PASO ROBLES — A special meeting will be held on Thursday to appoint someone to fill the vacant mayor’s seat after the passing of Mayor Steve Martin in August.
During the Tuesday, Sept. 5, meeting, Paso Robles City Council made a decision to appoint a current City Councilmember to fill the position.
During the Tuesday night
The Paso Robles location opens after having to shut down location in Templeton during the pandemic
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — Back by popular demand, a Habitat for Humanity ReStore has
reopened in North County. After having to close the previous location in Templeton during the COVID pandemic, the Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County affiliate had to start from the ground up to bring back the popular store to North County.
Over 700 people came to welcome the Paso Robles ReStore at its new location’s
grand opening on Thursday, Aug. 25. The event marked a collaborative effort towards sustainability, community development, and raising funds for affordable housing. The new location at 844 9th St., is twice the size as the previous Templeton location, offering more inventory of new and gently used appliances, furniture, building materials,
Crossing guard Vicki Zimmerman started the pantry outside her home before COVID
By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@pasoroblespress.comTEMPLETON — Over
three years ago, Templeton crossing guard Vicki Zimmerman saw that food pantries were popping up throughout the county and people were putting them on their property. So, she decided to contribute her own pantry to the community. Recently, Zimmerman’s pantry, located at 806 Old County Road, right across the street from Templeton Elementary School, was renovated.
“Our original pantry was made for us by the Arroyo Grande Kiwanis Club. And they brought it up to me, and we used it. The whole community fills it. It’s not just me. We have a wonderful community
that loves us, and all I need to do is post on the Templeton Proud [Facebook] page that the pantry’s a little hungry, and it
gets filled,” said Zimmerman. Rebecca Wild and her family, also from Templeton, decided that they wanted to update
Zimmerman’s pantry and went and got a metal storage cabinet. After the addition of two plexiglass windows and painting the cabinet green, they dropped off the new five-shelf pantry.
“It’s wonderful. I had tears in my eyes when they brought it by the night they [The Wilds] donated it. It’s just absolutely awesome, and the fact is that I have so many people, different people, same people; however you want to say it, that come by and feed that pantry,” added Zimmerman. “I have kids on the way to school that grab granola bars out of there. I have them after school; grab a jar of peanut butter and some crackers. Whatever they want, they come and ask me, “Miss Vicki, can I go get these out of the pantry?”
Zimmerman said she always says yes because that’s what the pantry is there for. She wants the students and anyone else who needs it always to be able
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tools, and more. By repurposing these items, the ReStore not only reduces waste but also provides affordable alternatives for those looking to furnish their homes or complete DIY projects.
“We have a lot of loyal customers in North County,” said Habitat SLO CEO Nick Rasmussen of the store’s highly anticipated reopening.
Joining Habitat SLO’s board, staff, and volunteers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were attendees including Clint Weirick, senior district representative for State Senator John Laird; Vicki Janssen, legislative assistant to County Supervisor John Peschong; Blake Fixler, legislative assistant to Supervisor Bruce Gibson; Paso Robles
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PASO ROBLES — The saga of downtown parking in Paso Robles continues as another Ad Hoc meeting was held on Monday, Aug. 28, to discuss its future as members
of the community voice their disapproval of the current program. Yet, the discussion will again continue as no conclusion was met at the end of the meeting.
For several weeks, the Paso Robles Main Street Association has collected input from the community regarding the current downtown parking program. The inchthick collection of replies was presented to Paso Robles Press
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A total of $100,000 has been raised for improvements at the CATCH building
CRESTON — Nestled in the heart of Creston, the Creston Community Center, known as CATCH, has undergone a transformation over the years. What was once a modest pole barn initially constructed to house the Creston Volunteer Fire Department has evolved into a vibrant meeting and events hub for both its nine-member organizations and the larger Creston community.
When CATCH acquired the property at 5110 Swayze back in 2012, it was far from the inviting space it is today. The facility faced a litany of challenges, including a leaky roof, oil-stained concrete floors, unreliable electrical systems, peeling sheet rock, a lack of outdoor gathering spaces, and massive, manually operated metal doors that seemed to invite rainwater inside.
Despite these conditions, the team at CATCH, led by their diligent board
secretary, embarked on a journey of transformation. Through years of hard work and a strategic pursuit of grant funding, the community center has seen improvements. In total, an impressive $100,000 has been raised, a testament to the commitment of CATCH organizations and local donors. While some changes may not be immediately apparent, the impact on both the appearance and functionality of the facility has been profound. Here’s a glimpse of the
before-and-after evolution:
• Leaky roof
Before:
Oil-stained concrete floors
Unreliable electrical systems
Peeling sheet rock
Lack of outdoor gathering space
Bulky, metal, manually operated doors
After:
• A new large, covered patio
• Sleek industrial-style glass framed doors
• ADA-compliant entrance
• Upgraded electrical infrastructure
Roof repairs
Sheet rock repairs
Comprehensive interior painting
Epoxy flooring throughout
New exterior lighting and signage
• Industrial fans to enhance comfort
The success of CATCH’s transformation wouldn’t have been possible
without the generous support of several philanthropic groups within San Luis Obispo County. Organizations like
The Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo and the Justin Community Grants have played pivotal roles in this journey, sharing a common focus on building strong and resilient communities.
To these organizations and all who have contributed to this inspiring journey, the Creston community extends its heartfelt gratitude.
Organic farmers say they’re feeling left out of agriculture legislation
BY CHING LEE CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATIONCALIFORNIA — As Congress hammers out the 2023 Farm Bill, growing interest in the impacts of agriculture on climate could give organic farmers more political sway as they advocate for funding and programs that help them.
Organic farmers have long sought recognition for their role in mitigating climate change, saying their farming practices promote conservation and help improve soils that store carbon. They say expanding technical and financial assistance such as through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, or EQIP, would help them further implement activities that build resilient landscapes.
But with the farm bill’s historic focus on commodity crops, those who grow specialty crops — the backbone of many California organic farms — say they have felt largely left out of the omnibus legislation, which renews every five years and sets the agenda for a range of food and agricultural programs. Advancing organic agriculture
in federal climate change policy could provide openings for more legislative support.
Yolo County organic farmer
Jim Durst said he participates in “very few” federal programs, but he has used EQIP. He said the program has helped him with cover cropping and installation of underground irrigation systems.
The EQIP Organic Initiative pays farmers up to $140,000 for implementing conservation practices ranging from improving irrigation efficiency, creating pollinator habitat and controlling erosion.
“Those (programs) are valuable because they’re long-term investments,” Durst said, adding he would like to see more farm bill dollars go toward helping organic farms go solar or purchase electric tractors and vehicles.
Other farm bill programs, such as crop insurance, have been less helpful, he said. That’s because farm bills have traditionally been geared to support major commodities such as corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, rice, and dairy. Durst said the cost of federal crop insurance is usually too high for smaller farms such as his that grow higher-value specialty crops, the compensation for which he says is too low.
Javier Zamora, who farms organic fruit, vegetables and
flowers in Monterey County, described his frustration trying to get insurance payment after a third of his farm was flooded earlier this year. This is his sixth year carrying crop insurance and the first time he’s filed a claim.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, he said, has “absolutely no idea how to handle a diversified specialty crop grower.”
“They were like, ‘Quite honestly, we never really had a claim for strawberries,’” he said. “I’m like, what are you doing selling insurance policies if you have no idea? You want my $20,000 payment, but now you tell me you don’t have the expertise to handle a loss on strawberries.”
Zamora said he faced “so much red tape” trying to seek further assistance through the federal Emergency Conservation Program, which helps farmers repair damage to farmlands caused by natural disasters. He described the process as “a nightmare” as months have gone by since he first sent photos and videos of his fields resembling a lake. He said USDA has “already determined it was a total loss,” but he has yet to see any payments.
Zamora said many small farms impacted by flooding are “going belly up” and defaulting on loans, even though federal safety net programs such as
ECP are supposed to help farmers, so they don’t go out of business when natural disasters strike. The farm bill, he said, should address such program shortfalls.
“I know the government is making changes,” Zamora said. “The issue here is that the changes take forever.”
Durst said he sees opportunities for organic farmers in federal nutrition programs that increase purchases from local farms, whether the food is for feeding schools, hospitals or prisons. Such programs help stimulate the local economy by allowing dollars to circulate within rural communities, he said.
Rather than subsidizing organic farmers, Durst said he would rather see more federal money go to improving market access for organic farmers to help them sell their products.
“If they have a good, healthy market, they’ll make money,” he said.
Zamora said research and technical assistance that help him make crop decisions on the farm also provide “an extra layer of protection.” He noted how information from University of California Cooperative Extension farm advisors about soil temperature this past spring made him forgo planting crops such as corn and squash, both of
which would have yielded poorly due to cool weather conditions.
Gordon Merrick, policy and programs manager for the Organic Farming Research Foundation, said he thinks organic agriculture is at an “inflection point” that would allow organic farmers to make a case for more research funding specific to their needs. The $63 billion organic food and fiber sector, which represents more than 6 percent of total U.S. food sales, is no longer seen as merely a marketing niche or tool but rather “a big economic driver,” he said.
At the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture, organic programs make up less than 2 percent of its budget. The USDA Agricultural Research Service devotes less than 1 percent of its budget to studying organic.
“We want to see at least 6 percent of those research dollars going to organic research topics,” Merrick said.
Organic farmers did win a notable battle during development of the 2018 Farm Bill: They secured mandatory funding levels for the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative. That means even if the current farm bill lapses, which Merrick said looks increasingly likely, there would be “some type of continuing resolution
or other mechanism to maintain mandatory funding levels.”
“Now we can really be focused on making sure things are improving and getting better rather than just trying to focus all of our energy on safeguarding and making sure the program has some amount of funding to continue,” he added.
His organization supports the Organic Science and Research Investment Act introduced in the Senate and the Strengthening Organic Agriculture Research Act in the House, both of which would increase funds for organic research, Merrick said.
Research priorities go beyond practices and techniques that help farmers in the field. Merrick said one big priority during the current farm bill cycle is to secure USDA more funding to study the economic impact organic agriculture has on rural and urban communities. He noted a 2016 study by Penn State University shows that U.S. organic “hotspots,” or regions with high levels of organic agricultural activity, boost local economies.
“Organic creates wealth,” Merrick said. “Policymakers want to know these things so they can create effective policy. I do think now more than ever, that’s being recognized in Congress.”
Martin at the City Hall reception area from Sept. 8-26. This tribute is a way for the Atascadero community and its residents to bring a card or come in and leave a note for Martin’s family.
ATASCADERO — Atascadero City Councilmembers, work family, staff, and friends continue to mourn the loss of Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin alongside their sister City of Paso Robles and others throughout San Luis Obispo County.
