Online threat deemed not credible at Paso Robles High; students and staff safe
On Monday, May 5, around 11 a.m., Paso Robles High School staff reported a concerning online comment to the school’s resource officer. Police determined the threat was not credible, and all students and staff are safe. Paso Robles Joint Unified School District emphasizes the importance of discussing responsible online behavior with students and remains committed to working with law enforcement to maintain campus safety. Families will be promptly informed if a credible threat ever arises.
Goats and sheep returned to Salinas River for wildfire prevention
On Friday, May 2, herds of goats and sheep returned to Paso Robles to graze primary firebreaks within the Salinas River as part of the city’s Vegetation Management Program. Since its launch in 2021, this grazing strategy has significantly reduced wildfire starts and acreage burned, according to city fire officials.
Supported by the San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council, this year’s effort began at Larry Moore Park and north of Highway 46, progressing in opposite directions. Grazing is expected to conclude by June 10.
To comply with environmental permits from the Water Board and CDFW, the city also initiated revegetation efforts on five acres affected by the 2020 River Fire, planting 150 trees with oversight from the Upper Salinas–Las Tablas Resource Conservation District.
Temporary closures of walking paths between 13th Street and Larry Moore Park are in effect during grazing. The public is urged to use caution near electric fencing. Grazing operations are administered by The Goat Girls LLC and funded through grants.
Paso Robles Fire Department enforces weed abatement ordinance ahead of fire season
On Monday, May 5, Paso Robles Fire & Emergency Services (PRFES) began property inspections to enforce the city’s year-round Weed Abatement Ordinance. The ordinance requires property owners to maintain their land — beyond just front yards — by removing overgrown vegetation and combustible debris to reduce fire hazards.
PRFES reminded residents that compliance helps protect not only individual properties, but the surrounding community. Property owners seeking assistance with weed abatement or lot clearing were encouraged to contact the department at (805) 227-7560.
Officials thanked the public for their continued efforts in keeping Paso Robles fire safe.
Paso Robles City Library announces full slate of May events
The Paso Robles City Library is offering a wide range of programs this May, including Trivia Night at Firestone Walker Brewing Company on May 7, Dungeons & Dragons sessions for teens and adults, free legal aid from CRLA, and a 30th Anniversary celebration on May 13. Other highlights include technology classes, craft programs, a screening of “Casablanca,” a spring book sale, and a special ricotta cheesemaking class on May 24. Regular children’s story times continue throughout the
NEWS BRIEFS
week. Registration is required for many events. For full details, visit prcity.com/library
Paso Robles Recreation Services kicks off summer with swim assessments and sign-up event
Paso Robles Recreation Services launched its summer season with two community events at Centennial Park on May 9 and 10. On Friday, the city’s aquatics team hosted a free Swim Assessment & Scholarship Application Day, offering swimlevel evaluations, lawn games, and the chance to apply for needbased scholarships. Children who participated received a free public swim pass.
Saturday featured the annual Super Summer Sign-Up Party, where families registered in person for swim lessons and summer activities. For the first time, online swim registration opened the same day at 10 a.m., providing added convenience.
Registration for all other summer programs — including art, sports, STEAM, and more — is ongoing online and in person. Scholarships are available for qualifying families. For details, visit prcity.com/recreation
Paso Robles seeks food vendors for popular 4th of July Celebration
Following a turnout of roughly 10,000 attendees in 2024, the City of Paso Robles and Travel Paso are preparing for another packed 4th of July celebration at Barney Schwartz Park and are now accepting applications from food trucks and mobile vendors.
The free community event will take place on Thursday, July 4, from 4 to 10 p.m., with vendors welcome onsite starting at 2 p.m.
A fireworks display is scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
Permit fees and commissions are waived for participating vendors. Ice chests, chairs, canopies, and outside food are allowed, though outside alcohol is prohibited.
Food vendors interested in participating must apply by May 26, at prcity.com/July4 or by emailing mreynoso@prcity.com
California Mid-State Fair offers “2-Fer Tuesday” season pass deal
The California Mid-State Fair has brought back its popular “2-Fer Tuesday” promotion for the 2025 season, aligning with this year’s theme, “Off to the Races!” Every Tuesday in May — on May 6, 13, 20, and 27 — fairgoers can buy one season pass and receive a second of equal value for free. Adult passes are $80 and youth passes (ages 6–12) are $40; kids 5 and under enter
free daily. Season passes cover all 12 days of the fair, running July 16–27, and can be purchased at the Fair’s main office or online at MidStateFair.com
Army’s 250th birthday marked by 250-mile Ruck March across California
In celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, Fort Hunter Liggett is leading a 250-mile Ruck March from May 7–11, tracing key sites of military history and innovation across Central California. The march kicks off at Camp Roberts in San Miguel and continues through Fort Hunter Liggett, King City, Presidio of Monterey, Moffett Field, and ends at Parks Reserve Forces Training Area in Dublin. Open to military personnel, veterans, and civilians, the continuous march is divided into 5-mile segments. Military participants are required to wear uniforms and carry a ruck, while civilians may participate without gear. The route honors the Army’s deep ties to California’s history, from the World War II training grounds at Camp Roberts to the high-tech heart of Silicon Valley, concluding near landmarks like Tesla’s first factory and Levi’s Stadium. Four ceremonial flag handoffs will take place along the way: May 7 at Fort Hunter Liggett (9:30 p.m.), May 9 at Presidio of Monterey (8:30 a.m.), May 10 at the 63rd Readiness Division HQ (4:30 p.m.), and the final ceremony on May 11 at Parks Reserve Forces Training Area (10:45 a.m.). Media and the public are welcome to attend. For more details or media access, visit FHL Army 250th Events or contact the appropri ate Public Affairs Office.
