PASO ROBLES — With the recent fires that devastated Los Angeles and the Palisades, many in the community have the same question on their mind, “What if that happens here? How would or could we respond?” Paso Robles Press sat down with the Paso Robles Fire Chief to learn more about how our city fights fires and how we prepare to stop them from happening.
Could a fire like the Palisades Fire come through Paso Robles? And if it did, would we have enough water to fight it? Fire Chief Jonathan Stornetta explains that the fires in LA County had special conditions, including winds that we don’t experience here and the many factors that came into play there.
“If you saw the conditions that they saw in LA, no, we would not have the water. There’s no municipality in the nation that would have the water for that,” Stornetta told
This year’s adorable theme was ‘Love You to the Moon and Back’
By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@pasoroblespress.com
NORTH COUNTY —
Atascadero’s Father and Daughter Sweetheart Dance has become a standing tradition for many a local family, and last weekend was no exception.
The Friday, Feb. 7, event, which featured primarily daughters under 12 dancing the night away with their dads, sold out early. The dance on Saturday, Feb. 8, which was for the older crowd and their fathers, sold out closer to the event’s date. Both nights were filled with joy and making more family memories.
“This is our seventh year with my oldest and three years for my little one,” said father Antonio Anaya. “We can’t wait until the tickets come out. We buy them because we know it sells out
Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance honors Randy and Jenny Heinzen as 2024 Persons of the Year
Annual Gala at CASS Winery also recognizes the Dusi family’s century long legacy in Paso Robles
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA) celebrated 2024 Paso Robles Wine Industry Persons of the Year, Randy and Jenny Heinzen, at their annual Gala on Thursday, Feb. 6, hosted at CASS Winery. Also honored was the Dusi family for celebrating their 100 years of farming in Paso Robles.
Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Executive Director Joel Peterson highlighted the importance of the event: “The PRWCA Annual Gala is our time to celebrate not only our Persons of the Year — Randy and Jenny Heinzen, and remarkable milestones — like the
Dusi Family farming in Paso for 100 years — but to be with each other as a community of friends, farmers, winemakers, and industry and celebrate each other. It is a truly special wine community here in Paso — it’s always a fun night to rejoice together, see old friends, make new ones, and honor those who go above and beyond.”
The Heinzens, who own Vineyard Professional Services and Vineyard Professional Real Estate, were honored for their outstanding contributions to the wine industry at the gala. Jenny, broker and owner of Vineyard Professional Real Estate (VPRE), has spent over 20 years facilitating the sales of more than 50 vineyards and wineries, covering 10,000 acres. Her extensive knowledge of the Paso Robles American
Viticultural Area (AVA) and dedication to her clients had solidified her reputation as a trusted expert in vineyard and winery transactions. Randy, who took ownership of Vineyard Professional Services (VPS) in 2017, has been a leading force in vineyard management. His commitment to sustainability and technological advancements has significantly influenced the Paso Robles AVA. Additionally, he has served on multiple state and national viticultural research boards, ensuring that the industry continued to innovate and thrive.
In response to receiving the honor, the Heinzens expressed their gratitude. At the gala, Jenny thanked
quick. It’s always a big big day for us.”
“I really like it because it makes me feel closer to my dad,” said Antonio’s oldest daughter,
Bella, about the dance as she held her little sister Bailey’s hand.
Both girls were in coordinating pink dresses that Bella
said her mom had picked out for them.
“I hope it [the dance] never ends so I can bring them with my grandkids one
day,” added Antonio. This year’s theme, “Love You to the Moon and Back,” was shared with the first official
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — During the Tuesday, Feb. 11, Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) meeting, trustees made the difficult but necessary decision to reduce several positions throughout the district due to budget cuts. Many students, parents, and teachers came together that night to issue their support for the district ag program after concerns arose that the district might be eliminating or cutting the program.
Fathers and their
Photo by Rick Evans/ATN
Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Industry Persons of the Year Randy and Jenny Heinzen and the Dusi family, alongside family and government officials, were honored at the annual Paso Robles
the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance team, members and board for the honor.
“Being named the Industry Persons of the Year is truly humbling, and we are grateful to share this moment with so many of our friends, colleagues, and peers,” she said. “Paso Robles isn’t just where we work — it’s where we’re building our lives, raising our family, and pouring our hearts into making a difference. To receive this recognition from a community we love so deeply … is beyond meaningful.”
The PRWCA membership, representing over 500 companies, including wineries, vineyards, and associated businesses, had nominated and selected the Heinzens for the award.
“The story of Randy and Jenny Heinzen is one of profound, deep-rooted love — love for
their family, for the land they care for, and for the Paso Robles community,” Maeve Pesquera of Robert Hall Winery told Paso Robles Press. “Their achievements are nothing short of impressive, but what truly sets them apart is how they’ve not only planted their roots in this community but also given back to the land that sustains it. Their unwavering dedication to Paso Robles, coupled with the genuine care they show to every single person they meet, speaks to the depth of their character and their deep love for this place we all call home.”
The evening also honored the Dusi family, who were approaching their 100th anniversary of farming in Paso Robles. Italian immigrants Sylvester and Caterina Dusi had purchased land in Paso Robles in 1925, planting Zinfandel vines that would shape the region’s winemaking legacy. Now, five generations later, the Dusi family continued to farm sustainably while incorporating innovative
techniques. The family had expanded their vineyards, introduced new varietals, and established the J Dusi brand, all while preserving Paso Robles’ rich history. At the gala, they received special recognition from the wine community for their dedication and contributions since the 1920s.
Mike and Joni Dusi shared fond family memories about the family farm, their “old school” ways, and all the history they share with Paso Robles.
“It was an honor to be recognized at the Gala, and especially to celebrate our family’s 100-year milestone with the Paso Robles wine community. It was a wonderful evening. We are so very grateful for the PRWCA and their continued promotion of Paso Robles across the country,” said third-generation matriarch Joni Dusi. “Farming and winemaking is not just what we do, it’s who we are. We dearly love this land and this community and are proud to have farmed here for five generations ... so far!”
The gala also marked the formal installation
of the 2025 PRWCA Board of Directors and acknowledged the contributions of departing board members. The incoming board included Josh Beckett of Peachy Canyon Winery and Thibido Winery, Cris Cherry (vice chair) of MAHA Estate and Villa Creek Cellars, Randy Heinzen (treasurer) of Coakley Vineyard and Vineyard Professional Services, Carole MacDonal of Il Cortile Ristorante and Parchetto Bistro, Maeve Pesquera of O’Neill Vintners & Distillers and Robert Hall Winery, Victor Popp of La Quinta Inn & Suites, Molly Scott (chair) of JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Michelle Thacher of Thacher Winery & Vineyard, and Maggie Tillman of Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery.
The evening concluded with a toast to the Paso Robles wine industry, celebrating the community, its history, and its bright future. For more information on Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, visit pasowine.com
On Monday, Feb. 10, district staff posted to social media addressing the community’s concerns about the possibility of reductions to the district’s ag program. The district clarified in the post and again in the Tuesday night meeting that they are not eliminating or cutting the ag program — but one ag teacher (FFA advisor) will potentially be cut from the roster.
Staff explained that the high school master schedule development is based on student interest, determined through student registration. For the 2025-26 school year,
three ag classes have fewer than nine students enrolled. When enrollment is low, the district considers either combining different levels of a class or offering the class every second or third year to ensure full classes while maintaining a broad range of opportunities for students.
According to staff, the ag staffing reduction for 2025-26 equates to 0.6 of a full-time teacher. Currently, one of the four ag teachers also teaches a non-ag class due to insufficient ag class enrollment to justify four fulltime ag teachers.
Since three ag classes have low enrollment, they are unlikely to be offered next year. However, freshman registration is ongoing, and once
completed, the district will reassess student interest in these classes. If enrollment increases, staffing adjustments will be made accordingly.
The staff cuts also affect the following certificated positions: math intervention, sixth-grade elective, ELD teacher, English teacher, math teacher, science teacher, history teacher, PE teacher, junior high counselor, and high school counselor.
Fourth-year Paso Robles High FFA member Kiana Keogh took to the podium to show her support for keeping the programs’ fourth advisor.
“Without a fourth advisor, we will not be able to offer nearly as many opportunities for our members,” she said. “The classes we will lose through
to have for my memories.”
“Same, I look forward to it every year,” added Kelly.
this will affect our new membership as well as those who will be competing for second and third-year pathway classes in the years to come.”
According to Keogh, who is also the chapter’s reporter, the FFA chapter’s goat show team has doubled in the last year, and having a fourth advisor will help support the fair show animal students, which creates a large load of additional responsibilities for the advisors. Many in public comment echoed her comments.
