Atascadero News • August 31, 2023

Man convicted in Kristin Smart’s murder was in critical condition after being attacked at Pleasant Valley State Prison

By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO

COUNTY — After being attacked in prison and airlifted to a trauma center, Paul Flores has returned to the Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga. He is reportedly expected to remain in the prison infirmary while he recovers from his injuries.

One week after being relocated to the Pleasant Valley State Prison, Flores was hospitalized after being attacked in prison. The 46-year-old was airlifted to a trauma center where he was treated for injuries after the attack on Wednesday, Aug. 23.

Flores was convicted last

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Templeton Park playground in disrepair

Community concerned about vandalism, delayed repair; Rec Foundation puts out online petition

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com

TEMPLETON — Over the last month, parents and residents, including the Templeton Recreation Foundation, have raised concerns about the current condition of Templeton Park’s play structure. Repairs and replacements on some of the damaged or vandalized equipment started six months ago, but due to manufacturer issues and not being able to find all the replacement parts, parts of the beloved structure are boarded up and unable to be used by the community’s children and their families.

FUNDRAISER

Community rallies behind Kyndal’s brave battle against cancer once again

A fundraiser is scheduled for Oct. 14 to raise proceeds for her traveling expenses to receive treatment

By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com

NORTH COUNTY —

Two years ago, Kyndal and her mother Raquel Gottfried received devastating news in which it was discovered that Kyndal had medulloblastoma, the most common malignant tumor found in children. Now, at 7 years old, Kyndal continues her fight against the cancer that keeps returning. Last week, Kyndal and Raquel arrived in Georgia to receive a new type of treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia in Augusta.

This will be Kyndal’s third round of treatment for the cancer, which had returned. In March of this year, it was confirmed by the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles that some masses discovered on Kyndal’s brain were cancerous. Surgery was conducted and Kyndal began another round of chemo. Unfortunately, Kyndal did not respond to the chemo, and doctors informed

the family that options were running out. However, this ignited even more determi -

nation in Raquel to fight for Kyndal’s life. After conducting research, Raquel made a

decision to apply for Kyndal to have treatment in a clinical trial at the Children’s Hospital

AGRI-TOURISM

of Georgia (CHOG).

Raquel told Atascadero News that treatment at the CHOG was the least invasive trial available in the U.S. for pediatric medulloblastoma. While Kyndal begins treatment at CHOG, she and Raquel will live in Augusta for two to four weeks. Then depending on how Kyndal reacts to treatment, she and her mom will fly back to Augusta to receive treatment at CHOG once a month for about the next two years.

The great news is that Kyndal has been able to attend school in person, with some flexibility, giving her some normalcy says Raquel. In July, the Gottfried family was given an opportunity to visit O’ahu and Maui thanks to the MakeA-Wish Foundation and the Parker Project Foundation who sponsored the trip. The unforgettable adventure included swimming with fish, sharks, and dolphins, and, of course, a Hawaiian-style luau.

Since Kyndal’s first diagnosis, the community has rallied behind the mother and daughter in her fight against cancer. That support has remained steadfast and in October, the

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“This actually started over six months ago,” said District 1 Supervisor and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors John Peschong. “The Parks Department here in San Luis Obispo County saw that one of the slides, I think there’s four or five slides on the park structure, one of the slides, the curly cue one, had some damage. It looked like from wear, you know it had gotten old. So they ordered a new slide. That happened six months ago. We’re waiting for that slide; it’s been manufac-

tured, and it’s being trucked to California.”

On top of the slide replacement, which the county hopes happens within the next month, the bridge between the two structures at the park was also vandalized around six months ago. The plexiglass bubbles were kicked out, leaving the county no choice but to board the area up with plywood to keep kids safe.

“We can’t seem to find the plexiglass bubbles, but we’re

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By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com

NORTH COUNTY — You are most likely familiar with the phrase “Farm to Table.” Living in San Luis Obispo County, we are accustomed to seeing restaurants advertise their Farm to Table dishes and taking pride in supporting locals. But have you heard of “Table to Farm?”

That is the phrase Lynette Sonne coined while forming her passion project, Farmstead ED.

Think of Farmstead ED as your farm-to-consumer matchmaker. The newly named nonprofit brings local agriculturalists together with makers and consumers, helping foster the county’s agri-tourism industry. In 2019, Farmstead ED formed the San Luis Obispo County Farm Trail — a collection of nearly 30 partici-

pating local makers and farmers throughout the county.

Growing up as a fifth-generation Paso Roblan with deep roots in agriculture, Sonne was

Local nonprofit brings local agriculturalists together with makers and consumers atascaderonews.com

born with a passion and appreciation for locally farmed goods.

“I grew up with horses. Agriculture has always been a part

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Paul Flores now in fair condition after being airlifted to hospital from prison

Kyndal Gottfried is shown in front of Children’s Hospital of Georgia, where she has begun cancer treatment. Contributed Photo

Groves on 41 mother and daughter owners and farmers Karen (left) and Jennifer Tallent pose with a bottle of their olive oil. Contributed Photo

A barrier sits at the bottom of a slide waiting to be replaced at Templeton Park. Parents and residents have raised concerns over the past month about the current condition of Templeton Park’s play structure. Photo by Christianna Marks

Water board hits pause on flows for Scott, Shasta rivers

California Water Board delays instream flow decision; seeks interim measures for salmon support

BY CHRISTINE SOUZA CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

CALIFORNIA — The California State Water Resources Control Board held off on a decision to set minimum instream flows on the Scott and Shasta rivers and instead directed staff to return next month with a plan to adopt interim flow measures to support salmon.

The board last week also asked farmers, tribes and other stakeholders to work together to develop plans for long-term restoration of the salmon fishery.

“We heard a lot of commonalities among the discussions we had,” said E. Joaquin Esquivel, chairman of the state water board, during a sevenhour session on the matter. “There is disagreement on how you get to where we want, but I know this community wants to see thriving agriculture, thriving fish, and thriving tribes.

“This is a working board,” he added. “We are here to work with these issues and work with the communities that are impacted.”

Alexandra Biering, senior policy advocate for the California Farm Bureau, provided public comment, urging the board to not proceed with regulatory action. Instead, she called for allowing landowners and tribes to collaborate on better solutions.

Following the meeting, Biering said the board needed to leave some nearterm protections in place but was not yet willing to initiate a process to set permanent instream flow requirements.

“This is not necessarily a win for any side but leaves open space for the

parties to hammer out a long-term agreement for protecting fish, flows and the viability of the farming and ranching communities,” Biering said.

The agenda item was initiated by the Karuk Tribe’s July 1 petition, which requested the state water board use its emergency powers to curtail water use in these watersheds to prevent the extinction of coho salmon. The petition urged the board to set permanent minimum flows.

Karuk Chairman Russell “Buster” Attebery told board members that state law gives them the authority, and they have a duty to protect fishery resources.

Attebery said the tribe’s goal is not to drive farmers and ranchers out of business. But he added, “It is really hard to overstate how important the salmon are for the Karuk people. If these fish are driven to extinction, we will lose a part of who we are.”

“The Scott and Shasta (rivers) are

HARVEST

the heartbeat of the Klamath’s salmon production, serving as key spawning grounds,” he said.

Siskiyou County Farm Bureau President Ryan Walker was part of an agricultural panel that spoke on behalf of the region’s farmers and ranchers. He said, “The emergency regulations are a way to make sure everyone stays at the table and keeps working towards a solution.

“I think the board would much rather have a proposal from stakeholders,” added Walker, a rancher from Montague. “There’s going to be extreme voices on both sides, but I think there’s a recognition that something that is more agreed upon would work better.”

The region’s farmers were affected by curtailment of their water rights since May 2021, when Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a drought emergency. The curtailment order for the Scott and Shasta rivers, which expired

Holloway Agriculture campaign to enhance road safety for harvest workers

Drivers urged to use caution while driving through ag regions busy with harvest crews and equipment

NORTH COUNTY — In preparation for the upcoming wine grape harvest season, Holloway Agriculture has initiated a #BrakeForHarvest public service announcement campaign, urging drivers to exercise increased caution while navigating agricultural zones bustling with harvest crews and machinery.

Addressing rural residents, Holloway emphasizes the crucial role drivers play in ensuring the safety of both

ag workers and road users. As September and October bring the busy harvest period, the campaign stresses the importance of reduced speeds, avoiding distractions, and heightened vigilance in intersections and active harvest areas.

The inspiration behind the campaign arose when Holloway Ag Operations Manager Alex Parson witnessed heavy equipment operators struggling to navigate turns amid speeding vehicles. Recognizing the unique challenges posed by oversized agricultural equipment on public roads during harvest, Holloway aims to heighten driver awareness and foster a safer environment for all.

“The trailers, heavy machinery and harvesting equipment aren’t made for the roads,”

Parsons explained. “They’re made for harvest, on our local farms. A lot of this equipment is oversized, and slow on the road, so we’re hoping the campaign helps increase driver awareness and improves harvest crew safety during this busy time of year.”

Holloway encourages individuals within and beyond the agriculture industry to support and disseminate the #BrakeForHarvest campaign across social media platforms. Additional information, #BrakeForHarvest logos, sample social media content, and images of harvest machinery on local roadways can be accessed at hollowayag. com/brakeforharvest. The campaign will run throughout the harvest season, concluding in October.

Aug. 1, limits surface-water diversions and groundwater pumping, and prioritizes minimum flows to protect threatened coho and other fish.

To put an end to “combat science,” Walker suggested a framework for interim measures that bridges the gap to a future where a science-based model advances restoration. He said it is important to collaborate with other stakeholders to develop data and science, flow models and hydrologic models that direct restoration and lead to improvements for fish.

“Agriculture can be part of the solution, but it’s not going to be the only solution,” Walker said. “We’ve got to look at what we can do to help chinook in-migration and develop scenarios that don’t penalize people that have done the conservation work, and most importantly, we need to work with our neighbors, agencies and tribes.”

Sari Sommarstrom, a retired water-

PUBLIC SAFETY

shed consultant in the Scott Valley community of Etna, said, “I’ve been working on trying to find that magical balance between fish and farms here for three decades.”

In discussing hypothetical models used by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sommarstrom said, “We have real-world Scott River fish and flow data,” and suggested all parties collaborate and look at the true data for fish spawning.

“This is not dueling science. It is how we interpret that data, and the flows needed to be assessed instead of adopting a hypothetical that does not use local fish data, which we have,” Sommarstrom said. “The instream flow methodology is not intended for prescribing instream flow standards, yet it’s being promoted here as a regulatory tool.”

