Atascadero News Magazine #33 • Month 2021

Business • Shopping • Dining • Events • Arts • People

Formerly known as Colony Magazine

dedication STODDARD STUDIO OF THE ARTS

taste RECIPES FROM IRELAND

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You Voted ted !

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perseverance SMALL BUSINESS COALITION

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Prsrt Std US Postage PAID Permit 19 13Stars Paso Robles CA ECRWSS

Local Postal Customer

ATASCADEROMAGAZINE.COM

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BEST OF NORTH COUNTY WINNERS

2021

MARCH 2021

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HOW TO GET YOUR HEARING AIDS WORKING AGAIN!

Do you or a loved one have hearing aids that are not working to their full potential or even worse, have you stopped using them altogether?

Well, at Hearing Aid Specialists of The Central Coast, we have developed a solution that brings your old hearing aids back to life. The practice owner, Peter Lucier, has over 20 years of experience. He has repaired and restored just about every brand of hearing aid. Peter has an All Make Repair Lab at both offices in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero.

Call us today so you can hear better again!

We now accept PG&E, Anthem Blue Cross, PERS, AARP Golden West and many other insurance plans.

Call us now for a free consultation.

SAN LUIS OBISPO 12326 Los Osos Valley Road ATASCADERO 7070 Morro Road, Suite D www.slocountyhearingaids.com (805) 600-2550

Peter has restored the following brands of hearing aids:

√ Phonak √ Widex √ Starkey √ Unitron √ Miracle Ear

√ Beltone √ Resound √ Siemens √ Oticon

& many others

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March 2021

fe at ures

Issue No. 33

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Street Side Ale House

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2021 Readers Poll by hayley mattson

The Best of North SLO County celebrates all the winners chosen by local readers of all our North County publications.

Bake It 'Til You Make It by camille devaul

Local baker Libby Ryan shares competing on Food Network's Chopped Sweets and adapting to running a business that has dramatically changed due to COVID-19.

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The Art of Being Stu by connor allen

The Stoddard Center for the Arts was named after a man who showed grace, knowledge, and uncommon kindness to the school district he loved.

Wild Fields Brewhouse by connor allen

Owners Ryan and Jacque Fields adapt to the ever-changing rules and regulations that have come with COVID-19 hoping to come out stronger on the other side.

On the Cover Just Baked winner of 2021 Best of North SLO County for Best Dessert, Bake or Cake Shop for the second year in a row.

Photo contributed by Just Baked Cake Studio 20,000 PRINTED | 17,000 DIRECT MAILED LOCALLY!

3,000 DROPPED AT HIGH TRAFFIC LOCATIONS

Atascadero 93422 • Santa Margarita 93453 • Creston 93432 Hotels • Wineries • B&Bs • Waiting Rooms • Restaurants • High-traffic Visitor Hotspots for advertising inquiries and rates email office @ 13starsmedia.com, or contact one of our advertising representatives.

Help Your Business Take Flight!

WE’RE #1! BEST-READ PRINT PUBLICATIONS AND TOP-RANKED IN LOCAL ONLINE NEWS WEBSITES! By subscribing and advertising with The Atascadero News and The Paso Robles Press, you are supporting local news, local publishing, and local business. Not only do you have the power to choose the subscription that fits your life, but when you advertise, you will broaden your reach into target markets throughout the Central Coast, from Ventura County to Monterey County!

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atascaderonews.com • pasoroblespress.com

(805) 466-2585 | office@13starsmedia.com

co nte nts publisher, editor-in-chief

Hayley Mattson

publisher, editor-at-large

Nicholas Mattson

assistant editor

layout design

Melissa Mattson ad design

Denise Mclean Jen Rodman

Michael Michaud

community writers

ad consultants

Connor Allen Camille DeVaul

Dana McGraw Jamie Self

office administrator

Cami Martin | office@13starsmedia.com

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contributors

Barbie Butz

James Brescia, Ed.D.

General Store

Josh Cross

The Natural Alternative

OUR NEXT ISSUE:

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WILDFLOWERS HIKES, BIKES, WALKS & RIDES PETS & ANIMALS April 2021

PUBLICATION DELIVERY DATE April 1, 2021 ADVERTISING DEADLINE* March 10, 2021

Something Worth Reading Publisher’s Letter

Round Town Cross Talk with Josh Cross: Facing the Challenges Brought from 2020 The Natural Alternative: Understanding Your Microbiome The General Store: Local Field Trips = New Goodies Santa Margarita: Lessons from Santa Margarita's Historic Elm Trees, Part 1 Atascadero Greyhounds: AHS Finishes Renovations, New Science and Shop Buildings

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Taste of Atascadero Taste of Americana: A St. Patrick's Day Menu

Business Brad Daugherty: Resilience Through Perseverance

Tent City SLO County Office of Education: What A Budget Session

Last Word Atascadero News Magazine Manifesto Directory to our Advertisers

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* Ad reservation deadline is the 10th of each month preceding the publication.

For more information about advertising, upcoming issues and editorial themes, contact our advertising representatives above, or see our media kit at catascaderomagazine.com/advertise

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EDITORIAL POLICY

Commentary reflects the views of the writers and does not necessarily reflect those of Atascadero News Magazine. Atascadero News Magazine is delivered free to 17,000 addresses in North San Luis Obispo County. Our costs are paid entirely by advertising revenue.

Our Local Business section spotlights select advertisers.

All other stories are determined solely by our editors.

PROUD TO BE LOCAL!

Atascadero News Magazine ©2021 is a local business owned and published by local people — Nicholas & Hayley Mattson No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form by any means without written consent from Atascadero News Magazine.

Like and Follow us: FB/IG: @atascaderomagazine | TW: @atascaderomag designed & printed in california

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Atascadero News Magazine | March 2021

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* Voted Best Pizza Delivery in 2020

March 2021 | Atascadero News Magazine

atascaderomagazine.com | 7

Publisher’s Letter

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Something Worth Reading

Thank You for Being the Best of 2021

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s we share with you the winners of our 8th Annual Best of North SLO County Readers Poll, we took a moment to reflect on where we were a year ago at this time. Less than fifteen days after we went to press with our March 2020 issue, the entire economy came to a screeching halt. All the well-made plans that we had going into the year were no longer relevant. All that mattered was doing our part to “flatten the curve” and save precious lives.

Our business immediately suffered, as did many others, and we had to adjust and restructure. We evaluated what we needed to make it through six months and trudged forward the best we could. We are proud to look back and know that we made it through without missing one print date. Honestly, we didn’t know if we would make it even a month. But we did, because of the incredible support from our advertisers even during this unprecedented time of change and uncertainty.

We made it through because of you, our loyal readers and subscribers, whom many sent emails and letters to check in and offer support. We made it through because of our incredible team of dedicated professionals who shifted and adjusted as we navigated our way through the unknown. We made it through because we were never alone, and for that, we will be forever grateful that we get to live in the best place on Earth.

Last year we shared that we have the best of humanity here in our communities, and we were overwhelmed by the response for all our local businesses.

This year we can say that not only are we blown away once again, but touched by all the love we see our community members give to one another, even during the most challenging of times.

Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come. Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won, and all the fears you have overcome, and know you can do anything if you just don’t give up. ~ Unknown

Each month we are dedicated to sharing with you the people that make up this beautiful place we all call home. From the very start, it has been based on a very simple understanding of writing something worth reading, and our community makes that easy by continuing to do things worth writing about.

It is important that we stay true to our word and dedicated to our mission “to make communities better through print,” which is why you will find our company manifesto in the last word. We adopted the manifesto as an inspirational guide back in 2018, and after the year we have all endured, it was important to us to share it with all of you. As we continue to walk through this pandemic, it is a good reminder to be gentle with one another.

We may each see the world a little differently, but remember we are all in this together; because together, we are all so much more.

We hope you enjoy this month’s issue of Atascadero News Magazine.

Much love.

N ic & Hayley

if thou wouldest win immortality of name, either do things worth the writing, or write things worth the reading.

— Thomas Fuller, 1727 This month’s edition of Atascadero News Magazine is brought to you by all the local advertisers that fill our pages.

Thanks to them, we are able to bring you your local Hometown Magazine.

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Round Town

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Chamber of Commerce

FACING THE CHALLENGES

Brought From 2020

New Chamber Members • Choco’s Mexican Grill facebook.com/chocosmexicangrill • Founders Community Bank founderscommuniybank.com • Siegel’s Jewelry diamondsrforever.com

talk

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• Cookie MoMo cookiemomo805.com • Granite Ridge Christian Camp graniteridgechristiancamp.com

Interim CEO/President | Atascadero Chamber of Commerce

e’ve made it out of 2020. However, before this year picks up too much speed, I want to reflect on the challenges that lie ahead and the intentionality we need to establish as a community to join together and move forward towards a better 2021. Recently Pacifica Commercial Realty released their quarterly Retail Market Report[1] for the tail end of 2020 (Q4). Their findings highlight trends that our community and San Luis Obispo County will face moving thru 2021.

