Rain clears just in time for 38th annual Vine St. Victorian
Crowds celebrate holiday cheer
PASO ROBLES — The morning rain cleared just in time to welcome crowds of people to Vine Street for the 38th annual Vine Street Victorian Showcase. On Saturday, Dec. 14, Vine Street was closed to vehicles and opened itself to families from all over the Central Coast.
At 6 p.m. — just before the event truly kicked off — a procession made its way down the street. The Paso Robles High School Band marched through, followed by the Paso Robles Area Historical Society’s trolley carried City Council members and their family members.
“I think it’s fun for us to be able to share the holiday cheer,” Paso Robles High School Band Director
Dorian Baker retires after years of service; Leo Castillo sworn in to represent Trustee Area 6
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) recognized outgoing Trustee Dorian Baker as she officially retired, and welcomed in newly elected Leo Castillo to represent Trustee Area 6. The meeting, held on Tuesday, Dec. 17, was the last meeting of 2024.
PRJUSD Superintendent
Jennifer Loftus began the meeting by thanking Baker for her dedication to the district: “Tonight we honor Dorian Baker, a leader who has dedicated the past four years to advancing the success of our students and empowering our families.” Baker, a Cal Poly graduate,
was a first- and second-grade teacher at Virginia Peterson Elementary School in Paso Robles for 25 years. She retired from the district to help open Almond Acres Charter Academy in San Miguel, where she taught second grade for three years until her final teaching retirement in 2017.
Loftus continued to address Baker directly saying, “Your service on this board has been guided by a clear and passionate focus. Two of which have really stood out to me: ensuring literacy by third grade and championing the rights of parents to be active partners in their children’s education.”
Loftus then presented Baker with a plaque and flowers, again thanking her for her dedication to the district and lasting impression she has left behind.
Baker then addressed the board, staff, and community,
Showcase
Humberto Cera told Paso Robles Press. “It sounds kinda cheesy, but we definitely enjoy being able to bring that to the town. It makes us feel more connected as a school and as Paso Robles citizens.”
The PRHS band has participated in the Vine Street procession for a number of years. This year, between 60 and 70 students participated from holding the
PASO ROBLES — To start its last meeting of the year on Tuesday, Dec. 17, the Paso Robles City Council declared and certified the results of the Nov. 5 General Election. As a result, council welcomed in new and re-elected councilmembers who were sworn in with the Oath of Office prior to continuing with the meeting.
Treasurer Ryan Cornell, District 1 Councilmember Kris Beal, District 3 Councilmember Steve Gregory, and District 4 Councilmember Fred Strong were all sworn into office Tuesday night. While Strong and Gregory were both re-elected, Beal is serving for the first time after winning her seat against
NORTH COUNTY — The Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles (Toy Bank) celebrated 30 years of bringing magic to families in need of some extra support during the holiday season. The organization has been able to provide toys and clothing to about 500 families and 1,400 children from newborn to 12 years old. They specifically work to serve low-income families from Paso Robles, Shandon, San Miguel, Bradley, and Heritage Ranch.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, Toy Bank again was partnered with Coats for Kids of SLO County for their annual Day of Giving. Held at the Paso Robles Event Center, volunteers gather toys and coats to be distributed to the over 700 families who seek assistance from the nonprofits. Coats for Kids has been helping keep
One of the houses is shown off during the Vine Street Victorian Showcase on Saturday, Dec. 14. For the 38th year, people walked Vine Street to witness all the decorated Victorian homes. Photo by Camille DeVaul
Toy Bank volunteers Dena Vertees and Deborah McPherson helped distribute
Paso Robles Event Center. Photo by Camille DeVaul/PRP
“Bearcat” shields, the color guard, and then the band members.
The band played two songs — “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and then an arrangement of “All I Want for Christmas is You” that Cera put together.
Cere says there has been a lot of growth in the band program recently.
“This is my fifth year at the high school, and we’re probably twice the size of when I came in five years ago,” Cera said. “So it’s a lot of growth, a lot of community support, a lot of support from the school. We’re going out and doing competitions and festi-
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vals, and the students are successful.”
For the past 38 years, crowds have drawn from all over the Central Coast to see the community’s most looked-forward-to Christmas event of the year. For one night only, the streets between 8th and 21st transform into a Hallmark movie wonderland as thousands of people gather to walk Vine Street and witness all the Victorian homes decorated for Christmas.
The Highlands Church brought in real snow to create a snow slide.
For about 15 years, the Highlands Church has been bringing in tons of snow for the community to experience. Set builder and Paso Robles resident Greg Hamlin lent a hand and
current Councilmember Sharon Roden. A motion passed unanimously to swear in all four members. Council then said farewell to Roden.
“I want to appreciate all the service you gave to us as a council and friendship but also to the public. It’s important that people understand that this is not the easiest job in the world and it takes a lot to do it well and Sharon did,” said Mayor John Hamon of Sharon’s time on council.
Roden was appointed to the District 1 seat in October 2023 after John Hamon was appointed mayor in September of last year.
“This past year has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling year of my life,” said Roden. “I can’t say I’m not disappointed. To do so would be disingenuous but to the degree you might expect. The reason is simple: I value relationships, character, and knowledge above all else.”
Roden thanked friends from around the country who reached out and for the new, old,
families warm for 37 years now. Their mission has always been to distribute warm items such as coats, jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts directly to North County families in need. Along with the Toy Bank, the nonprofits are keeping families warm and kids excited for the holiday season.
Entirely run by volunteers from the start, the nonprofits work hard to make sure that everything they receive goes to North County families. This year, Toy Bank Chair and Day of Giving Coordinator Amanda Bean was right in her prediction that more families were in need of their help this year.
“We have 630 families
his skills to build the snow slide this year. Thanks to Kia of Paso Robles car dealership and their generous donation, the Highlands Church was able to pay for the snow and bring it into the community.
Coast Pipe made its second appearance with its award-winning parade float. During the Christmas Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7, Coast Pipe won the Sweepstakes Award. Their lighted semi truck and welded stall and float made quite an impression for the business’s first time ever participating in the parade.
“This has been an exciting experience for our whole team. It’s a project that everyone has been excited about
and rekindled friendships she gained throughout the last year.
“Most especially, I thank my wife Dana, who is still more loyal, and prettier than my best hunting dog. I could not have done any of this without her strength and love,” said Roden. “I want to thank Kris Beal for running a thoughtful and respectful campaign. I look forward to working with her and lending whatever support she may ask. I have no doubt she will represent our city well.”
Later in the meeting, the council returned to the conversation of what to do with the Employee Parking Program.
In 2018, the city created the Downtown Employee Permit Parking Pilot Program to provide a low-cost parking option for downtown business owners and employees.
The 98 parking spaces reside in the employee permit parking lots located at Spring Street and 12th Street; 12th Street, adjacent to Marv’s Pizza; Alley between Pine Street and Railroad Street; 13th Street and 12th Street; and 12th Street and Railroad Street. Initially, the program was created to prevent downtown
signed up this year,” said Bean. “We’re about 100 more than we’ve had in the past couple years. So there was definitely a much bigger need this year than there has been in the past, which we kind of anticipated. Because things are expensive this year.”
Bean adds that this year they have seen more firsttime families than they ever had before.
“I think that that just kind of shows the impact of what’s going on in the economy,” Bean explained. “Because it’s not even people that just had babies in the last year. It’s people that have older kids that it’s, just, it’s really rough. And that’s why we are a backup. I think people just have less discretionary funds than they’ve had in the past.”
thanking them all for the opportunity to serve as a trustee. She noted that running for office was never in her plans, especially right after retiring, however, she says she felt called to serve. Throughout her term, Baker was on the board during the start of the COVID pandemic and the social issues that followed.
“We as a board worked hard to bring students back to in-person learning and to end the harmful mask mandates ahead of most other districts,” said Baker reflecting on the last four years. “We passed reso-
The Toy Bank also received less donations than in years past but Bean noted that the donations they did receive were more substantial gift items. One of the main attractions for the Toy Bank side of the day were Bill’s Bikes. Annually, the Toy Bank holds a bike raffle and starting this year the raffle was named after Bill Pluma — a dedicated Paso Robles volunteer who passed away in 2021. Pluma especially loved the bike raffle, so Bean says it was only fitting to name the raffle after him. Over 100 bikes were available for families and every single one of them went home with someone.
“I always tell people this is my favorite day of the entire year,” said Bean. “I love Christmas and I love that we’re able
lutions to protect staff and students from compelled speech regarding the use of personal pronouns as well as a resolution to ensure Critical Race Theory was not part of our students’ classroom experience.”
Baker says she was proud to expand the district’s ethnic studies curriculum to include diverse prospectives and honoring other important groups often overlooked and removing the burden of charging some families for transportation while others received it at no cost.
“Through it all, we have been guided by one clear purpose, our students,” says Baker. “They are the heart of everything we do. I love
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and involved in,” said Kyle Basti of Coast Pipe. “We’re very excited that we took the Sweepstakes Award.”
Homes and businesses spanning the 13 blocks welcomed guests with music, cocoa, and entertainment. The Vine Street Victorian Showcase is just one part to a notable holiday legend in Paso Robles. It all starts in November with Elegant Evening which is put on by the downtown businesses to get everyone in the holiday spirit by shopping downtown and kick off the holiday season. The following weekend is the Downtown Lighting Ceremony, where Mrs. Claus flips a switch that lights up all the trees in the downtown park. Follow-
business employees from parking on the street and leave those for customers. This was the city’s first attempt at managing parking downtown, and soon, the downtown paid parking program was installed.
See our story on the Tuesday, Dec. 3 City Council meeting where the council first reopened the employee parking discussion here: pasoroblespress.com/news/government/ city-of-paso-robles/paso-robles-city-councilreviews-future- of-downtown-employeeparking-program/
While staff again stood with their original recommendation to dissolve the employee parking program, others disagreed.
Jeff Weisinger, owner of Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ and president of the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association, shared his thoughts, “We are in support of keeping the lots designated for employee parking ... this has been a contentious issue that has been kind of dragging down the image of Paso Robles from the community to visitors alike.”
Weisinger adds that the local businesses he speaks for don’t have an issue with enforcement
to help people, but I’m glad that people were able to find us this year and that it’s not an after-the-fact thing where people are struggling and they don’t have enough.”
She added that the Day of Giving is an especially fun day: “There’s a lot of smiles and I love watching parents pick out the perfect gift for their kids. That’s one of my favorite things. I like watching people look at everything.”
On the coats side of the building, founder Barbie Butz said they had a great turnout of not only families and coats but also volunteers. The mission of Coats for Kids has always been to provide warm clothing not just for children but for the entire family. It’s a noble endeavor, and it all began over 30 years ago when
our students and hold deep respect for those who dedicate their lives to working with them.”
Baker then shared her vision of what she hopes lies ahead for the district. She hopes to prioritize school cultures where teachers love their work and want to stay at the district for their entire careers. She says this means disipline must be consistent and built into the culture. She also wants to see the district teach students what is means to be an American and to find joy and pride in that regardless of background. Lastly, Baker asked the community to step up their engagement with local government.
ing the downtown lighting, there is the Christmas Light Parade and then the Victorian showcase. Co-founder of the event and executive director of the Paso Robles Main Street Association Norma Moye was inspired by her own Victorian home to create the event. Next for Paso Robles holiday events is the 34th Annual Victorian Teddy Bear Affair on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Park Ballroom. Bring your teddy bear, dress him up. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Snow King and Queen as well as Santa’s Elves will be there for the fun. For more information and tickets, visit pasoroblesdowntown. org/downtown-event/32nd-annualvictorian-teddy-bear-tea/
of the employee parking lots and that the honor system has been working. He also added that he found documents that show the lots were onepurchased by the downtown businesses. The ownership of the lots was also brought up by Councilman Chris Bausch at the Dec. 3 meeting.
