School board starts process in search of new superintendent
Tom Butler will officially be retiring at the end of the 2024-25 school year
ATASCADERO
— The
Atascadero Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Trustees started the process to find its next superintendent at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m.
“It’s been a wonderful time in my life. It’s probably been the 10 most rewarding professional years that I’ve ever had,” Butler stated. “I’ve been in the profession for 36 years, obviously my last 10 years as superintendent, and I couldn’t have had a better community, a better staff, incredible support from parents; and I’ve just thoroughly enjoyed it, and I’ll miss it, of course.”
The first item under Administrative Business was two presentations from Superintendent Search Services, which will be used to find a replacement for Butler. In a letter that was sent out to the AUSD community on Sept. 18, Butler announced his upcoming retirement effective on June 30, 2025, after 10 years working for the district.
The trustee board heard from William Banning and Jacqueline Horejs of Leadership Associates, as well as Thomas Alvarez from the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education. Both entities have helped many Central Coast school districts find new superintendents over the years and have great track records in the county.
Leadership Associates has a state-wide reach throughout California, and 65 percent of the searches for superintendents in California went to the firm last year.
By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com
The SLO County Office of Education stated that they helped find superintendents for AUSD in 2010 and 2015 when Butler was chosen.
“We’ve done this in the past, we’re happy to assist in doing it again, and we do have a vested interest in
“I wanted to make my announcement specifically to the trustees, but also our community, early,” Butler told Atascadero News the next morning. “They need to know it takes time, as you heard last night, and there was a lot of discussion about the search, how to identify the next superintendent, and what’s the best process to do that. It will take a little time, and I really appreciate our trustees digging into that topic. I thought it was a very professional discussion. And that’s a decision that solely lies with the seven of them.”
Eighty golfers played to show their support for
Atascadero
ATASCADERO — Chalk Mountain Golf Course was filled with 80 golfers, who made 20 teams on Saturday, Oct. 12, for the 11th Annual Wayne Cooper Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament benefits LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero and every-
thing they do for the community while also honoring the memory of Wayne Cooper, who passed away in 2018.
“It was really good, and all the golfers had a great time,” said LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero member and tournament chair Ron Johansen.
The golf teams each had four golfers on them, and the weather cooperated with a long day at the course.
“The weather was absolutely perfect because there’s been times we’ve been out there, we’ve had
drizzle, we’ve had heat,” Johansen said. “A week ago Saturday, we could have been just boiling out there, but the weather was really in our favor. Everybody just had a great time. Nothing but praise for the tournament.”
Aside from the $50 registration fee to join the tournament, there are also raffles for gift baskets, a gift card grab where people pay $20 and get a donated gift card of $30 or more, and everyone’s favorite, the ball drop.
“We have 100 golf balls that we sell, and we had Sam’s Tree
Service come out with one of their big trucks, with, I think they call it a snorkel, and they take the snorkel up with 100 balls that are all marked,” stated Johansen. “Everybody has a number of the ball that they bought, and they dump the balls, and whichever one goes closest to the hole that they designate wins $1,000. That’s always a lot of fun because everybody, all the golfers are standing there watching and hoping their ball goes in the hole. It’s a lot of fun.”
PASO ROBLES — Paso Robles hosted the annual Rotary Club Old Timer BBQ on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. at the fairgrounds near the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum. This event started with drinks that you were able to get by purchasing drink tickets at the front booth, the barbeque lunch at 1 p.m. outside on the picnic tables, and then ended with announcements inside one of the fairground buildings.
This event is by invite only and those invitations are sent out to those who have been in the area for 50 or more years. Primarily a male event — since the ladies have a separate tea luncheon event — it provides a reason for those longtime resi-
dents to attend this gathering, enjoy some delicious barbecue, and reconnect with old friends.
“I think the best memory I have is just listening to the guys when they come in,” Paso Robles Rotary President Lars Jorgensen said. “Hearing them walk down that walkway, chatting with their buddies, saying, ‘I haven’t seen you since last year.’”
He explained the importance he feels in putting this
event on: “Because it gives them the chance to come out and be alive.”
The Rotary Club sends out about 700 invitations and on average expects about 500 attendees.
“Last year was the first year back from COVID and it was lighter than usual. This year it looks like the numbers are gonna be a little bit better than last year,” Mark Perry, who
is a committee member and co-chairman of the Paso Robles Rotary Club, told Atascadero news
Another fun aspect of this event is that not only will Marshal Dick Woodland be mentioned, but everyone invited will have their names announced by the Rotary Club as well. They have about 60 to 70 active members of the Rotary
NORTH COUNTY —
There’s more to white wine than Chardonnay
maker Dave McGee has long been carrying the flag promoting the other white wines of Paso. McGee’s vision was realized when he along with like-minded white wine producers held the White Wine Invitational on August 8 at Brian and Natalie
(From left) Valerie Kraskey, Lori Bagby, Donn Clickard, Ron Johansen, Joe Allen, and Jim Stecher are shown at the 11th Annual Wayne Cooper Memorial Golf Tournament. Photo by Rick Evans.
By MAYLIA BAIRD Contributing Writer
White Wine Warriors — Natalie Brown (Rococo Wines), Ryan Pease, (Paix Sur Terre Wines), Dave McGee (Monochrome Wines), and Phil LaMontagne (IIWII Wines)
recently put on the White Wine Invitational in Paso Robles. Contributed Photo
Like years before, the partnership between LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero and Chalk Mountain Golf Course was a well-oiled machine, and Johansen expressed nothing but thanks for everything they do for the tournament every year.
“Chalk Mountain really works with us well. At Chalk Mountain, the general manager, he’s really a pleasure to work with. Had a good time working with him. Pretty much anything we need, he opens the door for us,” added Johansen.
Final numbers for how much money was raised at the tournament have not been tallied yet, but all the money raised this year will go towards all things kid-related that LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero hosts or is involved in.
“Our community really supports LIGHTHOUSE really well. That’s what’s nice about it; it’s a community function that we all come together on,” added Johansen. “The golfers, you know, those are diehard golfers. Guys that like to golf, and theyknow they’re supporting a good event.”
The LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero and community efforts the money will go towards, include helping pay for the counselor at Paloma Creek High School alongside the county, putting on the All Comers Track Meet, and putting on the Reality Tour.
“All the things that we put on, we don’t make money at those, so this is a fundraiser to help pay for those,” said Johansen.
To find out more about LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero, go to lighthouseatascadero.org
finding the right person,” stated Alvarez.
Trustee Matt Pennon asked both parties to state how much their services would cost the district. Leadership Associates would come to a total of $25,000 to help with the search for a new superintendent, while the SLO County Office of Education would cost $6,000.
After much discussion, a failed motion was placed by Pennon, that was not seconded, to move forward with Leadership Associates, and after a request from trustees Corinne Kuhnle and Denise McGrew-Kane for more time to consider both parties, the item was moved to the Nov. 5 meeting as an action item.
Butler said his next chapter, after retirement, will include dedicating more time to his family, including his wife, kids, and grandkids, and he looks forward to being there for them as much as they’ve been there for him during his career.
“I’d like to say thank you. I’ve received a tremendous amount of support from the community. Far greater than anyone could ever have wished for,” Butler also told Atascadero News . “I’m grateful for it and just want to say thanks to the community. It’s been a wonderful experience, and looking forward to supporting the district in any way I can.”
The next regularly scheduled AUSD Board of Trustees meeting will be on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m.
