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Hidden Springs Christmas Tree Farm Celebrates 60 Years
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1. TELEVISION: What is the name of the next-door neighbor on TV's sitcom "Home Improvement"? 2. LITERATURE: Which war was the setting for Anthony Doerr's novel "All the Light We Cannot See"? 3. MUSIC: Who wrote the song "All Along the Watchtower," performed by Jimi Hendrix? 4. GEOGRAPHY: When is Earth Day celebrated each year? 5. HISTORY: Which two city-states fought the Peloponnesian War? 6. MEDICAL TERMS: What is a common name for the disorder called sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia? 7. ASTRONOMY: Where is the Oort Cloud in space? 8. GEOMETRY: How many sides does a nonagon have? 9. FOOD & DRINK: What's another name for egg white? 10. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: How large is the Times Square ball that drops at midnight on New Year's Eve?
© 2022 King Features Synd., Inc. 10. 12 feet in diameter. 9. Albumen. 8. Nine. system, beyond the Kuiper Belt. 7. The most distant region in our solar 6. Brain freeze. 5. Athens and Sparta. 4. April 22. 3. Bob Dylan. 2. WWII. 1. Wilson.
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working with Council to fulfill our vision for the downtown area. Check out La Plaza’s website to see the latest merchants opening soon atascaderolaplaza.com
You can’t grow a business or study online without fast, reliable internet. In conjunction with the state’s push for universal broadband in California, the cities of Atascadero and Paso Robles were recently awarded a $200,000 grant from the California Public Utilities Commission for the North County Broadband Strategic Plan, a major step forward in guaranteeing faster and more reliable high-speed internet access for residents and businesses throughout the North County.
Atascadero continues to invest in public safety, including police and fire, with the approval of a new Computer Aided Dispatch/Police Records Management System (CAD/RMS), which allows for faster response times and greater cross-department communication. Improved emergency communications systems will save an estimated 2,000 personnel hours per year, further advancing our commitment to fiscal responsibility while making sure that city services remain robust and fully funded. We’ve increased wages for public safety employees to keep our police and fire personnel working here in Atascadero, invested in physical and virtual emergency communications infrastructure, and we’re prioritizing the mental well-being of our frontline workers by pursuing programs and services that will allow them to process the often-complex stressors of being a first responder.
Earlier this year, State Senator John Laird announced $3 million of funding for Atascadero’s Downtown Infrastructure Enhancement Project, a key development in our Council’s work on downtown economic investment. I want to thank Senator Laird once again for his dedication to getting Atascadero the resources we need. The Downtown Infrastructure Enhancement Project is the result of community and merchant input, careful Council consideration, and a desire for the kind of downtown gathering space Atascadero needs. Additionally, earlier this year our Council established a Planned Development Overlay Zone to city-owned lots on East Mall to incentivize the type of development our community wants to invigorate the downtown, particularly around the Sunken Gardens.
I know the housing market is tough right now. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, finding an affordable place to live in Atascadero and throughout the county is often a challenge. California’s Senate Bill 9 seeks to address some of these concerns by streamlining the process for homeowners to create subdivisions on their property to add much-needed additional housing. Your City Council is prioritizing resident concerns as we seek to implement this law in a way that makes sense for Atascadero – retaining our small-town charm while embracing sustainable growth. Atascadero also adopted an ADU ordinance and spearheaded the countywide development of ready-to-build ADU stock plans that make it easier and more affordable for folks to add additional housing on their property.
We processed the highest number of construction permits in city history. To further that end, we developed a digital system for plan submission to help streamline permit processing and reduce overhead costs to build housing. We implemented a fire safety inspection program to help combat and defend against the tragic fires seen throughout California. We received a grant for replacement of our Jaws of Life equipment. We approved construction of the California Manor condos, a 100 percent affordable senior housing project. We paved and resurfaced nearly four miles of center-lane roads throughout Atascadero. And we secured critical funding for replacement of the Santa Lucia Bridge over Graves Creek and the Via Avenue Bridge over Atascadero Creek.