The City of Atascadero invites the community to a Celebration of Life Tribute to Paso Robles Mayor Steve
Martin was born and raised in Atascadero and is remembered with great fondness. It is well known that both former Atascadero Mayor Tom O’Malley and Martin had themed themselves as the Dos Alcaldes as they both served as mayors for two different cities at the same time, both with their roots here in Atascadero.
“For Steve, the Dos Alcaldes was more than two friends serving as mayor,”
said O’Malley. “He has a vision for this region, and I appreciate that he and Mayor Heather Moreno continued that tradition, working together on things like expanding the reach of ECHO to Paso Robles and improving access to broadband for the North County.”
Martin was very involved in both communities and prior to his time serving as the Mayor of Paso Robles, he was the executive director of the Atascadero Main Street Association. He helped to establish events like Winter Wonderland and worked to create a synergy of Atascadero’s Downtown to help the local businesses succeed.
“Mayor Martin truly cared about Atascadero and not just because it was his hometown,” Moreno said. “He knew that collaboration would help our entire region thrive and he always made sure we were a part of the bigger picture from the beginning of any major project as opposed to an afterthought. He will forever be in our hearts.”
Martin was involved in many nonprofit organizations and most recently performed in the 2022 “Dancing with our Stars” to help raise money for multiple local nonprofits. He was thoughtful, compassionate, and always committed to helping others.
The tribute will provide the opportunity for residents, friends, work associates, and anyone who had the pleasure of working with Martin during his time here in Atascadero to send their regards to the family. The memory book and items collected will be brought to the Martin family on Sept. 26.
The city said its thoughts are with Martin’s family and loved ones: “We are forever grateful for all his hard work and dedication.”
Atascadero City Hall is located at 6500 Palma Ave. and open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
PRPD investigating late-night shooting
In the late hours of Saturday, Sept. 2, a Paso Robles police officer responded to the sound of gunfire in the 700 block of 28th Street. The officer arrived on the scene to witness two individuals, dressed in black, fleeing the area. Despite an extensive search, the suspects remain at large.
Preliminary findings reveal that approximately seven shots were discharged at an apartment complex within the 700 block of 28th Street. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, as the rounds struck the apartment building but spared any residents. Authorities believe this incident to be targeted in nature.
This investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement urges anyone with information to come forward.
If you possess any information related to this incident, please contact the Paso Robles Police Department at (805) 237-6464. For those who wish to maintain anonymity, Crime Stoppers offers a 24-hour hotline at (805) 549-STOP or the option to send a text with the message “SLOTIPS” followed by your information to CRIMES (274637).
PRPD responds to potential school threat; no credible threats found to students or community
On Thursday, Aug. 31, the Paso Robles Police Department (PRPD) responded to a report from Daniel Lewis Middle School staff regarding a student’s concerning social media post. The post had raised concerns of a potential incident within the school community.
Through investigation, PRPD officers determined that there were no credible threats to student safety or the school premises. The incident was thoroughly examined and resolved without any adverse impact on the school’s operations.
Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) promptly enacted administrative measures in accordance with their established policies to address the situation. Both PRPD and PRJUSD emphasize their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members within the Paso Robles community.
On Thursday, Aug. 31, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the Paso Robles Police Department (PRPD) received a report of a residential burglary in progress on Silverwood Way. The homeowner was alerted to the intrusion by his surveillance cameras, which captured footage of three unidentified individuals entering his residence.
Officers, in collaboration with the Atascadero Police Department K9 unit, conducted a thorough search of the property. Regrettably, the suspects had already fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. The extent of the loss is currently under investigation.
This incident follows a similar occurrence on Aug. 28, where three suspects forcibly entered another residence, making off with an undisclosed sum of cash and valuable jewelry.
The Paso Robles Police Department urges anyone with pertinent information regarding these criminal activities to come forward. You can contact PRPD at (805) 237-6464. Those who prefer to remain anonymous are encouraged to reach out to Crime Stoppers through their 24-hour hotline at (805) 549-STOP or by sending a text with the message “SLOTIPS” followed by your information to CRIMES (274637).
Long Walk Home returns to supporting ECHO’s mission to end homelessness
El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO), a nonprofit dedicated to aiding individuals experiencing homelessness, announced the return of its fundraising event, Long Walk Home. Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 23, this event promises to unite the community in support of ECHO’s mission to provide shelter and assistance to those in need.
Long Walk Home stands as one of ECHO’s signature annual fundraisers,
drawing participants from all corners of the community, united by a common goal: making a positive impact in our region. This year’s event promises a memorable day filled with camaraderie, delectable food, entertainment, and a shared sense of purpose.
Here’s a look at what the day will entail: The March: Lace up those sneakers and embark on a scenic adventure through the city. The more, the merrier — so bring your friends, family, and even your four-legged companions for the walk of the year.
Family Fun Zone: Revel in games, live music, barbecue delights, exotic animals, and an interactive playground. This event caters to everyone, young and young at heart.
Inspirational Speakers: Be inspired by remarkable individuals who’ve triumphed over homelessness, now shining stars in the community. Witness firsthand why your support matters.
Local Love: This event isn’t just about us; it’s about the entire community uniting. Local businesses and organizations, join us in creating magic together.
“We’re profoundly grateful for our incredible community sponsors who make Long Walk Home and all of ECHO’s vital work possible,” expressed Wendy Lewis, CEO of ECHO. “Your unwavering support and commitment shine as brightly as the smiles you help us bring to those we serve. Together, we’re turning the page on homelessness and authoring a story of hope, resilience, and unity. Thank you for being the real heroes of our community.”
Event Details:
• Date: Saturday, Sept. 23
• Time: Registration starts at 9 a.m. with the walk commencing at 10 a.m. Barbecue and entertainment to follow.
Location: 6370 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero, (The ECHO Atascadero Campus)
• Tickets: Available on the website at ECHO Long Walk Home 2023 here echoshelter.org/long-walkhome-2023
Power returns for over 1,700 Atascadero
residents
Power has returned for the over 1,700 residents who experienced a power outage in Atascadero on the morning of Aug. 31. Originally, the 1,772 PG&E customers were not expected to have power again until 5:30 p.m. this evening. However, power was returned around 11 a.m. this morning.
PG&E Communications Represen-
tative Carina Corral told Atascadero News, “This outage was activated by our Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS). These settings allow our powerlines to automatically turn off power within one-tenth of a second when there is a hazard, like a tree branch falling into a powerline.”
Corral further explained the EPSS settings are in place at high fire risk areas and some adjacent regions. According to her, in 2022, there was a 68 percent reduction in ignitions on EPSS enabled powerlines. For fires that did start, she says there was a 99 percent decrease in acres impacted.
An update from Corral told Atascadero News that PG&E crews were unable to find the cause for the outage.
“PG&E crews patrolled the line, looking for any hazards and making sure it’s safe to re-energize to restore power to all customers,” Corrall said. “In this case, they were not able to determine the cause of the outage. Sometimes these hazards, like animals or branches, are no longer visible when our crews patrol to restore power.”
To keep up with PG&E planned and unplanned outages, visit pgealerts.alerts. pge.com/outagecenter/
Registration now open for Atascadero’s Winter Youth Basketball The City of Atascadero’s Recreation Division announced that registration is now open for the Winter Youth
Basketball League’s 2023-2024 season. This recreational basketball program is designed to foster individual skill development, teamwork, positive attitudes, and, most importantly, fun for youth in grades kindergarten through 12th, regardless of their skill level.
Program Highlights:
• All-Inclusive: Open to youth from Kindergarten to 12th grade, accommodating various skill levels.
Skills Clinics/Assessments: Free sessions for first- through eighth-graders to help assess skill levels. Dates and times vary by grade (see below).
• Practices begin the week of Nov. 27, preparing young players for the upcoming season.
• Game Days: Saturdays, starting on Jan. 6, 2024, offering an opportunity to showcase their skills.
Cost: $111 for residents, $122 for non-residents.
• Registration Deadline: Registration closes on October 20.
Skills Clinics/Assessments Schedule:
Kinder Division: Tuesdays, Oct. 17 or 24, 4 to 4:45 p.m. 1st & 2nd Grade: Tuesdays, Oct. 17 or 24, 5 to 5:45 p.m.
• 3rd & 4th Grade: Tuesdays, Oct. 17 or 24, 6 to 6:45 p.m.
• 5th & 6th Grade: Wednesdays, Oct. 18 or 25, 5 to 5:45 p.m. 7th & 8th Grade: Wednesdays, Oct. 18 or 25, 4 to 4:45 p.m.
The City of Atascadero is also seeking volunteer coaches and sponsors for this program. If you are interested in getting involved or need more information, please contact the Recreation Team at (805) 470-3360 or via email at jsilva@atascadero.org.
F-14 Pavement Rehabilitation Project construction underway
The City of Atascadero announced the commencement of initial work on the 2023 F-14 Pavement Rehabilitation Project, which began in mid-August 2023. Major construction activities are scheduled to kick off early in September. This ambitious project encompasses vital pavement rehabilitation efforts, spanning a total of 3.3 miles of roadways in the central and northeast regions of the city.
The project locations include the following streets:
• Cabrillo Avenue (Ensenada to Capistrano)
• Capistrano Avenue (West Mall to Lewis) Dolores Avenue (San Anselmo to San Jacinto) Ensenada Avenue (West End to Via) Magdalena Avenue (Mercedes to end)
• Magnolia Avenue (Capistrano to end)
• Mercedes Avenue (Capistrano to Highway 41) Navidad Avenue (El Verano to San Jacinto) Palma Avenue (Traffic Way to Rosario)
• San Ardo Avenue (Arena to Dolores)
• Sycamore Road (Miramon to Capistrano)
• Valentina Avenue (Dolores to Alamo)
Various treatments will be employed, ranging from light resurfacing to complete reconstruction, contingent on the current condition of each roadway segment. Souza Construction has been selected by the city to undertake this
significant project, with an estimated completion timeline of approximately five months.
The city and Souza Construction are committed to minimizing inconveniences for residents and other road users during construction. However, some delays are inevitable. Motorists are strongly encouraged to exercise caution, closely follow traffic signage, and allocate extra travel time when passing through construction zones.
Further updates on the project’s progress will be provided as work continues.
Santa Maria man pleads guilty to child molestation and lewd act on a child
Workers No. 639 returns alongside other generous donors to match gifts, dollar-for-dollar, up to $40,000. Every contribution made to the SLO Food Bank during this campaign will have double the impact, providing even more resources to support those in need.