Fellow panelist Gary Black, a restoration and conservation consultant, farms along the Scott River. He said, “We are mindful and sympathetic, and we love a strong run of salmon. It’s our goal, too. We don’t like these droughts either and just have a difference of opinion on some of the metrics.”

Black agreed with board staff that more data about the condition of the watershed is needed.

“We should have better gauging data on all our tributaries,” he said. “That’s an area we can quickly jump on and improve.”

Siskiyou County farmer Brandon

Fawaz of Etna informed the board of his investment in “countless irrigation upgrades” and how he cut back on alfalfa acreage to reduce water use.

Fawaz emphasized the need to tackle local water issues as a community.

“Tribes, communities and farmers — we all need water for fish, and trust us, no one wants that more than any of us,” Fawaz said. “Water flow without habitat won’t make fish, so I hope we can pause there and work on some things together.”

Tri-state law enforcement agencies unite for safety on Labor Day weekend

CALIFORNIA — In a collaborative effort to help ensure the safety of all road users as they travel this Labor Day weekend, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP), and Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) are joining forces for a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP). The tri-state enforcement initiative begins at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4.

As Labor Day weekend

FUNDRAISER

approaches, marking the traditional end of summer celebrations, many people are gearing up for holiday gatherings and road trips. The CHP, NHP, and Arizona DPS are dedicated to ensuring everyone reaches their destinations safely, especially given the surge in traffic that typically accompanies holiday weekends.

Throughout the holiday weekend, while law enforcement will be looking for traffic violations and assisting motorists, a special emphasis will be placed on identifying and apprehending those suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and/or alcohol.

“Alcohol-and drug-impaired driving continues to be a leading cause of traffic fatalities and injuries. An impaired driver behind the wheel puts them-

selves and everyone on the road in great danger,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.

“The CHP, along with our partners in Nevada and Arizona are committed to proactive enforcement throughout the holiday weekend. We will deploy all available personnel to ensure the highest level of safety for everyone traveling.”

Last year during the Labor Day MEP, CHP officers made more than 900 arrests for DUI, in addition to issuing nearly 5,700 speeding citations. Sadly, 52 people were killed in crashes on California’s roads.

Avoid becoming a statistic and always designate a sober driver, utilize ride-share services, and always wear your seat belt. The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Must! Charities Raises Upwards of $2 million at wine industry party with a purpose

Wine and business industry leaders gather to invest in the Greater Paso Robles Wine Region

PASO ROBLES — Wine industry and business leaders from across the country once again came together at Must! Charities’ PURPOSE event with a shared passion to give back — and the results were astounding. Indeed, in only its third year, PURPOSE raised nearly $2 million, generating over $5.5 million in its three-year rise to fame.

Quickly becoming renown as “the best damn party in Paso Robles,” PURPOSE is more than fine dining,

luxurious auction lots, and festive live performances. It is a party with a heart, dedicated to supporting critical needs in the greater Paso Robles Wine region and beyond. The overwhelming success of the event stems from how it organically originated from small vintners who harnessed the power of allocation lists.

“As our region continues to develop as a world class wine destination, it’s essential we invest to make sure everyone benefits,” Andy Niner, this year’s host of PURPOSE said. “That’s what Must! does and we are honored to be a part of something that has tangible, real-time results in our region.”

PURPOSE’S darling this year was

the “Fund a Need” lot benefitting the Must/Ready2Act Fund which addresses a crucial need for Must! Charities. As we look into the next decade, Must! sees a future where they will need to be more proactive, more nimble.

The Must/Ready2Act Fund will enable Must! Charities to continue to carefully consider, develop, and vet projects with their growing list of community nonprofit partners, but also allows them to fund these projects immediately when the time is right.

“While we continue to grow and expand our reach, the process to vet and fund projects will need to be faster,” said Becky Gray, Executive Director of Must! Charities. “And as we

move faster on projects of increasing urgency, it will require innovative ways to solve some of our communities’ most complex issues.”

While Must! Charities has historically been a grassroots effort in the region, PURPOSE extends the organization’s reach by bringing local Paso Roblans and out-of-towners together. The result allows for greater reach and leverage, increasing the impact for those who need it most. The success of PURPOSE ultimately gives Must! Charities increased capacity to move the needle on social issues.

To find out more about the Must! Charities fundraising charitable campaigns, visit mustcharities.org

(From left) Siskiyou County farmers Brandon Fawaz and Jason Finley, county Farm Bureau President Ryan Walker, California Farm Bureau field representative Ned Coe and senior policy advocate Alexandra Biering turn out for last week’s meeting of the California State Water Resources Control Board in Sacramento. The agricultural delegation called on the board to develop an alternative to permanent flows on the Scott and Shasta rivers. Photo by Christine Souza

Photo by Hugo Martinez

Nevada, and Arizona form partnership ahead of holiday travel

PASO ROBLES

Paso Robles City Council to hold public hearing on airport fees

The Paso Robles City Council has announced a Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 5, at 6:30 p.m. The hearing will address the adoption of a resolution aimed at clarifying footnotes within the recently established fee schedule. This effort seeks to enhance cost recovery for services rendered, specifically within the Public Works, Airport Division.

The proposed resolution’s amendments target fee-related footnotes for the purpose of fostering transparency and effective cost management. During the hearing, members of the public will have the opportunity to provide oral input on the proposed adjustments.

Detailed information about the proposed changes, along with the associated staff report and resolution, will be accessible for review at the City Clerk’s Office located at City Hall (1000 Spring St.) and the city’s official website at prcity.com. The documents will be available no later than 72 hours ahead of the scheduled hearing.

For inquiries about the proposed adjustments, individuals can contact the Administrative Services Department at (805) 237-3999 or reach out via email to AdminServices@prcity. com.

The city has transitioned back to hybrid public meetings under the provisions of AB 361, offering residents the choice to attend in person or participate remotely. To join remotely, individuals can tune in to the live radio broadcast on 1230AM or access the livestream at prcity.com/youtube. Public comments can be submitted via phone at (805) 865-7276 during the meeting or in advance via email to cityclerk@prcity.com, ensuring inclusion as an addendum to the agenda. City Council meetings will be available for later viewing on YouTube at prcity.com/youtube.

Paso Robles 25th Annual ‘Taste of Downtown’ happening this September

On Saturday, Sept. 16, the 25 Annual Taste of Downtown promises a superb culinary and artistic experience in historic downtown Paso Robles. With the purchase of the $30 Taste of Downtown ticket pass, participants will sample the creations of 32 local restaurants, a brewery, wineries, and ice cream shops.

Downtown Paso Robles also will host the 19th Annual Arte de Tiza on Saturday, Sept. 16.

The Paso Robles Art Association chalk-art celebration will offer a visual feast of chalk murals created by area artists on the sidewalk of Pine Street between 11th and 12th streets. Artwork will be in progress beginning at 8 a.m. the morning of the Taste.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Taste of Downtown PASS holders will stroll from eatery to eatery, sampling the cuisine of 32 fine dining establishments, wineries, and breweries, some so new that even locals may not have discovered them yet all within one to three blocks of the downtown City Park.

The Taste of Downtown PASSES are available for only $30. Funds will benefit the Paso Robles Main Street Association’s free holiday promotions events. Taste of Downtown PASSES may be purchased at my805tix.com. For details, Taste of Downtown PASSES, or more information, contact the Main Street office at (805) 238-4103 or visit us at pasoroblesdowntown.org.t

ATASCADERO

Live music with DeJa-Vu Band in downtown Atascadero this Friday

Get ready for an evening at Downtown Atascadero’s First Friday event on Friday, Sept. 1. The City of Atascadero is thrilled to present the DeJa-Vu Band, taking the stage at The Plaza on El Camino starting at 6 p.m.

DeJa-Vu Band, a group of six seasoned musicians, including lead vocalist Janice Mundee and guitarist Ted Davantzis, will deliver an electrifying performance. With an extensive playlist ranging from classic rock to country, R&B, and top 40 hits spanning five decades, you’re in for a night of dancing and crowd-pleasing music.

As you enjoy the live music, explore a wide array of dining options, entertainment choices, local drinking spots, and shops within walking distance. The concert’s venue, The Plaza on El Camino, is situated across from Sunken Gardens.

Come hungry, as food trucks featuring Mary’s Cuisine and Heavenly Hot Dogs will be on-site to satisfy your cravings. And don’t miss out on the chance to explore Downtown’s shops, eateries, and drink establishments.

Mark your calendars for upcoming First Friday events in Downtown

Atascadero:

• Oct. 6: Fall Sip & Shop with Historic City Hall & Jump Jax

Tours

• Nov. 3: Concert at The Plaza on El Camino with Erin and the Earthquakes

Dec. 1: Light up the Downtown along with Holiday Sip & Shop

The city thanks its Presenting Sponsors: Barley & Boar Brewhouse, Cielo Ristorante & Rooftop Bar, and Street Side Ale House. First Friday events are free to attend. For more details and a complete event schedule, visit VisitAtascadero.com/events or call (805) 470-3360.

Atascadero man going to trial for sex crime charges

A San Luis Obispo County judge has ruled that the case against local barbershop owner Nathan Abate will proceed to trial on sex crime charges. Abate, 35, from Atascadero, faces charges of raping an intoxicated victim and engaging in oral copulation with an individual under the age of 18. These allegations came to light in April 2022, when a former resident of San Luis Obispo shared her harrowing experience of sexual assault on social media. In her post, she implicated both Nathan Abate and Julian Contreras, the owner of Kin Coffee shop, in the incident.

The revelation prompted a wave of solidarity as multiple other women came forward to share similar experiences they had endured. Following these disturbing accounts, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office launched a thorough investigation into the allegations. The findings of this investigation were subsequently handed over to the SLO County District Attorney’s Office, which announced the charges against Abate this past January.

The upcoming trial marks a critical juncture in this case, as it will determine the legal consequences for the accused barber. Abate’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sep. 7, when further details of the trial process are expected to be revealed.

In a parallel development, it was revealed that Julian Contreras, the owner of Kin Coffee shop and a figure named in connection to the incident, still has an active arrest warrant for sexual assault charges. However, his current whereabouts remain unknown, adding an element of uncertainty to his legal situation.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Sheriff’s personnel respond to bomb threat at a Nipomo school Thursday, Aug. 24, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a bomb threat targeting Central Coast New Tech High School in Nipomo. The threat was delivered via text message to a student who promptly alerted school staff. As a precautionary measure, all students were evacuated to the nearby Nipomo High School.