I want to remind everyone that the city is working on our General Plan update. In 2022 we kicked off the two-year process of updating our 2002 General Plan to take us through 2045. Atascadero’s General Plan is our long-term blueprint for how the city will grow and what we need to do to secure that growth into the future. The General Plan looks at zoning, infrastructure, public safety, environment, and many other factors to ensure that, as Atascadero welcomes more neighbors and businesses, we are changing in a way that is both viable and sustainable into the future. To follow along and get involved, please visit atascadero2045.org. 2022 was a year of revitalization, investment, and opportunity for the City of Atascadero.
I’m proud to be a member of this incredible community, where people treat one another like family and are willing to jump in and help whenever they see a need. I wish you all a joyous and peaceful holiday season and a happy new year!
Dancing with our Stars Raises Over $210,000 for Six Local Nonprofits
Published Sept. 22 Dancing with our Stars (DWOS) was back and bigger than ever this year. The local dance charity fundraiser took place at the Atascadero Lake Pavillion over the course of four nights. The dinner and dance show featured dinner and dessert from Pacific Harvest Catering, emceeing from Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin, and entertainment featuring some of the community’s trailblazers. “Prime Time Atascadero: Season 11” ran from Wednesday, Sept. 14, to Saturday, Sept. 17, and was directed by Molly Comin with assistant direction from Christina Troxel.
Local Named First Creston Man of the Year at Creston Classic Rodeo
Published Sept. 22 A special member of the Creston Classic Rodeo family was recognized this past weekend, Sept. 15-18, at the 26th Annual Creston Classic Rodeo (CCR). Cole McKenney was honored as the first Creston Man of the Year.
Jim Wiemann: Remembering the ‘Voice of Paso’
Published Sept. 22 The Bearcat community unexpectedly lost Jim Wiemann on Thursday, Aug. 4, at the age of 56, leaving a hole in the Paso Robles sports community, where he was the go-to sports announcer and broadcaster.
El Camino Homeless Organization’s Long Walk Home Back for its 11th Year
Published Sept. 29 Around 300 local residents headed out to the El Camino Homeless Organization’s (ECHO) transitional homeless shelter in Atascadero to participate in their 11th Annual Long Walk Home. The walk kicked off at 10 a.m. at ECHO and made its way through Sunken Gardens to City Hall and back to the starting point, ending with a to-go barbecue lunch starting at 11 a.m.
Atascadero Celebrates Colony Days with 48th Colony Days Parade
Published Oct. 6 On Saturday, Oct. 1, Atascadero residents and spectators from all over the county lined El Camino Real to watch and cheer on the 48th Colony Days Parade. The parade started at 10 a.m., with Colony Days festivities carrying on until 3 p.m. in and around Sunken Gardens.
Closing Arguments Concluded in Kristin Smart Murder Trial
Published Oct. 6 It has been 26 years since Kristin Smart’s initial disappearance, and on Tuesday, Oct. 4, attorney’s finished closing arguments for Paul Flores in the trial for her murder — and now the jury deliberates on his fate.
92nd Paso Robles Pioneer Day Parade Makes its Way Through Downtown
Published Oct. 13 The day Paso Roblans have been waiting for finally came, the 92nd Annual Paso Robles Pioneer Day and Parade. Per tradition, beans started cooking at 7 a.m., with the parade floats making their way down Spring Street and through downtown.
Wild Fields Brewhouse Named Brewery of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival
Published Oct. 13 Wild Fields Brewhouse reigned supreme at the 40th Annual Great American Beer Festival (GABF) this year. The festival and subsequent competition took place in Denver, Colorado, from Oct. 6-8.
Wayne Cooper Memorial Golf Tournament Returns for Ninth Year
Published Oct. 13 Golfers of all levels headed out to Chalk Mountain Golf Course on Saturday, Oct. 8, for the 9th Annual Wayne Cooper Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament not only honors the Atascadero Greyhound Foundation’s “President for Life” Wayne Cooper, who passed away in 2018, but it also benefits the Lighthouse of Atascadero Program, which is attached to the Atascadero Greyhound Foundation.
