Paso Robles Press • April 6, 2023

No Foolin’, There Was Some Great Fishing

By HAYLEY MATTSON hayley@pasoroblespress.com

CALIFORNIA — In a major milestone for California, after three years health officials announced plans to ease COVID-19 masking guidelines and terminate vaccination requirements for healthcare workers in high-risk settings.

Despite the relaxed guidelines, Aragón stated that Californians will still have access to COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatment without any out-of-pocket costs. Those with private health insurance or Medi-Cal enrollment can access these services from any licensed provider without additional costs until Nov. 11.

PASO ROBLES — It was no prank, young fishermen were up bright and early on Saturday, April 1, for the Fifth Annual Dave Macnamara Fishing Derby.

“The turnout was great,” said Paso Robles Police Activities League (PAL) President Walter Canizalez, who is also a school resource officer at Paso Robles Police Department (PRPD).

Over 100 youth showed up at Barney Schwartz Park for the Fishing Derby on Saturday. The derby is hosted by the Paso Robles Police Activities League (PAL), the Atascadero Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Black Brandt Group, and the Cali-

fornia Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Canizalez noted there were young anglers ready to go when he arrived at the park that morning.

“Being a Police Activities League-sponsored activity, we want the youth to continue to be outdoors and have some sort of activities, some outlet,” he said. “We had a killer turnout, and people are happy.”

Since 1994, the PRPD has been involved with PAL, a

Golden Hill Roundabout Ready for Paving

Council

letter

support for Encampment Resolution Funding Grant application

PASO ROBLES — Starting Wednesday, the City of Paso Robles began paving the Golden Hill and Union Road roundabout. A presentation on the project was presented at the Tuesday, April 4, City Council meeting.

The roundabout paving should be complete by the end of this Friday. It should be noted that the detour near the Medical Plaza will only be available to businesses during this time. The Ardmore Road detour will still be open as usual.

Street lights are up and working on the roundabout. After paving, the city will begin the final stages, including striping, landscaping, irrigation, signs, and cleanup. They hope the roundabout will be complete and open to the public by late

June or early July.

The Union Road Safety Center (Fire Station 3) is expected for partial completion in May and final completion in September. The city has experienced supply chain issues and delays with PG&E throughout the construction of the project. City Council approved a few events to take place within the city throughout the year.

Local nonprofit FARMstead ED will be hosting its Open Farm Days Farmers Market in

Back to the Drawing Board: Supervisors to Approve New District Boundary Map

County board approves new ordinance limiting campaign contributions

SAN LUIS OBISPO

COUNTY — A hearing to adopt new supervisorial district

boundaries is set for April 18, but members of the public and supervisors had much to say about the recently repealed map at the Tuesday San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors meeting.

The map, approved by supervisors at the end of 2021, was repealed by the coalition San Luis Obispo County Citizens

for Good Government (SLOCCGG), who sued the county in early January 2022. The suit was taken to state court under the allegations of “illegal partisan gerrymander under the Fair Maps Act and the California Constitution.”

In March 2023, a settlement was reached, leaving the county

statewide nonprofit organization. They work to provide youth-oriented programs for the community.

The fishing derby started bright and early at 8 a.m. on Saturday. PAL provided rods, reels, and bait, to the first 100 kids to show. Canizalez explains the complimentary gear was given in hopes the kids would enjoy the activity even after the derby. Throughout the day, prizes were given out for differ-

The California Department of Public Health declared that statewide mask usage in healthcare facilities, correctional facilities, and emergency and homeless shelters will no longer be mandatory, effective April 3. At the same time, COVID-19 vaccinations will no longer be required for healthcare workers, including those in adult and direct care settings, correctional facilities, and detention centers.

Dr. Tomás Aragón, California’s public health director and state health officer, explained that the state has reached a point where it can balance the need for prevention with the reality of living with the virus. The decision to ease restrictions comes as Governor Gavin Newsom officially ended California’s three-year state of emergency that was sent in place on March 4, 2020.

The lifting of all COVID19 restrictions marks a significant milestone in the journey that communities have endured over the past three years. This period will not be easily forgotten and serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made towards recovery and a brighter future.

In a separate development, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) vaccine experts have revised their global COVID19 vaccination recommendations. The updated roadmap now considers healthy children and teenagers a low priority, suggesting they may not require vaccination. The new guidelines prioritize vaccines for individuals at the highest risk of death and severe disease, taking into account the Omicron stage of the pandemic and high population immunity levels due to vaccines and infections.

The Strategic Advisory

NORTH COUNTY —

With the sun shining, over 100 cyclists rode through the green countryside of Paso Robles in the 15th Annual Tour of Paso Bike Ride, supporting

the Cancer Support Community – California Central Coast (CSC-CCC) in Templeton.

Cyclists met early in the morning at Niner Wine Estates on Sunday, April 2, eager to get active for a cause.

“We were so pleased with the forecast and the weather,” CSC-CCC Executive Director Candice Sanders said. “[It was a]Beautiful day, sun shining, all the green, wildflowers, it was pretty.”

The ride had both a 50-mile

and a 26-mile option for participants, with a gourmet luncheon and award ceremony at Niner Wine Estates once the ride concluded at noon. This is the event’s 15th year and one of the nonprofit’s biggest fundraisers of the year.

The mission of CSC-CCC is to help those affected by cancer and their loved ones. They offer support through numerous programs “so that no one faces cancer alone.”

ON PAGE A7

Myra Garretson, 5, poses with her fish that was the first one caught at the Fifth Annual Dave MacNamara Fishing Derby at Barney Schwartz Park on Saturday, April 1.

Photo by Camille DeVaul/PRP

Paso Robles Students Get Perfect Scores on State Testing

The students were recognized at a recent school board meeting

PASO ROBLES — Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) students received Board of Education recognition during a recent board meeting for getting perfect scores on their Spring 2022 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress tests.

Each spring, all grades from 3-8 and 11 are administered the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, also known as CAASPP, for English Language Arts/Literacy

and Mathematics. CAASPP results provide one measure of how well students are mastering the state’s academic standards. Students who received perfect scores on their Spring 2022 CAASPP tests were honored by the Board of Trustees and the PRJUSD. The students demonstrated advanced proficiency in English language arts or mathematics. One student, Xian Ferrer, earned a perfect score in both areas. Students with perfect CAASPP test scores are Elizabeth Criswell, Evalin Esquivel, Abigail Leatherman, Presley Bassetti, Sofia Brown, Xian Ferrer, Rhiannon Strickler, Ruth Schulte, Elliott Godsey, Mae Hollen, and Mason Keep.

Paso Robles High Welding Program Chosen to Participate in Education Initiative

Initiative continues to expand and help students across the country prepare for a career in welding

PASO ROBLES — Welding students at Paso Robles High School (PRHS) have been chosen to participate in the Airgas High School Welding Education Initiative. The initiative continues to expand and help students across the country prepare for a career in welding.

Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is an American supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods and related products.

For the 2023 academic year, 14 returning schools and 41 new schools from 22 states have been selected to be part of the program.

These programs were chosen based on four key factors: high unmet need at the school, a productive welding program with the potential to graduate job-ready welders, passionate teachers, and enthusiastic local Airgas champions. Participating programs receive a customized mix of hands-on professional development training or continuing education for welding teachers in close collaboration with Airgas associates. In addition, Airgas donates welding consumables or equipment, safety PPE, and other resources to help support welding program growth within these schools.

The American Welding Society (AWS) forecasts that 336,000 new welding professionals are projected to be needed by 2026, with 84,000 average welding jobs to be filled annually between 2022 and 2025. Since 2018, Airgas has assisted 72 schools, 4,200 welding students, and nearly 450 instructors across the country. In the past two years combined, more than 250 students obtained

welding jobs directly after graduating from a school program supported by Airgas donations.

This Airgas program has built long-term relationships between local educators and Airgas welding and safety experts. The Airgas High School Welding Education Initiative falls under the Airgas Citizen at Work program, which empowers all associates to engage in volunteer activities and give back to their communities. Through the high school welding program, as part of the larger Citizen at Work umbrella, Airgas associates have volunteered hundreds of hours in dozens of communities to collaborate with the instructors and students for each school.

As the High School Welding Education Initiative continues to grow, there has also been increased interest and support from all aspects of Airgas’ business, including associates, customers, suppliers, government officials, and Air Liquide colleagues, who all have a shared interest in cultivating the next generation of welders to advance the industry in the years ahead.

“As we welcome a record number of schools into the High School Welding Education Initiative Class of 2023, we hope our continued and increasing contributions to welding education inspires students to fill their potential in a welding career, and supports welding educators and schools throughout the United States who are preparing graduates to enter welding, engineering and technical careers,” said Airgas Chief Operating Officer Jay Worley. “This program’s growth is possible because of our many passionate associates who are stepping up to share their expertise in the communities where they live and work, as well as our customers, colleagues and collaborators who continue to advocate for the importance of welding education.”

Anniston High SchoolAnniston, Alabama

• Barbara Jordan Career

Center - Houston, Texas

Beloit Memorial High School - Beloit, Wisconsin

Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School - Anchorage, Alaska

• Buckeye Hills Career CenterRio Grande, Ohio

• Bucksport High SchoolBucksport, Maine Cherokee High SchoolCanton, Georgia Clarion County Career Center - Clarion, Pennsylvania

• Clearfield County Career & Technology - Clearfield, Pennsylvania

• Cloudland High SchoolElizabethton, Tennessee Crescent City Junior Senior High School - Crescent City, Florida

• Dulce High School - Dulce, New Mexico

• Exeter Union High SchoolExeter, California Father Judge High SchoolPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

Felicity-Franklin High School - Felicity, Ohio

Galena Park High SchoolGalena Park, Texas

• Genesee Career InstituteFlint, Michigan

• Geneva Regional Tech Center - Geneva, Alabama Gibson Southern High School - Fort Branch, Indiana

• Hazel Park High SchoolHazel Park, Michigan

• Houston County Career Academy - Dothan, Alabama

• Houston Junior Senior High School - Houston, Alaska

Interlachen Junior Senior High School - Interlachen, Florida

• Jeff Tech - Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania

• Joe Redington Senior Junior Senior High School - Wasilla, Alaska

Journeys Soaring ImpactCincinnati, Ohio

King Kekaulike High School - Pukalani, Hawaii

• Lake Arthur High SchoolLake Arthur, New Mexico

• Largo High School - Largo, Florida

Lima Senior High School -

Lima, Ohio

Lyman High School - Longwood, Florida

• Lyndon Institute - Lyndon Center, Vermont

• Madison Park Technical

Vocational School - Boston, Massachusetts

Merrillville High SchoolMerrillville, Indiana

Nathan Hale High SchoolWest Allis, Wisconsin

• New London Community School District - New

London, Iowa

• North Branch High School

- North Branch, Minnesota

North Monterey County High School - Castroville, California

• Olomana SchoolWaimanalo, Hawaii

• Owatonna Public SchoolsOwatonna, Minnesota

Page High School - Page, Arizona

Palatka Junior Senior High School - Palatka, Florida

Paso Robles High SchoolPaso Robles, California

• Razdolna School - Razdolna, Alaska

• Region Two School of Applied Technology - Houlton, Maine

Riverside High SchoolPainesville, Ohio

• St. David High School - St. David, Arizona

• Tampa Bay Tech - Tampa, Florida

• Tooele High School - Tooele, Utah

Ventura High SchoolVentura, California

Veterans Resource CenterDallas, Texas

• Waipahu High School -

Waipahu, Hawaii

Washington County Career & Technical Education CenterAbingdon, Virginia

Weld Like A Girl - Yuma, Arizona

White Mountain Regional High School - Whitefield, New Hampshire

Transparency Certificate of Excellence Awarded to San Miguel Community Services District

The district demonstrated the completion of essential governance transparency requirements

SAN MIGUEL — The San Miguel Community Services District received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership

Chabad of Paso Robles Celebrating Passover this Wednesday

This year, Passover begins at sundown on April 5 and concludes at nightfall on April 13

PASO ROBLES — Passover, this year beginning at sundown on April 5 and concluding at nightfall on April 13, will be celebrated by Paso Robles’ Jewish community, which will join family and community Passover Seders — the festive ritual-filled dinner on the first two nights of the eight-day holiday.