More business owners came forward asking the city to not remove the employee lots. Other residents, said they disagreed, and that the employee lots are not being utilized as intended. Ultimately, the second reading of the ordinance to officially eliminate the downtown Employee Parking Permit Program was continued to June 17, 2025. City staff was directed by the council to meet with downtown parking businesses to determine how best to utilize the existing lots and return to the City Council with feedback and recommendations. In the meantime, the Employee Parking Only signs will remain in the four designated lots and employees can continue to use the lots at no charge.
Paso Robles City Council will next meet on Jan. 15, 2025, at 6 p.m.
Butz was the president of the Los Niños Auxiliary of the Children’s Home Society. The Must! Charities Youth Board chose to help families pick out their coats on Saturday. There are 31 local students on the board this year which Must! Charities Company Culture Manager Megan Leishman notes is the most they have ever had. Must! Charities is a nonprofit that makes investments that address the most critical needs in the community, from youth mentorship to poverty to hunger.
Kate Nicholson — a junior from Templeton High School — said that while this is her first time volunteering on the Day of Giving, this is her second year serving on the Must! Charities Youth Board.
“It’s really fun. I love shopping and I love giving back to the community and everyone’s been super nice and I just love spreading joy to people,” said Nicholson. “I think that if you have any opportunity to go out and volunteer, help out with a charity, then you should do it. It’s such a fun and easy way to give back and spread joy to people that need it the most.” Nicholson also wanted to thank Leishman for her mentorship: “Megan [has] been so amazing and so happy and joyfulall the time. She is the glue to our whole program.”
For information on everything Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles, visit prtoybank.org
For more information on Coats for Kids, visit coatsforkidsslo county.org
“Now more than ever, our schools need active, informed citizens ... hold your trustees accountable,” says Baker. Baker will now be serving on the Board of Directors for TeamPaso — a local nonprofit working in partnership with PRJUSD to fostering math learning for Paso Robles students so they understand, master, and love it. Trustees thanked Baker for her service on the board, her kindness, patience, and thoughtfulness. It was then time to swear in new and re-elected trustees. Nathan Williams (Trustee Area 3), Leo Castillo (Trustee Area 6), Kenney Enney (Trustee Area 7), and Laurene McCoy (Trustee Area 5) all took new oaths of office to begin their new terms. All four were elected/ re-elected in the November 2024 General Election.
Paso Robles Press
LETTER POLICY
Following oaths of office, current Board President N. Williams motioned to Jim Cogan as the new board president. Enney nominated McCoy for board president. Cogan was approved to be board president by trustees with a 4-3 vote — Enney, Castillo, and McCoy voting no. For board clerk, Cogan nominated Trustee Sondra Williams. She was unanimously approved to serve as clerk. The next PRJUSD board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at 6 p.m. following closed session.
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LOCAL NEWS
California Farm Bureau president honors bureau’s
Organization’s yearly accomplishments recognized at Farm Bureau’s 106th annual meeting in Monterey
By CALEB HAMPTON CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
CALIFORNIA — California Farm Bureau
President Shannon Douglass celebrated the organization’s accomplishments this year in an address delivered Monday at the Farm Bureau’s 106th Annual Meeting in Monterey.
Douglass, speaking in her first annual address since being elected last year to lead the Farm Bureau, focused on local achievements and on the organization’s strength in unity.
The Farm Bureau president owns Douglass Ranch in Glenn County, where she raises beef cattle and grows walnuts, sunflowers, pumpkins, corn and forage crops.
“‘Stronger Together’ is more than a catchphrase,” Douglass said of the Farm Bureau’s theme for this year’s Annual Meeting, which brought together farmers and ranchers from across California. “We can have extensive success as a state organization, but it doesn’t matter if we don’t have strong county Farm Bureaus.”
Douglass cited examples of the Farm Bureau’s impact this year in different parts of the state, beginning with the resounding defeat of Measure J, a Sonoma County ballot measure that within three years would have banned large dairies and poultry farms in the county.
“We recognized that something like this in Sonoma County could easily be replicated” in other counties “and across the country,” Douglass said.
The Sonoma County Farm Bureau, with support from the California Farm Bureau and county Farm Bureaus, waged a more than yearlong campaign to defeat the measure.
“Not only were they successful, they were extremely successful,” Douglass said, with voters in the county rejecting Measure J by a margin of roughly 85 to 15 percent.
In Imperial County, the local Farm Bureau “decided this year they needed to get more involved politically,” Douglass said.
The county Farm Bureau made early endorsements of candidates in certain races, especially backing incoming Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, R-Coachella, a retired Marine who narrowly won a district long held by Democrats.
The county Farm Bureau played an active role in determining the outcome, Douglass said, hosting ballot-curing events as election officials counted votes for nearly two weeks after election day.
“They now have a new friend in the state house,” Douglass said.
She acknowledged the efforts of leaders at the San Francisco and San Diego County Farm Bureaus to cultivate relationships with staff at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.
Earlier this year, DPR partnered with farmworker advocacy groups to host a “Toxic Tour” of
Cal Poly ranks first in the nation for studying abroad for third year
Between fall 2022 and summer 2023, Cal Poly sent 1,105 students abroad to 21 countries
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Cal
Poly has once again earned the top ranking among Master’slevel institutions for sending students abroad, according to the Institute of International Education’s statistical survey of U.S. campuses for the 202223 academic year. The ranking, announced Nov. 18 in celebration of International Education Week, recognizes Cal Poly as a national leader in international education and one of only four peer institutions in the state to receive the distinction in 2024. This marks the third time Cal Poly has received the designation since 2020.
“Our students continue to find international study, research and internship opportunities as integral components to their studies. These high-impact experiences not only enhance their degree programs but also are foundational for their future careers,” said Cari Vanderkar, assistant vice provost for international programs and senior international officer at Cal Poly.
“This achievement is a testament to our dedicated staff, faculty, and donors who make these transformative opportunities accessible. Their support helps advance our mission to broaden access to study abroad opportunities for all Cal Poly students who wish to pursue Learn by Doing in a global context.”
Between fall 2022 and
summer 2023, Cal Poly sent 1,105 students abroad to 21 countries, including multi-country programs. Cal Poly also ranked first in the nation in mid-length duration programs, third in longterm programs andfifth in short-term programs. Since 2000, Cal Poly has consistently ranked as a top sender in the nation among master’s-level universities for internationally bound students. The complete report is available through the Institution for International Education in their 2024 Open Doors Report (opendoorsdata. org/data/us-study-abroad/ leading-institutions-by-institutional-type/).
International Education Week (IEW), held annually in mid-November, celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education highlights the vital role of international education in preparing Americans for a more connected world and fostering collaboration with tomorrow’s global leaders.
Cal Poly celebrated International Education Week with a host of events highlighting the value of global engagement. The week’s activities provided opportunities for the
campus community to explore international perspectives and participate in educational and cultural programming. More information is available on the International Center website(international.calpoly. edu/event/international-education-week/).
Cal Poly’s vision for internationalization is to provide foundational experiential learning, teaching, service andscholarship opportunities at home and abroad that will best equip graduates and the campus community at large to solve complex global challenges sustainably, ethically, and inclusively.
The Institute of International Education is the leading not-for-profit educational and cultural exchange organization in the U.S. It has conducted the Open Doors Report annual survey since 1919 and has since the early 1970s been aided by support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Open Doors surveys about 2,000 U.S. universities and colleges with study abroad programs. Cal Poly was recognized for completing the Open Doors Survey for the past 75 years and received a “Seal of Excellence” from IIE.
farms, raising concerns from agricultural stakeholders whose crop protection materials the department oversees.
She also thanked San Diego County Farm Bureau President Dana Groot for working to “build that bridge” between Farm Bureau and DPR.
“This work is done in every single one of your counties,” Douglass said. “There are big accomplishments, simple accomplishments, and they all make a difference.”
During her address, Douglass announced a $200,000 gift from Amador County Farm Bureau President Jim Spinetta and his wife Normita Spinetta. The gift will serve as an endowment to increase the monetary awards given to winners of the annual Young Farmers & Ranchers Open Discussion Meet. (See related story, Page 3) The event serves as a forum for YF&R members to discuss the challenges agriculture faces and potential solutions.
“The contribution will serve to endow the Young Farmers & Ranchers discussion meet program,” Douglass said. “The proceeds from this investment every year will help to fund those awards and help continue to grow (them) because Jim strongly believes that the winners of contests like these are our future leaders.
“And as we get more of them involved and encourage them to participate, our Farm Bureau is better and stronger,” she added.
Douglass announced changes to the way Farm Bureau members will determine policy stances and advocate for policy next year.
Instead of holding the organization’s regular Commodity Advisory Committee meetings in Sacramento, “these are going to be traveling Commodity Advisory Committees, held up and down the state” and available virtually so that more people can participate, Douglass said.
Farm Bureau will also shift the time of year when it convenes members at the capitol to advocate for policy during meetings with legislators.
The organization’s annual Capitol Ag Conference has recently been held in March, before most bills in the state Legislature have advanced very far. Next year, Douglass said, the visits will happen in May.
“We’ll be further along in the policy process,” she said, “and we’ll be better able to advocate on those issues.”
Douglass recognized several county Farm Bureaus that met goals of increasing their membership this year, including the Alameda, Calaveras, Humboldt, Inyo-Mono, Lake, Lassen, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Orange, San Luis Obispo, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Trinity, and Tuolumne County Farm Bureaus.
The Lake County Farm Bureau, Douglass said, added more than 60 new members, increasing its membership by more than 20 percent.
Meanwhile, in its first year, the new San Francisco Farm Bureau enrolled more than 100 members.
“Thank you for showing us what’s possible when we put our mind to something,” Douglass said.
California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass, in her first annual address as leader of the organization, speaks to members Monday during the 106th California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Monterey. Douglass highlighted local accomplishments and the organization’s strength in unity. Photo by Brian Farinas
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PASO ROBLES
Paso Robles Concerts in the Park seeking musical talent for 2025 summer season
Paso Robles Recreation Services and the Paso Robles REC Foundation are currently accepting applications for interested performers for the 2025 Summer Concerts in the Park series. This highly popular family-friendly concert series attracted over 25,000 attendees in the summer of 2024 and has been an annual tradition throughout the area since 2001. All shows are free and feature a wide variety of local and regional musical entertainment in the City Park gazebo.
“We were thrilled with the outstanding attendance during our Summer Concerts in the Park Series last summer,” commented Lynda Plescia, recreation services manager for the City of Paso Robles. “Our varied lineup of talented musicians delivered fabulous shows throughout the entire season. We’re excited to assemble another crowd-pleasing schedule of performances for the 2025 season.”
Concerts will take place on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m., June 12 through Aug. 28, 2025.
Musicians interested in consideration for the 2025 season must submit a press kit by Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, containing the following materials:
• A completed Band Interest Form available at prcity.com/ concertsinthepark
One to two relevant videos of previous performances in the last three years
• CD demo or downloadable songs
• Website or Facebook page information or link
• Set list to cover a two-hour set
• Two references Interested performers must email an electronic press kit (EPK) by the Jan. 31, 2025, deadline to Recreation Services Volunteer Coordinator Wyatt Lund at wlund@prcity.com or submit a physical press kit to Concerts in the Park, Attention: Wyatt Lund, 600 Nickerson Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446. For more information, please contact Wyatt Lund at (805) 237-3990 or at the email address above.