Historically, San Luis Obispo County has enjoyed a robust retail economy leading to low vacancies on commercial properties. In the past, even when there were high-profile closures from retailers like the K-Mart in Atascadero and the JC Penny’s in Paso Robles, those were due to national consolidation trends and not necessarily a softening of demand at the local level. This is something confirmed by a wave of new businesses opening in the North County over the past few years, such as Grocery Outlet, Outdoor Supply Hardware, and Wild Fields Brewhouse, to name a few.

However, due to the pandemic and rapidly changing shopping habits and overall retail climate, the future of property demand for retail space is only expected to grow about 1 percent annually in our County. We’re already starting to see this play out. Investors are opting to renovate existing retail spaces rather than build new ones. Locally, one exception is Z Villages who are constructing the La Plaza and Block Shop projects. They have intentionally chosen to invest in our community, creating new spaces to support business growth and local employment.

Another trend that’s swelled due to the pandemic is the continued transition to online shopping. An increasing number of shoppers, locally and nationally, are moving their purchases from in-store to online. This is an area where our local economy could improve

and is why the Chamber team has facilitated dozens of workshops and webinars to help our local businesses make this transition. We’ve also built additional private offices in BridgeWorks Coworking to help meet the needs of new online businesses and startups in our community that may not be currently seeking retail space.

A final and disheartening trend is that of a falling labor market. Over the past decade, the SLO County market has flourished. In fact, in 2018, several businesses vocalized their challenge of finding qualified employees due to the low unemployment rate, which is why the Chamber co-hosted the State of the North County event to discuss how to find employees in a thriving economy. Today, we are faced with a different reality where unemployment has dropped from 3 percent in February 2020, to a high of 13.7 percent in April 2020, to the current rate of 6.7 percent [2]. According to the Pacifica Report, tourism-related jobs in the County are most likely at risk of long-term displacement, as global travel is likely to remain slow through 2021.

The Pacifica Report further states that a full recovery in this sector is not expected until 2023. During the past twelve months, this industry has lost 23 percent of its workforce.

In contrast, the reverse is happening in tech and energy. Over the past months, the labor market has grown (and is expected to increase) with local companies like Amazon (SLO), Land Gorilla, and A.M. Sun Solar.

What all of these points from the Pacifica Report clarify is the opportunity we have as a community to come together to do two big things. The first is to support our local businesses, whether in-person or online. The second is to support one another and organizations serving families, friends, and neighbors that have hit hard times due to the falling labor market. Together, we can continue to navigate forward and far away from 2020. Let’s all make our community Atasca-mazing. 

Upcoming Events For March & April: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERIES: Ask the CPA 2021 – Tax Advice for Your Small Business Thursday, March 11 | 10 – 11 a.m.

Join us for this LIVE Q&A session with certified CPA and small business tax expert Micah Fraim. The hour will be dedicated to answering your tax-related questions and concerns. He will also offer tax advice you can implement throughout the year. * You can submit questions during registration and during the LIVE webinar.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERIES: How to Define Your Vision and Increase the Probability of Success Thursday, March 18 | 10 – 11 a.m.

Your vision is the source of inspiration for your company and your life. You have a vision or maybe even a dream, but how can you make it a reality? This webinar, presented by Certified SCORE Mentor John Tile, will help you think about: key questions to ask yourself, defining your vision/mission, and developing goals/ objectives to increase your chances of making your vision a reality.

Women In Business Workshop Friday, March 19 | 12 – 1 p.m.

Your vision is the source of inspiration for your company and your life. You have a vision or maybe even a dream, but how can you make it a reality? This webinar, presented by Certified SCORE Mentor John Tile, will help you think about: key questions to ask yourself, defining your vision/mission, and developing goals/ objectives to increase your chances of making your vision a reality.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERIES: Grow Your Business with Google AdWords Thursday, April 7 | 12 – 1:30 p.m.

Discover how to leverage the power of Google to gain immediate visibility, maximize your business’s digital presence and improve brand awareness with Google AdWords.

A-Talks For April Wednesday, April 7 | 5 – 6 p.m.

Join us for a virtual community event that’s all about Atascadero.

Mingle and network virtually with others, get the latest updates from the Chamber and the City of Atascadero, and enjoy a behind the scenes look at a local business. (Fun Tasting Kits will be available for purchase for the event.)

Annual Chamber Virtual Gala and Awards Saturday, April 17 | 7 – 8:15 p.m.

Come join us for our Virtual Annual Gala & Awards! At this year’s Gala, you’ll be able to participate in a silent and live auction. We’ll also be giving out our Annual Awards and more!

Trust us; you won’t want to miss this.

To Register: Visit AtascaderoChamber.org or call (805)466-2044

Resources: [1] Pacifica Commercial Realty Retail Market Report. [2] San Luis Obispo County Workforce Development Board

12 | atascaderomagazine.com

Atascadero News Magazine | March 2021

THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE NUTRITION CENTER

UNDERSTANDING YOUR

Microbiome

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id you know that the cells in your body are outnumbered 10 to 1 by bacterial cells? They are responsible for our health or disease in a number of ways.

The Human Microbiome Project was started in 2008 to determine how microbes are associated with health and disease.

If you have a history of using antibiotics, antacids, and NSAIDS in addition to a highly refined sugar and white flour diet, your gut ‘ecosystem’ may be disrupted, resulting in bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, brain fog, and weight gain. Non-beneficial gut bacteria may also cause poor sleep, chronic anxiety, acne, fatigue, and more. Improving the health of your microbiome is essential to optimal health.

Happy Gut. Happy You! To nourish your gut microbiome and protect against disease, a daily probiotic can support digestion, assimilation of nutrients, immune response, and serotonin production since this “feel-good hormone” is largely produced in the digestive tract and dependent on beneficial bacteria. Research shows a strong link

between probiotics and improved health, including positive effects on depression and anxiety, intestinal & digestive health, as well as immune support.

As stress and long-term use of certain medications may cause intestinal permeability or “leaky gut,” certain nutrients can support repair of gut lining and reduce inflammation.

Enzymetica’s GI Recovery contains superfoods and L Glutamine to promote gut healing resulting in optimal energy, gut function, and recovery from digestive upsets.

Whatever your health issue may be, supporting your ‘microbiome’ is essential. Visit The Natural Alternative and let my amazing team help you choose from a wide variety of pre and probiotics, digestive enzymes, and supplements to support a healthy gut lining.

Dr. Formulated Probiotics are on sale now 30% off at The Natural Alternative.

You are what you “eat, digest, and assimilate! “ Wishing you the best of health!

Bobbi & the Team at The Natural Alternative

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DIAGNOSIS, PRESCRIPTION OR TREATMENT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL COUNSELING WITH A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.

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Thank You for Voting Us...

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AGAZINE • ATAS

• Best Restaurant Pivot/Adaptation • Best Overall Specialty Foods • Best French Fries • Best Mocktail • Best Appetizer • Best Guy’s Night Out Spot • Best Girl’s Night Out Spot • Best Bar, Tavern, Pub or Tab House

PASO ROBLES + ATASCADERO Sunday - Thursday 11am-8:30pm PASO ROBLES Friday - Saturday 11am-10:30pm

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ATASCADERO Friday - Saturday 11am-9:00pm Happy Hour 3:30 - 5:30pm www.StreetsideAleHouse.com 6155 EL CAMINO REAL  ATASCADERO, CA 805.460.6820 843 12TH STREET  PASO ROBLES, CA 805.257.1515

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2021

BEST OF NORTH COUNTY WINNERS A

s we forge into a new year that still promises change and uncertainty due to the pandemic, we are reminded once again what an incredible and resilient community we live in. Back in November, we announced our 8th Annual Readers Poll was open, and immediately following, the votes started pouring in for our reader’s favorite businesses!

Collecting and sorting more than 45,000 answers to our poll was extremely uplifting! Just to see all the wonderful comments, stories, and love from residents from all over North County for their favorite business, restaurant, clothing store, salon, landscaping, and so much more!

The Best of North SLO County celebrates all the winners chosen by local readers of all our North County publications. The following pages are dedicated to those winners, and throughout the year, we will continue to celebrate all the winners of the

March 2021 | Best of North SLO County

You Voted !

We Counted !

8th Annual Best of North SLO County Readers Poll!