Club and they work hard to put on events like this one and raise money for historical and significant community events.
Community gatherings like this barbecue and Pioneer Day are important events to many in our area.
When asked what his favorite memory of the Pioneer Day Parade was, Walt Macklin from Paso Robles said, “The whole family being there, all parked there right in the street, having a row of chairs. Enjoyed it.”
He likes the Rotary Old Timer BBQ because he gets to reconnect with old friends.
“And a lot of people know me because I was in business in town there,” Macklin said. “First I had the Safeway over on 9th and Spring and then I opened the new store near Rite Aid. So
Paix Sur Terre owner/winemaker
event took place while I was traveling abroad. So I missed it, but upon my return, I caught up with McGee, founder of Monochrome Wines in Tin City, and other participants.
The white wine celebration does get coverage for this story, courtesy of my husband, Kirk Honeycutt, who attended the event armed with his journalist’s notepad. So, I got the lowdown and his notes to round off this month’s column.
An attendance of 150 exceeded the organizers’ expectations, drawing both industry and consumers. Showcasing the diversity of Paso and other Central Coast vineyards, the seven winery participants poured current vintages of untraditional varieties and eclectic blends. Participants included Monochrome, Paix Sur Terre Wines, Union Sacré Winery, IIWII Wines, Rococo Wines, Kinero Cellars, and Barton Family Wines.
Ryan Pease, who is bullish on Ugni Blanc and Vermentino, presented the latter variety made in a sandstone amphora; Natalie Brown of Rococo brought her favorite white, Chenin Blanc, sourced from multiple Central Coast vineyards; and Barton Family Wines’ winemaker Brad Ely offered a blend of such obscure Italian varieties (in the US) as Falanghina and Tartufo de Greco and an orange Viognier, appropriately named, Uptown Funk.
The overall goal for the event was to boost awareness of white wines coming out of the Paso area, McGee told me.
“For a long time, Paso has been identified as a red wine area; it got most of the attention,” he said. “White wines were an afterthought for a lot of wineries. They didn’t put the same level of attention in whites as they did in their reds.”
“I think there’s really good white wines being made in the last five to 10 years,” McGee expressed. He also noticed that winemakers are beginning to not just make white wine but make
I met a lot of people in town and then when you get out here you get to see a lot of old folks.”
When asked what her favorite aspect of Pioneer Day is, volunteer Ann Hansen said, “When they had the Hoosegow and everybody that was a man that was clean-shaven was thrown in the Hoosegow. That’s what the Smooth Plus Badge is about. If you’re gonna be clean-shaven
world-class white. “It’s high time it got to be recognized.”
McGee observed a shift in conversations with some wine critics. “They were more impressed by Paso whites than reds, which is kind of a startling statement.”
Then there’s the growing consumer demand for whites, according to McGee: “Whites are more versatile; they are good with lighter healthier foods and pair better with spicy foods.”
The consensus was the same from the event participants. Phil LaMontagne, co-owner/winemaker at IIWII — which stands for It Is What It Is — stated, “In the last two years I’ve seen more demand for white wines at every event I go to. Customers are more aware of whites.”
After collective brainstorming, McGee and his fellow winemakers devised the White Wine Initiative. The criteria were to showcase Paso’s complex whites with programs of at least three wines per vintage, receiving good scores from critics. “We wanted to
LETTER POLICY
and you’re a male you have to have a badge on so you don’t get in the Hoosegow, which is the jail that they haul down on the parade route. They would start growing their beards the day of the Kickoff Party and then they’re able to shave the day after Pioneer Day.”
Hansen’s mother, Susan Cocker, recalled, “We actually have a ranch out on Carrizo
keep it small initially, focused on wines with a wow factor.”
Pease concurred that organizers deliberately kept things small this year “without too much bureaucracy” to expand not only the number of wineries but possibly do events in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and elsewhere. In a sea of Paso reds, McGee’s Monochrome brand of exclusively all-white production stands apart. Crafting such textural wines as the 2022 Blasphemy, Chardonnay joined by Chenin Blanc and Viognier, and the 2022 Playing Against Type, Sauvignon Blanc perked with a splash of Grenache Gris.
The 2023 West of Tbilisi, a blend of Albariño, Picpoul and Grenache Gris, a Georgian-inspired style wine fermenting in an earthenware amphora aging on skins, stems, and seeds for nine months.
Conversely Brown is a purist regarding her favorite variety — she is on a mission to prove Chenin Blanc’s versatility shelves. She aims to restore the variety to its rightful place in the wine
Plains and, you know — the original Pioneer Day — that’s what it was for: all of the businesses did it for us because we were the ones that worked so hard to grow all the food. The grain, fruit, everything was out there so that was the one day that we got to go to town for free and they would feed us.”
One of the Old Timer BBQ participants, Ed Lingquest, when asked about Pioneer Day, told Atascadero news, “I missed maybe two or three [parades] in my life so we always go, my whole family goes there and it’s a nice day.” Lindquest’s family has its own history connecting it to the Paso Robles area. He recently finished creating a replica of the Creston Jail based on some photos he has of the original jail. Atascadero news will be publishing a story on Lindquest’s jail replica in a future issue.
pantheon. She poured the 2023 vintages of a Shell Creek Chenin, Vista Verde Chenin, and Los Alamos Chenin, plus a ’22 Reserve blend of the three.
At Tin City’s Union Sacré winery, winemaker Xavier Arnaudin is dedicated to grapes from Alsace, France, such as Riesling and Pinot Blanc. Pourer Harry Hall estimated that the winery’s portfolio is between 80 and 85 percent whites.
Other offerings included IIWII’s 2022 vintages of Picpoul Blanc and Among the Wildflowers, a blend of Picpoul, Vermentino, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc. Another rollicking blend came from Kinero, the 2022 In Vain, SauvignonBlanc joined by Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier, crafted by Anthony Yount, a winemaker at Denner and RIISE.
With the success of their debut event, the white wine warriors are exploring future opportunities. “To spread the message to a wider audience in different parts of the state and country,” McGee said confidently.
GOVERNMENT CONTACTS
Eighty golfers showed up to beautiful weather at the 11th Annual Wayne Cooper Memorial Golf Tournament. Photo by Rick Evans.
(From left) Bryce Hansen, Robert S. Lewis, and Wyatt Hansen enjoy some beverages during Paso Robles Rotary’s Old Timer BBQ on Thursday, Oct. 10.
Photo by Derek Luff
County Elections Office and LWVSLO announce winner of SLO County High School voter registration competition
Morro Bay High School is inaugural champion by registering or pre-registering 28 percent of eligible students
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The County of San Luis Obispo Clerk-Recorder’s Office and the League of Women Voters (LWVSLO) announced on Monday, Oct. 7, that Morro Bay High School claimed the title in the inaugural countywide High School Voter Registration Competition, which ran Sept. 16-30, in conjunction with the California Secretary of State’s High School Voter Education Weeks. The goal of the friendly competition was to see which
local high school could register — or pre-register — the highest percentage of eligible students. Morro Bay High School emerged victorious after it was confirmed that they registered 28 percent of eligible students. School enrollment data was used by the Clerk-Recorder’s Office to calculate the rate of participation among students 16 and plus and determine the winner. In all, 560 students countywide were registered or pre-registered as part of the competition.
Participating schools had two weeks to encourage and facilitate voter registration among students who are already 18 years old or pre-registration among students who are 16 or 17. Schools could invite representatives from the LWVSLO to visit campus to assist with registration and/or they could encourage registration through lunchtime activities or classroom initiatives. Many chose to work with
the LWVSLO volunteers during the competition, knowing that the League has extensive experience conducting campus visits and educating students about the importance of voting as well as how to register and how to cast their vote.