“We appreciate the support the SLO Food Bank provides to our community. Our members know that hunger is still elevated and are honored to show our support again through this matching campaign”, says Mark Simonin, business manager of IBEW Local No. 639.
“We are grateful and humbled by the people who have stepped up to make this matching gift challenge possible,” says Branna Still, development director at the SLO Food Bank. “The dedication of our match fund donors who repeatedly come to the table inspires others to give and mobilizes our mission, ensuring everyone can nourish themselves during these trying times.”
To get involved and see the full calendar of events and actions, visit slofoodbank.org/HAM. Whether through dining out, fundraising, or spreading awareness, every action taken during Hunger Action Month helps to alleviate hunger for our SLO County neighbors most in need.
District Attorney Dan Dow has announced that Jonathan Oscar Davis, 48, from Santa Maria, has entered a guilty plea to charges of felony child molestation and a misdemeanor lewd act on a child, both stemming from an incident that occurred last month at a Bath & Body Works store in San Luis Obispo.
In his plea, Davis admitted to the felony child molestation charge and acknowledged having been previously convicted of child molestation three times, with two convictions in 2006 and one in 2019. He also admitted to a 2001 conviction for residential burglary in San Francisco County, classified as a ‘strike’ under California’s Three Strikes Law.
The criminal incident took place on the morning of Aug. 19, involving a 10-year-old child identified as Jane Doe, as per the District Attorney’s policy to protect the privacy of sexual assault victims by using pseudonyms.
Jonathan Oscar Davis is now facing an eight-year sentence in state prison for these convictions. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 5 in Department 6 of the San Luis Obispo Superior Court.
Hunger Action Month matching gift challenge for SLO Food Bank’s vital mission
The SLO Food Bank is excited to participate in Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month this September. Hunger Action Month is a national campaign organized to rally local communities to participate in hunger relief fundraising events and actions while spreading awareness about the life-changing mission to alleviate hunger for all our neighbors.
“Hunger Action Month is a call for all who are able to step up and enhance the health of our community by eliminating the hunger and poor nutrition that burdens over 31,500 of our SLO County neighbors,” said Garret Olson, CEO of the SLO Food Bank. “By uniting our voices, taking purposeful action, and coming together under this vital cause, we can ensure that all our neighbors have access to the nourishment they need to thrive.”
Throughout September, individuals are encouraged to seize daily opportunities to support hunger relief efforts in SLO County. Events include fundraising collaborations with local restaurants across the county, such as House of Bread, Woodstock’s Pizza, Urbane Cafe, and Blaze Pizza in San Luis Obispo; Chipotle or Blaze Pizza in Paso Robles; and Blaze Pizza or Panera in Arroyo Grande. By dining at these establishments during specific dates and times detailed on the Hunger Awareness Month website, community members can enjoy a delicious meal while contributing to the effort to alleviate hunger in SLO County.
Additionally, the Hunger Action Month Matching Gift Challenge will run from Sept. 4-30. The local International Brotherhood of Electrical
CHP rolls out statewide safety training program for electric bikes
As the popularity of electric bikes (e-bike) continues to skyrocket, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is launching an online e-bike safety and training program to help keep commuters and recreational cyclists safe.
“With the rise in popularity of e-bikes across the state, the CHP worked with Governor Newsom’s Administration, the Legislature, and key stakeholders to develop California’s first e-bike safety and training program,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “The CHP’s program can be accessed on our website and is designed to promote safety for those who choose to ride this alternative mode of transportation.”
Assembly Bill 1946, which was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom and took effect on Jan. 1, required the CHP to work with relevant stakeholders to develop an online training program that offers information on e-bike safety, emergency maneuver skills, rules of the road, and laws related to e-bikes. The e-bike safety and training program features tutorials, videos, a quiz, and other interactive elements with an easyto-follow, intuitive presentation to help make the material engaging, practical, and informative.
Electric bicycles are heavier and faster than standard bicycles, and, without the proper safety education and training, e-bike riders have a higher risk of becoming severely injured or killed in a crash. As e-bikes become more commonplace, it’s also important for drivers to familiarize themselves with sharing the road with e-bike riders.
According to preliminary data from the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, there were more than 9,600 bicycle-involved crashes in 2022. At least 225 of those crashes involved an e-bike, including four which resulted in fatal injuries. This reflects a significant increase from the previous year when there were 80 e-bike crashes reported in California.
The CHP’s online e-bike safety and training program is designed to help riders of all abilities and all ages identify potential hazards, while offering information on safe riding practices and hazard-avoidance maneuvers.
The CHP collaborated with, and would like to thank, the many stakeholders who assisted with the content and creation of the e-bike safety and training program. This diverse group of safety stakeholders includes several leading organizations committed to bicycle safety; federal, state, and local government traffic safety partners; and injury prevention coordinators from hospitals throughout the state. Through these partnerships, and other safety programs, the CHP is committed to enhancing safe travel for all road users.
ELVETA JOWETT
1941-2023
Elveta Jowett, 82, of Atascadero, California, passed away on July 31, 2023.
She is survived by her three children, Tahra Lopez (Rico),
Chris Jowett (Julie), and Fred Jowett (Heather), her grandchildren, Henry and Emmalyn, her siblings: Juanita Johnson, Cleophas Slone, Aaron Slone, and Nawana Paniccia, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Fred; her siblings Clarinda Snipes, Roscoe Slone, Clifford Slone, and Gary Slone. Elveta was born in Kentucky in 1941. She was the middle child of nine siblings. Her family migrated to Ohio in the early 1950s, and she found work at Weir Brothers and Buurma Farms, where being the best radish picker and bundler
dena, California. After serving in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Bausell as a Radar Operator during the Korean War, while his younger brother Dick served at the same time in the Marines, Jim returned to California.
earned her an earlier quitting time. While in high school, she worked at Lee’s Drive-In, where she was happy to be behind the scenes preparing food. Her zest for adventure included trips to Washington, D.C., to the plantations that inspired Gone with the Wind, to the home of Elvis Presley, and numerous concerts. She graduated from Willard High School in 1960. She later worked for Donnelley’s publishing in quality control of the Encyclopedia Britannica. After visiting the World’s Fair in Seattle, Washington, in 1962 with a friend’s family, they traveled to California before returning to Ohio.
for a venture into the motel industry with the purchase of Newby’s Motel upon Darlene’s parent’s retirement.
Elveta was captivated and determined to save her money and head back to the Golden State. When her friend backed out, she roped her younger sister Nawana into her next adventure.
Elveta worked at Baxter Pharmaceutical, went to dental assistant school, and finally found a place at Dolly Madison’s Bakery where the pay was better, and the messes didn’t involve blood. Shortly after settling in Los Angeles, she met Fred at a red light while cruising Colorado Boulevard, where he tried to jump in their car and make her acquaintance. They married in 1970, after Fred’s
brother and father and can still be seen throughout his immediate and extended family and his friends.
service in the Navy.
From the Belmont apartment where Tahra was born to the home in Eagle Rock, they finally settled into their La Crescenta home where Christian and Freddy were born.
In 1978, they moved to Atascadero, California, where she remained a resident for the last 45 years. Elveta became a member of Atascadero Foursquare (The Little Country Church), where she served as a host for many baptisms, bible studies, and youth groups. She also faithfully prepared communion for many years. She served on the PTA as a Girl Scout leader and was
Michelle Davis, and Leila
a devoted soccer and baseball mom. She enjoyed working with her hands in many arts & crafts, doll-making, and sewing projects. In later years, she joined the garden club and devoted many days to her own garden. Her pockets, purses, and car console were always marked with a folded tissue of seeds collected that she couldn’t wait to propagate. Her trip to England with Fred helped her to garnish a buckeye seed from Hyde Park that is still growing in her field today.
A Celebration of Life will be at Atascadero Lake Pavilion on Sunday, September 10, at 2 p.m. All are welcome.
age of 80!
1932-2023
James V. Watson, Sr. January 21st, 1932- July 19th, 2023, Atascadero, California – Jim was the eldest son of Ann “Onya” [Jacobs] and James Valdrom Watson. He was born in Hollywood, California, and grew up in Pasa-
His ability to create or repair just about anything led him to a long career as a Mechanical Engineer, which would include becoming the owner of Crane Electronics in Goleta, California, and working for Montedoro Whitney Instruments in San Luis Obispo, California.
Jim met and married Darlene Newby-Malone while living in Goleta, California, and Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit would take them to Spokane, Washington,
Jim and Darlene returned to California and settled in Atascadero in the summer of 1971, where they would stay for over 50 years. They continued in the hospitality industry for over 30 years with ownership of a motel in Arlington, Texas, a mobile home park in Denton, Texas, and an RV park in Sanger, Texas.
Jim was an avid fisherman and, at one time, the owner and pilot of his private airplane. He was happiest out on a boat in salt water or fresh. His enthusiasm and influence as an angler began as a young boy with his
Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Darlene Joan Newby-Watson; sons, Jefferson Brett Malone and James Vincent Watson, Jr.; his brother Richard [Dick] A. Watson and many friends and fellow veterans that he served with during the Korean conflict. He is survived by his son, Michael Bartell Malone, Jr.; daughter, Laura Anne Malone-Watson Davis; daughters-in-law, Diane Malone and Crystala Melea Mager Watson; grand- daughters: Sarah Malone Bonilla, Caitlin Malone, Amy Malone,
Milton; grandsons: Jesse Davis and wife Diana, Dane Malone, William Davis, and wife Lauren, Craig Malone and wife Marina, and Justin Milton, as well as nine great-grandchildren: Madison, Murphy, Victoria, Trinity, Cleo, Ben, Oliver, Sam, Stella, Tommy, Sister-inLaw Lillian Watson, an army of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends.
Jim was a man’s man from the “Greatest Generation” and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of his company, no matter how long or short. He was fearless in his pursuit of adventure, including making his first skydiving jump at the
“Big Jim” or the “Big Frog” was laid to rest at Greenwood Memorial Terrace in Spokane, Washington, on August 12th, 2023, by family and friends.
Condolences may be sent to the Malone, Watson, and Davis families at 7294 Fordham Place, Goleta, California 93117.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Rifle Association in his name.
BERTIN BAUTISTA, 69, of Grover Beach passed away on August 26th 2023.
Services are in the care of MarshallSpoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
1931-2023
Robert Keith Morrison, 91, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2023, in Templeton, California.