City gives update on Niblick Road project
The City of Paso Robles has prepared and intends to adopt a mitigated negative declaration for the Niblick Road Complete and Sustainable Bike and Pedes-
trian Enhancements Project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
The public is invited to provide written comment on the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration. The appropriateness of the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration will be considered in light of the comments received.
The declaration can be downloaded at prcity.com/DocumentCenter/View/38892/
The review period is set for Dec. 12, 2024, to Jan. 10, 2025. The project is located within Niblick Road between Spring Street and Creston Road.
The proposed project would utilize an ATP Cycle 6 Grant for the replacement of the existing westbound Class II bike lane and north side sidewalk with a raised 10-foot-wide multi-use path along the Niblick Road Corridor (Niblick Road between Spring Street and Creston Road). The project would incorporate sustainable bicycle and pedestrian components to encourage multimodal transportation. No land use and zoning changes would be required for Project implementation.
The corridor would be modified to enable the construction of a raised multi-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians within the existing city right-of-way. The existing curbs and gutters would be removed and reconstructed to city design standards. The multiuse path would be installed with raised path separators and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant ramps between multi-use path sections interrupted by driveways and streets. Raised path separators would provide pedestrians and cyclists separation from vehicular traffic. An additional sidewalk would be constructed on the south side of the corridor between Rambouillet Road and Creston Road to create a more consistent sidewalk. Class II bike lane striping and green paint would also be added to the existing eastbound Class III bike lane per city and Caltrans standards. After Project completion, the corridor would remain a fourlane roadway (with additional turn lanes) between Spring Street and Creston Road.
The City of Paso Robles has reviewed the above project in accordance with the City of Paso Robles’ Rules and Procedures for the Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act and has determined that an Environmental Impact Report need not be prepared because although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there
will not be a significant effect in this case because mitigation measures included in the associated Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), and hereby made a part of the Mitigated Negative Declaration have been added to the project. Questions about and comments on the proposed project and Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration may be mailed to the Community Development Department, 1000 Spring St., Paso Robles, CA 93446 or emailed to planning@prcity.com
Applications open for Templeton’s 2025 Concerts in the Park Series
Templeton Recreation is officially on the hunt for talented bands to headline its 2025 Concerts in the Park Summer Series. Every Wednesday evening, over 1,000 community members gather at Templeton Park to enjoy great music, good vibes, and summer fun. They are looking for 10 fantastic bands with diverse musical styles to keep the summer energy alive. The concert series runs June 11 to Aug. 20, 2025 (no concert on July 23rd). Band applications are due by Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. Find the application link at templetoncsd.org
To apply, bands must submit: An electronic press kit (EPK) or physical press kit, including links, photos, videos, and cover demos.
A two-hour set list showcasing your style.
The Templeton Recreation Concerts Band Selection Committee will start reviewing applications and securing performers on Jan. 28, 2025. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Email bheil@ templetoncsd.org or call (805) 434-4909 to learn how you can support this summer’s music magic.
Lane closed on Golden Hill through Thursday
Papich Construction will close one southbound lane of Golden Hill from Monday, Dec. 16, through Thursday, Dec. 19, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. to raise utilities. The work is part of ongoing utility adjustments and paving efforts in the area.
On Friday, Dec. 20, southbound traffic will be completely closed on Golden Hill from Rolling Hills to accommodate paving work on the northbound lane. Traffic will be detoured through Rolling Hills to Creston Road between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Motorists are advised to follow posted detours and expect delays.
Nickerson Road detour necessitated by gutter project
A full closure will be in place at Nickerson and Creston Road from Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, through Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, to allow for the installation of a concrete cross gutter. The closure will remain in effect 24/7 for the entire duration of the work.
The City’s Creston Road Corridor Contractor will install a concrete cross gutter across Nickerson at Creston Road, requiring a full closure to all traffic. The work will take place 24/7 from Dec. 23, 2024, to Jan. 3, 2025, coinciding with the school holiday closure. During this time, traffic will be rerouted to Bolen Road. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes.
False alarm prompts lockdown at Lewis Flamson Junior High; no firearm or threat found
The Paso Robles Police Department responded to a report of an individual near the Lewis Flamson Junior High School who was in possession of a firearm. After thorough investigation, no firearm or threat was found.
On Thursday, Dec. 12 at about 12:50 p.m., a student reported to staff they heard of a person near the campus of Lewis Flamson Junior High in possession of a firearm. There was also a report of a loud bang, leading the administration to place the campus on lockdown and contact PRPD.
According to police, PRPD reported to the school site within four minutes and secured the campus while the administration started an investigation. PRPD detained and searched a teen just off campus. Several students were interviewed, and it was determined that nobody saw a firearm.
Officers conducted a thorough search of the school campus and surrounding area. No firearm or evidence of gunfire was found, and no injuries or victims were located. The situation was determined to be a false alarm. Once all students were accounted for and the site had been thoroughly searched and determined to be safe, the lockdown was lifted.
Scam alert in Paso Robles
The City of Paso Robles is warning residents about a scam involving individuals going door-to-door, claiming to sell water treatment devices “from the state.” This activity is fraudulent, and door-to-door sales are prohibited under the city’s municipal code. The Paso Robles Police Department (PRPD)
urges residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to (805) 237-6464.
New Year’s Eve Bonfire Celebration set for 7 p.m. on Dec. 31
Celebrate the end of 2024 at the City of Paso Robles’ free New Year’s Eve Bonfire event on Dec. 31, from 7 to 11 p.m. at downtown City Park. Enjoy live music by the Lucky Devil’s Band, a cozy bonfire, and an East Coast-style countdown at 9 p.m. with emcee Adam Montiel.
Local vendors will offer craft beer, cocktails, wine, and bubbly, while food trucks provide delicious bites. Join the community for a fun-filled evening to ring in the New Year.
34th Annual Victorian Teddy Bear
Affair to be held Dec. 21
The Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association invites families to celebrate the 34th Annual Victorian Teddy Bear Affair on Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Paso Robles Park Ballroom (1232 Park St., Paso Robles).
This holiday tradition runs from 2 to 4 p.m. and promises a magical afternoon for children and their favorite teddy bears.
Tickets go on sale starting Dec. 2 through my805tix.com.
Seating is limited, and tickets are priced at $10 per child and $20 per adult, which include tea (juice), cookies, a commemorative teacup and saucer, drawings, face painting, and all the fun. Parents who wish to attend with their children must also purchase a ticket.
Guests will enjoy special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Snow Queen and King, mischievous elves, and Victorian Friends, adding to the event’s festive charm.
For more details, contact the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street office at (805) 238-4103 or visit pasoroblesdowntown.org
ATASCADERO
City’s ECR project enters new phase of construction
The City of Atascadero continues to make progress on the El Camino Real Downtown Safety and Parking Enhancements Project (The ECR Project) and is working to minimize traffic impacts ahead of the Downtown holiday shopping season. The ECR Project is a community-driven initiative to improve safety in and revitalize the city’s downtown core. Once complete, The ECR Project will deliver several improvements and benefits in the downtown, including additional crosswalks with higher visibility, a signalized pedestrian crossing at East Mall, over 100 new free parking spaces, new landscaping, and street trees. The utilities and roadway edge improvements phases are nearing completion, and the next phase, construction of the center ramblas (where angled parking is planned), will begin next week, weather permitting.
As part of this new phase of The ECR Project, traffic will be shifted to the outer lanes and access to free street parking will be available for visitors during the holiday shopping season.
This traffic shift involves installing K-rail barricades surrounding the median work, helping to clearly delineate the travel lanes along El Camino Real. Work in the center median will consist of pavement striping/ milling, paver installation, as well as concrete work on curbs/ planters and electrical/lighting work. The work will be limited to
the segment of El Camino Real between Highway 41 and Rosario Avenue, with hardscape and drainage-basin improvements continuing along the edges of El Camino Real north of Traffic Way. Traffic along this segment will be reduced to one lane in each direction with parallel parking available along the curb. Drivers are encouraged to pay close attention to traffic signage and plan for traffic delays near construction areas. Access to businesses will remain open and community members are encouraged to visit and support Downtown during the holiday season and special events.
Community members can sign up for construction news and alerts at Atascadero.org/ News-List
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Three arrested for arranging to meet with a minor for lewd purposes
On Dec. 12, the San Luis Obispo County Counter Human Trafficking Task Force, which consists of investigators from the Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, conducted an operation aimed at intercepting child sex predators in the city of San Luis Obispo. Three men were arrested after each had arranged to meet with a person who they believed to be under 15 years old for the purposes of engaging in a sexual encounter. Instead, the person the men contacted was an undercover detective.
Forty-year-old Genaro Santana Avalos of Santa Maria, 42-year-old Ernesto Fernandez of Santa Maria, and 29-yearold Salvador Mendoza Pille of Oceano were arrested for arranging to meet with a minor for lewd purposes.
This operation was a collaborative effort with the assistance of the Santa Maria Police Department, San Luis Obispo Police Department, and the San Luis Obispo County Probation Department.
County of San Luis Obispo releases 2025 Community Development Needs Assessment Report
During a public hearing on Dec. 10, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors reviewed the findings of the 2025 Community Development Needs Assessment Report. The report highlights the most pressing housing and public service needs across the county and represents a significant step in the county’s ongoing efforts to purposefully allocate federal funding to address key community development needs. The assessment was conducted by the County of San Luis Obispo’s Homeless Services Division within the Department of Social Services.
The Community Development Needs Assessment received 918 survey responses — a 264 percent increase from last year’s assessment — showing a high level of community engagement and participation. The survey included questions on a respondent’s demographics, work status, and housing experiences, and then requested each person to rate the community’s need for 59 different activities based on their own knowledge and perceptions. In addition to the online survey, the county hosted five in-person workshops across the region and one virtual workshop.
The feedback from partici-
RECORD
Linda Lee Dillon, born April 13, 1949, went to be with her Lord on November 22, 2024. She was 75 years old.
Born in Fort Collins, Colorado to Philip and Virginia Roberts, Linda moved to Cali-
fornia with her parents at the age of six. She was a lifelong resident of Atascadero, having met her future husband at Atascadero High School. Linda married Bob Dillon in 1970, and they spent 54 happy years together. Linda had three careers: administrative assistant and stenographer; educator; and medical assistant. The first and third were traditional, and she loved them. The last was her favorite, as she had always wanted to work in the medical field, and had returned to Cuesta College to prepare for it. But the second was the great sacrifice of her life; homeschooling each of her three sons through high school. She pursued all three careers with characteristic dili-
outside of their budget.
gence and excellence.
When her career as a home educator began in the early 1980s, she was a pioneer in a stillnew and then-misunderstood movement. It must have taken a great deal of spunk to buck the system in those years. Few persisted through high school in those years, yet her children were among the first to complete high school at home. As a testament to her courage, endurance, and extensive research, all three of her children went on to achieve 4-year college degrees.
Transcending her professional and home life was a single unheralded theme: Linda delivered encouragement and reassurance to anyone in need of it, anytime, anywhere. Countless
lives were touched—patients, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. Their hearts warmed by words of encouragement, often biblical quotations, people of all faiths permitted her to rest her hand on them and intercede to her Lord Jesus Christ on their behalf.