“For awhile now, the League of Women Voters has been doing such great work going into the schools and helping students understand voting and the registration process,” said Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Elaina Cano. “This year, we thought it would be great to kick things up a notch by adding the element of competition and encouraging schools to go after the title in whatever way worked best for them.”
Besides Morro Bay High School, participants included Atascadero, Central Coast New Tech, Nipomo, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles high schools.
“It was really exciting to see such an enthusiastic response from our schools,” said Cano, who noted that Arroyo Grande High School will be conducting a voter registration drive with support from her office and the LWVSLO later this month, which will add even more to the total number of local students registered this fall. “From the superintendents to administrators, faculty, and students — everyone was great about jumping in and creating what we expect to be a permanent feature of election season in SLO County.”
Cano and LWVSLO representative Juliane McAdam paid a surprise visit to MBHS campus today to present the winners with a perpetual trophy, a glass plaque, and a $250 check from the League of Women Voters. The Clerk-Recorder’s Office says that the trophy will reside with MBHS until the next competition in 2026.
When task is done right, flooding fields can be efficient
With design improvements, farmers could maximize efficiency with flood and surface irrigation systems
By CHING LEE California Farm Bureau Federation
CALIFORNIA — With their orchards, vineyards, and high-value crops, California farmers have embraced drip and other micro irrigation making such systems the leading method used to water their crops.
Despite the increased adoption of drip, the traditional and more low-tech method of flooding the ground and using gravity to deliver water to crops remains popular in the Golden State — and not just for field crops. Less popular in California are sprinkler systems, even though they remain the most widely used irrigation method in the nation.
There’s a reason microirrigation has taken off. Drip systems, in general, improve irrigation efficiency, said Khaled Bali, an irrigation water management specialist at the University of California Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier. With improved irrigation efficiency, farmers can produce higher yields per unit of applied water, he added.
Having endured crushing impacts of drought and regulatory water restrictions, California farmers have looked to improve their water footprint by being more precise in how they apply water so that every drop is used judiciously. At the same time, flood irrigation has faced increased scrutiny for being inefficient — even wasteful.
Bali rejects this misconception about flood irrigation. He said people who encounter a flooded field and see runoff may immediately think it is an inefficient way to irrigate. But with automation and other design improvements, farmers could maximize efficiency with flood and surface irrigation systems. There are also ways to capture runoff and reuse it.
“Flood irrigation doesn’t waste water,” Bali said. “The fact is it could be as efficient as other pressurized irrigation systems — and friendly to the environment.”
The most recent Census of Irrigation in 2018 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows more than 3.8 million acres in California were irri-
gated using gravity systems compared to 4 million acres using microirrigation and 952,038 acres using sprinkler systems.
Just five years prior, gravity systems were still the No. 1 method used by California farmers, with more than 4.5 million acres. The 2013 survey showed microirrigation was used on nearly 2.8 million acres and sprinkler systems on 1.6 million acres.
Charles Hillyer, director of the Fresno State University Center for Irrigation Technology, distinguishes irrigation efficiency from application efficiency. The former refers to how much water was beneficially used relative to how much water was delivered. Irrigation efficiency is determined primarily by management, he said, whereas application efficiency is determined by the technology used and refers to how much water coming out of the system stayed in the soil and didn’t run off or evaporate.
“You can invest thousands of dollars an acre on a drip irrigation system that has absolutely fantastic application efficiency, but if you don’t invest anything in management, you’re basically spending a whole lot of money to mismanage your water,” Hillyer said.
With the right flood irrigation design, Bali said farmers can control how much flow goes into a field, achieving 85 to 95 percent efficiency, which is very similar to pressurized systems such as drip or sprinkler irrigation.
“When everything is just right,” Hillyer said, all three types of systems come close to achieving application efficiency, though it’s more difficult to do with surface, or flood, irrigation, as it requires the right soil conditions and laser-leveled fields with the right slope. Furrows also need to be the right length based on the soil type and infiltration rates, and check structures may need to be installed to control the water.
“If you’re talking about reality on the ground, surface does tend to get a bad reputation,” he said. “It’s easy to do it badly. It’s hard to do it well, but it can be done well.”
Ronnie Leimgruber, who grows field crops and vegetables in the Imperial Valley, said inefficiency in flood irrigation tends to be the result of overwatering and too much deep percolation, which can be overcome by irrigating smaller sections of the field with increased volumes of water.
“The more water you can apply, the faster it gets over
the field, the more efficient it is,” he said.
On his field crops, he uses an automated flood system that opens and closes field gates when sensors are triggered. To eliminate human error — another inefficiency — and reduce labor costs, he uses a software that monitors his crop, soil moisture and irrigation to determine how much water to add. Though he also uses drip and different sprinkler systems, he said flooding is by far the foremost way he irrigates.
“We’re reaching close to 90 percent efficiency on our irrigation systems,” Leimgruber said. “We’re pushing the envelope on flood irrigation.”
Leimgruber said he measures a system’s efficiency not just by its water usage but by other environmental impacts such as fuel and energy usage, and plas tic and metal pollution typically generated by drip and sprinkler systems. Another environmental benefit of flood irrigation is the habitat it creates for birds and wildlife, he noted.
Leimgruber maintains that drip irrigation — which he uses on limited acres of alfalfa — remains one of the high est in water-use efficiency, but he said it also takes a lot more labor, management and expense. If not for federal and local water conservation subsidies, he said, he would not be able to afford to install and maintain the costly systems, especially on a lowervalue crop such as alfalfa.
When switching from flood to drip, UC’s Bali said farm ers could end up spending $3,000 to $5,000 an acre more on just energy. Even though water-use efficiency is higher
on drip, he said, it does not necessarily translate to water savings, “because you still use the same amount of water, but you’re getting more yield.” With subsurface drip on alfalfa, for example, yields could increase by as much as 15 to 20 percent, he noted.
Chris Jergenson, who farms in Merced and Stanislaus counties, said he prefers flood irrigation on his sweet potatoes and tree crops such as peaches and almonds, noting the system’s simplicity, low maintenance and energy savings. Compared to drip, in which water goes directly to the plant’s roots, he said he likes how flooding can cover the entire field or
orchard floor, allowing water to go deeper into the soil to reach tiny feeder roots “that are hugely beneficial” to the trees. This contributes to more robust root systems. Because flood irrigation relies on gravity to transport water, the process requires no diesel or electricity. Unlike drip or sprinkler systems, flooding does not require expensive equipment or extensive infrastructure. That means no broken sprinkler heads, hose lines or pumps to fix, Jergenson said. Rather than having to run water for three to four days with a drip system, flooding takes him about five to six hours to irrigate, he said, “and I don’t have to come back
for 10 to 14 days, depending on the weather.”
Another benefit to flood irrigation is its ability to flush soils and help remove salt from the land. What’s more, there’s no need to set up gopher traps, he said.
“When you flood, they just all run out, and then the owls or the hawks will kill them,” Jergenson said.
When choosing an irrigation system, UC’s Bali said farmers must consider a variety of factors.
“In general, there’s no best irrigation system,” he said. “You just need to find the system that works for the particular crop and soil type.”
PASO ROBLES
Matt’s Music, Stage and School moves back to Paso Robles
After moving to Templeton in 2010, Matt’s Music has now returned to Paso Robles. Matt’s Music is now open and located at 935 Riverside Ave., Unit 1, in Alliance Square.