All the winners are extremely appreciative of your vote and for considering them your absolute favorite. As you look through the pages to see who won, know that they are the Best of 2021 because you, our readers, chose each and every one of them.

As a community, it is important for us all to remember that our small businesses are a part of what makes our community and economy thrive.

They are our family, friends, and neighbors, and they have had to pivot and adjust throughout the pandemic just to survive and keep their dream alive.

With the 8th Annual Best of North SLO County, we celebrate all of the winners together with you.

We thank you for supporting all of our small businesses, for participating in our Readers Poll, and for being the best readers in the world. We would not be able to do any of this without you.

13starsmedia.com

T OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 202

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ST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021

Thank You for Voting Us Best American Auto Repair Shop

Air Conditioning  Axles & Brakes  Smog Check Domestic & Foreign  Check Engine Light Oil Change & Service  Brake Sales & Service

13starsmedia.com

Best of North SLO County | March 2021

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We’ve been your trusted neighbor for nearly 80 years.

Offering a hand, solving problems and reaching goals together. It’s what makes us a community. Thank you for voting us Best Bank or Credit Union in North County for the second year in a row.

Paso Robles | Atascadero | San Luis Obispo | Arroyo Grande | Santa Maria

sesloc.org | (805) 543-1816

Savings are insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government., a U.S. government agency.

T OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 202

Today.

Tomorrow.

Together.

COVID-19

WHAT LOCALLY-OWNED BUSINESS WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN A $500 SHOPPING SPREE AT?

BEST GRASSROOTS RESPONSE

BEST OVERALL SPECIALTY FOODS

K Protect Paso

K Street Side Ale House BEST DINING EXPERIENCE

K Colony Market & Deli BEST RESTAURANT PIVOT/ ADAPTATION Farron Elizabeth K K Street Side Ale House K Guest House Grill BEST COVID-19 HEALTH & WELLNESS PIVOT General Store Paso Robles K K Kennedy Club Fitness Steam Pup Parlor K BEST NONPROFIT Anna & Co. ORGANIZATION RESPONSE K Camino Homeless K El K Traffic Records Organization K Sylvester’s FOOD & BEVERAGE Sacred Armor Tattoo K BEST OVERALL FOOD & BEVERAGE Art Collective K Malibu Brew Street Side Ale House K

K Guest House Grill

BEST LOCAL BEEF, POULTRY, DAIRY, OR PORK

R Natural Meat K Jand&Sausage BEST LOCAL SEASONINGS

K Spice of Life

BEST FARM-FRESH FRUIT

K Jack Creek Farm BEST PASTA JOINT

K Buona Tavola BEST COFFEEHOUSE

K Malibu Brew Coffee for Voting Guest House Grill:

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www.guesthousegrill.com

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805.460.0193 Atascadero, CA 93422

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Open EVERYDAY 11am-8:30pm

Paso Ro b

Best Dining Experience, Best Outdoor Dining Area, Best Family Restaurant, Best Steakhouse, & Best Salad

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ST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021

FAVORITE BUSINESS

R DE CA

AGAZINE • ATAS

13starsmedia.com

Best of North SLO County | March 2021

Best Lunch Spot in North SLO County!

6040 El Camino Real Atascadero 805-460-6252 colonymarketanddeli.com

March 2021 | Best of North SLO County

13starsmedia.com

T OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 202

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

ST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021

BEST CUP OF COFFEE

BEST FARM-TO-TABLE

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

BEST HEALTH FOOD, NATURAL FOOD, OR GROCERY STORE

BEST GELATO, ICE CREAM, OR FROZEN DESSERT

BEST BBQ SPOT

K Joebella’s

K Gather Natural Market BEST BREAKFAST JOINT

K Joe’s Place K The Nest Cafe BEST ASIAN CUISINE

K Thai Elephant BEST JUICE BAR

K The Neighborhood BEST SUSHI RESTAURANT

K Yanagi

K Thomas Hill Organics K Leo Leo Gelato

K Pacific Harvest Catering

K Jeffry’s Wine

Country BBQ

BEST PASTRY

BEST BURGER JOINT

BEST TEA

BEST DESSERT, BAKE OR CAKE SHOP

K Back Porch Bakery K Spice of Life

BEST FARM-FRESH NUTS

K Paso Almonds BEST FRENCH FRIES

K Street Side Ale House BEST OVERALL ARTISAN

BEST CATERING

K Pier 46

K Pasolivo Olive Oil

K Sylvester’s Burgers K Just Baked BEST PIZZA

K Bravo Pizza

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

K La Parilla

BEST OUTDOOR DINING AREA

K Guest House Grill

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WITH 26 VARIETALS AND ENDLESS VINEYARD VIEWS THERE IS SOMETHING FROM EVERYONE. BRING A PICNIC AND ENJOY.

VOTED BEST

Pear Valley Estate Wine · 4900 Union Road Paso Robles, California 93446 Tasting Room Hours: 11am to 5pm · 7 days a week by appointment · Phone: (805) 237-2861 · pearvalley.com 13starsmedia.com

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VINEYARD TASTING ROOM

Best of North SLO County | March 2021

BEST STEAKHOUSE

BEST TACO

BEST MOCKTAIL

CHARITABLE GIVING

K The Neighborhood Cafe

K Guest House Grill

BEST BREAD

K Street Side Ale House

and Juice Bar

K Hush-Harbor

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT

K Guest House Grill BEST LUNCH SPOT

K Colony Market & Deli BEST FRENCH TOAST

K Country Touch Cafe BEST OLIVE OIL

K Olivas de Oro

BEST BRUNCH SPECIAL

K Brunch

March 2021 | Best of North SLO County

BEST FARM-FRESH INGREDIENTS

K Thomas Hill Organics BEST APPETIZER

K Street Side Ale House BEST CAKE

K La Parilla

BEST CHARITY OR NONPROFIT

K El Camino Homeless Org. BEST YOUTH CHARITY

K Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation

BEST CHARITY EVENT

K Just Baked

K Lighthouse Atascadero

K Guest House Grill

BEST FUNDRAISER

BEST SALAD

BEST CHEESE SHOP

K Vivant Fine Cheeses

Golf Tournament

K Sylvesters’s Burgers BEST LOCAL PROJECT COMPLETED

K Paso Market Walk

13starsmedia.com

T OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 202

BEST VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN

ST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021

BEST PARADE

BEST GENERAL CONTRACTOR

HOME IMPROVEMENT

BEST RAIN GUTTERS

K Colony Days

BEST OVERALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

K Michael Frederick Paving

BEST PLUMBING

K Bell’s Plumbing BEST CLEANING SERVICE

K Steam Pro Carpet Care BEST PROPANE

K Delta Liquid Energy BEST FLOORING

K Templeton Floor Company

13starsmedia.com

K Cal Coast Construction K 5 Star Rain Gutters BEST ROOFING

K Jacob’s Roofing

BEST STORAGE COMPANY

K Central Coast Storage Co. BEST ELECTRICIAN

K French Electric

BEST PAVING, CONCRETE & DRIVEWAYS

K Central Coast Seal Coating BEST SOLAR

K Solarponics

BEST LANDSCAPING, LAWN, & GARDEN

K Native Landscape Creations

BEST MOVING COMPANY

K Meathead Movers

BEST PEST & RODENT CONTROL

K Story Termite

& Pest Control

BEST FURNITURE

K American Oak Wholesalers

BEST CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING MATERIALS

K Big Creek Lumber K Weyrick Lumber

Best of North SLO County | March 2021

PETS & ANIMALS

BEST OVERALL SHOPPING & RETAIL

BEST PET GROOMING & CARE

K Reminisce Antiques

BEST MEN OR WOMEN’S CLOTHING

K Farron Elizabeth

BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

K Anna & Co

BEST BOOKS, STATIONARY & GIFTS

K Steam Pup Parlor BEST DOG PARK

K Templeton Dog Park

BEST DAY SPA

K River Oaks Hot Springs BEST OVERALL HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY

K Med Post Urgent Care of Paso Robles

BEST PET STORE

BEST TATTOO PARLOR

BEST FEED STORE

K Sacred Armor Tattoo

K Lemos

Art Collective

K General Store Paso Robles K Atascadero Hay and Feed

BEST NAIL SALON

K Bloom ‘n’ Grow Florist

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

BEST FLOWERS & FLORIST

BEST REPURPOSED & RENEWED

K Revamped

BEST ANTIQUES, THRIFT & CONSIGNMENT

K Pueblo

March 2021 | Best of North SLO County

BEST VETERINARIAN OR PET HOSPITAL

K Calvin’s

K El Camino Veterinary Hospital

K Dr Ryan McGaughey

HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY BEST BARBER SHOP

BEST WEIGHT LOSS OR NUTRITION

K Fusion Fit

K Nate’s Barber Shop 13starsmedia.com

T OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 202

SHOPPING & RETAIL

ST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021

BEST HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE

K Salus Integrative Medicine BEST GYM OR PERSONAL TRAINER

K Kennedy Club Fitness BEST HAIR SALON

K The Wearhouse BEST PEDIATRICIAN

K Dr. Patterson and Tedford

BEST GENERAL PRACTITIONER OR DOCTOR

K Dr Shannon Berry

BEST OPTOMETRIST & EYE CARE

K Optimetric Care Associates BEST PODIATRIST

K Central Coast Foot

and Ankle Specialists

BEST HEARING AID SPECIALIST

K Hearing Aid Specialists of the Central Coast

BEST URGENT CARE OR CLINIC

K Med Post Urgent Care of Paso Robles

BEST DENTIST OR ORTHODONTIST

K Pambrum Bracing

FINANCIAL, REAL ESTATE OR LEGAL BEST BANK OR CREDIT UNION Thank you for voting us best

Paving, Concrete & Driveways in North SLO County

K SESLOC

BEST TAX PREPARATION

K H&R Block - Gallant BEST INSURANCE COMPANY

805-461-1766 • ccsealcoating@sbcglobal.net 13starsmedia.com

K Chuck Braun State Farm Best of North SLO County | March 2021

K Tidwell Bookkeeping Services BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

K Maci Umbertis

BEST REAL ESTATE GROUP/AGENCY

K Malik Real Estate Group

Jaime Silveira

Greg Malik

Jeannie Malik

Kelly Thulin

DRE# 02086293

Mike Hanson

BEST ATTORNEY OR LAWYER

K Chris Iverson

BEST FINANCIAL PLANNING AGENCY

K Cone & Associates BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY

K Colony Mortgage

TRAVEL, ENTERTAINMENT, LEISURE & EVENTS BEST PARK

K Atascadero Lake Park

Baxter Boyington Jennifer Robins Visit our Team of Professionals!

7450 Morro Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 Call Us! (805) 466-2540 MalikRealEstate.com - FRAMING - CON CR RAL E ET EN

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K Chalk Mountain

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BEST GOLF COURSE

Cal Coast Construction

Golf Course

BEST GUY’S NIGHT OUT SPOT

K Street Side Ale House

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BEST GIRL’S NIGHT OUT SPOT

K Street Side Ale House BEST HOTEL

K The Carlton Hotel

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Henry Ford

BEST FAMILY OUTING

K Charles Paddock Zoo

BEST 12-17 KIDS ENTERTAINMENT

K Galaxy Theaters

BEST EVENT SUPPLY COMPANY

K All About Events

March 2021 | Best of North SLO County

munity m o c e h t o t s k n Tha ort. for all the supp ou! o it without y

We couldn’t d

Voted Best General Contractor

(805) 550-1963 • Lic. #943292 13starsmedia.com

T OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 202

Malik Real Estate BEST Real Estate Agency in North SLO County!!

BEST BOOKKEEPING SERVICE

ST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021

BEST BOUNCE HOUSE OR PARTY SUPPLY

K Hop’s Bounce House

BEST U12 KIDS ENTERTAINMENT

K Galaxy Theaters BEST ART GALLERY

K Studios on the Park

BEST AMUSEMENT OR GAMES

K Mr. Putter’s Putt Putt

AUTO CARE BEST OVERALL

K American West Tire & Auto

BEST GAS & DIESEL STATION

K El Camino Car Wash BEST LUBE & OIL SERVICE

K American West Tire & Auto

K Klem’s

BEST RV SALES & SERVICE

K Ultimate Car Audio

BEST TIRE SALES & SERVICE

BEST AUTO AUDIO & VIDEO

K Wild Fields Brewhouse

BEST BODY SHOP

K Spanish Oaks Ranch K 1800 El Pomar K Pear Valley Winery K Rava Winery

BEST AUTO SALES

BEST EVENT OR WEDDING VENUE

BEST CAR WASH & AUTO DETAIL

K Davis Body Shop

K Sky River RV

K American West Tire & Auto

BEST AUTO PARTS

K KIA - Paso Robles

K Napa Paso Robles

K Ferrell’s Auto Repair

K G&H Automotive

BEST AMERICAN AUTO REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

BEST JAPANESE AUTO REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

Driving Range | Chipping & Putting | Pro Shop | Restaurant

Voted Best Golf Course in North SLO County

10000 El Bordo Ave, Atascadero • chalkmountaingolf.com • (805) 466-8848 13starsmedia.com

Best of North SLO County | March 2021

O

OF

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Payroll Services · Business & Personal Sales Tax Filings · Audits Quickbooks Consulting 8040 El Camino Real, Atascadero · (805) 462-8608

Competitive Rates.

Local Hometown Service.

5365 El Camino Real Atascadero, CA 93422 Phone: 805-466-3598 · Cell: 805-674-1415 · colony-mortgage.com NMLS # 255404 DRE #01847075

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March 2021 | Best of North SLO County

13starsmedia.com

T OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 202

2021

ST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021

BEST WINDOW REPAIR OR TINTING

K A-1 Glass

BEST GERMAN AUTO REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

K German Performance WINE & VINEYARDS BEST VINEYARD TASTING ROOM

K Pear Valley BEST RED

BEST VINEYARD EXPERIENCE

BEST BEER

BEST WINE & BEER TOUR

BEST NIGHT CLUB

K Halter Ranch

K Firestone Walker BEST WHITE

K Cass Wines

BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES & TAP HOUSES BEST BREWERY

K Austin Hope

K BarrelHouse

BEST DOWNTOWN TASTING ROOM

BEST LOCAL SPIRIT

Cabernet

K Firestone 805 K Pappy McGregor’s BEST BAR, TAVERN, PUB, OR TAP HOUSE

K Street Side

Ale House

BEST COCKTAIL

K 1122

Brewing Co.

Coast K Justin Winery Downtown K Central Distillery Forager Tasting Room

13starsmedia.com

Best of North SLO County | March 2021

March 2021 | Best of North SLO County

13starsmedia.com

T OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 202

** Two years in a row

ST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021  BEST OF 2021

A huge Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s 8th Annual Best of North SLO County!

We thank you our readers for taking the time to vote for your favorites! Without your support for all small businesses this would not be possible.

As we all continue to endure this challenging time, we know that there is only one way we will get through this and that is, together. 

13starsmedia.com

Best of North SLO County | March 2021

LOCAL FIELD TRIPS = New Goodies

W

e miss field trips. Driving to a craft show, meeting the maker in person. And nothing makes you love the Central Coast more than spending a few days somewhere else. We love the diversity and art and noise in LA, for example. (And if you are ever able to grab a table at Night + Market Song, you will be rewarded with the loudest and most extraordinary Thai meal of your life.) We feel energized by these trips, though we are always very content to head back North on the highway. But with no traveling outside the county, for now, we’ve been seeking out inspiration locally, finding new partnerships, and digging in deeper to relationships we already have.

One such partnership is with Marisa Daniels at Botanica 805, a true artist of natural ingredients and pure, lovely scents. Both her Balancing and Revitalizing Bath Salts fly off the shelves, and we’ll be adding her Calm Bath Salts to the mix soon. Marisa donates to Trees for the Future, which means that every time you buy one of her candles, a tree gets planted. (So, of course, we’ve decided to bring in her candles this Spring, as well a healing salve that’s just perfect for our washed-them-

March 2021 | Atascadero News Magazine

twenty-times-today hands. ) A new maker in the store who is new to California altogether is Maven Leather, created by artist Emma Thieme. Originating in coastal Maine in 2015, Maven now enjoys two locations: a seasonal boutique in Cherryfield, Maine, and a year-round studio and gallery in Cayucos. We happened upon Emma’s shop on a day when she was closed, but she graciously opened up just for us. A former dancer, Emma is slight of build, but she’s fierce with her tools, and we couldn’t help but touch every single, special piece in her studio. There was a lot of ooh-ing and ahh-ing before we picked some simple and hearty leather wallets, as well as hanging plant holders that aren’t like anything we’ve seen. (First batch almost sold out in a weekend, so dang it - had to head over to the beach to grab some more.)

Thrilled to be working with these two wonder women who are right here in our own backyard.

Until we can hit the road again, here’s to local field trips!

And a HUGE thank you for choosing us as a Best of North County. Truly grateful.