Law enforcement authorities, including deputies and K-9 units, quickly arrived on site and initiated a thorough search of the school premises. Despite a comprehensive and exhaustive search effort, no explosive device was discovered.

The incident remains under active investigation by the Sheriff’s Office, with ongoing efforts to determine the source and credibility of the threat. As of now, no additional details have been made available.

Man identified in fatal RV fire in Los Osos

The Coroner’s Unit of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office has released the identity of the individual who perished in an RV fire on Aug. 21 in Los Osos. The deceased has been identified as 44-year-old Christopher Wayne Surratt, a resident of Los Osos.

The grim discovery was made when deputies and Cal Fire personnel responded to an RV fully engulfed in flames in the 1900 block of Turri Road in Los Osos. Despite their efforts, Surratt’s body was found within the charred remains of the RV.

An autopsy has been conducted to determine the cause and manner of Surratt’s death. While the official findings are pending the results of toxicology tests, preliminary results from the autopsy suggest that Surratt succumbed to smoke inhalation.

The Sheriff’s Office is conducting the death investigation. Cal Fire is conducting the fire investigation.

Warning issued on phone scam impersonating Sheriff’s Office in San Luis Obispo County

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a warning to local residents about a prevalent phone scam targeting the community. Multiple reports have surfaced indicating that individuals are receiving calls from someone fraudulently claiming to be a representative of the Sheriff’s Office. The scammer’s message falsely asserts the existence of an active arrest warrant against the recipient.

The scam operates by using a phone number that directs callers to a fabricated Sheriff’s Office phone tree. The caller then informs the targeted individual that the supposed warrant can be resolved by making a cash transfer, debit card payment, or purchasing gift cards.

Residents are being urged to exercise caution and vigilance in the face of these scam attempts. The Sheriff’s Office emphatically stresses that it does not follow a practice of contacting residents via phone for matters involving warrants or arrests. Additionally, the genuine sheriff’s deputies will never solicit money or gift cards as an alternative to bail.

To combat this fraudulent activity, the Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who receives a call of this nature to promptly report it to their local law enforcement agency. Community members are also encouraged to share this information with their friends and family, ensuring that they are informed and prepared in the event they encounter a similar scam attempt.

Arrest made for lewd acts against a child in San Luis Obispo

into a business and engaged in inappropriate touching.

The suspect, identified as 48-yearold Jonathan Davis, was apprehended by responding officers inside the business. According to the victim’s account, Davis followed her into the store, touched her buttocks, and attempted to lift her up. The victim and a nearby sibling raised an alarm, prompting their mother’s intervention. The mother confronted Davis, directed him to remain on the premises, and promptly dialed 911.

Davis now faces a series of charges, including felony annoying or molestation of a child under 18 and misdemeanor assault and battery. His criminal record reveals prior convictions for similar offenses in 2007 and 2019, making him a registered sex offender. A bail of $150,000 has been set for his custody, pending further legal proceedings.

SLO City to begin transforming parking lot into new parking structure

The City of San Luis Obispo will officially close the parking lot at Palm and Nipomo streets on Sept. 5 to begin preparing the site for construction of the Cultural Arts District Parking Structure, an initiative aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and cultural vibrancy of the downtown corridor.

Alternative parking options during construction include curbside and metered parking, three other parking structures (842 Palm St., 919 Palm St., and 871 Marsh St.), and spaces available by parking permit only. Visit slocity.org/Parking to find current parking rates, accessible parking locations, links to easy payment mobile apps, and details about street parking pay stations.

The project is located on the corner of Palm and Nipomo streets and involves construction of a five-level parking garage, 397 parking spaces, 41 electric vehicle chargers, 32 bike racks, solar panels, and other improvements that will enhance accessibility along the block. Momentum on the project will accelerate in early November with a groundbreaking ceremony (date to be determined) and the mobilization of the construction project’s larger general contractor.

Safety remains the city’s top priority around the construction site. The construction work area will be fenced to limit access onto the site. Pedestrian and vehicular travel will be afforded around the site on Palm, Nipomo, and Monterey Streets.

The city will take action to control dust around our project area. This includes covering loose materials and regularly cleaning and sweeping the nearby streets. Construction and work hours fall between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding city holidays.

For more information about this project, visit slocity.org/CulturalArtsParking.

SLO City awards grants to 10 local nonprofits to promote events

Ten nonprofit organizations were recently awarded grant funding from the City of San Luis Obispo’s Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC) to promote arts and cultural events and activities happening this summer and fall, closing out the city’s final Cultural Grants-in-Aid application opportunity.

The city awarded a total of $40,000 in Cultural Grants-in-Aid Program funding to enhance the overall quality of life in San Luis Obispo. Below is a complete list of the organizations that applied for and were awarded Cultural GIA funding for events occurring July through December 2023:

• Hospice SLO County, Light Up

A Life

• Orchestra Novo, Orchestra Novo Goes Hollywood, Pops ON The Sequel RACE Matters SLO County, Belonging 2023: Braiding Water

• San Luis Obispo Master Chorale, Chants Encounter; Holiday Festival; All-Night Vigil

• SLO Overdose Awareness Day, SLO Overdose Awareness Day SLO Symphony, SLO Symphony 2023-2024 Classics Season

Applications Still Open for New Grant Opportunity

In place of Cultural GIA, the PCC is now offering a new competitive grant program called the Cultural Arts and Community Promotions grant (CACP) for events and activities that occur between Jan. 1 through June 30, 2024.

The City will award a total of $60,000 for this grant program. Each grant recipient may use the funding for marketing and advertising of an event or activity of cultural, social, and/ or recreational benefit to the residents and visitors of the City of San Luis Obispo.

The deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 1, at 5 p.m.

For details and eligibility requirements, visit slocity.org/CACP. For other grant funding opportunities offered by the City, visit slocity.org/ grants

TMHA and SLO County health agency release new analysis of behavioral healthcare system

The County of San Luis Obispo Health Agency and Transitions-Mental Health Association released a new report that they jointly commissioned from Capstone Solutions Consulting Group that examines the current state of adult behavioral health care and provides recommendations on how to improve the delivery of adult mental health and substance use disorder treatment services in San Luis Obispo County.

The report, Strengthening the System of Adult Behavioral Healthcare in San Luis Obispo County, will serve as roadmap for the County of San Luis Obispo’s Behavioral Health Department, which will use the findings to develop a five-year strategic plan on how best to improve adult mental health care and service delivery to the county’s most vulnerable adult community members. The 53-page report looks at gaps in current care, areas for improvement and service expansion, as well as existing strengths upon which to build for future service delivery. A seven-page executive summary can be downloaded online.

A particular challenge was highlighted at the front of the report: the workforce shortage in the behavioral health field.

In acknowledging some of the strengths of the current system, the report highlighted the following:

• Certain clinical programs, including full-service partnerships, are highly successful in meeting the full range of needs of highly vulnerable mental health clients. Forensic mental health programs, including integrated field response teams and post-incarceration release services, are effective and show exceptional collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals.

Peer and family support services are exceptional both for the knowledge and dedication of staff and for their comprehensive support for individuals attempting to enter and navigate the mental health system.

JONATHAN DAVIS

A disturbing incident unfolded on Saturday, Aug. 19, around 11 a.m. in the 800 block of Higuera in San Luis Obispo. A report was received by the San Luis Obispo Police Department detailing an adult male who had allegedly followed a female adolescent

• Central Coast Roller Derby, Central Coast Roller Derby 2023

Home Bouts

Central Coast Shakespeare Festival, Love’s Labor Lost

• Downtown SLO, 27th Annual Concerts in the Plaza

• Festival Mozaic, Mozart in the Mission

The report cited specific limitations of Behavioral Health services in San Luis Obispo County, including:

The lack of residential treatment programs such as Crisis Residential Services and Enriched Residential Programs.

• No partial hospitalization for

substance use disorders.

Insufficient acute inpatient care for clients in mental health crises.

• Limited housing options, including additional permanent supportive housing, adult residential facilities (e.g., board and care homes), and sober living programs.

Recommendations from the Capstone report were also made in the form of near-term, mid-term and long-term solutions.

Near-term solutions included recommendations to:

Redesign the Crisis Stabilization Unit as an Urgent Care Center.

• Capitalize on new Peer Certification by adding new job classifications. Expand integrated physical and mental health care through formal and informal partnerships with local health providers.

Long-term solutions included recommendations to:

• Invest in a crisis residential treatment program. Expand substance use services by developing a partial hospitalization program in existing outpatient programs.

• Add an additional Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) that should accept private insurance as well as MediCal.

A full copy of the report and executive summary can be found at t-mha.org/agency-reports.php. The report is being shared with SLO County’s Board of Supervisors, all participating stakeholders, and local agencies and private businesses providing healthcare.

that spanned across San Luis Obispo.

The incident unfolded on Thursday, Aug. 17, at around 3:27 p.m. when the San Luis Obispo Police Department (SLOPD) received reports of a shooting in the parking lot of the 1500 block of Froom Ranch Way. Witnesses reported that a man had opened fire on a departing vehicle. A passenger in the targeted vehicle sustained injuries from a bullet and subsequently transported themselves to a nearby hospital.

Earlier in the day, at around 1 p.m., Grover Beach Police had responded to a separate shooting at 4th Street and Grand Avenue. The suspected shooter, who was later identified as Joshua Arnold, fled the scene driving a black Ford Mustang with a white stripe. Surveillance footage of the suspect’s vehicle was released on social media following the incident.

At approximately 4:20 p.m., following a tip from an alert resident, San Luis Obispo Police received information that the suspect’s vehicle was located in the 1900 block of San Luis Ranch Road. A collaborative effort involving various law enforcement agencies, including SLOPD, SLO Sheriff’s Office, California State Parks, California Fish and Wildlife, and California Highway Patrol, led to the location of the suspect’s vehicle and subsequent capture of Joshua Arnold.

Upon his arrest, Arnold was found without a weapon. However, concerns were raised that there might be armed individuals within a nearby residence. The SLO Regional SWAT team was deployed to secure the area, leading to a search of the residence that ultimately revealed it to be empty.

in possession of ammunition. The case continues to be under investigation.