Matt’s Music opened in March 2003 as Divine Appointment Guitars on Ramada Drive in Paso Robles. After outgrowing the space, the business moved to 12th Street in downtown Paso, and it was then that the name was changed to Matt’s Music, Stage, and School. It is a full-service, true mom-and-pop store, with Matt being there six days a week, where he get to know each and every customer personally.
Providing a full line of all musical instruments and accessories, qualified repairs of all stringed instruments and drums, Matt’s Music provides the foundation for the lesson programs. Along with highly qualified independent instructors, customers are assured of receiving the very best support and service.
Family business history goes back to the 1930s, starting with Franscioni Butane and now continuing with Matt’s Music, Stage and School. In between, Matt was the drummer for the popular local band BlackBerry Ridge from 1977 to 1985. He was also a foreman at CTS Electronics, developing the plastics department from 1976 to 1985.
Matt’s Music is open six days a week, with concierge service available by appointment. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit mattsmusicandmore.com
Teen arrested at Liberty High School for weapon possession
On Thursday, Oct. 10, at approximately 9:50 a.m., a Paso Robles Police Department School Resource Officer (SRO) was called to Liberty High School after reports surfaced of a teen displaying a knife in the school parking lot. The incident involved a confrontation between a small group of students, leading to concerns of potential physical escalation.
The school’s principal identified two possible students involved. Following school policy, both students were searched as a precaution. A 17-year-old male student was found with a silver folding pocket knife in his possession and was subsequently arrested for violation of California Penal Code 626.10 — Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds.
The student cooperated with the investigation and was transported to San Luis Obispo Juvenile Hall. The Paso Robles Police Department is continuing its investigation and encourages anyone with information to contact PRPD at (805) 237-6464. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the Crime Stoppers hotline at (805) 529-STOP or by texting “SLOTIPS” to CRIMES (274637).
Vegetation fire contained in Salinas Riverbed
On Monday, Oct. 7, at approximately 5:11 p.m., Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services responded to a vegetation fire near the riverbed by Highway 101 and Highway 46 East. Firefighters arrived to find fire and smoke near the northbound lanes of Highway 101. The fire was contained to one-third of an acre.
A total of 27 firefighters from multiple agencies, including Cal Fire, Atascadero, and Templeton, worked together to extinguish the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
ATASCADERO
Atascadero school lockdown lifted after report of weapon; no threat found, says police
NEWS BRIEFS
At approximately 1:35 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, officers from the Atascadero Police Department responded to Santa Rosa Academic Academy, located at 8655 Santa Rosa Road, following a report from a student who believed they had seen a weapon during their school break.
Upon arrival, officers working with Atascadero Unified School District Administrators immediately placed the school on lockdown as a precautionary measure, secured the perimeter, and initiated an investigation. The student, who had been playing near the northern edge of the playground, informed officers that they observed a male subject retrieve what appeared to be a weapon from a vehicle and take it into a nearby residence.
Despite a thorough search of the surrounding area, officers were unable to identify the specific location reported by the student. During the investigation, officers confirmed that the individual had never directly threatened or pointed the weapon at the student.
After determining that there was no immediate threat to public safety and that no crime had occurred, officers and district administrators lifted the lockdown, and the school resumed normal activities.
Atascadero Winter youth basketball registration open
The City of Atascadero is excited to welcome youth back for another season of recreational basketball. Open to all skill levels, the program encourages individual development, teamwork, and fun for kids from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Key dates include skills clinics in October, with practices beginning the week of Dec. 2, and games starting Jan. 11. Volunteer coaches and sponsors are needed.
Registration is $115 for residents and $126 for non-residents, with the deadline on Oct. 25.
Fall youth pickleball registration now open
Atascadero Recreation is excited to launch its first-ever youth pickleball class. Open to fifth- through eighth-graders, this fun, fast-growing sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
Players will learn fundamental skills, strategies, and enjoy friendly competition.
Classes will be held at the Colony Park Community Center Gym on Mondays and Wednesdays from Oct. 28 to Nov. 25. The cost is $64 for residents and $75 for non-residents. Registration closes on Oct. 23.
November events at Atascadero Library
The Atascadero Library, located at 6555 Capistrano Ave. in Atascadero, invites the community to a variety of programs for both children and adults throughout November.
Children’s Programs: Storytimes at the Library:
Bilingual Storytime — Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
English Storytimes — Wednesdays & Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
• Stories, songs, and fun for ages 5 and under.
Board Game Day
Celebrate International Game Month. Enjoy a variety of games. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2 to 4 p.m. All ages.
Read to a Dog
• Read to Jack, the library therapy dog.
• Thursdays, Nov. 7 & 21, 3 p.m. All ages.
Lego Club Build, create, and have fun with Legos.
• Saturday, Nov. 16, 2 p.m.
• Ages 5-12. Registration required.
Family Literacy Storytime
• Special storytime with activities promoting early literacy. Wednesday, Nov. 20, 10:30 a.m. Ages 5 and under.
Adult Programs:
TMHA Library Outreach
• Connect with resources like healthcare, shelter, and more.
• Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Board Game Day
Celebrate International Game Month! Enjoy a variety of games.
• Saturday, Nov. 2, 2 to 4 p.m.
• All ages.
Medicare Open Enrollment with HICAP
Learn about Medicare changes for 2025.
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 10:30 a.m.
Read-a-Latte Book Group
• Discussion on “Flowers for Algernon” by Delia Owens.
• Saturday, Nov. 16, 10:30 a.m.
Fall Wreath Decorating
Create custom wreaths with real and artificial foliage. Saturday, Nov. 23, 3 to 5 p.m.
• Registration required.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
San Luis Obispo County Probation Department offers ride-along and ‘Day in the Life’ experience
The San Luis Obispo County Probation Department has offered an exclusive opportunity for a ridealong and day in the life of an officer experience to Your News Channel. The rare in-depth look into the daily work of a probation officer is honor of the 2024 National Probation Services Week — which this year is on July 21 through 27.
The probation department is the alternative option to incarceration, and helps youth and adult men and women transition back into society after serving their sentences.
The department has a variety of positions and play a vital role to help people, victims and court personnel.
San Luis Obispo County has a variety of services and resources they use to help from the youth program Coastal Valley Academy, Foster Care parents to group homes for people who are eligible after serving their sentences in the correctional facilities.
Probation officers work with the county and community partners to provide coordinated care and services for persons released from prison at the Post Release Offender Meeting, known as the PROM.
The department also has a K-9 service dog that has helped the department confiscate thousands of dollars worth of fentanyl in San Luis Obispo County.
The department wants to highlight the many roles who work in office and out on the field. Probation officers work to help ensure the communities are safe and people are accountable for their actions.
Atascadero man sentenced to five years in state prison for child sex crimes
District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Jesse Marino has sentenced Tanner Williamdean Fite, 23, of Atascadero to five years in state prison for sex crimes committed on an 11-year-old.
On July 26, a San Luis Obispo County jury found Fite guilty of four counts of committing a Lewd Act on a Child Under the Age of 14. The victim was 11 years old when the crimes occurred between September and October 2023 in the City of San Luis Obispo. Each count is a violent offense “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law.
At trial, jurors heard testimony directly from the young survivor about the incidents. The jury also received evidence that Fite had viewed 25 pornographic videos during the time he was babysitting the victim and that he hid evidence from law enforcement that was later discovered during the investigation.