ATASCADERO
Atascadero hosts fire hazard severity zones workshop
On May 7, the City of Atascadero held a community workshop to review and gather feedback on the updated State Fire Hazard Severity Zone and local Wildland Urban Interface maps. The event, which took place from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, provided residents with valuable information on the new maps, which reflect more accurate wildfire risk assessments based on modern climate data and fire modeling.
City staff shared details about the state mapping process and invited comments from the public. Residents who were unable to attend the workshop could leave feedback online.
The updated maps, which cover both state and local responsibility
areas, will impact fire prevention strategies, building codes, and real estate disclosures.
Battalion Chief Dave Van Son emphasized the importance of understanding wildfire risks, noting that the new maps would help property owners make informed decisions to reduce wildfire dangers.
‘Lumina Nights: Dancing with Our Stars’ raises $122,000 — and counting — for Lumina Alliance
“Lumina Nights: Dancing with Our Stars” has already raised over $122,000 for Lumina Alliance, with more to come as the three-night fundraiser continues through this weekend at Atascadero’s Pavilion on the Lake. Guests can “vote” for their favorite local dancers — each dollar donated counts as a vote — with all proceeds supporting survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.
Leading the fundraising effort are County Supervisor Heather Moreno with nearly $35,000, Rob Garcia of Corvus Wealth Advisors with $32,000, and Mary Verdin of Verdin Marketing at $24,000. Fellow dancers Eric Yun, LeBren Harris, and Jennifer Idler are also competing with energy and compassion under this year’s theme: “Transformation.”
“This powerful show of support tells survivors they are not alone,” said Jennifer Adams, CEO of Lumina Alliance. “While funding for our lifesaving services is being cut, this event is a resounding statement that our community cares deeply about this work — and we are so grateful.”
Each evening features live performances, dinner, drinks, and celebration. To vote, donate, or learn more, visit LuminaNights.org
For information about Lumina Alliance and its mission, visit LuminaAlliance.org
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Art Center Morro Bay hosts ‘Illuminations’ and Central Coast Artists Collective exhibits
The Art Center Morro Bay proudly announces the opening of two captivating exhibitions: “Illuminations: Reflections and Shadows” and the Central Coast Artists Collective (CCAC) juried exhibit. These exhibitions will run from May 15 to June 23, at the Art Center Morro Bay, located on Main Street in Morro Bay.
“Illuminations,” an MBAA members-only exhibition, delves into the theme of light — its reflections, transformations, and emotional impact. Artists are encouraged to explore how light reveals and inspires, interpreting it both literally and metaphorically. The exhibit invites a fresh perspective on the interplay between light and darkness, offering unique insights into how illumination shapes our world.
The CCAC Photographers & Fine Craft Makers exhibition will be held in the upstairs Russell Gallery, where member artists from the Central Coast Photographic Society and Craft Makers Coalition will display their recent works, showcasing a variety of techniques and subject matter.
An artist’s reception will be held on Sunday, May 18, from 2 to 4 p.m., allowing visitors to meet the artists and explore the exhibits in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
Auto scam arrests made in San Luis Obispo County
On April 3, SLO County Sheriff’s detectives arrested two men suspected of being part of an auto scam ring operated by Romanian nationals throughout California, including San Luis Obispo County. The arrests occurred after a traffic stop on Highway 101 near Highway 166, where three individuals were found in a vehicle, including 37-year-old Alexandru Florea, a 17-year-old male, and an 11-year-old male. The suspects had previously been spotted attempting to buy a car in Arroyo Grande.
A search of their vehicle revealed a nearly empty bottle of engine oil and a gallon jug of oil, linking them to the “oil in the engine” scam. In this scam, the fraudsters pose as car buyers, distract the seller during a test drive, and secretly pour oil onto the engine to make it smoke. This causes the seller to believe the car has engine problems, and the scammer then offers a much lower price.
Over 20 incidents of this scam were reported in San Luis Obispo County between November 2024 and March 2025, with an estimated loss of $60,000. Florea was arrested on several charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime and obtaining money by
RECORD
Patrick Boyle, age 68, faithful son, beloved brother, generous uncle, and friend to all, died quietly on November 30, 2024. A Cal Poly grad with a degree in metallurgical and welding
technology, Pat worked his way through college. He then worked several decades as a powerhouse operator and electrical grid manager. The fourth child of ten, he grew up in the Mojave Desert, enjoying all the freedoms of kids in the 1950s and 60s. He loved alpine skiing, SCUBA diving, sailboarding and boating, fishing, hiking, motorcycles, and all things mechanical. Hardworking, loyal, and fun-loving, he was loved by all and will be deeply missed by family and friends. Family graveside service is May 15; a celebration of life will be held on May 16 in Cayucos, CA.
Nancy Lois Hendricks, age 91, of Atascadero, California, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025. She was born in Fresno, California, to Lois and Spencer Jackson. Her childhood was spent moving throughout the Central Valley and South Lake Tahoe before her family settled in Sacramento in 1941.
Nancy worked for many
false pretenses. The 17-year-old was transported to Juvenile Hall, while the 11-year-old was handed over to Child Welfare Services.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the public for their assistance in the investigation, with more than 20 calls helping to identify the suspects.
