Robles Magazine | July 2020

July 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

pasoroblesmagazine.com | 7

Something Worth Reading | Publisher’s Letter

When we started this fantastic journey into journalism and media more than 10 years ago, my wife and I never dreamed we would be here now. I remember the first few ideas swimming around my head as we drove downtown San Luis Obispo reading a local rag.

We discussed making a local magazine that celebrated the greatness that is our wonderful little community. We tucked that idea in our pocket and began working toward a dream.

It’s been an interesting ride that has been anything but a straight line. In fact, the journey has been complete with such inconceivable twists that in hindsight we are settled with no other answer than it was meant to be — but it was no accident on our part.

What we didn’t realize we were signing up for is the year 2020 as it is currently being drafted.

Of all things, watching the world battle a pandemic and the United States — including our quiet corner of the world — splinter apart along sharp lines. No matter what a person’s political or social views, the ability and willingness to negotiate and discuss solutions across divides is the height of human genius. Beyond science and engineering, the art of bringing people together is the apex. Not just bringing a group together under a flag, but in bringing opposite sides and multiple flags together under a common goal, despite differences.

And not only in the public forum as performance art, but in silent darkness where nothing is seen but the product of sacrifice and compromise.

My wife and I dreamed of bringing the community together by presenting the glory of itself in its entirety. Over the 10 years, we worked countless hours with nonprofits, meeting people who helped people who needed help. The cross-section of human beings we encountered ran the spectrum, end to end, and each one inspired us.

Each one is part of our community. Each one is why we mail this magazine to every mailbox in the area. Each one is why we continue to fight for our dream through the emotional and financial challenges that 2020 has brought to us.

From step to step in this journey, we have been confronted with uncertainty. For us, faith is not an absence of fear, but a journey forward despite all fears. Our journey is a walk in faith in something that is greater than that which stands in our way. It is not even such that we know where we are going, but more an understanding that we know what we are supposed to do along the way.

Our declared purpose is to make communities better through print. It is that purpose that drives us to put pen to paper and publish our content.

We continue to do so in this time of massive angst. We do so in faith that despite our human failings, we are fulfilling our commitment to that which was given to us.

Our time and age is unlike anything ever seen, and we are blessed with the challenge of documenting this time for history to look back on — not as prisoners of the moment, but as agents of independence.

In this Together, Hayley & Nicholas Mattson

if thou wouldest win immortality of name, either do things worth the writing, or write things worth the reading.

— Thomas Fuller, 1727

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Paso Robles Magazine | July 2020

Paso Robles Recreation Services is excited to offer several new classes during the month of July at Centennial Park. At press time, many classes are being held outdoors following current social distancing and safety guidelines, while others will remain virtual offerings. To view the most current list of all July recreation classes, please visit prcity.com/recreationonline.

Mosaics for Beginners (virtual class)

Creative Me Time’s Joan Martin Fee has adapted her popular in-person mosaic class to help you craft from the comfort and safety of your own home. Participants can choose one of three unique projects including a whimsical bird, colorful boot or beautiful heart.

Kits with your choice of colors and all supplies needed for this project will be available for pick-up on Monday, July 20 from 6-7 p.m. at Centennial Park. Video instruction will be provided by Creative Me Time to guide you step by step in the creation of your mosaic masterpiece. Pre-registration to reserve your kit is required at prcity.com/recreationonline. $20 registration fee + $35 supply fee for bird or boot, $30 supply fee for heart.

SHORIN-RYU

KARATE

In appreciation of our local law enforcement, we offer one month FREE Karate lessons for members and their families.

THANK YOU We at Paso Robles Shorin-Ryu Karate are all Okinawan certificated black belt instructors and are here to introduce you to the life skills that enhance your mind, body and soul.

Mon, Tues & Thurs at Centennial Park • 5-6pm or 6-7pm Register: 805.237.3988 or prcity.com/recreation More info: 805.239.3232 or karateshorinkan.com

Paint & Lemonade Parties

Join artist Stormy Capalare for these seasonal art classes designed for all ages.

Children or adults can create their own project or the entire family can craft together.

Sip lemonade while painting outdoors on the Centennial pool patio. Ages 4 to adult.

Juicy Watermelon Wednesday, July 8, 9:30-11 a.m.

Beach & Waves Wednesday, July 29, 9:30-11 a.m.

Colorful Cactus Tuesday, August 4, 9:30-11 a.m. $10 for first participant + $15 supply fee, $5 for additional family members + $10 supply fee. All classes use acrylic paint on canvas.

Self-Hypnosis: Quit Smoking Naturally (virtual class)

This two-hour virtual workshop with hypnotherapist Art Kuhns of Breaking Day Hypnotherapy will combine hypnosis, guided imagery, and other techniques to help change habits and stop smoking quickly. “Upon completion of the class you will feel relaxed and refreshed and be a non-smoker,” says Kuhns. Participants must have access to a computer, laptop or other device to access Zoom for this online workshop. Upon registration, a Zoom link to the workshop will be provided by the instructor. $60 registration ($5 discount for military, additional family member or returning Self-Hypnosis students).

We look forward to seeing you soon at Centennial Park! Please continue to check the Recreation Services website often to stay updated on July offerings including dog training, karate, yoga, Total Body Workout, Zumba and virtual Kidz Love Soccer classes. For more information about these and other classes, please visit prcity.com/recreation or contact Paso Robles Recreation Services at (805) 237-3988 or via email at recservices@prcity.com.

July

| It’s Happening on Main Street

Happy & Independence Day, Everyone!

Karyl Lammers

I

t’s a joy to see our Downtown filled with families, relatives and friends spending quality time together enjoying the City Park, shops and restaurants while staying safe from COVID-19.

Most of the Downtown businesses have survived the over two-month setback, but we have lost some of our favorites. Shops and restaurants are thrilled to be open, even with a slow come back, and looking forward to reaching normal. We will miss the businesses that had to close, knowing that their spaces will eventually be filled with new shops and restaurants proud to be a part of this charming town.

Downtown business owners live up to the words of Abraham Lincoln, “I like to see a

10 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him”. Our businesses are struggling, they need the help of each and every one of us. LET’S SAVE DOWNTOWN!! Yes, we’re Paso Strong, but that means the whole community.

Come Downtown for your shopping needs, large or small, and enjoy the wonderful food available all over town.

Don’t forget the businesses off the beaten path — Spring Street, 12th Street west of Spring, Park Street north of 13th and Pine Street north of 13th.

Together we can make it happen! For updates on what’s happening, go to pasoroblesdowntown.org; prcity.com; pasorobleschamber. com; travelpaso.com; pasorobleswinecountry. com or pasorobleswineries.net. You can also call the Main Street office at 805-238-4103.

July means we’re halfway through 2020. It’s the warmest month of the year in the north-

ern hemisphere. These long hot days are called “The dog days of summer,” adopted from the Roman and Greek astrology connected with drought, lethargy, fever and mad dogs.

Independence Day was only 244 years ago on July 4th, when the United States became independent from the United Kingdom of Britain. We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their plows, but to secure liberty for their souls.

As of this date, events in Paso have been canceled. It is still a time to celebrate how blessed we are to live, work and play in this wonderful town.

We have just come through some dark times but can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

We are Paso Strong and Proud Americans!

America, America God shed his grace on thee And crown thy good with Brotherhood From sea to shining sea 

Paso Robles Magazine | July 2020

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July 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

pasoroblesmagazine.com | 11

| Through the Grapevine

‘SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE’ SUMMER FUN

A

s we continue this journey through COVID-19 and we are now enjoying summer, we are reminded once again that this year will continue to be different. However, that does not stop all the incredible people that put on annual events from getting creative.

Here are a few “Socially Acceptable” events that we all can still enjoy!

out, wine, beer, and cocktails from Paso’s restaurants and reserve one of the many private farmhouse style tables in the park’s shaded dining section.

There, you will be met by a concierge who will guide you to your own sanitized table.

With comfy seating, overhead bistro lights, and gorgeous tablescapes, the safe-distanced space provides the perfect ambiance for a special date night or get-together with friends.

Private tables are available Thursday-Sunday beginning at 5:30 p.m. through Labor Day. For more information, visit pasostrong.org/park-dining.

and 26 at 8:30 p.m.