On Tuesday night, the district trustees approved a list of certificated positions to be reduced for the 2025-26 school year, placing affected employees on a 39-month rehire list and offering them positions they are
qualified for as they open by seniority for the next 39 months. The reduction is expected to save the district $3,329,703.
The approval was given with a caveat that staff work with the ag department to bring back the fourth advisor should the student class size increase enough to need one. The resolution was approved with a 6-1 vote, with Laurene McCoy dissenting.
Further cuts were approved for classified, certificated administration, and classified management positions. Official notices will be delivered in person by March 15.
The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m.
dressed up. I’m so impressed that so many of the dads dressed up like they’re going to a very formal event. In suits.”
Mother and Son Dance, which took place on Friday, Jan. 31. And the new crowd of fathers and daughters enjoyed the theme just as much as the first group did.
Kelly McClendon and his daughter Ellie have been attending the dance for six years and look forward to it every year.
“It’s amazing. It’s amazing because every year it’s been growing on how many friends come with us, but we spend some time together since it’s a father/daughter dance,” Ellie commented. “It’s amazing, I really enjoy it. It’s one of my favorite things that I like
The dance was held at the Pavillion on the Lake and, like always, put on by the City of Atascadero, with Recreation Coordinator Ashley Zamora taking the lead on the event. This year, Rena Riffel, who works at the Pavillion, was there to help Zamora keep the night’s festivities going.
“The daughters, all the little kids are just so cute and excited. All the dads are so excited, and they’re all saying hi to each other. It’s just like a really good vibe,” said Riffel, of working on the event for the first time. “It’s giving me so much joy to see how happy the fathers with their daughters are. Showing up here. They’re all
She also commented that the Father and Daughter Sweetheart Dance reminded her of when she was a little girl growing up in Atascadero and how the first dance she ever attended when she was 10 also took place at the Pavillion.
The DJ for both evenings was Manuel Medina of Medina Light Show Designs. The event was also sponsored by Cielo Ristorante, Lonely Oak Arts, Sylvester’s Burgers, Jimmy De Photography, and Boom and Grow.
The Father and Daughter Sweetheart Dance will be back for its 21st year on Feb. 6 and 7, 2026.
Paso Robles Press. “Do we have enough water to fight the average fire? Absolutely. The other thing that factors into that is making sure you have backup power, which we have backup power; our water towers sit on a hill, so it could be gravity-fed as well.”
Further explaining the fallout of the recent LA County fires, Stornetta says the extreme winds were no surprise. During the event, Stornetta and his team met every single day with the National Weather Service to talk about that weather.
“If there was weather that was expected here, we would know all about it. And there’s a number of steps we can take,” says Stornetta. “One, we have those daily weather briefings, we’ll know what to expect. We can obviously call back personnel to increase our staffing, and also, through OES, we can do what’s called pre-position ... and that’s exactly what they did down there [LA County]. They had a bunch of pre-positioned equipment down there but the fire was moving at a rate that even that pre-positioned equipment couldn’t handle it.”
Other factors that come into play are the materials structures are made of, how far apart they are, and what kind of vegetation surrounds those homes. Mitigation — reducing the risk of loss from the occurrence of any undesirable event — plays a very large role in Paso Robles fire safety and prevention.
According to Battalion Chief Jay Enns, Paso Robles does not have the geographical alignment
like Southern California to create something like the Santa Ana winds. Though we have seen up to 25 mph winds — which occurred during the River Fire in 2020 — the city sees winds out of the northeast and is protected by the mountain range to the west, which provides some protection.
Enns explains that this is why “We’ve done a bunch of work where we see ourselves most vulnerable, which is the [Salinas] riverbed. We’ve done a lot of work with fire breaks along the west side and the east side. But we make the east side the priority because that can actually carry into neighborhoods.”
As part of mitigation, the city has been able to utilize goat grazing in the Salinas Riverbed (riverbed), which presents the highest fire risk, with nearly all fires there being human-caused. The 2020 River Fire, which damaged nine structures and destroyed two homes, underlined the necessity of these mitigation efforts. However, it took Stornetta and his team two years to get approval from state agencies for mitigation methods like goat grazing and prescribed burning. The Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Department of Fish and Wildlife oversee these areas, necessitating permits and agreements for any vegetation management activities. Because of the often long and expensive process, it is to get something like grazing approved, many cities do not utilize it or attempt to get approval.
“That riverbed would look amazing if it was up to us, but we can’t do it,” said Stornetta, frustrated with the hoops they have to jump through with outside agencies. “We actually declared a local emergency to make this start happening.
That’s what it took: a local emergency, which is ridiculous.”
Annually, the department has to submit an annual work report to the state that includes what they plan to do that year, where they plan to do it, and with what methods. Enns explains that the agencies are most concerned with the canopy cover and how that impacts water quality. But he says he has developed a good working relationship with the agencies that have helped them take precautious measures to protect the city.
But it wasn’t always this way when it came to preventing fires in Paso Robles, says Stornetta: “In the early ‘80s, when I grew up here, they used to take dozers down the middle of the riverbed ... and clear it out. It was where all the kids went to fish, ride their motorcycles, swim, and then, through environmental concerns, they stopped doing that. Now we have all this overgrowth down there. That’s a problem we’re seeing throughout the state.”
One of the most significant collaborations has been with the San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council. Their partnership has been instrumental in continuing and expanding work initially funded by the city council. Through this joint effort, they secured over $200,000 in grant funding in the past year alone. This funding has facilitated critical initiatives such as grazing and crew work, covering approximately 100 acres annually to mitigate fire risks.
“This last summer, for the first time, we actually grazed both sides of the riverbed simultaneously, and we had just a little over 1,300 animals grazing. We got the work done much quicker,”
Paso Robles Press
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Enns adds, who has worked hard to expand the department’s vegetation management program. Additionally, they were able to receive grant funding from Cal Fire for equipment for vegetation management. With that, they were able to purchase a remote track chipper for the city to help with cleanup open spaces, and a remote mower for mowing areas and hillsides where it may not be safe to have someone on a mower.
Enns adds, “We continue to evaluate areas of the city where we can expand and do additional work ... we try to prioritize the areas that need it first and then expand from there. We expanded in a couple of drainages this year.”
So when it comes to fires here in Paso Robles, Enns and Stornetta stress the importance of being prepared, understanding evacuation zones, heeding warnings, and having an emergency plan are critical to survival.
“Our three prior priorities, No. 1 is life,” says Stornetta. “We need to get people evacuated; we need to get them out of there. We’ll utilize the reverse 9 1 1 system ... We’ve been telling everyone to know what zone you live in. We’re gonna put those alerts out. And then after that, secondarily is property.”
Enns adds that no two incidents are the same. So when an emergency does strike.
He explains, “We utilize the Incident Command System (ICS). It’s a very flexible command structure for managing an incident. You have your incident commander; usually, the first arriving officer could be a captain. If it’s the engine, first, they take ICS, and they start making decisions and building out the team.”
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Valentine Movie Night to feature classic romance Movie lovers in Paso Robles are invited to a special Valentine Movie Night on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. at Park Cinemas. Hosted by the Main Street Association and Park Cinemas, the event will feature a screening of the 1959 romantic classic “For The First Time,” starring Mario Lanza as an opera singer whose life changes after falling in love with a deaf woman while on vacation in Italy. Tickets are $15 (plus a convenience fee) and include popcorn, chocolate, and a soda. This nostalgic film experience is the perfect way to celebrate love and cinema in the heart of Downtown Paso Robles.
The event is a fundraiser for the Main Street Association, and attendees are encouraged to share the experience with friends and family. For more information, call the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street office at (805) 238-4103 or purchase tickets online at parkcinemas.com
Paso Robles Joint Unified School District hosts first Black History Celebration
The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District is excited to host its first annual Black History Celebration on Sunday, Feb. 16, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Paso Robles High School Performing Arts Center, located at 801 Niblick Road.
This free community event will offer a diverse range of activities for all ages, celebrating Black history and culture.Attendees can look forward to an African mask-making workshop for children, an inspirational dance performance, an African drum circle, and a special reading by local author Jasmine Pickett from her book “The Adventures of Jaz and Lulu: Chasing the Moon.” Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.
Additionally, the event will feature participation from the Paso Robles High School Black Student Union and the Cal Poly Black Student Union. The program will include inspirational words from Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore, Cal Poly provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.
Paso Robles City Library February classes and events
The Paso Robles City Library is offering a variety of engaging events and services throughout February 2025. From tax assistance and legal aid to book discussions and crafting, there’s something for everyone in the community.
The AARP Tax Assistance program will be available from March 1 to April 15, offering free tax preparation for individuals with non-complex returns. The library is one of nine locations in San Luis Obispo County hosting this service. Appointments can be scheduled online at ccfreetax.org or by calling (805) 931-6308. For those seeking legal guidance, California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) will be at the library on Feb. 18, providing free legal aid to low-income residents in areas like housing, employment, education, and health. No appointment is necessary.