Linda loved nature and could often be found at the beach or on her favorite hiking trails. She was a fine photographer, with a school yearbook and a voluminous portfolio of nature and family photographs to her credit. She was an avid letter writer, as numerous fortunate recipients can attest. Linda could never send even a Christmas card without including a personal message, often covering
all remaining sides of the card in her gently-sloped, precisely parallel, tightly-looped cursive handwriting. She had many favorite Bible passages, including Psalm 91. Most were posted on her refrigerator door at some point, copied in longhand from her beloved Amplified Bible— three stayed longer than any others: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV), “[Christ] is able to do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think (infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams) according to His power that is
collaboration with local landlords.
at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20, AMP). Perhaps the most personal comfort and power for her prayer ministry was found in the third: “I will not, I will not, I will not, in any degree, leave you helpless or forsake you, nor relax my hold on you, assuredly not! (Hebrews 13:5, AMP).
Linda is survived by her husband Bob; sister Roberta; and children, Christopher, Barnaby, and Josiah. Her graveside service will be held on Friday, December 20 at 12 PM, at Atascadero Cemetery District (Pine Mountain Cemetery), 1 Cemetery Rd. Atascadero, CA 93422. A celebration of life and potluck will follow at 1:00 PM at Atascadero Gospel Chapel, 8205 Curbaril Ave. Atascadero, CA 93422.
DEATHS
pants will guide funding recommendations for housing and service needs, helping to allocate federal grant monies received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by the County of San Luis Obispo from 2025 through 2029.
Key findings from the report include the following:
Affordable rental housing ranked as the most needed community activity, with over 78 percent of respondents citing it as a high community need for San Luis Obispo County. Health care services, mental health services, homeless prevention, and homeless services were the next four highestranked community needs.
• Of 738 respondents, 38 percent were identified as having a low, very low, or extremely low incomes based on household size and income bracket.
• Of 918 respondents, 66 percent reported owning their primary residence, and 9.6 percent relied on support from friends, family, or assistance programs to own or rent their residence.
• Single-family houses were the most common type of residence (70 percent of respondents), followed by apartments/lofts (8.5 percent), condos/townhomes (7.8 percent), and manufactured or mobile homes (5 percent).
Of 453 respondents who sought housing since January 2020, 77 percent experienced difficulties securing housing. Over 90 percent of those facing challenges cited that available housing options were
More than half of respondents reported spending 30 percent or more of their gross monthly income on housing costs, classifying them as cost-burdened under HUD guidelines.
The findings of the Community Development Needs Assessment will inform the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, a HUD-mandated document that outlines funding priorities for federal community grant programs such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME).
Guided by the funding priorities identified in the Community Development Needs Assessment and established by the Board of Supervisors, the County’s Homeless Services Division will invite proposals from qualified applicant agencies for review and funding consideration. Public input will continue to play a key role as the County finalizes the 2025 Action Plan, which will summarize the funding recommendations in the months ahead. The selected proposals will be announced in spring 2025, with the community beginning to see the impacts of these awards by the end of next year.
The public can access and review the full Community Development Needs Assessment Report and related documents at slocounty.gov/CommunityDevelopment CalWORKs Housing Support Program serves nearly 1,500 families over 10 years
VIOLATION:REARREST/REVOKE [1203.2(A)], Case no. 244321
22:07 — Brandi Smith, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 2300 block of Theatre Drive for PETTY THEFT [484(A)PC], POSSESSION OF BURGLARY TOOLS [466PC], POSSESS NARCOTIC CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11350(A)H&S], Case no. 244322
DECEMBER 11, 2024
22:01 — Rubin Bice, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 2300 block of Theatre Drive for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], Case no. 244322
00:40 — Jordan Ramirez, of Santa Barbara was on view arrest on the 3500 block of Spring Street for VIOLATING A RESTRAINING, PROTECTIVE OR STAY AWAY ORDER [273.6(A)PC], Case no. 244324
07:30 — Ana Nunez, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on Sulphur Springs and 46 East for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS [23152(F)VC], Case no. 244325
13:00 — Daniel Fitzpatrick, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the 1100 block of Black Oak Drive for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 244331
13:02 — Gabriel Urueta, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 2800 block of Black Oak Drive for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], OUTSIDE WARRANT/F, Case no. 244332
22:33 — Margarito Vazquezsabino, of Paso
The County of San Luis Obispo celebrates a decade of impactful work through the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs) Housing Support Program (HSP), a public-private partnership between the County of San Luis Obispo’s Department of Social Services and Family Care Network that has transformed the lives of hundreds of local families experiencing housing instability.
Since its start in 2014, the CalWORKs Housing Support Program has helped 1,487 San Luis Obispo County families and nearly 2,500 children achieve housing stability and access critical supportive services through case management. Among those served, 101 families avoided eviction through prevention services and 799 families successfully transitioned from homelessness to permanent housing. These efforts reflect the program’s mission to empower families so they may achieve independence and lead financially stable lives.
Participants in the CalWORKs Housing Support Program work with a case manager to address their immediate housing needs and develop a long-term plan to find a safe and stable home. The program also offers financial assistance for application fees, credit repair, security deposits, and utility payments. Enrollees are encouraged to participate in workshops on topics such as budgeting and financial literacy.
Through its collaborative partnership with Family Care Network, the CalWORKs Housing Support Program has set a model for providing families with sustainable community services in San Luis Obispo County.
The program is made possible through
Robles was arrested for DISORDERLY CONDUCT/DRUNK IN PUBLIC [647(F)PC], Case no. 244340
22:33 — Antonio Galvezgarcia, of Paso Robles was arrested for DISORDERLY CONDUCT/ DRUNK IN PUBLIC [647(F)PC], Case no. 244340
19:06 — Seth Terrazas, of Visalia was taken into custody on the 2700 block of Black Oak Drive for WILLFULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC], POSSESS NARCOTIC CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11350(A)H&S], Case no. 244338
DECEMBER 12, 2024
00:26 — Nishca Cross, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the 2400 block of Golden Hill Road for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 244341 11:33 — Lucas Johnson, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the 600 block of Spring Street for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 244346
DECEMBER 13, 2024
19:45 — Jorge Riospadilla, of San Miguel was on view arrest on the 900 block of Park Street for BATTERY [242PC], INFLICTING CORPORAL INJURY ON SPOUSE/COHABITANT [273.5(A) PC], Case no. 244345
20:00 — Michael Huhtala, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on 4th and Spring Street for DISORDERLY CONDUCT/DRUNK IN PUBLIC [647(F)PC], Case no. 244366
DECEMBER 14, 2024
Family Care Network works to connect families with housing opportunities, providing tenant education and mediation support through case managers.
Currently, there is a critical need for additional landlords willing to partner with Family Care Network and the CalWORKs Housing Support Program.
Prospective landlords interested in supporting local families can contact Family Care Network at contact@fcni. org to learn more about the program and how to get involved.
CalWORKs, funded through the California Department of Social Services and part of the broader Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, provides cash aid and services to eligible California families. In addition to the housing support, CalWORKs offers employment services, childcare, and education, as well as support and referrals for mental health, substance misuse, and intimate partner violence through their individualized case plans.
Families enrolled in CalWORKs also benefit from other government programs, including Medi-Cal for medical care and CalFresh for food assistance.
Family members seeking employment may also receive free vocational education, paid job training, and access to skill development workshops through SLO Cal Careers
The CalWORKs program is available to low-income families with at least one eligible child. For more information on the program, visit slocounty. gov/CalWORKs
To apply for CalWORKs, please go to BenefitsCal.com or contact your local Department of Social Services Office.
19:27 — Leonardo Guerra, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 2900 block of Pine Street for INFLICTING CORPORAL INJURY ON SPOUSE/ COHABITANT [273.5(A)PC], BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 244373
DECEMBER 15, 2024
00:01 — Gerado Camachohernandez, of Paso Robles was arrested for DISORDERLY CONDUCT/DRUNK IN PUBLIC [647(F)PC], Case no. 244376
00:12 — Alfredo Pauanomora, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 1200 block of Alamo Creek Terrace for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC], Case no. 244377
01:45 — Michael Rosales, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 100 block of Niblick Road for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC], Case no. 244378
03:18 — Anthon Berry, of Santa Maria was arrested for DISORDERLY CONDUCT/DRUNK IN PUBLIC [647(F)PC], Case no. 244379
10:33 — Marcos Ramos, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 1300 block of Creston Road for INFLICTING CORPORAL INJURY ON SPOUSE/COHABITANT [273.5(A)PC], Case no. 244380
19:30 — Roberta Uwnawich, of Paso Robles was arrested for OUTSIDE WARRANT/M, BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 244384
DECEMBER 09, 2024 16:31 — Ricci Schneider, was arrested on the 6900 block of Morro Road for POSSESSION OF SPECIFIED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11377(A)H&S],
ANTHONY GILLIAM, 73, of Arroyo Grande passed away on December 2nd 2024. Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
DENIS TERRY PARHAM, 71, of Oceano passed away on December 1st 2024.
Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach, California.
JAMES ADAMS, age 72 a resident of Paso Robles passed away on 12/11/2024. In the care of Blue Sky Cremation and Burial Service
SAMUEL MARTIN NUNES, 82, of Santa Maria passed away on December 3rd 2024.
Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
JACKLYN CAROL GRIMSHAW, 75, of Arroyo Grande, passed away on December 11th 2024. Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
Fair, was arrested at West Mall and Capistrano Ave for POSSESS NARCOTIC CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11350(A)H&S], Case no. 242140 11:21 — Nichole Fair, was arrested at West Mall and Capistrano Ave for POSSESS NARCOTIC CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11350(A)H&S], POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S] Case no. 240330, 232516 16:53 — Anthony Cagnina, was arrested on the 6200 block of Atascadero Ave for WARRANT/F, Case no. 242142
DECEMBER 12, 2024
20:06 — Jeffrey Humphrey, was arrested on the 9400 block of El Camino Real for ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON
20:10 — Ernesto Rojolopez, of Paso Robles was arrested for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC], Case no. 244385 ATASCADERO POLICE DEPARTMENT
LINDA L. DILLON 1949-2024
MICHAEL
OPINION
From the Right and the Left: Of birthright citizenship and the 14th Amendment
One of many promises that President-elect Trump committed to carry out while on the campaign trail would be to “absolutely” halt birthright citizenship once in office. The “birthright citizenship” policy ensures that anyone born in the United States automatically becomes an American citizen, regardless of whether or not their parents are legally in the country.
Birthright citizenship is the constitutional guarantee that a person born on U.S. soil will be a U.S. citizen. The idea of birthright citizenship developed out of the English common-law principle of jus soli, literally “right of soil.” In practice, this means that with very few exceptions, anyone who is born on U.S. soil becomes a U.S. citizen at birth. Critics have argued that birthright citizenship is ripe for abuse by encouraging undocumented immigration or “birth tourism.” However, there is no evidence that the system is being widely abused. Some critics have further argued that birthright citizenship is not actually required by the 14th Amendment and could be restricted by Congress or the president without the need for constitutional amendment. As Jeremy L. Neufeld and Ricky Schneider point out in their article “Birthright Citizenship As Law and As Policy,” this argument runs counter to long-standing precedent and the vast consensus among legal scholars, including originalists (niskanencenter.org/ birthright-citizenship-as-lawand-as-policy/).
The 14th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified post-Civil War in July 1868, says all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdic-
tion thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside and no State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.”
On his campaign website, Trump said he would issue an executive order on the first day of his presidency making it clear that the federal government would “require that at least one parent be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident for their future children to become automatic U.S. citizens.” Whether or not this could be accomplished vis a vis an executive order is questionable but surely it would certainly enable considerable litigation.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the “14th Amendment’s citizenship clause provides there is only one group that is not subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. and thus does not attain birthright citizenship: children born to foreign diplomats who are protected by sovereign immunity and are therefore not subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. ... and only constitutional amendments, not executive orders or legislation, can change the Constitution.”