Born in Hollywood on
September 1, 1931, to 2nd generation Californians Roy and Veva Morrison. He grew up with his younger brother Kenneth on the family’s cattle, hay, and grain ranch located in Calabasas and Agora. After graduating from Canoga Park High School, he attended the University of California at Davis. He attained his Doctorate from the School of Veterinary Medicine in 1956. While in college, he was in the Agricultural Fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho. Robert owned and operated the Woodland Hills Veterinary Clinic from 1956 to 1985. In 1957, he married Dianne
1940-2023
David Padolsky sadly passed away on August 22, 2023, at the age of 83. Dave had a long career as a Certified Public Accountant and Financial Planner. Dave
Hayley Elizabeth Perucca was born in San Luis Obispo on June 4th, 2004. She passed suddenly and unexpectedly at age 19 on July 26th, 2023, of an embolism. From the moment she was born, her inner joy and
Hunt from Santa Barbara, his lifelong wife and business partner, who together raised their three children. In 1978, the Camatta Ranch in San Luis Obispo County was purchased in trade for the remainder of the Calabasas/ Agora Ranch. For decades, Robert has been raising a large herd of high-quality black Angus cattle with the help of his family. When he could take time away from the responsibilities of the ranch, he enjoyed traveling the world with his wife. He was a longtime member of the California Cattleman’s Association and San Luis Obispo County
valued family and longtime friendships above all else. Dave is survived by his wife of 29 years, Gail Padolsky, his children Daniel (and Petra), Elisa (and Dan Corr), stepchildren Scott (Darling), Jason (and Vicki Binswanger) and grandchildren (Caitlin, Jessica, Ryan,
love seemed to shine and grow stronger with time. Hayley never had a shortage of friends who wanted to spend time with her. Hayley loved the outdoors and sports. She excelled at any sport she tried, especially wrestling, where she was undefeated for two years straight, and cheerleading, where she was scouted by recruiters for the S.F. 49ers
Farm Bureau. He is survived by his Brother Kenneth Morrison, his children Tamy Elliot (Brent), Mark Morrison (Felicia), and Stasi Wilson (Matt), along with 17 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Donations can be made in memory of Robert K. Morrison to the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo www. lcslo.org/donate
Your expressions of sympathy are greatly appreciated during this difficult time.
A private service will be held at a later date.
Marianne, Marley, Kailin, Malia, and Star). Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A private burial and celebration will take place. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Cheerleading Squad. When she was outdoors, she let her free spirit soar. She loved all animals and was given to bring home the occasional stray or two.
Hayley is survived by her parents, Brent and Sabine Perucca, as well as her older brother, Antoni Perucca (22), and younger brother Perry Perucca (12). She is also survived by her maternal grand-
1938-2023
Barbara L. Williams passed away on 7/14/2023 at home in the care of her daughters. She was born in Paso Robles on 10/14/1938. Our tiny but mighty mother had four girls and worked for 30 years at ASH. She was a strong, independent woman who will be dearly missed.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life on 9/22/23 at 11 a.m. at St. Rose in Paso Robles, with burial and reception to follow.
parents, Jack & Wanda Shoulders, and paternal grandmother, Louise Murdo, as well as her uncle, Thomas Shoulders, and uncle Erik Perucca, in addition to various aunts and cousins. There will be a graveside service held on Tuesday, September 12th, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. @ The Old Mission Cemetery in San Luis Obispo.
EDWARD MUNOZ, 64, of Nipomo passed away on August 24th 2023. Services are in the care of MarshallSpoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
LEONARD ERWIN TURNER, 89, of Arroyo Grande passed away on August 25th 2023. Services are in the care of MarshallSpoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.
RICHARD VEAR age 80 a resident of Bradley passed away on 08/28/2023
In the care of Blue Sky Cremation and Burial Service
KAREN YOUNG age 71 a resident of Paso Robles passed away on 08/29/2023
In the care of Blue Sky Cremation and Burial Service
RESERVOIR LEVELS
SANTA MARGARITA LAKE (Salinas Reservoir): 91.6% capacity LOPEZ LAKE: 97.0% capacity LAKE NACIMIENTO: 69% capacity LAKE SAN ANTONIO: 66% capacity WHALE ROCK: 98.21% capacity
WEATHER
FRIDAY 91º | 54º
SATURDAY 95º | 60º
SUNDAY 96º | 58º
MONDAY 95º | 59º
TUESDAY 88º | 54º
WEDNESDAY 83º | 52º
2022-23 RAINFALL TOTALS (Season: July 1-June 30)
Atascadero: 0.02” Paso Robles: 0.04”
While California has a long, sad history of poorly thoughtout laws often passed for reasons of ideology, there is no way state legislators can pretend after passage that they weren’t warned about the current SB 553, the brainchild of Silicon Valley state Sen. Dave Cortese, a Democrat. His measure, which had a committee hearing just three days after a flash mob of 30 or more men and women pulled a snatch-and-grab robbery of a
Nordstrom store in the Westfield Topanga Mall in the Canoga Park section of Los Angeles, passed the Senate on a 29-8 vote as a worker safety measure.
It aims to prohibit employers from requiring workers, even security personnel, to confront active suspected shoplifters. This, of course, raised the question of why any store would hire security folks if they can’t be expected to confront thieves they’ve caught in the act. Why also have security cameras making videos in stores? Why not just give everything away?
The very minimal consequence of this proposed new law would be that retailers of all types will keep almost all goods of significant value behind locked glass panels, thus preventing shoppers from examining possible purchases except under supervision and preventing many
customers in grocery and drug stores from scrutinizing ingredient lists. It promises to make shopping a stark, inauspicious experience.
Cortese says his bill aims to protect retail employees from violence by relieving them of any responsibility to confront thieves, even if that’s the job they were hired for.
“With growing awareness of workplace violence,” he said, “California needs smarter guidelines to keep workers safe…” He notes all employers would be required to train every worker on how to react to active shoplifting.
“Let’s take every step to prevent another workplace assault or shooting,” he added.
But retailers say the real life consequence will amount to an open invitation for thieves to take whatever they like, just like the latest large flash mob, which
stole more than $100,000 worth of jewelry and designer goods from the Topanga Mall Nordstrom and then fled in a fleet of cars reportedly including multiple luxury BMW and Lexus vehicles.
If they pass the Costese bill, legislators won’t be able to shrug this off by saying they weren’t forewarned.
For about 500 small business owners traveled to Sacramento from points like Fresno, Modesto, and the North San Francisco Bay area to protest SB 553 and urge legislators to protect small businesses, not their predators.
Said one demonstration organizer, “SB553 will create a field day for criminals to sue small business owners, giving criminals the double jackpot to steal from the business…and again by suing them in a shakedown
lawsuit. All Californians will pay the price for billions of dollars lost to growing retail theft.”
That statement is obviously correct on its very face. The fact the world’s most shoplifted Walgreen’s remains open in San Francisco is some kind of business miracle, and no one can be sure how long it will stay open.
A former Westfield mall on that city’s busy Market Street became so vacant of stores because of theft and other business impediments that it was turned back over to the lender, with the leaseholder not bothering to wait for foreclosure.
The business owner demonstrators also asked why, when California has more worker safety measures in place than any other state, it needs more new rules.
“(Legislators) should focus on protecting the public and
In life, complacency kills relentlessly and without mercy for age, gender, or worldly position. It was complacency that killed so many in both tragedies, first in Paradise and later in Maui.
AL FONZI COLUMNISTLiving in what we call a modern civilization lulls us into a state of complacency, assuming that all will remain as it is without interrupting our lives. The natural world in which we actually live is, however, an extremely violent place. Our perspective places us at the apex of creation, but in fact, our lives are but a vapor that may be extinguished in a single moment.
So it was in the recent disasters that occurred in Maui or several years back in Paradise, California. People went about their daily lives without any thought that in a few hours, everything they possessed would be destroyed.
Dear Editor,
Are you ready for some football? You can be assured that Atascadero High School Athletic Director Sam DeRose is ready. Every fall, he is the organizational maestro who orchestrates the city’s most popular venue for a threemonth run. Dozens of dedicated Hound fans either volunteer or are paid minimum wages to seamlessly provide us with the smalltown American extravaganza we call Friday Night Football. The Orange and Grey faithful will religiously congregate on The Hill to root for their latest edition of Greyhound Footballers, confident that Atascadero High’s version of the gridiron celebration is second to none.
The night may be either balmy in September and October or crisp in the months of November and December, and even the feature horizontal rains we experienced in last year’s state championship game, but it always brings a cacophony of familiar sounds. From the entrance of the Greyhound
Fire is a natural part of our world, an entity that often serves us well so long as we have it leashed or caged. Allow it to escape; it will consume its master and anyone else in its path. We use it so often on our terms that we ignore the danger and pretend the beast will never be unleashed. It’s always somewhere else that people are harmed, but it won’t happen here.
In 1977 I was a seasonal firefighter with the then California Department of Forestry, Division of Fire (Cal-Fire) and assigned to the Butte County Fire Department. It was very hot; Butte County is known for its hot summer weather. When the alarm was sounded for a wildfire near Paradise, my station was eventually summoned. A task force of 50 fire engines roared up Highway 99 Code 3, lights
and sirens screaming to traffic to let us pass. Paradise was saved that week from catastrophe, as it was again in the 1990s. Paradise officials developed detailed evacuation plans to ensure their emergency planning was sufficient. Unfortunately, other priorities developed.
Paradise sits on a ridge with a river valley below, affecting wind under certain conditions. Around 20 years ago, the memory of the wildfire near-misses faded and addressing community desires for slowing traffic for bicycles resulted in traffic calming measures to be installed. Roads were narrowed, including key evacuation routes. When the inevitable winds developed and a fire occurred in the most inaccessible area surrounding Paradise, the dye was cast. Wind-driven fires are almost impossible to stop, especially if fuels are allowed to grow unfettered by brush/grass removal. Firebreaks aren’t enough as a wildfire hurls a hurricane of burning embers a mile or more
ahead of the main fire. All you can really do is get out of the way. The people of Paradise tried but were hampered by traffic congestion on the narrowed evacuation routes. Worse, the people of Paradise desired a rural, unmanicured setting to live in, allowing brush and trees to accumulate adjacent to homes. A firestorm developed that couldn’t be stopped until it ran out of fuel.
Maui is known for having a high wildfire risk but has limited resources. Lands surrounding Lahaina were owned by the state, corporations and large landowners. There was political resistance to implementing mandatory brush-clearing measures and fuels accumulated. It was a disaster waiting to occur.
Mistakes in command and control were made and it appears that the Incident Command System (ICS) used to maneuver firefighting forces like armies in California was likely not used. An evacuation route was blocked by utility crews attempting to replace poles, slowing or block-
ing traffic out of Lahaina. Some people were turned back into the path of the fire; those who drove through or around barricades lived, those who didn’t died in their cars. Much is made about warning sirens not being used, but if the public had not been included in drills for wildfire, the effective use of sirens for evacuation warning is questionable.