Creative minds can join the Crafting with Adults: Handmade Doll workshop on March 5 from 6 to 7 p.m. Participants (ages 16 and over) will receive supplies and guidance to sew their own customizable doll. Registration is required from Feb. 14 to 28.
The Socrates Café, a monthly discussion group, will meet on Feb. 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to explore the topic: How do relationships influence us?
Registration is required. Additionally, the Book
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Group will discuss “The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead on Feb. 19from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Families and individuals can enjoy the No One Eats Alone Day Ice Cream Social on Feb. 24 from 3 to 5 p.m., aimed at fostering friendships and ending social isolation.
The Cinema Club will screen “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” on Feb. 28 from 2 to 4:30 p.m., followed by a discussion. Registration is required.
Regular children’s story times take place throughout the week, with activities tailored to different age groups. The library will be closed on Feb. 17 for Presidents’ Day. Located at 1000 Spring St., the library is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Paso Robles Fire Department to conduct training at old Georgia Brown school site
Beginning Monday, Feb. 10, the Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services Department will utilize the old Georgia Brown School site, located at 525 36th St., for various fire department training drills.
Over the next month, residents can expect to see posted signs in the area announcing these training events. There will also be an increased presence of fire department apparatus.
The training exercises will involve hose pulling and ladder use. No live fire or destructive training will take place at this location. The Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services Department would like to thank the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District for this opportunity.
Low angle rope rescue class scheduled at Paso Robles City Fire Station 3
The North SLO County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is hosting a Low Angle Rope Rescue class on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Paso Robles City Fire Station 3 (2924 Union Road, Paso Robles).
This free training is designed to introduce Teen CERT members, parents, guardians, guests, and other CERT members to fundamental rope rescue skills. Students will learn about rescue scene organization, rope identification, knot tying, haul systems, and victim packaging.
Instructors John Spooner and Anthony Trutanich will lead the course, which will take place rain or shine. Attendees must bring their CERT gear and provide a Teen CERT Program Waiver. Snacks and beverages will be available.
To register, email northslocountycert@gmail. com with your contact information.
City Council reappoints planning commissioner and appoints new member
The Paso Robles City Council has reappointed Mark Koegler to the Planning Commission and appointed Sharon Roden as a new commissioner during a special meeting on February 5.
The City Council interviewed five applicants to fill two open positions on the Planning Commission. Koegler, who will begin his third term, was reappointed based on his strong service record and ability to represent a broad spectrum of community interests. A retired city planner and landscape architect from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Koegler moved to Paso Robles in 2018 and has since contributed valuable expertise to the commission. Roden was newly appointed to the Planning Commission, bringing fresh perspectives and a commitment to the growth and development of Paso Robles. Roden is a Cal Poly graduate and is a fifth-generation native of San Luis Obispo County. She served on the APG Board of Direc-
tors from 2015 to 2020 and also served on the Paso Robles City Council from October 2023 to December 2024. Her local experience and deep connection to the community will serve her well in her new role.
Commissioner Roden’s first Planning Commission meeting will be on March 11.
ATASCADERO
Temporary detour from Southbound El Camino Real to Traffic Way to begin Tuesday
Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 11, motorists on southbound El Camino Real will encounter a temporary detour at Traffic Way. The detour will not begin prior to 8:30 a.m. to minimize disruptions for school drop-off and commuters. Drivers will be detoured onto Traffic Way, then onto Palma Avenue, then onto West Mall where they can re-enter southbound El Camino Real. There are no closures or detours for northbound El Camino Real and Entrada Ave. will remain open.
The repairs are expected to take a day to complete and once finished, the southbound section of El Camino Real will reopen to traffic. The temporary detour is needed to allow Atascadero Mutual Water Company to repair a damaged underground water service line.
Message and directional signs will be posted to guide motorists along the temporary detour route.
Access to businesses along the closed section of El Camino will remain open and free parking is available throughout Downtown. The community is encouraged to stay informed about ongoing ECR project updates and traffic advisories by following the City on Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and X and visiting Atascadero.org/ECRProject
Community members can also sign up for construction news and alerts at Atascadero.org/ News-List
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Cody Johnson concert at 2025 Mid-State Fair sells out
The highly anticipated Cody Johnson concert at the 2025 California Mid-State Fair has officially sold out. The country star will take the stage on Saturday, July 19, in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles Event Center, as part of the Michelob Ultra Concert Series. Fans are also treated to an opening performance by Randall King at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets, which went on sale Friday, Feb. 7, were quickly snapped up by eager concertgoers. Prices started at $67 and ranged up to $182, reflecting the high demand for Johnson’s live performances. Cody Johnson, hailed as “just might be the future of real country music,” has built a reputation for selling out venues nationwide. With an extensive catalog of hit albums, including “Leather Deluxe Edition,” “Leather,” “Human The Double Album,” and “Ain’t Nothin’ To It,” Johnson has amassed 42 Gold and Platinum certifications, nearly 8 billion global streams, and three No. 1 singles.
Opening act Randall King, a West Texas native known for his traditional honky-tonk sound, brought his signature style to the stage. With hits like “You In A Honky Tonk,” “Hey Cowgirl,” and “Mirror, Mirror,” King has cemented his place as a rising star in country music.
Royal Tea Party fundraiser to support L.A. fire victims
A Wish Your Heart Makes invites all princes and princesses to a Royal Tea Party Fundraiser at
the Madonna Inn on Feb. 23, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event will go toward helping those affected by the Los Angeles fires.
Guests will enjoy an enchanting afternoon with their favorite princesses, featuring tea, cake, and a variety of royal activities. Attendees are encouraged to dress up and bring their favorite tea cup to fully immerse in the experience.
Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased by February 20. To reserve your spot, visit awishyourheartmakes.com
Those without PayPal can call to book with a credit or debit card. The event will take place at the Madonna Inn, located at 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo.
Former SLO County deputy probation officer charged with grand theft, embezzlement
Fallyn Sierra Rollins, a former San Luis Obispo County deputy probation officer, has been charged with multiple felonies for allegedly embezzling over $100,000 from the San Luis Obispo County Probation Peace Officers’Association while serving as its treasurer.
According to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, the alleged theft occurred between February 2023 and August 2024, during which Rollins had exclusive control over the association’s checking account, debit card, and financial records. The organization, a nonprofit supporting Probation Department employees, reported the suspected theft as soon as it was discovered, prompting an investigation by the San Luis Obispo Police Department.
The criminal complaint against Rollins includes nine counts of felony grand theft by embezzlement, citing dozens of fraudulent transactions over an 18-month period.
On Feb. 4, a Superior Court judge issued an arrest warrant for Rollins with bail set at $1.18 million. However, after a court hearing, Judge Barry LaBarbara reduced bail to $100,000 with conditions including electronic monitoring, restrictions on financial work, and residency limitations to San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara Counties.
Rollins is being monitored by the Santa Barbara County Probation Department while on pretrial release. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 24, in Department 3 of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court.
San Luis Obispo Public Health Department advises public to avoid ocean water
The County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department is advising the public to avoid ocean water contact during, and at least three days following, significant rainstorms — such as the recent storm.
Rainstorm runoff is known to transport high levels of disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa from the watershed and urban areas to the ocean. Such organisms carried into the ocean can cause skin, respiratory, and intestinal problems. Young children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to these waterborne pathogens.
Surfers, swimmers and others are advised to avoid contact with ocean water during this period, especially in areas close to creeks, rivers, storm drains and other runoff outlets that empty into the ocean.
For more information about beach water quality, please visit the Public Health Department Beach Water Quality website at SurfSafeSLO. org, or call the Ocean Water Monitoring Program Telephone Hotline at (805) 788-3411
While PG&E is pursuing the steps to continue operating Diablo Canyon Power Plant until 2030 as directed by the state, PG&E will continue to provide opportunities for community input regarding future decommissioning plans and potential future uses of the Diablo Canyon site.
PG&E is currently in regulatory proceedings for both extended operations and decommissioning.
The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel (Panel) was created to foster open and frequent dialogue between members of the local community and PG&E on topics regarding the site’s eventual decommissioning, originally planned to begin in 2025 but now slated to begin in 2030 or later. The Panel will focus on decommissioning related issues and not ongoing continued operations.
There are currently open positions on the Engagement Panel subject for appointment or reappointment consistent with the Panel's Charter. The application period runs until March 4, 2025.
Visit pge.com/engagementpanel to apply.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Daniel Phillips on January 29, 2025, at the age of 91. Daniel, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament to kindness, dedication, and unwavering love for
Norma D. Roots, 93, of Paso Robles, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at her assisted Living home. She was known for her kindness, compassion, love, and loyalty to her family and friends. Norma was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, where she lived with her mother, father, and two sisters. She also had a
In Loving Memory
those around him.
