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See inside for Holiday Coloring Page!
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — The ALF Food Pantry (ALF), a cornerstone of the community for 42 years, continues to meet the growing needs of local families, having distributed 700,000 pounds of groceries to 34,000 individuals in 2024 alone. One-third of those served
are children, highlighting the pantry’s vital role in supporting families throughout Atascadero and surrounding communities.
ALF, SLO Food Bank’s largest distributor, operates entirely on the dedication of more than 100 volunteers, with no paid employees.
“The demand is significant, it’s growing, and it’s not going
Thousands turn out for Atascadero’s
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
NORTH COUNTY — The holidays continue to bring the community together across North County this December. Last weekend included Atascadero’s annual
“Light Up the Downtown” celebration along with its second annual”Garden Lights & Winter Nights” display. In Paso Robles, Santa Claus officially came to town with the annual Christmas Light Parade. The community turned out in record numbers on Friday, Dec. 5, for Atascadero’s
By MIKE CHALDU michael@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — Spurred by a meeting earlier this year in which multiple residents expressed their concerns about illegal fireworks being set off, the Atascadero City Council unanimously passed an emergency ordinance that could hold social hosts responsible for illegal fireworks and increase fines.
The ordinance, which will take effect immediately in the city, was heard and passed by a 5-0 vote during the Tuesday, Dec. 9, meeting, the last one of the calendar year for the council. The ordinance required four votes to pass rather than a simple majority.
one of them suggested a social host ordinance. Following these comments, the council reached consensus to direct staff to return with an urgency ordinance for consideration.
The ordinance added a new Chapter 8 to Title 4 in the Atascadero Municipal Code, adopting a new regulation regarding social hosts who allow illegal fireworks to be used on the property they are in control of. This can include an owner of private property, a person who has the right to use property (private or public), and/or a person responsible for gathering on property (private or public).
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
TEMPLETON — The Paso Robles and Templeton Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Christmas Tree Auction on Thursday, Dec. 4. Returning for its second year after a small break, the event brought together residents, businesses, and nonprofit partners for an evening that celebrated resilience and generosity across North County.
annual “Light Up the Downtown” Holiday Celebration, an evening city officials described as the most well-attended yet. Terrie Banish, the city’s director of community services & promotions, called the event “phenomenal” and praised the overwhelming
roots in Templeton and their commitment to the community following the devastating July 4 fire that destroyed the historic Templeton Feed and Grain. During the ceremony, the San Luis Obispo County Garbagemen’s Association presented the family with a $5,000 check to support efforts to rebuild the local business.
Last year’s Citizen of the Year, Teresa Dellaganna, hosted the event as the emcee for the night, introducing the night’s award winners.
The new ordinance was brought after the City Council meeting on July 22. During public comment in that meeting, community members expressed significant concerns about the dangers and disturbances caused by illegal fireworks within Atascadero neighborhoods. In that course,
Under the new ordinance, observed violations of this ordinance could result in a $1,000 fine for each violation. Violations would be considered misdemeanors and could be prosecuted criminally in addition to, or in lieu of, administrative enforcement. Every unpermitted firework discharged would constitute a new violation of the ordinance, to a maximum
Interim CEO of the Chamber Robert Covarrubias addressed welcomed guests, recapping the grand opening of the new Chamber offices that opened on Main Street in Templeton earlier this year. He also encouraged local businesses to join and become active in the Chamber in Templeton.
Guys, if we can’t grow membership in Templeton, we won’t be able to exist in Templeton. And that is not what we want. Events like this are so important. They matter, they make a difference.”
She continued, “[During the] aftermath of the fire, I saw the community rally around the Jermin family, my heart was Pantry secures a new, larger facility to meet growing demand and enhance food distribution in North County Downtown Atascadero and Paso Robles sparkle in holiday celebrations
“It’s a beautiful facility. Folks in Templeton said, ‘Look, if you give us something, we could be proud of we’ll join.’ We built it. We’re waiting for people to join,” Covarrubias said. “You can only carry things in the red so long. This is the only spiel you’re going to hear tonight, business related.
This year’s auction honored the Jermin family as Citizen of the Year, recognizing their deep
“[The Chamber is] honoring, not just one person, they are honoring a family, a business, somebody that is very near and dear to our hearts here in Templeton,” said Dellaganna, whose great-grandfather was one of the first five customers to have an account at the Templeton Feed and Grain.