CALIFORNIA

Governor proclaims State of Emergency in Del Norte and Siskiyou counties due to fires

On Tuesday, Aug. 29, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Del Norte County due to the Smith River Complex fires and in Siskiyou County due to the Happy Camp Complex fires. The proclamations support the ongoing emergency response to the fires, which have destroyed homes, caused power outages, and driven the evacuation of residents.

Among other provisions, the proclamations waive certain licensing requirements and fees for out-of-state contractors and others working with California utilities to restore electricity. The proclamations also support impacted residents by easing access to unemployment benefits and waiving fees to replace driver’s licenses and records such as marriage and birth certificates.

California sends support to gulf states ahead of Hurricane Idalia

As the Gulf Coast prepares for heavy rain and strong winds brought on by Hurricane Idalia, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of urban search and rescue (US&R) personnel from California to help those in the path of the storm.

Through a mutual aid program coordinated by FEMA, Newsom has instructed his Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to deploy nine members of California’s Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Forces to Georgia and Florida.

intensify as it makes landfall in Florida, bringing with it flash flooding and urban flooding, evacuation orders have been issued along parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

This deployment follows recent support of Hawaii and Oregon following major wildfires.

Last year, California deployed emergency personnel to Florida during Hurricane Ian. California also sent firefighters, disaster recovery experts and other personnel to Oregon, New Mexico, and Montana. In 2021, California sent firefighting equipment and personnel to assist Oregon’s response to the Bootleg Fire.

Financial support coming for distressed community hospitals across California

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced nearly $300 million in zero-interest loans to 17 community hospitals across California. The funding was made possible through the Distressed Hospital Loan Program created in partnership with the legislature.

“Across the country, community hospitals are experiencing financial stress like never before. These hospitals are often the only acute health care access point in their area,” said Governor Newsom. “In partnership with the legislature, we are working to keep the doors open so Californians can access critical care close to home.”

Many of the community hospitals being supported today across California are in more rural areas of the state, serving communities with lower income, and communities of color. Keeping these health care access points open means Californians can continue to access the health care services they want or need in their community.

lative colleagues, the Governor and stakeholders to find sustainable solutions and the Distressed Hospital Loan Program became the centerpiece of a larger relief package. It brings me tremendous relief to know that Madera Community Hospital and Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in San Benito County have received grant awards and will be able to ensure that people can once again receive services in their own communities. When seconds mean the difference between life and death, we cannot afford to have hospitals closed. Today is a great day for Senate District 14.”

Assemblywoman Soria: “Reopening Madera Community Hospital has been my number one priority. The millions in financial assistance is an important step in the right direction to help Madera Community Hospital reopen its doors to the community. We have more work to do, but I’m proud to have led this effort, and am grateful the Legislature and Governor moved quickly to ensure vulnerable communities across California have health-care access when they need it most. I remain hopeful and will continue to work hard to ensure Madera Community Hospital reopens.”

Assemblymember Wood: “I’m grateful to Governor Newsom for recognizing the desperate financial situation some hospitals find themselves in, at risk of closure directly affecting entire communities, especially those with no other hospitals nearby. We were able to work together to secure funding in the budget to provide these muchneeded loans to the distressed hospitals that clearly require the resources in order to continue to provide critical health care to their communities.”

In May, as part of early budget action, Newsom announced the creation of the Distressed Hospital Loan Program (DHLP) for an initial $150 million. Newsom brought an additional $150 million into the program through the Managed Care Organization (MCO) Provider tax, doubling the financial support available to these critical facilities. The DHLP focuses on certain public and nonprofit community hospitals that are experiencing the most severe financial distress — using the funds to either reopen a recently closed facility or keep a facility on the brink of closure or reducing its services from closing. The Department of Health Care Access and Information and the California Health Facilities Financing Authority (CHFFA) at the California State Treasurer’s Office will jointly administer the program. The two departments have notified the eligible hospitals what loan amounts they have been awarded, with the loans scheduled to be released in the coming weeks.

DEATHS

JOSEPH BATISTA, 86, of Arroyo Grande, passed away Aug. 17, 2023.

Arrangements are under the direction of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel in Grover Beach.

GRACIA BELEAL BELLO, 93, of Grover Beach passed away on August 27th 2023.

Services are in the care of MarshallSpoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

SUSAN LORRAINE EMBREY, 70, of Grover Beach passed away on August 26th 2023.

Services are in the care of MarshallSpoo Sunset Funeral Chapel of Grover Beach.

WAYNE GROTHE age 73 a resident of Paso Robles passed away on 08/04/2023

In the care of Blue Sky Cremation Service

Attempted

homicide suspect apprehended after manhunt

An attempted homicide suspect, identified as Joshua Arnold, 41, of Visalia, was captured by law enforcement authorities after a series of shootings and manhunt

PASO ROBLES POLICE DEPARTMENT

AUGUST 21, 2023

18:07 — Juan Cervantesbautista, of Oceano was on view arrest on the 700 block of Experimental Station Rd for INFLICTING CORPORAL INJURY ON SPOUSE/COHABITANT [273.5(A)PC], Case no. 232695

13:07 — Aaron Roth, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 200 block of Meadowlark Rd for INFLICTING CORPORAL INJURY ON SPOUSE/COHABITANT [273.5(A)PC], Case no. 232693

21:51 — Lino Garciaordaz, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 3300 block of Spring St for LEWD ACTS WITH A MINOR [288(A)PC], Case no. 232696

AUGUST 22, 2023

13:11 — Gerson Davadidiaz, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 800 block of Spring St for BURGLARY [459PC], WILLFULLY RESISTS,DELAYS,OBSTRUCTS… [148(A)(1)PC], BATTERY ON PEACE OFFICER/EMERGENCY PERSONNEL/ETC [243(B)], Case no. 232704

18:46 — Chelsea Burch, of Templeton was on view arrest on the 400 block of Nickerson

Dr for ELDER ABUSE [368(C)PC], Case no. 232712

Makyla Westerhuis, of Paso Robles

Further investigation led to the recovery of a handgun at a nearby model home, where Arnold had reportedly entered before being apprehended. He was transported to the SLO County Jail and booked on multiple charges, including attempted homicide, attempted carjacking, felon in possession of a handgun, and felon

E and HWY 101 SB for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A) H&S], BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 232716

12:15 — Albert Francis, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the corner of 36th and Park St for UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION [11550(A)HS], Case no. 232700

AUGUST 23, 2023

00:11 — Cameron Maclauchlin, of Atascadero was on view arrest on the 100 block of Niblick Rd for WILLFULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC], Case no. 232717

00:17 — Aubree Lopez, of Rio Linda was on view arrest on the corner of Niblick Rd and Spring St for PUBLIC INTOXINATION [647(F)

“When disaster strikes, Americans come together,” said Newsom. “California will support Florida and Georgia as they work to protect citizens from the damage of Hurricane Idalia.”

Three task force members are going to Atlanta, Georgia, with another six to Orlando, Florida.

As the storm is expected to

OR STAY AWAY ORDER [273.6(A)PC], Case no. 232672

00:33 — Tennis Mahon, of Agoura Hills was arrested for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC], Case no. 232723

08:50 — Kody Santos, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 100 block of Niblick Rd for POSSESS NARCOTIC CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11350(A)H&S], POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)

H&S], Case no. 232724

17:57 — Frank Reyes, of Santa Rosa was arrested for DISORDERLY CONDUCT/DRUNK IN PUBLIC [647(F)PC], Case no. 232732

00:00 — Eduardo Bravo, of Santa Margarita was summoned/cited on the corner of Rambouillet Rd and St Anne Dr for DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED FOR DUI [14601.2(A)

VC], FAILURE TO STOP AT STOP SIGN/ OR

R/R CROSSING [22450(A)VC], Case no. 232729

AUGUST 25, 2023

12:36 — Steven Cowan, of San Miguel was on view arrest on the 3400 block of Spring St for INFLICTING CORPORAL INJURY ON SPOUSE/COHABITANT [273.5(A)PC], Case

Local leaders voice their support: Senator Caballero: “With numerous hospitals on the brink of bankruptcy in California, my number one priority this year has been to ensure that residents of the 14th Senate District had access to high quality health care. I have worked diligently with my legis-

Stag Way for DOMESTIC BATTERY [243(E)(1) PC], Case no. 232741

AUGUST 26, 2023

11:42 — Matthew Ellis, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 1200 block of Paso Robles St for PUBLIC INTOXINATION [647(F)PC], Case no. 232744

12:13 — Michael England, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 2800 block of Riverside for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 232745

AUGUST 27, 2023

00:40 — Brayan Sandovalmagallon, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the 500 block of 23rd St for VIOLATING A RESTRAINING, PROTECTIVE OR STAY AWAY ORDER [273.6(A)PC], INFLICTING CORPORAL INJURY ON SPOUSE/COHABITANT [273.5(A)

PC], Case no. 232749

13:15 — Aaron Goode, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 100 block of Niblick Rd for POSSESS NARCOTIC CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11350(A)H&S], Case no. 232752 15:00 — Charles Bennett, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the corner of

Assemblymember Garcia: “The Distressed Hospital Loan Program extends a lifeline to economically underserved hospitals, like those in our rural area, struggling to keep their doors open. We are grateful for the swift actions and collaborative leadership of Governor Newsom and my Legislative colleagues that have allowed us to deliver urgent financial relief to hospitals. These resources will protect access to emergency healthcare services in Imperial Valley and help save lives.”

PC], Case no. 232756

22:24 — Roger Games, of Atascadero was taken into custody on the 3300 block of Spring St for PRISONERS ON PAROLE MUST CONTINUE TO BE UNDER THE OFFICIAL

OF THE STATE [3056PC], BATTERY ON PEACE OFFICER/EMERGENCY PERSONNEL/ETC [243(B)], WILLFULLY RESISTS,DELAYS,OBSTRUCTS…[148(A)(1)

PC], Case no. 232758

ATASCADERO POLICE DEPARTMENT

AUGUST 21, 2023

10:09 — Brian Sumner, was arrested on the 6100 block of Capistrano Ave for PROBATION VIOLATION:REARREST/REVOKE [1203.2(A)],

BEVERLY ATKINS age 90 a resident of San Luis Obispo passed away on 08/26/2023

In the care of Blue Sky Cremation and Burial Service

RESERVOIR LEVELS

SANTA MARGARITA LAKE

(Salinas Reservoir): 52.4% capacity LOPEZ LAKE: 24.0% capacity LAKE NACIMIENTO: 19% capacity LAKE SAN ANTONIO: 10% capacity

WHALE ROCK: 71.99% capacity

WEATHER

FRIDAY 80º | 55º

SATURDAY 77º | 53º

SUNDAY 80º | 52º

MONDAY 88º | 55º

TUESDAY 90º | 55º

WEDNESDAY 88º | 55º

2022-23 RAINFALL TOTALS (Season:

From the Right and the Left: Legal and Constitutional ramifications of the Trump indictments

to the Constitution that has been in existence since the end of the Civil War. It reads that no person shall “hold any [state or federal] office” if they’ve previously taken an oath of office and then “engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the US or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.”

ly within the ambit of the disqualification clause, and he is therefore ineligible to serve as president ever again.”