Wind-driven fires occur virtually anywhere, including North County and other California locations. In 1979 a December morning wind-driven fire at Vandenberg Air Force Base roaring with hurricane force winds, killed the former base commander, the fire chief, assistant fire chief and a dozer operator. They couldn’t get out of the way in time. Wind-driven fires have occurred in Atascadero multiple times at the north and south ends of the city but weed abatement and effective response contained them before a real disaster occurred, but it was close more than once.
The people of Maui were
Guard to the ringing cowbell announcing the arrival of the varsity squad to the lusty cheers of parents, students, and supporters, the bowl reverberates with welcoming sounds.
This year shall have a unique feel to it as the local squad defends the state football championship it earned last year in a memorable campaign. The coaches remind their charges they will have a target on their collective back as opposing squads try to take the champs down. This year’s team will have to earn its own identity on the field as last year is safely in the record books and is now history.
Mary Corey and I are privileged to return to provide some of those sounds for our 18th season as partners in the announcing booth. Our tenure reflects one of the secrets of the success of the football program: continuity. The program is populated throughout the ranks with longtime coaches, like head coach Vic Cooper, who often boast a local pedigree. We are also blessed with graduates like Nate Conrad, who leads the band, or parents whose sons and daughters have long since graduated. The consistency in the program ensures that players will learn how to play the
game the Greyhound Way.
What is the Greyhound Way? Like many worthwhile philosophies, it is difficult to explain in any short fashion, so I will try to represent it in the way we conduct business in the announcing booth.
We must remember that we are working with young athletes.
Keeping this in mind, we never announce a team’s failure to score. We may say if one of the teams is scoreless, “After a quarter of play, the score is Atascadero 14 and Clovis will be returning the next kickoff,” but we will never say zero or nothing. In doing so, we recognize obvious efforts that may not necessarily result in success. With this thought in mind, we also never announce the name of a defensive back covering on a touchdown catch or any player missing a tackle. In doing so, we reflect the sentiments of most of our fans who appreciate that the athletes on the field are not professionals and can often be heard cheering a touchdown by an outmatched opponent late in a one-sided game.
We respect the opponent. We try to emphasize the achievement of an opponent’s
success in the same way we trumpet our own. This is a difficult and, sometimes, an unpopular promise to deliver because we are fans as well and find it hard to hide the disappointment in our voices, but we are also teachers and are trained to celebrate any student’s success. In the same vein, we love the Atascadero tradition of announcing both starting lineups at the beginning of the game. Win or lose, we traditionally thank the opponent for a game well played and wish them safe travels at the end of a contest. A little-known secret is that Atascadero High School athletes regularly receive league awards for their sportsmanship.
Every athlete has a parent or a friend in the stands.
Like any good small-time newspaper, we endeavor to include as many names in our editions as we can. We also go to great pains to announce the names of players on opposing teams correctly by making a connection with their representatives. We can also count on our own fans to correct us, often immediately, when we stumble over the names of our own athletes.
Even though players claim to be deaf to us, hearing names
businesses from violent criminals whose only intent is to steal merchandise,” the organizer added. “Let’s not do more to destroy the quality of life in our once-great state.”
But just as police say, last year’s SB 357, forbidding arrests for loitering to solicit sex, has created open season for pimps to further exploit prostitutes, so SB 553 figures to create an open season for thieves to ransack just about any store they please.
Isn’t it about time legislators stepped back before knee-jerk voting for things that may look like mere do-gooder plans? If they did, they might actually realize their votes have realworld consequences.
Thomas Elias is an independent opinion columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email him at tdelias@aol.com.
warned repeatedly by firefighting professionals and academics of the risk to their community, especially if a hurricane was present offshore to develop low pressure systems to draw strong winds across the island. These conditions are ever-present and have little or nothing to do with changing climate. Blaming climate simply absolves officials of responsibility for ineffective disaster planning and response.
As a final note, when disaster occurs, the media is a friend, not an enemy. Blocking access to disaster-effected areas prevents the public from knowing of your immediate needs, and eventually, you fall off the radar of the news cycle, leaving you to your own resources which are often few. The saddest note of all is that the lessons learned at Maui and Paradise were learned before; we just ignored them.
Al Fonzi is an independent opinion columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email him at atascaderocolumnist@gmail.com.
announced after a tackle, catch, or run still quickens the pace of the teenage heart. More importantly, the mention of a name brings out the parental pride in the stands and often triggers an explosion of high fives. Of late, we try hard to remember to announce the names of offensive linemen after a score. They are prime architects of success, but because they never touch the ball, they never receive enough recognition. We also take note of clean uniforms in the latter stages of a game to salute those support players who put in the same hours as more experienced players for less acclaim. On the other hand, we keep our silence during an injury on the field in respect to the possible anxiety and anguish a parent or friend may be enduring. They don’t need to hear us prattle on about the fare in a snack bar or tonight’s dance after the game while they suffer.
We include all the members of the Greyhound Family. Well-deserved recognition is given to our band members. They also begin practicing in the summer and undergo the pressures of performing before a live audience (and often must rise early the next morning for a Saturday parade). Our cheer-
leaders are announced every game to remind fans that they also are athletes worthy of praise and appreciation. Lately, we include scores and salute individual standouts in the other fall sports.
We do want to apologize in advance for any names that we mispronounce and any obvious errors we make concerning the action on the field ( again, we are sure that you will quickly correct us). As a rule, we do not provide color commentary, although we inject our own personality from time to time, as in Mary’s customary, “You’d better call the Maytag Man ‘cuz there is laundry on the field.”
Also, if you look in vain in your program for the players called Fescue or Bermuda that we give credit for a tackle on a play, we are simply saying that the runner has tripped on the grass with no other player nearby. We also salute former players, from time to time, by interjecting their names as phantom tacklers. We try to have some fun while not spoiling the integrity of the competition. Can’t wait to sit with the most loyal fans in the county. See you on Friday.
Ed Cabrera Atascadero
‘Stop retail theft? Store owners say this bill will promote it.’
RESTORE
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Mayor Pro Tem John Hamon; Paso Robles City Manager Ty Lewis; Paso Robles City Councilmembers Chris Bausch and Fred Strong; Paso Robles
Deputy Fire Chief Randy Harris; Paso Robles Battalion Chief Scott Hallett; Paso Robles City Planning Commissioner Mark Koegler; Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce CEO Gina Fitzpatrick; and Atascadero Chamber CEO Josh Cross.
The grand opening was met with a link of eager customers, some of who shared their thoughts on the reopening.
Marcia, a resident of Templeton and a DIY enthusiast, expected a little building and was pleasantly surprised to discover that the ReStore was
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meeting, the City Council discussed whether to appoint someone to fill the seat or to hold a special election. Members of the public also came forward to express how they want the council to handle the vacancy. With the passing of Martin, the council has 60 days to fill the vacant seat by appointment or must call for a general election at least 114 days after the vacancy.
Resident Michael Rivera, who ran against Martin in 2022, bid himself to be appointed to fill the seat, explaining that he was the only other mayoral candidate last year.
“I’m the only one in this last election cycle who ran,” said Rivera. “It’s sad that we are in this position to lose the mayor. I never had any ill will with Mr. Martin. We had policy disagreements, obviously, and I felt it was time for change. And if you think about it, sometimes you need a different point of view on your City Council.”
Other residents expressed they either did not want to spend the money for a special election, or they wanted to find a way to make the cost for an election lower. Then some said they wanted to appoint current Mayor Pro Tem John Hamon
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and the Ad Hoc committee — and held a collective disapproval of the program.
Some business owners and members of the community are hoping for some middle ground to be found regarding the program. In June, the City Council voted to continue with the current program. During that time, it was decided an Ad Hoc committee would be formed to bring forward different solutions to the parking debacle.
actually a 10,000-square-feet building, “I’m so glad you’re here,” she said. “At your last location I bought doors, molding, sinks, and furniture. Prices are good for remodeling projects.”
Willemke shopped at the ReStore in the past as well and has been waiting for opening day.
“I got everything I could at the ReStore,” the shopper said. “Just loved it. I stopped by almost every day to see if there was something new I ‘needed.’ It’s such a friendly staff. I’m so glad it’s open.”
Todd, a long-time donor and supporter enjoys the sustainability side of the ReStore.
“I believe that building materials need to go to Habitat for Humanity,” he said. “It just makes sense. This location is perfect, and the store looks
to be mayor.
Councilmember Steve Gregory said he would like to see someone who is currently on City Council be appointed as mayor since they already have been working together as a team.
“I think Mr. Hamon would do a good job if that is what he wants to do,” said Gregory.
“But I think it’s important to bring solidarity to council and our city and not rock the boat, so to speak.”
Councilmembers Fred Strong and Chris Bausch echoed Gregory’s proposal. However, both noted that a new candidate will need to be found to fill the impending vacant councilman seat. Whoever ends up being appointed to the mayor’s seat will serve the remainder of the term until November 2026.
At the end, the City Council unanimously agreed to hold a special meeting this Thursday, Sept. 7, at 6:30 p.m. to pursue the appointment of a current councilmember to the mayor’s seat, swear them in, and make a decision on how to fill the then vacant City Council seat — either by another appointment by appication or to hold a special election for the councilman’s representing district.
The next regular Paso Robles City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 6:30 p.m.
Public concerns primarily revolve around difficulties with using the existing parking kiosks and unclear signage.
Local business owners argue that these issues deter community members from frequenting the downtown area, and some residents feel as though the focus has shifted towards prioritizing tourists over locals.
Paso Robles resident Linda Midkiff submitted a public comment to the committee, saying, “I have yet to hear any positive comments about the parking regulations. People feel the parking enforcement
great, inside and outside.”
Jennifer Robinson brought her two boys to the ReStore, and 6-year-old Lake enjoyed the 1938 Ford Pickup, which has been repurposed as a custom flatbed table. Robinson was glad to find a few other items, saying “I used to donate and today I am buying a sink and fertilizer. I am glad you are open again.”
Volunteers are a large part of the Habitat operation. Habitat is always grateful for local businesses and community members who either donate inventory or time to the nonprofit.
“We do rely upon the goodness and kindness of the community donating and business, contractors, and builders who donate,” adds Rasmussen.
Habitat SLO has been busy in North County, not just with the store’s opening, but also
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with building nine new homes on Vine Street for their Homeownership and Building initiative which broke ground in June. Since 2006, the nonprofit has built 17 homes for families in the community from Cambria to Grover Beach. Each home is built with a minimum 250 hours of sweat equity labor from the benefiting family, and volunteer labor from the community.
“There are no handouts in this,” Rasmussen said, explaining that the process to qualify and own a home through Habitat is a strict one.