Passover celebrates the exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in Ancient Egypt some 3,330 years ago and is traditionally celebrated together with family and friends, making it the most observed Jewish holiday in the United States.

Here in the North County, Chabad of Paso Robles is ensuring that everyone will be able to celebrate Passover by sharing handmade shmurah matzah — considered ideal for the Passover Seder — with those celebrating at home; sharing special holiday recipes with community members, like the traditional charoset dip (and brisket a food, while not part of the ritual, the holiday has become known for). It welcomed participants to its user-friendly community Seder on April 5 — in greater numbers in the Year of Hakhel or “gathering,” marked with Jewish gatherings focused on unity, Torah learning and practice.

“As the Jewish community prepares to mark the Festival of our Freedom, we’re looking forward to welcoming the community to join us in celebration,” said Etty Gordon, who co-directs Chabad of Paso Robles. “Our goal is to lower the barriers to Jewish engagement and ensure everyone feels welcome and included, and has the opportunities and resources they need to celebrate the holiday.”

Foundation (SDLF) in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance.

“This award is a testament to San Miguel Community Services District’s commitment to open government,” said General Manager Kelly Dodds. “Our staff is to be commended for their contributions that empower the public with information and facilitate engagement and oversight.”

To receive the award, San Miguel Community Services District demonstrated the

completion of essential governance transparency requirements, including conducting ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open and public meetings, and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the state controller in a timely manner.

SDLF is an independent, nonprofit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and other recognition programs.

In 1954, the Rebbe Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, the most influential rabbi in modern history, whose leadership inspired the founding of Chabad of Paso Robles, launched the Shmurah Matzah initiative as part of an effort to create awareness and promote observance of Passover. In keeping with his vision, an estimated 4 million hand-baked Shmurah Matzah will be distributed by the Chabad-Lubavitch movement this year.

Additional information about the Passover holiday is available at ChabadPaso.com/Passover, and more information about local events and initiatives can be found at chabadpaso.com.

PASO ROBLES HIGH SCHOOL

Paso Robles Joint Unified School District students who got perfect scores on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASP) show off their certificates of achievement during a recent school board meeting. Contributed Photo

Repair Work Scheduled for Chimney Rock Road

Once the temporary bridge is in place, the county will move to the third and final phase, which will be the long-term repair of the road.

For the long-term fix, Public Works is considering a permanent bridge or a large-diameter culvert capable of passing large debris for 100-year storm flows.

PASO ROBLES — With no storms in the immediate forecast, County of San Luis Obispo Public Works is now able to begin repairs to Paso Robles’ Chimney Rock Road, which was washed out during an early March atmospheric river event.

Steep terrain, unstable soils, rising lake levels, and a continuous stream of storms since March 9 have hampered repair efforts, and the break in weather means we will begin repairs on Monday, April 3.

By the week of April 24, weather and site conditions permitting, it is expected that stranded residents in the lakeside communities of Running Deer Ranch, CAL-Shasta, and Tri-Counties will have access to and from their homes for the first time since March 9.

The washout will be repaired in three phases. In the first phase, Public Works and local contrac-

tor David Crye General Engineering Contractor, Inc, will build a temporary road upstream at a lower elevation than the existing road. Once open, the road will provide limited access to residents, construction equipment, and emergency vehicles only. Though the temporary road will be passable for vehicles, the site remains an active construc-

tion zone, and drivers are advised to exercise extra caution on the roadway.

For the second phase of repair, Public Works and Souza Construction, Inc. will construct a temporary bridge over the washout on Chimney Rock Road. This one-lane bridge is expected to be open to all vehicles this May.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Temporary traffic control devices will be installed to support traffic through the construction zone during all phases of the project.

During the first major storm system to hit San Luis Obispo County on Jan. 9, culverts beneath Chimney Rock Road at milepost 12.425 (near Fawn Lane) washed out. County staff completed an emergency fix and reopened the road on Jan. 24. Debris from subsequent storms damaged one of the two culverts leading to a complete failure of the road and embankment when another major storm hit the county on March 9. The new washout created an 80-foot-long and 50-foot-deep canyon bisecting the road.

This unprecedented storm damage is indicative of the fact that almost 90 inches of rain have fallen in this area of San Luis Obispo County since December 2022.

Resource Fair to Offer Support to Local Veterans

Event scheduled for April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Atascadero Lake Park near the bandstand

ATASCADERO — The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 2814 of Atascadero and the San Luis Obispo County Veterans Services Office are teaming up to host the Veterans Resource Fair on Saturday, April 22, in Atascadero. The

free event is an effort to offer local veterans and their families the opportunity to connect with organizations and companies that offer services and benefits they may need.

Scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Atascadero Lake Park near the bandstand, the outdoor gathering will include a variety of nonprofit organizations, government agencies and private companies offering services and information on health and wellness, financial assistance, social opportunities, employment opportunities, and more.

Addition - ally, the Kiwanis Club of

SLO County Farm Bureau Meets with State Officials at Capitol Ag Day

Topics of discussion range from water infrastructure to improving access to property insurance, and more

SAN LUIS OBISPO

COUNTY — Last week, Farm Bureau members from all over the state joined together in Sacramento for the California Farm Bureau’s Capitol Ag Day Conference. The event combined Commodity Caucus meetings and visits to the Capitol to meet with state officials.

With over 2,700 bills introduced in the state legislature this year, conversations with elected officials covered everything from water infrastructure permitting (SB 23) and storm disaster impacts to improving

access to property insurance (SB 505) and removing barriers for aerial pesticide applicators to use drones (AB 1016).

San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau met with staff from the offices of Senator John Laird, Assemblymember Dawn Addis, and 37th District Assemblymember Gregg Hart, whose district includes Oceano. Caucus meetings represent the first step of the Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy development process. The San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau thanks SLO County Farm Bureau member Daryn Miller for participating in Capitol Ag Day Conference.

Participants heard from elected officials and regulatory agency leaders including California State Water Board Vice Chair Dorene D’Adamo and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis.

Atascadero will be selling its famous tri-tip sandwich lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Veterans’ lunches are being sponsored by generous members of the community. To sponsor a veteran’s lunch, visit vfwpost2814.org (Special Events) for the online donation link or details on where to send cash or checks.

Organizations and companies interested in participating should contact Kendra Scott, Veterans Services Office, kkescott@co.slo.ca.us or (805) 903-3234.

Local vendors who make and sell patriotic or

Americana items are also invited to be a commercial vendor for only $10 a 10x10. Interested vendors can contact Sabrina Sakaguchi, VFW Auxiliary 2814, vfwauxiliary2814@gmail.com to sign-up.

The Veterans Resource Fair is Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Atascadero Lake Park located at 9305 Pismo Ave. The event offers free admission and parking. For more event details, including how to donate in support of the Veterans Resource Fair and the veterans it will serve, visit vfwpost2814.org (Special Events).

Director of Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center Appointed

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

— After a nationwide recruitment, San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow announced that Jessica Yates had been selected as the Director of the Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center upon the transfer of former Director Tim Murphy to a new role with the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations.

Established in 1977 as one of only two centers at the time in California, the Victim Witness Assistance Center serves all victims of crime who reside in San Luis Obispo County.

The director oversees a staff of 21 personnel, including interns, victim advocates, witness coordinators, claims representatives, and support staff. The assistance center staff collectively assists between 10,000 to 14,000 crime victims annually, including those who are victims of physical violence, theft, and property crimes.

“We are extremely pleased with Jessica Yates’ selection as director because of her qualifications and her passionate desire to make our community safer by assisting those who have been severely impacted by crime,” Dow said. “Director Yates has instantly become a highly valued member of our District Attorney management team.”

Yates holds a master’s degree in business administration with specialization in financial management from National University, La Jolla, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Irvine.

Yates most recently worked for the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, where she served as the business systems analyst. There she led the county’s Stepping Up

initiative, a national program helping to advance efforts by county governments to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses and co-occurring substance use disorders in jails. In her lead role, she collaborated with county department heads, the chief administration officer, and other county staff who comprise the executive steering committee. Yates developed and authored a comprehensive three-year strategic plan for San Luis Obispo County’s Stepping Up program.

Additionally, Yates partnered with the sheriff’s community action team to provide Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for law enforcement and other agencies throughout San Luis Obispo County. She has conducted numerous presentations to various agencies, county, and city governments, and other stakeholders. Yates has experience researching grant opportunities, writing grant proposals, and managing budgets for awarded grants. In addition, she has several years of experience in the private sector, where she served as a marketing manager and a regional vice president with an investment services company.

“We also thank outgoing Victim Witness Director Tim Murphy for his outstanding service over the past two years,” Dow said. “Tim’s work of implementing our mass victimization advocate program, creating our courthouse dog program, and overseeing the assistance center throughout the pandemic was superb.”

Murphy assumed a new role as a senior investigator in the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

By SLO COUNTY FARM BUREAU

Daryn Miller of the San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau (left) and the bureau’sExecutive Director Brent Burchett are shown during Capitol Ag Day in Sacramento. Contributed Photo

JESSICA YATES

PASO ROBLES

Water Meter Reading Delayed Due to Weather

Due to the inclement weather, we have been experiencing as of late, the city’s meter reading company is delayed in reading your meter for the April 1 bill. As such, the April 1 bill (printed and emailed) will be delayed as well. Although the due date of the April 20 remains unchanged, no penalties will be assessed for late payments in the month of April. The city anticipates that meter readings and billing for the May 1 bill will occur as regularly scheduled. However, they will continue to monitor this situation and provide additional information as needed.

Templeton Residents Reminded of Weed Abatement Season

Now is the time to begin planning for the removal of weeds around your property. Remember, the earlier you start in the year, the easier it is to mitigate them. As soon as the weather turns warm, weeds become an extreme fire hazard not only for you but for your neighbors as well.

Remember, in California, weed abatement is almost a year-round endeavor. A good rule of thumb would be to have this work finished by the end of April. If you are an out-of-town property owner, now is the time to schedule the work to be done and verify that it has been completed before the weeds turn brown. Depending on the rainfall, fire breaks may require multiple disking or mowing to maintain their integrity throughout the summer.