Hence, birthright citizenship is fundamental to American life, according to the ACLU. “In a nation committed to the principles of equality, fairness, and opportunity, every child born in the US would be born with the same rights as every other child. The alternative — creating a permanent, multigenerational subclass of people born in the U.S. who are denied full rights — would repeat one of the worst errors in American history ... The 14th Amendment ensures that no politician can ever decide who among those born in our country is worthy of citizenship. In the face of the Trump administration’s threats, the 14th Amendment’s protections continue to safeguard the rights of every person born in this country.”
Should the proposition to end birthright citizenship materialize, the implications on immigration and the societal landscape in the United States could be signif-
icant. The shift would likely alter immigration patterns considerably. By removing the incentives of automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S., the dynamics of immigration might change, affecting decisions of those who may consider migration.
If birthright citizenship were to be rescinded, the number of undocumented immigrants could paradoxically increase. Children who would otherwise automatically qualify for U.S. citizenship could find themselves in an unclear legal status, effectively adding to the undocumented population.
On a bureaucratic level, the intricacies of citizenship verification would necessitate a larger administrative apparatus. All parents would need to provide documentation proving their own citizenship, replacing the current straightforward process with one full of potential legal hurdles and verification challenges.
The social and economic implications of such changes affect families and communities. With the possibility of citizenship uncertainty, mixed-status families could face new stresses, leading to heightened vulnerabilities and instability. The potential for increased undocumented status among individuals could limit access to education, employment, and social services, generating systematic constraints and potentially hindering both individual and communal economic growth.
The success of birthright citizenship in encouraging and facilitating assimilation of immigrant communities is widespread. Denying citizenship to the children of immigrants creates a sense of alienation and is one of the contributing factors to the lack of assimilation in Western European countries such as France and Belgium.
The Trump administration is determined to seek ways to circumvent the generally accepted notion that birthright citizenship is firmly embedded in our Constitution and cannot be summarily sidestepped through any executive or legislative actions. Let the battle commence.
Our Constitution is explicit — 14th Amendment, Section 1: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. If you are born here, you are a citizen.
The Supreme Court (SCOTUS) has recognized only three narrow exceptions to birthright citizenship: diplomatic children, tribal Indians, and invading armies. The 13th Amendment adopted in 1865 forbade slavery, while the 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868 during the Reconstruction era of the Civil War, granting rights and liberties to formerly enslaved people. Republicans sought to overturn the horrible 1857 Dred Scott decision which ruled African Americans could not be citizens. Subsequently, waves of immigration and the success of the “melting pot” has created the vibrant, dynamic culture that is America. As a country, we are the most welcoming of legal immigrants in the world. In 2022 alone, 2.6 million legally immigrated here, and we are home to one-fifth of the world’s international migrants.
We’ve seen a 400 percent increase in our immigrant population since 1965, with 50 million people born outside of the U.S. residing here. Next in line is Germany with 15 million. The utter disaster of our collapsed border with many millions of illegal aliens flooding the country has sharpened our policy debates on this topic and clearly was pivotal in the recent election. In other desirable destination coun-
tries, most immigrants have legal status. In Germany only 4 percent are illegal, whereas in the U.S. it is at least 22 percent, and probably higher.
Struggling to manage finite resources, and with an official population of 334.9 million, (not including tens of millions of illegal immigrants), Americans are concluding that we are at capacity.
They want illegal immigration stopped completely, and in a Gallup poll this year 55 percent want legal immigration to be reduced. A country that accepts more immigrants by far than any other is by definition a society that cherishes the richness legal immigrants bring to our culture.
The ad hominem attacks of the left labeling anyone wanting a controlled border as racists used to be effective, but of late falls mostly on deaf ears. We are the epitome of a welcoming people, and even in the face of the human tragedy the open border policies of the Biden administration created, a huge 81 percent of us support policies to allow children brought here illegally to remain and become citizens. The debates will continue, irrespective of the juggernaut of the incoming administration that will close the border.
This week, the Biden administration is auctioning off the steel panels meant to build the border wall in Arizona before they leave office, a parting shot.
The term “anchor babies” is relevant to the debate, a term referring to the idea that if a woman delivers a baby in the U.S. that child is now a citizen, providing an “anchor” for future immigration status for the mother, and pursuant to current immigration law, gives an advantage to their extended family. President Barack Obama proposed to allow parents of U.S.-born babies to avoid deportation, known as “chain migration.”
Two hundred fifty thousand babies are born in the U.S. to illegal immigrants per year, and 33,000 “birth tourists” come to the U.S. annually. ICE prose-
cuted a multimillion-dollar Chinese ring called “You Win USA” charging $80,000 per customer, assisting them on how to lie about their true intentions, and promoting the benefits of giving birth here including free education and “an easier way for the whole family to immigrate to the United States.” It’s another facet of the gaming of the system, with organizations like the Mexican cartels raking in billions of dollars trafficking in people. This practice is squarely in the crosshairs of President-elect Trump, who has promised that he will immediately issue an executive order that the “correct interpretation of the law” does not grant citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants.
Incontrovertibly this will be hashed out in the courts and may well end up at SCOTUS. In 1898 SCOTUS, in U.S. v Wong Kim Ark, ruled that the phrase in the Citizen Clause of the 14th Amendment stating “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” meant being required to obey U.S. law.
The courts have ruled that children born here to foreign nationals are citizens, but the legal debates are raging whether the precedent applies to illegal immigrants. After all, if they are here illegally, they are not obeying U.S. laws. This debate is neither new nor attributed solely to Trump. In their 1985 book “Citizenship without Consent; Illegal Aliens in the American Policy,” Yale professors Peter Schuck and Rogers Smith argued Congress should be constitutionally permitted to adopt a rule denying citizenship to U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants. The abuse is real, but we can and should solve it.
Don Schmitz is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press, 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 you have to editor@ 13starsmedia.com.
State seesaws back to tough on crime for most of the last 40 years
THOMAS ELIAS
Crime has been a seesaw issue in California for most of the last 40 years. Leniency was the vogue for awhile recently. But now the balance is back to getting tougher, as polls this fall showed many voters believed property crimes have vastly increased since the 2014 passage of Proposition 47.
The clearest manifestation of this was the strong performance of Prop. 36 on this month’s ballot, drawing a huge 70 to 30 percent majority.
There was also the easy defeat
of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, who fell to Republican-turned-independent Nathan Hochman. And the recall of Alameda County DA Pamela Price. If he ever reverts to the GOP, Hochman would become the highest-ranking Republican officeholder in California.
The last previous time Californians made life significantly more difficult for criminals came in 1994, when the so-called “Three Strikes and You’re Out” measure passed in 1994. The result was in part a reaction to the brutal murders of Kimber Reynolds and Polly Klaas in 1992 and 1993.
Polly and two fellow 12-yearolds were enjoying a slumber party in Petaluma when Richard Allen Davis abducted and murdered her. Her body was discovered about two months later, in late 1993. Kimber, 18, was shot and killed in Fresno
the previous year.
Only 13 months after Polly’s abduction, voters passed “Three Strikes”, which imposed increasingly tough sentences on any criminal’s first, second and third felonies, with an automatic 25-years-to-life for the third.
Polly’s murderer, convicted in 1996 after a long trial, remains on Death Row in San Quentin Prison today.
But just a few years later, in 2012, voters decided “Three Strikes” was a bit too much, and passed a Prop. 36 very different from this month’s. It eased sentences for third strike offenses that were neither violent nor legally designated as serious crimes. Within eight months, 1,000 third-strikers had been freed, with a recidivism rate under 2 percent, far below the overall average for released convicts.
This was a major step toward Prop. 47, portrayed as the villain
in this year’s campaign for the confusingly numbered most recent Prop. 36.
Because of the wide belief that Prop. 47 increased crime rates, especially for property crimes, voters strongly favored the new Prop. 36 from the moment sponsoring prosecutors announced it.
Prop. 47 did reach at least one of its goals, reducing incarceration significantly by reclassifying many drug- and theft-related crimes as misdemeanors, downgraded from felonies that carry more serious penalties. It set the minimum take for a theft to become a felony at $950 per crime.
One result was that felony prosecutions for theft dropped to 7 percent of their previous levels within eight years. At the same time, say the latest state statistics, the property crime rate dropped slightly (1.8 percent) between 2018 and
2023. Many take those numbers to mean the number of thefts may have fallen slightly, but the value of what was taken rose greatly.
So comes the new Prop. 36, which allows aggregation of the value of thefts by repeat offenders. That figures to shoot up the prosecution rate for property crimes and raise prison populations, all part of California’s crime seesaw.
Seeking to keep prison populations — and budgets — down, Gov. Gavin Newsom spurred the Legislature to pass several measures in August that accomplish much of what Prop. 36 sought. But it was not enough for voters, who clearly want stricter treatment for criminals like those behind the “smash-and-grab” burglaries that have seen well-organized groups of marauders break store windows and take expensive merchandise that often turns
up for sale later on the internet. As usual, Republicans tried this fall to tar Democrats as “soft-on-crime,” even as they were passing their get-tough package of new laws, some of which will now be superceded by Prop. 36, which takes precedence wherever it conflicts with existing laws because it was a voter-backed initiative.
As for Gascon, he never had a prayer of reelection this fall after getting only one-fourth of the vote in the March primary election. His often-controversial moves drew eight primary opponents and the enmity of the potent local Association of Deputy District Attorneys. So the pendulum has swung to the tough-on-crime side, but it’s anyone’s guess when it may again move back the other way.
Thomas Elias is an independent opinion columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email him at tdelias@aol.com.
LANCE SIMMENS COMMENTARY
DON SCHMITZ COMMENTARY
TeamPaso launches a $125,000 matching gift campaign
Contributions will be immediately doubled, significantly enhancing the future of Paso Robles students
PASO ROBLES — TeamPaso, a local nonprofit, is launching a matching gift campaign thanks to a generous contribution from Larry Martinek, founder of Mathnasium. This initiative — a partnership with the Paso Robles Unified School District (PRJUSD), Mathnasium, the global leader in math education,
and the Paso Robles Community — delivers after-school math tutoring to Paso Robles students at no cost to them or their parents — doubling the impact of every donation.
Larry Martinek, co-founder and Educational Director of Mathnasium Learning Centers (1,176 active organizations in 11 countries), and his wife Lynn have invested over $500,000 to create Mathnasium of Atascadero, a solution to the math education crisis in North County.
The Martineks are now offering a $125,000 matching grant to fund TeamPaso’s ongoing operations and promote math education in North County. The Martineks live and operate out of Los Angeles and have no
children in the North County school system. Their interest is in promoting the math education of children in California, the country, and the world whose families cannot afford the services of Mathnasium or any other after-school paid opportunities.
“Our children’s future is in serious jeopardy because over 84 percent of Paso Robles students are 2 to 5 years below grade level in math,” said Orlando Gallegos, executive director of Team Paso. “Most high-demand and/or high-wage jobs in coming years require strong math skills.”
“Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) is taking immediate action to address this need,” said Jennifer Loftus, super -
intendent of PRJUSD. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, and other new technologies influence all market segments and industries, including agriculture, transportation, mining, medicine, energy conservation, and consumer goods. Without strong math skills, children will be left behind and unable to get jobs after school. The first after-school tutoring program started this past November and will grow to include thousands of students in PRJUSD.
Best known for teaching for understanding, Mathnasium shows students how to think mathematically. They build critical thinking and problem-solving skills that help chil-
dren succeed in math and life. The Mathnasium advantage combines mental, verbal, visual, tactile, and written teaching techniques that address how each child learns best. Instructors connect with children individually, one instructor for every four students during each hourlong session.