Self-Discovery through nature photography workshop scheduled May 17 in Cambria
On Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Cambria Center for the Arts (CCA) will host a special workshop focused on self-discovery through
PASO ROBLES POLICE DEPARTMENT
APRIL 28, 2025
01:50 — Carlos Baqueroquintero, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 1300 block of Creston Road for INFLICTING CORPORAL INJURY ON SPOUSE/COHABITANT
[273.5(A)PC], Case no. 251600
09:54 — John Fitzgerald, of Shandon was on view arrest on the corner of 27th and Spring Street for BENCH WARRANT
[978.5PC], Case no. 251601
15:14 — Luis Santiago, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 1500 block of Country Club for CHILD ABUSE [273D(A)PC], Case no. 251604
18:49 — Harold Barry, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the corner of 13th and Paso Robles Street for TRESPASS [602(T)(1)PC], Case no. 251610
22:50 — Miguel Zeferingalvez, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the corner of 13th and Vine Street for DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED FOR DUI [14601.2(A)VC], FALSE IDENTIFICATION TO POLICE [148.9(A) PC], Case no. 251614
APRIL 29, 2025
07:54 — Briant Reyesestrada, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the corner of Spring Street and 12th Street for OUTSIDE WARRANT/M, Case no. 251615
13:38 — Daniel Deleon, was on view arrest on the 1400 block of Pine Street for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], UNDER THE INFLU-
[11550(A)HS],
of Paso Robles
Jolene Ann Horn of Atascadero, a force of nature, was called to heaven on April 21, 2025, 10 days after her 77th birthday. Diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in 2022, she fought the
years at Aerojet as a draftsman before dedicating herself to raising her five children and helping operate several family businesses, including furniture, tire, and feed stores. In 1971, she earned her teaching degree in history and political science from UC Davis, a proud accomplishment.
In 1983, Nancy married her “Prince Charming,” Cliff Hendricks. They shared 28
nature photography. The day will begin with a slide presentation showcasing wildflowers blooming on the Central Coast, followed by a discovery walk through Fiscalini Ranch with Doris Lance, author, photographer, and avid hiker. The day will culminate in a discussion and artistic activity inspired by Lance’s book, “Botanical Reflections.”
This immersive experience offers participants the chance to practice “Shinrin yoku” — a Japanese concept of connecting the five senses with nature. Doris Lance, a renowned wildflower photographer and author, will guide participants in reflective journaling through nature photography, emphasizing the importance of capturing moments in both words and pictures.
APRIL 30, 2025
01:27 — Arnulfo Hernandez, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the corner of 33rd and Park Street for DISORDERLY CONDUCT/ DRUNK IN PUBLIC [647(F)PC], Case no. 251622
01:24 — Gabriel Hernandezgalvez, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the corner of 33rd and Park Street for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A) VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC], BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 251622
12:32 — Julian Gomez, of Santa Margarita was on view arrest on the 2900 block of Riverside Ave for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 251637
20:39 — Richard Rodriguez, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the corner of 21st and Pine Street for DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED FOR DUI [14601.2(A)VC], WILLFULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC], Case no. 251573
19:57 — Juan Navarrete, of San Miguel was on view arrest on the 100 block of Myrtlewood Drive for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED FOR DUI [14601.2(A)VC], Case no. 251642
22:13 — Crista Sonniksen, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A) VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC], Case no. 251643
MAY 01, 2025
15:01 — Kody Santos, of Paso Robles was on view arrest at Walmart for VANDALISM OVER $400 [594(B)(1)PC], Case no. 251638
00:42 — Madison Emi, of Burbank was on view arrest on the 2300 block of Spring Street for POSSESSION OF SPECIFIED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11377(A)H&S],
disease as hard and as long as she could.
She fought tenaciously for everything she achieved in life - her family, career, and friends.
Jolene was a devout Christian who loved Motown music, Seinfeld, the mountain towns of northern California, donuts and milkshakes, making deals, and was always reading a book (or 10) to further her journey of spiritual growth.
Born in Alameda, CA, on April 11, 1948, Jolene was a successful student who spent her early adult years dedicated to civil rights activism in the East Bay. According to the family legend, she ran with the
joyful years together and moved to Atascadero to be closer to family. Together, they ran Smitty’s Bail Bonds of San Luis Obispo until their retirement in 1998.
Nancy and Cliff loved to travel across the U.S. in their RV, cruise, and go antiquing—especially collecting cobalt blue glass.
After Cliff’s passing, Nancy continued to embrace life with courage and curi -
Registration is required and can be completed through the CCA website at cambriaarts.org The cost is $125 for CCA members and $145 for non-members. The event will take place at the CCA, located at 1350 Main St. in Cambria.
‘Build With Us’ event raises over $90,000 for Habitat for Humanity SLO County
Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County proudly announced that its annual “Build With Us” fundraiser, held April 26, at Edna Valley Ranch, raised over $90,000 to support affordable housing and revitalization programs across the county. Presented by Mechanics Bank, the event featured
POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], Case no. 251644
00:37 — Joshua Gurr, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 2300 block of Spring Street for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], Case no. 251644 10:49 — Joshua Bishop, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 800 block of 20th Street for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], POSSESSION OF SPECIFIED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11377(A)H&S], Case no. 251646
11:10 — Jaime Gilrodriguez, of San Miguel was arrested for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED FOR DUI [14601.2(A)VC], Case no. 251647 15:00 — Juan Alvarez, of Santa Maria was arrested for DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED FOR DUI [14601.2(A)VC], Case no. 251647
18:05 — Leticia Siordia, of Long Beach was on view arrest on the 100 block of Niblick Road for FALSE VEHICLE REGISTRATION [4462.5 VC], Case no. 251655 17:59 — Matthew Zimmerer, of Clovis was arrested for DISORDERLY CONDUCT/ DRUNK IN PUBLIC [647(F)PC], Case no. 251654
19:23 — Jonathan Loppnow, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 100 block of Niblick Road for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL [23152(G)VC], Case no. 251656
00:00 — Luis Toralbravo, of Paso Robles was arrested for DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE [12500(A)VC], Case no. 251659
15:01 — Kody Santos, of Paso Robles was on view arrest at Walmart for POSSESSION OF SPECIFIED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11377(A)H&S], POSSESS NARCOTIC CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11350(A)H&S], Case no. 251652
East Bay Dragon Biker Gang and saw James Brown perform countless times. She met her husband, Glenn Horn, at his auto repair shop in 1978, and they married shortly thereafter and started a family in California.
