Atascadero News • November 3, 2022

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com

ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Unified School District (AUSD) met for its regularly scheduled board meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. following their 6 p.m. Closed Session.

The minutes for the Oct. 18 meeting and the Consent Calendar passed unanimously.

Superintendent Tom Butler addressed the board on the administrative business of Board Meeting Broadcasting and Recording.

“We have had a number of people in the community inquire about recording or broadcasting the meetings, and so we have an update for you on that,” stated Butler. “Also, I

Atascadero Provides Spooks Through the Entire Halloween Weekend

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS

TEMPLETON — On the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 26, outside of the RE/MAX Success Offices in Templeton, real estate agents and this year’s

The city held events every night through Halloween

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS and CAMILLE DEVAUL

ATASCADERO — The streets of Atascadero were filled with children and adults excited for Halloween this weekend. From fun at the

Charles Paddock Zoo to Trick or Treat on Entrada, there was something for everyone who wanted to get their spooky fun on.

Over 1,000 people attended the Charles Paddock Zoo’s annual Zoo Boo on Satur day, Oct. 29. On top of all the animals, there was a haunted house, dancing, carni val games, and candy for the

kiddos.

“There was a stream of people all evening long into the zoo,” said Deputy City Manager of Outreach, Promo tions, and Events Terrie Banish.

The fun kept going on Sunday, Oct. 30, when Atascadero Bible Church, Legacy Church, Atascadero Gospel Chapel, and Father’s

House teamed together to bring Atascadero its very first Trunk or Treat in the Sunken Gardens.

“This was a free event to the public. We had 60 cars, three bounce houses, and 10 carni val-type game booths. Large screen with fun games and music,” said ABC Kids Direc tor Sandy Hesch.

She went on to say that

the community turnout was so large that they ran out of candy twice and that they are already planning next year’s event.

“We would like to thank the city of Atascadero for work ing with us, and we would like to thank the families of Atascadero for spending the time with us,” added Hesch.

Atascadero

By THE ATASCADERO NEWS BOARD

recipients of RE/MAX Sucess’s charity donations gathered to hand out and receive checks. Six charities involved in help ing seniors and veterans in the county, as well as 36 individu als, were gifted over $64,000 between them.

“We had some great orga nizations fill out some grants for us. Based on grant appli cations we received, we divvied

out the funds. We raised over $64,000 at our event,” said RE/ MAX real estate agent Rebecca Repetto.

RE/MAX Success formed their nonprofit Success Char ities two years ago so that they could give back to the commu nity. This year their charity event happened at Castoro Cellars on Sept. 1. Over 200

ATASCADERO — Campaigning continues for the candidates vying for the three open seats on Atascade ro’s City Council. The city council candidates in alpha betical order by last name are Susan Funk, Bret Heinemann, and Heather Newsom. Heather Moreno, running for re-election as Atascadero mayor, has no challengers. Heinemann and Newsom did not participate in the questionnaire.

As a follow-up to last week’s City Council Candidates 2022

The board will be looking at bids for a new recording system at a later meeting

Trick-or-treaters cruised Entrada for candy on Halloween night dressed in their Halloween best. Photo by Hayley Mattson/ATN

(From left) RE/MAX real estate agents JoAne Calderon, Scott Ehrke, Elissa Williams, John Donaldson, two recipients from the Senior Center, and Hilary Krohn. (In the back behind them), Sue Kretzu, Laurie Miller, Brian Thorndyke, Lorelei Komm, and Success Charities board member Darryl Stolz. Photo by Quan Do

HEATHER MORENO

BRET HEINEMANN HEATHER NEWSOM

SUSAN FUNK

Atascadero Unified School District Candidates 2022 Q&A Part II

By The Atascadero News Editorial Board

ATASCADERO — Campaigning continues for the candidates vying for the four open seats on Atascade ro’s School Board. Candidates officially running for the open AUSD seats are Tami Gunther, Rebekah Koznek, Tracy EllisWeit, Vy Pierce, George Shoe maker, Dan L. Hathaway, Denise McGrew Kane, Chris Collins, and Scott Staton.

As a follow-up to last week’s School Board Candidates 2022 Q&A Part I, each candidate had the opportunity to answer the same list of questions from The Atascadero News Editorial Board in 100 words or less in addition to their introduction and statement at 200 words. The candidate’s answers in its entirety are provided below, with the exception of Scott Staton, who did not participate.

The candidate’s answers are presented in alphabetical order by last name. Please refer to last week’s paper for Part I.

Describe your top three objectives if you are elected to the school board.

Collins: As I have neighbors and friends that are teachers here I’ve learned that we have lost too many good educators to surrounding districts due to pay and benefits that are at or near the bottom compared to other SLO County districts. Also, I’d like to know how many students we lose every year through inter-district transfer because of issues here. Most students who transfer generally are the high perform ing or athletic students look ing for the best opportunities down the street. This should be a priority here at AUSD. Another concern is facilities throughout the District. Water sports like swimming and water polo are great sports that I’ve learned have a strong following and hope that our new swim complex will come to fruition sooner than later.

Ellis-Weit: I envision an Early Childhood Program, including full day classes of Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten that utilize early childhood methodolo gies and curriculum in part nership with the High School students’ work-experience program. My next priority is addressing the learning gap which is a direct result of the pandemic. Using the funds received, the District needs to offer academic recovery in the form of summer school, tutoring, and after school programs utilizing retired teachers in small instructional groups. Finally, dealing with the teacher and staff shortage the District needs to become creative in attracting, support ing, and retaining employees of the AUSD team.

Gunther: We must provide the best possible education for

all students, and ensure that our graduates leave with the skills needed to be successful in their future whether their next step is the workforce or continuing their education. Provide safe and welcoming campuses for all students and staff. Find ways to bring the best teachers and staff to our District, and to keep them. As everyone is aware, housing prices make it cost prohibi tive for most working people to move to our area. I hope to find ways to increase workforce housing, which could include partnerships with our city of county.

Hathaway: My first objective would be to ensure parents play a strong role in the education of their children. The second, which is closely tied to the first is to bring the students back up to the educational level where they should be. And the third is to continue to improve on that education. My goal is that when a student walks across the stage to receive a diploma, they will be completely prepared to move into their future endeav ors, no matter what they may be.

Koznek: First and foremost is child safety. Gangs are a huge problem that most people aren’t aware of. Addressing learning loss. My goal is to get all the students caught up to where they should be. Teacher pay increased is another top prior ity. We need to be able to attract and retain teachers in our District.

McGrew Kane: My top three objectives if elected to the board will be to: Improve our students’ academic proficiency, address the teacher/staff short age in our District and better prepare our students for their post graduate plans. Address ing the lack of academic profi ciency is a whole encompassing solution (not enough room allowed here to tackle it). The teacher/staff shortage can be addressed by ensuring we are offering competitive pay, as well as creating a healthy environ ment that promotes reten tion of our staff where they are supported, respected and valued. We can better prepare our students post-graduation by expanding our CTE path ways, adding a Job Shadowing program and adding a Finan cial Literacy/ Life Skills elec tive class.

Pierce: I would focus on school safety. We learned that important socialization and learning happens in-person at school. So we need to make sure that we have a positive school culture of tolerance, inclusion, and respect for diver sity and that we address bully ing, harassment, and violence

prevention. My second objec tive is to promote and support arts education in the schools. I’ve seen first-hand the benefits arts education because students of all abilities have the oppor tunity to be successful and express themselves. Lastly, I would work to expand other learning opportunities to all students.

Shoemaker: First, I would like to continue to hire and retain the best possible teachers and staff. We do this by making AUSD a supportive work environment and one where all employees feel valued and appreciated. Second, I would like to see more emphasis on our Career Technical training program to reflect the needs of our local workforce. This means working to bring new programs that teach skilled trades in areas such as construction and the medical field. Third, we need to address safety concerns at all school sites. This means we need to be proactive in iden tifying safety concerns instead of being reactive to incidents.

In the development of a school district budget, what goals and objectives would guide your decision making?

Collins: My decision making as a board member can only be as focused as the leadership that we as board members entrust to provide us the sound data/information that we use to direct our actions. If we are as “hands on” as we need to be like visiting school sites, talking to teachers, parents, as well as district leadership, attend ing as many different school events as we can our ability to be decisive goes way up. The primary guiding principle for me is,” how does this benefits kids” and “how many kids will benefit from this?” We should be here for the students … all the students.

Ellis-Weit: The goals and objectives that would guide my decision making are based on the approval of the State Budget and the District’s Strategic Plan. Dealing with the emotional wellness of our students is one of my goals to ensure student success. The objective would be to have emotional and learning support systems in place. Another goal would be incorporating Career Tech Education at the middle

and high school levels. By providing students with the skill to be career ready.

Gunther: First and fore most we need to keep our budget balanced. Our employ ees are our greatest assets, and AUSD’s current budget allo cates approximately 82 percent towards salaries and benefits. I believe in looking at what makes the most sense for our students needs first. I am a solid supporter of the Super intendent’s Budget Advi sory committee, and when we have extra dollars to spend or when we need to make cuts, the committee brings a wide perspective and deep thought to the table.

Hathaway: My goal is that all budget decisions should be seen as an investment in our children’s education. Hypothet ically, I would expect to see a strong return on the invest ment. If $1000 is invested in books, I would like to see a return of $1100.

Koznek: I have not had a meeting yet to go over the budget of our District. We had a meeting scheduled this week, but it was canceled. I want to dive into it to see where money is being spent, and where we can save money. I know that our District has received a lot of money over the past 2.5 years, we need to spend it wisely.

McGrew Kane: When working with the budget, we must ensure that our District looks to the future years and plans for potential fluctu ations in our funding and expenditures. When review ing the budgets provided to the board, it is imperative that we look at every line item, ask questions and scrutinize every dollar spent. When looking at proposed new expenses, again, we must be diligent to make sure that the money we spend is going to have the positive effect that we expect. It is important that we operate within our means, so we do not have to ask the taxpayer’s for more money via additional bonds.

Pierce: As a Treasurer for two nonprofit organizations, I have experience with develop ing and working with budgets to achieve our mission and maintain fiscal soundness. I would continue with the

board’s current practice eval uating how budget items align with the district goals, core values, and/or graduate profile.

Shoemaker: My goals regarding the budget are to continue to maintain the strong fiscal shape we are in, by work ing, as we have been, to best use taxpayer dollars to provide the highest quality services we can. This includes continuing to look for innovative ways to work with students and meet their needs. Our objec tive is to be a top rate district even though we are one of the lower funded districts. We have maintained a strong fiscal posi tion by making sure we have meaningful plans in place and and a great team in our busi ness services department.

What are your finan cial priorities for the school district? (Examples: reduc tion in class size, improved technology in the class room, maintaining current programs.)

Collins: Each school site should submit their person nel needs like mental health support or supervisory support at least twice a year. Of course our teachers are so valuable that great teachers are sometimes born but are also nurtured through strong support from district leader ship especially in their first few years or anytime they change assignments to some thing different.Of course tech nology needs to be a priority and advancements in technol ogy make staying competi tive with career exploration as well staying competitive with other districts and establish ing or maintaining a strong relationship with Cuesta and Cal Poly that allows students for concurrent enrollment is a hugely important component. Class size is very conducive to more effective learning oppor tunities for students in all grade levels. This is another opportu nity for our District to gain or lose good teachers. Class size truly matters if success and student and teacher retention matters. Agriculture and the trades should be every bit as important as college readiness as well. Welding or mechanics or construction trades should also be part of a comprehen sive education experience here at AUSD.

Ellis-Weit: A top prior ity of mine would be recruit ing, supporting, and retaining highly qualified teachers and staff to ensure our students’ success. The District needs to be creative in the process of recruiting and hiring so that our students benefit from accomplished teach ers and staff. Another prior ity would be to maintain a solvent budget. Another prior ity is the Atascadero district’s budgetary needs that take into consideration the resources that efficiently improve student learning and success. Finally, addressing the social and emotional needs of students and school safety is another priority.

Gunther: Hiring is my high est priority right now. Safety, technology, and professional development also rank high on my priority list. We also need to keep our textbooks current, and keep our classrooms comfort able with heat and air condi tioning. Transportation is important in our District as well, since we are quite large geographically.

Hathaway: My number one priority is to not waste any money on items that do not improve the education of our students. We also need to get input from the community on what they feel our priorities should be, after all, it is there money.

Koznek: Our biggest respon sibility with the schools budget is to be a good steward of the taxpayer’s money.

Class size is always a hot topic. I think a viable solution if we can’t reduce class size is, hiring fulltime classroom aides. This would cost less than having to find and hire more teachers. It would also not require more classrooms at our already maxed our school sites.

McGrew Kane: My financial priorities would be to maintain current programs, add addi tional programs/tutoring/aides to help get the students caught up academically, offer our clas sified teachers aides better pay (this is where we have a huge shortage of staff because these critical positions are only being

GEORGE SHOEMAKER

DENISE MCGREW KANE

CHRIS COLLINS DAN HATHAWAY

REBEKAH KOZNEK

TRACY ELLIS-WEIT TAMI GUNTHER SCOTT STATON

VY PIERCE

which is not sufficient for the important work they do and the help they provide to our certificated teachers). In addi tion, I would like to discover and address the issue within our District with the lack of IEP/504 plan support. I keep hearing story after story of parents who say that the District is behind on their child’s plan. This is unaccept able. We MUST address this and financially support the solution (if it has a financial aspect, such as adding addi tional staff, etc).