Daniel was born on April 2, 1933, in Bakersfield, California. He was the youngest of six children and grew up in a close-knit family that valued hard work and integrity. He spent his early childhood growing up in the small oil town of Fellows by Taft. His father moved the family to southern California to work in the oil fields. He attended Brea High School, where he was a standout student and athlete in football and basketball. He graduated in 1951. Following his high school graduation, Daniel followed in his father’s footsteps and began working in the oil industry. Then, the Korean War happened, and Daniel was drafted in 1953. Daniel served 3 years in the Army and one
brother who grew up in Norway. In 1952, Norma and her parents moved to California, where her sister Lillian was already living. They settled in the San Fernando Valley. A couple of years later, Norma met Robert Roots at a New Year’s Eve party. After a whirlwind romance, Bob and Norma married eight months later, on August 27, 1955. They raised three children and were married for 66 years until Bob’s death in May of 2022.
Norma was working at a bank when she met Bob. She enjoyed making her own money and bought a new 1955 Chevy Bel-Air right off the showroom floor. When the kids were a little older, she started working in real estate. Norma always said that her biggest accomplishment was marrying Bob and raising her three children. She was also
Kand a half years overseas in Korea.
After the war, Daniel came home and began his family life with his wife Ramona and baby girl Denise. While working in the oil industry, he decided to go to barber school. In 1961, Daniel and his family moved to Atascadero, where he opened Dan’s Barber Shop. Daniel remained at the same location for 63 years, giving haircuts to generations of men and women.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Daniel’s greatest joy came from his family. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Ramona Jean, in 1953, and together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and laughter. Daniel and Ramona were blessed with two
proud to become a US citizen on June 23, 1967.
Norma was a great cook and had dozens of cookbooks. She was famous at the neighborhood potlucks for her delicious chicken dishes, lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, cheesecake, and Tex-Mex dip. Her husband Bob was a fireman and often had four days off in a row, so they would do a lot of mini-camping trips, usually at Carpinteria Beach in their little trailer. They were an adventurous couple and visited numerous national and state parks. They also did road trips across the country and to Baja, usually with the kids and the dogs in tow.
Norma loved to travel just with Bob as well. She especially loved cruising to exotic ports of call and traveled overseas to Europe and Norway. They went on a fall foliage tour back
endall Gallanger, 88, The man, the myth, the legend, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, December 16, 2024.
Kendall was born May 19, 1936, in South Waconda, Washington, to Earl and Margarite Gallanger. He graduated from Friday Harbor High School in 1954.
Kendall married Harlene Ramage, and together, they had three children. They moved to Atascadero and
St for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], WILLFULLY RESISTS,DELAYS,OBSTRUCTS…[148(A)(1)PC], Case no. 250437 22:11 — Andrea Wilkerson, of Taft was taken into custody on the 2200 block of Theatre Dr for WILLFULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC], POSSESSION OF SPECIFIED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11377(A)H&S], Case no. 250449
FEBRUARY 05, 2025 01:42 — Silvino Chavezmartinez, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 3200 block of Park St for DISORDERLY CONDUCT/DRUNK IN PUBLIC [647(F)PC], DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED FOR DUI [14601.2(A)VC], Case no. 250450 12:43 — Matthew Ellis, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the 1000 block of Spring St for PROBATION VIOLATION:REARREST/ REVOKE [1203.2(A)], Case no. 250461 13:39 — Dalton Pickens, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the corner of Creston Rd and Rolling Hills Rd for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS [23152(F)VC], Case no. 2540462 14:00 — Brett Duncan, of Paso Robles was on
children, Denise and Daniel, who were the light of Daniel’s life. He was a devoted father, always present at their milestones and supporting their dreams. Daniels’s love extended to his grandson Daniel, whom he adored and cherished. His warm smile and gentle nature endeared him to all who knew him.
Daniel is preceded in death by his daughter Denise and son Daniel. He leaves behind his wife of 72 years, Ramona, grandson, Daniel, and daughter-in-law, Susan.
Daniel was also an active member of his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and community, volunteering his time and expertise to various causes. He served as Bishop in the church from 1985-1990.
east and visited her hometown in Canada.
Bob and Norma moved to SLO County in 1981, building their house on 10 acres of land in the countryside. They planted a small vineyard on their property and enjoyed making homemade wine. They joined a local winemaking club and had an active social life. Norma loved to entertain and had numerous parties and gatherings, both in Paso and when she lived in Southern California. Many of Norma’s family and extended family eventually moved to Paso Robles, so she hosted a lot of family gatherings as well. She so enjoyed having her children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren nearby.
Norma loved animals and cared for several feral cats on her property, getting them fixed and giving them a warm place
Kendall worked at Loomis Feed in San Luis Obispo and later Templeton Feed and Grain before starting his own construction company. Kendall later worked at Soledad State Prison and the Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo.
Kendall was a member of the Atascadero Elks Lodge # 2733 and the Paso Robles Elks Lodge # 2364. Kendall loved to travel, going to Alaska, Japan, Australia, France, through the Panama Canal and on
and 24th St for UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION [11550(A)HS], Case no. 250460 23:16 — Jeffrey Molloy, of Atascadero was on view arrest on the corner of HWY 101 and 17th St for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], POSSESS NARCOTIC CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11350(A)H&S], Case no. 250469 23:33 —
McClung, of Atascadero
on
arrest on the corner of HWY 101 and 17th St for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL
PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], Case no.
250469
00:00 — Neelee Lujan, of Paso Robles was arrested on the corner of Union Rd and Golden Hill Rd for DRIVING WITHOUT PROOF OF VALID REGISTRATION [4000(A)(1)VC], Case no. 250468 21:41 — Jonathan Godina, of Selma was on view arrest on the 1700 block of Ramada Dr for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC], Case no. 250467 FEBRUARY 06, 2025
Daniel’s legacy is one of kindness, dedication, and unwavering love. He leaves behind a family that will forever be grateful for the time they had with him and friends who will cherish the memories of the moments shared. Daniel’s passing is a profound loss to all who knew him, but his memory will be a source of comfort and inspiration. As we say goodbye to a remarkable man, we also celebrate the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Charity of one’s choosing. A memorial service will be held on February 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Atascadero, where family and friends will gather to honor and celebrate Daniel’s life.
to sleep on her porch and in her barn. She also had her own dogs and cats over the years, who she loved fiercely.
Norma will be greatly missed by her children, Karen Roots, Andrew Roots, and Nancy (Scott) Wilhite, and her grandchildren, Christopher O’Keefe, Patrick O’Keefe, and John Wilhite. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Roots, her parents, Ole and Linnea, and siblings Silvia, Lillian, and Erling.
A celebration of life will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to Woods Humane Society, North County Paws Cause, Meade Canine Rescue, or Pacific Wildlife Care.
numerous cruises. Kendall was preceded in death by his daughter, Terri Werner, and his fiancé Joan Price. He is survived by his daughters Kelly Gallanger (Dave Emmett), Indiana, Keri Akers, Atascadero, granddaughters Amanda Werner (Evan Russell), Sabrina Ayesh, great-grandson Finn Russell, his brother and sister (Washington) and numerous nieces and nephews. Kendall will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
11:17 — Selena Garcia, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the corner of Melody Dr and Sylvia Cr for EVADE PEACE OFFICER WITH WANTON DISREGARD FOR SAFETY [2800.2(A)], ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON [245(A)(1)PC], Case no. 250434 05:21 — Lucas Johnson, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the
FEBRUARY
13:21
was arrested for UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION [11550(A)HS], Case no. 250489 14:54 — Darren Yanez, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the corner of 24th St and Ysabel Ave for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], Case no. 250491
86, of Arroyo Grande passed away on January 27th 2025.
Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
ROBERT BENJAMIN CALHOUN, Sr., 66, of Grover Beach passed away on January 28th 2025.
Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
TAMMY JUNE FROGGE, 67, of Nipomo, passed away on February 3rd 2025.
Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
CATRINA ANN BLOOMQUIST LEBED, M.D., 72, of Oceano passed away on January 28th 2025.
Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
NORMA JEAN BEATON, 91, of Grover Beach passed away on February 3rd 2025.
Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
DAVID PATRICK BEZERRA, 49, of Arroyo Grande passed away on January 30th 2025.
Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
BILLIE JEAN KELLY, 95, of Pismo Beach passed away on January 30th 2025.
Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
JOHN PAUL ANDERSON, 84, of Nipomo passed away on January 31st 2025.
Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
JEFFREY ROBERT BECK, 74, of Arroyo Grande passed away on January 22nd 2025.
Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
NICOLAS GONZALEZ, 96,of Nipomo, passed away on February 3rd 2025.