When Jolene and Glenn arrived on the Central Coast, Jolene hit the ground running to become a real estate agent, and she built up a considerable business, including years of being awarded the top sales agent in Atascadero, eventually working to achieve her broker’s license. She knew everyone at the time - there was never a sale too big or too small. She loved her clients
osity. She volunteered as a docent for the Elephant Seals in San Simeon, stepping out of her comfort zone to share her knowledge and meet new people—a role she loved.
Nancy is survived by her children and their spouses: Stephen Bennett, Cathy (Brent) Hendrix, Karen (Sakon) Francis, Kevin (Denise) Bennett, and Clyde Bennett. She also leaves behind her grandchil -
live music by the Ryan Delmore Band, dinner by Trumpet Vine Catering, and spirited auctions led by emcee Neil Herbert and auctioneer Cody Dawson.
like family and worked hard to find homes for anyone who trusted her. Above all else, she valued honesty, integrity, and humor. It was woven into every day of her life.
Jolene is reunited with her husband and father, both of whom she lovingly dedicated years of her life caring for in their final years. She is survived by her daughters, Crystal and Gabriella, son-in-law, Benjamin, granddaughter, Petra, her brother, Bill, and her beloved friends and extended family. Jolene’s family is planning a memorial at a future date. If you would like to attend, please email jolenehornmemorial@ gmail.com
MAY 02, 2025
and Kevin
and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Sally Nevin of Sacramento, and many nieces and nephews. Her family brought her great joy and fulfillment throughout her life.
A heartfelt highlight of the evening came when 17-year-old Christian Serna, son of a new Paso Robles Habitat homeowner, shared how having a permanent home transformed his family’s life — moving many in the audience to tears. Funds raised will benefit Habitat SLO’s efforts in home construction, preservation, aging-in-place services, and neighborhood improvements. Interim CEO Kristie Anderson-Steele expressed deep gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support: “Every dollar raised is an investment in our community.” Habitat SLO thanks Mechanics Bank and more than 70 sponsors and donors whose contributions helped make the event a success. For more information or to get involved, visit habitatslo.org
00:42 — Anderson Torres, of New York was taken into custody on the corner of 13th and Railroad for DISORDERLY CONDUCT/ DRUNK IN PUBLIC [647(F)PC] Case no. 251663
MAY 03, 2025
11:36 — Felipe Gaytan, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the 800 block of Pine Street for 251685
19:47 — Seth Torrey, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the 100 block of Niblick Road for OUTSIDE WARRANT/M, Case no. 251687
MAY 04, 2025
07:05 — Corinne Silva, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 2800 block of Riverside Ave for POSS CNTL SUB W/2 OR MORE PRIORS [HS 11395(B)(1)], Case no. 251694
10:54 — Jorden Wechdavis, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 200 block of Via Promesa Drive for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC], Case no. 251697
14:51 — Daniela Garcia, of Paso Robles was arrested for UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION [11550(A)HS], Case no. 251699
12:54 — John Fitzgerald, of Shandon was on view arrest on the 3200 block of Spring Street for SP. Case no. 251698
19:39 — Geoffrey Pyle, of Fresno was on view arrest on the 1100 block of 24th Street for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS [23152(F)VC], Case no. 251702
00:00 — Juan Vazquezflores, of Paso Robles was arrested for DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED FOR DUI [14601.2(A)VC], Case no. 251700
23:06 — Travis Weimer, of Paso Robles was
Deadline approaching for 2025-26 student Elections Ambassador Program The SLO County Elections Office is accepting applications through May 16 for its brand-new Student Elections Ambassador Program. The program will train students in elections and voter registration and then students will create their own peer-focused outreach projects.
on view arrest on the 500 block of Creston for OUTSIDE WARRANT/M, Case no. 251707
21:36 — Albert Francis, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 2300 block of Park Street for BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION [11550(A)HS], Case no. 251704
00:29 — Silvia Anguiano, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the 3400 block of Spring Street for INFLICTING CORPORAL INJURY ON SPOUSE/COHABITANT [273.5(A)PC], Case no. 251692 ATASCADERO POLICE DEPARTMENT
APRIL 28, 2025
19:03 — Michelle Helmer, was arrested on the 2900 block of Gold Rush Lane for INFLICTING CORPORAL INJURY ON SPOUSE/COHABITANT [273.5(A)PC], Case no. 250736
APRIL 30, 2025
00:50 — Sierra Fleming, was arrested on the 5500 block of Hospital Drive for WARRANT/M, Case no. 250752
22:12 — Colton Godfrey, was arrested on the 5500 block of Capistrano Ave for DOMESTIC BATTERY [243(E)(1)PC], Case no. 250758
MAY 01, 2025
18:20 — Efren Andrade Jr., was arrested on the El Camino Real and San Anselmo Rd for WARRANT/M, Case no. 250762
MAY 02, 2025
09:12 — Gabriel Netz, was arrested on CA-41 and Santa Ysabel Ave for WARRANT/F, Case no. 250764 11:47 — Joseph Pennington, was arrested on the 6500 block of El Camino Real for WARRANT/M, Case no. 250765
PATRICK J. BOYLE 1956-2024
dren: Brent (Lindsay), Justin (Sarah), Jessica (Travis), Michael (Heather), Marina (Moncef), Kylie, Christian (Karolyn), Corryn (Tim),
(Jessica);
NANCY L. HENDRICKS 1933-2025
JOLENE A. HORN 1948-2025
OPINION
Bracing for a political storm on the horizon
AL FONZI COMMENTARY
Sailors are inveterate weather watchers as their survival at sea depends upon an awareness of what lies ahead be they fair winds and following seas or dark clouds, fierce winds and heavy seas that place a vessel and its human cargo in mortal peril. So too are economists, intelligence officers, and anyone who has a responsibility to advise political leaders on a course of action. The rest of us heavily depend upon those who give such advice as ultimately we must live with the consequences of their decisions.