Pierce: My priority would be to support things that have a direct impact on students and their educational experi ences in the school district.

Shoemaker: My financial priorities involve making sure we can continue to provide student support services at all school sites. This includes counselors and intervention coordinators that can work one on one with all students to help them get on track, and stay on track, to be successful at all grade levels. This means hiring and retaining the best staff possible and supporting the learning programs that are working.

If elected, what three steps would you take to put our District on firmer financial footing?

Collins: I don’t have enough

information to adequately respond but I do know that all financial actions should be very transparent and easily accessed by members of the community because when I was a school board member in Reef-Sun set a 25-year Business office person was terminated after many years of basically fraudu lent practices over hundreds of thousands of dollars … a huge betrayal of the public trust.

Ellis-Weit: The three steps are being knowledgeable of the State Budget and the dollar allocations to the District. Be informed of the content and goals of the District’s Strate gic Plan, which is the finan cial framework of the District’s expenditures. Participate in the District’s Budget Advi sory Committee that consists of parents, teachers, princi pals, community members and the District’s financial supervisor. These stakehold ers provide input from multi ple perspectives to ensure that the District’s goals and objec tives are being meet for all student success.

Gunther: We have an excel lent CBO, and with her dili gence and hard work, we have a very solid financial footing. With that being said, it is critical that the Superinten dent and the School Board work with the CBO and the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources to plan for future changes.

Hathaway: First, eliminate wasteful spending. Second,

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ensure our tax dollars are spent wisely. And third, search out and find other revenue streams to ensure we have the money we need to provide for the very best education possible.

Koznek: From what I know about the District already, we are fiscally conservative. Without having reviewed the budget, I cannot make an educated comment on this question.

McGrew Kane: Our District is solid financially and is taking some steps to attempt to address the learning loss from the pandemic. They have regular benchmark test ing and software that is being used to gain knowledge of kids that may need additional resources & help. I think we can keep building on what is already in place to continue positive growth academically.

Pierce: I would look at ways to increase enrollment at the schools. I would like to reach out to a students and their families to see how our school district better meet their needs and keep them enrolled. Lastly, I could help the District pursue grants and other sources of fund ing using the skills from my 10-year professional career in the nonprofit sector as a grant maker and in fundraising.

Shoemaker: Our District is on a strong financial footing currently as we have worked hard to plan well for the fund ing we do receive. Developing

new funding sources is diffi cult with the way the state has set up school funding. With that in mind, we still receive our funding based on enroll ment so we need to maintain and grow our student popula tion. We can do that be being the District that parents want to send their students to. We also need to review programs on a regular basis to find out which are the most effective and put our resources behind those programs.

Do you think there should be a police presence on the high school campus?

Collins: I believe that a good resource officer is one who is visible, positive, nurtur ing, and supportive of all staff and in doing so can earn the respect of students. I am not in favor of a person in a police uniform who is not what I just outlined above.

Ellis-Weit: Currently, at the Atascadero High School there is a School Resource Officer who is trained in dealing with youth, providing services, and is highly visible on campus. Research has shown having a School Resource Officer is beneficial to the school and surrounding community in many ways: improving rela tionships between youth and law enforcement, reduction in suspensions and disciplinary actions, and is a deterrent for violence and criminal activity on campus and surrounding areas.

Gunther: AUSD has an

excellent working relationship with our police department and Sheriff’s department. We have a resource officer on our high school campus, and this person’s job is to build rela tionships. I am very much in favor of this role.

Hathaway: Unfortunately, there should be some police presence on campus. Not only to help protect from outside dangers, but also to ensure peace on the campus. In our ever increasingly violent world, arguments happen and often lead to violence. The presence of the police will serve as a deterrent.

Koznek: I am 100 percent in support of law enforcement. Student safety should be the District’s number one prior ity. I am for having more offi cers around all schools. What that looks like, I am not sure. I know many schools across the nation have implemented different procedures. We need to research which ones work best and what they entail.

McGrew Kane: I think it is wise to have School Resource Officers at our middle and high school campuses. As far as school safety, we must have a balanced approach for safety and security in a learn ing environment. In addi tion to making sure all of our campuses are secured, we need to look at the newest innovations that technology has invented. Such as using Behavioral Video Analyt ics that uses Artificial Intel

ligence to monitor cameras 24/7 and be able to instantly identify situations such as: fights on campus, someone jumping over a perimeter fence, detect someone with a gun and automatically initiate a lockdown response, recog nize fire or smoke. This tech nology is a game changer for school safety.

Pierce: There is already a police presence on the high school campus with a School Resource Officer. It’s important to have a good relationship and collabora tion with our police depart ment, but I would want to better understand what are the goals of having a police presence. If it’s for violence prevention, there are other strategies and programs that may be more effective and less expensive.

Shoemaker: Currently, we have a school resource officer that we pay the city for their support. This officer is avail able for all sites, but is mostly on site at Atascadero High School, as that is where most of the services are needed. Since we have to pay the city for the support of the officer, budgetary constraints limit our ability to provide additional officers. We do have strong support form the Atascadero police department and addi tional resources as always close by.

For the rest of the questions and answers, head to our website, atascaderonews.com

Please describe your business experience.

Funk (City Council): I have owned and operated a small business for nearly 30 years doing management in the healthcare industry. I manage data studies and build economic models to help businesses make decisions and understand how their products affect healthcare costs and patient outcomes. Earlier in my career I was a hospital executive. I earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) with a certificate in public manage ment. My company is a member of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce.

Moreno (Mayor): As a CPA I worked for KPMG, auditing the financial statements for small and large clients, ranging from companies with under $500M in annual revenue to large, publicly traded companies. As a manager at the firm, I directed audit teams, coordinated with the tax and consulting departments, and was the point person for both clients and the firm’s partners. Later, I worked as the Control ler for Paranetics Technology, an Arizona-based company that manufactured cargo parachutes for the US military, responsible for tens of millions of dollars in revenue and a range of human resource functions for 100+ employees.

What will you do to make the City Council better if you are elected?

Funk (City Council): My current City Council colleagues and I have shown that Coun cil Members with diverse polit ical perspectives and affiliations can work together effectively for the good of the whole commu nity. I’ll continue being a fresh voice on the Council -- asking

good questions and raising issues honestly even when they are uncomfortable. I’ll continue to emphasize collaboration so that our City can have the kind of forward-thinking, balanced leadership that attracts quality entrepreneurs and employees to our community.

Moreno (Mayor): A good City Council is responsive to the public, which is why I’ve worked to promote strong public partic ipation to ensure our residents have a voice in City policies. As Mayor it’s my job to encour age citizen involvement, build consensus with my Council colleagues, and collaborate with stakeholders in the community for the betterment of Atascadero. When we listen to and treat each other with dignity, and seek the common good, Atascadero pros pers.

What is the most import ant city issue you would like the next city council to tackle? (Examples: vacant housing, crime, transportation, business development, etc.)

Funk (City Council): Home lessness. There is too much suffering, and families and business customers want to feel safe sharing public spaces that weren’t designed to be campsites. We can’t do this by ourselves, of course, and the County needs to be the leader, but momen tum is building. I’ll be work ing to get the newly-approved strategic plan on homelessness implemented here and county wide. Our city and neighboring areas need more pathways out of homelessness, stronger mental health and addiction supports, and more housing of many types that growing families and young people starting their careers can afford.

Moreno (Mayor): A diverse economy, where the amount of good paying jobs is on par with our housing supply. More jobs bring more success for our retail

and restaurant sector, encour aging even more businesses to call Atascadero home. In 2021, Council approved a specific position to address economic development, resulting in more businesses locating here. Crit ical to this is broadband access for all so we’ve created a North County collaboration with Paso Robles, becoming the first in the County to move forward with a broadband strategic plan. We must continue on this trajectory to see a meaningful shift in the jobs/housing balance.

What do you think is going well right now in the city?

Funk (City Council): New restaurants and shops have opened in Atascadero, and more are on the way. LaPlaza is open at last, with thanks to the Zappas family for investing in our community. From movies to music and tamales to classic wheels and Ferris wheels, there are fun events sponsored by the City and others for people of all ages and incomes to enjoy together. More importantly, this new vibrancy is developing in a uniquely Atascadero way, preserving the small-town feel we treasure. Also, in these divi sive times, it helps that our City Council is mutually respect ful and stays focused on the community.

Moreno (Mayor): A lot! The increased activity and numer ous events in our City center are exciting, especially as La Plaza opened, adding to the vibrancy of a burgeoning down town. Atascadero led the way in implementing a new disas ter evacuation and communi cation system that has become the gold standard for use in the County. The City consistently provides the necessary entitle ments in our housing element to meet State mandates and we anticipate exceeding the current requirements to allow for much-needed housing. We’ve made significant investments in

public safety, including new offi cer and dispatch positions and a new CAD/RMS system. And much more!

If elected, what three steps would you take to put our city on a firmer financial footing?

Funk (City Council): I first want to thank voters for approv ing the local sales tax measure (D-20) in 2020, because those funds have provided vital finan cial security for hiring and train ing police officers and making sure we can replace safety equip ment such as aging fire vehi cles. When residents invest in our community, others do, too. I’ll continue making sure we spend these funds wisely, work to attract head-of-household jobs to our community, and keep nurturing development of a vibrant downtown core and broader tax base.

Moreno (Mayor): The City’s robust budget process, which includes significant public engagement, stretches every dollar through staffing and forced-choice prioritization, doing far more with far less than any other city in the county. We have solid general fund reserves, in addition to funds set aside for building, technology and vehicle replacement. Seeking additional revenue sources is something we’ve done well such as working with Senator Laird to secure $3 million of funding for the Downtown Infrastructure Enhancement project. I’d like to see us work with a professional grant writer to optimize that function and free staff to focus on other important priorities.

What things could be improved to make Atascadero a better place to live, work and play?

Funk (City Council): People tell me they want more restau rants, shopping, good jobs and fun things to do. One key step will be completing the down

town infrastructure enhance ment project. It will add over 100 parking spaces downtown and enable people to cross El Camino Real safely. Expanded access to affordable broadband will help, too. Further, we need to keep our community safe by ensuring our city can attract and retain good police officers and firefighters, and by supporting them with the leadership, equip ment and training they need, including mental health. And we need to address homelessness for these other steps to be effective.

Moreno (Mayor): We must continue to: invest in public safety and infrastructure (e.g., roads, technology/broadband, equipment); reach out to inves tors and businesses to support a strong commercial sector (e.g., offer incentives, support Bridge works at the Chamber); provide opportunities large and small for residents to enjoy their City (e.g., Tamale Festival, concerts in the park, First Fridays). Most importantly, we are updating the General Plan and your input is needed! What’s important to you as we plan for the next 20+ years in Atascadero? Let’s build our future together.

Why should the residents vote for you?

Funk (City Council): The City will be updating its General Plan over the next year or two. That’s not a boring document that sits on a shelf – it will become the roadmap for how our city develops over the next 20 years. So, it’s more important than ever that the City Coun cil have people with vision and leadership who will listen well and work together respectfully. You can count on me to work hard for you and make sure that everyone has a voice in deci sions that shape our communi ty’s future. I respectfully ask for your vote.

Moreno (Mayor): I promise you that I will continue to:

Listen to you and work collab oratively with my Council colleagues and City staff. Build on the relationships I’ve fostered with business and community leaders county-wide to bring continued investment into Atascadero, and to address issues of homelessness, infrastructure, and housing. Identify ways to remove obstacles and develop incentives for businesses to call Atascadero home, and Always seek the best for our community. I have the leader ship our City needs to move Atascadero forward. It’s my privilege to be your Mayor and I would appreciate your vote.

Funk (City Council): I have owned and operated a small busi ness for nearly 30 years doing management in the healthcare industry. I manage data studies and build economic models to help businesses make decisions and understand how their prod ucts affect healthcare costs and patient outcomes. Earlier in my career I was a hospital executive. I earned a Master’s degree in Busi ness Administration (MBA) with a certificate in public manage ment. My company is a member of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce.

Moreno (Mayor): As a CPA I worked for KPMG, auditing the financial statements for small and large clients, ranging from companies with under $500M in annual revenue to large, publicly traded companies. As a manager at the firm, I directed audit teams, coordinated with the tax and consulting departments, and was the point person for both clients and the firm’s partners. Later, I worked as the Controller for Paranetics Technology, an Arizo na-based company that manu factured cargo parachutes for the US military, responsible for tens of millions of dollars in revenue and a range of human resource functions for 100+ employees.

For the rest of the questions and answers, head to our website, atascaderonews.com

News Briefs: North San Luis Obispo County

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Election Offices Open on Saturday, Nov. 5

The San Luis Obispo Election Office, located at 1055 Monterey Street and the Atascadero Election Office, located at 6565 Capistrano Avenue, will both be open for voters on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Voters can also observe the vote-bymail process in the San Luis Obispo office during this time.

With just a few more days before the General Election, the SLO County Clerk Recorder's Office would like to encourage voters to take the opportu nity to come in and drop off their voted vote by mail ballots.