At the Oct. 11 sentencing hearing, Judge Marino found true three factors in aggravation:
1. The victim was particularly vulnerable,
2. Fite took advantage of a position of trust while committing the crimes, and
3. Fite engaged in violent conduct, indicating a serious danger to society.
Judge Marino also found the two factors in mitigation existed:
1. Fite had an insignificant record of criminal conduct, and
2. Fite was under 26 years of age at the time he committed the crimes (he was 22).
During the sentencing hearing, Deputy District Attorney Kimberly Dittrich argued that Fite should receive the maximum sentence of 14 years. However, Marino sentenced Fite to serve a low-term of only five years in state prison. Fite faced a maximum of 14 years and the San Luis Obispo County Probation Department filed with the court a sentencing recommendation for 12 years in prison.
“In San Luis Obispo County, we vigorously prosecute child predators and fully enforce California law to protect children — our most vulnerable citizens,” Dow said. “While we are disappointed with the light prison sentence, I am very proud of the young victim who displayed immense strength when she reported the crime and later testified in court. Her courage will inspire other survivors to report so that justice can be served to predators like Mr. Fite.”
This case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo City Police Department. Detective Jeff Koznek was lead investigator. Monterey County District Attorney’s Office assisted by providing Courthouse Dog Norma Jean to sit with the young victim in court while she testified. This case was prosecuted by Dittrich, assigned to the Sexual Assault Prosecution Unit.
CPUC approves formation of Central California Rural Regional Energy Network
Starting in the first quarter of 2025, a five-member partnership, encompassing public and nonprofit agencies with decades of experience implementing energy programs in their regions, will collaborate on programs funded by a three-year investment of more than $36 million.
The Central California Rural REN will bring energy efficiency programs to public, commercial and residential ratepayers in 14 counties and will serve more than 5.4 million customers, or 13.5 percent of California’s population, spanning almost 49,000 square miles.
Energy efficiency is an integral part of meeting California’s aggressive decarbonization policies and goals to combat climate change, yet the most vulnerable of utility customers often do not have equitable access to energy efficiency programs in which they pay to their utility every month. The average energy burden in the Central California Rural REN region is 54 percent higher than the rest of California. The availability of newly funded and locally implemented program offerings will help customers access workforce education and training, energy codes and standards training, as well as energy assessments, rebates, incentives, and financing options for energy-efficient equipment.
Central California Rural Regional Energy Network member organizations include the Association of
Monterey Bay Area Governments and County of San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast; the San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization in the San Joaquin Valley; and the High Sierra Energy Foundation in the Eastern Sierra Nevada region. The County of Ventura is a non-implementing member of the Central California Rural REN leadership team.
Now available: 120 new housing units in San Luis Obispo for Cal Poly faculty and staff
Cal Poly Partners recently acquired 120 housing units in the newly constructed Harvest Lofts located within the San Luis Ranch master-planned community. The units, located near Laguna Lake, off Madonna Road, will be available for rent to faculty and staff to provide a reliable, hassle-free housing solution for new and current Cal Poly faculty and staff.
Just four miles from Cal Poly, Harvest Lofts offer four distinct floor plans, from studio to one-bedroom apartments.
Available units include:
407-square-foot studio with a bath and deck.
436-square-foot one bedroom, one bath with a deck
• 403- to 407-square-foot one bedroom, one bath with a deck
• 514- to 516-square-foot, one bedroom, one bath with a deck
The Harvest Lofts neighborhood is served by existing transit and dedicated bicycle lanes offering a multi-modal access to campus.
San Luis Ranch is a new neighborhood in San Luis Obispo that includes a mix of residential, commercial, and office uses surrounded by areas of open space and agriculture near Laguna Lake Park and Open Space.
This is the most recent addition to Cal Poly Partners’ portfolio of faculty and staff housing. In 2006, Cal Poly Partners opened the 69-unit Bella Montaña community near the Highland Drive campus entrance, and this past July it broke ground on Vista Meadows, a 33-single-family-home neighborhood at the Grand Avenue campus entrance.
With over 1,000 units of demand, access to attainable housing is consistently cited as a major hurdle in hiring and retaining new faculty and staff members. Cal Poly Partners, alongside the university, is developing attainable housing program for campus community members.
Work is also underway to remove some of the obstacles to homeownership that have been shared by faculty and staff members.
Most recently, a mortgage assistance program with SESLOC was created to make purchasing homes within Cal Poly Partner communities easier for Cal Poly community members. The program removes down payment barriers and the Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) requirement.
USPS announces recommended mailing and shipping dates for 2024 holiday season
The U.S. Postal Service announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages. The following are recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25.
2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates for Items Sent to Addresses in the Contiguous United States (Lower 48 States):
• USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 18
• First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18
Priority Mail service: Dec. 19
Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 21
2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates for Items Sent to Addresses in Alaska and Hawaii: CONTINUED ON PAGE
• USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 16
First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18
Priority Mail service: Dec. 19
Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 20
For customers sending packages internationally or to military addresses, USPS suggests checking the complete list of recommended holiday mailing and shipping dates at usps.com/holidayshippingdates.
USPS urges customers to plan ahead and ship early during this holiday season. The earlier you send it, the better; don’t delay — mail it and ship it today.
For tips on preparing shipments, including packaging guidelines, ordering free shipping supplies, and information on local Post Office location hours, visit usps.com.
Cal Poly’s counseling and psychological services recognized for mental health programs
Cal Poly’s Counseling and
Jimmie “Corky” Wilshusen, 77, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2024, in Paso Robles, California, surrounded by loved ones. He was born to Jimmie and Elizabeth Wilshusen and spent his entire life embodying the values of family, community, and service.
A proud Paso Robles High School Bearcat, Corky
PASO ROBLES POLICE DEPARTMENT
OCTOBER 07
22:43 — Oswaldo Santizavalos, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on Creston Rd and Meadowlark Rd for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL [23152(A) VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC], Case no. 243493
23:51 —Kymberly Hoke, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 100 block of Niblick Rd for OUTSIDE WARRANT/M, DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS [23152(F)VC], Case no. 243494
OCTOBER 08
00:16 — Steven Hayes, of Paso Robles was taken into custody for OUTSIDE WARRANT/M, Case no. 243495
10:08 — Adan Chavarriaestrada, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 2700 block of Black Oak Dr for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A) H&S], WILLFULLY TO VIOLATE A WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR IN COURT [853.7PC], Case no. 243497
10:33 — Ryan Peichoto, of Tulare was on view arrest on E. Centre Rd for BURGLARY [459PC], GRAND THEFT [487(A)PC], POSSESSION OF BURGLARY TOOLS [466PC], Case no. 243496
Psychological Services (CAPS) has received an award for the creation of a series of mental health webinars covering a wide range of topics designed to support college students’ needs.
Andrea Lawson, director of CAPS and a licensed clinical social worker, and Dr. Sarah Colwell, a licensed psychologist and outreach coordinator, will be recognized by the Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD) at its 75th Annual conference in Phoenix, Arizona, on Oct. 15.
Lawson and Colwell will receive the AUCCCD Media Award on behalf of CAPS for its development of the Mental Health Fridays webinar series. The Mental Health Fridays series covers topics like intuitive eating, body image and mourning loss, among others.
The 50-minute webinars are offered live throughout the month of October via Cal Poly Now and are also accessible year-round via CAPS’ Made for Mustangs resource page.