All properties within the Templeton Community Services District boundaries, including yards and lots, must be cleared of all combustible vegetation, such as dead leaves, weeds, brush, and tree limbs, by May 1 and maintained through Nov. 30. Property owners are also asked to remove excess trash, wood, or other combustibles from their property that is next to their house or other structures to keep a firesafe environment.

Due to spring rains, there will be an increase in vegetation which can become a potential fire hazard as it dries. Therefore, property owners are asked to plan on multiple cuttings this year to keep grasses and weeds down to fire-safe levels.

Below are some key weed abatement requirements:

• Do not mow after 10 a.m. if the temperature exceeds 80 degrees. Mowers must be set at a maximum height of 3 inches unless conditions require a greater height.

• All equipment used for weed abatement work must be equipped with proper spark arresters, mufflers, etc.

A fire extinguisher of pressurized water or back-pump type is required on equipment for immediate accessibility and use.

Property owners are responsible for weeds from the center line of the public road and through their entire property.

Parcels that are three acres or less in size must be mowed or disked completely. Parcels 3 acres or larger must have, at a minimum, a soil firebreak around the perimeter, and cross breaks at intervals

breaking each block in no greater than 1 acre (or as directed by the Fire Department). Firebreaks shall be a minimum of 30 feet in width at perimeters and cross breaks and 50 feet minimum around structures.

Downslope clearances from structures shall be a minimum of 100 feet. Clearances around and under oak trees shall be a minimum of 30 feet.

Templeton Fire and Emergency Services thanks all participants for helping to make Templeton a firesafe community.

Main Street Association Looking for Volunteers for April Event

The Paso Robles Main Street Association is looking for volunteers for the Vintage Sidecar Rendezvous, Recycled Treasures, Antique Motorcycles & Electric Vehicles event happening Saturday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information visit signupgenius.com/go/10c0945aaac2ba7ffce9-recycled#/

ATASCADERO

Atascadero Farmers Market

Celebrates Six-Year Anniversary

The Atascadero Farmers Market is proud to celebrate its six-year anniversary Wednesday, April 5. This weekly event has become a staple in the community, offering fresh, locally-grown produce, handmade goods, and live entertainment.

Since its inception in 2017, the market has grown in popularity, drawing in visitors from all over the Central Coast. The event takes place every Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m., and during daylight savings, the market runs from 3 to 5 p.m.

The Atascadero Farmers Market features a variety of vendors, including farmers, ranchers, and artisans. Visitors can browse through the selection of fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams, and more. The market also offers handmade crafts, jewelry, and other unique gifts.

The Atascadero Farmers Market is a great way to support local businesses and enjoy the beautiful Central Coast weather. The market is located at the Sunken Gardens in the heart of downtown Atascadero.

For more information, please visit VisitAtascadero.com/events.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

County Provides Former Administrative Officer with Severance Package and Non-Disparage Clause

San Luis Obispo County officials have agreed to provide former Administrative Officer Wade Horton with a severance package that includes a non-disparage clause after he announced plans to resign amid a controversial performance review. The agreement provides Horton with six months pay or $146,364, which he must accept in exchange for not taking legal action against the county. The mutual non-disparage clause is also included in the agreement.

The performance review was requested by two members of the new board majority, although the county officials are not disclosing which of the three supervisors — Bruce Gibson, Jimmy Paulding, or Dawn Ortiz Legg — made the request. Horton, as required by his position, placed the closed-session performance review on the agenda, which led Gibson and Paulding to claim that Horton voluntarily chose

to put his review on the agenda.

Despite the controversial circumstances surrounding Horton’s departure, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors John Peschong praised Horton for his dedication and contributions to the county during his tenure. Horton served as the county administrator from 2017 and previously served as the public works director and the deputy director of utilities/water for the City of San Luis Obispo.

In his newsletter, Paulding acknowledged Horton’s public service and contributions as the CAO over the past five years, and he agreed to stay on until April to assist in finalizing the budget and ensuring a smooth transition to new leadership. The county will soon launch a nationwide search for a new CAO who can bring a fresh perspective to addressing the community’s challenges.

However, during the closed session employee performance review, the board was limited to discussing their expectations of the position and Horton’s performance. The Ralph M. Brown Act requires the board to discuss the state of the county organization and the resources necessary to achieve positive outcomes for the county and community in open session.

While the circumstances surrounding Horton’s resignation may be controversial, his contributions to the county during his tenure cannot be denied. The county will now move forward with finding a new CAO who can continue to lead efforts to address the challenging issues in the community.

Former Youth Pastor Arrested for Child Molestation Charges

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Detectives have arrested an Oregon man for child molestation charges that occurred in Nipomo.

In September of 2022, sheriff’s detectives received a report of a suspected ongoing child molestation that occurred in Nipomo between 2005 and 2008. The investigation revealed the suspect Jeffrey York, who at that time was a youth pastor at New Beginnings Community Church in Nipomo, had contact with a male victim and had sexually assaulted him for years.

The Sheriff’s Department reported that over the course of several months, detectives completed an investigation that led to an arrest warrant. At that time, York was believed to be living in Portland, Oregon. Detectives were in the process of arresting York in Oregon when on March 27, during a routine patrol, South Station deputies located a vehicle registered to Jeffrey York out of Portland parked in the 600 block of El Camino Real in Arroyo Grande. Deputies contacted detectives and advised them York was in Arroyo Grande.

York was arrested and booked into County Jail on two counts of oral

copulation by duress, two counts of lewd acts with a child under 14 with force, and other various charges. Bail was set at $400,000.

Anyone with additional information about this case or other potential victims should contact the Sheriff’s Detective Division at (805) 781-4500.

San Luis Obispo County Takes Steps to Join Central Coast Community Energy

The San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors voted in March to begin the process of joining Central Coast Community Energy (3CE). This decision is expected to bring numerous benefits to the county and its residents, including significant cost savings on electricity bills.

According to estimates, the county will save over $1.1 million per year on its electricity bill once it joins 3CE, with residents and local businesses expected to save $26 million annually. Rates with 3CE are projected to be on average 39 percent lower than those offered by PG&E.

This cost savings comes at a crucial time for many residents and small businesses who are struggling with the rising cost of living on the Central Coast. The projected budget gap for next year is $5 million, and joining 3CE will help close this gap in future years.

In addition to cost savings, joining 3CE will also advance the goal of achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 and promote policies that will encourage hiring local workers, more good-paying jobs, and sound environmental policy. A member from the Board of Supervisors will also be seated on the 3CE Board of Directors, giving the region a voice in important policy decisions.

Residents and businesses located in the unincorporated areas of the county will have the opportunity to benefit from 3CE’s lower rates starting in 2025.

Central Coast Creative Corps to Provide $140K Grants for 23 YearLong Art Projects

The Arts Council for Monterey County, Arts Council Santa Cruz County, the San Benito County Arts Council, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture, and the Ventura County Arts Council have announced the Central Coast Creative Corps (CCCC) program.

The new grant opportunity is funded by the California Arts Council, which will provide $140,000 grants for 23 projects produced by working partnerships between community-based organizations, including nonprofits, government agencies or tribal governments, and local artists, creative workers, or culture bearers.

The program’s goal is to invest in artists across disciplines to collaborate with community partners for 12 months on producing a sustained outreach and engagement initiative addressing one of the following four priority areas as identified by the California Arts Council:

1. Public Health awareness messages to stop the spread of COVID-19

2. Climate Impact — public awareness of water and energy conservation, climate change, mitigation, emergency preparedness, relief, and recovery

3. Civic Engagement, including

election participation

4. Social Justice and community engagement

Community partners are invited to apply for the funds and engage an artist, or individual artist collective, for a one-year project from September 2023 to August 2024.

Of the funding award, $100,000 will go directly to the artist for their work on the campaign, with $20,000 allocated for artist-community relations, supplies and materials, and other costs incurred for production and/or implementation; and $20,000 for the organization for program administration.

The grant opportunity is open to community-based organizations in the Central Coast Region (Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties). The program prioritizes communities that demonstrate the highest levels of need, as indicated by the California Healthy Places Index (HPI).

“The Central Coast has a proud history of artist-led social change. We are thrilled to offer this funding to help Central Coast communities envision artistic, creative, and innovative solutions to some of our region’s most pressing challenges,” said Sarah York Rubin, executive director of the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture, which will serve as the lead administering organization for the CCCC.

Community partners who receive grants will be able to access a directory of Central Coast artists expressing interest in program participation. The searchable directory will include artists’ resumes, media or medium, years of artistic practice, geographic location, area of geographic interest, work samples, and community engagement experience. They may select an artist or artist collective from the directory, or work with an artist they may already be affiliated with. Artists can sign up to join the directory at centralcoastartists.org.

This program is shared and administered in the Central Coast region by county-designated arts agencies from all six counties. They will work cooperatively to support program administration and serve as primary partners, service providers, and communication conduits in their respective geographies. This program is part of the California Creative Corps, developed by the California Arts Council in partnership with the state Legislature. California Creative Corps is an economic and workforce recovery pilot program intended to support pandemic recovery and the environmental, civic, and social engagement of California’s most disproportionately impacted communities.

“We are so excited to work with our regional partners to support socially engaged arts projects across the Central Coast,” said Jordan Chesnut, programs director of SLO County Arts Council. “This is a really incredible opportunity.”

More information about eligibility, how community partners can apply for this grant, and upcoming information sessions that will offer guidance and address questions throughout the application period can be found on the Central Coast Creative Corps website at centralcoastcreativecorps.org/. Spanish-language assistance is available.

The deadline to apply is May 1 by 5 p.m.

S. CHIADO

1927-2023

Phyllis Spargo Chiado passed away peacefully on March 18th, 2023. She was born on October 14th, 1927, in San Luis Obispo, California.

She graduated from Paso Robles High School in 1945, received a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Chemistry from UC Berkeley in 1949, and a Master of Teaching at Stanford University in 1966. She was a High School teacher of physics and mathematics for 34 years, 27 of which were at Santa Maria High School. With grace and dignity, she set the academic bar high for her family and students, as reflected in their various professional careers.

Her generosity and commitment to student success are demonstrated by the number of scholarships she funded. She married Eugene “Chuck” Chiado at the United Methodist Church in Paso Robles on July 30th, 1950. She loved to travel and read books. She climbed Machu Picchu, rode elephants in Thailand, visited the Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia, went on safari in Africa, and hiked islands in the Galapagos. She visited the Alps of Switzerland

and Germany, visited friends in France, rode the train numerous times to the Pacific Northwest to visit family, and for decades hiked to the High Sierra camps in Yosemite. She was active in the Templeton Kiwanis, participating in numerous community activities, and was an ardent supporter of both Templeton and Shandon schools.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Chuck Chiado, and is survived by numerous nieces

and nephews.

A service of remembrance will be held Saturday, June 10th at 10 am, Wilson Gym, Santa Maria High School. The service is open to the public.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the following:

CalRTA, Division 86, Scholarship Committee

Phyllis Chiado Scholarship

ATTN: Scholarship Treasurer PO Box 536 Templeton, CA 93465

Arrests Made in Grover Beach Narcotics Investigation

Couple booked on various gun, drug charges after search of residence

SAN LUIS OBISPO — On

Thursday, March 16, the Sheriff’s Special Operations Unit served a search warrant at a residence in the 1100 block of Grand Avenue in Grover Beach.