XX General Store Paso Robles

atascaderomagazine.com | 31

Santa Margarita

Simone Smith

LESSONS FROM SANTA MARGARITA'S HISTORIC ELM TREES Part One: The Importance of Planting

T

he first day of Spring 2021 is on tation, very few trees, and people had been Saturday, March 20, the day of the dying due to outbreaks of disease. Dr. Smith, vernal equinox, when the sun crosses the founder of the Metropolitan Board of over the earth’s equator bringing nearly equal Health, called attention to his groundbreaklengths of day and night around the world. ing research, later known as the Washington Spring, the season that sees increasing Elm Study, where he, along with Harvard daylight hours and a flurry of activity with College mathematics professor Benjamin plants growing, bees buzzing, birds, and a Pierce, were able to calculate and illustrate multitude of creatures building nests and the “vast potential of a single large tree’s folihaving young. People, too, are affected by age to absorb carbon dioxide, emit oxygen and the increase of daylight and warmth that provide shade.” the season brings, spurring outdoor activiThe study, which concluded that planting ties, gardening, home improvement, and even street trees could mitigate oppressive heat and Downtown Santa Margarita at the turn of the Century. Courtesy of real estate transactions. save thousands of lives per year, was the beginThe Santa Margarita Historical Society Although the natural world goes on about ning of the street tree planting movement. its business, our actions, when considering planting, design, and maintenance, Elm trees, which can live between 100-150 years, grow strong, tall, and have can have far-reaching and long-term effects on our health and the health beautiful arching canopies became a popular tree of choice for many commuof our environment, from the tallest trees down to the microbes in our soil nities across the country and was the chosen tree to plant in Santa Margarita. and everything in between.

Although not affected by Dutch Elm Disease, which killed off thousands Santa Margarita’s street trees began with just that in mind. of American Elms throughout the U.S, Santa Margarita’s European Elms It was a beautiful day in Spring; the date was Saturday, April 20, 1889, the were later plagued by the defoliating appetites of the Elm Leaf Beetle. A day of The Grand Auction Sale, announcing to the world the establishment native to Europe, the Elm Leaf Beetle (ELB) was accidentally introduced to of the new town of Santa Margarita. Lots were sold, homes and businesses North America, where the beetles have no major predator. Each year adult began to sprout up, and by the turn of the century, street trees that had been beetles emerge from hibernation to lay eggs from which 2-3 generations planted throughout town were well on their way to providing a welcome of leaf devouring larvae actively feed on Elms from Spring until returning respite from heat and greenery along the dusty roads. to hibernation in late Fall by hundreds or thousands as adults in homes, The practice of planting for shade and beauty can be seen through tomb garages, and woodpiles. depictions of rows of Sycamores, Palms, and Pomegranates planted in royal The Street trees of Santa Margarita have been dwindling in number as the gardens of ancient Egypt and later evolved into planting for public spaces trees are reaching the end of their life span, and the Elm Leaf Beetles have and private gardens. But, according to a January 27, 2019 article in FAST been a nightmare for residents. Over many years of battling to rid the town Company magazine by Sonja Dumpelman, it was eminent New York City of the pests, a mystery emerged last year; for the first time in memory, the Physician Stephen Smith who in the 1870s called for a movement to plant trees had little damage, and no adult beetles were seen going into hibernatrees, arguing that doing so would save lives. tion, which has left many wondering are the beetles dying off?

New York City at the time was overcrowded, hot, dusty, had poor saniStay tuned for part two next month. 

32 | atascaderomagazine.com

Atascadero News Magazine | March 2021

“Serving the pets, people and veterinarians of the Central Coast”

Full Service Veterinary Hospital

Open: 24/7 for Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care

(805) 466-3880 9575 El Camino Real, Atascadero Visit us at: apetcenter.com  Wellness Intensive & Critical 24 hour Care  Digital X-Ray and Ultrasound CT Scanning  Extensive Orthopedic & Soft Tissue Surgery  Internal Medicine Dentistry Ophthamology

March 2021 | Atascadero News Magazine

atascaderomagazine.com | 33

High School Modernization

AHS Finishes Renovations, New Science and Shop Buildings

W

By Connor Allen

hile it is still unclear when exactly students will be able to return to campus at Atascadero High School (AHS), one thing that is for certain is they will have some brand new state of the art facilities to occupy when they do.

Over the past few years, and indeed while the campus has sat mostly empty with students forced into distance learning since last year, Atascadero Unified School District (AUSD) has been working to modernize and renovate the campus, which is the first new construction in over 20 years.

AUSD began construction on the first piece in April of 2018 and has now turned the former parking lot into a new science department with 42 student lab stations. The facility was completed in 2019 and was occupied for a short time in January of 2020 before the pandemic.

The new science buildings provide enough space in the eight classrooms to allow students to have both a desk and a lab station to offer more hands-on learning.

"In lab science classes, the ability to be at your desk and then move over to your lab station instead of having to clear your desk every time, it just makes the instruction so effective," AHS Principal Dan Andrus said. "Next-generation science standards really focus on hands-on project-based lab learning. What we are seeing in science instruction is an increase in the amount of time students spend doing labs and analyzing those labs. That is why this set up facilitates that type of instruction. We are no longer just sitting in science and listening. We are moving from learning stations to lab stations; it's a big deal to increase the space if at the same time we ask our science teachers to increase the amount of hands-on practical learning students are doing."

The new science buildings also come with shed style roofing, allowing the rooms to be filled with natural light.

Included in the science facilities are a new welding and woodworking shop that comes with 22 cutting edge welding booths for AHS students. With the latest equipment, AUSD is now working with Cuesta college on dual enrollment courses to help those students interested in making a career in trades.

"Facilities are an important part of that," Andrus said. "Community Colleges don't want to partner with you in these types of classes until you have modernized equipment and facilities that are industry standard, industry-ready. Part of the problem some schools have is they try to articu-

34 | atascaderomagazine.com

late what the colleges are doing, but their facilities just aren't up to snuff. This gives us a new level of ability to work with Cuesta and prepare our kids."

AHS not only invested in the sciences but also in the arts as the new Black Box Theater and music and chorus rooms are also complete and waiting to be filled with future entertainers and performers.

The construction of the music rooms and theater was divided into two phases. Phase one focused on just the music and chorus rooms and began in April of 2020 and was completed that September. Phase two, which included the new Black Box theater, green room, staging area, dressing rooms, and a closed-circuit tv monitor for actors and actresses to get their cues, began in June of 2019.

The theater also has a seating area built to accommodate around 100 spectators for any production put on by the drama, choral, and music departments.

Phase two of construction was delayed due to the old welding shop occupants needing to wait until the new science building and shops were finished. Construction on the Black Box Theater was substantially complete in December of 2020.

In addition to the large scale projects, AHS has also renovated some of its older facilities and brought them into the 21st century. The girl's locker room received a much-needed upgrade, and six new tennis courts are expected to be completed in March of 2021 with weather permitting. The new tennis courts are being built adjacent to the game field, where the old bus barn used to sit.

With a brand new science facility now in the heart of the campus, AHS has begun renovating the old science department, which houses some of the oldest classrooms at the high school site.

A couple of classrooms have been transformed into a new fitness center and spin room, complete with treadmills, exercise bikes, and plenty of floor space to work up a sweat.

The former C-building will also house a new, more extensive training room and a ticket taking window for high school sporting events.

While AHS already looks much different than it had only a few years ago, more changes are coming in the near future. According to AUSD Superintendent Tom Butler, the giant cinderblock that is the historic B-Building is supposed to come down this summer.

It seems for the last 20 years that there have been rumors that the B-Building was coming down, but it appears it will finally happen in 2021.

In its place, AHS plans to create an open green space for students and turn that area into the featured entrance into the school.

These projects were paid using funds derived primarily through the Measure I-10 and B-14 school bond ballot initiatives and were augmented with developer fees. 

Top, the site for the new tennis courts being constructed where the old bus barn used to sit. Bottom, an aerial view of the new science and shop buildings in what used to be the senior parking lot. Photos courtesy of AUSD

Atascadero News Magazine | March 2021

By Connor Allen

Stu's Studio: The Stoddard Center for the Arts

T

he naming of new public facilities, especially in a public school district, is generally met with some conversation and at least a little discussion over many different options. However, when the name "Stu Stoddard" was mentioned a few months ago in Atascadero, all conversations about the building's name ceased and were instead replaced by story after story of Stoddard's grace, knowledge, and uncommon kindness.

The citizens' advisory committee and the Atascadero Unified School District Board of Trustees were in unanimous agreement. On February 2, the Black Box Theater officially changed its name, in its new home, to Stu's Studio: The Stoddard Center for the Arts.

It is rare to hear of someone spoken about with such reverence by all, but after just a few seconds absorbing his preacher's cadence and basking in his glowing warmth, it becomes clear why every face at the Board of Trustees meeting donned a smile while presenting the prestigious honor to a man that worked in the district for 29 years.