Published Oct. 20 After 26 years of investigation, Paul Flores has been found guilty of the first-degree murder of Kristin Smart. The verdict came on Tuesday, Oct. 18, right before noon when Paul’s jury reached a decision after just over 20 hours of deliberation.
Paso Robles FFA Ranked Fifth in State
Published Oct. 20 FFA members from Shandon to San Luis Obispo competed in the 2022 Opening and Closing Competition hosted by Paso Robles High School on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
Published Oct. 20 The Estrella Warbirds Museum celebrated 30 years of preserving and hosting aviation history on Saturday, Oct. 15. The celebration honored the museum’s beginnings, remembered late aviator Sherman Smoot, and kicked off funding for the museum’s proposed western expansion.
Paderewski Festival Returns to Paso Robles
Published Nov. 10 Fans of the classical composer Ignacy Jan Paderewski (known for stopping in Paso Robles while on tour) headed out last weekend to experience the three-day Paderewski Festival dedicated to the famous musician.
Ten New Faces Inducted into the Greyhound Foundation Athletic Hall of Fame
Published Nov. 17 Saturday, Nov. 12, Atascadero High School alumni, sports alums, members of the Atascadero Greyhound Foundation, and former Greyhound Foundation Athletic Hall of Fame inductees gathered at the Pavilion on the Lake to celebrate the 2022 inductees into the Hall of Fame. Approximately 140 people attended the ceremony, and so many people showed up that more chairs needed to be added to the tables.
Park Cinemas Celebrates 25 Years
Published Nov. 24 Park Cinemas celebrates 25 years in business this December, and
The Atascadero News
they are ready to celebrate the milestone with the community during their Week of Festivities this Dec. 2 through Dec. 8.
Published Nov. 24 On Friday, Nov. 25, the Hidden Springs Christmas Tree Farm in Atascadero will open for its 60th season with seven varieties of trees to choose from, hot cider, and plenty of opportunities to make memories.
Coats for Kids Celebrates 35 Warm Years
Published Nov. 24 Coats for Kids has been helping keep families warm for 35 years, and after two years of modified giving, they will be joining the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles for the “Day of Giving” on Saturday, Dec. 10.
Brett Butterfield Named Roblan of the Year
Published Nov. 24 The Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center and Templeton Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce Brett Butterfield as the 2022 Roblan of the Year.
Orange and Great: Greyhounds are CIF Grid Champions
Published Dec. 1 Last Friday night, Nov. 25, in front of a packed house at Memorial Stadium, the Atascadero Greyhounds football team was crowned CIF Central Section Division 5 champions, defeating Pioneer Valley 27-13.
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SENATORS OF THE 117TH CONGRESS DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D) CLASS I
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ALEX PADILLA (D)
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40TH GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA GAVIN NEWSOM (D)
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 445-2841 Fax: (916) 558-3160 gavin.newsom@gov.ca
REPRESENTATIVE OF CALIFORNIA’S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SALUD CARBAJAL (D)
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REPRESENTATIVE OF CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 35 JORDAN CUNNINGHAM (R)
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SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DISTRICT 1 SUPERVISOR JOHN PESCHONG
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DISTRICT 5 SUPERVISOR DEBBIE ARNOLD
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ATASCADERO CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS:
2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month* | 6 p.m. Council Chambers 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero (805) 470-3400 *Council only meets on the 2nd Tuesday in July, August & December.
MAYOR HEATHER MORENO
Phone: (805) 470-3400 hmoreno@atascadero.org
MAYOR PRO TEM HEATHER NEWSOM
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COUNCILMEMBER CHARLES BOURBEAU
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COUNCILMEMBER MARK DARIZ
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COUNCILMEMBER SUSAN FUNK
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