The food available will span from tri-tip sandwiches, chicken burritos, and beer from Jimmy’s Barbeque & Bar. To all the customDOWNTOWN CITY PARK DINING ary foods like kettle corn, funnel cakes and The Paso Robles Chamber corndogs will be available for preorder online CALIFORNIA MID-STATE FAIR, teamed up The City, Mainstreet for convenient and fast pickup to eat picnicFAIR FOOD & WHEELS N’ REELS Association, The Paso Robles style or take home.

Wine Alliance, Travel Paso, The California Mid-State Fair announced In addition, the CMSF crew is bringing in a and The Hispanic it would restore a bit of fair fun on the grounds giant inflatable screen that will sit 40 feet high Business Association this summer with the weekend activity of food and span 20 feet across and will be located on to offer an iconic wining and drive-in movie experiences. The week- the northwest corner of the carnival lot. and dining experience in ends started the last Friday in June and will go The two movies for July 18 and July 19 the Downtown City Park. through July 26 for customers to stop by and will be “Weird Science” and “Eight Seconds,” Thursday through get food from 4 - 7 p.m. “Wheels N Reels” will respectively.

Sunday, you can grab take- take place on July 18 and 19, along with July 25 To get all the details, visit midstatefair.com. 

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Paso Robles Magazine | July 2020

5955 Entrada Ave. Atascadero Summer Styles available online

July 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

pasoroblesmagazine.com | 13

T

When Summer in Paso is Quieter

his summer will not look like any summer we can remember.

Without the (pleasant) distractions of concerts at Vina Robles Amphitheatre, or the California Mid-State Fair, or swimming in the community pool, we are missing the markers that signify the passing of time, of seasons.

Those of us with college-aged kids wonder if our nest will still be full in the fall.

We wonder when our parents will be able to visit from Portland, Ore., or whether our playdates will ever feel spontaneous again.

What does summer look like when everything is so up in the air?

For us, that trickles down to our holiday planning, which we usually start in July with the AC on high and Tammy Wynette singing “Silver Bells”...deciding between pimento-flavored popcorn or jalapeno cheddar.

This year, all bets are off. We need to be more flexible in our planning and our lives.

We’re mapping our day-to-day, instead of months in advance. For those of us who start each morning nestled up to our calendar, this is not a comfy place to be.

We’re finding that the more important question isn’t “what should our holiday timeline look like,” but

instead, what does our community need from us right now? We asked ourselves this when we reopened our doors in May after more than two months closed.

How can we weather this storm while being of service to this community that has helped us thrive over seven years?

We can open our arms (at a safe distance) and be a familiar and welcoming place.

We can offer convenience, continuing our curbside pick-up, and our web sales, where we can ship nationwide. We can offer somewhere to interact with a book or a stack of linens or a live in-person human.

Maybe we can humbly offer somewhere to feel normal in not-so-normal times.

It will be quieter without the sounds of the concerts in the distance on a hot summer night. But when it’s quieter, maybe we’ll hear our neighbors playing guitar in the backyard.

Perhaps we can finally tackle that puzzle, with the birds blaring in the backyard. (Don’t there seem to be more of them?!)

We can stand on the porch and watch the dogs being walked and the neighbors dropping groceries for their parents.

We can take care of each other.

The Team at General Store Paso Robles

SLY AS A FOX(Tail) Foxtails look harmless but their barbed seeds can dig their way under your pet’s skin, causing serious damage. If your pet has a swollen foot or is constantly licking her fur and sneezing, schedule a convenient drop-off appointment today!

805-835-4446 14 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

959 LAS TABLAS ROAD, TEMPLETON CA

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Paso Robles Magazine | July 2020

THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE NUTRITION CENTER power up with

D

ELECTROLYTES

o you feel drained, lightheaded or sluggish after a day in the sun or after an extreme workout? Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within the body.

They support heart and nervous system function, fluid balance, oxygen delivery, acid-base balance, and much more. Depletion of these crucial minerals esp sodium and potassium, will cause symptoms such as extreme fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and muscle cramps.

Before you reach for sports drinks such as Gatorade (full of sugar and artificial colors), treat yourself and your soccer-kicking kids to a healthy sports drink!

Ultima Replenisher is an easy-tofix, high-performance energy drink with no caffeine or artificial stimulants. Ultima contains all major electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, chloride, and sodium) plus trace minerals, which accelerate the assimilation and absorption of vitamins and nutrients.

Revitalize and recharge your body’s natural energy with Ultima Replenisher. This easy mix powder comes in many tasty flavors, including cherry pomegranate, grape, orange, raspberry, and lemonade. Mix with water and you’re good to go! Kids love it

too!! For those that prefer to replenish essential electrolytes in capsule form, we have that too!!

COVID19 Weight Gain???

Has the temporary home confinement caused your scale to creep upward, leaving you feeling a bit sluggish? We are here to help! Try a 10- or 21-Day Detox and Weight Loss program utilizing Standard Process whole food nutritional shakes and a healthy diet, including clean protein, healthy fats, and lots of fresh veggies! Contact Bobbi or Victoria to find out which program would work best for you!

“I am doing great and feeling great and beyond excited to have begun this new journey. As of Friday, I am down 5 lbs. I am on the 6th day of the cleanse and have been focusing on extremely clean eating habits and making new meals with the information and ideas you gave me with the meal plan chart I am looking forward to our next meeting and to see where I will be in the next two weeks. Again, thank you for all your help in my new journey. I’ve never felt so encouraged and motivated to make a true life change.” ~Kind Regards, Julia If you are ready to feel and look your best, the Team at The Natural Alternative is here for you!!

Bobbi Conner, CNC. ACN, MH

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DIAGNOSIS, PRESCRIPTION OR TREATMENT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL COUNSELING WITH A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.

BEFORE

Facials • Makeup Waxing • Chemical Peels 805-835-3829 1341 Park Street Paso Robles

July 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

AFTER

pasoroblesmagazine.com | 15

| Paso Robles High School

PASO ROBLES VALEDICTORIAN Halebsky Ready to Solve Challenges Ahead

By Connor Allen

W

hile the graduating seniors at Paso Robles High School have to wait a little longer before they eventually toss their tassels to the other side and step into their futures, one student, Danielle Halebsky, already knows where she stands and that is at the top.

Paso Robles has chosen a college-style graduation that will take place on July 8 through July 11 with four ceremonies per day to keep everyone as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Families will be organized on the field into different socially distant groups with the stage. Every group will get a chance to hear Halebsky’s address via a prerecorded message except for the lucky few in her group who will listen to her speech in person.

The Bearcats’ valedictorian finished high school with a cumulative 4.84-grade point average and achieved a goal she set for herself when first set foot on campus.

“Being valedictorian has always been a goal,” Halebsky told The Paso Robles Press. “I’ve wanted to accomplish this since the beginning of high school.

16 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

I got straight A’s in middle school and wanted to continue that into high school.”

For a student to earn a GPA of over 4.0, they must not only take advanced placement classes but also excel in them. A.P. classes are created to test above-average students through critical thinking, prepare them for college, and, at times, push them

out of their comfort zones, which is why Halebsky chose A.P. Spanish as her most challenging course.

“A.P. Spanish was probably the hardest class I had over the four years,” Halebsky said. “There were a lot of students who spoke Spanish at home, whereas I only spoke it in class. This made it challenging for me to understand everything and perform, as well as them.”

Paso’s top student excelled in the upper-tier Spanish offering and is looking forward to taking major-specific courses next year. She plans on staying local and attending Cal Poly and majoring in Mathematics.

“I’ve always had a passion for math, and I was good at it,” she explained. “I played strategy games and solved logic puzzles and riddles, even at an early age. I like math because it’s logical.”

Not only did Halebsky excel in the classroom, but she also worked hard after school and committed herself to several extracurricular activities at PRHS. During her four years, she was in six different clubs — Robotics Club, Skills USA, CSF, Drama Club, International Club, and the Creative Writing Club.

She also helped out in the math center. 