“It’s a great plan for those who can afford tutoring,” Larry Martinek said. “However, many families in Paso Robles cannot. That’s where TeamPaso steps in. By offering free math tutoring services to students and their parents, we ensure that all Paso Robles students can succeed in life.” For more information, go to TeamPaso.org.
Tickets now on sale for BlendFest on the Coast and Paso Wine Fest
Since 1983, Paso Wine Fest has been the iconic celebration of the Paso Robles wine region
NORTH COUNTY — The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance has announced that tickets are now on sale for two signature events: BlendFest on the Coast and Paso Wine Fest. These celebrations showcase the diverse and innovative wine-making culture of Paso Robles Wine Country at two scenic California Central Coast locations.
BlendFest on the Coast is the only wine festival dedicated to blended wines. Started in 2015, this event partners with Highway One Road Trip, Visit Cambria, and Visit San Simeon, blending the rugged beauty of the coast with the bold wines of Paso Robles Wine Country.
Since 1983, Paso Wine Fest has been the iconic celebration of the Paso Robles wine region. The Grand Tasting will feature more than 100 of Paso’s best wineries, local distilled spirits, live music, and complimentary culinary bites. Each year Paso Wine Fest grows with new immersive winery activations showcasing their unique brand personalities.
BlendFest on the Coast: Feb. 20-23, 2025
Experience Paso Robles wines on the beautiful California coast during this four-day festival held in San Simeon and Cambria. BlendFest honors the creativity and craftsmanship of winemakers as they present their unique blends in a variety of exciting settings.
Event highlights include:
Thursday, Feb. 20:
• Winemaker Dinner at Oceanpoint Ranch: Enjoy a four-course meal paired with creatively blended
Exhibition will be shown at Paso Robles City Library through the month of December
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles City Library is proud to present an exclusive exhibition of Edward K. Hudson’s renowned period piece and historical figurative oil paintings. The exhibition will be on display throughout the month of December, concluding on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
Hudson, a celebrated artist known for his detailed and vibrant wall art, brings history to life through his unique and evocative work. His figurative pieces aren’t just static images of a single time period — they’re a dynamic instant in time, a moment of human connection caught in mid-action and expressing a feeling or sharing in an event. Whether it’s 1700 or 1949, the people in his paintings often look right
wines from Denner Vineyard, Écluse Wines, High Camp Wines, and Linne Calodo Cellars.
Friday, Feb. 21:
• Derbyshire Vineyard Experience: Taste wines sourced from this exceptional vineyard with sweeping ocean views, featuring Derby Wine Estates, TRUSS Wines, and more.
• Harmony Cellars and the Audubon Society
Excursion: A guided walk through meadows and forest for a coastal birdwatching experience, followed by wine tasting at Harmony Cellars.
at you, inviting you into their world. Each piece connects with something deep inside us all, reminding us of old friends, parents or family members we hold dear who are not so much something to look at as someone to interact and participate with.
Visitors to the Paso Robles City Library will have the opportunity to experience Hudson’s masterful use of color and composition, which has earned him acclaim in the art community. Highlights of the exhibition include pieces such as “The Old Swimmin’ Hole 1926” and “Calm Before the Storm 1934,” showcasing Hudson’s ability to blend historical accuracy with artistic expression.
“I am thrilled to see the Paso Robles City Library host Edward K. Hudson’s exhibition,” said Dean Robinson, film producer and art enthusiast. “His paintings not only celebrate historical figures and events but also invite viewers to reflect on the stories and emotions behind them.”
The exhibition is free and
open to the public during regular library hours. For more information about the exhibition and Edward K. Hudson’s work, visit his website at edwardkhudson.com or contact the library at (805) 227-7276.
About Edward K. Hudson
Edward K. Hudson is an accomplished artist whose
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort Dinner: Savor a delectable dinner paired with the deliciously blended wines from CASS Winery, Kaleidos Wine, MAHA Estate | Villa Creek Cellars, and McPrice Myers Wines.
Saturday, Feb. 22: Blending Seminar: Create your own unique wine blend under the guidance of expert wine makers from Brecon Estate, Cairjn Wine Cellars, Shale Oak Winery, and led by The Blending Lab. Lunch included.
work spans various mediums, with a particular focus on oil paintings. His art is characterized by its historical themes and detailed representation of figures and landscapes. Hudson’s paintings have been featured in numerous galleries and exhibitions, earning him a reputation as a leading figure in contemporary period art.
• Sunset Grand Tasting: Taste blends from over 40 Paso Robles wineries on the Sundance Lawn of Oceanpoint Ranch with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views.
• VIP Access: 2 to 5 p.m.
General Admission: 3 to 5 p.m.
• Early Bird Price: $60 until Jan. 10
General Admission Price: $70 after Jan. 10
Tickets and additional details for BlendFest can be found at pasowine.com/events/blendfest-onthe-coast/
Paso Wine Fest: May 15-18, 2025
Paso Wine Fest is Paso Robles Wine Country’s marquee celebration. Tickets for the Grand Tasting, featuring over 100 wineries, are now on sale. Early bird pricing is available until Friday, Feb. 28.
Ticket Pricing: Locals Tickets: $99 (available Dec. 16 to Feb. 28, in person at the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center currently located at Sunshine Olive Oil Company, San Luis Obispo County ID required)
Early Bird General Admission: $135 (Early bird pricing ends February 28)
VIP Admission: $250
Additional events that surround the Paso Wine Fest weekend and further details will be announced in the coming months. Visit pasowine. com/winefest/ to purchase tickets and learn more.
About Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is the official trade and marketing organization that represents wineries, growers, and businesses in the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country encompasses more than 40,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. For more information, visit pasowine.com.
“The Old Swimmin’ Hole 1926”
Success Story: Marisela’s determination pays off
ECHO shares the journey of program participant STAFF REPORT
ATASCADERO — At ECHO (El Camino Homeless Organization), they believe in celebrating every step on the path to success — whether big or small. This week, they are thrilled to share a story of perseverance, hard work, and achievement that inspires us all.
Marisela, one of their incredible
NONPROFIT
participants, spent two dedicated hours in the ECHO office practicing and preparing for her food handler’s certification. Her determination and focus paid off in a big way — she passed the exam on her very first try.
This accomplishment is so much more than just a certification. It represents a key milestone toward new opportunities, job readiness, and a brighter, more independent future. Marisela’s achievement highlights the power of hard work and the impact of the support systems we strive to provide at ECHO.
ECHO continues to support individuals like Marisela with resources, guidance, and programs to help them achieve self-
CONTACT INFO
P.O. Box 3120, Atascadero, CA 93423 (805)712-6356 atascaderogreyhound foundation.org
sufficiency. From preparing for certifications to securing housing, every step matters — and they couldn’t be prouder of Marisela’s success.
To learn more about ECHO and the inspiring success stories of individuals in our community, visit echoshelter.org/successstories.
About ECHO
ECHO is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals experiencing homelessness by providing shelter, meals, case management, and supportive programs. Their mission is to create pathways to housing and selfsufficiency, one success story at a time.
LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero
AWARENESS - PREVENTION - INTERVENTION - EDUCATION
About: The Atascadero Greyhound Foundation has been serving the Atascadero community for more than 20 years, gradually adding more events that serve its mission. We have grown, and continue to give because of the generous donors, sponsors and participants of our events. Our events are a benefit to the community in healthy activity — either athletically, musically, educationally, or in the fight against addiction. Donations: Our support comes from generous donors and sponsors. To make a difference, visit: lighthouseatascadero.org
ALF Food Pantry
OUR MISSION: ALF Food Pantry is dedicated to providing nutritious groceries to the food-insecure residents of the communities we serve. ALF Food Pantry (formerly known as Atascadero Loaves and Fishes) is celebrating 40 years of service to our community, providing groceries to families and individuals. The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce honored ALF as the 2024 Community Organization of the Year. With an all-volunteer workforce, we distributed nearly 600,000 pounds of food in 2023, the equivalent of 360,000 meals. We provide quality fresh and shelf-stable ingredients to food-insecure people in Atascadero, Templeton, Santa Margarita, Creston, and California Valley. Clients have increased by 20% each year since 2020 and food costs are dramatically higher.
Atascadero, CA 93442 (805)461-1504 contact@alffoodpantry.org alffoodpantry.org
- Friday 1 pm - 3 pm
Donations: We need your help to allow us to continue our vital work. Donate today using our QR code or mail a check to ALF Food Pantry, 5411 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422.
United Way of San Luis Obispo County
EDUCATION. INCOME. COMMUNITY.
CONTACT INFO (805) 541-1234 unitedwayslo.org
CONTACT INFO
Offices in Atascadero, Paso Robles & SLO treeoflifepsc.com (805) 543-6000
CONTACT INFO 1000 Spring Street Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 237-3870 prcity.com
CONTACT INFO Operation Surf 80 San Francisco St. Avila Beach, CA (805) 544-7873 info@operationsurf.org operationsurf.org
CONTACT INFO 6875 Union Road Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 237-3751 redwingshorse sanctuary.org
United Way of San Luis Obispo County’s programs deliver the education and resources that can help families succeed, in the present and for the next generation. Our work is centered on three impact areas that give people the best start for a successful life: Early Childhood Education, Family Financial Stability and Community Strengthening. Please join us! Together we can do our part to make a stronger community in SLO County that benefits us all.
DONATE: Invest in lasting change through a charitable donation at unitedwayslo.org/donate
VOLUNTEER: Find a volunteer opportunity that fits you at unitedwayslo.org/volunteer
TREE OF LIFE Pregnancy Care Center
WOMEN. HEALTH. LIFE
Tree of Life has been helping women and families in our community for over 39 years. All services are FREE and confidential. Women facing pregnancy decisions can find compassion, hope, positive options, and practical help from our friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our goal is to provide resources to assist a woman in choosing life for her baby and then to parent or place for adoption. We also offer compassionate help for women struggling with the mental and emotional effects of a previous abortion. Donations: We’re grateful that all of our support comes from generous individuals here in our community.
Friends of the Paso Robles Library
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Support the Library through a Friends of the Library membership, starting as low as $10/year. The Friends of the Library appreciates donations, which are either added to the Library’s collection or used to generate considerable funds toward the purchase of new books, library materials, programs, services, etc. Support the Library in a 100% volunteer-run retail environment. We are seeking volunteers to assist with Gift Shop sales, book donation sorting, and to provide book sale support. Due to limited storage space and staff, we are only able to accept two boxes or two bags of materials per household per day. Cash donations always welcome!
BOARD MEETINGS:
Call (805) 237-3870 for information
Operation Surf
MISSION
Our mission is to channel the healing powers of the ocean to restore hope, renew purpose, and revitalize community. Operation Surf’s curriculum-based programs aim to inspire injured military and veterans to seek wellness in all aspects of their lives while providing the necessary resources, tools, and peer-to-peer support to continue this mindset indefinitely. By staying true to our core values of care, inclusion, commitment, integrity, and communication, we change participants’ lives – one wave at a time. Local Veteran Opportunities: OS3- Three Month Surf Program Application is Open! Apply via the website www.operationsurf.org OS3 is a three-month, locally-focused program that provides veterans with an opportunity to bond through surfing, keep each other motivated, and move forward in life with a new perspective. Focused on four key pillars of mentorship, unity, family, and the peace of surfing, Operation Surf inspires to make lasting change in the lives of our community.
Redwings Horse Sanctuary
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.