Services are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
FEBRUARY 03, 2025
12:30 — Ryan Musgrave, was arrested on the 6700 block of El Camino Real for BECH WARRANT/M, Case
FEBRUARY
20:17 — Debra Portney, of Shandon was taken into custody on the 100 block of Niblick Rd for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 250496 ATASCADERO POLICE DEPARTMENT
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
— Kenyon Clark, was arrested on Capistrano Ave and Hospital Dr for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC], Case no. 250228
DANIEL C. PHILLIPS 1933-2025
NORMA D. ROOTS 1931-2025
KENDALL GALLANGER 1936-2024
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR OF EVENTS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
FEBRUARY EVENTS
FEB 14
SWEETHEART SIP & SHOP!
5–8 p.m.
Tickets include a wine glass and over 15 different tasting spots at merchant locations downtown. Brought to you by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce. For more info: atascaderochamber.org
FEB 16
VALENTINE MOVIE NIGHT
Park Cinemas, Paso Robles 7-9 p.m.
Get ready for a screening of the timeless romance “For The First Time” from 1959. For more information, call the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street office at (805) 238-4103 or get your tickets at parkcinemas. com
FEB 20-23
BLENDFEST ON THE COAST
San Simeon and Cambria
Daily
Experience a taste of Paso Robles Wine Country on the beautiful California coast. Paso Robles BlendFest on the Coast will take place Feb. 20-23 in
San Simeon and Cambria with a selection of exciting events.
MARCH EVENTS
MAR 2
13TH ANNUAL
CIOPPINO & VINO Paso Robles Event Center 1-4pm
Indulge in a mouthwatering feast while supporting a great cause — The Paso Robles Children’s Museum. Cioppino & Vino will feature cioppino tasting from local chefs, wine tasting, cheese and wine pairings, and live and silent auctions
with all proceeds going directly to the museum.
“DYNAMIC DUOS”
CONCERT
Atascadero Bible Church 3-5pm
Atascadero Community Band presents “Dynamic Duos”, a free concert celebrating famous partnerships in music.
MAR 21-23
25TH ANNUAL CITY WIDE YARD SALE
Morro Bay, Multiple Locations 8am-2pm
The 2025 Morro Bay CityWide Yard Sale runs March
21-23, rain or shine. Signups begin January 1 via email or phone. Provide your name, address, participation days, and sale item descriptions. Sale maps available March 17.
MAR 22
6TH ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST CRAFT BEER FEST
Sunken Gardens, Atascadero 12-4pm
Enjoy unlimited samples from 55+ craft breweries, wineries, cideries, and more, plus food trucks, live entertainment, vendors, and lawn games. Shuttle services available.
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
PASO ROBLES — The Dusi family is celebrating a long legacy that began in 1925 with the planting of its first vineyard. Over the past century, five generations of the Dusi family have fostered the dream of their ancestors and cultivated a reputation for producing premium wine grapes while remaining dedicated to their community and the preservation of Paso Robles’ rich history.
Sylvester and Caterina Dusi, both Italian immigrants, purchased land, built a home, and planted Zinfandel vines on a property in Paso Robles that would later become known as Benito Dusi Ranch, one of the region’s most esteemed vineyards. Their three children – Guido, Dante, and Benito — worked the ranch alongside their parents, helping to grow and sell high-quality Zinfandel grapes to California vintners throughout the early 1900s. When Guido and Dante were called to war in 1944, 11-year-old Benito continued to farm and live at the ranch, and would do so until his passing in 2019.
“Farming and winemaking is not just what we do; it’s who we are,” said third-generation patriarch Mike Dusi. “Through determination and love for this land and this place, we’ve kept my grandparents’ dream alive for five generations ... so far! Each of us is proud to continue their legacy, and we all look forward to seeing what’s around the next corner.”
The Dusi family persevered through Prohibi-
tion, the Great Depression, and numerous challenges in the ever-changing wine industry. They bought additional land in 1945 and planted the Dante Dusi Vineyard, and opened one of the first tasting rooms in California in the 1950s. Fruit from both of the family’s vineyards garnered attention over time, and the name “Dusi Vineyard” became one of the first in California to be included as a vineyard desig -
LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero presents Reality Tour
nation on wine labels, highlighting the family’s commitment to quality. The Dusis’ Zinfandel grapes have been sought after by renowned wineries for decades, including Ridge Vineyards, who has been purchasing from the family since 1967. Wines that bear the “Dusi Vineyard” designation have earned 90-plus scores more than 100 times from respected critics and publications.
The third, fourth and fifth generations continue today to uphold the sustainable farming practices that have been in place for nearly a century. From head-trained vines to the use of crawler tractors, the family remains steadfast in preserving the land while embracing new techniques as they emerge. With an eye on the future, the Dusi family has integrated new varietals, established J Dusi Wines, winery and tasting room, developed Paper Street Vineyard and launched Paper Street Wines.
J Dusi Wines is hosting the first of its 2025 events honoring this 100th anniversary on March 15-16, featuring the release of a commemorative 2023 Dusi Vineyard Zinfandel. Fittingly named “Cent’Anni,” it is bottled in jugs that pay homage to Sylvester and Caterina’s first wines.
To learn more about Dusi and their upcoming events, visit jdusiwines.com
ATASCADERO — LIGHT-
HOUSE Atascadero is bringing back its Reality Tour, an impactful drug prevention experience. This immersive program embraces social-emotional learning to educate families on the realities of substance abuse and
equip them with essential coping skills. Participants must be accompanied by one parent or guardian. The program is designed for students aged 12-17.
The Reality Tour will take place on Monday, Feb. 24, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Atascadero Lake Park and offer an eye-opening experience for both students and parents. A complimentary dinner will be served to all participants. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Families participating in the Real-
PASO ROBLES — The California Mid-State Fair has confirmed 311, who will perform on Friday, July 18. Special guest Iration will open the show at 7:30 p.m. The show will take place in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles Event Center and is part of the Michelob Ultra Concert Series.
Tickets for this general admission show will go on sale Friday, Feb. 14, starting at 10 a.m. on the fair’s official website with ticket prices at $90. The California Mid-State Fair has partnered with Ticketmaster. Now, you can use your Ticketmaster account to purchase California Mid-State Fair tickets.
Immersive program is a drug prevention experience for North County families Collaboration aims to enhance services, strengthen infrastructure, and create lasting community impact
Ticket tips: Arrive 10 minutes early and
ity Tour will engage in an interactive educational experience, which includes:
Dramatic roleplaying scenes — A compelling portrayal of the consequences of one youth’s choices, reinforcing drug resistance skills in an age-appropriate manner.
• Coping skills — Interactive education on setting healthy goals, avoiding drug experimentation, and effective parenting strategies.
Q&A session — A unique opportunity to interact with local law
complete these steps so you’re ready to go before the sale begins:
Sign in to your account in advance to speed up your purchase later.
Check that your payment info is current so you can breeze through checkout.
• Event details can vary. Check for important details like ticket limits before the sale. Just tap More Info next to the event name at the top of page.
For more than 30 years, 311 has stood as a beacon of innovation in the modern rock scene, maintaining their original lineup while continuously evolving their sound. Originating from Omaha, Nebraska, the band — comprised of Nick Hexum (vocals, guitar), SA Martinez (vocals, turntables), Chad Sexton (drums), P-Nut (bass), and Tim Mahoney (lead guitar) — has become a fixture in the global music landscape, known for their dynamic fusion of
NORTH COUNTY — Must!
Charities has announced its new partnership with Lumina Alliance to expand services, improve infrastructure, and create sustainable growth. This collaboration emphasizes a shared commitment to providing life-changing assistance for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence in San Luis Obispo County. Through this $963,000 initiative, Must! Charities will support Lumina Alliance to strengthen financial and organizational stability, enhance client services, expand bilingual programs and an upgraded crisis line, and increase housing
capacity to provide safer and more welcoming spaces for individuals and families fleeing violence.
Lumina Alliance has long been a cornerstone of aid for survivors in San Luis Obispo County, helping individuals and families navigate the journey of healing and hope. This partnership gives Lumina Alliance the opportunity to expand its reach, enhance its services, and build a stronger foundation for future growth.
San Luis Obispo County reflects national trends in the prevalence of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. According to CDC projections, nearly 41 percent of county residents will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. In 2023, there were 774 reported incidents of intimate partner violence to law enforcement, though many cases go unreported. SLO County’s high cost of living, housing scarcity, and limited mental health resources speak to the importance of Lumina Alliance’s mission.
enforcement, allowing real conversations about substance abuse and its impact on our community.
The Reality Tour brings together AUSD (Atascadero Unified School District) parents/guardians, students, educators, law enforcement, and community volunteers to create a transformative experience that influences the conversations and decisions of our youth. By addressing peer pressure, substance abuse, and mental health concerns, the program provides fami-
rock, reggae, funk, and rap.