Paso Robles Magazine | July 2020

Optimist Club of Paso Robles |

Oratorical Winner

many students. The committee spent two months organizing the first-ever Zoom hoebe Corgiat, a senior at Oratorical Competition. This meant learnPaso Robles High School, ing the new platform, then coaching the recently won first place judges, timekeeper and students. in the Optimist International In the end, the Paso Robles contestant District Oratorical Contest. The was able to shine. theme was, “Just Imagine a World “Phoebe did a wonderful job presenting Without Boundaries.” her speech about the questions posed to Corgiat was awarded $2,500 her,” District Chairman William Pluma for the honor. Also, Corgiat will said. “The members of our Optimist Club go to the Regional Champion- have no doubt that Phoebe has a bright ships, where she will compete future ahead of her. She’s a born leader.” against winners from other OptiCorgiat’s activities at Paso Robles High mist Clubs across the nation for a School include varsity volleyball, sports chance to win an additional $5,000 editor for the Crimson, youth volleyball or up to another $15,000 scholar- referee and coach, SPED Teachers Assisship. tant, Link Crew Leader, assisting incomThe Oratorical Competition is ing freshman, Field Studies Collaborative, traditionally a live event, but this botanical surveys for the National Park year had to change in response Service, Project Surf Camp, Younglife and to the COVID-19 pandemic. working part-time at Refugio Kitchen.

The District Oratorical Committee was The Optimist Club of Paso Robles has determined not to cancel this contest, been participating in the Optimist Oratorwhich provides financial support to so ical Contest for eight years and has been

By Bill Pluma

P

active in the community since 1991. Other programs and service projects that the Club is involved in include the support of the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles, Optimist Backpack Program, Kids Fishing Derby, Honey Festival Spelling Bee and Dance Contest, Optimist Essay Contest and High School Scholarships.

Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with over 80,000 adult and youth members in almost 3,000 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico and throughout the world.

The Optimist Oratorical Contest is one of the organization’s most popular programs, with more than 2,000 clubs participating annually. Carrying the motto “Bringing Out the Best in Youth, in our Communities, and in Ourselves,” Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than six million young people each year. To learn more about Optimist International, visit the organization’s website at optimist.org. 

Pick-Up Policy Place your containers out for collection no later than 6:00am on the day of your scheduled pick-up.

Place your containers at the curb with the wheels facing your house and the lid opening into the street.

Maintain 3 feet of space between containers and cars.

prwaste.com | 805.238.2381

July 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

pasoroblesmagazine.com | 17

Dean Hill T

By Connor Allen

he Future Farmers of America has a new president that grew up here in North County and recently graduated from Templeton High School — Dean Hill. It is a long and arduous process that takes months and many interviews. Still, in the end, a former Templeton Eagle will be traveling up and down the state educating the youth about agriculture and getting them excited about the future.

Hill started with a screening process where he turned in an application and an essay stating why he was qualified and wanted to work as a state officer. Next, he began an interview process where after each round of interviews, the pool of potential offers was cut down just a little until there were only 12 remaining.

The 12 remaining students were grouped into six separate pairs, representing the six different positions. They had a final one-on-one chance where the judges asked two impromptu questions to the candidates with the best answer earning the spot.

“There were about 370 delegates that all voted who they thought would be the best six officers, and at the end of the day, I had more votes, so I was placed as president,” Hill said. “It is a big honor.

No one from Templeton has ever been president,

so my chapter is very proud.”

As president, Hill will live in a house in the Stockton area, and spend the year advocating for agriculture throughout California.

“I get to spend this next year going around chapters all across the state teaching some of the 93,000 members that are a part of the organization in California,” Hill stated. “There are going to be workshops, conferences, and we really try and connect with the students as well as teach them about leadership and how to be better advocates for agriculture.”

Going into the process, Hill wasn’t sure if he would be selected for any of the six positions, let alone the president, and applied for colleges as most graduating seniors do. Hill was accepted to Cal Poly, and the college agreed to hold his spot for next year while he spends time working with youth that could end up at their university.

“I will be going to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for Agricultural Systems Management next year.

Cal Poly was very flexible and very easy to work with. They held my acceptance, so I will still be an admitted student for next year, but yes, my position there is locked, and they are as excited as I was, and it was nice to have support like that,” Hill said.

The 18-year-old has already moved north and has just begun his year of influence on a generation of future farmers in California. 

Caring for Pets and their People!

AS WE CELEBRATE AMERICA’S INDEPENDENCE, REMEMBER IT IS OUR DIVERSITY THAT MAKES OUR COUNTRY TRULY EXCEPTIONAL! WE HOPE FOR PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING, WITH COMPASSION, RESPECT, DIGNITY, EMPATHY, EQUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

805-238-1091

820 6TH STREET / PASO ROBLES 18 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

Paso Robles Magazine | July 2020

| Templeton High School

Templeton Honors Graduates in a Drive-In Style Graduation

By Connor Allen

D

ue to the restrictions put in place due to the COVID19 pandemic, Templeton High School treated its graduates to a drive-in style graduation ceremony at the Athletic Park at Vineyard Elementary School on Thursday, June 4.

The event started at 6 p.m. and was accompanied by a flyover from the Estrella Warbirds who flew two planes over the ceremony — a Stearman biplane and a C-47 cargo airplane.

“We wanted to do something as close to a traditional ceremony as we could, given the circumstances with social distancing and the restrictions that are in place from the health department and the CDC,” THS Principal Josh Aston told The Atascadero News.

Along with the flyover, Templeton brought in a large LED screen that displayed what was happen-

ing on the stage up front for those parked in the back as well as broadcasting the ceremony live on the school’s Youtube page.

The graduates pulled in and parked like they were seeing a drive-in movie and cheered their friends as they accepted their diplomas and strolled happily across the stage into the next phase of their lives.

Once everyone was parked, Templeton kept their traditional ceremony. Salutatorians Austin D’Acquisto and Blake Fardamesh, Class President Rachel Stockwell, valedictorians David Magie and Peyton TenEyck, and Principal Aston, addressed graduates.

Following the speeches, over 170 Templeton seniors grabbed their diplomas, crossed the stage, and then turned their tassels in unison as Eagle of the Year honoree Evan Asplund led the ceremony ushering his 2020 classmates into the future. 

Photos by Matt MacFarlane

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July 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

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pasoroblesmagazine.com | 19

Five things to do outside with your littles while still social distancing

By Tonya Strickland

Y

ou’re bored in the house and you’re in the house bored (that’s a TikTok you gotta watch btw), so here are five North County summer outings to do with your littles while still social distancing.

GRAB A FREE READ AT THE LITTLE FREE LIBRARY 623 13th St., Paso Robles In 2019, the kids and I donated a Little Free Library to the Paso Robles Children’s Museum. The library is an outdoor cabinet stocked with stories and picturebooks, and operates on the honor system of “take a book, leave a book.” The box is accessible 24/7, is completely free and is open to everyone. It’s registered with the official Little Free Library nonprofit organization as Charter No. 84178.

BONUS: This location, located outside on the edge of the museum’s outdoor play area facing 13th Street, is special because it’s specifically for children’s books!

GO ON A HAPPY HEART HUNT, PASO ROBLES Citywide Here’s a fun one - do a scaven-

20 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

ger hunt for hearts through the city. After we stocked the little free library, we held hands and walked around downtown to scout any #HappyHeartHunt hearts we could find through City Rec’s new #PasoStrong activity!

All you do is craft a heart (out of paper or wood or whatever!) to decorate the outside of your house, car or walkway to express love and hope in the community. People then look around for them like a scavenger hunt and post pics on Facebook.

The city posted some wooden hearts on stakes around the park already.

We’ve found five hearts around City Park — some painted with birds, oaks and vineyard-dotted hillsides.

Clara and Wyatt were SUPER into it, zipping around the grass and stoked to get out of the house for some much needed outdoor time.

I’m not going to tell you where they all are, but our fave is the heart at the City Park gazebo that says, “We’re All In This Together.”

BONUS: If you make a heart or find a heart, tag your pics with #PasoStrong, #HappyHeartHunt and Paso Robles Recreation Services. If you did the Virtual Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt in April, I wonder if you could attach

two eggs at an angle to create one big heart?! Lifehack.

ATASCADERO LIBRARY CURBSIDE PICKUP 6555 Capistrano Ave. We miss playing in the Atascadero Library’s children’s section so much!

But to tide us over, as of June 2, library cardholders can now place up to 10 books/movies/materials on hold using the online catalog at www.slolibrary.org. Just go to the website, click on ‘Curbside Holds Pickup’ at the top of the homepage and ‘Search the Catalog’ to place requests. You will receive an email, text or phone notification based on Swimming in Atascadero’s Graves your preference when your stuff is Creek. Photos by Tonya Strickland ready. Then drive to the library, and text 805-867-6741 when you get there. Then the staff will bring out your books! As of printing, curbside pickup is available Tuesday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

BONUS: You can also return items in the book drop. We’ve been holding on to our last library haul since March because we weren’t sure what to do.