PASO ROBLES

City Installing More Short-Term Parking Spaces

Coming soon The City is follow ing the recommendation provided by the Downtown Parking Advisory Commission and City Council to update the short-term parking spaces in Downtown to 'bookend' style spaces. The short-term (30-minute) parking spaces will be conveniently located at the end of most blocks. The 30-minute spaces are designed to offer customers that are stopping for a quick errand convenient parking. There is no need to start a parking session or pay for park ing in the short-term spaces.

The update will make the shortterm spaces easier to find, the signage clearer, and will be more equitable

to all Downtown business. There are currently 24 short-term parking spaces in Downtown. Eight of the current short-term spaces will be removed and there will be 19 new short-term spaces added for an updated total of 35 shortterm spaces.

This project will be completed in the coming weeks. Any ques tions or comments can be directed to parking@prcity.com or by calling (805) 227-PARK

PRPD Awarded $56,000 Grant to Increase Safety on Roads

The Paso Robles Police Depart ment will increase patrols throughout the community and provide other traf fic safety programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on roads.

“This grant funding allows us to support our ongoing traffic safety efforts in the community,” PRPD, Commander Terry Afana said. “Our intent is to stop the most unlawful and dangerous behaviors that put people at risk and create an environment where everyone feels safe traveling.”

The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:

• DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers.

• High visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting driv ers in violation of California’s handsfree cell phone law.

• Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behav iors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.

• Enforcement operations focused on

top violations that cause crashes: speed ing, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turn ing or lane changes.

• Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, bicycle and pedestrian safety.

• Officer training and/or recertifi cation: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

The grant program will run through Sep. 2023.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the Califor nia Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

PRPD Investigating CVS Robbery

Paso Robles Police Officers were dispatched to a robbery in progress at the CVS Store on Niblick Road on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 9:45 p.m. After a thorough search of the building for the suspect, it was found the suspect had fled out a rear exit door prior to the officers’ arrival.

According to PRPD, on Tuesday night, the single male dressed in all black and wearing a black ski mask, entered the store and immediately demanded money from the cashier. The suspect was brandishing a knife and threatened the cashier. The suspect was able to obtain a small amount of money from the register and fled to the rear of the business.

Officers stated they arrived at the business within one minute of receiv ing the 911 call and began escorting

customers and employees outside out of harm’s way. Officers received infor mation the suspect may still be in the business. A request was made from the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department K9 unit to respond to the business to assist with searching the business. An extensive search of the building was conducted, but the suspect was not located.

This investigation is ongoing, and anybody with information is encour aged to call the Paso Robles Police Department at (805) 237-6464. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at (805) 549 STOP, or on the web at sanluisobispo county.crimestoppersweb.com.

Sheriff's Investigating Shandon Shooting

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating a shooting that occurred on Monday, Oct. 31, in Shandon.

Deputies responded to a report of shots fired in the 200 block of Camatti Street in Shandon. According to depu ties, they discovered a 15-year-old male in the street with a gunshot wound to the stomach — the victim was alert and talking.

Deputies report they first provided medical aid to the victim who was airlifted to a local hospital where he is now in stable condition.

Detectives believe the shooting was an isolated incident and are investigat ing to determine if this incident was gang-related.

There is no suspect description available at this time. If anyone in the Shandon area has information on this

incident, you are asked to contact Sher iff's Detectives at (805) 781-4500. This incident is still under investigation.

ATASCADERO

City Opens Band Submissions for 2023 Summer Concert Series

The City of Atascadero’s Recreation Division is now accepting band applica tions for the upcoming 2023 “Saturday in the Park” Summer Concert Series.

They are excited to get another “Saturday in the Park” Summer Concert Series underway in Atascadero. The Saturday in the Park Concert Series will consist of eight (8) concerts from Jun. 17 through Aug. 26, and will be held at the Atascadero Lake Park’s Bandstand from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. All concerts are free to the public. They have had an average attendance of over 500 at all concerts for the past 19 years and we plan to increase participation even more for 2023.

Band applications are now available on the City website under Community Services. To have an application mailed or emailed to you please email Jenni fer Fanning, Recreation Supervisor, jfanning@atascadero.org. All applica tions are due no later than Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 at 5 p.m. No late applications will be accepted.

The concert series is promoted through a variety of media including radio and digital advertising, social media, City websites and printed materials. Each selected band is paid a one-time stipend of $400. The City of Atascadero will provide an audio tech nician for each concert. Personal audio equipment is not allowed.

Community Asked to Test Internet Access and Speed

SAN LUIS OBISPO

COUNTY — The cities of Paso Robles and Atascadero, through their joint broad band strategy project, and the Broadband Consortium of the Pacific Coast (Consor tium), have launched an inter net needs assessment survey and speed test campaign for the public to self-report their digital experiences and inter net speeds at home, work, or

wherever they connect. The campaign is focused in North County to support the strategy project, but all county residents are encouraged to partici pate in the data collection to provide a countywide under standing of reliable high-speed internet availability. The data collected will assist in identify ing unserved and underserved households in the region.

A North County Broadband Strategic Plan (NCBSP) is aimed at better understanding internet availability and will help direct federal and state funding to priority projects that will increase affordable access to high-speed internet. Data from the survey and speed test

campaign will be mapped by GEO Software which is devel oped and licensed by Break ing Point Solutions, LLC and marketed by GEO Partners, LLC. The data will be used to identify areas in the county with low or no access to highspeed internet.

The public is encouraged to go to pcbroadband.org/ needsassessment/ to self-re port their internet needs and take a speed test on a personal computer or laptop at home, work, or wherever they connect. For North County residents, data collection for the NCBSP will wrap up by early 2023. Individuals can report areas with low or no

internet service, and locations where access to the inter net is unaffordable. Individ uals without internet access can go to their local library to take the needs assessment test on a public computer. Privacy controls protect responses, and anonymous participation is an option as no individual infor mation will be released. Data collected will include location, internet speed, and monthly internet cost.

Public forums for the Paso Robles and Atascadero communities will include an overview of the broadband strategy project being led by TeleworX and a panel discus sion regarding digital inclu

sion. Panel participants will include representatives from the public sector, education, healthcare, and business.

Public forum schedule and locations, all community members are invited to attend: Paso Robles Nov. 14th from 5:30 to 7 p.m., City Coun cil Chamber 1000 Spring Street • Atascadero Nov. 16th from 5:30 to 7 p.m., City Coun cil Chamber 6500 Palma Avenue

“This panel conversation is important for our community to participate in as we work together to assess our digital access challenges and needs” said Mayor Steve Martin, Paso

Robles, “we are keenly aware that the success of our North County Spaceport will require high-speed broadband capabil ities and look to the strategy project to support this require ment”.

In December 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed historic legislation, Broad band for All, to advance the State’s commitment to bring affordable access to highspeed internet service across California. The information collected will be used to seek funding to improve afford able access to high performing internet countywide to work toward digital equity, inclu sion, and access.

Seven California Propositions are on the November 8 Ballot

Measures cover topics ranging from abortion rights, to sports betting, to tobacco sales, and more

BY TED VAILL GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

All California voters should have received their ballots by now, and there are seven statewide propositions, which you will have to evaluate prior to voting.

Here are the seven ballot propositions:

Proposition 1 Prop 1 provides a state constitutional right to repro ductive freedom, including the right to abortions. No state has yet voted a constitu tional amendment providing a right to reproductive freedom. Support comes from Gov.

Gavin Newsom, CADEM, our two Democratic Senators and many state Democratic legisla tors, Planned Parenthood, the California Teachers Associa tion, the LA Times, and the California Medical Associa tion. Opponents include State Senator Brian Dahle (the GOP candidate for California gover nor), the California Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Republican Party of California.

Yes on Prop 1 has a significant lead in recent polls.

Propositions 26 and 27

These competing proposi tions both legalize gambling on sports events in Cali fornia. Prop 26 legalizes gambling at the 64 Ameri can Indian gaming casinos, card rooms, and four licensed racetracks in California (two in Southern California and two in Northern California).

And Prop 27 legalizes sports betting online. Both proposi

tions authorize betting only by persons over 21. Betting on high school and college sports would still be illegal. Prop 26 would also expand the types of games allowed at Indian casi nos to include roulette and craps. Incessant TV ads have bombarded the airwaves, but recent polls have shown that both propositions are likely to lose, with Prop 27 supported by 34 percent and opposed by 54 percent. It is being funded by seven online gambling firms such as FanDuel and Draft Kings.

Proposition 28

Prop 28 requires funding for K-12 art and music education in all public and charter schools. It does not raise new taxes, but rather sets aside a portion of the state’s general fund equal to 1 percent of the Prop 98 money (a 1988 ballot initiative that set minimum funding levels for K-12 schools and community

colleges). If approved, it would increase state education spend ing by $800 million to $1 billion starting in 2023. The negative: it locks in this spending on arts and music in the future, even if the huge current budget surplus disappears.

Proposition 29

Prop 29 enacts staff ing requirements, reporting requirements, ownership disclo sure, and closing requirements for chronic dialysis clinics. In particular, Prop 29 requires a physician or nurse practitioner to be onsite during treatment. It also requires clinics to disclose physician ownership interests, and report infection data. This same proposition was also on the 2018 and 2020 ballots, and again is placed there by the Service Employees Interna tional Union-United Health care West (SEIU-UHW), which is in a protracted battle with the the two largest private

dialysis companies, DaVita and Fresenius.

Proposition 30 Prop 30 increases the tax on personal income above $2 million by 1.75 percent and dedicates revenues to subsi dize zero-emission vehicles and charging stations, and wildlife prevention programs. This proposition would push California’s already-highest state income tax rate from 13.3 percent to 15.05 percent. Prop 30 is backed by environmen tal and public health groups and firefighters and electrical workers, but is funded almost entirely by Lyft, which has spent $25 million in support of the measure. Newsom has recently come out in opposi tion to the measure. He has pledged $10 billion over the next six years on clean trans portation initiatives, and the Biden Administration’s infra structure law included $7.5

billion nationwide to build out a nationwide charging network. The Inflation Reduction Act includes up to $7,500 in tax credits for the purchase of a new electric vehicle.

Proposition 31 Prop 31 upholds the total ban on flavored tobacco sales, including e-cigarettes, snuff, chewing tobacco, and tobac co-flavored enhancers. (It does not prohibit the sale to adults of regular cigarettes, hookah tobacco, loose leaf tobacco, and premium cigars.) It was approved by California voters in 2020. Since then, Big Tobacco has spent millions of dollars qualifying this ballot referen dum to overturn it. A yes vote allows the law to go into effect. The opponents to Prop 31 argue that it is an adult prohi bition, which has never worked. They say it will only lead to an increase in black market sales by criminal gangs.

ELECTION

NORTH COUNTY

Speed test in San Luis Obispo County will help identify opportunities to improve internet speed and cost

PASO ROBLES — Back after over two years, the "Grand Pasta Feed" returns on Nov. 12. Hosted by the Italian Catho lic Federation (ICF), St. Rose Branch #354, proceeds from the feed with support the St. Rose Parish kitchen upgrade.

The ICF is seeking items for gift baskets to be raffled and wine to be served. If anyone is inclined to donate, it will be much appreciated.

The ICF is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1924. Their mission is to romotes and supports the Cath olic faith and its values, encour ages apostolic and charitable

works, and celebrates Italian American heritage and all the heritages of their communities.

Served at the dinner will be spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread, dessert, and a beverage. Takeout is available or join everyone at the dinner table at the St. Rose Parish Hall from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for dinner.

For tickets or informa tion, call the ICF at (805) 238-6360, St. Rose School at (805) 238-0304, or the Parish office at (805) 238-2218.

The NONPROFIT

805.237.6060

2022 Hall of Fame

CONTACT INFO

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

AWARENESS - PREVENTION - INTERVENTION - EDUCATION

About: The Atascadero Greyhound Foundation has been serving the Atascadero community for more than 20 years, gradually adding more events that serve its mission. We have grown, and continue to give because of the generous donors, sponsors and participants of our events. Our events are a benefit to the community in healthy activity — either athletically, musically, educationally, or in the fight against addiction.

Donations: Our support comes from generous donors and sponsors. To make a difference, visit: atascaderogreyhoundfoundation.org/donate.html

Friends of the Paso Robles Library

UPCOMING EVENTS

Book Sale and Holiday Extravaganza

Thursday, December 8, 2022, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Early Bird Sale — Friends members only, but you can join at the door.

Public Book Sale

Thursday, December 8 | 2 to 6 p.m., Friday, December 9 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, December 10 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

Enjoy hot apple cider, cookies, and holiday music as you find gifts for everyone on your list.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

CONTACT INFO

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

Support the Library through a Friends of the Library membership, starting as low as $10/year. The Friends of the Library appre ciates donations, which are either added to the Library’s collection or used to generate considerable funds toward the purchase of new books, library materials, programs, services, etc.

upport the Library in a 100% volunteer-run retail environment. We are seeking volunteers to assist with Gift Shop sales, book donation sorting, and to provide book sale support.

Due to limited storage space and staff, we are only able to accept two boxes or two bags of materials per household per day.

Cash donations always welcome!