During the search, detectives seized 163 grams of methamphetamine, 158 grams of fentanyl, two Glock-style ghost handguns, a Uzi fully automatic machine gun and a 12-gauge shotgun. The estimated street value of the narcotics is approx-

imately $6,700. The investigation led to the arrest of Brett Douglass and Jacquelyn Douglass of Grover Beach for the following charges: felon in possession of a firearm,

possession of a machine gun, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance while armed, possession for sale of a controlled substance, and selling controlled

substances within 1,000 feet of a school.

It should be noted that Grover Beach Elementary is located approximately 493 feet from the residence belonging to

both Brett and Jacquelyn Douglass. Both were booked into the County Jail. A court order for a bail increase was approved. Both are in custody with bail set at $250,000.

Man Sentenced 250 Years to Life for Sex Crime Against Children GUILTY VERDICT

On Jan. 26, a jury found Grunow, 57, guilty on all charged counts

SAN LUIS OBISPO

— SLO County District

Attorney Dan Dow announced on Thursday, March 30, that Craig Anthony Grunow has been sentenced by San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Timothy Covello to serve 250 years to life in prison for 11 crimes of sexual abuse of three children occurring over a three-year period.

At the sentencing hearing, all

three victims were present. One submitted a written impact statement, and two family members verbally addressed the court about the profound effect these crimes had on the survivors and their family. Covello commended the victims, stating their testimony was some of the most impressive he had seen, “they were poised, they were truthful, they were courageous.”

On Jan. 26, a jury found Grunow, 57, guilty on all charged counts, which included one count of sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 10 and 10 counts of committing a lewd act on a child under the age of 14. The jury also found

true a special allegation that Grunow committed lewd acts on multiple victims under the age of 14. This special allegation imposes a sentence of 25 years to life in prison for each eligible offense pursuant to California Penal Code section 667.61(j)(2).

“California law still protects its most vulnerable citizens by authorizing a sentence of life imprisonment for this type of child molestation case,” Dow said. “This sentence should ensure that this predator is never able to harm a child again. The bravery of these young survivors should encourage all other victims of sexual

INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A) VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC], Case no. 230983

08:38 — Wilson Hudson, of San Luis

Obispo was on view arrest on the 100 block of Niblick Rd for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], Case no. 230985

12:59 — John Grigg, of Santa Maria was on view arrest on the 1400 block of Spring St for DISORDERLY CONDUCT/ DRUNK IN PUBLIC [647(F)PC], Case no. 230988

15:03 — Peter Antoniomatias, of Paso

Robles was on view arrest on the corner of Rambouillet Rd and St Ann Rd for WILLFULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC], Case no. 230992

MARCH 30, 2023

13:57 — Tyler Smith, of Paso Robles was summoned/Cited on the corner of HWY 101 and 17th St for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], 231000

14:42 — Christian Garcia, of Paso

Robles was arrested for UNDER INFLUENCE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11550(A)H&S], Case no. 230999

14:43 — Floriberto Morenoflores, of San Miguel was on view arrest on the corner of Rambouillet Rd and Nicklaus St for PROBATION VIOLATION:REARREST/REVOKE [1203.2(A)], BENCH

DEATHS

DICK DANNELLS, JR., 88, of Pismo Beach passed away on April 1st 2023.

Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

MARK IRA LORBERBAUM, 62, of Grover Beach passed away March 15th 2023.

Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

MARY CATHERINE MISSAMORE, 82, of Grover Beach passed away on April 1st 2023.

Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

YOLANDA DIANE PONTING 69, of Grover Beach passed away April 2nd 2023.

Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

EVELYN OLLIE GREEN, 95, of Arroyo Grande passed away on March 26th 2023. Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

JOAN CHARLESTON RADER, 84, of Pismo Beach passed away on March 21st 2023.

Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

KATHRYN LYNN SETENCICH, 77, of Nipomo passed away on March 26th 2023.

Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

abuse to report and seek help from law enforcement.”

The District Attorney’s Office recognizes that many victims of childhood sexual abuse never report and that abusers often harm multiple victims. They encourage all victims of childhood sexual abuse to come forward and seek assistance from law enforcement, victim organizations such as Lumina Alliance, and/or other providers of assistance such as counseling organizations.

If you have been a victim, or know someone who is a victim, you may seek assistance in the following ways: for an

WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 231001 20:05 — Tylene Hansen, of Creston was arrested for OUTSIDE WARRANT/M, Case no. 231004

MARCH 31, 2023 00:27 — Adam Kassir, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the corner of Riverside and 20th St for OUTSIDE WARRANT/M, POSSESS

CRAIG A. GRUNOW

emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911; to report suspected child abuse or neglect call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at (805) 781-KIDS (5437) or toll free 1-800-834-KIDS (5437).

[23152(B)VC], Case no. 231021

22:34 — Darin Willis, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on Black Oak and 24th St for WILLFULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC], Case no. 231022

APRIL 01, 2023

18:59 Christian Garcia, of Paso Robles was arrested for OUTSIDE WARRANT/M, UNDER INFLUENCE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11550(A) H&S], Case no. 231018 03:37 — Marcelino Ramonchavez, of Santa Maria was on view arrest on the corner of 24th St and Ysabel St for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC], Case no. 231024

13:18 — Victoria Manuel, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 200 block of Grand Canyon for PROBATION VIOLA-

TION:REARREST/REVOKE [1203.2(A)], Case no. 231029

19:41 — Curtis Olsen, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 600 block of Derby Ln for INFLICTING CORPORAL INJURY ON SPOUSE/COHABITANT [273.5(A)PC], Case no. 231032

19:57 — Michael Huhtala, of Paso Robles was arrested for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 231034

19:57 — Forest Kessinger, of Bakers-

field was taken into custody on the 1800 block of Ramada Dr

These photos show the evidence gathered by the Sheriff’s Special Operations Unit after a search of a residence on the 1100 block of Grand Avenue in Grover Beach.

PHYLLIS

When terrible events occur, it’s a fair question,

“Where was God? Why did He let this happen?” Recently we have witnessed communities literally destroyed by violent tornadoes, dozens killed and injured and worse, innocent people, including children murdered, by a deranged, vindictive woman. For Christians, it’s especially painful, the murdered innocents were targeted for their faith and these events occurred in the approach to Easter, the most important of all religious observances for Christians, the resurrection of Christ.

To the skeptic and unbeliever, these events are just tragic occurrences. The Christian, however, recognizes that

Where Was God?

these events are the manifestation of living in a fallen, broken world that cannot be repaired by man but only by the direct, supernatural intervention of the Creator. Man’s efforts to legislate evil out of existence have always resulted in tyranny and the infliction of even more evil upon humanity. Evil exists and we see it every day in a thousand forms, small and great, but always with the same consequence, pain, and suffering for the few or many.

For the unbeliever, the ultimate end of man in a godless universe is for all to end some millions of years hence with a universe gone cold, motionless and dark. Life has no purpose, the struggles of humanity have no meaning for all was simply a result of accidental interactions of chemistry and physics. Live your life as you will for this is all you will ever have; the dead are dead and will be forever.

Pretty grim. No wonder so many young people are gripped by despair. I reject that premise: there’s an alternative that gives hope, especially that as believ-

ers, we will again be reunited with loved ones lost.

First, God is not absent from any tragedy. He’s always there ready to comfort and even grieve with you. The world we have is not the world He intended but the result of man’s folly: Christians call it sin, a condition we brought into the world ourselves. We have freedom, free will to love or hate, to offer kindness or to inflict harm. It’s our choice. Unfortunately, we usually choose defiance. Thus, we have a world filled with violence by men and nature. Indeed, scripture tells us that “all creation groans in anticipation of His coming.” The world will not always be gripped by violence and destruction.

Nonsense, says the skeptic. There is no god, nobody is out there, this is all there is.

Scripture does not defend the existence of the Creator, it simply states, “The fool says in his heart, there is no God.” It points to the creation and defies one to explain its extraordinary complexity and splendor. The

Book of Job describes scientific principles not recognized until the last few centuries, such as the earth being a sphere “hung upon nothing” and other scientific facts. The Bible explains origins of the universe, indeed that the universe had a beginning, something scientists were astonished to confirm.

Astronomers, using our Hubble and Webb space telescopes have detected the origins of the universe, that where once we thought there were thousands of stars we now know there are hundreds of billions of stars within galaxies and two trillion galaxies, yet we’ve only observed a fraction of the universe.

Looking inward scientists have confirmed the scriptural assertion that “we are fearfully and wonderfully made” and “that which is seen is made by that which is unseen.” We’ve discovered that DNA is the master blueprint for life; if all the DNA in a human body could be unwound and spliced together, the thread would reach the sun and back 400 times.

Scientist Michael Guillen, who holds doctorates in physics, math, and astronomy along with Dr. Hugh Ross (Ph.D., astronomy), wrote numerous books outlining many scientific discoveries validating the authority of scripture for a created universe. Author Josh McDowell’s books provide a vigorous defense of scriptural authenticity and the case that Christ is the promised Messiah and Son of God, Christ being the reason for Easter.

A simple carpenter (Jesus) in ancient Israel spoke with astonishing wisdom, performed many miracles, and claimed to be the Son of God. He was charged in a secret, illegal trial at night, accused of blasphemy by religious courts, found innocent by the Roman authorities but acquiesced to a mob to put him to death. He was severely beaten, tortured and crucified, an ordeal of 15 hours, died, was confirmed to be dead, then buried. His tomb was guarded by a Roman guard of 16 soldiers, with his tomb marked by a Roman seal; to

break the seal was a capital offense. Something happened. Three days later, the tomb was empty, and religious authorities claimed his disciples stole the body, except allowing a prisoner to escape or break a seal meant death for the guards.

The disciples are described in scripture as being defeated, fearful and in hiding from religious authorities. Their Messiah was dead. They were doomed. Yet these frightened men (and women) suddenly became bold as lions, proclaiming that Christ was risen. Eleven went to painful martyrs deaths rather than recant, a 12th died in prison. Millions have died for a lie throughout history, but how many have died for a lie, knowing it’s a lie? Answer me that question as even today, thousands go to their death rather than recant. Christ is risen.

Al Fonzi is an independent opinion columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email him at atascaderocolumnist@gmail.com.

Greater Idaho May Inspire New Push for Jefferson

The myriad activists for the putative State of Jefferson in the mostly rural counties of Northern California don’t need much prodding to spring into action.

But they may soon be getting a push anyway, this time from similar-minded eastern Oregonians eager to split off from their current state and join up with neighboring Idaho.

That movement, called “Greater Idaho” because it would shift 15 rural eastern

Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Special Election

Dear Editor,

Vote for Kenney Enney for Paso Robles School Board.

Kenney Enney is committed to parental rights, academic performance, safety, and accountability. Kenney is speaking truth to the powerful education bureaucracy, and they are spewing lies, engaging in character assassination, and spending upwards of $20,000 to defeat him.