Santa and the CMSF Queen’s Court were on hand Dec. 5 for the “Light
the Downtown” Holiday Celebration at the Sunken Gardens. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN
The Jermin family — (clockwise from top left) Dylan, Rick, Stacey, Bobbie, and Tom Jr. — are shown at the Christmas Tree Auction, where they were recognized collectively as Citizen of the Year. Photo by Derek Luff/ATN
NEWS BRIEFS
WORSHIP DIRECTORY
TEMPLETON HILLS SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
God is love. We exist to know and share that love in practical ways. Join us for worship Saturdays at 11am. 930 Templeton Hills Rd, Templeton. For more info: https://templetonhills. adventistfaith.org/
COMMUNITY CHURCH OF ATASCADERO, UCC
5850 Rosario Ave. Service 10 am. (in person and on Zoom) Pastor Heather Branton (805) 466-9108 atascaderoucc.org
ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH
820 Creston Road., Paso Robles; (805) 238-2218- Parish Office open Mon-Fri 1 pm.-5 pm.; website: saintrosechurch.org; Mass times; Daily Mass- 8:30 am.; Saturday 8 am.; Tues. 7 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass 5 pm.; Sunday 8 am. & 10 am.; Spanish Mass at 1 pm. & 6 pm. Father Rodolfo Contreras.
SANTA MARGARITA DE CORTONA CATHOLIC CHURCH
22515 “H” St, Santa Margarita (805)438-5383 Parish Office hours:Wed-Thur 9am-12pm Mass Times: Saturday Vigil Mass:5pm Sunday:10am Wed-Fri 10am Adoration Wed following Mass Confessions: Saturday 4pm and Sunday 9am
RESURRECTION ECUMENICAL MINISTRY offers an interdenominational communion service each Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm, beginning January 22. Please join us at 9005 Santa Lucia in Atascadero. For more information call or text Rev. Dr. Cynthia Gaw at (828) 406-7253.
CONGREGATION OHR TZAFON"THE NORTHERN LIGHT"
Located at 2605 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA 93422. Friday Night Service 6:30 pm (805) 466-0329 congregationohrtzafon.org
BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH – ELCA
Welcoming all of God’s beloved. We gather for worship Sunday mornings, 9:30 am at 295 Old County Road Templeton. Sermon podcast is at The Little Brick Church. Sunday School during the sermon. Bible study, Wednesdays at 11 am in the Community Hall. Pastor: Diana Edis. Find out more at blctempleton.org
HIGHLANDS CHURCH
Sunday service at 9am & 10:30am. Monday Young Adults Group at 7pm. Wednesday Youth Group at 6:30pm. We build community so more people know the hope and joy of Jesus. 215 Oak Hill Road, Paso Robles (805) 226-5800 highlandsadventure.org
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
940 Creston Road, Paso Robles; has Sunday worship services at 9:30 am.; For more information, call the church at (805) 238-3702. trinitypaso.com
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA
In-person worship, Sundays, 9 A.M. Streamed on YouTube @Hope Lutheran Church Atascadero. Sunday School follows worship. Women, Wine & The Word, 7 P.M. third Tuesday. Gather Bible Study, 12:30 P.M. third Thursday. Learn more at ourhopelutheran. net. 8005 San Gabriel Rd. Atascadero. 805-461-0430 or office@ ourhopelutheran.net. Pastor Aaron Smith
Be included in the Atascadero News & Paso Robles Press Worship Directory for an entire year at $175
PASO ROBLES
PRHS Theatre Company presents ‘Shakespeare in Love’
Paso Robles High School Theatre Company will present “Shakespeare in Love (High School Edition)” on Dec. 12-14 at the PRHS Performing Arts Center.
The production, adapted from the Academy Award-winning film, follows a young Will Shakespeare as he struggles with writer’s block until he meets Viola de Lesseps, a noblewoman who dreams of acting — a forbidden pursuit for women in Elizabethan England. The play blends humor, romance, and the creative spark behind one of Shakespeare’s greatest works.
Directed by Marcy Keyser-Goodnow, the student cast brings energy and charm to the story, balancing classical language with a modern rhythm that makes the performance both accessible and entertaining.
“It’s a play about creativity, courage, and falling in love with the art of storytelling,” said Keyser-Goodnow. “Our students have embraced the challenge of balancing comedy, drama, and Shakespearean flair — it’s been inspiring to watch, and we can’t wait to share this story with our community.”