BOARD MEETINGS: Call 805-237-3870 for info

Cancer Support Community – California Central Coast

UPCOMING EVENTS

CONTACT INFO 1051 Las Tablas Rd. Templeton, CA 93465 (805) 238-4411

Monday - Thursday 9 am – 4 pm Fridays by Appoint ment cscslo.org

‧ "11th Annual Lights of Hope Fundraiser — November 25" We have a number of special events throughout the year that support our ability to provide programs, support and education FREE of charge to our community! Discover more at cscslo.org/Support-Our-Work

DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

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

redwingshorsesanctuary.com.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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

Gilbertson Sentenced for Paso Robles Attempted Robbery

He is sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison for his attempted robbery of Chase Bank

PASO ROBLES — District Attorney Dan Dow announced that Andrew William Gilb ertson (47) of Paso Robles has been sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison for his attempted robbery of Chase Bank in Paso Robles.

During the trial, a San Luis Obispo County jury heard

evidence that on September 1, 2021, Andrew William Gilb ertson (DOB 10/31/1974) entered the Chase Bank in Paso Robles where he attempted to exchange money

that was wet and dirty. When Gilbertson was told that a bank policy prohibited exchanging the money based on the condi tion of the bills, he passed a note that had been written on a Chase Bank envelope which read, “Give me all the money.”

Gilbertson then brandished what the bank teller believed to be a gun from within a plastic bag he held and threatened, “ I have a gun, who do I need to shoot?” The jury also heard evidence that Gilbertson had been previously convicted of robbery of a Bank of Amer ica in San Luis Obispo using a similar note in 2013.

Adrian Oswald Pinto of San Luis Obispo Sentenced

On Aug. 16, 2022, the jury found Gilbertson guilty of the attempted robbery. During a separate court trial, the Honor able Judge Timothy S. Covello made findings that Gilbertson had been convicted in 2015 of second-degree robbery and in 2021 of arson, both “strikes” under California’s Three Strikes sentencing law, subjecting him to a life sentence.

Judge Covello also found true seven factors in aggrava tion which were used at the sentencing hearing to deter mine the appropriate sentence.

The findings included: (1) that the current crime involved

threat of great bodily harm and other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, vicious ness and callousness, (2) that defendant was armed with or used a weapon at the time of the commission of the crime, (3) that defendant has engaged in violent conduct that indi cates a serious danger to soci ety, (4) that defendant’s prior convictions as an adult are numerous and of increasing seriousness, (5) that defen dant has served a prior term in prison, (6) that defendant was on probation, mandatory supervision, or parole when the crime was committed, and

RECOGNITION

(7) that the defendant’s prior performance on probation, post release community supervision and parole was unsatisfactory.

“Here in San Luis Obispo County, we will use every legal means to hold repeat violent offenders accountable to the maximum extent we can under California Law,” said District Attorney Dan Dow. “When California’s Three Strikes sentencing law is followed and imposed, like it is here, it sends a strong message to other would-be violent criminals to think twice or perhaps choose another county in which to commit their crime.”

County Jail Receives National Recognition

Pinto

to six years in prison for rape by force

SAN LUIS OBISPO —

Adrian Oswald Pinto (37) has been sentenced to six years in state prison for his conviction after jury trial of rape by force and sexual penetration by a foreign object. District Attor ney and Probation Officer requested a 12-year sentence.

Pinto is also required to register as a sex offender for life. The conviction came after a week-long jury trial where, on Sep. 29, Pinto was found guilty of the felonies.

The crimes occurred in the early morning hours of Nov. 1, 2019, near the intersection of West Foothill Boulevard and Los Osos Valley Road, just outside of the San Luis Obispo city limits.

“We thank the jury for their focused attention in this very sensitive and diffi

cult case,” said District Attor ney Dan Dow. “We applaud the courage of the survivor in initially reporting the crime and for having the fortitude to describe the incident to the jury in order to hold this sexual predator accountable.”

The sentence was imposed by Superior Court Judge, the Honorable Craig van Rooyen after considering state ments by the crime survi vor and her parents. The District Attorney argued for a 12-year sentence, which was supported by the Probation Department in a pre-sen tence report. Pinto’s defense lawyer argued for the lowest

possible prison sentence of three years. The maximum sentence allowed by law for the offenses is 16 years in prison.

At the sentencing hear ing, the survivor provided a piercing statement to the court describing the impact these crimes have had on her personal well-being, noting the tremendous emotional toll and her inability to feel safe in her community. She thanked the jury for listening to her and believing her. She asked the court to impose the maximum sentence.

The survivor’s parents provided statements to the court describing the emotional and physical impact of the crime, primar ily on their daughter, but also on themselves. The survi vor’s mother closed by tell ing Pinto that “the jury saw you for what you are” and requested that the maximum sentence be imposed. She closed by telling Pinto “you do not deserve leniency.”

The

PASO ROBLES — Paso

Robles Fire & Emergency

ATASCADERO POLICE DEPARTMENT

OCTOBER 25, 2022

13:11— Cheyne Eric Orndoff, 37, transient, was arrested on the 8000 block of El Camino Real and booked for FAILURE TO APPEAR AFTER PTA AND NOT POSTING BAIL [853.8]; Case no. 222718

17:45— Juan Carlos Lazaro, 43, of Atascadero was cited for ARREST WARRANT/ MISDE MEANOR AND INFRACTION CASES [1427]; Case no. 222720

OCTOBER 26, 2022

08:25— Elliott John Tujeja, 33, of Atascadero was arrested on the 7400 block of Santa Ysabel Ave. and booked for INFLICT CORPORAL INJURY ON SPOUSE/COHABITANT/DATNG RELATNSHP [273.5(A)]; Case no. 222724

18:25— Joseph Edward Pennington, 41, of Atascadero was arrested on the 9800 block of El Camino Real and cited for FAILURE TO APPEAR AFTER PTA AND NOT POSTING BAIL [853.8]; Case no. 222734

18:25— Joseph Edward Pennington, 41, of

Services is the recipient of a $117,000 grant to purchase new vehicle extrication equipment. Known as the Jaws of Life, these special ized tools are vital in rescu ing crash victims trapped inside a vehicle.

“This new equipment will

help reduce the time it takes for us to safely reach some one who needs immediate medical attention,” said Fire Chief Jonathan Stornetta.

“The OTS grant fund ing will allow our organi zation to purchase modern rescue tools with the latest

SAN LUIS OBISPO — The County Jail has received national recognition for its health care services.

The National Commission on Correctional Health Care has awarded national accredi tation to the jail for demonstrat ing compliance with NCCHC’s nationally recognized standards of care for correctional health services in jails.

Accreditation recognizes the jail’s commitment to providing quality health services for the inmate population.

To earn NCCHC accredita tion, the jail underwent a rigor ous professional assessment. During the assessment, a team of experienced physicians and experts in correctional health care surveyed the facility for compliance with jail-specific standards in several areas such as patient care and treatment, health promotion, safety and disease prevention, governance

and administration, person nel and training, special needs and services, and medical-legal issues.

“We have a constitutional obligation to provide health care to those in our jail and we are committed to doing so with innovation, excellence and effi ciency,” said Sheriff Parkinson. “I salute our health care provider Wellpath, our custody staff, and leadership for their hard work and dedication on behalf of our patients.”

For 40 years, NCCHC’s highly respected standards have provided guidance to help correctional health professionals and administrators improve the health of their jail populations and the communities to which

they return, increase efficiency of health services delivery, and strengthen organizational effec tiveness. Getting accreditation has long been a goal of the Sher iff’s Office.

The COVID pandemic created its own set of unique challenges to the process. However, it was only through a coordinated effort by custody staff and Wellpath that made accreditation possible.

“This is a great example of the county and the Sheriff’s Office commitment to a safe and healthy county jail that meets the changing and sometimes challenging demands of health care across the country,” said Correctional Captain Stepha nie Landgraf.

advancements in technology for the care of those injured in crashes. The difference between life and death can be a matter of minutes, which is why it is critical to be able to extricate victims and provide treatment as quickly as possible.” Chief

Stornetta continued.

Delays in providing care to crash victims impacts the “golden hour” of survival, a core principle in emergency medical services. Reducing the time it takes to extri cate the patient, initiate treatment, and transport

the patient to the hospital helps increase the chance for survival and recovery.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Atascadero was arrested on the 9800 block of El Camino Real and cited for POSSESS UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)]; Case no. 222735

OCTOBER 27, 2022 16:13— Leon Curtis Roberts, 35, transient, was arrested on the 7100 block of El Camino Real and booked for BENCH WARRANT/FAILURE TO APPEAR ON MISDEMEANOR CHARGE [853.8]; Case no. 222741

OCTOBER 28, 2022 19:45— Darrick John Friedrichsen, 45, of Atascadero was arrested on the 4100 block of El Camino Real and cited for POSSESS UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)]; Case no. 222752

19:45— Darrick John Friedrichsen, 45, of Atascadero was arrested on the 4100 block of El Camino Real and cited for FAILURE TO APPEAR AFTER PTA AND NOT POSTING BAIL [853.8]; Case no. 222751

21:25— James Flynn Erdman, 42, of Atascadero was arrested on the corner of El

Camino Real and Santa Rosa and booked for DISORDERLY CONDUCT:ALCOHOL [647(F)]; Case no. 222753

PASO ROBLES POLICE DEPARTMENT

OCTOBER 25, 2022 02:28— Tyrece Orlando Hempstead, of National City, CA, was on-view arrested on Hwy101 and 46E for MAIL THEFT [530.5(E)PC], POSSESSION OF BURGLARY TOOLS [466PC], POSSESSION OF SPECIFIED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11377(A)H&S]; Case no. 223331

OCTOBER 26, 2022

00:12— Jesus Lucas Ruizortiz, of Paso Robles was on-view arrested on the corner of Cres ton Rd. and Capitol Hill for Bench Warrant [978.5PC]; Case no. 223341

00:41— Salvador Vargascampocerde, of Paso Robles was on-view arrested on the corner of Creston Rd. and Capitol Hill for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC]; Case no. 223341

07:49— Lucas Allan Johnson, of Atascadero was on-view arrested on the corner of 13th St. and Paso Robes St. for RECEIVING/CONCEAL ING STOLEN PROPERTY,ETC [496(A)PC]; Case no. 223343

10:53— Maria Elena Ines Galanos, of Paso Robles was on-view arrested on the 1200 block of Ysabel Ave. for TRESPASS [602PC]; Case no. 223346

13:10— Johnnie Eirvin Cooper, of Paso Robles was on-view arrested on the 900 block of Park St. for WILLFULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC], WILLFULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROM ISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC]; Case no. 223348

14:47— Carmelo Montealegregalicia, of Paso Robles was summoned/cited on the corner of Spring St. and 34th St. for DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED FOR DUI [14601.2(A)VC]; Case no. 223349

17:42— Sondra Whitneyann Schmidt, of San Miguel was on-view arrested on the 1400 block of Creston Rd. for SHOPLIFTING UNDER $950 [459.5(A)PC], WILLFULLY TO

VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC], WILLFULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC]; Case no. 223351

OCTOBER 27, 2022

23:55— Emily Ann Goree, of Paso Robles was on-view arrested on the corner of 13th St. and Park St. for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC]; Case no. 223355

22:07— Jacob Joseph Hamby, of Templeton was taken into custody on the 1000 block of Vista Grande St. for POSSESS NARCOTIC CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11350(A)H&S]; Case no. 223364

22:16— Troy Austin Massey, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the corner of 11th St. and Park St. for DISORDERLY CONDUCT/ DRUNK IN PUBLIC [647(F)PC]; Case no. 223365

21:56— Trevor Chase Strange, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the 1000 block of Vista Grande St. for POSSESS NARCOTIC

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11350(A)H&S], WILLFULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROM ISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC]; Case no. 223364

OCTOBER 28, 2022

01:53— Jonathan Bravo, of Paso Robles was on-view arrested on the 640 block of Bolen Dr. for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A)VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC]; Case no. 223366

02:22— Paulino Albinovivar, of Paso Robles was on-view arrested on the 3000 block of Spring St. for DISORDERLY CONDUCT/DRUNK IN PUBLIC [647(F)PC]; Case no. 223367

12:14— Tyra Maria Adams, of Atascadero was on-view arrested on the 1600 block of Commerce Way for DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED FOR DUI [14601.2(A)VC], WILL FULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC]; Case no. 223368

12:41— Marisela Mariah Flores, of Paso Robles was on-view arrested on the

ANDREW GILBERTSON

ADRIAN PINTO

SEX

ROBBERY

Accreditation recognizes the Jail’s commitment to providing quality health services for the inmate population

REPORT

The San Luis Obispo County Jail staff along with SLO County Sheriff Ian Parkinson after receiving the National Recognition. Contributed Photo

THOMAS ELIAS COMMENTARY

One key principle behind the spate of laws passed in the last two years aimed at increasing California’s hous ing density is that every city in the state is essentially the same.

That’s why new laws have eliminated single-family resi dential zoning throughout the state and not merely in the most sprawling cities and counties. That’s why virtually every street in the state with

Prioritize AUSD’s Tasks Now

Dear Editor,

A national review this year found California’s public schools rank 42th out of 50 states in terms of student success, safety, and school quality. In AUSD schools, about 50 percent of Middle and High School students can’t meet grade-level stan dards for reading and writ ing. Even worse, significant declines the past three years have occurred in students’ test scores. There’s widespread agreement that schools must help students recover from those declines. Because help ing students recover will require staff time, money, and other scarce resources, voters must ask what AUSD’s focus should be now. With infla tion and recession increasing, voters absolutely must priori tize academics within AUSD.