Other project initiatives Habitat offers include Home Preservation, which is a popular one for seniors in North County. The Home Preservation program provides home repairs from painting and landscaping and more to local homeowners in need. Another program
to have food available to them.
“I have families, single moms with boys that come to the pantry three times a week. Especially during COVID, I had people coming to the pantry. I don’t care who comes. I don’t keep track of who they are. I don’t know any of their names 90 percent of the time. The simple fact is that my heart is touched that they know they can come here and get what they need for a meal,” Zimmerman stated.
She added that the pantry is always
popular with volunteers is the Playhouse Build, which is often a way for volunteers to dip their toes in the Habitat waters.
With the increasing costs of materials to build homes, the ReStore has become popular with the community, given it offers well priced gently used home items. However, it has also become much more costly for Habitat to build the homes and even purchase the land, this has made volunteers and donations even more valuable to the nonprofit.
“I believe there are so many ways to partner with us and to become involved and we want to create an environment that is open to people investing their time into something that is worthwhile,” said Rasmussen. “Everything we do is focused on what is in the best interest of the community and, especially
filled with items that a person can swing by and pick up to make a complete meal for that day. The pantry is always looking for canned meats and fish, pasta and pasta sauce, cans of soup, rice, cereals, and other nonparishables to share with the community.
“My heart says, take care of these people.” And that’s what this community does,” said Zimmerman.
Though Zimmerman has community members who are always stopping by to fill the pantry, she says there are also people who see a need for more food on Templeton Proud and bring things for
the families and the individuals we serve, so we try to make sure we are completely transparent on how we serve, how we fund things, what resources are going into what.”
To donate, contact the Paso Robles ReStore at (805) 434-0486 with questions or simply email a photo and description to restorenorth@ habitatslo.org for consideration. The Paso Robles ReStore is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Volunteers and support is always welcomed at Habitat,” said Rasmussen,” We know we have a lot of ability to give back and we would love the people to get involved.”
For more information about Habitat SLO programs, volunteer opportunities or to offer financial support, visit habitatslo.org.
the first time.
“Even if they only contribute once, that’s one time that somebody else doesn’t have to get something to fill the pantry,” she added.
The community has gotten so involved with the pantry over the years that there is even one benefactor who moved out of state but sends Zimmerman money so she can go purchase things for the pantry herself.
“I want to thank everybody for being a loving community and stuffing the pantry when it needs to be stuffed,” concluded Zimmerman.
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is overzealous, and many hate trying to find a kiosk or finding that the app isn’t working.”
She adds, “More importantly, the City has been losing money on this endeavor since its inception. The City’s answer seems to be to eliminate any free parking and raise the rates. This plan follows the previous changes of expanding the hours of enforcement, expanding the territory of enforcement, and raising both the parking fees and the fines. And still, the City is losing money. So they want to make the situation even worse for the patrons of
downtown by yet again increasing rates and completely eliminating free parking.”
Another resident, Jan Albin, said, “My solution for the downtown parking debacle has always been: you either handle your business and your employees as a responsible, respectful of others adult or find a corner and sell ice cream from a cart.”
During the meeting, Ryan Cornell discussed the financial aspects of the parking program and trolley services in Avila Beach and Morro Bay. Below is a summary of the committee’s
consensus on different aspects of the parking program:
1. No consensus on terminating the paid parking program.
2. Consensus to increase annual senior parking permits.
3. Consensus to offer free parking on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
4. Consensus to study timed parking in the future.
5. No consensus on canceling parking fund debt.
6. Consensus for improved signage and outreach efforts.
The Downtown Wine
District also gathered 27 signatures representing wineries that believe the downtown parking program should be canceled. Ultimately, the committee concluded that they had made little progress in formulating a new solution or recommendation to present to the council for evaluation.
For more information on the Downtown Parking Program, visit prcity.com/361/Downtown-Parking Paso Robles Press is following this story and will provide more updates as they become available.
Project works to boost external success and increase those served
PASO ROBLES — Must! Charities’ Youth Arts Leadership Development Project will invest in professional development and training for Paso Robles Youth Arts Center (Youth Arts) staff and governing board during a time of exponential growth and demand for services. For over 25 years, Youth Arts has offered free after-school classes in the visual and performing arts to youth of all ages in a safe and nurturing environment. Over 700 students benefit annually from the center’s 50 weekly classes.
In recent years, Youth Arts has experienced exponential growth and ambitious and forward-thinking vision while simultaneously experiencing changes in leadership. At this pivotal juncture, they sought to secure professional development to organize, align and guide them through strategic growth strategies with a goal to position them to increase the capacity of those served.
“We recognized and admired their want to align staff and board’s visions for Youth Arts,” says Randy Gray, community projects manager at Must! Charities.
“Embarking on this journey is not for the faint of heart, but from past experience, when Must! Charities invests in the people of organizations, there is no stopping the
potential of organizations.”
The project supports Youth Art’s Board of Directors and staff to take them to the next level of success and sustainability as they navigate new leadership and transition from a working board to a governing board. The ultimate goal is for Youth Arts to walk away with a plan that outlines areas of need,
strengths, and proposed steps and resources to continue forward progress. This work will also assist in building infrastructure that will serve Youth Arts as it fulfills its mission and prepares to achieve its financial goals and provide increased services.
“Studies show the earlier children are exposed to the arts, the greater
the impact on their self-esteem, academic performance, and opportunities for growth,” says Becky Gray, executive director of Must! Charities. “We envision Youth Arts applying their innate ability to energize the passion of youth in arts with their strong desire to create future opportunities that they don’t yet know exist.”
Join the fun on Sunday, Sept. 10, to support sanctuary’s mission of rescuing and caring for horses in need
PASO ROBLES — Don’t miss out on Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s 3rd Annual Block Party Fundraiser taking place this Sunday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monte Mills and the Lucky Horseshoe Band will be providing wonderful music throughout the day. There will be fine wine from some of Paso’s best wineries along with cold beer and delicious food served
up by Chef Charlie.
Redwings would be remiss if it didn’t mention the most important part: the opportunity to get to know the amazing horses that call Redwings home. There will be demonstrations for everyone to enjoy and, of course, the silent and live auctions that will take place throughout the day! Don’t miss your chance to bid on a trip to France or a wine dinner for eight people at McPhee’s Bar Grill. This annual event is Redwings’ key fundraiser, and the donations support medical care and feed for the horses for the year. Come for the love of the horses and contribute to supporting Redwings’ mission! Redwings seeks to eliminate the causes of equine suffering through educational and commu-
Inaugural ‘Pickles for a Purpose’ event hosted by Templeton Tennis Ranch this month
That Connect, the Senior Nutrition Program of San Luis Obispo County, has announced the inaugural “Pickles for a Purpose” Pickleball Tournament and Pickle Contest hosted by Templeton Tennis Ranch on Sept. 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The countywide event is aimed at uniting picklers, pickleball enthusiasts, local dignitaries, and community members to raise $100,000 for senior nutrition.
The tournament is a round-robin format with mixed and men’s and women’s doubles, and will bring together pickleball players of all skill levels to participate in friendly competition and camaraderie. Event sponsor Kennedy Club Fitness, will be offering pickleball clinics at their SLO locations from now until Sept. 9. Local community leaders like Assemblymember Dawn Addis, Atascadero Mayor Pro Tem Susan Funk, and Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg will don their uniforms and “smash it” for a unified cause.
Addis also expressed her enthusiastic support, stating, “I’m delighted to be part of the Pickleball Tournament supporting Meals That Connect. Each point scored in the competition contributes to a nutritious meal for a senior in need. The vital work of this Senior Nutrition Program not only provides sustenance but also nurtures a sense of community.”
To volunteer at the event, enter the pickle-tasting contest, play in the tournament, or to donate visit mealsthtaconnect.org. The registration fee includes event partic -
ipation, a commemorative T-shirt, and the satisfaction of knowing that their involvement directly benefits Meals That Connect’s vital programs for seniors. Spectators are welcome to cheer on the cause, sample pickles, and enter a raffle to win dozens of excellent prizes. In addition to Templeton Tennis Ranch and Kennedy Club Fitness, event sponsors include QuickPickleKit.com DIY Pickling Kit, Winby2 Pickleball, and Mechanics Bank.
About Meals That Connect: Senior Nutrition Program of San Luis Obispo Meals That Connect is the Senior Nutrition Program of San Luis Obispo’s mission is to enhance health, restore dignity, support independence, and reduce isolation. Meals That Connect provides over 200,000 nutritious meals and nutritional education to over 1,600 seniors (60+) throughout San Luis Obispo County annually. Seniors gather at one of eight dining sites to dine together, exchange stories, and develop friendships. Volunteer drivers deliver meals to seniors who are unable to leave their homes, provide regular companionship, and utilize these frequent visits to check on the senior’s safety.
nity outreach programs, rescue abused, abandoned, and neglected equines, and provide permanent sanctuary or selected adoptive homes for those equines.
General admission tickets include:
Barbecue lunch by Cass Winery with beverage of your choice
A Govino reusable wine glass
• Paradise Shaved Ice
• Endless fun at the photo booth
And full access to demonstrations and a selfguided tour of the horses and their stories. General admission tickets cost $50. Tickets are available for purchase at redwingshorsesanctuary.org or by calling the front office at (805) 237-3751.
This event will be closed to the public and is available only for guests 21 years of age and over
ATASCADERO — The City of Atascadero
and the Charles Paddock Zoo are gearing up for a wild night of festivities as they announce the 10th Annual “Brew at the Zoo — Take Two.”This event is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Get ready to party with the animals as the zoo transforms into a lively hub of craft beer, wine, cider, seltzers, and distilled spirits, all in the name of conservation and community fun.
This second edition of “Brew at the Zoo” in the same year, is in an effort to move the event to the second Saturday in September as the zoo reworks the calendar of events in 2024. Just like they did in April, you can expect a variety of craft beer, wine, cider, seltzers, and distilled spirits that will be available at this exclusive evening at the zoo. Expect a special “Welcome” reception pouring of Black Market Spirits, Tent City Beer Company, and Tin City Cider as you enter the zoo (first come, first served). Participating guests can expect a variety of craft breweries from San Luis Obispo County and the surrounding area.
Take a look at who is participating:
Ancient Peaks Winery (Santa Margarita)
Black Market Spirits Central Coast
Bristol’s Cider House (Atascadero)
Cali Squeeze Seltzer (Paso Robles)
• Central Coast Brewing (San Luis Obispo)
• Eberle Winery (Paso Robles)
• Firestone Walker Brewing (Paso Robles)
• KiloKilo Brewing (Paso Robles)
• Lone Madrone Winery (Templeton)
• MEA Wine (Atascadero)
• Oak and Otter Brewing Company (San Luis Obispo)
SLO Cider Company (San Luis Obispo)
Spent Grain Brewing (Atascadero)
Tarantula Hill Brewing (Thousand Oaks)
Tent City Beer Company (Atascadero)
• Tin City Cider (Paso Robles)
• Tolo Cellars (Paso Robles)
• Wild Fields Brewhouse (Atascadero)
For those taking on the responsible role of designated driver, non-alcoholic beverages will be provided by Paradise Shaved Ice, and ample water stations will be available for all attendees.