A coup was orchestrated by the education establishment to vacate the legal appointment of Mr. Enney from our Paso Robles school board. It was a disgraceful power grab that is forcing the district to pay for a special election at a cost of nearly half a million dollars. Money that is coming out of the PRJUSD’s general fund, money which would otherwise

Oregon counties into Idaho, has so far won voter approval in 11 of those counties and will get a vote in May in northeast Oregon’s Wallowa County (population 7,391). The Idaho Legislature’s lower house has already approved the concept. While the Greater Idaho movement is far younger than the notion of the State of Jefferson, which originated in the 1940s, it has moved much farther toward its goal. It is even due for some discussion in the Oregon Legislature this year, with at least one state senator and one member of the lower house as sponsors.

The State of Jefferson, by contrast, has never gotten formal consideration in Sacramento. Its aim is not to join another state, but to rip away from Oregon some of the same counties now amena-

ble to joining Idaho and link them to Northern California in a new 51st state, its putative capital Redding, in California’s Shasta County.

Meanwhile, a nascent separatist movement in San Bernardino County won narrow approval from local voters last fall for a study of independent statehood. There’s been no action yet on that.

The State of Jefferson gets some support not only in Northern California but also in southern Oregon, where roadside signs in cities like Grants (cq) Pass, Reedsport and Medford are readily visible.

It would be no surprise if California counties sympathetic to Jefferson joined Oregon areas pushing to join Idaho. Their complaints are the same: Most are politically

more conservative than the dominant coastal, urban areas of their states. Many counties are wrapped into each legislative district in those regions, while some urban counties get dozens.

That last has been true since California in the 1960s bent to the U.S. Supreme Court’s One Person, One Vote decision. Before then, state Senate seats were allocated by geography, so the northern counties often wielded significant power. Now their mostly Republican representatives are part of small GOP minorities in both houses of the California Legislature.

It’s little different in Oregon, where tiny Wallowa’s populace would fit into a few Portland or Eugene city blocks.

The rural counties feel they

suffer the same kind of taxation without representation that helped fuel the American Revolution and many folks there want out. They also despise gun control laws passed over the last few years in both Oregon and California.

In Oregon, they get some statewide sympathy. One poll often cited by Greater Idaho organizers found 68 percent of Portland area voters favor their Legislature at least discussing the idea of separation. They note that losing many eastern areas would let that Oregon become even more solidly Democratic than now.

But Greater Idaho and the State of Jefferson both face major roadblocks: Each would require a statewide vote okaying both letting significant areas pull out, along with congressional support and

Letters to the Editor

be spent on our students. I am asking you to join me in supporting the exceptionally well-qualified retired Marine Lt. Colonel Kenney Enney for Paso Robles School Board.

Dorian Baker, Paso Robles

School Board Endorsement, Special Election, April 18

Dear Editor,

Until my appointment to the Paso Robles City Council last September, it was my honor to serve on the Paso Robles School Board for nearly 10 years. My recent experience on the school board has led many of you to ask who is the more qualified candidate for the Paso school board. After much thought

and prayer, this endorsement is provided as a private citizen. The opinions expressed are my own.

First, how did we get here? Why is there a special election estimated to cost the school district. i.e., taxpayers, $453,000? Quite simply, we are asked to believe that a sole Paso Robles school district employee, Ms. Carey Alvord, whether by her own volition or prompted to do so by others, instigated a challenge of Mr. Kenney Enney’s lawful appointment by the school board. Ms. Alvord was allegedly aided and abetted by district staff, School Board Trustee Mr. Tim Gearhart, Paso Robles Public Educators Executive Director Mr. James Lynett, and San Luis County Schools Superintendent Mr. James Brescia and County Clerk Recorder Ms. Elaina Cano. I have seen the corroborating email exchange to

back up this claim, including Ms. Alvord’s request to have her name redacted from her petition. Ms. Alvord’s challenge resulted in a petition that evolved into Mr. Brescia demanding Mr. Enney resign his school board appointment. School employees have indicated that they were forced to sign the recall petition on school grounds during school hours. In my opinion, the petition should not have been validated by Mr. Brescia or by Ms. Cano. The rush to judge and summarily eliminate Mr. Enney begs the question, “What reward (or threat?) could be so great as to merit risking one’s professional reputation?”

Both Ms. Hollander and Mr. Enney command admiration and esteem from their respective peers and our gratitude for running for office. My association with Ms. Angela Hollander goes back 20 years.

We have worked together on several projects at St. Rose. She awarded a $5,000 scholarship to one of my sons. She asked for my assistance when she was having a hard time understanding the Pastor. I know Ms. Hollander well enough to see her similarities with two other school board trustees from recent years, Joan Summers and Kathleen Hall. Both Mses. Summers and Hall were trustees and subjects of the SLO County Grand Jury Report, “A Cautionary Tale.” The community is far better served by avoiding a repeat performance of rubber stamps brought on by what the Grand Jury noted as, among others, failure to independently verify information, cronyism, failure to provide adequate financial oversight, and not following a proper system of checks and balances. A school board being of one heart, one mind

statewide voter support for whatever property split was worked out between existing state governments and new or revised ones. Not to mention similar votes in Idaho, where voters would have to approve adding the rural Oregon counties which now get far more financial support from their state than they contribute via taxes.

All of which means none of the current state splitting or state altering ideas has yet become serious business, just like all the other 42 ideas for new state lines proposed formally and informally since California entered the Union in 1850.

Thomas Elias is an independent opinion columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email him at tdelias@aol.com.

is a recipe for repeating the mistakes of the Williams administration. A diversity of opinion is needed.

I ask you to consider the board’s impact on the future of Paso Robles schools. Will strong leadership be needed to survive California’s looming financial crisis? Are you willing to stand up to the woke, politically correct mob who insults a true patriot, an honest, unbiased Marine who has supported America? Tell the clandestine organizers of Mr. Enney’s recall that they have it wrong.

Tell them by your vote that Mr. Enney is a good man, the right man for the school board. Please, vote for Kenney Enney.

To read the full Letter to the Editor in its entirety, visit pasoroblespress.com.

Chris Bausch, Private Citizen

THOMAS ELIAS OPINION COLUMNIST

FISHING DERBY

CONTINUED FROM A1

ent accomplishments the kids reached. At the end of the day, around noon, lunch was provided for all the participating kids.

On the day before the derby, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife fills the pond with about 1,000 trout. The Atascadero Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and PRPD Community Volunteer Patrol were available to assist anyone new to the fishing game. Anglers were welcome to catch and release or keep their catches of the day.

The goal of PAL is to advocate for community involvement and youth activities. Canizalez was happy to see families spending time together and even making new friends. He hopes to make the

COVID UPDATE

CONTINUED FROM A1

Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) has issued new streamlined recommendations that focus on high-, medium-, and low-risk groups. For high-priority groups, including older individuals, immunocompromised people, frontline health workers,

CITY COUNCIL

CONTINUED FROM A1

event sustainable and continue as a yearly tradition for families.

Five-year-old Myra Garretson was at the derby for the first time last weekend. Be it beginner’s luck or skill, Garretson was the first to catch a fish in the derby.

“Youth activities are huge because it gives youth, in general, an outlet,” Canizalez further explains.

Another popular program offered by the Paso Robles PAL chapter is the Jr. Giants Baseball League. The Giants League is a non-competitive league to teach kids the basics of baseball and softball and the life lessons that go with the game. Young athletes can look forward to this program kicking off in the coming weeks.

For more information on the Paso Robles PAL Chapter, visit prcity.com/324/Youth-Programs

and pregnant people, SAGE recommends additional booster doses six or 12 months after the last booster dose.

Medium-risk groups, such as children and adolescents with health risks and healthy adults under 60 years old, are recommended to receive primary vaccinations and first booster doses but not routine additional boosters.

For healthy children aged six months

City Park on Friday, July 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event hopes to connect the community with local farms and agriculture. The event will kick off the Open Farm Days weekend and will bring in about 20 farmer and artisan vendors.

The Firestone Walker Brewing Company will be working with the Pioneer Day Committee to put on the first Firestone Walker Invitational Kick Off Party in City Park on Thursday, June 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. The new event will be a kick-off to the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival held at the Paso Robles Event

BIKE RIDE

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Tour of Paso raised close to $65,000, and every penny of the funds will go directly to the CSC-CCC. The money will stay in San Luis Obispo County and support families touched by a cancer diagnosis. Each participant had a suggested fundraising goal of $200.

The continuous rain that came through San Luis Obispo County the past two months did turn some riders away from signing up this year. Even then, 111 riders did come to show their support and ride in the pleasant and very welcomed sunny weather.

“It is so great to get out there. I think everyone who comes to this event is in such a great mood,” said Sanders, who is a cancer survivor herself. “There are a lot of friendships that start with this ride.”

This year’s fundraiser featured new branding with bright poppy flowers — very appropriate for the color spring Paso Robles has this year. Sand-

SUPERVISORS

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to again draw new boundary maps to comply with the Fair Maps Act. During public comment, members from both the SLOCCGG and the League of Women Voters of SLO County voiced their support for the repeal, while others highly disagreed with it.

Supervisors Debbie Arnold (District 5) and John Peschong (District 1) both voted no in the motion to approve the hearing.

“[In] telling the truth in that we have violated the Fair Maps Act — that has never been determined and certainly wasn’t the intent of any of the supervisors at the time,” said Arnold of the repealed map. The 2021 approved map was given the green light by the previous board, which included Bruce Gibson (District 2), Lynn Compton (then District

ad consultant dana mcgraw

to 17 years, countries should consider vaccination based on factors like disease burden and cost-effectiveness.

SAGE emphasized that the public health impact of vaccinating healthy children and adolescents is comparatively much lower than that of traditional essential vaccines like rotavirus, measles, and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.

Center on Saturday, June 3. The kick-off party is free, and guests will have the opportunity to try Firestone Walker beer and the collaboration beer brewed specifically for the Invitational. All proceeds from the Kick Off Party and Festival will benefit the Paso Robles Pioneer Day Committee.

The Paso Robles Municipal Airport will be celebrating 50 years this September. The city approved the Paso Robles Airport 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Paso Robles Municipal Airport on Saturday, Sept. 23. The Airport Commission created a plan to educate and entertain event guests. The event is expected to attract up to 3,000 guests to the airport. The esti-

ers notes that while she couldn’t find anyone who rode all 15 years, there are some riders who have participated in 13 Tour of Paso rides.

“It was definitely a milestone year for us,” she adds.

Since the beginning, CSC-CCC has supported anyone in the county whose family has been touched by cancer, whether it is the patients themselves or their family members.

“We had a couple of teams who went above and beyond with their fundraising,” said Sanders.

At The Tour of Paso on Sunday, awards were given out for the top fundraising team and top individual fundraiser. The award for Top Fundraising Team went to Saxum Vineyards, who brought in over $13,000 in donations. The award for Top Individual Fundraiser went to Kathy Stone, raising close to $2,000.

This year’s major sponsors for the ride were Saxum Vineyards, Terry and Pebble Smith, David and Nancy Lacey, and Niner Wine Estates.

More information on Tour of Paso and the CSC-CCC can be found here tourofpaso.org.

4 supervisor), Dawn Ortiz-Legg (District 3), Arnold and Peschong.