Instead, AUSD’s Board one month ago provision ally appointed a new Trustee whose own LinkedIn account clearly shows he’s been a political activist at least four years. He describes his professional activities as, “.. DEI [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion] Analysis, Strat egy, & Communication, DEI Advisor, DEI Program Eval uation & Development, DEI Media Relations, [and] DEI Policy Narratives.” He further states, “I see Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as THE path way to understanding prob lems within organizations and society.”

Among its complex and multiple components, DEI includes using “equity squads” to find and document ineq uities allegedly due to race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. But school systems have discovered that implement ing DEI (a euphemism for CRT, Critical Race Theory) leads to divisiveness, recrim inations, increased costs,

OPINION

One Size-Fits-All Meets the Mega-Rich

ble.

any commercial elements is now subject to high-rise development, if developers can be found to do the work.

It’s a one-size-fits-all philosophy that was bound to create major conflict when it began affecting the often quirky cities that make up much of this crazy-quilt state.

One of the more eccentric such places is Atherton, long a haven for the super-rich, sitting in the midst of Sili con Valley, a short distance north of Palo Alto and Stan ford University.

This five square mile city of 7,060 is host to a major contingent of the wealthiest dot-com investors and exec utives. Its residents include the founder of Netflix; the head of video game maker Electronic Arts; the chief of the financial technology firm SoFi, for which the modern stadium housing both the Los Angeles Rams and Char gers is named; top executives

of Google and Apple, and a host of venture capitalists who got fabulously wealthy by investing early in some of those firms and others. The median home sale price there has exceeded $7 million for the last few years.

Now Atherton is being told by the state it must create 348 new housing units or suffer major losses of state funding for police, fire department, water facilities, and other public needs.

But how to build that many new units, enough to house 1,000 or more persons, almost one-seventh the current population, in a town where very few homes occupy less than an acre? And how to do that and still let many of them be priced affordably in a city where homesites’ land alone sometimes brings upwards of $8 million, which would raise the price per unit well above the $1 million level already seen in some other areas with

high land values?

Advocates of denser hous ing often call local resi dents who oppose dense new housing developments in single-family areas NIMBYs, for Not in My Backyard.

They could find some clas sics in Atherton, where billion aire investor Marc Andreesen opposes new multi-family housing near his home, but in a 2020 essay, griped about the lack of new housing across the country. “We should have gleaming skyscrapers and spectacular living environ ments in all our best cities,” he wrote then, according to The Atlantic magazine. But duplexes and three-floor apartment buildings near his own home, uh-uh.

As conflict neared with the density enforcement unit created this year by state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta, several Sili con Valley giants with major executives living in Atherton, began trying to buy off trou

Meta, the new name for Facebook’s parent, pledged $1 billion to help stave off hous ing woes on the San Fran cisco Peninsula. Google put in another $1 billion. Apple pledged $2.5 billion, and Netflix supported a housing non-profit.

A letter-writing campaign with a spate of famous sign ees spurred city officials to cut out the townhouse part of its housing plan, which would need state approval to become official. Instead, the city government proposed a program encouraging resi dents to build and rent out additional dwelling units (ADUs) on their proper ties. These “grandma units” could be fenced off from the main part of large properties, providing privacy for all.

But it’s doubtful that hundreds of mansion owners could simultaneously create rental ADUs. For one thing,

Letters to the Editor

censored public speech, and ongoing litigation. It also leads to decreased focus on school systems’ core task: educating minors to become independent, well-function ing citizens. Is DEI-oriented activism what we really think AUSD should be focusing on?

AUSD’s Trustees didn’t ask voters’ opinions before they appointed our newest Trustee. To keep AUSD schools focused on academic achievement, we should elect candidates who already prior itize that task: Dan Hatha way, Rebekah Koznek, Denise McGrew Kane, and Scott Staton.

Monty Clouse, Ph.D. Atascadero

Cannabis Retail

Dear Editor, It’s interesting that Becky Zelinski not only chooses to label Ron Cuff’s editorial opposing the further devel opment of the cannabis retail trade in Paso Robles a “falla cious fairy tale” but further infers that Mr. Cuff’s “dark” intention is to influence the upcoming Mayoral race. If this were some type of politi cal messaging, then Mr. Cuff misses the mark by mention ing the contest and chal lenger only once, and never the incumbent. It’s pretty clear that the issue is the focus, and only at the end does he suggest that a new Mayor can success fully change a community’s course.

Whatever one thinks about the personal use of cannabis, the fact is that many cities in California have been sold a bill of goods and pummeled into submission by money-in fluenced politicians to accept this as our new “green gold.” First promoted as “medici nal,” early proponents have continued the push for loos ened regulations, lessened taxes and acceptance in our

former agricultural commu nities. Our neighbors to the south, Santa Barbara County, have now earned the honor of having one of the most robust cannabis industries in Califor nia, and the formerly bucolic beach town of Carpinteria is engaged in an unpleasant war between the pot industry and the residents who now live in an overwhelmingly “skunksmell” environment.

Ms. Zelinski very correctly points out that California voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of increased cannabis via the initiative law conduit. Money indeed speaks loudly in the initiative process, but that process consistently produces poorly conceived regulations. Those examples (such as Prop 187 and Prop 47) abound, but are then memorialized in legislation until further initia tives either repeal or modify them. The legislative process is messy and cumbersome, but demands public accountability of our elected officials.

Mr. Cuff points out that drugs and alcohol are perva sive in our culture and need anything but expansion if we desire successful subsequent generations.

The early promises of regu lating cannabis like alcohol have never materialized. Tax receipts have never reached promised amounts. Controls over shipping, origins and destinations are non-exis tent. DUI is a problem, but there is no defensible test to confirm what the officer readily observes in the field. Emergency rooms, particu larly in college towns, deal with weed-induced psycho sis and, in the case of edibles, child poisonings. The black market flourishes with impu nity, a lesson we could have learned from Colorado if we had listened.

Mr. Cuff doesn’t mention the environmental issues and water use associated with cultivation, because his focus is on children and their abil

ity to develop into successful and happy adults. Don’t take his word for it, go downtown and witness young people that can barely control their motor skills. That 18-year-old you’re watching was in 4th grade 8 years earlier. Yes, alcohol does its damage to our youth, even though it is legal and highly regulated. Pick your adult poison, but let’s not needlessly add more substance use disor der into the mix by pretend ing that cannabis is a benign substance, and consequently convincing our children of the same.

Protect Paso Robles’ grace, charm and character. Protect our kids so they can grow up and experience some thing other than a chemi cally induced “buzz.” Lastly, if “homelessness” is a subject you are concerned about, consider the roles of substance use plays. Addiction begins with any intoxicant and is a disease, not a character flaw. 90 percent of addiction, according to NIDA, begins before age 18. Please consider these elements as community concerns and not just another form of recreation or tax revenue.

Dorian Baker Paso Robles

Protect Our Youth From Addiction

Dear Editor,

Many of us enjoy feeling the euphoria, temporary pain relief and enhanced sense of well being that comes with a glass of wine, beer or a shot of whiskey. Others enhance the effect of a cocktail by smoking a joint or using a blow torch to heat up and dab 90 percent THC cannabis wax or shat ter. Poly substance abuse is becoming the norm and the result is more crime, more death, more homelessness, more child abuse and more mass killings due to drug induced psychosis.

Very few of us, myself

Email:

included, believe in prohi bition. This is America. We are only 10 percent of the world’s population, but we consume most of the world’s drugs. As an important aside, we might be wise to consider the affect that has on national security, because last week it was reported that less than 30 percent of our youth qualify for military service.

There is so much more we can and should do to protect our young people from addiction. While undergo ing synaptic pruning, young human brains are up to 7 times more susceptible to addiction.

Without a shakeup in lead ership, Paso Robles is on a path to brick and mortar storefront cannabis sales and there will be no turning back. Paso Roble’s wholesome small town charm will be gone forever. This may not be what we want, but it appears to be what the current Mayor is shooting for.

In addition to the Spring Street paraphernalia stores selling the CBD derived intoxicant known as Delta 8, we may soon have cash only THC cannabis outlets with armed guards. Is that really what we want?

At the October 18 City Council meeting, Mayor Steve Martin to paraphrase, stated that “although I never use cannabis, I have to be fair to cannabis sellers because I don’t want to feel hypocriti cal.” Following that logic, will he feel obligated to match the number of cannabis tasting rooms with the number of wine tasting rooms?

Lauren McCoy, Frank Triggs and Peter Byrne are fresh faces with common sense running for Paso Robles school board, and a smart businessman, Michael Rivera, is running for Mayor.

None of the aforementioned candidates support the retail sale of high potency cannabis candies, gummies, cookies and fruit drinks that end up being

they would have a hard time finding enough contractors, plumbers, electricians, and other tradesmen to build so many units in short order.

This sets up a seemingly inevitable battle between America’s richest city, with an average household income topping $400,000, and state officials determined to create dense new housing every where for even the poorest people.

Which could lead to a far wider crisis if the denizens of this posh small city should decide to take their marbles with names like Google and Facebook and Netflix and Apple, and Nvidia and move them to other places.

Talk about unforeseen consequences of a well-in tentioned policy.

Thomas Elias is an inde pendent opinion columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email him at tdelias@aol.com.

purchased by young adults, and given to our kids.

Vote November 8 for a change of leadership in Paso Robles. Our kids will thank you for it, and our future will be brighter.

Investing in America’s Future by Protecting our Youth from Addiction.

Debbie Watterson Paso Robles

American Patriot

Dear Editor,

I am a proud American patriot, unmoved by vacuous symbols and rituals, but by a virtuous ideal.

Our founding principles and historically evolved values calls me to develop an iden tity transcending the limita tions of my race, religion, class, national origin, gender and party. My obligation and opportunity, as a citizen of the United States, is to break free of those chains and gain membership in a multifac eted community and a more profound sense of what it means to be a human being.

Our nation is the first in the history of civilization to lay the foundation for such a trans formation. We have reason to be proud of that, and to be humble, recognizing that we have far to go in the realiza tion of our vision. Our resolve to attain it is under constant challenge from those who appeal to our fears, anxieties and superficial impulses, using neurologically and hormonally effective means of psychologi cal manipulation.

Artful deceivers identify scapegoats for us to demon ize as objects of our hostil ity, trying to splinter us into alienated factions. Yet, we know from our own history, that every advance we’ve made toward that vision was gained by our solidarity and collec tive action.

E Pluribus Unum.

David Broadwater Atascadero

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

ATASCADERO GOSPEL CHAPEL

PERSPECTIVE

Fall Fundraisers and Dump Cake

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

AWAKENING WAYS SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY A New Thought Spiritual Community. Living the Consciously Awakened Life. Rev. Elizabeth Rowley Hogue Sunday 10:00am at the Pavilion 9315 Pismo Way, Atascadero (805) 460-0762. awakeningways.org

GRACE CENTRAL COAST NORTH COUNTY CAMPUS 9325 El Bordo Avenue, Atascadero; Sunday Services at 9:30 and 11 a.m.; (805) 543-2358; gracecentralcoast.org; Helping people find and follow Jesus.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 238 17th St. Paso Robles; Sunday Worship 10 a.m.; Sunday School 10 a.m.; Our Wednesday Testimony; Meeting is the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.; Reading room-same location after services & by apportionment.

FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 9925 Morro Road, Atascadero; "The Church on the Hill"; An independent church committed to the teaching of God's Word.; Praise and Prayer - 10 a.m.; Morning Worship - 11 a.m.; Evening Worship - 6 p.m.; Wednesday Prayer - 6:30 p.m.; Nursery care and children's classes provided.; Pastor Jorge Guerrero; (805) 461-9197.

GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH 535 Creston Road., Paso Robles ; (805) 238-3549 ; Dr. Gary M. Barker, Pastor; Goal of church: To teach Believers to love God and people.; Sundays: 9 a.m. Sunday School; 10 a.m. Fellowship; 10:30 a.m. Service; 6 p.m. Eve Service; Wednesdays: 7 p.m. prayer meeting.

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA

A place of hope! Join us for in-person worship on Sundays at 9 A.M. Services are also streamed on our YouTube channel, Hope Lutheran Church Atascadero. We offer Sunday School for all ages after worship. Learn more at ourhopelutheran.net. 8005 San Gabriel Road, Atascadero. 805.461.0430. office@ourhopelutheran.org.

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER-LCMS

4500 El Camino Real, Atascadero; 466-9350; Morning Bible class at 9 a.m. Sunday; Coffee and Sunday Worship with Holy Communion at 10 a.m. Sunday; Thursday morning Bible class 10 a.m. followed by refreshments and fellowship; Developmentally disabled Bible class 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings; redeemeratascadero.org; redeemeratascadero@gmail.com; Pastor Wayne Riddering.

PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC

We honor ancient scriptures, responding to God’s contemporary call to be just and kind.; Join us for Worship Sunday, 10 a.m.; Church School Sunday, 10:15 a.m.; Coffee Fellowship 11 a.m.; Men’s Bible Study, Wednesday, 8 a.m.; Women’s Bible Study, Friday, 10 a.m.; Youth Group; 1301 Oak St., Paso Robles; (805) 238-3321.

ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 820 Creston Road., Paso Robles; (805) 238-2218- Parish Office open Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; website: www.saintrosechurch.org; Mass times;Daily Mass- 12:00 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.; Tues. 7 p.m. Spanish; Saturday 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Spanish Vigil Mass; Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.; Spanish Mass at 12:30PM. Father Rudolfo Contreras.

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 940 Creston Road, Paso Robles; has Sunday worship services at 9:30 a.m; For more information, call the church at (805) 238-3702. Ext. 206.

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF ATASCADERO 11605 El Camino Real, Atascadero; Sunday Service Time: 10 a.m.; Nurs-ery Care Provided:; 9:45 a.m.- 12:15 p.m.; Mid-week student ministry; PreK-12th grade Sept-April, Weds, 4 p.m.; (805) 466-2566; Pastor Steve Poteete-Marshall; atascaderoumc.org.

ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

513 Palma Ave., Atascadero; Sunday services: Holy Eucharist — 9 a.m., Taize — 8 p.m.; the Rev. W. Merritt Greenwood, interim director; the Rev. James Arnold, Deacon; the Rev. Jacqueline Sebro, Deacon; office (805) 466-0379, fax (805) 466-6399; website stlukesatascadero.org; email office@stlukesatascadero.org

The Printery Founda tion will be holding its Annual Fall Fund raiser and Founders Celebration on Sunday, Nov. 13, starting at 2 p.m. at the Historic Printery Building located at 6351 Olmeda Avenue in Atascadero. There will be exciting live and silent auctions. Food and drinks will be included in the event.

The Atascadero Printery Foun dation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of the historic Atascadero Printery, a 107-yearold structure. The Foundation came together in 2017 to save this important piece of Atascadero history, the first civic building, which had been abandoned for over a decade. The organization is now working diligently to raise needed funds to restore the build ing to its previous grandeur.

For more information, contact

Karen McNamara, Foundation President, at (805) 459-5113 or visit atascaderoprintery.org.

Last week Quota of Atascadero members presented their Annual Halloween Bunco Bash at the Kiwanis Hall located at Atascadero Lake Park. Over 100 “Bunco fans” participated in the popular game and enjoyed an evening of food, wine, and friendship, while helping to raise funds for Quota’s philan thropic projects in the commu nity. Chairman of the event, Pam Meyer, promises more gatherings in the future. Stay tuned!

Always wanted to learn more about the Assistance League of San Luis Obispo County? Then mark your calendar now for Monday, Nov. 7, when Assistance League will hold a Membership Drive Open House from 4 to 6 p.m. at their Assistance League Thrift Store, 667A Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo, behind the Wells Fargo Bank.

Bring family and friends who also want to hear about Oper ation School Bell and how it provides appropriate school clothing for children in grades K through 12 in all 10 school

districts in SLO County.

For more information about this all-volunteer nonprofit, visit alslocounty.org or call the office at the Assistance League Thrift Store (805) 782-0824.

On to the recipe for this week, still on the “pumpkin” theme. Last week I needed to take a dessert to the Quota Bunco party, but I was short on time. I had a Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread Mix, so I baked mini muffins and glazed them with an orange glaze. I used fresh orange juice and orange zest with powdered sugar and drizzled it over the muffins. On some of the bites, I sprinkled chopped pecans, and golden sugar sprinkles before baking.

The mini muffins were a hit, easy to pick up and pop in your mouth and the flavor fit the theme!

This next recipe for Dump Cake is and old idea, but is still in style and easy to prepare.

Pumpkin Pecan Dump Cake Ingredients:

1 can (15 ounces) pure pump kin

1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

Splitting Heirs

• 3 eggs 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1 package (about 15 ounces) yellow cake mix

• 3⁄4 cup (11⁄2 sticks) butter, cut into thin slices

• 1⁄2 cup pecan halves

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 13 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Whisk pumpkin, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs, pump kin pie spice and salt in medium bowl until well blended. Pour into prepared pan. Spread dry cake mix evenly over pump kin mixture. Top with butter in single layer, covering cake mix as much as possible. Sprinkle with pecans. Bake about 1 hour or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean., Cool completely in pan on wire rack.

Note: As an option, drizzle a little warm caramel sauce over each slice when you serve the cake. Yummy! Barbie Butz is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email her at barbiewb@hotmail.com.

As an animal science graduate, my favorite subjects were genetics and animal breeding, although that statement may sound a little kinky to liberal arts students. I think many purebred cattle breeders enjoy the cattle business so much because they, too are fascinated by genetics and can hardly wait to see the results of their planned matings. It's funny, though that while I'm intrigued by the study of genetics, I have no interest whatsoever in who I'm related to.

I had an aunt who was a "gene alogy nut," although a good case could be made that she was just a full-blown nut. My kooky aunt had boxes and boxes of printed matter "related" to the genealogy of my family that no one wanted when she passed away.

On one huge wall of her house she had photos, or copies of photos, of my relatives laid out

in the format of a family tree, with two people becoming four, then sixteen, and so forth. I'm sure if Kodak® had been around at the time she'd have photos of Adam and Eve. Judging by the looks of some of the folks on her wall, I'd have to say there was a lot of dry rot in my family tree. At a minimum, I'd say there were a lot of branches and twigs that sure needed pruning. Judging by the looks of some of these scary-looking folks, it's little wonder that I look more like a peach pit than I do Brad Pitt.

I think my aunt pursued our family's genealogy with such vigor, hoping to find some famous movie star, soldier, or athlete that we were related to, but the closest she came was that we were related to John Wesley Hardin, one of the most infamous, no-good murdering gunslingers the west has ever known. John Wesley allegedly murdered his first man at age 15, and 26 other murders have since been attributed to him. Actually, my grandparent's name was Harding, but after John Wesley Hardin ruined his last name, my relatives changed their name and added a "g" to the end.

Luckily, my aunt could never find credible evidence that we were related to the worst Pres ident in history up until now, Warren G. Harding. (I say up until now because I think the current occupant of the White House is making a good case that he deserves that honor.) I'd like to say that my name was actually Pitt, like the great look ing actor Brad Pitt, but I figure my family had to add an "s" to our last name so people wouldn't get Brad and I confused.

Practically every time I saw Auntie Bev I used to belittle her lifetime of work trying to find someone famous she was related to. For example, she'd get really offended when I mentioned that someone she really hated in town had just joined the Mayflower Society, an orga nization of people who could document their descent from at least one of the 102 passengers who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 at Plymouth Rock. I used to argue with her all the time and would drive her nuts with statements like, "Did you know Auntie Bev that geneti cally speaking 98.4 percent of our genes are identical to that

of a modern day chimpanzee?"

Or, "Auntie Bev did you know that we are very closely related to vegetables like turnips and rutabagas? That's right, accord ing to author Bill Bryson about half the chemical functions that take place in a banana are funda mentally the same as those that take place in your body! And over 60 percent of human genes are fundamentally the same as those found in fruit flies! So auntie Bev, if you want to expand your photo gallery on your wall of who our family is related to you might want to frame a photo of an onion, a fruit fly or a chimp and put that on your wall!"

Oh, that one really got her but the deepest cut of all was when I said. "There is more differ ence between a zebra and horse, genetically speaking, that there is between you and a member of the ass family. Relatively speak ing, of course."

So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when Auntie Bev cut me out of her will!

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

and friends.

Enter our Heroine.

“But a certain woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull.” Judges 9:53

Abimelech was an evil king who reigned over Israel for three years. God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech.

In Judges 9, through a series of circumstances, we find Abimelech capturing the city of Thebez. Thebez refused submission. The city had all been captured with the exception of a strong tower.

To escape, all the people of the city shut themselves up in the tower and fled to the roof.

As Abimelech was approaching the entrance of the tower to burn it, a woman on the roof was ready to sacrifice to save her city, family,

A millstone was an apparatus consisting of two stones, used to grind grain into flour. The base stone varied from 18 to 30 inches in length and 10 to 15 inches in breadth. The upper or rubbing stone varied from 6 to 15 inches in length. It is debatable that the word for “upper” millstone has been interpreted “all”. Therefore, this woman could have thrown the whole millstone over the wall of the tower.

I say she was ready to sacrifice all she had, because Deuteronomy 24:6 says no one should take an upper millstone in pledge, for he would be taking a life in pledge. The prohibition of the law to take a millstone in a pledge

presumes a situation in which a wife daily grinds the meal for cooking. To be deprived of this important tool would be to endanger the sustenance of life.

To avoid the shame of perishing by the hand of a woman, Abimelech persuades his armor bearer to finish him off with his sword.

However, the story inevitably seems to have been well known as it was recalled by Joab some 200 years later.

“Who struck Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? Did not a woman throw an upper millstone on him from the wall so that he died at Thebez?” 2 Samuel 11:21

This woman didn’t know she was making history when she was simply being used to serve justice on behalf of Jehovah. She was unaware that she was going to be remembered for doing the impossible and saving her people Neither do

we know the impact we are making on our world when we do the next thing God asks us to do. Don’t let the opportunity slip through your grasp. Go boldly. Be brave.

Our heroine might have been a lowly servant girl. The grinding was a task usually delegated to female slaves. This slave was ready to risk her life, represented in the grinding pestle, to save her city. She was going to burn anyhow. What did she have to lose? This is blind faith here. I can see her aiming, closing her eyes, and wincing as she drops this extremely heavy weight and breaks Abimelech’s skull.

She had one chance to hit him.

Talk about throwing like a girl! This chick had aim.

Sarah-Kate Duran is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email them at alphabeth@tcsn.net

‘A Heroine of the Lord with No Name’ — Judges 9

lee pitts COLUMNIST

barbie butz COLUMNIST

sarah-kate duran COLUMNIST

1. ANIMAL KINGDOM: Which ani mal is believed to have the most power ful bite in the world?

2. TELEVISION: Where is the Dunder Mifflin office located in "The Office"?

3. LITERATURE: Which 20th-cen tury horror novel is set in the Overlook Hotel?

4. MUSIC: Before his solo career, singer Harry Styles was part of which boy band?

5. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital city of Denmark?

6. MOVIES: Which book is the 1922 silent film "Nosferatu" based upon?

7. BUSINESS: Which company goes by the nickname "Big Blue"?

8. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which state has produced the most presidents (8) by birth?

9. ANATOMY: What is a common name for the tympanic membrane?

10. U.S. STATES: Which state features a full-size replica of the Parthenon? © 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

crocodile.

Shining.”

TEMPLETON

TUSD Board Candidates 2022 Q&A

activities and athletics, supports for our teachers and staff, foster ing accepting and inclusive envi ronments, and the constructive collaboration of all stakeholders: parents, students, teachers, staff, and community partners.

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD

TEMPLETON — The Templeton Unified School District Board has two at-large seats open. This year four candi dates are vying for the seats. Candidates Fiona Bond and Jay L. Raftery, Jr. both announced on social media that they have dropped out of the race.

The remaining candidates running for TUSD trustee seats in the 2022 November election are: Janel Armet, Matt Allison, Jennifer Grinager, and Jason Tesarz.

Each candidate had the opportunity to answer the same list of questions in 100 words or less in addition to their introduc tion at 200 words. The candi date’s statement in its entirety is provided below, with the excep tion of Janel Armet and Jennifer Grinager, who did not partici pate.

The candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Candidate Statement

Matt Allison

Director of Operations MattAllison4TUSDBoard. com

I have lived in Templeton for nearly 17 years and I have 3 children attending Templeton Schools. We are in our 10th year of having a student at TUSD and we have nearly 10 more years to go.

I am a graduate of Cal Poly and a Marine Corps Veteran. I have always sought ways to be of service in our community. Whether it has been volunteer ing at our schools, serving on local boards, or coaching youth sports, community service is very important to me.

I will work hard to keep our schools focused on the import ant issues that promote student success. More than ever, we need to avoid the unnecessary noise and issues only meant to divide us, and stay laser focused on the fundamental issues that have made Templeton schools great: high academic standards, student health and wellbeing, high quality extra curricular

The results of this election will directly impact our schools, our classrooms, and our students. I will be a voice for our entire community.

Jason Tesarz Engineer facebook.com/profile. php?id=100085114394161

I have lived in Templeton for the last 2 years and lived in Paso before that since 2015. I live here with my wife and 2 kids with one of them being in 1st grade at TES. I am involved in the community and helped put on the Templeton 4th of July parade last year and plan to continue to do so this year and more. And I was a coach for one of the Templeton farm baseball teams this past season. I currently work for a Cyber Security company as a Solutions Architect. My professional back ground has been around cyber security and data science. And I think those skills will help me to serve on the school board espe cially around understanding and dissecting complicate things like our budget.

Templeton is hands down the best place I’ve ever lived. For me, what makes it great is the people and the community. I love this place and want to serve the students and community by being on the school board. I want to make sure our students get a quality education to be the best citizens and Ameri cans they can is a huge priority for me.

Describe your top three objectives if you are elected to the school board.

Allison: My top 3 priorities for Templeton Schools are: 1) Quickly and aggres sively take additional steps to address learning loss. Our schools should be focusing on the important issues that drive student success. 2) Ensure that our district has the resources to recruit and retain excellent educators and staff. 3) Priori tize the importance of a school culture that values and supports all students.