In announcing the award,
excelled in football, swimming, and choir, showcasing his diverse talents and dedication. He graduated in 1966, having formed lifelong friendships and memories. Every summer, he worked alongside his grandfather on the family farm off Creston Road, instilling in him a profound appreciation for hard work and family heritage.
In a courageous act of patriotism, Corky enlisted in the United States Navy Seabees during the Vietnam War, choosing to serve his country before being drafted. His time in the Navy from 1967 to 1972 was a source of immense pride, and he was honorably discharged after earning three prestigious medals: the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the
AUCCCD noted that it serves as national recognition of Lawson’s leadership and contributions to the field of campus mental health. Lawson has served as the director of CAPS, a program within Cal Poly’s Campus Health and Wellbeing department, since 2020.
SLO County Airport welcomed its first Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Alaska Airlines
The SLO County Airport (SBP) made history on Oct. 3, when Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 737-800 arrived from Seattle, Washington. This milestone flight was the first time a Boeing 737-800, the largest passenger aircraft to date, has touched down at SBP. With a seating capacity of 159, the aircraft is more than double the size of the typical 76-passenger aircraft currently serving the airport.
Alaska Airlines has been a long-standing partner of SLO County Airport, and this aircraft introduction demonstrates their commitment to enhancing the travel experience for Central Coast
Vietnam Service Medal.
Upon his return, Corky married the love of his life, Alice, in April 1972. Together, they built a beautiful life and home in Paso Robles, where they raised their two sons, Jimmie and Jeffrey. Corky began his professional journey with the City of Paso Robles before embarking on a 25-year career at Cal Poly State University as an equipment operator. His strong work ethic and unwavering dedication were admired by all who knew him.
Corky and Alice cherished 52 years of love and companionship, exploring the United States by RV, camping, and creating lifelong memories with family and friends. He took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren excel in sports, the arts,
residents.
“This larger aircraft allows us to offer even more seats and a greater level of comfort for travelers, while also reinforcing our commitment to providing seamless connections from the Central Coast to Seattle and destinations beyond,” stated John Wishmeyer, Station Operations Manager for Alaska Airlines. “We’re proud to support the region’s growth and look forward to the future of air travel in San Luis Obispo.”
Arrest made in alleged sexual assault of a teen
On Sept. 20, San Luis Obispo Police Department received a report of a sexual assault that had occurred in the early hours of that morning. The suspect, 29-year-old Sosimo Gonzalez De Jesus, broke into the house through a window, and took a 13-year-old teen, who was known to the suspect, from her bed and sexually assaulted her in the bathroom, then left the property.
After the initial report was
and 4-H, and he never missed a game, event, or performance they participated in.
A steadfast supporter of youth programs and a lifetime Bearcat Booster, Corky’s commitment to his family and community was evident in everything he did.
Deeply rooted in Paso Robles, Corky was an active member of the Paso Robles Trail Riders since 1970, a tradition he proudly shared with his grandfather, father, and later, his own sons and oldest grandson. He was also a devoted member of the Paso Robles Elks Lodge since 1972, where he dedicated his time to supporting community events and initiatives.
In 2005, Corky faced a diagnosis of prostate cancer, a consequence of his military service in Vietnam. He battled
taken, San Luis Obispo Police detectives assumed the investigation and after several days, located the suspect by posing as the victim via a smartphone communications application. Gonzalez De Jesus was taken into custody without incident on Oct. 4, at El Chorro Regional Park.
Gonzalez De Jesus was booked into SLO County Jail on the following charges, all felonies:
PC 220(b) — Burglary with the intent to commit a sexual assault
PC 269(a)(2) — Rape of minor under 14
• PC 207(a) — Kidnapping
• PC 288(a) — Lewd acts with a child
• PC 288.2(a)(2) — Sending explicit imagery to a minor (3 counts)
PC 667.61(d)(4) — Commit a felony during the commission of first-degree burglary
Gonzalez De Jesus is in custody with no bail; he will not be eligible for release from jail until his trial concludes.
the disease for nearly 20 years with remarkable strength and resilience, never letting it hinder his zest for life. His courage and determination served as a powerful example to his family and community.
Corky was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie and Elizabeth, and his beloved sister, Sandy. He is survived by his devoted wife, Alice; his sons, Jimmie (Cindi) and Jeffrey (Rachelle); his sister, Cheryl; and his cherished grandchildren: Kaleigh, Codie, Macey, Ally, Clay, Casey, Jenna, and Justin.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 13, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at the Paso Robles Elks Lodge #2364, 1420 Pine Street, Paso Robles. The Wilshusen family invites all who knew Corky to join in honoring his remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Wilshusen Family Bearcat Athletic Scholarship, honoring Corky’s enduring pride in athletics and the Paso Robles High School Bearcat community. For more information, please email wilshusenfamilyscholarship@ gmail.com.
OCTOBER 09
12:10 — Paula Lampert, of Atascadero was on view arrest on the 2300 block of Theatre Dr for SHOPLIFTING UNDER $950 [459.5(A) PC], Case no. 243517 17:13 — Basilio Pacheco, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 2000 block of Riverside Ave for DISORDERLY CONDUCT/ DRUNK IN PUBLIC [647(F)PC], BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 243521
21:42 — Matthew Ellis, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 900 block of Park St for PUBLIC INTOXINATION [647(F)PC], Case no. 243524
OCTOBER 10
11:46 — Kylie Ralston, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 100 block of Niblick Rd for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL [23152(G)VC], Case no. 243500
12:13 — Frank Reyes, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 800 block of Spring Street for PUBLIC INTOXINATION [647(F) PC], Case no. 243529
12:43 — Susi Guerrero, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the 100 block of Niblick Rd for SHOPLIFTING UNDER $950 [459.5(A)PC], Case no. 243530 13:00 — Darian Krutsinger, of San Luis Obispo was on view arrest on the 1200 block of Park St for WILLFULLY RESISTS,DELAYS,OBSTRUCTS…[148(A)(1)PC], OUTSIDE WARRANT/M, Case no. 243531 15:41 — Darin Willis, of Paso Robles was taken into custody on the Salinas Riverbed for OUTSIDE WARRANT/M, BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 243536
20:37 — Raul Martinez, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the corner of Creston Rd and Santa Ynez for DUI CAUSING INJURY [23153(A)VC], BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 243539
21:57 — Michael Martinez, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on 20th and Spring Street for EVADE PEACE OFFICER WITH WANTON DISREGARD FOR SAFETY [2800.2(A)], DUI CAUSING INJURY
[23153(A)VC], Case no. 243540
15:08 — Axel Ramirezmariano, of Jurupa Valley was taken into custody on Oak Hill for PUBLIC INTOXINATION [647(F)PC], Case no. 243535
OCTOBER 11
11:58 — John Fitzgerald, of Shandon was on view arrest on the 100 block of Niblick Rd for DUI CAUSING INJURY [23153(A)VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC], Case no. 243547
11:00 — Rosa Loera, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 100 block of Olive St for POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], Case no. 243546
14:52 — Emisael Aparicioperez, of Paso Robles was arrested for DUI CAUSING INJURY [23153(A)VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC], Case no. 243557
15:24 — Alisha Widener, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the 100 block of Niblick Rd. Cases no. 243533