Tickets are available at sites. google.com/pasoschools.org/phtc
PRHS ensembles set for Winter Concert at Templeton Performing Arts Center
The Paso Robles High School Music Department will present its annual Winter Concert on Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Templeton Performing Arts Center (TPAC), with performances at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at TempletonPAC.org/events
This year marks PRHS’s first performance at TPAC, a premier North County venue known for its acoustics and spacious stage, providing an ideal setting for the school’s growing ensembles. The concert will feature the Forte Choir, Jazz and Concert Bands, Crimson Collective Singers, and special guest Bold as Brass quintet.
Directed by Gaylene Ewing (choir) and Humberto Cera (band), students will perform a festive program blending holiday favorites and popular selections, including “Winter Wonderland,” “Carol of the Bells,” “California Dreamin’,” “White Winter Hymnal,” and a lively “Pop Sing-Along.”
The PRHS Jazz and Concert Bands showcase musicians from
grades 9–12 across a range of experience levels. The Forte Choir is the school’s audition-based performance choir, while the Crimson Collective Singers is an advanced ensemble known for precision and expressive style.
For more information on PRHS music programs and events, visit:
PRHS Band & Color Guard (sites.google.com/pasoschools. org/prhs-band-color-guard/ home) and PRHS Choir Forte (sites. google.com/pasoschools.org/ prhschoir/voice-courses/forte)
Paso Robles Police investigate fatal traffic collision
A 63-year-old Paso Robles man was killed early Thursday morning following a rear-end collision at the intersection of Golden Hill Road and State Route 46.
Paso Robles police and paramedics responded at about 5:30 a.m. on Dec. 4 to a crash involving a white four-door Lexus and a 2017 green and white Freightliner box truck. According to police, the Lexus had been stopped at a red light on westbound SR-46 when the westbound Freightliner approached the intersection and failed to slow, striking the Lexus from behind.
The Lexus driver, a man of Paso Robles, died from injuries sustained in the impact. The driver of the Freightliner, identified as 25-year-old Gean Marco HuamanCastro of Bakersfield, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and booked into the San Luis
Obispo County Jail.
Police say the investigation is ongoing, though drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the collision.
Hambly Farms wins gold for lavender essential oil distillation
Hambly Farms is celebrating a major milestone after co-founder and head distiller
Milton Hambly earned a Gold Medal at the 10th Annual International Lavender Oil & Culinary Competition for the farm’s Dutch Mill Lavender Essential Oil. The honor marks the farm’s first-ever competition entry, making the recognition especially notable for the family-run operation.
The award-winning oil is produced entirely on the Hambly family’s San Miguel lavender farm, where Milton has spent the past four years refining his steam-distillation techniques. Each batch is crafted using a traditional copper alembic still and begins with fresh-cut Dutch Mill lavender harvested at peak bloom — never stored, outsourced, or diluted.
“Winning gold on our very first entry feels like validation for the way we’ve always done things,” said Milton Hambly, co-founder and distiller. “We’re hands-on from the moment the plants go into the ground to the moment the bottle goes to our customers. This award tells us that dedication matters.”
Hambly Farms grows its lavender pesticide-free and hand-harvests each crop before distilling and bottling 100 percent pure essential oil on-site, ensuring quality and traceabil-
ity. The Dutch Mill variety has become a favorite among farm visitors for its balanced floral aroma and soothing aromatherapy properties.
“This award shines a light on Milton’s craft and the integrity behind every product we make,” said Gina Hambly, co-founder. “Our essential oil isn’t just lavender—it’s our land, our family, and our commitment to creating calm in an honest, hands-on way.”
The gold-medal Dutch Mill Lavender Essential Oil is available online and at the farm while supplies last.
Willow Creek Distillery to debut dry gin at holiday open house Willow Creek Distillery is expanding its portfolio of craft spirits with the release of its inaugural dry gin, a small-batch creation distilled from estategrown wine grapes and infused with a blend of premium botanicals. The new spirit will make its public debut on Saturday, Dec. 13, during the distillery’s Gin & Jingle Holiday Sweater Party from 1 to 5 p.m. Entry to the event is free.
Crafted by Head Distiller Kevin Coulton, the Willow Creek Dry Gin begins with a neutral spirit derived from grapes grown at Opolo Vineyards, the distillery’s sister winery in the Willow Creek District. The spirit is then infused with juniper, coriander, cardamom, lemon peel, cucumber, peppercorn, angelica root, and other botanicals before undergoing a second distillation to capture its aromatics and layered flavors.