Arnold further explained the 2021 map was approved as legal by the court and cited the reason for repeal due to discussion around the map and political parties was not heard. This notion was backed up by Peschong at the end of consent agenda comments. Gibson, Ortiz-Legg and Jimmy Paulding (District 4) all stated they would hold comments for the hearing on April 18.

Peschong’s reason for voting no to approving the hearing referenced a political cartoon from a local news source that pictured himself, Arnold, and Compton handing money to the SLOCCGG.

“I wont be supporting [agenda item] 6 today because I don’t want this cartoon to come true,” he concluded.

Supervisors have approved a new ordinance for campaign contributions in SLO County. In

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assistant content editor camille devaul camille@pasoroblespress.com

copy editor michael chaldu

office administrator cami martin

SAGE’s vaccine guidance is based on current epidemiological conditions and may change if the pandemic evolves.

Countries are making their vaccine recommendations based on vaccine supply and progress while acknowledging competing health priorities when it comes to vaccinations. As the situation unfolds, health officials worldwide will continue to monitor developments

mated cost for the celebration comes to $26,000 — including labor, materials, and equipment.

Council then proposed an Encampment Resolution Funding Grant Application by the County of San Luis Obispo. The grant is a “$237 million competitive grant program” for creating homeless encampments that provide services and support. The county intends to apply for $6.5 million to fund the project through June of 2026 and will seek additional funding to maintain operations through December of 2026.

In Paso Robles, the proposed location for the 15-20 unit camp is at 624 Pine St. (South Train Station Parking Lot). It would model the federally funded 5 Cities Homeless Coalition’s Cabins

and adjust their strategies accordingly. After three years of analyzing all the data and conducting research, it is now possible to advise individuals on the effects of the COVID-19 vaccines. However, it is crucial to conduct your own research and consult with your doctor before following any medical advice that does not take your medical history into account.

for Change program, that opened in December of 2022 in Grover Beach.

The campus works as a 90-day program for single occupants, not families, though partners and pets are allowed. The proposal does not require drug testing or for occupants to be drug or alcohol-free. There are amnesty boxes for drugs and weapons, curfew and cameras in place.

The city does have the option to tailor the facility to its needs and create different requirements. Councilmembers approved for the city manager to provide a letter of support for submitting the grant. Staff will return to council with a plan for implementation if the grant is approved.

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November 2020, the board adopted Ordinance No. 3429, which sets the campaign contribution limit to $25,000 per person. However, at the Jan. 24 meeting, the board directed staff to instead default to the state’s campaign contribution regulations. State regulations for the ordinance limits the campaign contribution for the period of Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2024, to $5,500 per person.

Arnold explained her reasoning for voting no on the new ordinance: “I think it benefits the public to be able to see where the money comes from. This is going to, in my mind, make it harder to know where the money comes from than easier.”

Some members of the public expressed concerns that the new ordinance makes campaign contributions less transparent, allowing more room for “shady money.”

Arnold and Peschong both said the county has never had a contribution limit prior to 2020.

Paulding supported the new ordinance, feeling it would help remove “big money” from politics: “I think this is one thing we can do to reduce the influence or potential influence that individuals, businesses, or political action committees have on the electoral process.”

Gibson disagreed with Arnold’s reasons to not move forward with the ordinance: “I don’t see the action we are taking today having any effect on transparency.”

After the supervisors’ discussion, the new ordinance was approved with 3-2 vote, Arnold and Peschong voting no.

With the approval of the new Ordinance No. 3429, the enforcement of campaign contribution limits now reverts to the Fair Political Practices Commission.

The next SLO County Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 18, at 9 a.m.

Kids surround the pond at Barney Schwartz Park in Paso Robles trying to get some bites at the Fifth Annual Dave MacNamara Fishing Derby on Saturday, April 1. Photos by Camille DeVaul/PRP

Cyclist team pose for a photo after riding along Highway 46 then gather at Niner Wine Estates for the Tour of Paso Bike Ride on Sunday, April 2, to raise money for the Cancer Support Community in Templeton.. Contributed Photo

Eight Pickleball Players Honored for Saving Life of One of their Own

The group saved David Pascolla after he experienced cardiac arrest on the court

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS

ATASCADERO — Eight heroes were given a commendation by Chief Casey Bryson and Atascadero Fire at the City Council meeting that took place on Tuesday, March 28, for helping save one of their fellow pickleball players’ lives back in September.

Atascadero High School’s (AHS) photography teacher, David Pascolla, suffered a cardiac arrest on the morning of Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, after a game of pickleball on the indoor court at Colony Park. While there are four courts outside, the group was playing inside due to rain.

“David had played one game, and nothing was unusual. He went over to sit down on the bleachers,” said the Atascadero Pickleball Club’s President Bob Brown. “If you’ve ever been inside the Colony Park Gym, it looks like a basketball court, and there’s these little pullout bleachers. I think they’re three sets high.

“So anyway, David went to sit up against the highest bleacher, which wasn’t very high; it’s only the third one up. And he was resting against the wall, and then all of a sudden, Gail Davidson (one of the members of this group) noticed that he had slumped over, and she initially thought, ‘oh my goodness,

David is playing a trick on us, pretending to go to sleep.’ But then, as she walked over and she was going to say something to him, she noticed that his eyes were just glassy and wide open.”

Davidson, Frank Clyburn, and Dave Mulvey rushed to aid Pascolla. Clyburn had prior CPR training, and once they realized Pascolla was unresponsive, he started CPR immediately. Meanwhile, as soon as Debbie Rothman noticed something was wrong, she got the automated external defibrillator (AED) that was kept right outside the gym in the lobby. And while all that was happening, Donna Martin and Janice Graham dialed 911 simultaneously.

Clyburn continued to give Pascolla CPR,

EQUINE

Mid State Cow Horse Association Hosts First Ronnie Richards Memorial Show

Phillip Ralls won the open Bridle class at the show

By CAMILLE DEVAUL

PASO ROBLES — Last March, the Mid State Cow Horse Association (MSCHA) hosted its first Ronnie Richards Memorial Show at the Paso Robles Event Center.

Richards was a local Paso Robles resident and was one of the founding fathers of the rein cow horse. He brought much to the sport and gave more to help trainers and riders. The Mid State Cow Horse Association (MSCHA) was created

with the purpose to provide a fun, affordable, and educational environment for reined cow horse activities and enthusiasts. Where the most seasoned of competitors, along with non-pro riders can school and show their horses in a premier facility located in the heart of the Central Coast.

Paso Robles residents Phillip Ralls, won the open Bridle class at the show. In February, Ralls won the 2023 World’s Greatest Horseman in Texas. Teresa Fisher won the Non-Pro Bridle class.

For more information on the Mid State Cow Horse Association (MSCHA), visit midstatecowhorseassociation.com

and they were able to trigger the AED in the handful of minutes it took for Atascadero Fire to arrive on the scene. Darla Hunt was the one who went outside and made sure the paramedics knew where to find Pascolla.

Pascolla’s heart was functioning by the time he was loaded into the ambulance before being taken to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo.

“Pickleball brings out the best in people. I think that’s what I saw that day. Everybody had been such good friends that there’s no agendas, so if one person is doing one task, everybody just got together, and they made sure that they did everything they could to save David,” added Brown. “The feelings of the paramedics were that if those eight members

hadn’t come together and immediately done that, and Frank hadn’t started CPR, the outcome could have been far, far different.”

Today, Pascolla is back to playing pickleball actively and has returned to his healthy self with the addition of an implanted defibrillator and pacemaker combo.

“We were all so moved by this that we created this acronym called D.E.A.R. We nicknamed this group the D.E.A.R. Eight. David’s Emergency Aid Responders,” stated Brown.

The “D.E.A.R.s” (David’s Emergency Aid Responders) are Frank Clyburn, Dave Mulvey, Gail Davidson, Debbie Rothman, Donna Martin, Barbara Clyburn, Darla Hunt, and Janice Graham.

ENTERTAINMENT

Summer Concerts in the Park Lineup Announced

Concerts begin in City Park on Thursday, June 15

PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles REC Foundation, in partnership with Paso Robles Recreation Services, J. Lohr Vineyards, and Wines and Firestone Walker Brewing Company is pleased to announce the 2023 summer Concerts in the Park series lineup. The concert season will kick off at 6 p.m. at City Park in Paso Robles on Thursday, June 15, and continue through Thursday, Aug. 24.

“We’re so happy to bring back Concerts in the Park this year,” commented Recreation Services Manager Lynda Plescia. “These family-friendly all-ages weekly events offer something for everyone, and if you’ve attended in the past, you know how fun they are. So, put on your dancing shoes or spread out the picnic blanket and celebrate summer with us at Concerts in the Park.”

This year, Paso Robles Recreation Services is offering multiple sponsorship tiers for the series. Sponsorships are available on a first-come, firstserved basis until sold out.

Local businesses interested in sponsoring a summer concert may contact Plescia at (805) 237-3987 or via email at lplescia@prcity.com.

The 2023 summer Concerts in the Park lineup will feature:

Thursday, June 15

Molly Ringwald Project (‘80s pop and rock)

Thursday, June 22 Soundhouse (rock ’n’ roll)

Thursday, June 29

Monte Mills & the Lucky Horseshoe Band (country, rock ‘n’ roll)

Thursday, July 13

Bobby Santa Cruz Band (pop, rock, soul)

Thursday, July 20

Carbon City Lights (rock, soul)

Thursday, August 3

Back Pages Band (classic rock)

Thursday, August 10 Incendio (Latin/world music)

Thursday, August 17

Dirty Cello (cello-led rock n’ roll)

Thursday, August 24 Joy Bonner Band (rock, pop) J. Lohr wine, Firestone beer, and water and soda will be available for purchase during the concerts. All net proceeds from beverage sales support the Paso Robles REC Foundation, whose mission is to enhance parks and recreation in the city of Paso Robles.

For additional concert information,visit prcity.com/ concertsinthepark or facebook.com/PRCityRecreation for concert updates.

PASO ROBLES — The 2023 Horse Show, Livestock and Still Exhibit Competition

Handbooks are now available on the official California Mid-State Fair website, MidStateFair.com.

The Adult and Youth Still Exhibits include departments like Fine Arts, Flowers, Farm Art, Home Arts, Photography, and Produce. This year’s featured contests are Apple Pie Baking, Best Themed Floral Arraignment, Best Decorated Themed Cake, Best Decorated Lawn Flamingo, Salsa Making, and Best Themed Slot Machine (Special Stars). Exhibitors have a chance to win up to $500.

All Still Exhibits entries are judged, awarded, and displayed during all 12 days of the fair for the community to enjoy. The deadline to enter is Tuesday, June 6, for all departments except for Ag Horticulture and Floriculture which is Tuesday, July 11.

Horse Show events include the Wrangler Country Rodeo presented by Hearst, Cutting, Reined Cow Horse, RSNC Sorting, and 4H/ FFA shows. Entry forms and fees are due by Thursday, June 29, to the Fair’s Administration Office located at 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.

Livestock includes Market, Breeding, Dairy, and Small Animals. Entries are due by June 7 and can be completed online at cmsfl.fairwire.com.