Stoddard began his illustrious career for the Atascadero Unified School District in 1989 as a maintenance and trades worker, mostly building cabinets, after finding himself out of a job in Geology due to the oil crisis.

For the next eight years, Stoddard worked around the district, wherever he was needed, with expanding levels of responsibility. In 1997, Stoddard was named the Director of Facilities and officially became the man in charge of fixing a school going through some very tight financial years. Over the next 20, Stoddard would hold a couple of different titles, including the Director of Support Services in 2007 and eventually Executive Director of Bond Projects in 2016.

For most of Stoddard's tenure, he was forced to be the harbinger of bad news regarding leaky roofs and decaying facilities. Yet, everyone left his office feeling better than they did when entering it, even if they didn't receive the answer they were looking for.

"For years, we just struggled to get through, and that's a great training session, you know, hardship develops knowledge, and we should be blessed for the hardships we go through, and we have plenty in Atascadero," Stoddard said. "But there was always this kind of goal in the back of our heads that this place could look like a college campus when we were done, something that we could be proud of. I think we got there to some degree, and I think that a testament to what a whole lot of people were able to accomplish."

In 2010, the Atascadero voters overwhelmingly passed Measure I-10, a 117-million dollar bond allowing the district to final l y do more

Leader Atascadero People than just maintain. The bond was designed to be spent to "expand vocational education programs and facilities; upgrade classroom computers and technology; construct a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics facility," and to even rebuild and replace the broken roofs Stoddard had been dealing with for two decades.

While it was undoubtedly the will of the taxpayers to bring Measure I-10 to the Atascadero School District, Stoddard played no small part in educating the Board of Trustees and thus the public on its merits.

"I really think that the bond that we passed, you inspired us to get that passed," Board Member Tami Gunther said at the February 2 meeting. "And so I can't thank you enough for everything, and you've been such a tremendous supporter of the arts. So, I feel it is so appropriate we get to honor you with something that I know is important."

Stoddard stayed true to his word as Atascadero High School has recently finished a number of upgrades, with most of the money coming from his guidance and the support of Measure I-10. Not only does the high school campus have a new studio for the arts that is complete with a green room, staging area, dressing rooms, closed-circuit television, and room for 100 attendees, but also a new science department with 42 student lab stations, new tennis courts and a renovated girls locker room.

Improving the campus tenfold will surely be the crown jewel of his achievements while at the district; however, it is only a small part of what made his time so enjoyable. Above all that he accomplished, Stoddard values the relationships he made along the way.

"It is this extended family of people that made my career from the get-go. When I was working with the crews and maintenance department as one of them, which was grand fun, to get to know those guys," Stoddard said in his poetic manner of speaking. "Then, as we progressed, getting to know the business department and all the wonderful attributes Jackie [Martin] brings to the table to keep that district running smoothly. Working with Tom Butler, I have worked with numerous Superintendents, and they are all wonderful in their own way."

Stu's Studio: The Stoddard Center for the Arts was functionally finished in December of 2020 but has sat empty due to the pandemic and now waiting, yearning for students to return to campus and begin filling its walls with knowledge, laughter and memories.

Stoddard retired front AUSD in 2018 but is still yet to enjoy his retirement as he has spent time helping both Templeton and San Miguel School Districts over the past two years.

It appears the only person in the county not sure Stoddard is deserving of the honor is the man himself because his grace and modesty will simply not allow it.

"I don't know that it is deserved, but it is an honor to be associated with some of the work that we have done and to hold some level of respect with people that I think very highly of," He said. "To win over some level of respect with these august people is wonderful; I don't know that it is deserved, but it is appreciated." 

Stu Stoddard with his wife JoAnne and son Cam (Cameron).

Not pictured is daughter Gwen who is an ICU Nurse in San Luis Obispo and their son Cy who passed away in 2007.

March 2021 | Atascadero News Magazine

atascaderomagazine.com | 35

Taste of Atascadero

From the Kitchen of

Barbie Butz

W

hen I was growing up, my mother never let March 17 go by without a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Everything in our house “turned green” with her decorating. She loved the day, and the fact that her maiden name was O’Haver added more reason to celebrate. She always wanted to travel to Ireland, and indeed, she did finally get there.

Our St. Patrick’s Day menu always included Soda Bread, and through the years, I’ve found a couple of different recipes that I like. This first one is best served the day it’s baked, but it can also be made up to two days ahead and stored whole, at room temperature, in a sealed paper bag or wrapped in parchment. I serve it with “Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter.” Start your Irish menu with some Kerrygold Dubliner Natural Cheese” and crackers. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Cheers!

•

Taste of Americana

Rye Soda Bread Ingredients: 1½ cups whole milk 1/3 cup apple-cider vinegar 2½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 1 cup rye flour (not dark) ½ cup unprocessed wheat bran such as Bob’s Red Mill 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1¼ teaspoons baking soda 3 tablespoons caraway seeds 1 cup currants or golden raisins, or a combination Salted butter for serving

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine milk and vinegar in a bowl; let stand until curdled and thickened, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together both flours, bran, salt, and baking soda; stir in caraway seeds and currants and raisins if using. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture; add milk mixture and stir together, starting in the center and working outward, until a sticky dough forms (do not over-mix). Transfer to a generously floured work surface and, with floured hands, form a cohesive ball. (Do not overwork the dough.) Pat ball into a 7-inch-wide domed round and transfer to a baking sheet. Cut a 1-inch-deep X with a floured knife across the top of the round. Poke holes from the top through to the bottom of dough with a wooden skewer at 1-inch intervals (about 28 holes total).

Bake 30 minutes. Turn bread upside-down; continue baking until cooked through and loaf sounds hollow when tapped on bottom, 15 to 18 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing and serving with butter.

This next recipe is for Brown Soda Bread and will add variety to your breadbasket.

Irish Brown Soda Bread Ingredients: 8 oz. white flour 8 oz. wholemeal flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 3 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons salt 1 beaten egg 2½ cups of sour milk Beaten egg or milk (to glaze)

Directions:

Sift together the dry ingredients. Mix the milk and egg and stir in. Mix, then knead on a floured surface until smooth. Shape into a round cake and place on a greased sheet or into a greased loaf tin. Make a deep cross on the cake and brush with glaze. Bake in a hot oven at 375 degrees. For 35 to 40 minutes.

Note: About halfway through the baking time, check to see if the cake is browning. If so, cover with a sheet of foil to keep it from browning too much.

End your celebration of St. Patrick’s Day with this famous Irish beverage.

Irish Coffee

Warm a stemmed whiskey glass. Put into it sugar to taste. Add strong, very hot coffee to within 1½ inches of the top, and stir well.

(Remember to place a teaspoon in the glass before adding the coffee to avoid cracking.) Add whiskey to fill up to ½ inch below the top.

Hold a teaspoon with its curved side up across the glass and pour one teaspoon of lightly whipped cream over it. Do not stir, but drink at once. (And start again!)

“May your songs be merry, and your smiles be bright. May your laughs be many, and your heart be light.

May love and friendship warm your home. May luck move in to stay.

May every morning be the start of another happy day. May you have health, faith, and strength to give life all your best.

And may St. Patrick’s Day and all your days, be very richly blessed.”

36 | atascaderomagazine.com

Atascadero News Magazine | March 2021

Bake It 'Til You Make It

•

Business

Just Baked Cake

By Camille DeVaul

T

he economic trickle effect of COVID knows no bounds and is nearly endless, with the wedding industry being one of the hardest hit.

A wedding cancellation is so much more than just the venue. It means canceling catering orders, DJ, rental equipment, flowers, attire alterations, the list goes on.

Just Baked Cake Studio and Bakery in Paso Robles, like other bakeries, received a significant hit from wedding cancellations in 2020 that are now trickling into 2021.

Libby Ryan, the owner of Just Baked, explained, “The thing that has hurt us the most is the loss of our weddings; we had $71,000 in weddings moved to this year. I thought that it was bad last year until this year hit, and then everything that moved started to just completely cancel.”

Libby had 126 weddings move from 2020 to 2021. And now, in the last month, she has seen 27 weddings cancel or reschedule to 2022.

Like everyone else, Libby had to make some tough business decisions early in the pandemic and close her bakery in Santa Margarita during the first two-week lockdown.

When she realized the lockdown and COVID weren’t going anywhere anytime soon, Libby and her staff got creative.

“We had to pivot. We started doing deliveries, and since everyone had their kids at home, we were doing DIY cake kits, DIY cookie kits to stay busy and we were surprisingly busy that entire time and what we found was everyone was still celebrating their birthday. Whether it was smaller, drive-by, or March 2021 | Atascadero News Magazine

Studion

whatever, they were still celebrating.”