SLO County Libraries also summer reading programs on its YouTube channel, including storytime.

Free Little Library for summer reads.

Paso Robles Magazine | July 2020

RAMBOUILLET SNEAD TRAIL, PASO ROBLES Multiple neighborhood entry points on Paso’s eastside. We used Oxen Street, off Charolais Road.

Call me crazy but we’ve lived in Paso Robles for a decade and I only discovered the Rambouillet Snead Trail this April!

Walk down one of several neighborhood entryways and it feels like a little oasis of oaks, a diverse network of short trails to explore. The main paved trail goes into a wooded hillside area that branches off into little footpaths and a seasonal creek. Given that it’s July, the creek is dry now, but the creekbed is full of rocks, sticks, and dirt and all things fun for kids.

BONUS: There’s a clearing in the trail midway with some sort of bike jump open space thing with short dirt mounds to ride over. That’s my official terminology and I’m sticking to it :)

Go hiking up Paso’s Rambouillet Snead Trail.

July 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

Happy Heart Hunt in Paso.

APPLE VALLEY PARK | GRAVES CREEK, ATASCADERO 1980 San Ramon Road off Del Rio Road on Atascadero’s westside.

I’ve written about it before, but Apple Valley Park is the cutest no-frills neighborhood park with big trees, picnic tables, and lots of grass to run and play. There’s a dirt path that runs along the perimeter with lots of overhead shade.

There’s no playground, which is actually kind of nice.

BONUS: Make sure to find the semi-secret trail through the trees on the west side of the park leading down to Graves Creek. The unmarked dirt path is easy to miss but has all the secret garden vibes once you spot it. In the summer, the water is gone, but I’d say the creekbed trail is still worth a trek for ages 4-and-older any time of year. It might be too steep for moms with babies or toddlers to navigate. ■

pasoroblesmagazine.com | 21

Photo by Rick Evans

RIDING FOR CHARITY

By Connor Allen

I

f you have found yourself downtown, in a North County city, on a Friday night, around dusk the last few months, you probably stumbled upon what seemed like an impromptu car show, but it was much more than that.

At the beginning of April, Paso Robles resident Scott Keith started the Facebook page “Paso Strong Car Cruise.” Three months later, that page is up to nearly 2,000 likes and draws the attention of motorheads who are already depressed at the canceling local car shows.

While many of those in the community were aware of the cruise nights, almost none knew its origin and the message behind popular Friday night activity.

The idea started near the end of March when the county was in the early parts of quarantine when Keith received a Facebook message about a cruise night in downtown San Luis Obispo since all the stores were closed.

Following a few different cruises in SLO, Keith decided to take the initiative and make a cruise page in North County, where old, cool, cars are a way of life, and it spread like wildfire.

Some in the community assumed the car cruises were created as a way to rebel against the stay-at-home orders.

Some wondered if this was something that had been happening for years with

22 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

little attention.

The real answer is that Keith just wanted to create something that gave people a sense of normalcy for an hour or two while also helping out local communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When they talk about high-risk individuals, I am who they are talking about, and because of that when they issued the stay-at-home order, my doctors pulled me from work,” said Keith, who was born with a congenital heart defect which puts him at extreme risk if he were to catch the COVID19 virus. “My thought was that when music and concerts and sporting events and car shows, and everything that everyone has in common gets taken away, the only thing that people have left are the things that divide them.”

Through the last couple of months, the cruise nights continued to grow in both size and popularity as have the Facebook groups. There are currently three groups in the North County, Paso Strong Car Cruise, Templeton Eagles Cruz Night, and Atascadero Cruise Nights. The cruisers rotate the cities and ride each Friday unless explicitly stated otherwise, like the cruise in Paso Robles for graduates this past weekend.

“The first time we did it, I’m not even sure how many hundreds of cars we had in downtown Paso,” Keith said.

“I just kind of took the initiative and formed a Facebook group, and it’s not an official thing, we aren’t trying to

recreate the regular cruise night. All of that stuff is going to come back, the car shows the cruise nights and all that stuff but for the short term in this unprecedented, weird moment in history that we are in, let’s see who we can get to come out.”

While most of the cars pictured and perhaps the most remembered are the candy paint hot rods, the 1962 Shelby Cobra, or the one with hydraulic lifts, these cruises aren’t only for nice cars, they are for everyone.

What started as a fun thing for drivers and their families and a way to give local restaurants a little help has now swept through the North County, lifting the spirits of many people from Paso Robles to Santa Margarita.

Last weekend the cruise night was moved to Saturday and helped celebrate Paso Robles High School graduates who had the final months of perhaps their most memorable year stripped from them. Before that, the cruisers raised money for a local nursing home.

“Brandon Stier, who is one of the co-admins, got involved through a motorsport company that he is part of where they do big long cruises that will raise money for charity,” Keith explained. “So the two of us started brainstorming, and we organized a car show of about 50 or 60 cars to drive by a local nursing home in Paso Robles that had reached out to us.”

With a couple of charitable endeav-

ors under their hoods, the cruisers are stepping it up one more notch this weekend on June 20 when they are going to raise money for three different charities in one ride.

The cruisers will start on the north side of Paso Robles and drive to Santa Margarita, taking back roads like Vineyard Drive. They are also encouraging drivers to bring three separate envelopes with $5 in each one (or whatever a person feels comfortable giving). The route will stop by three designated spots where someone will be waiting to collect envelopes.

“We are going to stop at the Children’s Museum in Paso Robles, and as every car passes by, they hand one envelope to a designated receiver who will collect them as people pass by. The reason there are three envelopes is that we are doing that for three charities, The Children’s Museum, Camp Natoma, and The Family Care Network in Atascadero,” Keith explained. “All of those places have been shut down, and so has their fundraising. Big events and groups is how a lot of these nonprofits generate money through the summer to fund these programs.”

Next time you see a line of classic cars in one of your towns make sure to smile, wave, give a courteous toot of the horn or even join in as it’s just a big group of North County people trying to help out their neighbors in one of the best ways they know. 

Paso Robles Magazine | July 2020

July 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

pasoroblesmagazine.com | 23

hearing aid specialists Helping You Hear for 20 Years

By Brian Williams

I

t doesn’t take long for Peter and Nicole Lucier to see the impact they have on peoples’ lives.

The Luciers own Hearing Aid Specialists of the Central Coast on Morro Road in Atascadero and are celebrating their 20th year of helping people hear better.

“We are celebrating our 20th year in business in May,”Peter says.“It’s an interesting field, but it is rewarding because you get to help people hear again.

Peter says there is a lot of “embarrassment with hearing loss, sometimes shame by family members or resentment.”

People come in claiming they do not hear well, their family is yelling at them, or their wife is at her wit’s end, and they walk out a changed person.

“We put the hearing aids on, you see their faces light up, right away they seem more alert, they feel they are hearing better,” Peter says, “not only hearing better, but they feel more connected.

I think some people feel younger by hearing better.”

They started the business in Atascadero after Peter, who grew up in Arroyo Grande, completed college.

“I think we came in at the right time when things were kind of small,” Peter says. “We kind of rode the wave as the county grew.”

Their first Hearing Aid Specialists location was a single-room location on

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El Camino Real. They moved to Paso Robles and four years ago moved back to their current location in Atascadero.

They also have an office in San Luis Obispo.

“We are in the medical field, but we are not having to deal with the gory part, the blood and guts like physicians,” Peter says. “It’s rewarding because people do feel better when they can hear. They do become dependent on us. It’s definitely a relationship type of practice because of the ongoing follow up visits and things like that.”

Being a small family-owned practice that has been around for 20 years, the Luciers can make a special connection with their patients.

“I try to think of the person that is in front of me is like my mother or one of my aunts or uncles and how they want to be treated,” Peter says.

His twin daughters are sophomores in college. They have been helping out at the business since they were little and continue to help when they return home from college.

“I have patients that have been with me since the beginning; they still ask me about my kids and how they are

doing,” Peter says. “I have quite a few people who are multi-generational because hearing loss runs in the family.

I’ve had grandparents, daughters and granddaughters as patients.”

Getting to know people and being part of the community is what the Luciers enjoy about being business owners.

“My patients, I think, are fantastic.

One of the things that I like is the variety of people that I have met,” Peter says. “I had one billionaire as a patient years ago, and I have had people from all walks of life — business owners, veterans, people with fascinating stories. It’s nice that you get to know the patients over the years.”