Given the events of the last few years and now, the last few months I see very dark storm
NEWS BRIEFS
clouds on the horizon. On a ship’s company all aboard must trust the captain to make wise decisions and are bound by law and custom to obey the commands of the captain. His knowledge and experience of seafaring placed him in an almost god-like position; Admiralty courts place enormous power, virtually life and death in the hands of a captain at sea.
That is not quite the case for a president or other political leaders. We do have a voice and a responsibility (at least in our Republican/Democratic form of government) to ensure our voice is heard as those leaders speak for us, given that in our system of government all power ultimately resides in the people. If we fail to speak the moral failures of our nation reside upon ourselves.
I see dark clouds ahead as national decisions are being made, so it seems, not on the best advice of people who’ve dedicated their lives to studying an issue but upon whim,
Applications are being accepted through next Friday, May 16, for the SLO County Elections Office’s 2025-26 Student Elections Ambassador Program. The program is an innovative initiative designed to inspire and empower young leaders to engage their peers in the democratic process.
emotion, and personalities. To be clear, yes, I voted for President Trump three times in general elections but never in a primary. The choices have been stark: the Democrats have not given me an opportunity to vote for them for the last 50 years. They worry that the voters aren’t receiving their message. It isn’t that their message isn’t being clearly communicated, it’s all too understandable and their message itself has been anathema since the Vietnam War (which ended 50 years ago last month). As Ronald Reagan once said, “I didn’t leave the Democrat Party, it left me.”
Tens of millions of us agreed and couldn’t vote for Democrats any more than we could vote for a satanically inspired death cult.
But I digress.
I didn’t like the chaos created by President Trump in his first term but I disliked the subversion of his presidency by Democrats and deeply entrenched federal bureaucracies even less. Trump was the duly elected national leader and
The program, launching for the first time in SLO County this year in partnership with the League of Women Voters SLO, aims to cultivate a new generation of civic-minded leaders by equipping them with the tools, training, and support necessary to conduct meaningful voter outreach and registration efforts. Ambassadors will gain hands-on experience in election-related civic engagement while earning community service
it was the duty of bureaucrats to help him and America succeed; they didn’t and succeeded only in tearing the country apart. They’re at it again, this time via the courts with “black-robed tyrants” dictating national policy by abuse of judicial authority. Elections reflect the national will, essential in establishing what course a government “by the people and for the people” will take. It is not the province of judges to suborn the national will via dictates from the bench, especially since they aren’t directly accountable to the people for their decisions. Disagreements on the course our “ship-ofstate” takes is between the executive and legislative branches to determine, with our input, not via cumbersome judicial processes whose ponderous decision-making could result in our “ship-of-state” foundering on the rocks while awaiting orders for a change of course.
I’m also disturbed by the return of Trump’s bad habit of generating chaos among his
hours and developing leadership and project management skills.
Participants will be encouraged to create their own outreach projects while receiving comprehensive support from the Elections Office, including a voter outreach kit, access to event materials, and an assigned advisor for guidance throughout the year. Two Zoom check-in meetings — one in fall and one in spring — will provide opportunities to brain-
staff. The loss of key national security advisors, deputies and other staff couldn’t come at a worse time. Furthermore, it appears that Neville Chamberlain’s ghost of appeasement is in the ascendency among Trump’s national security/foreign policy team. As Houthi terrorists continue to launch missiles at Israeli civilians and international shipping in the Red Sea, their sponsor Iran, is once again getting off the hook. The “make a deal, any deal” with Iran to stop their nuclear weapon ambitions is again on the table, even though Iran has violated every previous agreement and is closer than ever to obtaining an atomic bomb. Iran’s apocalyptic ideology calls for a cataclysmic war against Israel and the West to facilitate the return of their “Messiah” regardless of the millions of deaths such a conflict would generate.
Since 1979 Iran has embarked on terrorist and subversion campaigns that have killed thousands of Americans and destabilized
storm and share ideas with fellow ambassadors. Students interested in applying should complete the online application available at forms.office.com/ Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=dMfDhN9_4kClkCey5w-BJlmu_ mDMAQ5NtAWK10ZV51tUQVdBMUpENTVIVjhVTEhKVDNXUFZTM0RaWi4u
Selected applicants will be notified and welcomed in late May and
the entire Middle East region. They mean what they say and we need to take their threats seriously. They also supply the logistics and intelligence used by the Houthis to strike international shipping, the American Navy and Israel. Yet Trump’s national security team is repeating the failed policies of Bush, Obama, and Biden to facilitate a Trump fantasy they he will be the great peacemaker president. Those policies also apply to Trump’s interactions with Russia versus Ukraine and Communist China versus Taiwan, South Korea and all our allies in the western Pacific. Ninety percent of our Pacific overseas trade passes through contested Pacific waters; vital national interests are at stake. We are militarily weak in the face of aggression by fierce totalitarian dictatorships and divided at home. Appeasement projects weakness, bodes ill for peace and promises a future foreign policy hurricane if Trump doesn’t change course soon.
invited to attend a kickoff meeting in August at the San Luis Obispo County Elections Center. “We’re excited to offer this opportunity for students to take a leading role in engaging their peers in civic participation,” said Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano. “This program will not only strengthen youth engagement in elections but also foster a deeper understanding of the importance of voter participation.”