Entertainment and music will be provided by DJ RRama, offering a lively mix of games, a costume contest, hula hoop challenges, and a dance contest, with fantastic prizes up for grabs. Special guests RIFF Tide and Soloist Chris Beland will keep the evening rocking.
Hungry visitors can indulge in a variety of culinary delights available for purchase, ranging from Irish Cuisine to Jambalaya to Farm-to-Street Cuisine. Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with Shaved Ice and homemade pie. As an added bonus, event-goers will receive a collectible glass to add to their collection and have the opportunity to purchase event merchandise.
Online tickets are available now for $40 per person (service fee is not included). Designated driver tickets are $15 per person. If not sold out, tickets will be $50 per person on the day of the event starting at 5 p.m. at the ticket booth at the zoo. Purchase your tickets at VisitAtascadero.com/ Brew-at-the-Zoo
The city thanks its sponsors including Presenting Sponsor Barley & Boar Kitchen Brewhouse & Distillery; Supporting Sponsor Waste Management; and Friend Sponsors 5 Star Rain Gutters and Mechanics Bank. All proceeds from this event will benefit the zoo’s ongoing education and conservation efforts.
This event will be closed to the public and is available only for guests 21 years of age and over. Designated drivers must also be over 21 if attending this event.
AWARENESS - PREVENTION - INTERVENTION - EDUCATION
CONTACT INFO
P.O. Box 3120, Atascadero, CA 93423 (805)712-6356 atascaderogreyhound foundation.org
Seven local FFA and 4-H students receive financial support during Junior Livestock Auction
ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Elks Lodge supported six local Future Farmers of America and 4-H students with $200 Ad-On donations during the recent Junior Livestock Auction at the California Mid-State Fair. The $1,400 in total donations and the FFA and 4-H students were celebrated during recent dinners at the Elks Lodge in Atascadero.
“The Atascadero Elks Lodge is committed to helping local middle school and high school students to succeed and thrive as they pursue their 4-H and FFA goals at the Mid-State Fair,” stated Ronnie Maxwell, Exalted Ruler of Atascadero Elks Lodge #2733. “The Elks are committed to supporting our young people because they are our greatest resource and in the years ahead, they will
assume the mantle of leadership for our community.”
Since its inception in 1987, the Atascadero Elks have contributed over $850,000 to various programs including youth activities, local sports, programs for handicapped and needy children, patriotic programs, veterans’ programs, and many community activities. In addition, the Elks participate in drug awareness programs at our local schools and distribute dictionaries to all third-graders in the Area.
The Atascadero Elks Lodge was established in the City of Atascadero on Sept. 26, 1987. Their mission: To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs.
CONTACT INFO
1000 Spring Street Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 237-3870 prcity.com
CONTACT INFO
1051 Las Tablas Rd. Templeton, CA 93465 (805) 238-4411
Monday - Thursday 9 am – 4 pm Fridays by Appointment cscslo.org
About: The Atascadero Greyhound Foundation has been serving the Atascadero community for more than 20 years, gradually adding more events that serve its mission. We have grown, and continue to give because of the generous donors, sponsors and participants of our events. Our events are a benefit to the community in healthy activity — either athletically, musically, educationally, or in the fight against addiction.
Donations: Our support comes from generous donors and sponsors. To make a difference, visit: atascaderogreyhoundfoundation.org/donate.html
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 info
DONATION OPPORTUNITIES
All of our direct services are provided free of charge. Your donations make this possible. You can trust that you are making a difference for local families. We know you have many options when it comes to putting your charitable gifts to work! Our funds go towards the invaluable programs and services that help so many in our community facing cancer. Our online donations are processed securely through authorize.net. Your donations are 100% tax-deductible.
For more information or to discover how you can help, visit cscslo.org/DonationOptions
For information about making donations, adoptions, etc, visit redwingshorsesanctuary.com. For upcoming events, visit facebook.com/pg/redwingshorses/events
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CONTACT INFO
6875 Union Road Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 237-3751 redwingshorse sanctuary.org
CONTACT INFO
1516 El Camino Real, Atascadero, Ca 93422 805-466-3557 www.elks2733.org
Redwings is always looking for volunteers to help us provide the highest standard of care for our horses and burros. You do not need to have any prior horse experience to volunteer at Redwings. If you would like to work with our horses, the first step is to take a Volunteer Training Class. This class covers sanctuary rules, basic safe horsemanship skills, and an introduction to some of the horses that you will be working with. After completion of the class you are welcome to come volunteer and help with the horses any time during our volunteer hours. Volunteer hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 8am to 3:30pm, and we are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Note: We do not allow volunteers to ride the horses at Redwings. There are other ways to get involved and volunteer at Redwings too. We have opportunities to help in our rose and memorial garden, volunteering in the office, helping with events and fundraising, and more. Please submit the form below to schedule a volunteer training or contact our office: info@redwingshorsesanctuary.org or (805) 237-3751.
ATASCADERO LODGE NO. 2733
Since 1987, the Atascadero Elks have contributed over $1,000,000 to local community-based programs, non-profits, youth groups, local sports teams, programs for handicapped and needy children, patriotic programs, veterans’ programs and many, many community activities.
Our mission as Elks is to inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize our belief in God; to promote the welfare of our community; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; and to cultivate good fellowship.
We have a full calendar of events and activities for our members. Check out our website for monthly calendar events and join us for the upcoming Luau in September!
To learn more or to join us please contact us at 805-466-3557, visit the Lodge at 1516 El Camino Real, follow-us on Facebook or visit our website at: www.elks2733.org.
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Every bid must be accompanied by a certified check/cashier’s check or bidder’s bond for 10% of the bid amount, payable to the City of Atascadero.
Bid packages are available to download for a fee of $22.00 on the City website, www.atascadero.org or at www.QuestCDN.com using project number eBid #8660066.
Question may be directed to the City of Atascadero at (805) 470-3180 or AKing@atascadero.org
Run dates: August 31, 2023 and September 07, 2023
REVEGETATION FOR ATASCADERO CREEK BRIDGE AT VIA AVENUE PROJECT PROJECT NO. C2015B02(2)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT The City of Atascadero will receive bids for the “Revegetation for Atascadero Creek Bridge at Via Avenue Project” at the Atascadero City Hall, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, CA until September 28, 2023 at 1:30 P.M., when they will be publicly opened.
Proposals received after said time will not be considered. Proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked with the project title, bidder’s name, and address.
The Contractor must possess a valid CLASS A CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE at the time of award. This project is subject to the payment of Prevailing Wages, therefore the Contractor shall pay all wages and penalties as required by applicable law. Per SB 854 (Stat. 2014, Chapter 28), no contractor or subcontractor may work or be listed on a bid proposal unless registered with the DIR. Every bid must be accompanied by a certified check/cashier’s check or bidder’s bond for 10% of the bid amount, payable to the City of Atascadero.
Bid packages are available to download for a fee of $22.00 on the City website, www.atascadero.org or at www.QuestCDN.com using project number eBid #8660067.
Question may be directed to the City of Atascadero at (805) 470-3180 or AKing@atascadero.org
Run dates: August 31, 2023 and September 07, 2023
1. FOOD & DRINK: What does the acronym "IPA" stand for in a beer?
2. LITERATURE: Who is the author of "The Hunger Games" series?
3. U.S. STATES: Which state has the most lighthouses?
4. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital of New Zealand?
5. GAMES: What is a perfect score in bowling?
6. SCIENCE: What does an auxanometer measure?
7. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a female donkey called?
8. MOVIES: Which holiday is celebrated at the end of "When Harry Met Sally"?
9. TELEVISION: Which entertainer has hosted "Saturday Night Live" the most?
10. ANATOMY: What is the anatomical name for the kneecap?
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
GRACE CENTRAL COAST NORTH COUNTY CAMPUS
9325 El Bordo Avenue, Atascadero; Sunday Services at 9:30 and 11 a.m.; (805) 543-2358; gracecentralcoast.org; Helping people find and follow Jesus.
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.
GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH
535 Creston Road., Paso Robles ; (805) 238-3549 ; Dr. Gary M. Barker, Pastor; Goal of church: To teach Believers to love God and people.; Sundays: 9 a.m. Sunday School; 10 a.m. Fellowship; 10:30 a.m. Service; 6 p.m. Eve Service; Wednesdays: 7 p.m. prayer meeting.
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA
A place of hope! Join us for in-person worship on Sundays at 9 A.M. Services are also streamed on our YouTube channel, Hope Lutheran Church Atascadero. We offer Sunday School for all ages after worship. Learn more at ourhopelutheran.net. 8005 San Gabriel Road, Atascadero. 805.461.0430. office@ourhopelutheran.org.
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER-LCMS
4500 El Camino Real, Atascadero; 466-9350; Morning Bible class at 9 a.m. Sunday; Coffee and Sunday Worship with Holy Communion at 10 a.m. Sunday; Thursday morning Bible class 10 a.m. followed by refreshments and fellowship; Developmentally disabled Bible class 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings; redeemeratascadero.org; redeemeratascadero@gmail.com; Pastor Wayne Riddering.
PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC
We honor ancient scriptures, responding to God’s contemporary call to be just and kind.; Join us for Worship Sunday, 10 a.m.; Church School Sunday, 10:15 a.m.; Coffee Fellowship 11 a.m.; Men’s Bible Study, Wednesday, 8 a.m.; Women’s Bible Study, Friday, 10 a.m.; Youth Group; 1301 Oak St., Paso Robles; (805) 238-3321.
ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH
820 Creston Road., Paso Robles; (805) 238-2218- Parish Office open Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; website: www.saintrosechurch.org; Mass times;Daily Mass- 12:00 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.; Tues. 7 p.m. Spanish; Saturday 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Spanish Vigil Mass; Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.; Spanish Mass at 12:30PM. Father Rudolfo Contreras.
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
940 Creston Road, Paso Robles; has Sunday worship services at 9:30 a.m; For more information, call the church at (805) 238-3702. Ext. 206.