19:37 — Joshua Parker, of Paso Robles was on view arrest under 46E and 101 Interchange INFLICTING CORPORAL INJURY ON SPOUSE/COHABITANT [273.5(A)PC],
POSSESSION OF SPECIFIED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11377(A)H&S], Case no. 243566
00:00 — Christopher Olivas, of Clovis was arrested on the 900 block of Park St. Case no. 243542
OCTOBER 12
14:23 — Chelsea Burch of Paso Robles was arrested for OUTSIDE WARRANT/M, BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 243578
16:16 — Boris Dekhtyar, of Atascadero was arrested for OUTSIDE WARRANT/M, Case no. 243580
20:07 — Drake Zarate, of Norco was on view arrest on the 2200 block of Park St for VIOLATING A RESTRAINING, PROTECTIVE OR STAY AWAY ORDER [273.6(A)PC], Case no. 243583
22:07 — William Leys, of Santa Margarita was on view arrest on the 3800 block of Mill Rd for BATTERY [242PC], Case no. 243585
20:30 — Enrique Rubio, of Paso Robles was on view arrest on the corner of Niblick Rd and Rosemary Dr for CARRYING A CONCEALED DIRK OR DAGGER [21310 PC], POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL PARAPHERNALIA [11364(A)H&S], BENCH WARRANT [978.5PC], Case no. 243584
OCTOBER 13
03:14 — Rocio Soto, of Shandon was on view arrest on the 1300 block of 24th St for DUI CAUSING INJURY [23153(A)VC], DUI ALCOHOL/0.08 PERCENT [23152(B)VC], Case no. 243584
ATASCADERO POLICE DEPARTMENT
OCTOBER 07
13:24 — Modesto Olea, was arrested on the 5500 block of El Camino Real for WARRANT/M, Case no. 241740
OCTOBER 08
11:22 — Julian Gomez, was arrested on the 5500 block of West Mall for WARRANT/M, Case no. 241743
22:43 — Trevor Finneran, was arrested on the 7100 block of El Camino Real for PRISONERS ON PAROLE MUST CONTINUE TO BE UNDER THE OFFICIAL SUPERVISION OF THE STATE [3056PC], Case no. 241748
OCTOBER 10
00:45 — Shonntae Cross, was arrested on the 7300 block of El Camino Real for WILLFULLY RESISTS,DELAYS,OBSTRUCTS… [148(A)(1)PC], Case no. 241754
09:00 — Nicole Missamore, was arrested on the 6300 block of Morro Road for POSSESSION OF SPECIFIED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [11377(A)H&S], Case no. 241756
17:23 — Richard Walker, was arrested on Viejo Camino and Bocina Lane for FALSE IDENTIFICATION TO POLICE [148.9(A)PC], Case no. 241761
20:16 — Carlos Cervantes, was arrested on the 6900 block of Morro Road for WARRANT/M, Case no. 241764
JIMMIE “CORKY” WILSHUSEN 1947-2024
OPINION
Halloween traditions rooted in Celtic, Irish cultures
October is a month of changes in the world around us. Yes, we still have warm days, but the nights cool off faster, and the hours of daylight are growing shorter and the hours of darkness are increasing.
On Oct. 31, we celebrate Halloween with its witches, ghost, goblins and scary things that go bump in the night. On Halloween, we also cross into what our ancestors considered to be the dark half of the year.
Besides New Year’s, Halloween is one of the oldest holidays still celebrated today. A night of magic and mystery that originally celebrated the inextricable link between seasonal and life cycles. Halloween has not simply survived, it’s continued to thrive over its long history. Here in the United States, it’s one of our most popular holi-
days, second only to Christmas.
The origins of Halloween can be traced back directly to the ancient Celtic festival Samhain (sow-in, the first part rhyming with cow). The Romans, the Christian Church, and ultimately, modern society have all had a hand in altering this holiday. Today, even the most contemporary traditions preserve traces of Halloween’s ancient past.
The Celts divided their year into eight major holidays and two seasons of light and dark. The season of light began May 1 on Beltane. The season of darkness began on Samhain, on the eve of Nov. 1, a magically potent time. The word Samhain translates, from ancient Gaelic as “summers end,” and in contemporary Irish Gaelic, Samhain is the name for the month of November.
For the Celts, Samhain was harvest’s end. It was also the end of the year and the beginning of the new year. It was “in between” the two years and on this night, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead was at its weakest allowing creatures of the night to mingle with the living.
Many scholars believe that
The call came in from a family member telling me to pack up the pets and get out of our house within 15 minutes; the Watauga Dam had collapsed and we were in imminent danger. There were no sirens, no emergency alerts, no sheriff’s deputies driving through the area telling people to immediately evacuate. The Watauga Dam is a 300-foot high earth-fill dam with 17 miles of lake behind it. If it catastrophically collapsed, most likely much of our town of Elizabethton would be inundated within 30 minutes. It was a false alarm. Hurricane Helene had dumped a virtual Niagara Falls of water on many of Appalachian Mountain communities. It dumped up to 30 inches of rain in 24 hours on the local mountains which rapidly filled creeks, rivers and lakes, thundering out of gorges and passes into downstream communities.
Why you should vote YES on Measure I-24
Dear Editor,
As Paso Roblans consider whether to vote YES on Measure I-24, the Paso Robles Police Officers Association (POA) and the Professional Firefighters Association would like to share why we see I-24 as a public safety priority and why we strongly endorse I-24.
It is important to note that I-24 is not a new tax, but a continuation of measure E-12, a half-cent sales tax scheduled to sunset this year.
Since 2012, E-12 has raised more than $78 million dollars, and with transparent over -
the ancient Celts would disguise themselves with animal skins and masks and make lots of noise in an effort to ward off malevolent spirits. They also left gifts and treats outside their dwellings to pacify spirits on Samhain night. These are the customs at the root of today’s costume parties and trick-ortreating.
On Samhain, all household fires were extinguished. At dawn, brands were taken from the hilltop bonfires and used to rekindle the hearth fires. In relighting their hearth fires, the ancient Celts surely had a sense they were also kindling new dreams, projects, and hopes for the year to come.
By 43 BCE, the Romans had conquered nearly all of the Celtic lands. As conquerors, the Romans were surprisingly accepting of the beliefs of other cultures. In the course of the 400 years that they ruled “Celtic Europe,” two Roman festivals were combined in the Celtic celebration of Samhain. The first was Feralia, commemorated the passing of the dead. The other was the festival of Pomona, Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona was an apple, which was
a special fruit to the Celts: At the heart of the Celtic Otherworld grew an apple tree whose fruit had magical properties.
When Christian missionaries began converting the Celtic people, Pope Gregory I issued an edict to his missionaries. Rather than obliterate the pagan customs, Pope Gregory instructed his missionaries to use them.
This proved to be a brilliant concept and helped spread Christianity across Celtic territories. The combining of Samhain and All Saints Day into Halloween is an excellent example. All Saints Day, also known as All Hallows, was originally celebrated in late May. The evening before was All Hallows Eve, which in turn became Hallowe’en. Can you imagine trick or treating among the flowers in May?
Moving the holiday from warm spring-like weather to chilly autumn, however, changed the whole nature of the celebration. The powerful symbolism of wandering dead was too strong for the human psyche to be satisfied with the abstract Catholic feast honoring saints. Common folk continued to celebrate All Hallows Eve, but all the charac-
ters of the night were now evil, like witches.
In the melting pot of Colonial America, traditions continued to merge giving birth to a distinctly American version of Halloween. Colonial Halloween festivities featured the telling ghost stories and mischief-making of all kinds. By the early 19th century, Halloween was not universally celebrated.
In the mid-19th century, America was flooded with millions of Irish fleeing Ireland’s potato famine. Trick-or-treating came to America from Ireland, where children of tenant farmers would go to the lord’s or landlord’s manor demanding treats or they would play pranks.