CLASSIFIEDS & LEGALS
vices’ power to connect to nearly 13 million of the state’s readers who are an engaged audience, makes our services an indispensable marketing solution. For more info call Cecelia @ (916) 288-6011 or cecelia@cnpa.com
visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-844-491-2884 today! (Cal-SCAN)
hensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1- 888-989-5749 (Cal-SCAN)
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-424-7581 (CalSCAN)
RETIRED COUPLE $$$$ for business purpose Real Estate loans. Credit unimportant. V.I.P. Trust Deed Company www.viploan. com Call 1-818-248-0000. Broker-principal DRE 01041073. No consumer loans. (Cal- SCAN)
The difference in winning and losing market share is how businesses use their advertising dollars. CNPA’s Advertising Ser-
DID YOU KNOW Newspaper-generated content is so valuable it’s taken and repeated, condensed, broadcast, tweeted, discussed, posted, copied, edited, and emailed countless times throughout the day by others? Discover the Power of Newspaper Advertising. For a free brochure call 916-288-6011 or email cecelia@cnpa.com (CalSCAN)
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply.) Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 6/30/25.) Call 1-833985-4766
Consumer Cellular - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/ month. For more information, call 1-844-908-0605 (Cal-SCAN)
407 AUTOS
Get a break on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and
GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? DONATE IT TO PATRIOTIC HEARTS. Fast free pick up. All 50 States. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24/7: 1-855-408-6546 (Cal-SCAN)
Tiene un vehiculo no deseado? Donelo a Patriotic Hearts! Recogida rápida y gratuita en los 50 estados. Patriotic Hearts ofrece programas para ayudar a los veteranos a encontrar trabajo o iniciar su propio negocio. Llama ahora: 1-844- 244-5441 (24/7) (Cal-SCAN)
DONATE YOUR VEHICLE to fund the SEARCH FOR MISSING CHILDREN. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24 hour response. Running or not. Maximum Tax Deduction and No Emission Test Required! Call 24/7: 1-877-434-6852 (Cal-SCAN)
PUBLIC NOTICE
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20250804 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: LA PIZZA E’BELLA, 1171 CRESTON RD STE 111, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CON-
DUCTED BY: A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: BELLA ARROYO LLC, 1171 CRESTON RD STE 111, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization CA I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.)
/S/ BELLA ARROYO LLC, EFREN ARROYO, MANAGING MEMBER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 04/10/2025 TRANSACTING BUSINESS
DATE: 04/10/2025
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.
ELAINA CANO, County Clerk
By MPAREDES, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 04/10/2030
PUB: 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8/2025 LEGAL CM 222
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20250723 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: TEMPLETON
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,
610 S. MAIN ST., TEMPLETON, CA 93465, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: A CORPORATION: FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF TEMPLETON, 610 S., MAIN ST., TEMPLE-
TON, CA 93465
If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization
CALIFORNIA I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.)
/S/ FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF TEMPLETON, GREGORY HONEGGER, TREASURER
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 03/31/2025 TRANSACTING BUSINESS
DATE: 6/1/15
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.
ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By GUGALDE, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 03/31/2030 PUB: 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8/2025 LEGAL CM 223
04/08/2030 PUB: 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8/2025 LEGAL CM 224
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20250708 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: CULTIVATE PASO, 7990 WHISPERING TRAILS PL, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: AN INDIVIDUAL: GENA A POLLOCK, 7990 WHISPERING TRAILS PL, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.)
/S/ GENA A POLLOCK
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 03/27/2025
TRANSACTING BUSINESS
/S/ THOMAS ROBERT GOMEZ JR This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 04/03/2025
TRANSACTING BUSINESS DATE: NOT APPLICABLE
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By ATRUJILLO, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 04/03/2030 PUB: 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8/2025 LEGAL CM 226
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20250711 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: COASTAL EDGE SERVICES, 1128 GOLF PLACE, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: A MARRIED
DATE: 03/01/2025 CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.
ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By MKATZ, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 03/27/2030 PUB: 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8/2025 LEGAL CM 225
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20250783 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: APEX PUMP AND WELL SERVICES, 731 21ST ST. #C, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: AN INDIVIDUAL: JOSHUA R MYERS, 1108 NANETTE LANE, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ JOSHUA R. MYERS This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 04/08/2025 TRANSACTING BUSINESS
DATE:09/09/2024 CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By MKATZ, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20250748 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: SAINT MARTINS CUT SHACK, 3710 EL CAMINO REAL UNIT 101, ATASCADERO, CA 93422, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: AN INDIVIDUAL: THOMAS ROBERT GOMEZ JR, 265 VIA RAMONA, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.)
COUPLE: JASON G NORMAN, 1128 GOLF PLACE, PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA(CA) 93446, CHRISTINA M NORMAN, 1128 GOLF PLACE, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ JASON G NORMAN This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County
WORSHIP DIRECTORY
St. William’s Catholic Church
6410 Santa Lucia Road, Atascadero, CA (805) 466-0849 www. stwilliams.org Weekday Masses : 10:30 AM Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:30 PM Sunday Masses: 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM Spanish
FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH
9925 Morro Road, Atascadero; "The Church on the Hill"; An independent church committed to the teaching of God's Word.; Praise and Prayer–10 a.m.; Morning Worship–11 a.m.; Evening Worship–6 p.m.; Wednesday Prayer–6:30 p.m.; Nursery care and children's classes provided.; Pastor Jorge Guerrero; (805) 461-9197.
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA
A place of hope! Join us for in-person worship on Sundays at 9 A.M. Services are also streamed on YouTube @Hope Lutheran Church Atascadero. Sunday School for all ages follows worship. Learn more at ourhopelutheran.net. 8005 San Gabriel Rd. Atascadero. 805-461-0430. office@ourhopelutheran.net. Pastor Aaron Smith.
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER-LCMS
4500 El Camino Real, Atascadero; 466-9350; Morning Bible class at 9 a.m. Sunday; Coffee and Sunday Worship with Holy Communion at 10 a.m. Sunday; Thursday morning Bible class 10 a.m. followed by refreshments and fellowship; Developmentally disabled Bible class 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings; redeemeratascadero.org; redeemeratascadero@gmail.com; Pastor Wayne Riddering.