ATASCADERO FOURSQUARE CHURCH - FATHER’S HOUSE
2100 Ramona Road. Sunday service at 10am. Will & Lori Barrow, Pastors; (805) 466-3191; fathershouseafc.com
ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
513 Palma Ave., Atascadero; Sunday services: Holy Eucharist — 9 a.m., Taize — 8 p.m.; the Rev. W. Merritt Greenwood, interim director; the Rev. James Arnold, Deacon; the Rev. Jacqueline Sebro, Deacon; office (805) 466-0379, fax (805) 466-6399; website stlukesatascadero.org; email office@stlukesatascadero.org
THE REVIVAL CENTER
A division of Alpha Beth Ministries; 3850 Ramada Drive (corner of Ramada and Cow Meadow), Paso Robles; 805-434-5170; Pastor Gabe Abdelaziz; a charismatic non-denominational fellowship; Reaching People, Building Homes; Sundays 10am, Wednesday 7pm; alphabeth@tcsn.net, www.alphabeth.org; Instagram @the_revival_ center
Be
and many other volunteers, Frank was instrumental in making “Dancing With Our Stars” a phenomenal success.
Thank you, Frank, for sharing your dancing talent with our community, and again, Happy 95th Birthday!
Last Saturday might have been an overcast day, weather-wise, but it did not dampen the spirits of friends and family members who gathered at the Sanchez home in Atascadero to celebrate Frank’s 95th birthday.
The “Backyard Birthday Celebration” was hosted by Frank’s children, Dana, Doriana, Mara, and Steve. One of the highlights of the afternoon event was the surprise arrival of Mara’s daughter, Mikayla, and her daughter, Camilla, from their home in Texas. Cameras were clicking to get pictures of the honored guest with his daughter, his granddaughter, and his great granddaughter. It was wonderful that the four generations were able to be together for such a memorable occasion.
Along with Jeannie Malik
Frank’s birthday cake was a delicious carrot cake. In honor of Frank, the recipe I’m sharing this week is Jeannie Malik’s Carrot Cake recipe that she gave me several years ago. I shared it right after she gave it to me, but if you missed it then be sure to try it this time. I usually don’t like to repeat recipes, but this one is worth repeating. Jeannie Malik’s Carrot Cake (Pleasing tummies with this recipe since 1971)
Ingredients: Sift together the following and set aside.
• 2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Directions:
In a large bowl beat 3 eggs well. Add 3/4 cup oil, 3/4 cup buttermilk, 2 cups sugar and
2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix well. Add the sifted dry ingredients. Blend well. Add 1 small 8 ounce can crushed, well drained, or 8 ounces fresh pineapple, well drained, 3 1/2 ounces shredded coconut, 2 cups freshly grated carrots, and 1 cup chopped pecans. Mix well. Pour into greased 9×13 metal pan and bake for approximately 40 minutes in the center of preheated 350 degree oven. (Glass pan bake at 350 degrees for a bit longer.) Cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once cake has cooled mix together:
1 cube butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 box powdered sugar (1 pound)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Spread cream cheese icing on cake and sprinkle all over with coconut. Store in refrigerator.
Note: Jeannie adds that for birthdays, she makes round layer cakes, lining the pans with wax paper and baking for less time.
live in another day and another time, if just for a while.
It’s not too early to start thinking about October and Halloween. This next simple recipe would be great for a gathering of ghosts and goblins, no matter what age.
Spooky JoesIngredients:
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1 teaspoon onion salt
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 Hamburger buns, split
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
Directions:
In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the soup and onion salt; heat through. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Spoon about 1/2 cup onto the bottom of each bun. Cut cheese slices with 2 1/2-inch Halloween cookie cutters; place over beef mixture. Serve bun tops on the side. Makes 8 servings. Enjoy! Cheers!
Barbie Butz is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email her at bbutz1@outlook.com
lee pitts COLUMNIST
Sundays have always been special to me. When I was a kid, they were for shooting pool at my grandfather’s house while Grandma sang at two different churches.
We shot pool and the breeze, surrounded by Grandfather’s collection of western memorabilia. There were rusty branding irons in the corner, dusty old hats hanging from the ceiling (even one signed by Roy Rogers himself), and everything western on the wall. This was the shrine where I paid homage when I was growing up. I went on many imaginary round-ups sitting on a saddle in that room.
I suppose Grandma made Grandpa hide his collection in the musty downstairs room where guests would not see the dust and the rust. I took a friend to see the collection once, and he thought it was a bunch of junk. But I didn’t care because on Sunday mornings, Grandpa and I would enter that room and
Grandpa never threw anything away if it was old. Maybe that is how it should be. As Grandpa’s collection grew, it got tougher to shoot pool. You would pull your cue stick back and hit something on the wall.
“What the heck is that?” I’d say.
“Oh, those are some new old spurs I got. Aren’t they beauties? They called them “Mexican Gut Robbers.” I could believe it. They had rowels on them three inches long. But if the horses had to be tough back in the good old days, so did the cowboys. Grandpa’s got a pair of brass knuckles and a pearl-handled derringer on the wall ... and they belonged to a banker! I will admit that one man’s junk is another man’s gold, but even Grandma would have to concede that part of the collection is valuable. There are two handmade violins that took a lot of time and talent to make. But I guess the craftsman had a lot of time. He was in prison for murder. But even the cowboy’s tools, like the braided horse hair rope, stand as testimony to a time when things were done right no matter how long it took.
One of the more interesting pieces in the collection is a long
tube of thin metal with a large cupped opening at one end and a small opening at the other. “It’s a hearing aid,” joked Grandpa. “Actually, they were called ear trumpets. You put the big end up to the deaf person’s ear and you yelled like hell into the other end.”
There was always great excitement whenever Grandpa got something new for his collection. “Look at this,” he said one Sunday. It looked to me like an old piece of wood with a bunch of square nails in it. “It’s a piece of wood from a county courthouse that the government actually built in the wrong county.”
In the story of human progress, some things never change.
The pool room turned into a family museum, a symbol of our heritage. There is the number that Grandpa wore on his back when he won the team roping at the county fair. There are my brother’s first cowboy boots that eventually got handed down to me. The room was full of handme-downs from one generation to another.
I think my Grandpa always wanted me to be a lawyer or something upper-crust, but it was his fault I always dreamed about being a cowboy. We don’t shoot
duran
You know that old saying that says, “Practice makes perfect.”
Although I understand the sentiment, it doesn’t really ring true if you think about it. You could practice your golf swing incorrectly repeatedly and it’s still going to be ineffective in making it on the green. Now “Perfect practice makes perfect” could be true. But what I find the most inspiring is “Practice makes progress.” Whether your progress is a yard or an inch — distance is distance. One step closer is one step closer. Consistency is
the key. Ecclesiastes 9:10 tells us that whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. That means we are not to be lazy. We are to be consistent, hardworking, giving it all we got! Then, in verse 11 it tells us the race is not to the swift. There is merit in just sticking to it. You don’t even have to do it crazy intense, just be consistent. Remember everyone’s favorite character from Finding Nemo — Dory? Just keep swimming. You don’t stop. You just keep swimming.
1 Corinthians 15:58 commands us to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. Daniel was a man of God that was taken into captivity in Babylon about 600 BC. He impressed the king with his wisdom and excellency and became a commissioner or
governor of the king. Vindictive fellow commissioners of the king had it out for Daniel. So, they influenced the king to make a law that forbade anyone to pray to anyone but the king. To make a long story short — Daniel refused. He didn’t comply. He remained consistent and prayed three times a day out in the open at his room window. Daniel 6:10 says, “Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house…and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously.”
Galatians 6:9 encourages us to not lose heart in doing good, for in due time, we will reap if we do not grow weary. Don’t grow weary in doing good! Stay consistent! That’s where you get your win! That’s where you prosper! There was an experiment
pool anymore because Grandpa is gone. I miss him terribly, as he was the father figure in my life. I like to think that Grandpa knows I did grow up to be something important ... I became a cowboy. I’d like him to know that the dream never died.
Grandpa left everything in that room to me, and I’ve added to the collection, so much so that it’s taken over every room in our house. And when guests are invited to shoot a game or two of pool on that same pool table invariably, someone will pull back their cue stick and hit something new. At least it’s new to my collection. In reality, it’s probably 150 years old.
You might be surprised to learn I have another collection that’s way more valuable than all my old cowboy stuff, at least to me, it is. It’s my collection of memories. Memories of those long-gone Sundays when I fell in love with the romance of the cow business.
Thanks Grandpa. This country already had enough lawyers ... and not nearly enough cowboys.
Lee Pitts is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email them at leepitts@ leepittsbooks.com.
done with people stuck in traffic; they timed the drivers who would weave in and out, trying to constantly get ahead and the drivers who chose a lane and stuck with it until their exit and destination. Wouldn’t you know it that the drivers who stayed consistently in the same lane arrived sooner than those who were trying to trick the system and get ahead? Be encouraged that even though you feel like you’re behind, as long as you are staying consistent, you are in the right place.
“And let endurance have its perfect result so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:4 Just keep swimming.
Sarah-Kate Duran is an independent columnist for The
NORTH COUNTY — The second week of Central Coast high school football reignited a classic rivalry, electrifying both fans and athletes as the Paso Robles Bearcats squared off against the Atascadero Greyhounds at War Memorial Stadium.
Eager to snap a six-year losing streak against their longtime rivals, the Greyhounds entered halftime with the score knotted at 7-7. The tension was thick in the air. In the second half, a reinvigorated Atascadero offense came alive, launching an unyielding attack.
A trio of back-to-back touchdowns in the second half fueled the Greyhounds’ momentum, sealing a resounding 28-7 win over the Bearcats. This victory not only ended their six-year drought against Paso Robles but also elevated their season record to an undefeated 2-0.
On the flip side, the loss was a tough pill to swallow for Paso Robles, which found itself at a disappointing 0-2 as they looked ahead to the rest of the season. Despite the setback, the Bearcats showed moments of promise that they will aim to build upon in the coming games.
As the final whistle blew and players from both teams shook hands at midfield, it was evident that the spirit of competition and the age-old rivalry had been fully rekindled. The match served as a vivid reminder that high school football on the Central Coast is teeming with passion, dedication, and nail-biting intensity.
Both teams, their fans, and the broader community are now eagerly anticipating the rest of the season, as this exciting showdown has undoubtedly set the stage for more compelling clashes and memorable moments on the gridiron.
Week of September 7 - 13
For full details on games, locations, etc. please visit: templetonhs.schoolloop.com/Athletics
For full details on games, locations, etc. please visit: atascaderousd.cyberschool.com/AHS/Department/32-Athletics
She is always focused on improving her game and is dedicated to the sport. She is competitive in our Mountain League, ranking in the top 15 players in the league. I look forward to seeing what she can accomplish this season.
For full details on games, locations, etc. please visit: pasoschools.org/domain/543