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

Incendio performs during one of the 2022 summer Concerts in the Park located in the heart of Downtown Paso Robles. Contributed Photo

(From left) Darla Hunt, Donna Martin, Barbara Clyburn, Frank Clyburn, Atascadero Fire Chief Casey Bryson, Dave Mulvey, Gail Davidson, Janice Graham, Debbie Rothman, and David Pascolla are shown at City Hall. Contributed Photos

Chief Casey Bryson reads commendation for the D.E.A.R. Group that saved the life of fellow pickleball player David Pascolla.

Chief, six years old, loves to explore the outdoors, cuddle with mom and dad and go for boat rides. Taylor Tognazzini

Teresa Fisher (on horse) poses after winning the Non Pro Bridle class at the Mid State Cow Horse Association’s first Ronnie Richards Memorial Show at the Paso Robles Event Center. Standing next to her is Karin Richards (in red coat), Ronnie’s wife, and Laurie Richards, (white sweater), his daughter. Contributed Photo

The NONPROFIT

Atascadero Greyhound Foundation

AWARENESS - PREVENTION - INTERVENTION - EDUCATION

CONTACT INFO

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

Atascadero Elks Lodge Hosts Veterans Estrella Warbird Museum Tour

Lodge also hosted the ‘Back The Badge’ appreciation dinner

ATASCADERO —  On March 18, Atascadero Elks Lodge #2733 provided breakfast and lunch for approximately 100 local veterans. Following breakfast, veterans went to the Estrella Warbird Museum in Paso Robles for a tour. The tour lasted about two hours, then they returned to the lodge for lunch and socializing with each other. All military branches were present, including veterans that served in Iraq and Afghanistan. All veterans young and old shared amazing stories about their time serving our country. This event was free to all veterans, including the admission tickets to Estrella Warbird Museum.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta presented a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition to the Atascadero Elks Lodge #2733 for their outstanding service to the community. Congressman Panetta spoke to the veterans and thanked them for their service.

The Elks are proud to support all veterans with our motto: “So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.”

The Atascadero Elks Lodge thanks the Estrella Warbird Museum for Admission Tickets, Ride On for transportation, and the Elks for providing the meals.

On March 27, the Atascadero Elks Lodge #2733 hosted the “Back The Badge” Appreciation Dinner. The lodge is proud of these men and women serving and protecting us. The dinner had some exemplary first responders from the North County Sheriff’s Office, Cal Fire SLO Unit, and Templeton CHP Office.

“It was such an honor to present these officers with awards thanking them for their service,” Exalted Ruler Susan Marple said.

Past District Deputy to the Grand Exalted Ruler David Martin organized the event with the Minety’s providing a tri-tip barbecue dinner. About 100 people attended the evening along with their families.

The Elks presented plaques to these officers that were chosen by their commanders and 5th District County Supervisor Debbie Arnold also presented a certificate to these officers.

CONTACT INFO

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

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

Donations: Our support comes from generous donors and sponsors. To make a difference, visit: atascaderogreyhoundfoundation.org/donate.html

Friends of the Paso Robles Library

UPCOMING EVENTS

Book Sale and Holiday Extravaganza

Thursday, December 8, 2022, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Early Bird Sale — Friends members only, but you can join at the door.

Public Book Sale

Thursday, December 8 | 2 to 6 p.m., Friday, December 9 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, December 10 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

Enjoy hot apple cider, cookies, and holiday music as you find gifts for everyone on your list.

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.

upport the Library in a 100% volunteer-run retail environment. We are seeking volunteers to assist with Gift Shop sales, book donation sorting, and to provide book sale support. Due to limited storage space and staff, we are only able to accept two boxes or two bags of materials per household per day.

Cash donations always welcome!

BOARD MEETINGS: Call 805-237-3870 for info

Cancer Support Community – California Central Coast

DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

CONTACT INFO

1051 Las Tablas Rd. Templeton, CA 93465

(805) 238-4411

Monday - Thursday

9 am – 4 pm

Fridays by Appointment cscslo.org

CONTACT INFO

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

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

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

Redwings Horse Sanctuary

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

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

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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

Local County Sheriff

Celebrate Día de los Niños/Day of the Child with Bilingual Lotería

Annual event celebrates children, families, and reading

PASO ROBLES — In keeping with its tradition of celebrating the annual Día de los Niños/Day of the Child/Day of the Book event, the City of Paso Robles Community Services Department has partnered with Mujeres de Acción to invite families to an

evening of bilingual Lotería fun on Friday, April 28, in the Centennial Park Banquet Room. Drop in any time between 5 to 7 p.m. for free books, games, prizes, and pizza.

According to Youth Services Librarian Melissa Bailey, “This will be the seventh year the Paso Robles City Library has recognized this special day. This year, the Library and Recreation Services is teaming up with the local community group Mujeres de Acción.

PERFORMING ARTS

Coast Performing Arts

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

— Actor’s Edge Studio in San Luis Obispo announced the launch of its second annual Central Coast Performing Arts Scholarships, offering over $4,000 in cash and tuition scholarships to performers of all ages and skill levels.

The scholarships are available to all local performers who demonstrate a passion or skill for the performing arts. The majority of the scholarships are cash scholarships designed to support the independent creative pursuits of the recipients, inside or outside of Actor’s Edge.

One grand prize winner will receive a full tuition scholarship to the Actor’s Edge signature film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo as well as the opportunity to perform for Los Angeles-based film and TV talent agents at our upcoming Hollywood Showcase.

The scholarship application process is fast and easy at actorsedge.com/scholarships. Application deadline is April 16.

“We are thrilled to be offering these schol

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arships to local performers,” said Aaron Metchik, the founder and head instructor at Actor’s Edge. “We know there are such incredibly talented and passionate performers here in the Central Coast. We also know that sometimes finding the funds to support creative passions isn’t easy. These scholarships are our small way of helping people do that.”

Actor’s Edge Studio offers film and TV acting training to performers of all ages and skill levels in San Luis Obispo, plus the option to perform for talent agents at industry showcases. Actor’s Edge central coast students have booked series regular roles on Netflix, HBO, Disney+, Hulu, and more.

One Actor’s Edge youth student, Kenlee Townsend, plays a series regular lead on a Hulu series “Saint X,” premiering April 26. Adult student Hudson Garland recently booked a speaking role in one of the biggest studio films of 2024 with a producer he met at our most recent Actor’s Edge Showcase.

“If anyone is interested in acting or any other performing arts, we look forward to the opportunity to support you, and we encourage you to apply for these cash or tuition scholarships and hope you’ll apply. It’s fast and easy at actorsedge.com/scholarships,” Metchik said.

We are excited to join forces for Lotería, a fun, bilingual bingo-like event that includes all family members in celebrating children and literacy.”

“We are excited to participate in this event in partnership with the City of Paso Robles Community Services Department,” said Yessenia Echevarria, founder of Mujeres de Acción. “Children deserve to be celebrated every day, and we hope this event honors

their presence, joy, and happiness in our lives.”

Local sponsorship is provided by the Library Foundation, Friends of the Paso Robles Library, Mujeres de Acción, and the Paso Reads Committee.

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

Chamber Celebrates 100 Years with Special Events in April

preneurs by constructing co-working space? Or conducting a basics of business class for elementary and middle school students via Zoom? Maybe not, but they built a stable foundation for serving the business community, its residents, and its visitors, and I’m gratified to carry on the tradition.”

ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce marks a century of service to the community this year. The Chamber will be celebrating its 100th year with various events throughout 2023. The community is invited to stop by the Chamber to attend a celebration from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 10, the 100th day of the year. Cookies and cupcakes will be provided to guests who stop by for a visit.

“It’s a privilege to be the president and CEO of the Atascadero Chamber during its 100th year,” said Josh Cross. “In 1923, could they have imagined serving entre-

Business owners who are not yet Chamber members can benefit on April 10 as well.

“We are privileged to serve such an outstanding business community,” said Director of Membership Julie Matthews. “If you are not a member, we invite you to join one of the strongest Chamber organizations in the county. On April 10, those members who join will receive $100 off full annual membership investment. Celebrate with us.”

Please contact Julie Matthews for special pricing at julie@ atascaderochamber.org or (805) 466-2044.

“We will remain dedicated to serving our business community,”

states Matthews. The theme of the Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner & Gala reflects its anniversary year: “Past, Present, and Forward” will be held Saturday, April 22, at the Pavilion on the Lake in Atascadero. The event will honor extraordinary individuals who shape Atascadero. The Community Impact Annual Award winners for 2022 are:

Mike Zappas, Citizen of the Year

North County Restaurant Group, Business of the Year

• Kyla Skinner, Specs by Kyla, Women of Influence

• Larry Wysong, Lifetime Achievement Award

Lighthouse Atascadero, Community Organization of the Year

“We are extremely honored to highlight such amazing individuals who truly have made an impact, and will continue to shape our community in the years to come,” said Cross.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

ATASCADERO GOSPEL CHAPEL

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

AWAKENING WAYS SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY

A New Thought Spiritual Community. Living the Consciously Awakened Life. Rev. Elizabeth Rowley Hogue Sunday 10:00am at the Pavilion 9315 Pismo Way, Atascadero (805) 460-0762. awakeningways.org

GRACE CENTRAL COAST NORTH COUNTY CAMPUS

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

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH

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

FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH

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

GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH

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

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA

A place of hope! Join us for in-person worship on Sundays at 9 A.M. Services are also streamed on our YouTube channel, Hope Lutheran Church Atascadero. We offer Sunday School for all ages after worship. Learn more at ourhopelutheran.net. 8005 San Gabriel Road, Atascadero. 805.461.0430. office@ourhopelutheran.org.

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER-LCMS

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

PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC

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

ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

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

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF ATASCADERO

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

ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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

THE REVIVAL CENTER

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

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

Simply Old Fashioned and Spring Events

The 15th Annual Vintage Rendezvous returns to the Paso Robles Downtown City Park on Saturday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is presented by Downtown Paso Robles Main Street and admission is free. Go back in time and enjoy the showcase of sidecars, vintage motorcycles, cars, electric cars and recycled treasures.

As a business person and member of Downtown Paso Robles Main Street, are you interested in hosting a Main Street Business Mixer? Networking meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of the month and are opportunities to meet downtown neighbors and become familiar with the types of goods and services available in downtown. The responsibility of the hosting business is to provide refreshments and a door prize. Main Street will take care of fliers, speakers, etc. and run the meeting.

If interested, call the Main Street office at (805) 238-4103. Mark your calendar for the

Optimist Club of Paso Robles fundraiser on April 16, 2 p.m., at Park Cinemas. The event will feature Irving Berlin’s “Easter Parade” starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire. Tickets are $20 and include the movie, and either Champagne and chocolate or popcorn and soda. Tickets are available at Parkcinemas.com or in person at 1100 Pine Street, Paso Robles. Proceeds will support the local philanthropic projects of the Optimist Club.

The Paso Robles and Atascadero Optimist Clubs are presenting their Optimist Kids Fishing Derby at Santa Margarita Lake on Saturday, April 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Event entry along with a hot dog lunch from 12 to 1 p.m. is free. However, there is a $10 SLO County Parks fee per car for parking.

Pre-registration is necessary to be eligible for prizes, loaner poles, etc.

To register go to Registration@ eventbrite.com and search for “Free fishing Derby at Santa Margarita Lake.” For more information contact Chuck Sawyer (805) 591-9590.