TEMPLETON HILLS SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
God is love. We exist to know and share that love in practical ways. Join us for worship Saturdays at 11am. 930 Templeton Hills Rd, Templeton. For more info: https://templetonhills.adventistfaith.org/
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
940 Creston Road, Paso Robles; has Sunday worship services at 9:30 a.m; For more information, call the church at (805) 238-3702. Ext. 206.
ATASCADERO FOURSQUARE CHURCH–FATHER’S HOUSE
2100 Ramona Road. Sunday service at 10am. Will & Lori Barrow, Pastors; (805) 466-3191; fathershouseafc.com
ABIDE CALVARY ATASCADERO
4500 El Camino Ave (Downstairs, Rear Parking Lot) // info@abideatascadero. org. Sunday Service at 9am, Children’s Ministry provided for ages 2yrs–6th grade. Pastors Chris Vanoli & Ben Eisenman // Love God, Love Others // Abiding closely with Jesus and teaching others to do the same.
THE REVIVAL CENTER
A division of Alpha Beth Ministries; 3850 Ramada Drive (corner of Ramada and Cow Meadow), Paso Robles; 805-434-5170; Pastor Gabe Abdelaziz; a charismatic non-denominational fellowship; Reaching People, Building Homes; Sundays 10am, Wednesday 7pm; alphabeth@tcsn.net, www.alphabeth.org; Instagram @the_ revival_center
COMMUNITY CHURCH OF ATASCADERO, UCC 5850 Rosario Ave. Service 10 a.m. (in person and on Zoom) Pastor Heather Branton (805) 466-9108 atascaderoucc.org
ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH
820 Creston Road., Paso Robles; (805) 238-2218- Parish Office open Mon-Fri 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; website: www.saintrosechurch.org; Mass times; Daily Mass- 8:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.; Tues. 7 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass 5 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.; Spanish Mass at 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. Father Rodolfo Contreras.
SANTA MARGARITA DE CORTONA CATHOLIC CHURCH
22515 “H” St, Santa Margarita (805)438-5383 Parish Office hours:Wed-Thur 9am-12pm Mass Times: Saturday Vigil Mass:5pm Sunday:10am Wed-Fri 10am Adoration Wed following Mass Confessions: Saturday 4pm and Sunday 9am
RESURRECTION ECUMENICAL MINISTRY offers an interdenominational communion service each Wednesday evening at 7:00, beginning January 22. Please join us at 9005 Santa Lucia in Atascadero. For more information call or text Rev. Dr. Cynthia Gaw at (828) 406-7253 .
CONGREGATION OHR TZAFON"THE NORTHERN LIGHT"
Located at 2605 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA 93422. Friday Night Service 6:30 pm 805-466-0329 congregationohrtzafon.org
BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH – ELCA
Welcoming all of God’s beloved. We gather for worship Sunday mornings, 9:30 at 295 Old County Rd. Templeton. Sermon podcast is at The Little Brick Church. Sunday School during the sermon. Bible study, Wednesdays at 11 in the community hall. Pastor: Diana Edis. Find out more at blctempleton.org
Be included in the Atascadero News & Paso Robles Press
Worship Directory for an entire year at $175
Just a quick reminder that Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 11, and a nice way to start celebrating would be a visit to the Paso Robles Olive and Wine Festival this Saturday, May 10. The Downtown Paso Robles City Park will be alive with vendors showcasing products using olives and lavender along with other family oriented activities. There will be food available for purchase, and arts and crafts vendors displaying their work. Admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The recipes this week use a slow-cooker for Cinnamon Rolls and Banana Bread, perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole Ingredients:
Roger was a plunger, no, not in a janitorial sense but in a business one. He was a compulsive go-getter who married an exact opposite.
Dorothy was definitely NOT a plunger, but a steady-as-shegoes conservative who liked to have every waking hour planned down to the last minute. So you can imagine her state when on their way to Lake Tahoe for their honeymoon they stopped for a fast food burger and Roger saw a poster for a heavy equipment auction that, lo and behold, was just a few miles out of their way.
“Don’t worry,” Roger told Dorothy, “we’re just gonna watch.”
He kept saying that right up until the time he bought an old dump truck, skiploader, and trailer by maxing out every credit card the two of them were carrying. Three hours prior Dorothy had been married to a
rev. elizabeth
The sacred seed of awakening for May is Activate — a holy summons to stir the Divine Spark within, to kindle the eternal flame of your soul. To activate is to breathe life into the dormant, to set your spirit ablaze with purpose and possibility. Its synonyms — energize, ignite, propel — resonate with the pulse of creation, while its opposites — halt, stop — echo the stagnation we are called to transcend. You can activate your heart, your spirit, or a single sacred moment, aligning with the infinite flow of the Divine.
I first encountered the word “activate” as a child when watching “Super Friends.” The
Festival & brunch delights
2 tubes (12.4 ounces each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing, cut into quarters 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans, divided 1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Place half the cinnamon roll pieces in greased 4-or-5 quart slow-cooker. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup pecans and 1/4 cup chocolate chips. In a small bowl, whisk the milk, syrup, vanilla and cinnamon until blended; pour over rolls. Top with remaining cinnamon roll pieces and remaining chocolate chips. Top with 1 packet of icing. For
topping, mix flour, brown sugar and pie spice; cut in the butter until crumbly. Stir in remaining pecans. Sprinkle over icing. Cook covered, on low 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until rolls are set. Remove insert to a cooling rack and top with remaining packet of icing. Serve warm. Makes 10 servings
Slow-Cooker Banana Bread
Ingredients:
5 medium ripe bananas, mashed 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Cinnamon sugar
Directions:
Place a piece of parchment in a 5-quart slow-cooker, letting ends extend up the side. Grease paper with cooking spray. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Pour batter into prepared slow-cooker. If desired, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top of batter. Cover slow-
Famous last words
bread truck driver and now they owned a construction company! Instead of spending a few days at Caesars Palace on the shores of Lake Tahoe, Dorothy was now following Roger home in a dump truck. Little did she know this would be their life together for the next 40 years.