Tesarz: 1) Addressing the math & reading proficiency gap along with learning loss from COVID. Templeton school dropped more than the state average in math and reading. 2) Keeping Templeton schools fiscally sound. Being able to hire and keep quality teachers and administrators. The turn over in administrators is definitely an issue. There is also infrastructure that needs to be updated like the wifi network. 3) Listening to the community and parents around what they need. We need to not only listen but demonstrate that we are hearing what the parents and our community is telling us.

In the development of a school district budget, what goals and objectives would guide your decision making?

Allison: First and foremost, any decision should support the TUSD mission to provide “exceptional opportunities for learning and personal growth, nurture a joy for learning, and foster a culture of excellence and care for all students.” Beyond that, any financial decisions should have clear objectives, detailed implementation strate gies, and provide for reports and audits to maintain transparency and accountability.

Tesarz: A school budget it a reflection of the goals of the school. I am onboard with the current goals categories we have in the district: 1) Student achievement 2) Employee resources 3) Fiscal integrity 4) Facilities 5) Technology 6) Communication

What are your finan cial priorities for the school district? (Examples: reduction in class size, improved technol ogy in the classroom, maintain ing current programs.)

Allison: It was just two years ago where the board was facing some serious budget shortfalls and they were going to have to make some very tough choices. The budget is now in much

better shape and we need to be sure that we maximize every dollar. Our priorities should include addressing learning loss, planning for needed facil ity upgrades, particularly at Templeton Elementary School, maintaining and expanding current enrichment and elec tive programs, especially art and music for our youngest learners, and making TUSD a district of choice for top educators.

Tesarz: Our #1 priority should be addressing the profi ciency gaps we have in math and reading. In the district our math and science scores are bad and are even below the state wide average. That is the lens we should be using when deciding on what to fund.

If elected, what three steps would you take to put our district on firmer financial footing?

Allison: Our district’s current financial stance is strong but there are always areas to work on. We should; 1) Protect our district’s expanded reserve funds as security for the future. 2) Work to retain our excellent educators and staff to avoid costly turn over and recruiting expenses. 3) Engage with the community to explore the possibility of a bond measure to address large facility needs and capital improvements.

Tesarz: Templeton is on petty good financial footing today. The current Superintendent and Chief Business Official has done a really good job at keeping the budget sound. We need to continue the good work that has been done and spend the new money from the state wisely.

Do you think there should be a police presence on the high school campus?

Allison: Templeton School District currently has an assigned School Resource Officer (SRO) who covers all 4 TUSD schools. Fortunately three of the four campuses are connected so there

often is a SRO on or near the high school campus. Safety of our students is always our first priority but we need to be sure that when we address student safety we take a comprehensive approach.

Tesarz: I think it's a good thing to have a police presence in the school. I don't think the school should be a war zone though. And they shouldn't be used as a crutch for every issue on campus. There has to be the right balance.

What do you think is going well right now in the school district?

Allison: We have a number of things going well in our district. 1) Our financial stance is in good shape. 2) We have robust athletic programs that often outperform the size of our schools. 3) We have a high number of enriching elective courses, AP classes, and CTE pathways for a district our size. This provides our students with multiple pathways to be college or workforce ready. 4) Our teachers and staff care deeply for their students and their schools. 5) We have an amazing commu nity-school partnership that we need to work hard to preserve and continue.

Tesarz: There is a lot going well in the district today. AP Test taking has gone up 8 percent since 2019 and chronic absen teeism dropped by more than half since 2019. This means more kids are wanting to be at school and are even more engaged than before. This gives us a great opportunity to really engage with the students and get those math and reading profi ciency numbers much higher.

Do you see yourself primar ily as a representative of the community or as a representa tive of the school system? And Why?

Allison: School Board members must be a voice for

their entire community. Schools are a place where the entire community pools its resources. School Board members must be able to put aside individual ideol ogy and look at what is best for all students and the community. As a school board member I will work hard to engage with and listen to all stakeholders: parents, families, students, teachers, staff, and community members.

Tesarz: I will definitely be a representative of the commu nity for the school system and our kids. Our kids and their education are the priority. The board's job is to provide goals for the district and to provide gover nance and accountability.

Why should the residents vote for you?

Allison: I will be a School Board Trustee that is engaged with all stakeholders: parents, students, teachers, staff, community members. I will work to ensure that we stay laser focused on the important issues of student success, high academic standards, high qual ity extra curricular activities and athletics, multiple pathways to be college or workforce ready, support for our teachers and staff, and fostering accepting and inclusive school environ ments. I am running because I believe that I can make a differ ence. As fantastic as Templeton Schools are, we can always do better. I will work hard for all students, all families, our incred ible teachers and staff, and the entire Templeton community.

Tesarz: I’m just a regular parent. I’m running because I want to serve our kids and make Templeton an amazing place to grow and learn. That’s my priority. I also believe the kids of our community need someone who is gonna serve their best interests and not a particular political agenda.

I will do what's right for the kids and keep their best inter est at the forefront of all the things I do.

MATT ALLISON JANEL ARMET

JENNIFER GRINAGER JASON TESARZ

Political Ad Authorized by Bruce Gibson for Supervisor

Halloween night, ghouls and monsters flooded the streets for the annual Trick or Treat on Entrada, hosted by The Downtown Busi ness Improvement District Committee. Not only was candy given out, but there was a costume contest for everyone in the family (including pets), bounce houses, music, danc ing, and a hay maze. Everyone had a rollicking time.

Downtown Paso Robles looked a little more like Halloweentown on Monday night when families came out in their best costumes for the Downtown Main Street Asso ciations Safe and Fun Hallow een.

Downtown merchants were ready for the fun with plenty of candy to hand out, and in the center of the park, the Downtown Witches were ready for their close-up at the photo booth, accompanied by some spooky tunes.

Streets were closed off to cars from 11th to 13th Street, offering a safe and excit ing return of Halloween to Downtown Paso Robles. After disappearing for a few years, it was evident that everyone was ready to bring Halloween downtown.

Families participated in the night together with groupthemed costumes, including the Sanderson Sisters from “Hocus Pocus,” and characters from “Ghostbusters,” “Peter Pan,” “Toy Story,” “Mario Cart,” and more.

One trick-or-treater showed off her intricately made costume. She told Paso Robles Press/Atascadero News that

each year she makes her Halloween costume, not spar ing any detail. This year her costume was complete with feathered wings and a rather terrifying mask — very appro priate for the night.

In Templeton, trick-ortreaters hit Main Street for some candy at the local busi nesses. In small-town fashion, little trick-or-treaters take the street (sidewalks) around 3 p.m. every Halloween for some fun and sweets.

Which costume was your favorite? Did you get your most desired candy? We hope you had a fun and memorable Halloween this year.

wanted to call your attention to that at this point, what we would be recommending for the trustees to consider is that if you want to go this direc tion, we would initially start off with ultimately broadcasting it and recording it but not having it as a live interaction platform.

“I think, initially, staff would be recommending we get all the infrastructure in place, should the board approve it, and then we have the ability to record it and then broad cast it, but that does not mean live interaction through that medium. So if they [the public] wanted to make a

FROM A1

people attended the event with a live auction. It was there that over $64,000 was raised.

“Last year, we were able to give back over $40,000 to local sports and youth sports in the area,” Repetto said. “This year we chose to select seniors and veterans because we feel like they’ve given so much to our

public comment, they would have to come here or outreach to the board through email and different mechanisms.”

The initial quote for the new broadcasting system, not to be confused with a series of bids, is $103,000. That includes current and updated audio/ visual equipment to bring the boardroom up to par.

“That’s a quote, not a competitive bid. We decided to go that direction,” added Butler. “We’re talking about doing this for the long haul with the right quality stuff.”

Assistant Superinten dent E.J. Rossi explained that during the height of the pandemic, the district spent $500 to stream and Zoom the

community. It’s their time to give some love back from us.”

This year’s local organiza tions chosen after submit ting grants were Honor Flight Central Coast, which received $10,000. Operation Surf, who received $10,000. Mighty Oaks, who received $5,000. Paso Robles Senior Center, which received $4,000. SLO Village, who received $2,500. SLO County Veteran

meetings with three broken iPhones, a couple of tripods, and a box. He went on to say that even though it seemed to work, logistically, it was a nightmare. While many other districts in the area upgraded their AV systems, AUSD made do.

“Some of the struggles we run into are [that] the last time any AV [audio/visual] was touched in this room, aside from adding the TVs, was 30 years ago,” said Rossi.

The wiring, microphones, speakers, and the rest of the equipment are from the early 1990s. Rossi said that the controller for the multiple HDMI cables is the one piece of equipment that would carry

Outreach, who received $1,000.

“We also had a lot of seniors apply individually, so we were able to divvy out funds that way,” stated Repetto of the 36 individuals who also received donations.

“This is awesome. This will help us take 10 veterans back to Washington, D.C., so they can see the memo rials that were built in their

on into the new system.

“The new system would incorporate one camera that would capture the board and a camera that would capture the speaker,” he added.

The new AV system would also change out the wiring and provide new wireless micro phones. Rossi went on to say that it would be a one-time purchase.

The board, when looking at the proposed item, debated whether or not they would want an interactive element, via Zoom, with the stream ing audience. The overall conscience was that they would like it as an option in the future.

“I just wanted to make it

honor,” said Honor Flight Chairperson Bear McGill. “We’re just so thankful for Success Charities and Elissa Williams [owner of RE/MAX Success] for doing this because we wouldn’t be able to do this without them and without the rest of the people that donate to our organization to make sure that these veterans get the recognition that they deserve that they never got.”

clear for the trustees, what we have in front of you right now, should you approve it, would be that we’ll go out to start to procure the neces sary audio and visual tech nology,” Butler said. “If that is a number that falls below the bid threshold, then that’s something that Mrs. Martin can work with Mr. Rossi on and identify appropriate fund ing sources and get it to begin to happen. If it is above that threshold, then we have to go out to bid, and we can do all that correctly.”

The 2022 bid thresh old is $99,001. And Butler stressed that though zoom and a two-way system is not included in the item, that the

The nonprofit Mighty Oaks, which is a faith-based program that supports and works with veterans, active duty military, and first responders, giving them post-trauma care, also received a check on Oct. 26.

“A donation of this size will sponsor two veterans or first responders to our weekly legacy programs. Our programs are 100 percent free to the participants,” said

first step is to procure the technology, and broadcasting one-way would just be the first phase and that the board could include a two-way system at a later date.

“Well, I would make a motion that we move forward with getting bids for this and then bring it back to the board for discussion once those bids come in, and also that we include making sure that there a possibility to do Zoom with the system that we choose,” stated Trustee Tami Gunther.

The motion passed unani mously.

The Atascadero Unified School District’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m.

Repetto added that one of the reasons she wanted to join the RE/MAX Success team in Templeton was because of how much they give back to the community.

“It’s so nice to be able to put it [money] in the hands of people who are in need,” she added.

Mighty Oaks West Coast Regional Facilitator Jamie Warner.

AUSD

Trick-Or-Treat on Entrada on Halloween night was a huge success with a costume contest judged by Mayor Heather Moreno and business owner Angela Cisneros, local businesses and Atascadero High School chearleaders handing out candies for all. Photos by Hayley Mattson/ATN

High

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS

ATASCADERO — On Friday, Oct. 21, the Atascadero High School (AHS) water polo and swim teams and alums from both sports swam in the current AHS pool for the last time. What started as a proposed celebration for this year's water polo seniors also turned into a huge final send-off to the pool.

"One of the coaches in our program had the idea that since we weren't able to host any home games this year, where we normally have a senior night, that we should possibly have it the Friday before the pool shut down for good," said the boy's water polo coach Jon Conrad.

The water-based-sport coaches got together with team moms and other coaches. Before they knew it, the event was open to alumni too. The JV swim coach Levi Heit ran a swim meet for alumni and current students, where they competed against each other, all in good fun. Around 10 swimming alumni showed up for the swim meet portion of the evening.

"For the water polo, it was easily around 30-plus alumni. It was incredible," added Conrad.

The boy's water polo team celebrated its seven seniors: Sebastian Starrock, Luke Heckman, Ben Strohl, Conall Brown, Logan Chubon, James Hazelwood, and Aiden Garrett. The girl's team also celebrated its seven graduating teammates: Lilly Moynagh, Annika Pauschek, Jenna Lee, Sophia Donati, Ashlyn Imhoff, Ana Garcia, and Annabell Power.

"We just took a moment there with their fami lies to honor them. To acknowledge the commit ment they made to our program for so many years," Conrad said. "I have a wonderful group of seniors that have stuck with me for many years."

AHS is now officially headed towards start ing construction on its brand-new pool before the end of the year. The school board awarded Wysong Construction the job, and the build will follow the original plans brought before the board earlier this year.

Athletes,

"It's pretty much a love/hate relationship. I think I speak for everybody, you know, we love the pool because it's been there for us," Conrad said. "We hate the pool because it's not the best of facilities, but it's what we have. It's broken down on us many times. We even have a joke where we can't even talk about the status of the pool anywhere in SLO County because the water molecules will talk, and our pool will get mad and shut down on us. It's actually happened a few times."

Conrad went on to say that in the six years he's been coaching water polo at AHS, they have yet to complete a season without the pool breaking down.