With a career spanning over three decades, 311’s music remains as vital and fresh as ever, reflecting their unwavering dedication to their craft and their fans. 311 has sold over 10 million albums, achieved over 1.5 billion streams globally, and landed 10 consecutive Top 10 charting albums. Across their 13 albums, they have earned 5X Platinum and 6X Gold certifications.
Iration is a California-based alternative/ reggae group, originally formed in Isla Vista. Their deep-rooted island influence and Hawaiian upbringing fuses elements of rock, pop, and reggae — creating a smooth and uplifting sound with a high-energy live show.
Now, after almost two decades creating music together, Iration has racked up more than 1 billion streams, topped Billboard charts, and established themselves as one of the most
Lumina Alliance provides vital, life-changing services to the community. In the previous year, the organization: Delivered over 4,200 therapy sessions to 322 clients, 18 percent of whom were children or teens. Sheltered 171 survivors, including 70 children, in its Emergency Shelters.
• Supported 40 clients, including 25 children, in its Transitional Housing Program. Served 1,366 survivors and their loved ones, prioritizing equitable, accessible care for marginalized populations, Spanish-speaking survivors, and those with disabilities.
This partnership will help Lumina Alliance address rising demand for services, including reducing wait times for therapy, particularly for Spanish-speaking clients, and expanding its capacity to serve more survivors in need.
One survivor’s journey exemplifies the profound impact of Lumina’s
lies with the tools they need to navigate these challenges.
Event Details
Free to youth ages 12-18 accompanied by at least one parent/guardian
• Registration required — Space is limited
• Pizza for all participants — Provided by Bravo Pizza Plus Register for this powerful opportunity to educate and empower your family at lighthouseatascadero.org/ reality-tour/
beloved reggae-rock bands to emerge from the SoCal scene.
The 2025 California Mid-State Fair runs July 16 through July 27. This year’s theme is “Off To The Races!” For more information, visit midstatefair.com
work. After enduring years of abuse, she found support through Lumina Alliance. Childcare services gave her the time to plan her next steps, while counseling and legal advocacy empowered her to secure custody of her child and begin anew.
“I’ll never forget the moment she lifted her child into her arms after the court victory,” shared one of Lumina’s advocates. “She told us she couldn’t have done it without our support.” Today, this survivor and her child are thriving in stable housing and rebuilding their lives with renewed strength. Her story is a testament to the life-changing work made possible by partnerships like this.
The collaboration between Must! Charities and Lumina Alliance is a powerful step toward fostering hope, safety, and resilience. By investing in people, services, and facilities, this initiative will create measurable outcomes that uplift survivors and strengthen the community.
“The commitment and resources
provided through this collaboration will enhance Lumina Alliance’s ability to adapt, grow, and meet the needs of those they serve,” said Randy Gray, director of community investments for Must! Charities. “Together, we’re building a foundation for change that will ripple throughout the community.” For more information about this inspiring partnership and how you can support Must! Charities’ charitable campaigns, visit mustcharities.org
Atascadero Community Band presents ‘Dynamic Duos’ concert
The performance will celebrate iconic musical pairs STAFF REPORT
ATASCADERO — It’s double the fun and twice the excitement: The Atascadero Community Band will be holding its upcoming concert, “Dynamic Duos,” a spectacular celebration of the world’s most iconic musical pairs on Sunday, March 2, from 3 to 5 p.m. Join the band at Atascadero Bible Church for a musical afternoon guaranteed
NONPROFIT
to have audiences exclaiming, “zowie.” As always, admission, parking, and even refreshments are free and the audience’s generous donations will help support a worthy local nonprofit organization.
This high-energy performance showcases dynamic duos across the ages, from the crime-fighting team of Batman and Robin to the harmonious brilliance of Rodgers and Hammerstein, the historical rivalry of Hamilton and Burr, and the magical friendship of Glinda and Elphaba, amongst many others. Each piece will transport you into a story of partnership, tension, and triumph, brought to life by the band’s powerhouse conducting duo, Carol Kouklis and David Landers. Together, this dynamite pair will lead the band on a musical journey that’s guaranteed to dazzle.
CONTACT INFO
P.O. Box 3120, Atascadero, CA 93423 (805)712-6356 atascaderogreyhound foundation.org
Expect electrifying melodies and spellbinding harmonies as the Atascadero Community Band delivers a performance that’s entertaining and bursting with energy. Whether you’re a fan of Broadway classics, cinematic scores, or timeless duets, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic lineup.
The magic doesn’t stop at the music — this concert is about doubling down on community support. All donations from “Dynamic Duos” will go directly to the ALF Food Pantry (formerly Atascadero Loaves and Fishes), helping to feed local families and spread goodwill throughout the area.
The Atascadero Community Band, an all-volunteer organization, is composed of musicians from across the Central Coast who
LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero
AWARENESS - PREVENTION - INTERVENTION - EDUCATION
share a passion for music and giving back to their community. With every note they play, they aim to make a positive impact while sharing the joy of live performance with the community. For more information, visit atascaderoband.org or find us on Facebook at AtascaderoCommunityBand.
About: The Atascadero Greyhound Foundation has been serving the Atascadero community for more than 20 years, gradually adding more events that serve its mission. We have grown, and continue to give because of the generous donors, sponsors and participants of our events. Our events are a benefit to the community in healthy activity — either athletically, musically, educationally, or in the fight against addiction. Donations: Our support comes from generous donors and sponsors. To make a difference, visit: lighthouseatascadero.org
ALF Food Pantry
OUR MISSION: ALF Food Pantry is dedicated to providing nutritious groceries to the food-insecure residents of the communities we serve. ALF Food Pantry (formerly known as Atascadero Loaves and Fishes) is celebrating 40 years of service to our community, providing groceries to families and individuals. The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce honored ALF as the 2024 Community Organization of the Year. With an all-volunteer workforce, we distributed nearly 600,000 pounds of food in 2023, the equivalent of 360,000 meals. We provide quality fresh and shelf-stable ingredients to food-insecure people in Atascadero, Templeton, Santa Margarita, Creston, and California Valley. Clients have increased by 20% each year since 2020 and food costs are dramatically higher.
Donations: We need your help to allow us to continue our vital work. Donate today using our QR code or mail a check to ALF Food Pantry, 5411 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422.
United Way of San Luis Obispo County
EDUCATION. INCOME. COMMUNITY.
CONTACT INFO (805) 541-1234 unitedwayslo.org
CONTACT INFO Offices in Atascadero, Paso Robles & SLO treeoflifepsc.com (805) 543-6000
CONTACT INFO
1000 Spring Street Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 237-3870 prcity.com
United Way of San Luis Obispo County’s programs deliver the education and resources that can help families succeed, in the present and for the next generation. Our work is centered on three impact areas that give people the best start for a successful life: Early Childhood Education, Family Financial Stability and Community Strengthening. Please join us! Together we can do our part to make a stronger community in SLO County that benefits us all.
DONATE: Invest in lasting change through a charitable donation at unitedwayslo.org/donate
VOLUNTEER: Find a volunteer opportunity that fits you at unitedwayslo.org/volunteer
TREE OF LIFE Pregnancy Care Center
WOMEN. HEALTH. LIFE
Tree of Life has been helping women and families in our community for over 39 years. All services are FREE and confidential. Women facing pregnancy decisions can find compassion, hope, positive options, and practical help from our friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our goal is to provide resources to assist a woman in choosing life for her baby and then to parent or place for adoption. We also offer compassionate help for women struggling with the mental and emotional effects of a previous abortion. Donations: We’re grateful that all of our support comes from generous individuals here in our community.
Friends of the Paso Robles Library
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Support the Library through a Friends of the Library membership, starting as low as $10/year. The Friends of the Library appreciates donations, which are either added to the Library’s collection or used to generate considerable funds toward the purchase of new books, library materials, programs, services, etc. Support the Library in a 100% volunteer-run retail environment. We are seeking volunteers to assist with Gift Shop sales, book donation sorting, and to provide book sale support. Due to limited storage space and staff, we are only able to accept two boxes or two bags of materials per household per day. Cash donations always welcome!