Roger hit the ground running and built his construction company from scraping manure at feedlots and dairies to bidding and building multi-million dollar roads and bridges. He was seldom home for supper. Their first child was Leonard, a frail, retiring type who just wanted to be left alone to read books in his bedroom. He hated it when his dad made him tag along on a construction job. It was on one such trip that Roger saw an auction flyer for a club calf sale that, amazingly, was just a few miles away.
“Don’t worry son, we’re just gonna watch,” said Roger as they sat in the sale bleachers. An hour later they were looking for a ride home for Leonard’s first show steer. Although, if his Dad had bothered to ask, Leonard would have much preferred a lamb if he had to raise a show animal
at all. Leonard was on the small side and that steer drug him all over the landscape and stepped on his toes every chance he got.
Leonard hated that steer, but not as much as his father hated seeing him handed a red ribbon at the fair. This was unacceptable, no kid of his was a loser.
So there were many more such auctions where they “we’re just gonna watch.”
The middle child was a girl, Tina, and she dreamed of becoming either a makeup artist or a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, certainly not a real cowboy. But one day on a whim Roger took the family to a purebred cattle auction. “Don’t worry,” Roger said, “we’re just gonna watch.”
That’s how Tina got roped into being a rancher for life.
Then one day Roger took his youngest son Robbie to a farm equipment auction. Robbie loved fast cars and restoring hot rods, not Farmall tractors. “Don’t worry,” his father reassured him, “we’re just gonna watch.”
A couple hours later Roger had bought enough worn out farm equipment to keep Robbie away from cars for years.
As his many enterprises pros-
Activate Divine Joy
Wonder Twins would shout, “Wonder Twin Powers, ACTIVATE!” transforming into water or animals. That word struck a powerful resonance within me — a call to action, a spark of possibility.
Years ago, in India, I profoundly experienced activation at Vasistha’s Cave, the birthplace of the Gayatri Mantra. Observing silence, I emerged from the cave when a yogi grabbed my hands, declaring, “YOU ARE GOD IN FORM. YOU ARE GOD IN FORM.” A surge of energy shot through me, igniting giddy, vibrant joy. That moment rearranged me, awakening an infectious joy I now cultivate daily. You, too, are God in form—let that rearrange you.
Another story of activation comes from Obadiah Harris, a friend of Ernest Holmes, founder of Science of Mind. He shared a story once about a time he was driving to a lecture
cooker with a double layer of white paper towels; place lid securely over the towels. Cook, covered, on high until bread is lightly browned, 2 1/2-3 hours. To avoid scorching, rotate slow cooker insert a half turn midway through cooking, lifting carefully with oven mitts. Using parchment to lift, remove bread from slow-cooker; let cool slightly before slicing. Note: As a substitute for each cup of self-rising flour, place 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a measuring cup. Add all-purpose flour to measure 1 cup.
As a dessert suggestion, cube slices of the banana bread and layer them with whipped cream in a fluted glass, ending with whipped cream. Sprinkle with toasted, chopped pecans and drizzle with caramel sauce. Yum, yum! Happy Mother’s Day! Barbie Butz is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email her at bbutz1@outlook.com
pered Roger put Leonard in charge while he went to auctions to buy heavy metal, cattle and more land. Tina ran the cattle and Robbie kept busy restoring the old tractors his father now collected. Wife Dorothy wanted to sell it all and see the world, at least that part of it you could get to in a 42 foot mobile home with four slide outs and a full size tub.
Then one day Roger fell over dead at age 64 from a massive heart attack.
Pastor Coglin and the family sat at the kitchen table planning Roger’s service. When the Pastor asked Leonard if he would like to say a few words at the funeral the shy young man got a frightened look on his face. What could he say about a father he loved, but deeply resented. Dorothy made eye contact with each of her offspring and saw in their faces a reflection of her own unrealized dreams.
“Don’t worry kids,” Dorothy spoke those famous last words, “we’re just gonna watch.”
Lee Pitts is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email them at leepitts@ leepittsbooks.com.
in Holmes’ new car. Holmes playfully fiddled with the latest technology at the time of power locks and windows, accidentally cutting his pinky. Blood spurted, but Holmes calmly wiped it away, revealing an unblemished finger. Stunned, Harris asked how that came to be as he saw it with his own eyes. Holmes replied, “If you have access to your innermost self — your highest Self — you can change the outcome of a situation.” You have the same access within you.
Spirit never leaves us. Sometimes we turn our attention away from it, especially when the conditions of our lives or the affairs of the world cause us to feel outraged. The invitation is to find the balance and activate our Divine Spark by giving more attention to it daily. You can turn to it now and at any time. Activate that Divine Spark within you. It’s still there, joy is still there,
love is still there. Ernest Holmes observed, “Life is not just something to be endured. It is to be lived in joy, in a fullness without limit.” Like the Divine Spark, joy is inherent, a natural part of you. It’s always there, waiting for you to turn toward it. Like tulips leaning toward light, lean toward your joy, your Divine essence.
I invite you to play with “activate.” Start small — activate your food with love and gratitude before eating and give thanks for the nourishment it provides to your body. Then, activate your inherent joy. It’s within you, ready to be noticed. Turn toward it now. You are God in form. Feel that. Let it rearrange you. Isn’t it time? And so it is.
Rev. Elizabeth Rowley Hogue is an independent columnist for the Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email her at revelizabeth@awakeningways.org.