From the Left

The task of choosing a topic for this week’s column was not really as difficult as previous weeks, given the rather astounding spectacle of watching the former president, his chief of staff, and numerous other close confidants being booked on some 41 charges over alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Even more astounding is the fact that this is the fourth indictment of the twice-impeached former president. Some say these are historical, if not hysterical, times that will coincide, if not collide, with the 2024 election. If only there were an escape hatch to spare the nation from increasing concern over violence borne of the most serious nature since the Civil War!

As the nation buckles up for a barnburner of a fight and growing suspicions that a seriously divided populace may erupt in violent confrontations fueled by disand misinformation, lies, and a mounting lack of confidence in both our leaders and our democratic institutions, it is neither hyperbole nor fantasy to imagine a rupture in the most successful democratic experiment in human history.

The souls of our founding fathers must truly be breaking at this juncture. However, there is a potentially bright line on the horizon that very well may offer us a lifeline, and it is totally bipartisan and steeped in constitutional foundation. Some of the brightest minds in constitutional construction and legal history are embarking on a theory that there is already an existing self-executing remedy in Section 3 of the 14th Amendment

Conservative legal scholars William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulson have written in a forthcoming law review article that the “January 6, 2021, rebellion disqualifies Trump under the 14th Amendment, arguing the section is still in effect and is ‘ready for use,’ and state officials can bar Trump from the ballot without any additional legislation or court rulings expressly permitting it,” according to an article by Alison Durkee writing in Forbes.

In addition, legal scholars J. Michael Luttig, a conservative, and left-leaning Laurence Tribe have recently written in the Atlantic that “no person who sought to overthrow our Constitution and thereafter declared that it should ‘be terminated’ and that he be immediately returned to the presidency can in good faith take the oath” required of presidents.

Baude and Paulsen also conclude that Section 3 requires no legislation, criminal conviction, or other judicial action in order to effectuate its command.

That is, Section 3 is “self-executing.” In their abstract for the University of Pennsylvania Law Review, the authors contend that Section 3 operates “as an immediate disqualification from office, without the need for additional action by Congress. It should be enforced by every official, state or federal, who judges qualifications.”

Tribe, who taught constitutional law at Harvard for nearly five decades, and Luttig, a conservative former judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals, wrote in their Atlantic article they endorsed Baude and Paulsen: “The former president’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, and the resulting attack on the US Capitol, place him square -

The logical decision-makers at the state level on disqualification would be either the secretary of state or a duly appointed state official. The decision would most certainly be challenged, and that challenge would go directly into court — either state or federal — and it would eventually make its way to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Since the background and language of constitutional law are foreign to most, the importance of this piece is to at least explore alternatives that could be important remedies to avoid a Constitutional crisis. In light of the time constraints until the 2024 presidential election and the rather tangled web of four indictments occurring in four different jurisdictions in a condensed period that will certainly see a frantic effort to repel what is projected to be a slew of delaying tactics, we might very well have found a remedy that already exists.

Certainly the stakes for our democracy could not be higher. The issue was recently raised in the Republican Party debate by former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who when questioned about the issue, replied “over a year ago, I said that Donald Trump was morally disqualified from being president again as a result of what happened on Jan. 6. More people are understanding the importance of that, including conservative legal scholars.”

It will be worth following as the debate over disqualification could essentially be the escape valve increasing numbers of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents are yearning for.

Lance Simmens is an independent columnist for Atascadero News / Paso Robles Press, he alongside Don Schmitz write a bi-weekly column on national topics from the perspective of their political leanings. You can forward any comments you have to editor@13starsmedia.com.

From the Right

Fuller County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis has indicted former President Donald Trump and others under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). RICO legislation has been enacted nationwide so prosecutors can dismantle organized crime like the Mafia, whereupon any participation in a criminal enterprise can land you in jail. If an individual works towards the goals of the illicit group, even legal actions are punishable as a “co-conspirator.” You can be a secretary making coffee, but if you work for the cartels smuggling drugs, you can go to jail for a very long time.

One act identified in this indictment is that Trump tweeted “Georgia hearings now on @OANN. Amazing!” Tweeting out about a news channel covering hearings is First Amendment-protected, but it could cost Trump 20 years in jail. Historically such criminal organizations were obvious in their intent, so don’t get involved or you might do time. However, no consultants and lawyers of political campaigns believe they are involved in a criminal enterprise, so was the Trump team an illicit organization? Let’s unpack that.

Imagine an election whereupon a candidate’s campaign team arranges “contingent electors,” or as the indictment and media report, “false electors,” to cast their votes at the electoral college in contradiction to that certified by the secretary of state for insurance during a recount. That’s exactly what happened in the 1876 election for Rutherford B. Hayes, and the 1960 Nixon/Kennedy election. Democrats say that’s different

because Hawaii was razor close, whereas Biden won Georgia by 12,000 votes. However, Trump’s team believed there was massive fraud, and sought the insurance of the alternate electors, just as Kennedy did.

Trump, in disputing the results of the 2020 election made a phone call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger requesting help. “All I want to do is this. I just want to find 11,780 votes... Because we won the state,” Trump said. Famed liberal constitutional scholar Alan Dershowitz, former legal counsel for Al Gore, wrote a best-selling book called “Supreme Injustice” asserting that the 2000 election was stolen by Republican George Bush and the Supreme Court.

Regarding Trump 2020, he stated, “It’s pretty much the same thing I did and Professor Laurence Tribe did, and those of us who were on the Al Gore team. I was representing the voters of Palm Beach County, and we were saying ‘please check this county, check that county, find this vote find those votes. We think there are more votes. We did the same thing and Professor Tribe, wrote a legal memorandum essentially laying out a strategy very similar to the strategy for which these folks are being indicted today.”

So, a recount in Florida with a slew of legal challenges all the way to the Supreme Court was okay for Democrats, but recounts and legal challenges in Georgia for Republicans is illegal, and makes the Trump team a corrupt organization? Indicted Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani testified at legislative hearings in Georgia that they believed there was widespread election fraud, just like 2018 Democrat gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrahms “proudly” never conceded her defeat, claiming election fraud and voter suppression. She accused her opponent Republican Brian Kemp, who was secretary of state at the time of voter suppression.

Last year Federal Judge Steve Jones ruled against her lawsuit, prompting now

Strategies for enhanced mental health

not attempting to impress others or try to be someone that you are not.

DANIEL RICH COLUMNIST

This information may not be new, but it could reaffirm your current approaches.

First and foremost, be yourself, which has been described as being self-actualized. While it is being open-minded to listen to the advice and counsel of others carefully, the bottom line is to be true to yourself and to follow your own instincts and intuitions. Be true to your own goals, priorities, values, and passions. Basically, this means

The culture of repression and denial has been very prevalent in our society, starting in the 1930s. This has been called the “John Wayne” syndrome, where it was not considered manly to admit to or express your feelings. This was the era of the “stiff upper lip.” Don’t expose yourself, don’t let people know how you really feel, and be pleasant all the time, even when you don’t feel that way. Don’t express anger, anxiety, or jealousy. Children were admonished to keep their feelings to themselves. And parents were advised never to consult their children about their feelings or opinions.

The approach of pretending that you do not feel the way you do is described as denial

or repression and is not desirable for your mental health; it has also been proven to be both detrimental to one’s physical health. Admitting to and embracing one’s feelings, regardless of what they are, is substantially more effective than attempting to deny or repress feelings.

Others may attempt to control you or attempt to make you feel guilty if you do not conform to their agendas or goals. But, it is a different story if you seek out the opinions or advice of others.

Avoid multitasking. When a person is fatigued, overwhelmed, or simply attempting to do too many things at once, that is when mistakes, miscalculations, and accidents are more prone to occur.

Sleep deprivation, inadequate diet, and lack of exercise are all

factors that typically contribute to functioning less effectively and efficiently.

Social interactions with both family and friends may be the most significant thing that you can do to enhance good mental health. The not often talked about elephant in the room may be the issue of substance abuse. Suffice to say that either alcohol or drug abuse not only does not solve mental health issues, it is almost always a complicating and negative factor, minimizing the ability to engage in introspection. The first step in dealing with understanding oneself is always to not abuse either drugs or alcohol.

There are some people who may claim that the road to good mental health is to stay rooted in the present, claiming that this is all we really have. Pretending that the past has

Governor Kemp’s statement: “Judge Jones’ ruling exposes this legal effort for what it really is: a tool wielded by a politician hoping to wrongfully weaponize the legal system to further her own political goals.” Now Trump lawyer Ray Smith is indicted under RICO for filing lawsuits challenging the 2020 election. Will DA Willis indict Abrahms and all her associates under RICO for claiming her loss was fraudulent and filing a lawsuit, or has the legal system truly become a partisan political weapon?

Self-proclaimed “Proud Democrat” Willis co-hosted a fundraiser for the Democrat running against now Lt. Governor Burt Jones, who was a contingent elector for Trump. She sought indictment against Jones but dropped it when admonished by the court on her conflict. She herself posted on social media doubts about the Georgia election calling it “a mess,” claiming Fulton County officials were throwing ballots out, and affirming “A team of lawyers needs to watch them count every single vote.” Beyond hypocrisy.

The Texas attorney general filed a motion with the Supreme Court contesting the 2020 election in four states, including Georgia, with a joint amicus from 17 other state AGs. Should Willis file RICO indictments on those 18 state AGs? Legal matters run their course, but this spurious RICO indictment screams prosecutorial misconduct. The indictments piling up in highly partisan districts in the middle of the presidential campaign are bolstering the belief by millions of Americans that this is a banana republic effort to use the legal system to destroy a political opponent, and the Democrats are in a glass house.