"It's a pool that's served us well. It's handed us many upset wins. We've upset some strong teams in our pool," he said. "We used it to our advantage when we had it, but nobody is sad to see it go, and we are definitely looking forward to the new facility that's going to be built on the

same spot. It's going to be state of the art, and we are so excited."

AHS has tentative plans to have the new pool up and running by next fall, which will be located in the same spot as the old pool. The new stateof-the-art pool will be 35 meters long for an esti mated cost of $7.8 million.

"We are just so thankful for the school board for making this a priority and moving on it and being proactive," Conrad said.

Emma

NORTH

Alumni

Atascadero

pool

Photo by Rick Evans

The graduating boys and girls water polo players pose for a photo at the pool. Photo by Rick Evans.

Water sports team members celebrate memories in the old AHS pool. Photo by Rick Evans

Alumni and current water polo players play in the Atascadero High pool for the last time. Photo by Rick Evans

Templeton High School

SLO (28-35)

Paso Robles High School

Arroyo Grande (35-14)

Record 7-3

Atascadero High School

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No 20222152

THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: STUDIO BELLA BAY LASH AND NAILS, 430 QUINTANA ROAD, MORRO BAY, CALI FORNIA 93442, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CON DUCTED BY: AN INDIVIDU AL: LILIANA HERNANDEZ VILLAR, 1955 IRONWOOD AVE UNIT C, MORRO BAY, CALIFORNIA 93442 If Corporation or LLC- CA

State of Incorporation/Orga nization 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/ LILIANA HERNANDEZ, OWNER

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 09/16/2022

TRANSACTING BUSINESS DATE: 09/16/2022

CERTIFICATION: I hereby cer tify that this copy is a correct copy of the original state ment on file in my office.

ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By ABAUTISTA, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 09/16/2027 PUB: 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/03/2022

LEGAL CM 629

PUBLIC NOTICE SUPERIOR COURT OF CAL IFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO. Petition of ODALIS GUAR DADO CONTRERAS for change of name, case no. 22CVP0278

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

1. Petitioner: ODALIS GUAR DADO CONTRERAS filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follow: a. Present name: ODALIS GUARDADO to Pro posed name: ODALIS GUAR DADO CONTRERAS 2. 2. The court orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before the court at the hearing indi cated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for the change of name should not be granted.

NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 11/30/2022 Time: 9:30am Dept: P2

b. The address of the court is 901 PARK STREET, PASO RO BLES, CA 93446

c. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circu lation, printed in the county: PASO ROBLES PRESS Date: 10/06/2022 /s/ Judge RITA FEDERMAN, Judge of the Superior Court. PUB: 10/20, 10/27, 11/03, 11/10/2022

LEGAL CM 633

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No 20222299

THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: SIPWELL WINE CO., 6465 VON DOLLEN ROAD, SAN MIGUEL, CA 93451,

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CON DUCTED BY: A CORPORA TION: CASTORO CELLARS, 6465 VON DOLLEN ROAD, SAN MIGUEL, CA 93451 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Orga nization

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/ CASTORO CELLARS, NIELS UDSEN, PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 10/03/2022

TRANSACTING BUSINESS DATE: 09/19/2022

CERTIFICATION: I hereby cer tify that this copy is a correct copy of the original state ment on file in my office.

ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By ABAUTISTA, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 10/03/2027 PUB: 10/20, 10/27, 11/03, 11/10/2022

LEGAL CM 634

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No 20222400

THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: WE CARE MEDICARE, 1143 16TH ST. APT. 3, LOS OSOS, CA 93402, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CON DUCTED BY: AN INDIVIDU AL: JULIANNE DICKEY, 1143 16TH ST. APT. 3, LOS OSOS, CA 93402

If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Orga nization

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/ JULIANNE DICKEY

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 10/13/2022

TRANSACTING BUSINESS

DATE: NOT APPLICABLE

CERTIFICATION: I hereby cer tify that this copy is a correct copy of the original state ment on file in my office.

ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By SKING, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 10/13/2027 PUB: 10/20, 10/27, 11/03, 11/10/2022

LEGAL CM 635

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No 20222383

THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: ABCYBER, 417 CROCK ER ST APT A, TEMPLETON, CA 93465-5305, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CON DUCTED BY: A LIMITED LIA

BILITY COMPANY: ABCYBER LLC, 417 CROCKER ST APT A, TEMPLETON, CA 93465

If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Orga nization

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/ ABCYBER LLC, ANTHONY BEEBE, OWNER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 10/12/2022

TRANSACTING BUSINESS

DATE: NOT APPLICABLE

CERTIFICATION: I hereby cer tify that this copy is a correct copy of the original state ment on file in my office.

ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By MSTILETTO, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 10/12/2027

PUB: 10/20, 10/27, 11/03, 11/10/2022

LEGAL CM 636

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No 20222357

THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: ACURA FINANCIAL SER VICES, 1919 TORRANCE BLVD., TORRANCE, CA 90501, LOS ANGELES COUNTY

THIS BUSINESS IS CON DUCTED BY: A CORPORA TION: AMERICAN HONDA FINANCE CORPORATION, 1919 TORRANCE BLVD., TORRANCE, CA 90501 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Orga nization

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/ AMERICAN HONDA FINANCE CORPORATION, PAUL HONDA, VICE PRESI DENT

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 10/07/2022

TRANSACTING BUSINESS DATE: 10/08/2010

CERTIFICATION: I hereby cer tify that this copy is a correct copy of the original state ment on file in my office.

ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By SKING, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 10/07/2027

PUB: 10/20, 10/27, 11/03, 11/10/2022

LEGAL CM 637

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No 20222203

THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: IBEX UNLIMITED,

Local Veterans Take ‘Tour of Honor' in Washington D.C.

(NSDAR). The DAR women brought 50 cards made by their members to thank the veterans.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Local veterans took flight from the San Luis Obispo County Airport on Monday, Oct. 24, to take their “Tour of Honor” in Washington D.C., and arrived back in San Luis Obispo on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

The tour and flight are sponsored and hosted by Honor Flight Central Coast California. Honor Flight Central Coast California is a nonprofit organization that takes SLO, and Santa Barbara County veterans on an all expense paid trips to Washington, D.C., for a Tour of Honor trip to see the memorials honoring their service.

The flight included 24 veterans: one who served in WWII, 13 who served in Korea (including a female U.S. Army veteran), and 10 Vietnam-era veterans. The group includes brothers who served in Korea (and their sons).

HONOR DINNER

Vice Regent of the Paso Robles Chapter DAR Lisa Wood said, “I don’t know if I can ever put into words how I felt ... it was an experience I will never forget; such an honor to stand there, shake the veterans’ hands as they came off the plane.”

There are currently over 350 local veter ans waiting to go on their Tour of Honor. Their 2022 flights are complete, but the 2023 trips are in the planning stages. After having to cancel two years of “Tours of Honor,” the nonprofit is ready to make up for lost time and honor our veterans.

Honor Flight is holding a fundraiser along side Wildfields Brewhouse on Nov. 11, 12, and 13. Visit the brewery on Veteran’s Weekend, mention you are supporting Honor Flight, and they will make a donation to the organization.

For more information on Honor Flight, Central Coast California, visit honorflightccc.org

Atascadero Elks Lodge Seeks North County Veterans

Elks Lodge #2733 will be hosting a Veterans Recognition Dinner on Friday, Nov. 11

ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Elks

Minkyu Energy Teams Up With Soldiers’ Angels

Lodge #2733 is reaching out to our North County Veterans from all branches of service to allow them to honor Veterans in their Veter ans Recognition dinner on Friday, Nov. 11.

Social Hour begins at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m and it’s free to all veter

ans. The dinner menu will be spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, French bread, and dessert. A program will follow the dinner to honor our veterans.

The Elks are especially looking for the oldest veteran in each branch of service that will be

Atascadero Presents 2022 Fall First Friday Concert Series

ATASCADERO — Every year, millions of pounds of candy end up in the trash after Hallow een. From over-buying to kids collecting more than they can eat while trick-or-treating, candy is wasted across the country. This year, Minkyu Energy is participating in a program that will help the community produce less waste after Hallow een while also showing support for their service members and veterans.

Soldiers’ Angels, a national 501(c)3 nonprofit, hosts an annual collection drive for excess Hallow een candy. The organization ships the candy to deployed service members around the world for a sweet treat from home. They also utilize their “Angel” volunteers to distribute candy to veter ans of all eras in VA hospitals across the country.

Minkyu Energy is proud to team up with the national organization to get the local commu nity involved with giving back to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for the country. Their business has registered with Soldiers’ Angels to be an official drop-off site for Halloween candy. Once their collection drive is over, Minkyu Energy will donate all collected candy to Soldiers’ Angels where it will be packaged and shipped to deployed or distributed in VA hospitals.

The vision of Soldiers’ Angels is: May No

Soldier Go Unloved. Although the gesture of handing out miniature candy bars may seem small, the impact that small gesture can have on troops and veterans is huge.

“When you are deployed to a combat zone, there are many comfort items you may go with out for an extended period of time,” says Amy Palmer, president and CEO of Soldiers’ Angels. “Receiving care packages from home is a wonder ful and unexpected surprise. The joy these service members get from opening a package of treats from home is immense and has a profound impact on their morale. The same can be said for veteran patients in VA hospitals. Some patients have no family or regular visitors. When the Angel volun teers come in with treats like candy, the spirits of these patients are immediately lifted.”

The collection drive will run from Nov. 1-3 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Stop by their location to drop off your candy: 5955 Capistrano Ave Suite E (upstairs) Atascadero.

For more information on the program, or if you are interested in register ing your business as a drop-off site, visit SoldiersAngels.org/TreatsForTroops

ATASCADERO — The City of Atascadero announced the next Fall First Fridays Concert Series to be held on Friday, Nov. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Plaza next to La Plaza and across from Sunken Gardens in Downtown Atascadero with Unfinished Business.

Unfinished Business is a local band based in San Luis Obispo County and perform ing all over the Central Coast since 2004. Unfinished Business specializes in the best and most popular music of all time: 1960s rock & roll and soul. Think Beatles, Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Monkees, Motown and Memphis soul, and much more. Unfinished Business band includes Ed Miller (lead guitarist and vocals), Stan Harrison (keyboards), Mike Dias (bass and vocals), and Bill Wolf (drums and vocals).

The new Fall Concert Series will have a complimentary bounce house from Bubble Fun 101, and concert fare available for purchase with options including Taqueria Don Jose and Hug-a-Mug. Plus, Lou Lou Cheese Girl, LOL Yogurt and Tent City Brewing are

on

given a special recognition certificate. Veterans or those that know of a veteran living in the North County, please invite them to the Elks Lodge for a free dinner.

For more information, contact the Lodge Office at (805) 466-3557

TEMPLETON — The Bard returns to the TPAC stage this November as Templeton High Drama presents the fanciful comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”. One of Shake speare’s most popular plays, it tells the story of star-crossed lovers, disapproving fathers, rude mechanicals – and plenty of fairies.

Directed by Templeton theatre arts instructor Catherine Kingsbury, the play will be performed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 3 and 4 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 10 and 11 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. Tickets are available at templetondrama.org for $15 per

all close by.

Concerts are free to the public and everyone is encouraged to bring a low-back chair. Make a night of it and enjoy the variety of eating establishments and shops in the Downtown.

The 2022 Fall First Fridays Concert Series is brought to you by the City of Atascadero and its Sponsors including presenting spon sors: Grigger & Alice Jones, Modica Finan cial & Tax, Waste Management; Supporting Sponsors include Union & Vine Restaurant; and our Friend Sponsors include: Bubble Fun, Rolson Music & Sound, All Signs & Graphics, and Annie Wilson Graphics. Special thanks to all of you for your support in helping us put on these concerts.

For more information on the concert series or other events and activities, go to VisitAtascadero.com/events.

Stage

The Templeton High School Drama Program fosters skills and knowledge of Theatre Arts and nurtures personal growth and creativity in students through educational theater. The program also entertains and educates its audi ences with a wide variety of plays and perfor mances from many eras and genres. THS Drama actively promotes community involve ment in Theater Arts as a life-long endeavor.

Kingsbury’s philosophy as a theater teacher and director stems from being a high school educator first. It’s important to her that the students learn skills and information that will help them at the next level of their educa tion or career training — whatever that may be. If they want to pursue a career in theater, then they will be well prepared. If they want to pursue a career in anything else, they will also be prepared with good communication skills and work ethics, especially working in a team environment.

Welcoming the veterans back from their trip was the El Paso de Robles Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution

person and $12 for seniors, teachers, and students with ID. Proceeds help support the Templeton High School Drama Program. The play, a favorite with audiences, is a madcap romp of confused young lovers chas ing one another through a forest outside of Athens. Adding to the fun are the king and

queen of the fairies, embroiled in their own domestic squabbles, and a troupe of rustic players hoping to impress the Athenian duke with their thespian talents. Throw in a magic potion concocted from a flower and a sprite who delights in mischief, and the stage is set for an evening of laughter and enchantment.

CHARITY

Drop off Halloween candy to benefit the Treats for Troops program

Unfinished Business will be the first concert on Nov. 4

REPORT

Members of El Paso

Robles Chapter of NSDAR handed out thank you cards to the local veterans who took their "Tour of Honor" to Washington

photo

flight took

veterans from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County