BOARD MEETINGS: Call (805) 237-3870 for information
Operation Surf
MISSION
CONTACT INFO Operation Surf 80 San Francisco St. Avila Beach, CA (805) 544-7873 info@operationsurf.org operationsurf.org CONTACT INFO 6875 Union Road Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 237-3751 redwingshorse sanctuary.org
Our mission is to channel the healing powers of the ocean to restore hope, renew purpose, and revitalize community. Operation Surf’s curriculum-based programs aim to inspire injured military and veterans to seek wellness in all aspects of their lives while providing the necessary resources, tools, and peer-to-peer support to continue this mindset indefinitely. By staying true to our core values of care, inclusion, commitment, integrity, and communication, we change participants’ lives – one wave at a time. Local Veteran Opportunities: OS3- Three Month Surf Program Application is Open! Apply via the website www.operationsurf.org OS3 is a three-month, locally-focused program that provides veterans with an opportunity to bond through surfing, keep each other motivated, and move forward in life with a new perspective. Focused on four key pillars of mentorship, unity, family, and the peace of surfing, Operation Surf inspires to make lasting change in the lives of our community.
Redwings Horse Sanctuary
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. For information about making donations, adoptions, etc, visit redwingshorsesanctuary.com. For upcoming events, visit facebook.com/pg/redwingshorses/events
Atascadero Elks Lodge
CONTACT INFO
1516 El Camino Real, Atascadero, Ca 93422 805-466-3557 www.elks2733.org
ATASCADERO LODGE NO. 2733 Since 1987, the Atascadero Elks have contributed over $1,000,000 to local community-based programs, non-profits, youth groups, local sports teams, programs for handicapped and needy children, patriotic programs, veterans’ programs and many, many community activities. Our mission as Elks is to inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize our belief in God; to promote the welfare of our community; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; and to cultivate good fellowship.
We have
Atascadero Community Band presents the “Dynamic Duos” concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at the Atascadero Bible Church. Contributed Photo
PERSPECTIVE
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WORSHIP DIRECTORY
ATASCADERO GOSPEL CHAPEL
8205 Curbaril Ave. (corner of Curbaril & Atascadero Ave.): Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. Ted Mort, Pastor. (805) 466-0175. atascaderogospelchapel.org
Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living A New Thought Spiritual Community. Living the Consciously Awakened Life. Rev. Elizabeth Rowley Hogue Sunday 10:00am at the Pavilion 9315 Pismo Way, Atascadero (805) 391-4465. awakeningways.org
St. William’s Catholic Church 6410 Santa Lucia Road, Atascadero, CA (805) 466-0849 www. stwilliams.org Weekday Masses : 10:30 AM Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:30 PM Sunday Masses: 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM Spanish
FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH
9925 Morro Road, Atascadero; "The Church on the Hill"; An independent church committed to the teaching of God's Word.; Praise and Prayer–10 a.m.; Morning Worship–11 a.m.; Evening Worship–6 p.m.; Wednesday Prayer–6:30 p.m.; Nursery care and children's classes provided.; Pastor Jorge Guerrero; (805) 461-9197.
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA
A place of hope! Join us for in-person worship on Sundays at 9 A.M. Services are also streamed on YouTube @Hope Lutheran Church Atascadero. Sunday School for all ages follows worship. Learn more at ourhopelutheran.net. 8005 San Gabriel Rd. Atascadero. 805-461-0430. office@ourhopelutheran.net. Pastor Aaron Smith. LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER-LCMS
4500 El Camino Real, Atascadero; 466-9350; Morning Bible class at 9 a.m. Sunday; Coffee and Sunday Worship with Holy Communion at 10 a.m. Sunday; Thursday morning Bible class 10 a.m. followed by refreshments and fellowship; Developmentally disabled Bible class 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings; redeemeratascadero.org; redeemeratascadero@gmail.com; Pastor Wayne Riddering.
TEMPLETON HILLS SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
God is love. We exist to know and share that love in practical ways. Join us for worship Saturdays at 11am. 930 Templeton Hills Rd, Templeton. For more info: https://templetonhills.adventistfaith.org/
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
940 Creston Road, Paso Robles; has Sunday worship services at 9:30 a.m; For more information, call the church at (805) 238-3702. Ext. 206.
ATASCADERO FOURSQUARE CHURCH–FATHER’S HOUSE
2100 Ramona Road. Sunday service at 10am. Will & Lori Barrow, Pastors; (805) 466-3191; fathershouseafc.com
ABIDE CALVARY ATASCADERO
4500 El Camino Ave (Downstairs, Rear Parking Lot) // info@abideatascadero. org. Sunday Service at 9am, Children’s Ministry provided for ages 2yrs–6th grade. Pastors Chris Vanoli & Ben Eisenman // Love God, Love Others // Abiding closely with Jesus and teaching others to do the same.
THE REVIVAL CENTER
A division of Alpha Beth Ministries; 3850 Ramada Drive (corner of Ramada and Cow Meadow), Paso Robles; 805-434-5170; Pastor Gabe Abdelaziz; a charismatic non-denominational fellowship; Reaching People, Building Homes; Sundays 10am, Wednesday 7pm; alphabeth@tcsn.net, www.alphabeth.org; Instagram @the_ revival_center
COMMUNITY CHURCH OF ATASCADERO, UCC 5850 Rosario Ave. Service 10 a.m. (in person and on Zoom) Pastor Heather Branton (805) 466-9108 atascaderoucc.org
ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH
820 Creston Road., Paso Robles; (805) 238-2218- Parish Office open Mon-Fri 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; website: www.saintrosechurch.org; Mass times; Daily Mass- 8:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.; Tues. 7 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass 5 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.; Spanish Mass at 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. Father Rodolfo Contreras.
SANTA MARGARITA DE CORTONA CATHOLIC CHURCH
22515 “H” St, Santa Margarita (805)438-5383 Parish Office
hours:Wed-Thur 9am-12pm Mass Times: Saturday Vigil Mass:5pm Sunday:10am Wed-Fri 10am Adoration Wed following Mass Confessions: Saturday 4pm and Sunday 9am
RESURRECTION ECUMENICAL MINISTRY
offers an interdenominational communion service each Wednesday evening at 7:00, beginning January 22. Please join us at 9005 Santa Lucia in Atascadero. For more information call or text Rev. Dr. Cynthia Gaw at (828) 406-7253 .
CONGREGATION OHR TZAFON"THE NORTHERN LIGHT"
Located at 2605 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA 93422. Friday Night Service 6:30 pm 805-466-0329 congregationohrtzafon.org
Be included in the Atascadero News & Paso Robles Press Worship Directory for an entire year at $175
Sweet treats for your sweetheart
Last week, I found a “new-to-me” cookbook with recipes for nothing but cookies, bars, and brownies. How great is that! The recipes focus on holiday treats, but I don’t know of any cookie, bar, or brownie that isn’t good any time of the year.
I started my research with Valentine’s Day in mind and came up with the following recipes that are sure to please your sweethearts. Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14, so you’d best get busy. This first recipe calls for fresh cranberries if you can still find them. However, I have used frozen ones in other recipes that called for fresh and they worked fine. You will need a little time for prep, but it will be worth the effort.
With the second recipe, for a triple chocolate and walnut cookie, you’ll eat one and have to “snitch” another. You will love them and Valentine’s Day is all about LOVE, so enjoy!
Cranberry-CheesecakeChocolate Tartlets
Ingredients
Using a set of reasons like I used to give on my high school and college livestock judging teams, I will now appraise your average farm animals.
Sir, or Madame:
I place this class of farm animals #1 (dog), #2 (horse), #3 (hog), #4 (cow), and #5 (sheep).
I had a very close top pair and an easy bottom.
I place the dog on top, and over the horse, because the dog can’t buck you off so high that birds will build nests in your beard on your way back down to earth. The dog doesn’t smell as bad as the hog (unless it’s tangled with a skunk), doesn’t have the brains of a fire hydrant like the sheep and doesn’t try to kill you in the sorting alley or the rodeo arena like the bovine. Dogs are cheap to feed, can ride in the cab
Our seed of awakening for the month at Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living is Peace. We all need tools to help us access peace when we need it. When the world around us is chaotic and confusing, leading to feeling lost and afraid, which is a slippery slope for our already fragile and demanding lives, where can we go to find the peace we desperately seek?
Know that peace still exists at the center of your being, even amid chaos, confusion, and dismay. The best news is
Pastry:
• 3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 pound unsalted butter, room temperature 1/4 pound stick margarine, room temperature
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 cups flour
Cranberry relish:
• 1 bag (12-ounces) fresh (or frozen, thawed) cranberries
1 cup fresh orange juice from 3 large oranges
Grated zest of 2 oranges
• 1/4 cup agave syrup
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Pinch kosher salt
Cheesecake filling:
5 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
3 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 48 dark chocolate
Hershey’s Kisses
• 3 ounces white chocolate
Directions:
For the pastry, cream the cream cheese, butter and margarine together with an electric mixer in a bowl; mix in confectioners’ sugar. Mix in flour. Once fully incorporated, roll into a disc; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
For the relish, combine cranberries, orange juice, zest, agave syrup, sugar, cinnamon stick and
salt in a saucepan. Heat to a boil over medium heat; reduce to a steady simmer. Simmer until reduced to consistency of a good preserve, 30 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick.