Then on August 1, 2020, she opened her second location of Just Baked in the brand new Paso Market Walk on Spring Street, which was just voted “Best Local Project Completed” in the North SLO County Readers Poll for 2021.

“With our opening at the Market Walk, it’s been great. We were very well received within the community, but there are so many other restaurants in there that were not getting the foot traffic that we were anticipating because nobody’s coming in to eat because they can’t eat inside. That’s been very frustrating for us,” Libby shared.

Due to shutdowns and not enough foot traffic, Libby decided to close her Santa Margarita location for retail. She still has two part-time staff making cookie dough at the site to be baked at their Paso Robles location.

Despite all of 2020’s woes, there was one pretty spectacular thing that happened.

In February 2020, Libby was invited to compete on Food Network’s Chopped Sweets hosted by Scott Conant, American celebrity chef, restaurateur, and frequent host and judge of many Food Network competition shows. During Chopped Sweets, Conant challenges four pastry chefs to create desserts using random ingredients with an extremely tight time limit.

Chefs competed in three rounds showcasing a different technique in each one: candied, baked, and frosted.

After each round of competition, one pastry chef is eliminated from the competition. The last chef standing gets to claim the $10,000 prize!

“I was really proud of myself to be with these three classically trained pastry chefs, and I just didn’t want to go home first,” Libby said.

Libby made it to the end of the competition but unfortunately lost to pastry chef Monica Glass.

“It was an amazing experience. I had so much fun, and I would love to go back and do it all again,” Libby explained.

Little did she know that when she returned home after filming last year, her life and business would change dramatically due to COVID-19.

In order to make up for the loss of wedding revenue, which accounts for one-third of her business, Libby and her team of 11 employees are taking as many custom orders as they can. They have been working hard regardless of how many times they have to pivot with restrictions and changes.

Starting at 8 am every morning, breakfast is served at what Libby calls her little “secret breakfast club”!

Just Baked is also the only bakery in the county with KETO options as well as gluten-free and vegan options every day.

And for the second year in a row, Just Baked received “Best Bakery” and “Best Cake” in North County for the Best of North SLO County 2021.

Libby and her team remain positive and hopeful for the future. After the episode aired, Libby said she was blown away by all the support, “I couldn’t have done any of this without all my clients and, of course, this amazing team by my side.”  Just Baked Cake Studio and Bakery is located inside the Paso Market Walk at 1803 Spring Street, just a few blocks from Downtown. Visit justbakedslo.com. atascaderomagazine.com | 37

RESILIENCE THROUGH PERSEVERANCE

The Business of Survival

BRAD DAUGHERTY Forms Small Business Coalition Due to California’s EverChanging Guidelines

By Camille DeVaul

Brad Daugherty owner of Cider Creek Bakery (top photo on the right) with his two sons Wade and Logan. Daugherty shares his challenges he faced while navigating through the pandemic. Contributed photos.

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O

n December 3, 2020, California went into a regional lockdown, which included San Luis Obispo County under the Southern California region.

This second lockdown forced retailers to operate at 20 percent capacity and restaurants to revert back to takeout only.

When Brad Daugherty, owner of Cider Creek Bakery in Paso Robles, learned about this second lockdown, he contemplated his next move.

“I laid in bed one night just going ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do.’ If I have to close my doors again, I’m going to lose this place.

To-go orders were just not enough to sustain [us],” Brad shared.

Brad and 10-15 other business owners in North County went back and forth with each other on what to do until 3 a.m. that night. Brad suggested that the business owners hold a meeting to discuss their options.

What should they do?

When Brad met for that meeting, he expected 10-15 people to attend. When he showed up, to his surprise, there were 40 San Luis Obispo County business owners.

That was when the San Luis Obispo County Small Business Coalition (SLOCSBC) was formed.

Now, the coalition is made up of 130 businesses and counting.

Brad explains the coalition as, “An outlet for people to express what’s going on. Talk about their experiences and gain knowledge so they can share their experience.” One example Brad gave was, “Say somebody had ABC come to them, that business owner will share their experience with everybody, that way everyone knows what to expect.”

Most people fear the unknown, especially when it comes to their business.

The coalition has become a support system for business owners in SLO County. It is a group where the owners can share their experiences, fears and receive feedback and advice from one another.

Brad explained that the coalition helps lower businesses’ anxiety, fear and feel more confident in opening their business if they want or have to.

When asking Brad about how he has kept Cider Creek Bakery afloat throughout the pandemic, he says he did it by simply staying open.

“By staying open -- I played their game in the beginning. March, April, and May were rough, rough months,” Brad said.

Cider Creek Bakery had a record year of sales for 2019 and, based on sales for Jan. and Feb. 2020, was on track for being another record-breaking year for sales.

During California’s first lockdown, issued on March 19, 2020, Brad had to lay off eight

employees, and the bakery’s sales were down 50 percent.

In April of 2020, Brad received his Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and used it to bring back most of his staff.

When the PPP money ran out, Brad knew he had to stay open to keep his business. Since May, he has remained open with a full staff of 16 employees.

“I’ve kept my doors open. I’ve put myself on every county watchlist. There hasn’t been an enforcement agency that hasn’t had contact with me,” Brad stated.

Cider Creek Bakery has remained open with social distancing, masks, and sanitization procedures.

In December 2020, sales ended up beating the bakery’s 2019 record year sales. Now for January, the bakery is operating at 80 percent sales.

When asked what he thinks the rest of the year will look like with COVID regulations and sales, Brad says he’s not sure what could happen.

But he does know what he will be doing.

“I can tell you what I’m not going to change here -- I’m not going to change how I’m operating. I can’t control what the public does. Whether they come through my doors or not but they will be open -- They literally will have to force me to close this time,” Brad said.

If I have to close my doors again, I’m going to lose this place.

To-go orders were just not enough to sustain [us].

Brad explained that businesses like his that don’t require a liquor license have been left alone for the most part with no significant threats.

So why does Brad continue to push back?

“This fight is for every business that is being crushed by our government, especially those that have recently been targeted by ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) and threatened to have their liquor licenses suspended,” Brad explained.

Brad says he and the SLOCSBC are very close to filing a lawsuit against the California Governor or the State of California.

The SLOCSBC is essentially fighting for businesses’ Right to Earn a Living Act, which states, “The right of individuals to pursue a chosen profession, free from arbitrary or excessive government interference, is a fundamental civil right.”  Anyone interested in joining the coalition can contact Brad Daugherty at brad@protectpaso.org.

You can visit Cider Creek Bakery at 205 Oak Hill Rd in Paso Robles or online at cidercreekbakery.com.

Atascadero News Magazine | March 2021

After implementing “ Plan C,” Wild Fields beer can now be purchased throughout California

By Connor Allen

T

here are only a few things more challenging to do in a normal year than open up a new successful business. Make that business a restaurant and brewery, and the odds become even a little tougher, toss in a global pandemic. It seems nearly impossible, but that is exactly what Wild Field Brewhouse in Atascadero accomplished in 2020.

Wild Fields Brewhouse opened its doors for its grand opening in 2019, on December 6, but it wasn’t long before they were forced to shut their doors and get very creative with their business plan. They have been forced to continually adapt to the ever-changing rules and regulations that have come with COVID-19 but have rolled with punches hoping to come out stronger on the other side.

“February felt pretty promising. We felt pretty good, and then by March 10, we saw our sales drastically fall,” Co-owner Jacque Fields shared. “We closed on March 16, literally three months into being open. Then we moved strictly into beer, we tried having the kitchen open for two weeks, but it was just too hard with my husband and I doing all of it.”

Faced with no ability to serve food and no end in sight, Wild Fields moved to curbside pick-up, creating fun deals and ways for the community to still get a hold of their fantastic beer. With their numbers dropping drastically, Jacque and Ryan Fields reached out to their landlord, the Madonna Group, who graciously offered their help in such a difficult time.

In May, after a few months operating just on creative beer sales, Wild Fields Brewhouse was once again allowed to open its doors for some indoor dining. Hearing the news, the owners sprang into action, hiring and training new staff but once again, the rug was pulled out from underneath them just a few weeks later.

“We got to the end of May when they said we could reopen with some indoor dining,” Jacque explained. “So, we rehired a team and got people back in place. A lot of our team members didn’t come back due to concerns with COVID or family members they had to take care of or those sorts of things.”

For a few weeks, it seemed as operations might go back to as normal as can be during a pandemic but come July, they were once again forced to close their doors and began searching for a new way to get business.

“In July, we decided to focus strictly on distribution,” Jacque said. “It was always our Plan C, but it was forced to become Plan A. It is not the best financially, wholesaling your product, there isn’t a whole lot of money there, but it is something, and it keeps our brand alive.”