Atascadero Elks Lodge
CONTACT INFO 1516 El Camino Real, Atascadero, Ca 93422 805-466-3557 www.elks2733.org
ATASCADERO LODGE NO. 2733 Since 1987, the Atascadero Elks have contributed over $1,000,000 to local community-based programs, non-profits, youth groups, local sports teams, programs for handicapped and needy children, patriotic programs, veterans’ programs and many, many community activities. Our mission as Elks is to inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize our belief in God; to promote the welfare of our community; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; and to cultivate good fellowship. We have a full calendar of events and activities for our members. To learn more or to join us please contact us at (805)466-3557, visit the Lodge at 1516 El Camino Real, follow-us
Marisela shows off her food handler’s certification, earned with the help of the El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO). Contributed Photo
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PUBLIC NOTICE
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20242364 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: ON YOUR LEFT WINE COMPANY, TWO HILLS VINEYARD & WINE ESTATE, OYL, 2468 FOUR PAWS WAY, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: A MARRIED COUPLE: CRAIG M LEA, 101 N MAIN ST, UNIT 69, TEMPLETON, CA 93465, CRISTINA L LEA, 101 N MAIN ST, UNIT 69, TEMPLETON, CA 93465
If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ CRAIG M LEA This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 11/18/2024
TRANSACTING BUSINESS
DATE: 11/02/2011
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.
ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By MMALTBY, Deputy
New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 11/18/2029 PUB: 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19/2024 LEGAL CM 624
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20242364 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: ELITE EXPLORA, 3361 STUDIO
DRIVE, CAYUCOS, CA 93430, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: ELITE EXPLORA, LLC, 97 ASH AVENUE, #408, CAYUCOS, CA 93430 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization CALIFORNIA
I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ ELITE EXPLORA, LLC, CYNTHIA VAN HOFF, MANAGING MEMBER
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 11/15/2024 TRANSACTING BUSINESS
DATE: 10/01/2024
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.
ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By ATRUJILLO, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 11/15/2029 PUB: 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19/2024 LEGAL CM 625
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No 20242331 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: MAGIC GARDEN, 1385 ATLANTIC CITY AVENUE #323, GROVER BEACH, CA 93433, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: AN INDIVIDUAL: ILVER DOMINGUEZ LOPEZ, 1385 ATLANTIC CITY AVENUE #323, GROVER BEACH, CA 93433
If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No 20242215
THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: XO.SETS, 400 OAK HILL RD, APT 303, PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA 93446, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCT-
ED BY: AN INDIVIDUAL: XIMENA ORTEGA LOPEZ, 400 OAK HILL RD, APT 303, PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA 93446
If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ XIMENA ORTEGA LOPEZ
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 10/24/2024
TRANSACTING BUSINESS
DATE: 10/24/2024
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.
ELAINA CANO, County Clerk
By MMALTBY, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 10/24/2029
PUB: 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19/2024 LEGAL CM 628
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20242154 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S)
IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: VSMARINE, 3380 EL CAMINO REAL, ATASCADERO, CA 93422, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: A CORPORATION:
VALLEY SPEED & MARINE, INC., 3380 EL CAMINO REAL, ATASCADERO, CA 93422 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization CA I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ VALLEY SPEED & MARINE, INC., KRIS GUSTAFSON, PRESIDENT
SHIFT’N GEARS 805, INC., 1621 N RIVER RD #7, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: A CORPORATION: SHIFT’N GEARS 805, INC., 1621 N RIVER RD #7, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization
CA I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ SHIFT’N GEARS 805, INC., LEIGH-ANN PURDY, SECRETARY This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 11/15/2024
TRANSACTING BUSINESS
DATE: 06/07/2017
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By MKATZ, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 11/15/2029
PUB: 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19/2024 LEGAL CM 630
S BETHEL RD., TEMPLETON, CA 93465, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: AN INDIVIDUAL: NATASHA DALLAIRE, 740 S BETHEL RD, TEMPLETON, CA 93465
If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ NATASHA DALLAIRE
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 11/20/2024 TRANSACTING BUSINESS
DATE: N/A
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.
ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By ATRUJILLO, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 11/20/2029
PUB: 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024 LEGAL CM 633
CALIFORNIA I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ CHRIS E. ESGUERRA, M.D., P.C., AUSTIN MILLER, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 11/25/2024
TRANSACTING BUSINESS
DATE: 02/08/2022
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By MSTILETTO, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 11/25/2029
PUB: 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024 LEGAL CM 635
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20242442 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: PACIFIC PLUMBING, 376 PACIFIC AVE, PASO ROBLES,
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 10/15/2024 TRANSACTING BUSINESS
I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ ILVER DOMINGUEZ LOPEZ This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 11/12/2024
TRANSACTING BUSINESS
DATE: NOT APPLICABLE
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By ATRUJILLO, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 11/12/2029 PUB: 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19/2024 LEGAL CM 627
DATE: 06/01/1964 CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.
ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By MANELSON, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 10/15/2029 PUB: 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19/2024 LEGAL CM 629
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20242362 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS:
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20242396 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: SENSORIO, FIELD OF LIGHT, SENSORIO FIELD OF LIGHT, 4380 HIGHWAY 46 EAST, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: ENTRADA DE PASO ROBLES, LLC, P.O. BOX 13248, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93389 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization CA I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ ENTRADA DE PASO ROBLES, LLC, CARY NIKKEL, CFO This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 11/20/2024
TRANSACTING BUSINESS
DATE: 04/10/2024
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By ATRUJILLO, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 11/20/2029
PUB: 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024 LEGAL CM 632
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20242398 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: REBELS FASTPITCH, 740
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20242408 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: CARING HANDS HOME CARE, 801 SAINT ANDREWS CIRCLE, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: AN INDIVIDUAL: ARLENE RAMOS LOSBOG, 801 SAINT ANDREWS CIRCLE, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ ARLENE RAMOS LOSBOG This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 11/21/2024 TRANSACTING BUSINESS DATE: NOT APPLICABLE CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By MSTILETTO, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 11/21/2029
PUB: 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024 LEGAL CM 634
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20242425 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: ESTEEM HEALTH PSC, 5750 TRAFFIC WAY, UNIT A, ATASCADERO, CA 93422, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: A CORPORATION: CHRIS E. ESGUERRA, M.D., P.C., 5750 TRAFFIC WAY, UNIT A, ATASCADERO, CA 93422 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization
by Dave T. Phipps
by Gary Kopervas
by Mike Marland
by Jeff Pickering
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What gift arrives on the 10th day in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas"?
3. MOVIES: What was the name of Shirley MacLaine's character in "Terms of Endearment"?
4. PERSONALITIES: At which sport did Babe Didrikson
EVENTS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DECEMBER EVENTS
NOVEMBER 7-JANUARY 6
ANNUAL WINTER FAIRE & JURIED CRAFT SHOW
Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main Street, Morro Bay
Morro Bay Art Association is proud to present The Annual Winter Faire & Juried Craft Show, featuring a collection of
exceptional paintings, photography and fine crafts, spanning a variety of artistic mediums from traditional to contemporary. Crafts include fiber, wood, glass, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and more. There will be a reception November 10 from 2–4 pm.
DECEMBER
21
HOLIDAY MAGIC
Charles Paddock Zoo,
Atascadero 10 am-1 pm.
Join us at the Charles Paddock Zoo on December 16 for our Annual Holiday Magic event! Zookeepers become Santa’s Elves, delivering gifts to animals while Santa welcomes visitors. Festive decorations and family activities await from 10 am to 1 pm Don’t miss the animal gift excitement!
34TH ANNUAL TEDDY BEAR TEA
Park Ballroom, Paso Robles 2–4 pm.
Bring your Teddy Bear, dress him up. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Snow King and Queen as well as Santa’s Elves will be there for the fun. Tickets are $8 for children and $20 for adults. Tickets 805-238-4103 or my805tix.com
COOKIES & COCOA WITH SANTA
Adelaide Inn Lobby 1215 Ysabel Avenue, Paso Robles 5-7 pm
Before he even hits downtown, Santa’s very first stop will be at the lobby of the Adelaide Inn, Paso Robles! Join Santa for free cookies and cocoa by the fireplace. Plenty of photo ops! Bring the kids and their letters to drop off in Santa’s mailbox.
DECEMBER 29
CITY PARK MENORAH LIGHTING
Paso Robles City Park
4:30pm
Join us for the annual City
Park Menorah Lighting in Paso Robles. This public event celebrates Chanukah, light over darkness, with a free gift for advance registrants. In light of recent events, there will be a strong police presence.
DECEMBER 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE BONFIRE AND CONCERT
Paso Robles City Park 7–11 pm
As one of the only community-wide, family-friendly, free New Year’s Eve celebrations in the region, this event has become a local favorite. New Year’s countdown begins at 9 pm to coincide with midnight on the east coast.
JANUARY EVENTS
JANUARY 1
POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
Avila Beach Pier
12 pm
The 13th annual Avila Beach Polar Bear Plunge is a celebration of fitness, nature, a New Year, camaraderie, and still having dessert.
POLAR BEAR DIP Cayucos Pier 12 pm
Take the plunge at their 45th Annual Carlin Soule Memorial Polar Bear Dip. Join them late morning for festivities that include music, dancing, prizes, and participant certificates.
Atascadero’s Winter Wonderland
by Camille DeVaul
Photos by Rick Evans
Photos
PERSPECTIVE
ATASCADERO GOSPEL CHAPEL
8205 Curbaril Ave. (corner of Curbaril & Atascadero Ave.): Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. Ted Mort, Pastor. (805) 466-0175. atascaderogospelchapel.org
Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living A New Thought Spiritual Community. Living the Consciously Awakened Life. Rev. Elizabeth Rowley Hogue Sunday 10:00am at the Pavilion 9315 Pismo Way, Atascadero (805) 391-4465. awakeningways.org
St. William’s Catholic Church 6410 Santa Lucia Road, Atascadero, CA (805) 466-0849 www. stwilliams.org Weekday Masses : 10:30 AM Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:30 PM Sunday Masses: 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM Spanish FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH
9925 Morro Road, Atascadero; "The Church on the Hill"; An independent church committed to the teaching of God's Word.; Praise and Prayer–10 a.m.; Morning Worship–11 a.m.; Evening Worship–6 p.m.; Wednesday Prayer–6:30 p.m.; Nursery care and children's classes provided.; Pastor Jorge Guerrero; (805) 461-9197.
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA
A place of hope! Join us for in-person worship on Sundays at 9 A.M. Services are also streamed on 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.
TEMPLETON HILLS SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
God is love. We exist to know and share that love in practical ways. Join us for worship Saturdays at 11am. 930 Templeton Hills Rd, Templeton. For more info: https://templetonhills.adventistfaith.org/
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
940 Creston Road, Paso Robles; has Sunday worship services at 9:30 a.m; For more information, call the church at (805) 238-3702. Ext. 206.
ATASCADERO FOURSQUARE CHURCH–FATHER’S HOUSE
2100 Ramona Road. Sunday service at 10am. Will & Lori Barrow, Pastors; (805) 466-3191; fathershouseafc.com
ABIDE CALVARY ATASCADERO
4500 El Camino Ave (Downstairs, Rear Parking Lot) // info@abideatascadero. org. Sunday Service at 9am, Children’s Ministry provided for ages 2yrs–6th grade. Pastors Chris Vanoli & Ben Eisenman // Love God, Love Others // Abiding closely with Jesus and teaching others to do the same.
