GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXIV, NO. XXVI
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023
COUNTY
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HOLIDAY EVENT
County staff recognized for over two decades of service upon retirement
CITY
Council approves strategic plan to address homelessness
Brenda Dye worked for SLO County for 38 years and Laurie Salo celebrates 28 years of service
The strategic plan was approved with a 4-1 vote, with Councilmember Chris Bausch voting no
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Two San Luis Obispo County staff members were recognized at the Tuesday, Dec. 5, board meeting for their retirement from the county after serving for over two decades. After 38 years of service, Brenda Dye officially retired from the county. Beginning her career as an intermediate typist clerk she rose and ended her career as the assessment manager. The resolution presented at the board meeting commended Dye for embodying the highest standards of dedication and professionalism in public service, particularly in fiscal and office administration, management, and exceptional service delivery. Dye was described by her colleagues as a leader who prioritized training, encouragement, mentoring, and advocacy for each member of her staff. Her leadership style was characterized by a consistent and caring approach, founded on the belief that every employee possesses the capacity to be knowledgeable, respectful, and helpful when serving the public. D ye’s positive impact extends beyond her immediate department, as she is recognized for fostering cooperation among various county departments, promoting efficiency, and approaching challenges with a spirit of mutual respect to “get the job done.” “She will be sorely missed,” said SLO County Assessor Tom Bordonaro. “She will never be replaced. And because of her unique ability to get the job done in a fair way and equitable way.” After hearing kind words from her colleagues, Dye kept it short and sweet, saying, “Thank you for the opportunity.” Supervisor Debbie Arnold CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
LOCAL NEWS
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
Some parade watchers enjoy an artifical snowfall during the Christmas Light Parade in Paso Robles. Photos by Becca Sligh
‘All was Bright’ at the 62nd annual Christmas Light Parade Sweepstakes Award goes to Zoo to You; the Judges’ Award goes to Paso Robles FFA By BECCA SLIGH Paso Robles Press Contributor
PASO ROBLES — The 62nd Annual Christmas Light Parade took place in downtown Paso Robles on Saturday, Dec. 2. Paso’s Annual Christ-
mas Light Parade is one of the many holiday festivities to happen throughout Paso Robles. With thousands in attendance, folks lined the streets including Spring, Park, Pine, 13th, 12th, and 11th streets for a peek of the action. Local resident Lauren Shannon remarked at how easy it was to attend the parade despite ongoing downtown
parking issues. “This is actually my second year attending”, said Shannon. “In the past, I’ve been nervous in fear of it being overwhelming or not having parking but it was much easier than I thought.” Shannon also mentioned that she coordinated with friends and this year felt it was easy even with bringing
her children. “My daughter is excited to see if there is a Grinch,” she added while expressing the ease of finding the perfect spot to watch the parade. While younger attendees buzzed with excitement in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the big guy in the red suit riding on a decorated CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
COMMUNITY
New tree lighting tradition planted in Templeton
Templeton Presbyterian Church hosts community tree lighting in Templeton Park By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
TEMPLETON — A new tradition has been planted in Templeton Park. In October, the Templeton Presbyterian Church planted a 30-foot redwood in Templeton Park and on Sunday, Dec. 3, it was the fixture of Templeton’s tree lighting ceremony. “Ultimately, we want it to be a light for the whole community for people to have joy, for people to have excitement, and for all walks of life to celebrate and embrace what the season is all about,” said Templeton Presbyterian Church Pastor Roger Patton. A Tennessee native, Patton moved to Templeton with his family a few years ago. While getting to know his new community, he felt that a new tradition was needed in Templeton for Christmas.
“I just have always loved Christmas,” he said. “I’m a big kid at heart and I love the tradition ... I was just like what can we do as a church to spark something in this community.” In the first two years, the church brought in temporary cut trees first at the church
and in the second year it was brought into the park with an official lighting ceremony. That inaugural year welcomed hundreds to witness the lighting. Patton thanks the community for jumping into the next step by bringing a permanent tree to the park, including
Derek Luff and Neil Roberts. This planting was organized by the fellowship and outreach ministry of the Templeton Presbyterian Church with the support of Will Wilkerson from the San Luis Obispo County Parks and Recreation.
NEWS
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
SPORTS
WEATHER
Avelyn Walla, 7, holds a candle at the Templeton Tree Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 3. In October, the Templeton Presbyterian Church planted a 30-foot redwood, seen in the background, at Templeton Park. Photo by Val Walla
CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
PASO ROBLES — Council discussed and approved a city strategic plan to address homelessness during the Tuesday, Dec. 5, City Council meeting. The plan, which received support from the El Camino Homeless Organization, was initiated in May by the council. A working group was formed that same month to work together to develop the plan. The invited group was comprised of a group of city staff, members of the former Unhoused Futures Studies Task Force, members of the Paso Robles community who have “lived” homeless experiences, and representatives from stakeholder agencies and organizations. According to city staff ’s report, “Over a six-month period, city staff met with the working group to identify areas of focus, goals, and actionable objectives that aligned with city priorities and the San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness adopted in August of 2022.” The group, convened during the summer and fall, conducted a comprehensive SWOT [Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, And Threats] analysis and gathered feedback from public meetings and an online form to shape their approach in addressing homelessness in alignment with the San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan. The resulting focus areas include programs and services, behavioral health, education, outreach and training, housing continuum, funding and resources, and policies and procedures. To operationalize these goals, the working group collaborated with city staff to formulate goals and objectives. Four foundational goals CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
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