March 2021 | Atascadero News Magazine

Initially, Plan C was nothing more than a distant goal to reach sometime in the future after establishing themselves. Still, it has since become something of a life raft amid the tumultuous waters of the pandemic.

Immediately Wild Fields began looking into canning and distribution.

For the past several months, Ryan has been making weekly trips as far south as Orange County and as far north as the Bay Area distributing their delicious craft beers. However, breaking into the craft beer market is no small task, especially when acquiring refrigerated shelf space.

“Plan A was to make great beer and have some tasty pub food to go with it that was affordable and accessible for folks,” Jacque said. “We make our own beer, my husband has been doing that for 14 years, and I have been working in craft beer for 15 years; it’s what we know and what we love.

We also bring in guest ciders and wines and nonalcoholic craft beer, and local craft soda. We wanted it to be a space that everyone felt welcome.”

Plan A was to sell their beer over the bar and support it with a sausagebased menu (with vegan options available). Over the bar was a critical part of the plan because of the great opportunities to tell people about the beer. Challenge them to try new things and find out what flavors resonate most with the community they have become apart of.

When the state reopened outdoor dining, Wild Fields Brewhouse again adapted to the quickly changing landscape and hired a new chef and new team, and added 5,000 additional square feet by moving every table and chair available into the parking lot.

Expanding into the parking lot came with its own set of challenges. A little know fact about Wild Fields Brewhouse is that their tabletops are made of 102-year-old cedar from the tree that used to sit in the Sunken Garden.

This meant an additional two hours of set up and tear down each night for their employees. After some time, Wild Fields Brewhouse pulled the plug on their outdoor dining but continued to serve meals for pick-up in a family-style capacity.

Wild Fields Brewhouse continues to sell their beer, waiting for their moment to open their doors to the friendly faces of North County.

With implementing “Plan C,” Wild Fields beer can now be purchased all over the county and throughout California. However, the best place to buy is and always will be from the brewers themselves.  Wild Fields Brewhouse is located at 6907 El Camino Real in Atascadero.

Visit them online wildfields.com. atascaderomagazine.com | 39

Tent City

•

San Luis Obispo County Office of Education

James Brescia, Ed.D.

A

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

common topic with our district superintendents, charter directors, school boards, PTAs, Rotary Clubs, and community groups is the California state budget. The best explanation about the California budget I have heard is that the budget is a process rather than a product. This year is like no other I have experienced in my 35 years of service.

In January of 2021, three bills were introduced in the House of Representatives that total $461 billion for education. The legislation is called the “Save Education Jobs Act” and was first introduced last year but did not move forward. The package also includes the Learning Recovery Act of 2021, which distributes funding to school districts to address learning loss and extended learning opportunities, much like the governor’s proposal for $4.6 billion in the state budget.

The California budget is a combination of phases, including developing the Governor’s Budget, the Legislature’s enactment of the budget, and the executive branch’s administration. Each of these phases contains all the ramifications and influences of political interactions, relationships with federal and local governments, public input, natural events, legal issues, the economy, initiatives, and legislation. In short, the state budget is a complex, multi-faceted, and ever-changing process, similar to the process of making sausage. COVID-19 has changed this process and should prove to be a topic of accounting classes, graduate seminars, and history books.

Our State Constitution requires that the governor submit a balanced budget to the Legislature by January 10. The governor’s $227.2 billion budget proposal in January began a 6-month long process finalized with an approved 20212022 budget. This year’s proposal includes $14 billion in programs to assist workers and businesses impacted by the pandemic and reopen schools. That includes nearly $5 billion Newsom will ask the Legislature to approve before the June budget completion.

Newsom predicts $34 billion in what he calls “budget resiliency,” or a combi-

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nation of reserves and discretionary surplus, with $15.6 billion coming from the state’s rainy day fund.

Even amid the coronavirus pandemic, Newsom’s $227 billion spending plan marks a record-high budget proposal. Keely Bosler, director of the Department of Finance, admitted, “We got it wrong [last] April about how deep the recession was going to be.” One interesting requirement is that if the budget year’s proposed expenditures exceed estimated revenues, the governor must recommend the additional funding sources to mitigate deficit spending. Under the governor’s policy direction, the Director of Finance issues instructions and budget preparation guidelines to agencies and departments. This effort typically gets underway even before the Legislature has passed the budget for the current fiscal year. Our local State Senator, John Laird, is an experienced legislator and will be an integral part of the budget appropriations.

Even though the government uses terms such as “Zero-Based Budgeting,” “Management by Objectives,” and “Total Quality Management,” the process is essentially incremental budgeting with some lobbying added for good measure.

The current departmental level of funding is considered a base amount adjusted up or down by change proposals. According to the Department of Finance, the general goal is to resolve budget issues at the lowest level possible. Departments should clear their proposals through agency-level hearings, and the Department of Finance generally attends the hearings. For non-agency departments, recommendations are presented directly to the Department of Finance.

Issues not resolved between departments and Finance staff move to hearings conducted by the Director of Finance. The most sensitive issues ultimately land on Dwight D. Eisenhower the governor’s desk for a decision.

The Department of Finance coordinates printing the Governor’s Budget Summary, containing goals and objectives for the following year after finalizing decisions. The budget summary portion is a detailed presentation of each department for the past, current, and future budget years. The State Constitution also requires that the Governor’s Budget contains a Budget Bill itemizing recommended expenditures introduced into each Legislature house before June 15. Of particular interest for our county are the proposals to expand the educator workforce pipeline. A goal of my administration has been to promote “Future Careers that are Locally Grown.” Several of the grants proposed by the governor complement my research on Recruitment and Retention, validate our work on apprenticeships, and if awarded, will benefit our county for generations. For additional information, please contact the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education.

It is an honor to serve as your County Superintendent of Schools. 

Plans are nothing; planning is everything.

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Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. Fellowship trained in Sports Medicine.

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The Last Word

We believe in people. We believe in partnerships.

We believe in organic food, a healthy planet, and doing our part to preserve it. We believe in getting it right, the first time, every time. our history, and our future.

We believe in art, music, sports, education, and kids.

We

We believe in

believe in life,

liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

We believe

culture eats strategy for breakfast. We believe to change anything, create a new model that makes the old model obsolete.

We believe that all ideas

are big ideas when they matter to you.

We believe

in art, music, sports, education, and kids. We believe in being the most fun.

We believe handshakes and

hugs are better than likes and shares.

We believe

Main Street is more powerful than Wall Street.

We believe in holding the door, smiling, waving, and greeting strangers as new friends. We believe small business is a state of mind.

We believe everything

looks better on high-gloss pages. We believe in the magic of teamwork, hard work, and high fives.

We

believe in homemade lemonade and local honey. We believe in family, friends, and sharing warm bread.

We believe in lighting each other’s candles.

We believe in the Story of Us. Atascadero News Magazine Manifesto adopted 2018

1800 El Pomar - Weddings, Events & Vineyards..............................9 76 Gas Station.................................. 41 A Heavenly Home...............................9 A1 Glass Paso Robles........................ 29 All About Events................................ 27 American West Tire & Auto............... 28 Atascadero Pet Hospital................... 33 Bell's Plumbing................................ 23 Bottom Line Bookkeeping............... 13 Bravo Pizza Plus...................................7 Cal Coast Construction..................... 25

Central Coast Distillery..................... 30 Central Coast Sealcoating................ 24 Chalk Mountain Golf........................ 26 Colony Market and Deli................... 19 Colony Mortgage............................. 27 Educated Gardener.......................... 32 Ferrell's Auto Repair......................... 16 Firestone Walker Brewery................ 30 Five Star Rain Gutters....................... 16 Frontier Floors................................... 31 General Store Paso Robles............... 31 Greg Malik Real Estate Grp..10, 11, 25

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DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS Atascadero News Magazine is brought to you by Guest House Grill............................. 18 Hearing Aid Specialists of The Central Coast.............................3 Hope Family Wines.......................... 16 Jeffry's Wine Country BBQ............... 21 John Donovan Insurance & Financial Services, Inc................... 41 Lemos Feed & Pet Supply................. 24 Leo Leo Gelato.................................. 19

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Thank you for being #atascaderostrong

Reminisce......................................... 19 Rick Cook.............................................9 Robert Fry M.D.................................. 40 Robert Hall Winery........................... 44 RoCoco Luxe Resale Boutique......... 33 San Luis Obispo County Office of Education........................... 41 SESLOC Federal Credit Union.......... 17 Solarponics....................................... 29 Steam Pro Carpet Care..................... 29 Steampup Parlor.............................. 19 Story Termite & Pest Control............. 29

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Atascadero News Magazine | March 2021