Since opening their doors, the Luciers have made house calls and continue to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining that personal connection is vital to the couple.

“We are small enough to be flexible, and we kind of tailor to the patient’s needs, which is important,” Peter says.

“I have been all over the place, seeing patients over the years. It is fun and rewarding.

Through the COVID-19 stayhome orders, the Luciers continued

to communicate with lots of people through phone calls and emails.

“And I could tell a lot of them were lonely because they were by themselves,” Peter says. “It was nice to talk to people. I was doing house calls, delivering batteries and dropping some hearing aids off.”

Hearing Aid Specialists take great pride in fixing hearing aids.

“To be able to get their hearing aids fixed and repaired, usually on the same day, I like the troubleshooting, working with them,” Peter says. “With 20 years of experience, I have seen every brand, type, and style and fixed thousands of hearing aids over the years.”

The Luciers are members of local service organizations and happily give back.

“We’ve been good at supporting charities,” Peter says. “I don’t think we have ever turned down a silent auction request or a donation. It’s fun because you get to know people in your community.” ■

HEARING AID SPECIALISTS is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday but by appointment only right now. They are located at 7070 Morro Rd. in Atascadero and 12326 Los Osos Valley Rd. in San Luis Obispo. For more information or to make an appointment, visit slocountyhearingaids. com or call 805-460-7385 or 805-439-3586.

Paso Robles Magazine | July 2020

| All About Agility

All About Events

W

By Jeannette Simpson

hat began in 2008 as a side hustle from working two jobs already, Party Partners was started by delivering tables and chairs for local events. Over time, having built industry connections and a good reputation, it grew and then ultimately became successful enough to launch All About Events as a full-time business venture in 2011.

Locally owned and operated, All About Events offers most everything an event could need except the venue and a coordinator, though they will also help to find both of those things and more, assisting in creating each unique event. Its founder, Steven Herring, left the fire service and oil fields to dedicate himself to the business that he started and grew to need his full-time attention.

From 2011 to 2020, All About Events showed strong growth year after year blossoming into 2 locations for storage and operations, a fleet of event tents and service vehicles, a trusted and highly valued team of employees, and even just began breaking ground on a new third building.

They were on track to have their best year yet, until March 15, when almost immediately after the severity of the pandemic caused global social distancing requirements, their solidly booked clients called to postpone or cancel their events

and within days over 500 events disappeared. In a word, 2020 was canceled.

Many of our local businesses are directly related to the Hospitality and Tourism Industry that was hit hard by the pandemic. However, the Events industry is unique in that the business itself is affected, but also the visions, dreams, and delights of its customers and the meaning behind their planned events are affected too, postponing or canceling months and sometimes years of planning.

For Herring, the toughest part was the crushed Brides and Grooms to be, the worried non-profit groups losing their fundraising chances. Then personally having to make the heartbreaking decision to furlough most of his dedicated and highly valued team, from 30 to 10 employees in a blink.

So Herring got busy figuring out how they could best take care of the employees he was able to keep. Work towards bringing some furloughed employees back eventually, serve the local community and use this time, the tools, and the assets of the business in new ways and for the new safeguards.

First, their tents were rented by health centers as Emergency Triage Tents for use to screen patients more safely as the early local cases surged.

Next, they started considering things like using the trucks for a moving services business arm and

using the tents in new offerings in what is becoming the new normal.

Meanwhile, in an abundance of caution to their already rigorous safety standards, they have created, tested, and trained for new additional safety and sanitation procedures to ensure the health of their crew, clients and guests. They are excited about their newest revised offering: a distance safe pop-up lodging service called “Quarantine Campouts.” Supplying their Solstice tents and Mobile Man Caves to local properties for people that want to camp out for a weekend, mini staycation, or safer visit. A given property can request the delivery and set up of tents stocked with creature comforts perfect for glamping getaways.

Like most of us learning to navigate and thrive in these trying times, attempting to fluidly roll with the difficulties we face and adapt to unprecedented new realities, Herring and All About Events have been staying afloat by remaining open and changing course. By facing the current realities head-on early and being willing to consider different ideas than were initially planned.

To find out more, visit their website at allaboutevents.com. It provides a wealth of information, a comprehensive catalog of all the items, tents, and services they can offer, including a rich photo gallery for reference and ideas. ■

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July 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

pasoroblesmagazine.com | 25

A Heavenly Home Retirement & Senior Living |

O

Marco and Jennifer Jimenez, top, opened A Heavenly Home to provide the elderly with joy and high quality of life. All photos provided by A Heavenly Home.

26 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

By Camille DeVaul

ff Union Road in Paso Robles, sits not a nursing home, but A Heavenly Home.

Their business motto says, “Where our Home is your Home,” and nothing could ring more true.

Marco and his wife Jennifer Jimenez opened A Heavenly Home in Paso Robles to provide the elderly a place where they can “live out their senior years with more joy and quality of life.” Residents are allowed to live out their usual routines while having all the support of an assisted living center.

For over a decade, Marco served as a firefighter in southern Los Angeles. After making regular calls to an assisted living facility, he felt inspired to create plans for a better elderly home.

He began this journey by enrolling at UCLA to study geriatric psychology.

In 2014, Marco and his family were given the opportunity to learn the senior care business in Paso Robles.

Jennifer, who was already in the healthcare industry, along with her husband, completed their administrator’s license.

Their first Heavenly Home location on Prospect Avenue held six residents.

But that was just the beginning.

After studying every aspect, the couple began construction of a new senior housing campus in 2016 on 2.5 acres. Conveniently adjacent from their original location, the new residential

home currently cares for their maximum capacity of 30 residents.

Just as how fine wine gets better with time, it took the Jimenezes longer than usual to complete their senior residential campus, but it was oh so worth it.

Marco and his wife Jennifer considered details that most wouldn’t even think about when it comes to a senior care facility. When building the senior homes, Marco made it a point to have the homes positioned to get the most natural sunlight throughout the day.

At A Heavenly Home, they believe in outdoor living. Residents have access to walking paths, outdoor games, and seating for them to enjoy on their own or with their families. The homes are placed to provide ample outdoor space for residents.

“Marco and I built this with so much detail in mind, so much love.

We are always there because we are so involved,” says Jennifer. “It’s a family-run business and each of those residents, to us, it’s grandmas and grandpas. They are treated with the utmost love, dignity, and respect.”

When it came to COVID-19, A Heavenly Home was proactive and abundantly equipped. Jennifer described themselves as being OCD when it comes to being prepared.

Anyone entering the facility is screened with various questions and a temperature check. Even before the virus, they had ample supplies of masks, hazmat

suits, and gowns available to guests when entering the facility.

Hand washing and sanitizing stations have been placed throughout campus and will remain a permanent addition. With already having such high standards for hygiene and cleanliness, staff upped the ante anyway they could. With no COVID-19 cases to report, it is safe to say all their precautions paid off!

“Marco just has such a knack for what he does, for what we do, and he is so so good with the elderly. His Love.

He knows how to take what could be a scary moment and make it funny — and that I think makes it so much easier for the resident.”

The Jimenez family dreamed of creating homes for their residents.

Where they can wake up and smell the coffee, eat with their friends at the breakfast table and keep living the way they want.

A Heavenly Home has created a new standard for senior living. Their residents are treated like family by all members of staff. When Marco and Jennifer tell you about the home they have created, they speak with genuine passion and love.

Their devotion to what they do is shown through every detail put in place and every smile on their resident’s faces.

To learn more about A Heavenly Home and take a virtual tour of the facility, visit aheavenlyhomepaso.com. ■

Paso Robles Magazine | July 2020

| Exploring the Enclaves

Wine Trail

PL E A SA N T VA L L E Y

P

aso’s renowned diversity rests not only on its grape varieties but in its varied regions.

The Pleasant Valley Wine Trail (PVWT) is a testament to this attribute. Wide-open spaces, golden rolling hills and acres of well-manicured vineyards offer a wine experience that is nearby yet off the beaten path.

A group of 13 wineries plus Hartley Farms and Wine Country RV Resort spread out through the deep and rich land running along a 13-mile trail, east and north of Downtown Paso, that winds through the rolling hills of San Miguel and edges up to the Monterey County line.

This enclave straddles the appellations of the San Miguel District and the Estrella District, known for a combination of soils ranging from sandy loam and alluvial to clay and calcareous. Mostly family-owned wineries here are producing wines from some 20 different varieties from cabernet sauvignon to zinfandel crafting artisanal wines from estate-grown and purchased fruit.