For the filling, cream the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer in a bowl; add egg and vanilla. Mix until blended. Set aside.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Roll pastry out to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles with a round 2 1/4 -to 3-inch cookie cutter.
Place dough circles into nonstick mini-muffin pan cups. Gently push down the dough. Place 1 teaspoon cheesecake filling in each. Place a dark chocolate Hershey’s Kiss in center of each.
Top with 1 teaspoon cranberry relish.
Bake, 15 to 18 minutes. When cheesecake filling starts to rise and pastry slightly colors, they are done. Let cool completely, about 1 hour. Melt white chocolate in a saucepan over low heat; decoratively drizzle over the top.
Yields 4 dozen tartlets
Note: You are going to need 2 mini-muffin pans, each holding 24. If you only have 1 pan, just bake in batches, but wait for the pan to cool completely between each batch.
Triple-Chocolate-Walnut
Delights
Ingredients:
I have my reasons
of your pickup, and will protect the empty beer cans and broken jack in the bed of your truck with their life.
I do grant that the dog can’t carry you around on its back all day like the horse, and its incessant yapping can be annoying. In placing the horse second, I highly value that you can tell your rumors, gossip, hearsay, and transgressions to your horse, and it will never spill the beans. Also, a horse will follow your subtle commands unless they are of an idiotic nature. The horse can turn like a serpent, walk like a cat and run like a deer. The only other contrivance that can do that on a farm is green and is mechanical in nature. The horse looks good in leather and is the only animal I know of that smells good when sweaty. Unlike a cowboy, your average horse knows what “whoa” means. Horses have better dentition than cows and can run faster than sows. Horses are also kinder than other farm animals and if you don’t think so watch them stand head to tail and swat flies off each other. Name one time you’ve ever seen a hog do that
with its corkscrew tail.
Over the centuries, a good cow horse has always been worth about 10 times the value of a cow.
I do grant that pork tastes better than horse meat and your average county fair racing pig costs less than the average Thoroughbred at Keeneland.
I place the hog in the third position over the cow because the pig doesn’t have the IQ of cauliflower, like many cows I’ve known. In terms of intelligence, hogs could have been placed at the top of the class, but their putrid smell and evasive nature put them in the third position today. I do not like that they are as evasive as coyotes and have the morals of a Congressperson.
I grant that the meat from a bovine tastes better than all the rest, but I was forced to put the cow in the fourth spot today because when the chips are down, cattle are nowhere to be found. Take the bull, for instance; when he’s done violating cows and heifers, he goes off and drinks with his buddies for nine months. Neither is the cow that quick on the uptake. All a
I am peaceful
that you can access it. Peace is always present, and the invitation for us is to be so present that we remember how to access it in our time of need.
American New Thought writer, teacher, and leader Ernest Holmes observed: “To desert the Truth in the hour of need is to prove that we do not know the Truth.” The quote is a great reminder that when faced with a less than optimum experience in life we often forget who we are or desert the Truth that we know or thought we knew with conviction. Maybe even falling victim to and reacting to the fleeting conditions and circumstances in life. What if instead, we were to prove that we know the Truth and we are malleable like palm trees, bending with the wind of the day and resuming our natural state, when the storm passes, rather than breaking apart.
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
• 1 cup firmly packed brown
sugar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon chocolate extract
1 bag (12 ounces)
semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
Directions:
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Mix butter and sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs one at a time. Mix in chocolate extract. Add half of the flour mixture to butter mixture; mix to combine. Mix in remaining flour. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts. Scoop dough with a small ice-cream scoop onto parchment-lined cookie sheets. Bake until lightly browned on bottom, 11 to 14 minutes. Let cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet; transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before eating. Yield: 3 dozen cookies. Happy Valentine’s Day! Barbie Butz is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email her at bbutz1@outlook.com
cow has to do to live a long and productive life is bring a healthy calf to the branding pen every year and yet she will not stand for a bull and kicks at the artificial inseminator. They also have a propensity to pee on expensive hay. Cows aren’t cowboy-friendly and if you yell instructions at them it just goes in one ear and out the udder.
I place the cow above the sheep and rolled the sheep to the bottom of the class because the cow is still not as stupid as your normal sheep whose IQ is lower than the average temperature of South Dakota in winter. A sheep doesn’t know the difference between a cow and a sow and spends its time just huntin’ for a place to die. A young lamb’s goal in life is to grow up and be a car seat cushion like its father and mother.
It’s for these reasons that I place this class of farm animals dog, horse, hog, cow, and sheep. Lee Pitts is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email them at leepitts@ leepittsbooks.com.
Ernest Holmes further states, “When things look the worst, that is the supreme moment to demonstrate, to ourselves, that there are no obstructions to the operation of Truth. When things look the worst is the best time to work, the most satisfying time. The person who can throw themself with complete abandon into that Limitless Sea of Receptivity, having cut loose from all apparent moorings, is the one who will always receive the greatest reward.”
So whatever side of the political spectrum you find yourself, peace is a cornerstone of a happy and healthy life. Can you allow yourself to be peaceful as chaos unfolds around you?
Imagine for a moment what that looks and feels like. Peace.
Can you remember a time when you were totally at peace? Where were you? What did you see? What did you hear?
What did you feel? What did you sense? Let that experience come alive in you as if it was happening now. You may even create an anchor for yourself by touching the pads of your fingertips together and then releasing them once the memory begins to dissipate. Now you have an anchor for yourself to access the peace that lives within you at any time. Simply touch the pads of your fingertips together and be peaceful.
Try speaking this affirmation aloud to help ground you in the present moment: I am peaceful. I bring the peace. I share the peace. I live the peace. I am here now. And so it is.
Rev. Elizabeth Rowley Hogue is an independent columnist for the Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email her at revelizabeth@awakeningways.org
AHS girls basketball team captures Ocean League championship
cated training, teamwork, and a great group of coaches.
By CHRISTIANNA MARKS
ATASCADERO — The Atascadero High girls basketball contest on Tuesday, Feb. 4, against the Santa Maria Saints, not only brought a 46-29 win for the Greyhounds, but a 2025 Ocean League championship. This is the first championship win for girl’s basketball at Atascadero High School (AHS) since it won the Los Padres League in 1997. The team accomplished becoming champions with dedi-
“It started early last summer when a group of young ladies gathered for the first spring workouts. I could tell there was something different with this year’s group,” stated Greyhounds head coach Steve Gee. “I also have a great team of coaches that work with these ladies on a daily basis on skill development. We started this season slow, but we have a saying as a team, ‘2 percent better every day,’ and that saying came to life with this group.”
Gee was assisted by Sid Rodriguez, Kirt Perry, and Stacy McAlister in coaching this group of dedicated athletes and helping them accomplish becoming champions after a 28-year dry spell.
TEMPLETON
“It has truly been an honor to see the dedication of this group from when we started two years ago to now,” Gee added. “We still have a long way to go and many plans to continue to grow this program.”
The Greyhounds, now Ocean League champions, consist of 13 female athletes who have worked hard to become the team they are today. Those athletes are Whitney Jeckell, Veronica Bermingham, Sophia Porter, Audrey Cohen, Mira Assemi, McKenna Nichols, Sarah Garcia, Laney Arnold, Nikki Reeves, Jacey George, McKenzie Pullen, Mia Purchase, and Julie Hunter.
“The true love that these ladies have for each other spills out onto the court. If you spent as
Week of February 13 - 19
ATASCADERO
much time as my assistant coaches and I have with this group, you would see that as well. These ladies have each other’s backs no matter what,” said Gee. “It has been truly amazing to work with this group. Their desire for more knowledge of the game and hunger to develop their skills is unmatched.”
Gee also said that without the athlete’s parents, they would not have been able to be the standouts they were this season.
“They [the parents] have really shown up for this group at every game and have allowed the coaches to push these girls to the levels we know they can achieve,” he said.
Congratulations to the Greyhound girls basketball team on a championship season.
PASO ROBLES
McKenna is just scratching the surface of her basketball ability ... I’m looking forward to the next three years and what she will be able to accomplish in this program.
- Coach Steve Gee
Greyhounds beat Santa Maria to earn first girls basketball league title since 1997
(Top) The Atascadero High girls basketball team celebrates after beating Santa Maria 46-29 to clinch the Ocean League title. Photo provided by Greyhound girl’s basketball (Bottom Left) Atascadero High’s Mia Purchase gains possession of the ball during the Greyhounds’ game against Santa Maria on Feb. 4 (Bottom Center) The Atascadero High School girls basketball line up the night they became Ocean League champions. (Bottom Right) Jacey George (left) and Julie Hunter celebrate during the Greyhounds’ championship-clinching game against Santa Maria on Feb. 4. Photos by Rick Evans