Don Schmitz is an independent columnist for Atascadero News / Paso Robles Press, he alongside Lance Simmens write a bi-weekly column on national topics from the perspective of their political leanings. You can forward any comments you have to editor@13starsmedia.com.

no influence is sheer folly; ask anyone who has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Pretending that there is no reason to be concerned about the future is also sheer folly. While it does not make any sense to magnify either the past or the future, it is also just not realistic to ignore either.

Writing a journal or even an autobiography can really help being introspective, letting you see patterns and aspects of your life that you had not previously thought about.

Speaking of writing, if one has suffered from past traumatic experiences, writing letters about those events has been shown to be very therapeutic. These letters do not get mailed; they are a mechanism for dealing with traumatic events.

In general, I am suggesting

a path of moderation. Neither obsessing or magnifying issues or challenges, on one hand, but on the other hand, not pretending that things are all pleasure and sunshine when they are not.

Spending some time every day with whatever gives you joy and pleasure is not only worthwhile but essential for good mental health.

Even in the most challenging times, having a sense of humor, optimism, and perspective helps get one of the rough spots.

Last but not least of all, gratitude for even the smallest things in life helps.

Your reactions or comments are welcome.

Daniel Rich is a retired therapist and independent opinion columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email him at djrich9133@ sbcglobal.net.

Don Schmitz COLUMNIST

Lance Simmens COLUMNIST

October for the murder of 19-year-old Cal Poly student

Kristin Smart back in 1996.

This March, he was sentenced to 25 years to life. Flores was convicted in Salinas at the Monterey County Courthouse after it was ruled he would not receive a fair trial in San Luis Obispo County.

According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) he is eligible for parole in August of 2037.

Harold Mesick, who is now serving as Flores’s attorney, told Paso Robles Press/ Atascadero News that Flores was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition. According to Mesick, Flores was cut on the neck during the attack. By Friday, Aug. 25, Flores was stable and brought back to the prison. CDCR has not stated

specifics on the attack, which is currently being investigated by the prison’s investigative services unit.

Flores was transferred to the Pleasant Valley State Prison and placed into isolation. A week later, he was entered into the general prison population and attacked shortly after.

Flores was originally scheduled to appear in court that Thursday, where it was expected he would officially request Mesick to represent him for the restitution phase of his case. Mesick represented Flores’s father, Ruben Flores, during the murder trial. Ruben was ruled not guilty of assisting his son in hiding Smart’s remains. Subsequently, due to the attack, Flores’s hearing has been postponed to Sept. 28.

This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes released.

KYNDAL CONTINUED FROM A1

first of many new fundraisers is planned.

A Drive-Thru BBQ Dinner will be held at the Atascadero Elks Lodge on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 2 to 5 p.m. The event includes raffle prizes and a Buy-It-Now Auction. Sponsorship opportunities include event, placemat, and flight sponsor levels. Proceeds from this fundraiser will directly fund Kyndal and Raquel’s travel expenses for the next two years. Another option for donations is to donate airline miles. To contribute miles, visit the provided link and use their AAadvantage numbers: Raquel Gottfried (E7HP272) and Kyndal Gottfried (U3JP270), with the email address flight2fight@yahoo.com.

Raquel tells Atascadero News about her appreciation for the community’s support in Kyndal’s fight against cancer, “I am [thankful] to have the family, friends, and community that we have. No matter how far we are from home, we always feel supported. Kyndal and I aren’t doing this alone and I thank God for surrounding us with a community that is carrying us through this journey.”

For more information on the fundraiser, visit flight-2-fight.perfectgolfevent.com. A GoFundMe page for Kyndal can be found at gofund.me/4d7584ec

ovate-the-beloved-play-structure.

FARMSTEAD ED

CONTINUED FROM A1

of my roots, part of my soul,” says Sonne. Traveling the country and bouncing around the world, Sonne grew to have a greater love for her hometown and its access to fresh products and goods. “I love to entertain,” Sonne said. “I love to have friends and family at my home, and it’s always about good food as much as it is about good company.”

Entertaining friends and family with meals made from local ingredients was how Sonne came to her “a-ha” moment and the inception of Farmstead ED. Specifically, the moment came while horseback riding at a friend’s ranch in Adelaide. Sonne was astonished at how many of her friends didn’t know about our local agricultural supply. So, she began developing Farmstead ED in 2014 as a way to bring consumers to the farmer — table to farm. Hands-on learning has always been a large component of Farmstead ED by holding on the farm and open-air classes.

assistant content editor camille devaul camille@atascaderonews.com

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office administrator cami martin office@atascaderonews.com

trying to figure out if we can do it with maybe just plexiglass across them or something like that. We are working on that,” continued Peschong.

Peschong added that the park and the play structure had experienced a heavy dose of vandalism over the last year.

On Monday, Aug. 21, the bathrooms right next to the structure were vandalized with graffiti, and the bathrooms needed to be fully repainted to cover up the damage done.

“The structure itself meets all safety guidelines that the county has,” Peschong added about the play structure.

On Aug. 14, The Templeton Recreation Foundation put together a petition online about renovating the park.

As of Aug. 29, they have 747 signatures out of their current goal of 1,000. You can find the petition here: change.org/p/ revitalize-templeton-park-ren-

Series of classes have always typically included education and ended with a locally grown and made meal.

“This [Farmstead ED] was a hobby for me,” says Sonne of starting her nonprofit. “This was a passion. I still call it my passion project.”

The open-air concept of Farmstead ED garnered more attention for them through the COVID pandemic. More people wanted to be outside and learn more about where their food came from. The farm-totable idealism took new life and expanded into a thriving industry of agri-tourism. Sonne started Farmstead ED by bringing the “townies” to the farms. Now she is bringing tourists who are looking to add something different to their SLO County vacation.

Once a year, Farmstead ED holds its Open Farm Days Weekend — a selfguided journey of over 30 farms, ranches, and purveyors throughout SLO County, many of which are not generally open to the public. Local farms open their gates

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“The ongoing concern is the county has been replacing as they can, but parts are either on backorder or just no longer exist because the park is over, I think, over 25 years old,” said Templeton Recreation Foundation board member and creator of the petition Khouloud Pearson. “And so it’s not replaceable. The current practice has been to take away, to dismantle, to kind of band-aid fix, but there hasn’t really been any talk to renovate or modernize the park, even though it is kind of the heart and center of Templeton.”

Some parents in Templeton even took it upon themselves to email Peschong and the Parks and Recreation Department. Pearson added that there was never any indication in responses that the park would be updated, causing frustration among parents and other community members. She added that she knows

to host farm tours, workshops, demos, tastings, and unique agricultural experiences. This year’s weekend happened July 14-16, where they held the first kick-off event, a Friday Night Farmer’s Marketplace at Paso Robles Downtown City Park. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefited the SLO County Farm Trail, and The Great AGventure, an annual agriculture field day for local students.

So what does the future hold for Farmstead ED? The possibilities, Sonne says, are unknown and endless, but “The potential is huge.”

Farmstead ED is looking forward to finding mentorships for operating as a nonprofit and funding to continue their crusade of bringing the farmers, creators, and “townies” together.

But no matter what the future holds, Sonne says, “I want to continue to grow and highlight the magic that our local farms have.”

To learn more about Farmstead ED, visit farmsteaded.com

it always goes back to funds, and the Foundation realizes that there might need to be fundraising on their end to help with the end goal, which the Foundation would like to see as a completely new play structure.

“The petition was mostly to generate the interest and to display to the county that there are people that are invested in our park and in our play structure and that it’s a priority to us and it should be a priority to them,” continued Pearson.

On Tuesday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m., there was a Town Hall meeting in Templeton where close to 15 residents met with Peschong, who said that he would add the park to his list to discuss when the County’s 2023-24 Fiscal Year is discussed later this year.

“In talking with the community, there is a thought behind them raising some additional revenue for the county,” Peschong said. “We don’t have a lot of money here at the

county, but I’d certainly be willing to pitch in some of my community funds to try to help purchase some equipment. But that equipment that we have in there is pretty expensive stuff. These playground structures are very expensive for municipalities.”

The Templeton Recreation Foundation has plans to set up a GoFundMe page in the near future and also plans on holding a couple of fundraising events later this year. And both Pearson and Peschong mentioned the Paso Robles and Templeton Chamber of Commerce holding an event in October, where proceeds will go towards the park’s renovation.

“We’re willing to work with fundraising because, obviously, we want the best park that money can buy for Templeton, but we also want the county to step forward with some funds or a commitment in their budget to contribute as well,” concluded Pearson.

TEMPLETON PARK CONTINUED FROM A1

Kyndal, seen here with her teddy bear, hopes to be getting treatment in a clinical trial at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia (CHOG) for her brain tumor. Contributed Photo

Templeton Recreation Foundation has started petition to renovate the play structure at Templeton Park.

Photo by Christianna Marks

Groves on 41 mother and daughter owners and farmers Karen (left) and Jennifer Tallent walking through their olive tree groves. Contributed Photo

They came in to buy a book, left with a bookstore

How two bookish besties became the new owners of Spare Time Books

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS

PASO ROBLES — Clio Bruns and Carla Cary’s love of books and reading started early. In fact, their love of words strung into stories started before they could read themselves. So, as things go, it only made sense for the two best friends to buy the last bookstore left in Paso Robles together. Especially after they discovered the property manager wanted to make sure that Spare Time Books stayed a bookshop.

“We kind of got the idea, ‘Well, we’ve been best friends for 13 years. We love reading. Maybe we could do it,’” stated Carla.

The besties headed into Spare Time, which opened in Paso Robles in the 1980s, with an idea and a love for books and began chatting with the previous owner’s husband.

“At first, we had introduced ourselves and said we were interested in buying the shop, and he was very hesitant at first because he thought we were about 15 years old,” said Clio with a laugh. “We would come in each week just to stop by and say hi and chat with him and let him know we were still interested and it wasn’t just a passing phase. And eventually, we befriended him and his wife, and suddenly, he gave us the keys.”

In magical small-town fashion, Clio and Carla were handed the keys and started training to take over the bookshop before any money was put down. The keys landed in their hands in early April, and by April 13, the papers were officially signed.

“We wrote a cover letter,” Carla said. “We drove out to the Carissa Plains Monument, took a picture with the wildflowers, really awkward photos of us with our dogs, printed it out, typed out a cover letter, brought it in, handed it to him, and he said, ‘OK, I’m ready, when do you want it?’ And we said, ‘tomorrow.’”

In the last four months, Carla and Clio have been neck deep in reno-

vating Spare Time Books and turning it into a place where everyone can gather together and enjoy a bookshop that’s cozy and inviting.