The northernmost winery is Vino Vargas in San Miguel, while Hearst Ranch Winery along North River Road is a quick jaunt from Downtown. Cinquain Cellars and Bon Niche Cellars cocoon on Independence Ranch while another cluster spreads around Estrella Road and Ranchita Canyon. Then there’s Mystic Hills Vineyard with its winery in San Miguel but its adjoining vineyards in Monterey County.

A handful of winemakers formed the PVWT group; Rob and Paula Campbell-Taylor, founders of Graveyard Vineyards, Lisa Pretty, co-founder of the former Pretty Smith Winery, and Steve Kroner, founder of the old Silver Horse Winery and now co-founder of KroBar Craft Distillery.

“It got off to a rocky start, but grew organically,” said Paula of the group that began in 2008. “We look out for each other and are good neighbors.”

For example, when the Taylors ran out of room for their empty barrels, Hartley Farms’ Goodrich family offered their storage space.

Graveyard’s name was derived from the historic Pleasant Valley Cemetery located at the foot of the driveway leading to the hilltop winery ensconced in a paradisiacal setting. As you sample wine under a gazebo, you can hear bees buzzing, birds chirping and bullfrogs bellowing around the lake.

“We planted all the trees,” Paula proudly declared as she pointed to the lush willow and pepper trees. A former horse ranch was transformed entirely by the Taylors when they purchased the 81-acre property in 2003. They planted 17 acres under vine, turned a dirt-floor barn into the tasting room and built their residence atop the property.

With noted winemaker Jason Bushong at the helm, the wine portfolio, although a mere 2,800 annual case-production, offers over a dozen wines ranging from Ascender, a spar-

sourced from Sonoma’s Russian River Valley.

“We pour everything we make,” said owner-winemaker Pedro Vargas.

Tasting here is an intimate experience.

“It’s pretty mellow. All equipment is moveable since we want to use the space most efficiently,” Pedro said of the 3,000 square-foot winery and tasting room he founded in 2012 with his wife Vicky, a certified sommelier.

An engineer by profession in San Jose’s hi-tech community, Pedro finds parallels with the wine industry.

“I learned certain processes in hi-tech that are applicable to the wine industry,” he said. He later added a degree in enology from the University of California at Davis.

From a mere 300-case production in 2012, Vino Vargas now produces 3,000 cases annually from estate and sourced grapes from vineyards within a 50-mile range.

Another vintner whose profession carries through in his wine business is Academy Award-winning film

We look out for each other and are good neighbors.

Paula Campbell-Taylor, Graveyard Vineyards kling wine, to Deliverance, a Portstyle chocolate-infused wine.

Yes, the Graveyard theme runs through many of the labels. There’s Paso Tombstone White, a refreshing blend of falanghina, sauvignon blanc and muscat; Tombstone Red, a blend of cabernet sauvignon, syrah and petite sirah; Ancient Rituals, a bold blend of petite sirah and syrah; and Mortal Zin, produced from the Primitivo clones of zinfandel.

Vino Vargas is another winery producing over a dozen wines from sparkling — crafted in the méthode champenoise style — to dessert wines. Among them are chardonnay, albariño, tempranillo, sangiovese, malbec, zinfandel and a pinot noir

July 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

editor Joel Cox, founder of Mystic Hills Vineyard. He is as diligent in crafting a film scene as he is tending vineyards. For Joel and his wife Judy, their boutique wine business is a family affair. The “by-appointment-only” tasting is conducted in their ranch-style home adorned with not only wine awards but also a gold Oscar statuette Joel received for the Clint Eastwood-directed film, “Unforgiven.” The deep and lush Bordeaux blends and varietal cabernet sauvignon and malbec are structurally powerful and most definitely age-worthy.

The scenic Tackitt Family Vineyards harkens back to the 1970s when winemaker Leon Tackitt’s grandfa-

ther brought 29 gewürztraminer vines from Germany and planted them on this hillside ranch where the grapes flourished. In 2007, Leon and his wife Cindy took their patriarch’s vision to another level when they established their Tackitt Family brand. The expanded portfolio includes handcrafted cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, petit verdot, syrah, a Port-style late-harvest zinfandel, an eclectic blend of barbera and zinfandel, and, of course, gewürztraminer.

Nearby Lusso Della Terra Cellars’ expansive property is ideal for a leisurely afternoon of al fresco wine tasting with a view of the vineyards.

The refreshing lineup of summer whites includes verdejo, viognier, sauvignon blanc and the reds range from cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel to petit verdot and merlot.

Opened in 2018, the Hearst Ranch Winery offers an unforgettable golf cart tour to the hilltop where the eye takes you from San Luis Obispo to Fort Hunter Liggett. The well-structured wines include the cranberry-laced malbec, a minerally cabernet franc and lush Bordeaux-style blends.

Locatelli Vineyards and Winery, Cinquain Cellars, Bon Niche, Four Sisters Ranch Vineyards and Winery, Riverstar Vineyards are among other wineries producing distinctive Bordeaux-style blends.

Set amidst a 130-acre vineyard site, the Tuscan-style Villa San-Juliette Vineyard and Winery offers an extensive portfolio of both Bordeauxand Rhône-style wines.

The 37-acre Hartley Farms’ organic orchard prides itself on over 1,000 trees, the fruit of which goes into delectable jams prepared by owners Barbara and Dan Goodrich. The farm is a popular wedding and event venue and will host PVWT’s upcoming Evening Under the Estrella Sky Winemakers’ Dinner scheduled for Aug. 15. Funds raised benefit must! charities.

For information, visit pleasantvalleywinetrail.com. ■

pasoroblesmagazine.com | 27

Thrive

| Education

Adapt, Innovate, and Jim J.

Brescia, Ed.D

C

OVID-19 has changed, turned upside down, and challenged how we do business as educators. Since March 16, 2020, I have participated in dozens of Zoom meetings with diverse and multigenerational educators, staff, administrators, business colleagues, and community members, asking what is the “New Normal” now and post COVID-19?

My doctoral dissertation and subsequent research agenda focused on adaptation, innovation, and change when faced with economic stress.

Each organization I have had the honor to serve has encountered fiscal, market, and institutional change because of the financial climate. Today, leaders face how to adapt, innovate, and thrive because of the inequities that exist in our society.

Some of the programs champi-

28 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

oned during my tenure that promote inclusion, equity, and opportunity include Outdoor Education, Career & Technical Education, Early Childhood Education, and Arts Education.

Each program is essential for a wellrounded education and an aspect of social justice that brings diverse populations together in a shared purpose.

Rancho El Chorro, one of San Luis Obispo County’s premier outdoor education programs, will join forces with Kern County’s outdoor education programs as a way to adapt, innovate, and thrive post-COVID-19. The outdoor facility has served thousands of students for decades, received tremendous support from the community, and recently completed a significant renovation. We will reopen more robust as schools and community groups can return to outdoor education programming.

Career & Technical Education (CTE), pre-apprenticeships, and apprenticeships have become a vital component in our local workforce and economic recovery. Local Assemblymember, Jordan Cunningham has

been a positive voice for CTE as we leverage the potential of these programs to address our challenges.

Our local school districts, Cuesta College, local trade unions, and local businesses are all adapting and innovating to thrive in the future. Creating future careers that are locally grown is a hallmark of our SLO Partners program.

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is an essential component of our economic recovery. The San Luis Obispo County Office of Education’s SLO Partners program, Cuesta College, First 5 SLO County, Trust Automation, CAPSLO, Paso Robles Bearkittens, the SLO County Child Care Planning Council, and several other organizations have joined forces in leveraging our ECE apprenticeship program, impact funds, and shared programming. Our goals include creating local multi-agency programs that serve the community, meet the changing needs of childcare, and have sustainability.

The arts are also a personal and professional passion that empow-

ers, engages, and provides a voice for positive change. COVID-19 has dramatically impacted Arts outreach programs. Over five million Americans make their livelihood in the broader arts and cultural sector across our country. Our educational arts outreach is partnering with multiple organizations across the county to adapt, innovate, and thrive as we confront our “New Normal.”

The challenges we face are also opportunities to address inequities about how we serve the current and future generations of young people.