THE REVIVAL CENTER
A division of Alpha Beth Ministries; 3850 Ramada Drive (corner of Ramada and Cow Meadow), Paso Robles; 805-434-5170; Pastor Gabe Abdelaziz; a charismatic non-denominational fellowship; Reaching People, Building Homes; Sundays 10am, Wednesday 7pm; alphabeth@tcsn.net, www.alphabeth.org; Instagram @the_ revival_center
COMMUNITY CHURCH OF ATASCADERO, UCC 5850 Rosario Ave. Service 10 a.m. (in person and on Zoom) Pastor Heather Branton (805) 466-9108 atascaderoucc.org
ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH
820 Creston Road., Paso Robles; (805) 238-2218- Parish Office open Mon-Fri 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; website: www.saintrosechurch.org; Mass times; Daily Mass- 8:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.; Tues. 7 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass 5 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.; Spanish Mass at 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. Father Rodolfo Contreras.
SANTA MARGARITA DE CORTONA CATHOLIC CHURCH
WORSHIP DIRECTORY rev. elizabeth rowley hogue COLUMNIST
22515 “H” St, Santa Margarita (805)438-5383 Parish Office hours:Wed-Thur 9am-12pm Mass Times: Saturday Vigil Mass:5pm Sunday:10am Wed-Fri 10am Adoration Wed following Mass Confessions: Saturday 4pm and Sunday 9am
RESURRECTION ECUMENICAL MINISTRY offers an interdenominational communion service each Wednesday evening at 7:00, beginning January 22. Please join us at 9005 Santa Lucia in Atascadero. For more information call or text Rev. Dr. Cynthia Gaw at (828) 406-7253 .
CONGREGATION OHR TZAFON"THE NORTHERN LIGHT"
Located at 2605 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA 93422. Friday Night Service 6:30 pm 805-466-0329 congregationohrtzafon.org
Be included in the Atascadero News & Paso Robles Press Worship Directory for an entire year at $175
barbie butz COLUMNIST
Coats for Kids 2024 was a huge success. Everyone calls it a “welloiled machine” and I agree. From the beginning, with the four Rotary clubs in North County in charge of collection boxes, to Plaza and Fashion Cleaners who freshen-up the coats and jackets at no charge, right down to all of the volunteers who step up to help with the organization of, and participation in the distribution, I have nothing but praise.
My husband and I have been involved in the project for 37 years and at different times during those years we have partnered with Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles, ALF (Atascadero Loaves and Fishes), Atascadero Kiwanis Toys for Tots, and Salvation Army. The work of those organizations, along with the
lee pitts COLUMNIST
I’m a tinkerer. Please note I said tinkerer, not thinker. Big difference. Before I tell you about some things I’ve built from scrap I should state that I’m not an inventor. Big difference. One of my best friends is an inventor and he spends most of his time in high level talks with lawyers, model makers, professors, and his income tax team. A tinkerer consults with no one and makes no money so he doesn’t require the services of H & R Block, let alone an entire team. A tinkerer never knows what he’s making until it’s finished. That was certainly the case with my first creation at the age of 10. I thought I’d just built the world’s first automatic dog feeder but there was only one problem: my dog wouldn’t eat out of it. Turns out I’d just invented the world’s best auto-
Have you ever found yourself with one foot in and one foot out of a situation? There are many reasons we do this. Fear, a need for control, past trauma or disappointments, limiting beliefs, and overthinking things can keep us from putting our whole selves in. When we have one foot in and one foot out, we are partially committed but also holding back. This split approach leads to a lack of clarity, momentum, and fulfillment.
A half-in/half-out approach produces the following results:
1. Lack of Progress. Half-hearted efforts yield half-hearted results.
a. Without full commitment, actions lack the focus and energy needed to create mean-
Success, brownies, and pie
generosity of our communities, have enabled all of us to help our neighbors and their families in need at this time of the year. I will have more to report on the Coats for Kids website coatsforkidsslocounty.org, so check it out.
The recipes this week are “sweets for the holidays” and I love it when friends share recipes for them. Jane Sinton, a resident east of Creston, shared this first recipe for Blond Brownies, which she served us at a luncheon with Community Foundation friends. With the first bite I knew I had to have the recipe. What’s fun is that Jane got the recipe from her sister-in-law, Gail Schoettler, in Parker Colorado. See how much fun it is to share! I know you are going to like these.
Blond Brownies
Ingredients:
• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 2 cups tightly packed dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups chocolate chips
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter and flour 13×9 x 2 inch pan. Cream, butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix all together. Add chocolate chips. Spoon into pan and bake in middle shelf of oven, 20 to 22 minutes, until caramel color. Let cool for 30 minutes and put in freezer for 1 to 2 hours before removing to cut in bars.
Note: If you want to add nuts, use chopped pecans and add 1/2 to 3/4 cups when you add the chocolate chips, or sprinkle a few on top before baking. Also, because they are very rich, do not cut in large bars.
This next recipe for a cranberry pie with no bottom crust is simple but perfect for the season. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon to give it some flare!
The tinkerer
matic squirrel feeder instead. My next creation was the chicken lasso. I hate to admit this but 60 years ago we raised a lot of layers and when they got old we’d catch them, dress them out and gag them down in soup. The accepted method to catch chickens back then was to take a wire coat hanger, double up the end to make it stronger and then bend it in the shape of a hook. Then you tried to snare the chicken’s foot with it. I suppose it worked okay but it could hardly be considered fun or moral building. So one day I was messing around and cut one of the cotton ropes off my mom’s clothesline, (For you Gen Z’ers and millennials this is how we dried our clothes back in the dark ages). For lack of any calves to rope, I started roping chickens. Talk about fun! I was thinking about selling a few chicken lariats until my mom discovered I’d already reduced the capacity of her clothesline by 25 percent.
I’m pretty sure I’m the first person to come up with truck reins which allowed me to steer the truck from the pickup bed while feeding cows and standing
ingful progress.
b. It’s like planting a seed but not watering it consistently— growth becomes stunted.
2. Internal Conflict
a. There is indecision, doubt, or anxiety when torn between committing fully and keeping an escape route open.
b. This mental and emotional tug-of-war drains energy and clouds judgment.
3. Missed Opportunities
a. Being “one foot out” keeps you from fully engaging in opportunities, relationships, or experiences that could lead to growth or success.
b. Fear of failure or rejection might cause hesitation, but this same hesitation often leads to regret for what was left unexplored.
4. Impact on Relationships
a. In relationships, partial commitment can breed mistrust, insecurity, and frustration.
b. Partners may feel like they’re not valued or prioritized, leading to tension and potential disconnection.
Bar Harbor Cranberry Pie
Ingredients:
2 cups cranberries
• 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 2 eggs, beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, melted 1/4 cup shortening, melted
Whipped cream and cinnamon
Directions:
Lightly butter a 9 inch glass pie plate; spread cranberries over bottom. Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 cup sugar and pecans; set aside. In a separate bowl, add eggs and remaining 1 cup sugar; mix well. Blend in flour, butter and shortening; beat well after each addition. Pour over cranberries; bake at 325 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serves 8. Note: Frozen cranberries can also be used ... no need to thaw before preparing. Enjoy the Sweets! Cheers! Barbie Butz is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email her at bbutz1@outlook.com
on hay stacked three bales high while in granny gear. I wrapped some rope around the steering wheel in the two o’clock position and ran it out the driver’s side window leaving enough slack so I could hold the reins on top of the haystack from the rear of the vehicle, before putting the lariat through the passenger side window and attaching it to the steering wheel in the 10 o’clock position. That way before I was about to enter one of the many rock piles on the ranch I tugged on my reins which turned the truck thus avoiding the rocks pile. Believe it or not this worked with some adjustments. (The 11 o’clock and one o’clock position worked much better).
Everything was fine and dandy until I was too late one time and I got tangled up in the rocks, the reins were jerked from my hands and I sailed off the truck like a rodeo cowboy off the back of a bull. Needless to say, “I didn’t stick the landing.” Laying there on the rocks I realized I sprained my ankle real bad so I had to hop as fast as I could to stop the truck before it entered the slow lane of
5. Blocked Manifestation
a. Spiritually or energetically, being divided in focus sends mixed signals to the Universe, making the manifestation of what you genuinely desire difficult.
b. This brings us back to number one — lack of progress. Spirit is all in with you. It wants the best for you, always and in all ways. As we approach a new year, consider what it would be like for you to go all in with the Divine.
The alternative to your having one foot out and one foot in is full commitment. Going “all in” creates alignment between intention and action. It generates momentum, opens doors, and deepens your connection to life. It also eliminates the need for constant second-guessing, allowing you to move forward with confidence, trust, and purpose. When we release our fears and commit fully, we unlock our true potential and experience the fulfillment that comes from wholehearted living. Fear of going all in often stems
the highway that bordered the ranch.
The contraption I’m most proud of is my Water Pik®like device. My teeth are slowly rotting out because of all the nasty drugs the docs gave me and I’ve had 13 teeth pulled so far. OUCH! My dentist suggested that maybe we could slow down the rot if I used a Water Pik®. When I found out how much they cost I figured I could make my own using my airbrush and my shop compressor. I set my compressor at 125 psi, put some toothpaste in the paint cup and pulled the trigger on my airbrush. I think I may have set the pressure too high because it knocked me on my butt and dislodged two teeth, roots and all. At $595 apiece, the going rate in my neck of the woods to have a tooth pulled, I figure my Pitts Pik already saved me $1,200 and I think I may have just accidentally invented the world’s fastest and least painful way to pull teeth! Lee Pitts is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email them at leepitts@leepittsbooks.com.
from deep-seated concerns about vulnerability, loss, or uncertainty. While the reasons can vary from person to person, for many, fear, a need for control, past trauma or disappointments, limiting beliefs, and overthinking things are at the root. You can transmute or alchemize and overcome the above by practicing the following:
1. Cultivate trust: In yourself, the process, and the Universe.
2. Reframe failure: You cannot fail. You might find ways that don’t work but cannot fail.
3. Embrace vulnerability: Recognize it as a strength, not a weakness.
4. Anchor in faith: As spiritual teachings suggest, faith moves mountains when backed by action and belief. Can you go all in with Spirit and begin living the life you imagined for yourself? Just do it! It’s time. And so it is.
Rev. Elizabeth Rowley Hogue is an independent columnist for the Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email her at revelizabeth@awakeningways.org.
(Top left) The Greyhound Girls shined at the 2024 Coyote Classic. Competing with just nine athletes, the AHS girls wrestling squad secured an impressive thirdplace team finish. Individual highlights include Kaylee (third), Emma (first), Addisyn (first), Yocelyn (sixth), Jordyn (second), Lillie (first), Skylar (second), and Adeline (fifth). Photo courtesy of Rebecca Pollard (Bottom left) After two long days of hard work, the Atascadero High boys wrestling team delivered impressive performances at the 2024 Coyote Classic and brought home some hardware. Uly placed fourth, Kaden took first, Yeshua finished fifth, Cole earned fifth, and Josh secured sixth. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Pollard
Despite fatigue, the Greyhounds boys basketball team dug deep to secure its third win in two days at the Morro Bay gymnasium. Coach Augie Johnston’s leadership has clearly elevated this group, pushing them to run hard and fight for every victory. Photos courtesy Dwayne Burbach
On Friday, Dec 6, the Templeton girls soccer team lost its match against Highland High School by a score of 2-1. Photos Courtesy of THS
(Far left) Congratulations to Tyler Daillak for earning a spot among the top 25 high school cross-country runners in the nation. It’s
Photo Courtesy of PRHS (Right Photo) On Dec. 5, the construction team completed the concrete placement for the Aquatics Complex Project house’s deep footings, an impressive 14-foot-9 deep.