“We have so many great ideas for this place,” Clio said. “So excited to get the renovations done so we can truly get going on that and have this place meet its full potential.”

On top of selling used books, which is what Spare Time’s inventory is currently made up of, the besties also

Elks to hold monthly bingo on second Sunday of every month to benefit charity

Since its inception in 1987, the Atascadero lodge has contributed over $850,000 to various programs

ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Elks Lodge will be resuming bingo which is open to the public on the second Sunday of every month to benefit charity started on Aug. 13. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the bingo games begin at 12:30 p.m. You must be 18 years old to play bingo and no alcohol is allowed. Food will be available for purchase. All proceeds go to charity.

“The Atascadero Elks Lodge is committed to helping our community through charitable contributions and projects,” stated Ronnie Maxwell, Exalted Ruler, Atascadero Elks Lodge #2733. “Restarting the monthly charity bingo games is our main fundraiser to support youth scholarships, youth activities, local sports teams, programs for handicapped and needy children,

patriotic programs, veterans’ programs, and many other community activities.”

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. Its 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.

have plans to incorporate new books in the future. They’re also planning on hosting online and in-person book clubs they run and want to rent their space out to local book clubs who need a bookish home to gather in. They also want to offer a program where kids can read to the shop dogs: Meddow, Bentley, Winston, and Kylo. And they can’t wait for the day when they can host local authors in the shop for readings and book signings.

“We want this place to be so much more than a bookshop, but really a community space, and we want people to spend hours here if they want,” Clio said.

The Bookstore Besties also said they continue to have lots of foot traffic from the local community coming into the store during open hours. They added that their online bookish community also supports them by buying books online. The mixture of

local love and the bookish community online has made it possible for them to add to their staff and expand their team already.

“Our community is very excited for us. They’re living vicariously through us,” Carla said. “I think a lot of people’s dreams are to own a bookshop/coffee shop combo, you know, with the shop dogs. It just seems so magical and it’s an honor that we get to carry that on for them and hopefully inspire them to do it themselves, too, because the country needs a lot more bookshops.”

Over the last couple of years, BookTok, Bookstagram, and BookTube have taken off, creating a huge online community of book lovers, and while renovating and revamping the shop, Carla and Clio have gained 160,000 followers on their TikTok channel and 20,000 followers on their YouTube Channel, under the handle Book Shop Besties.

“It’s also really exciting because we’ve had quite a few of our TikTok followers come in and say that they came here just to meet us and see the shop in person,” added Clio.

“Every time someone comes in and they’ve seen us online, it’s like wow. You went out of your way to meet us. You put this on your map for your vacation, your holiday. This mom and daughter came in and they drove here because of us, which was crazy,” continued Carla. “It’s not just a product, it’s not just a person, but it’s a whole community involved in it as well, and I think that makes it special. Everyone is kind of part of this journey with us. It’s not just me doing something that I like to do. We’re doing this together, and we all have this collective dream, book lovers, you know. And here we go. Let’s go.”

Spare Time Books is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or online at sparetimebooks.com

Follow the Book Shop Besties journey in person or on one of their channels: YouTube: youtube.com/@bookshopbesties

TikTok: tiktok.com/@bookshopbesties

Instagram: instagram.com/ bookshopbesties

Celebration of Life scheduled for late Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin

The event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the downtown City Park gazebo

PASO ROBLES — The City of Paso Robles has announced a Community Celebration of Life event to commemorate the legacy of the late Mayor Steve Martin. Recognizing his profound impact on the community, the event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the downtown City Park gazebo. Martin passed away on Monday, Aug. 14, after a hard-fought illness.

The public first learned of Martin’s health concerns on March 2, when the City of Paso Robles released an update to address rumors surrounding his absences from two previous City Council meetings. It was said by city staff that Mayor Martin was receiving treatment for a serious health concern.

The mayor took a step back from his duties serving the city to focus on his health, treatment, recovery, and family and had participated in City Council meetings remotely when he was available to.

Martin was first elected mayor of Paso Robles in 2014. He was elected in 2012 as a councilmember and was again elected as mayor in 2018, and again for a third term in November 2022, which would have run through 2026. He also previously served on the Paso Robles City Council from 1987 to 1996 and was selected by his peers

to be mayor of Paso Robles from 1988 to 1990. Martin was a life-long resident of the North County, growing up in Atascadero and living in Paso Robles from 1973 until his passing.

Martin was a dedicated leader and advocate for Paso Robles, touched the lives of

countless residents through his tireless efforts to enhance the city’s growth and prosperity. The Celebration of Life will serve as an opportunity for the community to come together, remember his remarkable contributions, and honor his commitment to making Paso Robles a better place.

Clio Bruns (left) and Carla Cary, aka The Book Shop Besties, have been best friends for the last 13 years. Photo by Christianna Marks

Clio Bruns (left) and Carla Cary stand in front of their book shop Spare Time Books in Paso Robles.

Clio Bruns (left) and Carla Cary are the newest female owners of Spare Time Books.

Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin was first elected in 2014 after decades of serving the community. He passed away from a quick battle against cancer on Monday, Aug. 14. Contributed Photo

The NONPROFIT

Atascadero Greyhound Foundation

AWARENESS - PREVENTION - INTERVENTION - EDUCATION

Boys & Girls Clubs at Creston Elementary School helping underserved kids thrive

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

Friends of the Paso Robles Library

possible

Generous support from Must! Charities makes it all

CRESTON — It’s back to school time in the rural community of Creston in North San Luis Obispo County, and for the second year, children at Creston Elementary School will benefit from an after-school program right on their campus, provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast. Since early 2022, the organization established a school-based site to help with the urgent need for childcare in that community. Through a financial partnership with Must! Charities — a local convener of financial resources that helps focus philanthropy on meeting urgent needs in the San Luis Obispo region — the clubs and all operating costs are covered by Must!

Creston Elementary School may be small, but it serves all children in this rural area east of Atascadero. With parents commuting out of the area for work, safe, high-quality child care is a great need for working parents.

With programs like Power Hour — a homework help program offered every day by the Boys & Girls Club — the National Fine Arts Program, STEAM activities, programs that help children learn about health and healthy choices, the services offered by Boys & Girls

Clubs help Creston students have the best after-school experience possible.

Jennifer Kinnear, who was the de facto head of school for most of last year shares, “Boys & Girls Club has been such an amazing addition to Creston Elementary School! It provides easy access to childcare for our working parents who might normally have to drive into Atascadero or Paso. This allows them to work without interruption and gas expenses, providing more income for their households.

In addition, all of our students want to go to Boys & Girls Club, knowing they get extra time with their friends, dedicated time and help with homework, and then their evening free with family. Boys & Girls Club is a wine win.”

Emily Reneau, chief of philanthropy for BGCMCC, has worked closely with the team at Must! to develop this partnership. She shares, “We value our partnership with Must! Charities. Because of the seed money provided by them, we were able to open up the Creston Club and develop the foundation to sustain operations for future years.”

The intention is to serve this community with high-quality after-school programming as long as the community needs it.

For more information about after-school programs offered by Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, visit centralcoastkids.org and for information on the philanthropy provided by Must! Charities visit mustcharities.org.

CONTACT INFO

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

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

Cancer Support Community – California Central Coast

DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

CONTACT INFO

1051 Las Tablas Rd.

Templeton, CA 93465

(805) 238-4411

Monday - Thursday 9 am – 4 pm

Fridays by Appointment cscslo.org

CONTACT INFO

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

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

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

Redwings Horse Sanctuary

For information about making donations, adoptions, etc, visit redwingshorsesanctuary.com. For upcoming events, visit facebook.com/pg/redwingshorses/events

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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

Sunday Sept 10th, 2023 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Tickets

July 1 - September 5

Sale (805) 237-3751 info@redwingshorsesanctuary.org

INTERESTED

atascaderonews.com • pasoroblespress.com Making Communities Better Through Print. Thursday, August 31, 2023 • PAGE B-3

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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.

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Run dates: August 31, 2023 and September 07, 2023

CITY OF ATASCADERO 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

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PERSPECTIVE

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

ATASCADERO GOSPEL CHAPEL

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

Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living

A New Thought Spiritual Community. Living the Consciously Awakened Life. Rev. Elizabeth Rowley Hogue Sunday 10:00am at the Pavilion

9315 Pismo Way, Atascadero (805) 391-4465. awakeningways.org

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

barbie butz COLUMNIST

Along with September, we are blessed with another favorite of mine, the apple. They’re available year-round but are at their best in the autumn when newly harvested. A trip through See Canyon here in San Luis Obispo County is a must for some of the best apples I’ve ever tasted.

I mention these fruits because this month’s recipes use both. Our weather in September still allows us to use the grill for barbecuing, and some days are just right for using the oven for baking.

If you plan a Labor Day picnic, these ribs will be perfect. Bake them first in the oven so the pork gets tender, then finish them on the grill with the peachy basting sauce.

Peachy Pork Ribs

Ingredients:

2 racks pork baby back ribs (4 pounds), cut into serving-size pieces

• 1/2 cup water

• 3 medium ripe peaches,

Perfect for a Labor Day picnic

peeled, pitted, and cubed

• 2 tablespoons chopped onion

2 tablespoons butter

1 garlic clove, minced

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons orange juice

concentrate

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons soy saucepan1/2

teaspoon ground mustard

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Place ribs in a shallow roasting pan; add water. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 2 hours. For sauce, place peaches in a blender; cover and process until blended. In a small saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute longer. Stir in the lemon juice, orange juice concentrate. Brown sugar, soy sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, and peach puree; heat through. Remove ribs from oven and drain off drippings. Spoon some of the sauce over ribs. Grill ribs on a lightly oiled rack, covered, over medium heat until browned, 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with sauce.

Note: While you have the ribs on the grill, consider throwing a few peach halves on the grill at the same time, brushing them

with some of the sauce. Use the halves to garnish the platter of ribs when serving.