Changes that address the disparities of the current system can raise student voices, make access to education universal, make experiential learning the norm, and create an environment to better our society. I am very proud of the collegiality, teamwork, and collective efforts our community has exhibited during these challenging times. We can and must do more to treat everyone with respect, dignity, and fairness. It is an honor to serve as your county superintendent of schools. ■

Paso Robles Magazine | July 2020

July 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

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P

aso Robles Magazine is planned out months in advance so we are not able to cover all the stories that deeply impact our community in our monthly publication. That is why we love that we also publish the Paso Robles Press that brings you breaking news, in-depth coverage, people and business profiles, local heroes, and the voice of the community — delivered weekly to your door, online, and to your inbox.

Here is a glimpse at some of those stories:

TWO-DAY MANHUNT ENDS WITH GUNMAN DEAD, JUNE 11 The nearly two-day manhunt for the man who shot several officers and allegedly killed a homeless man ended the way it began — with gunfire.

PRJUSD BEGINS WORKING ON BUDGET CUTS, JUNE 9 PRJUSD, like many of the other school districts across the country, are facing many obstacles due to the COVID19 pandemic.

CELEBRATING ‘NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY,’ JUNE 19 MAYOR MARTIN ADDRESSES ‘WHIP’ VIDEO, Juneteenth celebrates the final “memo” to the resi- RUMORS, AND MORE, JUNE 9 dents of Galveston, Texas in 1865, when Union General This time of pandemic and social strife has put us all Gordon Granger delivered a proclamation announcing to under extreme emotional, financial, and spiritual presthe remaining Confederate allegiance that they had lost sure. Our humanity and our nation are being tested. They the Civil War and slavery as they knew it was over, that “all must endure and flourish. In every crisis, the opportunity slaves are free.” Juneteenth — recognized by California exists. Today we have the opportunity to heal long-standas “National Freedom Day” on the third Saturday in June ing wounds, correct persistent injustice, and make true our — is the closest thing we have to a celebration of the claim that “we are all in this together.” independence of all people of our nation, although the Civil War failed to correct many cultural and civil rights issues. MARION MCKIE ENJOYS 100TH BIRTHDAY PARADE, JUNE 7 FAMILY REMEMBERS LOCAL MAN On Monday, June 1, a group of dozens of vehicles decoSHOT BY TRAIN STATION, JUNE 18 rated with balloons, signs, and loaded with cheer-givers James Watson “loved his family more than life itself and drove around Creston Village in Paso Robles to celebrate everyone knew it.” He was an “awesome man,” he would Marion McKie’s 100th birthday. give the shirt off his back to anyone in need “even after being down on his luck, he was just that kind of man.” He PEACEFUL PROTEST DOWNTOWN was very strong in his Christian faith and believed in the ENDS IN PRAYER, JUNE 3 power of prayer. “We all loved him dearly.”

On June 2, a group came together to hold a peaceful protest in the Downtown Park of Paso Robles in support FOUR OFFICERS WOUNDED IN SHOOTING of George Floyd and against police brutality and the killing ON ROAD TO RECOVERY, JUNE 18 of black Americans.

According to reports from family and their respective agencies, all four officers shot during the nearly two-day The protest was peaceful and organized as over 100 search in Paso Robles last week are expected to recover. people from all walks of life joined together with signs and marched around the park with each other after gathering PRPD THANKS THE COMMUNITY in the gazebo and spreading their message.

FOLLOWING MANHUNT, JUNE 12 As for everyone involved, Paso cannot thank you enough.

“It was in support of George Floyd and everyone else that From the dispatchers, officers, streets division, IT, restaulost their lives not just due to police brutality,” Porche Bailey, rants who dropped off food, to the many thoughts and one of the two event organizers, said. “But also in support of prayers we received from the community. Everyone pulled people like Ahmaud Arbery, who was killed while jogging.” together to bring this situation to an end.

The protesters were met at the park by a few officers from the Paso Robles Police Department, who were not dressed in riot gear, and spoke with the protesters, and listened to their concerns. According to reports, PRPD police chief Ty Lewis addressed the crowd directly with a message of support and understanding. The Paso Robles Press has reached out to PRPD for comment and is still waiting for a reply.

“It was amazing they came and introduced themselves, and we let, I believe it was the Chief of police, speak,” Bailey said after the protest. “And they were very attentive and asking people if they needed anything to let them know, and at that point in time, my heartfelt very filled with joy because I felt that I was able to do this and be at peace.” .

For full stories and more, visit and subscribe to pasoroblespress.com

30 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

Paso Robles Magazine | July 2020

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July 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

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DIRECTORY of LOCAL HOUSES of WORSHIP The following listing of area houses of worship is provided by the partnership between Adelaide Inn and PASO Magazine. We hope to include all houses of worship in the Paso Robles, Templeton, San Miguel, Shandon, and Bradley areas. Your congregation is welcomed to send us updates and information to make our list complete and accurate. If you have information, please send an email to publisher@pasomagazine. com or call 805-239-1533. Please include your name, address, phone, service times, and name of spiritual leader of your congregation. Thank you, and stay blessed.

ATASCADERO Awakening Ways Spiritual Community 9315 Pismo Ave. 10 a.m. at the Pavilion Rev’s Frank & Terry Zum Mallen Congregation Ohr Tzafon 2605 Traffic Way Service: Fridays, 7:30 p.m.

Rabbi Janice Mehring (805) 466-0329

CRESTON Creston Community Church 5170 O’Donovan Road Service: 9:00 a.m.

Pastor JD Megason

LOCKWOOD True Life Christian Fellowship Lockwood/Jolon Road, across from the school in Lockwood Service: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Erick Reinstedt (805) 472-9325

NACIMIENTO Heritage Village Church At The Don Everingham Center Heritage Ranch Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Brad Brown (805) 712-7265 Hill Top Christian Fellowship 2085 Gateway Drive Heritage Ranch Service: 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Jack Little (760) 304-2435 Oak Shores Christian Fellowship 2727 Turkey Cove Rd., at the Oak Shores Community Clubhouse Service: 8:30 a.m.

Pastor Jack Little (760) 304-2435

PASO ROBLES Apostolic Assembly of the Faith of Christ Jesus 2343 Park St Bilingual Services: Services: Thursday 7 p.m.

Sunday 2 p.m.

Pastor Miguel Alvarado (805) 610-2930 Bridge Christian Church Centennial Park Banquet Room 600 Nickerson Dr. Service: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Tim Mensing (805) 975-7178 Calvary Chapel Paso Robles 1615 Commerce Way Service: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Aaron Newman (805) 239-4295

Christian Life Center Assembly of God 1744 Oak St. Service Times: 10:30 a.m.

Youth Ministries: Monday 7:00 Home Groups during the week Preschool: Christian Life Early Learning Center Pastor Guy Drummond (805) 238-3366 Christian Science Services 17th & Chestnut Streets Service: 10 a.m. Sunday & 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 7 p.m.

(805) 239-1361 Church of Christ 3545 Spring St. (Corner 36th & Spring) Service: Sunday, 11 a.m.

Evangelist Bob Champion (805) 286-5875 Sam Hogan (310) 602-9516 Delbert Arthurs (805) 238-4412 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1020 Creston Rd. Service: 9 a.m.

(805) 238-4216 Missionaries: (805) 366.2363 Covenant Presbyterian Church 1450 Golden Hill Rd. Service: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Dan Katches (805) 238-6927 Belong Central Coast 905 Vine St. meets @ NCCF Service: Sunday 3 p.m.

Senior Leaders: Pep & Angie Robey (661) 205-7853 Family Worship Center 616 Creston Rd. Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Patrick Sheean (805) 239-4809 First Baptist Church 1645 Park St. Pastor Michael R. Garman Services: 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Discipleship 10 a.m.

(805) 238-4419 First Mennonite Church 2343 Park St. Service: 11 a.m.

Pastor Romero (805) 238-2445 First United Methodist 915 Creston Rd. Service: 11 a.m.

Pastor Josh Zulueta (805) 238-2006 Grace Baptist Church 535 Creston Rd. Service: 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Gary Barker (805) 238-3549 Highlands Church Corner S. River and Niblick 215 Oak Hill Services: 8:30, 9:45 & 11 a.m.

Pastor James Baird

(805) 226-5800 Life Worth Living Church of God 620 17th St. Service: 11 a.m.

Pastor Jim Wilde (805) 238-0978 Live Oak 1521 Oak St. Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor John Kaiser (805) 238-0575 Mid State Baptist Church 3770 Ruth Way Services Sunday: 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: 6:30 p.m.