While you’re marking your calendar, include May 13, when you can pick up a “Treat Mom to a Lasagna Dinner on Mother’s Day” at the historic Printery. The Atascadero Printery Foundation’s

fundraiser “pick-up dinner” includes lasagna, Brian’s bread, and salad to serve four. Lasagna will have meat sauce, or vegetarian sauce.

Tickets for this delicious dinner are $45. Order now, pick up on May 13 at the Printery, 6351 Olmeda Ave., Atascadero, and bake on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14. Place orders and pay on the Foundation website at AtascaderoPrintery.org or call (805) 466-1961. Orders must be placed by noon on May 11.

On May 13, the Printery Foundation will also be holding its Spring Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Market will have flowers, desserts, gifts and more. Proceeds from both fundraisers will support the restoration of the historic building for community use.

This week’s recipes are simply old-fashioned, but combined, they make a delicious meal.

Baked Tomato Spaghetti

Ingredients:

1 pound spaghetti

2 28-ounce cans tomatoes

1/2 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, coarsely grated

• 1/3 cup (2/3 stick) butter, cut into 1/2-inch slices

Directions:

Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente and drain well. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and generously butter a 2-quart baking

Nature Stinks

You’d never know by their names what their gross profit really was.

dish. Place tomatoes in a bowl and crush them against side of bowl with back of large spoon; reserve. Arrange a third of spaghetti in bottom of baking dish, followed by a third of the tomatoes, a third of grated cheese, and a third of butter slices. Continue layering with remaining ingredients, ending with butter. Bake 50 to 60 minutes until top is very well browned (the crusty top is the best part). Serves 4 to 6 Wilted Lettuce with Hot Bacon Dressing

Ingredients:

• 6 thin slices bacon, coarsely chopped

3 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 heads Boston lettuce, washed and torn into bite-size pieces

Directions:

Cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Add vinegar, sugar, and pepper to skillet and bring to a boil. Place lettuce in a serving bowl, pour hot dressing over it, and toss quickly to distribute dressing. Serve immediately.

Serves 6

Enjoy the sunshine. Look for Daffodils. Cheers!

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

lee pitts COLUMNIST

One of my commandments is never write about politics and/or religion. To which I would add a third subject. Speaking from experience, it’s generally journalistic suicide to write about manure. I know this because I once wrote a story called ‘The Many Sides of Manure.’ The blowback from readers was almost as bad as the time I pulled an old loaded manure spreader with a cab/free tractor with a gale-force wind blowing from directly behind me.

We’re all uncomfortable talking about this byproduct of digestion, so much so that we’ve worn out a thousand dictionaries coming up with words that sound more hygienic. Feedlot scrapers and lagoon builders are sanitary engineers and manure composting companies are called Environmental Services, Organic Inc., or The Green Corporation.

I’ve always taken great pride in the fact that I’m a hard guy to gross out. I wasn’t even fazed back in college when we had to dissect cow pies to determine the effectiveness of dung beetles (talk about a creature that’s hard to offend.) I once judged an FFA public speaking contest where an ill-advised FFA member chose manure as her topic. It was a good speech, but my fellow judges, a home ec teacher, and a banker, turned white during the talk that left no cow pie unturned. I’m told many students have done their doctoral dissertations on the subject of manure management, which I’d think would be hard to brag about in a job interview.

The former opera singer Mike Rowe starred in a reality TV show called “Dirty Jobs,” in which he tried to make our unattractive jobs look sexy. Mike looked great scooping pig poop, but most of us are not that photogenic. So we hold our collective nose and clean water troughs, drain lagoons, load manure, drive tallow trucks, gut animals in packinghouses, and run the hotline behind a row of

show cattle at the county fair. And who amongst us while working ringside or chute side hasn’t had their mouth open at the wrong time when a cow on washy feed swished her mop-like tail?

Just for the fun of it, if you really want to make a city slicker turn green, go into detail about how we get up close and personal with the reproductive tract of farm animals. Just the thought of sticking one’s arm into the rear end of a cow is enough to make any urbanite have nightmares. The only thing worse than describing the preg checking or artificial insemination process is informing them how a bull’s semen is collected (I won’t go into detail here for obvious reasons.)

There really is a big double standard going on about what grosses out city folks. While they faint at the thought of sticking one’s arm into the fistulated stomach of a steer they turn around and pick up their pooch’s poop with a plastic bag. Don’t give me any of that phony nasal sensitivity nonsense when they hold your nose every time they pass a feedlot but don’t clean

April is Upon

This is the season of the Resurrection. Resurrection proves the divinity of Christ. If He were not God, He would still be dead. I have had the pleasure of going to Jerusalem, and the tomb of Jesus is empty. Who really took the life of Jesus? Was it the Jews? Was it the Romans? No, it was neither. It was impossible that anyone could take His life. Instead, He voluntarily laid it down. This was the greatest sacrifice to humanity by a loving God. The story of the Resur-

rection is filled with drama (three days of wondering if He would actually come back to life), intrigue (what would Pilate do?), betrayal (by both Judas and Peter), forgiveness (of both the thief on the cross and Peter), and love (“Son, behold thy mother; mother, behold thy son”). Lost humanity tried everything to cancel and discredit Jesus. They wanted Him dead. But death would not and could not arrive until it was His time. His work had to be complete. As they brought Him before an unjust kangaroo court, they had Him convicted before He was tried. He was whipped within inches of His life. Flesh was ripped from His body until He was unrecognizable. They took huge handfuls of hair and ripped it from His beard by the root, and spit on Him, yet they wanted Him

alive a bit longer. As He hung on the Cross, they gave Him vinegar and gall to numb a little of the pain, yet He would not drink it. They made mockery of Him and attempted to shame Him before the world. These were the same people who had hailed Him as King one week and said, “Crucify Him” the next. As they pounded three nails into His hands and feet, it signified the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Those nails took care of the past, the present, and the future. The Cross reminds us that before we can truly settle a horizontal relationship with people, we need to establish a vertical relationship with God.

Hatred hung Him on the Cross, but love kept Him there. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoso-

their multi-user litter box in the kitchen for a month. And there’s not a wet feedlot or chicken coop in America that smells worse, or is more gross, than a bus stop bathroom, a broken septic tank, an unkempt parakeet’s cage or a jar of stink bait.

The fact is, nature stinks. And it’s not just animals. A bale of moldy alfalfa smells far worse than a feedlot after two inches of rain and the most my olfactory senses have ever been assaulted was when I drove through a town, that shall go nameless, that turned tomatoes into tomato paste. I swear, it was almost enough to make me give up pizza.

This is not to suggest that we don’t do some things in animal agriculture that come close to grossing even me out. Please don’t remind me of the time in high school when I had to castrate a lamb with my pearly whites. I almost had to go into therapy as a result, and I’m still haunted by the memory. Now that was gross.

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

ever believes on Him shall not perish, but shall have everlasting life (John 3:16). The Cross was the instrument with which the Father used to get mankind back to Him. To this day, His hands are still outstretched. It was on Golgotha that Jesus died, then placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. They borrowed a tomb because He was only going to use it for the weekend!

To you who are reading this: don’t look for the religious God. Look for the redemptive God. The God who is no longer on the Cross, but the God who sits at the right hand of the Father. The God who purchased a place for you in Heaven.

Pastor Gabe Abdelaziz is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email him at alphabeth@tcsn.net

barbie butz COLUMNIST

Pastor G. Abdelaziz COLUMNIST

SPORTS

Good News • Real News • Your Hometown News

A-Town Park Hosts the U.S. Open Scooter Championship Series Qualifier #2

The series will finish with the World Championships in Australia later this year

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS

ATASCADERO — On Saturday, March 25, scooter riders from all over the country and even one from Canada gathered at ATown Park to compete in the second qualifier round of the U.S. Open Scooter Championship Series. Riders of all ages participated in the competition, from heavy hitters to riders just starting out.

“There’s a young man here for Quebec [Canada]. We’re representing, I think, 17 states here today at the competition,” said ATown Park Owner Kevin Campion.

The United Scooter Association (USA) started in 2017, and Campion is actually one of the founding members.

“This is an International Scooter Federation Qualifier for the World Championships,” Campion said about the event. “ATown Park has been a part of it since its inception. So we’re a stop on the tour. This is the second of, I think, seven qualifiers if I’m not mistaken. And then the World Championship this year in Australia.”

The U.S. Open Scooter Championship Series is sanctioned by International Olympic Committee (IOC) and brings in talent from all over. Currently, both Chris Farris (the men’s pro

Swim 4/6 | 3 pm

TEMPLETON

World Ranked Champion) and Claire Parks (the women’s pro World Ranked Champion) are based out of Atascadero and continue to skate at ATown Park. Parks participated in the Championship Series and took first place in the Women’s category, while Farris was emcee for the day.

“So we have a whole bunch of divisions from little tiny guys all the way up to top pros, and it kind of goes incrementally from the youngest to the most experienced,” Campion said of how the day went.

Judges were on site, and everything was run digitally so that riders’ results were posted immediately after their runs.

“The results and who won that division are

known within seconds of that division being completed,” added Campion.

Throughout the U.S. Open Scooter Championship Series, riders accrue points based on their results, and that’s how it is determined whether to not they qualify to compete in the World Championships. Campion says that there is also a “Golden Ticket” that’s given out to someone that’s extraordinary in the open and professional divisions.

“The series travels all over the U.S. There’s an event in North Carolina,” continued Campion. “There’s one or two in Southern California, which has kind of, historically, been the heartbeat of the sport for the United States. There’s one here, obviously.”

Week of April 6 - 12

ATASCADERO

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For full details on games, locations, etc. please visit: templetonhs.schoolloop.com/Athletics

EACH WEEK, A LOCAL STUDENT ATHLETE IS CHOSEN BY COACHES OR THE ATASCADERO NEWS/ PASO ROBLES PRESS SPORTS STAFF FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE.

For full details on games, locations, etc. please visit: atascaderousd.cyberschool.com/AHS/Department/32-Athletics

“Dolan started this season strong by getting a personal best in the 500-yard freestyle with a 4:57.23, earning him an auto time into division 1 at CIF ... Dolan is one of those athletes who is committed and works hard in every practice to continue to drop time in each of his events as we move through the season.

I am excited to see more races out of this amazing athlete this year and in the years to come.”

- Coach Alyx Truax

You can follow the U.S. Open Scooter Championship Series on the United Scooter Association website at unitedscoot.com, for updates and to see current scores.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the City of Atascadero,” Campion said. “This is a city facility, they’ve blessed this community with this facility for the last 20 years now, and it’s one of a kind nationwide. This is the only public sector/private sector partnership of its kind in the nation that I’m aware of.

“Atascadero, I think, offers more than any other community in this county, and it’s one of the smallest communities in the county. It’s really an endorsement to our city staff and leadership.”

PASO

KIERAN DOLAN

SOPHOMORE

Riders from 17 states came to ATown Park to compete in the U.S. Scooter Championship Series with hopes to move forward to the World Championship. Photos by Rick Evans

(Center Photo) ATown Park Owner Kevin Campion hosts the U.S. Scooter Championship Series which he is a founding member of