Strudels are those popular baked goods whose fillings can be sweet or savory. Probably the most familiar filling in this area calls for apples, and this next recipe is a revised and easy version of an Apple Strudel, perfect for this time of the year. Easy Apple Strudel

Ingredients:

1/3 cup raisins

2 tablespoons water

• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

• 3 cups coarsely chopped peeled apples

• 1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar, divided

3 tablespoons all-purpose

flour

1/4 teaspoon ground

cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons canola oil

• 8 sheets phyllo dough (14×9inch size)

Confectioners’ sugar, optional

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place raisins, water, and extract in a large microwave-safe bowl; microwave uncovered on high for 1 1/2 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Drain any liquid. Add

American Eulogy

lee pitts COLUMNIST

Acommon theme that dominates the conversation of most people my age is that they are glad they’ll be decomposing six feet under the grass and won’t be around to live in the glorious future they created. My fellow senior citizens and I feel bad for the babies born today who, on average, already owe $13,425 in state debt and $78,089 in federal debt. I, on the other hand, wish I was going to be around to witness the carnage and to say, “I told you so.”

I don’t think most younger Americans fully grasp that they’re sleepwalking into the fan blades of a giant green wind machine. As for the $31 trillion they’re already on the hook for, what do they care, just like their $200,000 in student debt, they have no intention of paying it back either. Who cares if the debt is $31 trillion or $130 trillion? If we need more money we’ll just print more.

In their world young people today think they’re all gonna work from home, or sitting at Starbucks, staring at their phone all day doing what they call “work” without a boss looking over their shoulder. Or they’ll make a lucrative living being an “influencer” on YouTube, Twitter or Facebook. The Indians will make a living dealing blackjack, the blacks by playing sports and the illegal Mexicans by doing our dishes and our yard work.

We’re all gonna live in online communities of strangers and when we’re hungry our food will be delivered by DoorDash and Uber drivers and for everything else we need, we’ll get it from Amazon and pay for it with Bitcoin. We won’t worry about a steady paycheck because we’ll all be getting reparations checks for something or other, so we’ll just hang around and wait for our inheritance when our parents die so we can inherit their house. And we won’t even have to move from where we’re already living.

All the pollution will disappear because all our factories will be shuttered and one-third of the traffic will be parked at Tesla charging stations. We’ll live in a world of renewable energy and zero emissions, and when we

need more batteries, we’ll just buy them at Costco. We’ll just take the used-up batteries back or store them with our spent nuclear fuel rods we don’t know where to warehouse.

The letters “USA” won’t stand for the United States of America any more but “Unlimited Sprawl Area” because everyone will live in the office buildings made vacant when everyone started working from home. President Biden’s 30/30 dream will be realized when at least 30 percent of U.S. lands will be conserved by 2030 so busloads of Japanese tourists with cameras dangling from their necks will be running from packs of wolves, marauding bears and hungry mountain lions in our national parks. Our borders will remain open to insure we’ll have someone to raise our kids.

Getting rid of all fossil fuels because of climate change will bring families closer together as we burn furniture and three generations snuggle together to share body heat. It will be just like camping! (But don’t forget to be on the lookout for the aforementioned wolves, bears and lions.)

The future we’ve created will be a kinder, gentler and smarter world as everyone will be female

Infinite Potentiality

It stays unformed possibility. Life needs you for its potential to take form.”

apples, 1/3 cup sugar, flour, and cinnamon; toss to combine.

In a small bowl, mix melted butter and oil; remove 2 teaspoons mixture for brushing top of strudel before baking. Place 1 sheet of phyllo dough on a work surface; brush lightly with some of the butter mixture. (Keep remaining phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.) Layer with 7 additional phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with the butter mixture. Spread apple mixture over phyllo to within 2 inches of 1 long side. Fold the short edges over the filling. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting from the side with a 2-inch border. Transfer to a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.

Brush with reserved butter mixture; sprinkle with remaining 2 teaspoons sugar. With a sharp knife, cut diagonal slits on top of the strudel. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, 35-40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. If desired, dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving. Makes 6 servings. Enjoy September. Cheers!

Barbie Butz is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email her at bbutz1@outlook.com

and boys will be boys no longer. Instead they’ll grow their own boobs, have their plumbing rearranged and have their appendage removed. (Ouch!) As for making babies, well, maybe we didn’t do a very good job of explaining the birds and the bees to our kids. And perhaps we should have come clean about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy too. As for our birthrate dipping below “sustainable” levels, well, again that’s what the open borders are for and why our Congress looks like an LGBTQ+ parade.

If, and when, there is a World War III, it will all be conducted by soldiers at keyboards with joysticks, drinking 5-hour energy drinks, just like playing a violent video game. As for this great experiment, we called America, we’ll finally come to the realization that the grand experiment just didn’t work and we’ve been the big bully on the block far too long.

The only advice I have for our inheritors is to bone up on your Chinese, North Korean, and Russian.

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

Iwas recently at a leadership retreat where someone shared their excitement about how much potential they were aware of at the moment. “There’s so much potential here,” they said. Yes, we are surrounded by, immersed, and living in a field of Infinite Potentiality. It needs us individually to collapse the waves of possibility and bring potential into form, quantum physically speaking.

Christian Sorenson observed, “Without you, Infinite Potential remains just that, potential.

When we tap into Infinite Potential, we get present to the mighty, magnificent power and force of the Divine. It feels enormous because it is. It’s eternal. It reminds me of the awe I feel when I look out at the ocean. It appears to go on and on forever. I can see the horizon line, but I can’t wrap my mind around how far away that line is or how long it might take to get there. This sense of awe connects me to the great Mystery of Spirit. It’s okay to dwell in the wonder of Infinite Potentiality for a little bit. However, at some point, you’ve got to pull that potential down into form as a tangible experience.

Remember, you are a unique, unrepeatable, individual expression of the Divine. Your passion and purpose can only be done

through you in the fantastic, particular, brilliant, sparkly, and magnificent way that is you. Perhaps you’re thinking, “Oh, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? They can do it. I’m busy. Pass me a donut.” Spirit is calling you, my friend. Spirit asks, “Who are you not to be the brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous being of light and love you came here to be? You are a child of God.”` Your actions, decisions, and contributions matter. Who you are matters. You are a valuable, unique, spectacular being of light and love, and the world is ready for you to share your gifts. Yes, there is so much potential here, and it is up to you to bring this potential to life. Your engagement, effort, and creativity are essential for turning potential into tangible reality. What are you waiting for? The time is now. You cannot fail.

This great paradox we live in as spiritual beings having a human experience informs us that we are Divinely human. We are two sides of the same coin, like a quarter. Just as a seed needs the right conditions to grow into a flourishing plant, the potential within any situation or circumstance needs the influence of human agency to blossom. Your involvement breathes life into what might otherwise remain an untapped opportunity, Infinite Potential lying dormant, waiting for you. Get involved. Get out of the bleachers and into the game of life. Play full out, all in, one hundred percent. Bring that Infinite Potential into form through and as you. We have been waiting for you. And so it is.

Rev. Elizabeth Rowley is an independent columnist for The Atascadero

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rev. elizabeth rowley hogue COLUMNIST

WATER POLO

Local donors generously fund the 2022-23 Atascadero Middle School water polo season, making it possible

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS

ATASCADERO — In 2022, the Atascadero Middle School (AMS) water polo team was started by Jon Conrad. Conrad is known for also being the head water polo coach at Atascadero high school (AHS) and running the A-Town Water Polo Club.

“We also have our A-Town Water Polo Club. Which is what we do for High School during the summer and for the youth program,” stated Lauri Conrad, Jon’s wife, who is on the board of A-Town Water Polo Club. “For the last couple of years, we’ve actually been offering youth water polo year round.”

This year’s 2023 AMS water polo season was in limbo, and the Conrads knew the school district would not have a pool available to any of their water sports as the pool at the high school is still under construction.

“It was going to be our second year of the middle school program, but due to the lack of a pool, the district wasn’t able to find a location for us to train or pay for a coach or anything,” Jon Conrad said. “My wife (Lauri) was motivated and said, ‘No, we’ve gotta still have this program.’ So we pursued Kennedy Club Fitness, and they were very gracious and amazing to work with us. I talked to the school district, and they allowed us to run it (the middle school team) as a club team, even though we represented the middle school.”

To make this year’s season happen, the Conrads started reaching out to the local community donors to ask for help, and together, private families, large local corporations, Kennedy Club Fitness of Atascadero, and the A-Town Water Polo Club made sure that a season happened.

“Middle school sports,” Lauri Conrad said. “No one has to pay for those; the school usually covers it, and so we really, my heart was to be able to offer a middle school water polo team where anybody could try out, and finances were not an obstacle. It was just the same as any other middle school sport.”

The donors were Z Villages, Kiwanis Club of Atascadero, The North County Restaurant

Group, and The Jones Family, whose children participated in the club team and AHS water polo. All four groups and individuals were the reason AMS had a season this year.

“The whole season for middle school was fully supported by some of our great supporters in the community, and so we did get the green light from the school district to run a water polo program, but it was through our club. So we ran it through our club, but we treated it like a middle school team,” added Lauri. “We technically weren’t Atascadero Middle School because we weren’t under the school, but the school gave us permission to represent them, so to speak, through our club.”

The practices took place at Kennedy, and the

season lasted the last five weeks of the 202223 school year. The girls team landed first place, with the boys team taking second.

“The first year we did it, there were several boys who did not make the team who came out the second year and made it, which is super cool because I love those kinds of stories. And now one of those kids is playing for our high school team,” said Lauri.

She also commented that the other boys who made the team are still in middle school and that, for many middle school students, this is a sport they can participate in while representing their school.

Jon says he’s excited for the AHS pool to be done so that they will no longer need to

restrict registrations for the club program. Since A-Town Water Polo Club represented AMS this year, everyone who participated was required to have a USA Water Polo membership, but a district-run pool will make it so all middle school athletes can participate.

“I’m so impressed with how the people and the businesses and the private families of Atascadero have embraced water polo,” Jon concluded. “For still somewhat of a more obscure sport in this area to grow as fast as it has in recent years, it’s all because of the commitment of the amazing families and the financial commitment from businesses around us that allow us to stay afloat. Even though we don’t even have a pool.”

Week of August 31 - September 6

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

Emma Zouabe is off to an incredible start this season, she hasn’t dropped a single game to an opponent in either singles or doubles.

For full details on games, locations, etc. please visit: pasoschools.org/domain/543

SCHOOL: SPORT:

Templeton High School

Tennis

Senior Achievements:

THS #1 Tennis Player | Undefeated in singles and doubles this season

The Atascadero Middle School girls water polo team finished first in its league

The AMS boys water polo team took second place in its league.

An Atascadero Middle School player takes a shot during a recent game. Photos by Nicole Pratt.

A-Town Water Polo Club practices at Kennedy Club Fitness of Atascadero.