Pastor Bruce Fore (805) 238-2281 New Day 1228 11th St (east off Paso Robles St) Services: Sunday 10 a.m., Wednesday 7 p.m.

Pastor Brad Alford (805) 239-9998 New Life Tabernacle 3850 So. Ramada Dr. Ste. D Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Efrain Cordero

1937 Riverside Ave. Service: 11 a.m.

Pastors: Gary Jordon (805) 238-2011 St. James Episcopal Church 1335 Oak St. Services: 8 a.m. (Rite I) 10 a.m. (Rite II) Reverend Barbara Miller (805) 238-0819 St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church 820 Creston Rd. Weekday Mass: M-S, 7 a.m.

Weekend Masses: Saturday - 5 p.m. (Vigil) Sunday - 8 a.m., 10 a.m. (Family Mass) 12:30 p.m. (Spanish) 5 p.m. (Teen) & 7 p.m. (Spanish) Father Rudolfo Contreras (805) 238-2218 The Revival Center 3850 Ramada Dr., Ste. A-3 Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Gabe Abdelaziz (805) 434-5170

North County Christian Fellowship 421 9th St. Services: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Steve Calagna (805) 239-3325

The Light of the World Church 2055 Riverside Ave. Services: Everyday, 6 p.m.

Sundays 10 a.m. & 5 p.m.

Pastor Bonifacio Robles (612) 990-4701

Paso Robles Bible Church 2206 Golden Hill Rd. Service: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mark Wheeler Pastor Dave Rusco (805) 226-9670

Trinity Lutheran Church 940 Creston Rd. Contemporary Service: 9 a.m.

Traditional Service: 10:45 a.m.

Sr. Pastor Dan Rowe (805) 238-3702

Paso Robles Church of the Nazarene 530 12th St. Service: 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Charles Reece (805) 238-4300 www.pasonaz.com

Victory Outreach Paso Robles 3201 Spring Street, Paso Robles Ca Services: Sunday,10:30 a.m.

Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Pastor Pete Torres (805) 536-0035

Paso Robles Community Church 2706 Spring St. Service: 9:00 a.m.

Pastor Shawn Penn (805) 239-4771 www.pasochurch.com

TEMPLETON

Plymouth Congregational Church, UCC Thirteenth and Oak Streets Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Steven Mabry (805) 238-3321 Poder de Dios Centro Familiar 500 Linne Road, Suite D Services Sunday 4:30p.m. & Wed. 7p.m.

Pastors: Frank and Isabel Diaz (805) 264-9322 / (805) 621-4199 Redeemer Baptist Church Kermit King Elementary School 700 Schoolhouse Circle Service: 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Christopher Cole (805) 238-4614 Second Baptist Church

Adelaide Inn 1215 Ysabel Ave (Just off 24th near Hwy 101 and 46 East intersection) Paso Robles, 805-238-2770

Bethel Lutheran Church 295 Old County Rd. Service: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Amy Beveridge (805) 434-1329 Celebration Worship Center Pentecostal Church of God 988 Vineyard Drive Pastor Roy Spinks Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.

(805) 434-2424 Central Coast Center for Spiritual Living 689 Crocker St. Service: 10 a.m.

Rev. Elizabeth Rowley (805) 242-3180 Cowboy Church Family Praise & Worship 206 5th st.

Service: 10 am Pastor Vern H. Haynes Jr.

805-975-8594 Templeton Presbyterian Church 610 S. Main St. Service: 10 a.m.

Reverend Charlie Little (805) 434-1921 Higher Dimension Church 601 Main St. 1st Sunday: 1:30 p.m.

2nd - 5th Sundays 12:30 p.m.

Pastor Charlie Reed, Jr. (805) 440-0996 Life Community Church 3770 Ruth Way Service: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Keith Newsome (805) 434-5040 Solid Rock Christian Fellowship Assembly of God 925 Bennett Way Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Jeff Saylor (805) 434-2616 Seventh-day Adventist Church Templeton Hills 930 Templeton Hills Rd. Services: Saturday 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Zac Page (805) 434-1710 Vineyard Church of Christ 601 So. Main St. Service: 10 a.m.

Evangelist: Steve Orduno (805) 610-4272 Vintage Community Church 692 Peterson Ranch Road Services: 9 & 11 a.m.

Coaches: Aaron Porter, Dayn Mansfield (805) 543-0943

SAN MIGUEL Iglesia Fuente De Agua Viva 301 13th St. Services: 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Pastor Mike Duran (805) 467-5500 Mission San Miguel Parish 775 Mission Street Weekday Mass: 8 a.m.

Weekend Mass: Saturday: 5 p.m. English (Vigil) & 6:30 p.m. Spanish (Vigil) Sunday: 7 a.m., Noon & 6 p.m.

(Spanish) Father Eleazar Diaz, OFM (805) 467-2131

SHANDON Shandon Assembly of God 420 Los Altos Ave. Pastor Keith Richards Pastor Jim Mei (805)226-9737 Spanish Service: Sunday 5 p.m. & Thurs 7 p.m.

Pastor Mauro Jimenez

Paso Magazine P.O. Box 427 Paso Robles, CA 93447 Phone: 805-239-1533 or publisher@pasomagazine.com

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Paso Robles Magazine | July 2020

Carrying on the Conversation By 13 Stars Media Editorial Board

I

n light of the national conversations regarding where the “thin blue line” should be redrawn, we felt compelled to assert our position in the bigger picture as a matter of transparency.

As members of our community and our nation grapple with perspectives surrounding police brutality, violence, and abuse of power, we have a part to play in all fairness and equality to the members in every corner of our community.

When vandals and drug users became a problem in the creek area near Centennial Plaza, we exposed it and it was addressed by those responsible.

When peaceful protests assembled to speak, we listened and shared.

When hostile protests assembled, we listened and shared.

Our sentiment as a company is that “no innocent person should feel threatened or be harmed.”That sentiment is extended by us to all members of our population — locally and nationally — and is especially true of the most vulnerable.

As a nation and a community, we showed that unified resolve when we sheltered against the coronavirus

against our better judgment. We didn’t know enough, so we went over and beyond for all our people.

We took action to protect innocent lives. Lately, a lot of innocent lives are not being protected. As a nation, reform of ideas and habits is taking place.

From police unions promising change to municipalities promising attention, a deep conversation regarding American culture and American history is taking place.

National reforms are being taken seriously, and actions by protesters demonstrating a need for further conversations locally.

Meaningful change will not come from choosing a side on a national level or a local level. Meaningful change will come from meaningful efforts to face uncomfortable truths and accept the things we cannot change.

It will require the courage to change the things we can. It will require the wisdom to know the difference.

As a newspaper and magazine company, our platform is our difference. It is a platform for discussion and honest conversation between members of our community who have lived through real-life experiences that have made them feel less safe, less worthy, or less respected.

Not all feelings are justifiable by the facts, but not all facts demand the ignoring of feelings. We can make a difference if we continue to talk about it.

We need to have these discussions as a community. Our role as a newspaper is to provide a platform for the sharing of diverse viewpoints — not just right or left, or black and white, but 360 degrees in living color — and hold decision-makers and elected officials accountable for their words and deeds, including their lack of words and deeds.

The Mayor of Paso Robles, Steven Martin, has promised a committee to facilitate discussion regarding fairness and equality in all levels of his local government.

We will follow that progress, but most importantly, it is those who still have the longest life to live that need to show up and insist on progress.

We all have a duty to advocate for ourselves and hold our local government accountable for things that matter to us.

We know that voices have been unheard, or even silenced, and we believe that time is over. While our newspaper is documenting newsworthy area events, we also want to document the community conversation on important topics that impact our

community.

Not everything will make it to a City Council agenda, but we have the platform to make voices heard. It will work if people care enough to keep talking after the passion dies down.

Success is not in reaching the top of the mountain, but in continuing the climb. The moon was just one small step for man. The remaining universe awaits a humanity that deserves to venture beyond it.

We have a long way to go as a nation, and as a community. The conversation has only just begun, and we intend to provide the platforms to create a welcoming and safe place to discuss alternating viewpoints and bring awareness and humanity to issues that need a human touch.

If it was going to be easy, someone would have already done it. For our local communities, it is up to us to make meaningful change for ourselves. We invite you to reach out to us with a willingness and intention not only to share your point of view but to participate in a discussion that needs to be had.

As residents of this community, with respect to all who work to make it one of the great places to live in all the world, we believe we can do better still, and we ask you to join us. ■

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