Irish children would carry with them jack-o’lanterns made by hollowing out a turnip or sugar beet and carving them with facial features. These would be illuminated by a candle placed in the inside. The original idea behind this may have been to frighten off any supernatural forces that might be about.
John Copeland is an independent opinion columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email him at editor@13stars.media
Pumpkins are America’s contribution to Halloween. Big orange veggies are pretty odd as far as holiday symbols go, but there are actual historical reasons why we carve pumpkins for Halloween. In North America, pumpkins are more readily available and much larger than turnips or sugar beets making them easier to carve. By the turn of the century, in America, Halloween parties for both children and adults were the most common way to celebrate the day. Somewhere between 1920 and 1950, the centuries-old practice of trickor-treating door-to-door was revived and it has continued to grow. Today, Americans spend about $7 billion on Halloween. Halloween has managed to achieve a national status without the holiday standing of say, the 4th of July or Christmas. Halloween has endured because it allows its participants to both embrace and defuse their fears. From the ancient Celts seeking to appease the spirits that wandered the countryside on Samhain night to the little vampires and fairies trick-ortreating at your door, Halloween’s adaptability is the reason it remains, for over 2,000 years, the most bewitching night of the year.
When disaster strikes
Elizabethton received 19 inches of rain in 24 hours which overflowed to the two rivers intersecting our community. We lost two vital bridges downtown, making conducting ordinary business an ordeal. The flow of water that hit Erwin, a few miles south of us exceeded the volume of water passing over Niagara Falls by almost double the normal flow (1.2 million gallons per second versus 750,000 gals/sec over Niagara).
The warning call to evacuate didn’t sound right to me given the lack of any emergency warnings. I called the sheriff’s department business line and a recording came on stating the office was closed until Monday. I managed to get through to a non-emergency line to the Elizabethton City Police Department who verified to me that it was a false alarm, generated by internet chatter. It was a rumor gone wild.
The Tennessee Valley Authority had dam safety teams inspecting both the Watauga and Wilbur dams the night before and expressed concern due to their inability to visually inspect the dam in the dark but their concerns had been alleviated by morning. Their presence set off local alarm bells as people, lacking valid information, began to speculate. The dam at Unicoi County south of us was overtopped by flash flood waters, inundating the
town of Erwin, destroying Interstate 26 bridges and killing a number of people in the community. Another dam in Tennessee was failing as were dams in North Carolina but not in Carter County. Elizabethton was spared that disaster.
What happens when people don’t have access to timely, valid information? They worry, they speculate, rumors become “facts” and translate into unsubstantiated warnings of imminent catastrophe. When government officials fail to rapidly communicate or cannot due to downed communications, public confidence and trust is compromised. The high winds, 65 mph sustained winds for hours felled trees everywhere, especially since in the previous weeks we had received considerable excess rainfall; the ground was saturated. Power was out everywhere, cell towers were destroyed, internet was lost for days and people simply couldn’t move about due to the blocked roads from large trees.
Emergency help has been slow to arrive. Local churches have filled in for thousands of people, providing meals, water and shelter to those dispossessed. Many local communities have only one way in and out; many are still without power or communications. Mule packtrains
are being used in the remote areas to get vital supplies to people isolated since the hurricane struck. Elderly people, disabled and those living alone without nearby family are worst hit. One elderly woman who lived alone received no help for eight days after the hurricane passed. State government resources have arrived, but infrastructure damage will take years to restore. Some communities are so heavily damaged they may never be rebuilt. In Hampton, the local high school and fire department were destroyed after the Doe River thundered out of its gorge and destroyed most of the town. In North Carolina, the town of Chimney Rock, the film location for the 1990s film “Last of the Mohicans” was destroyed, its entire economy ruined. Tourism was their industry and it isn’t coming back for a long time. The federal government is starting to make its presence known but not without controversy. There are many reports of the feds disrupting local volunteer efforts, seizing emergency donations, banning private aircraft/helicopters for search and rescue operations and operating in an officious, heavy-handed manner. This is where effective communications with the public becomes essential but thus far, is failing in its regional outreach.
Letters to the Editor
sight, it has funded 44 separate road repair, maintenance, or reconstruction projects throughout the city. Unfortunately, many of our roads still require maintenance, and city staff and consultants estimate that the city still has $350 million in deferred road repair needs. Now, what does this have to do with public safety?
As many will recall, in 2020, Paso Robles voters approved measure J-20, which was a general tax that provides critical funding for police, fire, and streets maintenance. Currently, J-20 generates approximately $11 million each year. That money is critical for public safety as it funds 15 fire personnel, 27 police officers and support staff, and various
public safety capital projects. If I-24 is not approved, road maintenance will continue, but at a much slower pace, and funding must still come from somewhere in the city’s limited general fund. The most obvious place to obtain road repair funding is from J-20. Consequently, less funding will be available for your police and fire departments and result in cuts to police officers and firefighters. This is the reason I-24 is a significant public safety issue. Yes, I-24 is a general tax intended to fix our roads, but without I-24, public safety will be impacted, services reduced, and road repair will be painfully slow.
The good news for voters, however, is I-24 is not a new
tax. By voting YES on I-24, voters WILL NOT see a tax increase. And, because tourists also pay sales tax while visiting our city, their spending naturally relieves some of the burden on our community members. So, by maintaining the status quo and voting YES on I-24, we can raise the funds necessary to continue fixing our streets and roads without compromising our public safety.
Please join the Paso Robles Police Officers Association and the Paso Robles Firefighters Association in supporting Public Safety and VOTE YES on Measure I-24.
Paso Robles Firefighters Association
Growing impact of climate change
Dear Editor,
That controversy is even reaching the White House. Fox News reporter Peter Doocy attempted to question the federal relief effort in southeastern states only to be cut off and chastised by the White House press secretary for asking “dangerous questions.” In a huff, she then stormed out of the press briefing. That reminded me of the presidency of Woodrow Wilson during World War I where anyone who questioned his administration war policies found themselves charged with sedition and subject to federal prosecution. Many were in fact imprisoned, even for making disparaging remarks in their own home.
As I write this, Hurricane Milton, a reported CAT 5 hurricane is barreling down towards Florida, prompting massive coastal evacuations. I hope the people of Florida fare better than the people of Appalachia and I hope government agencies do a better job of being open and forthright in their post-hurricane response. In our Republic, there are no dangerous questions, just people who deserve forthright, timely information and support from the government agencies that serve them.
Al Fonzi is an independent opinion columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email him at ajfonzi2@hotmail.com.
As the election draws closer, we cannot ignore the growing impact of climate change on our communities. Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton, along with dozens of wildfires this past summer — they’re all clear warning signs of a very real climate crisis.
This issue deserves more attention than it’s received so far this election cycle. During the presidential debate, only one brief question was asked about climate at the very end.
The fact is, the climate crisis impacts us all, no matter where we live or how much money
we make. Americans are being told to flee their homes and risk losing everything. Meanwhile, Big Oil continues to put profits over people by prioritizing fossil fuels that continue to destroy our environment. We cannot afford to lose any more time in the fight against the climate crisis. We need leaders — at the federal, state, and local level — who believe in the science of climate change and are willing or can be convinced to take bold action before it’s too late. So I urge everyone: When you cast your ballot this November, think of our planet and the people that call it home.
AL FONZI COMMENTARY
Judith Anderson, San Luis Obispo
JOHN COPELAND COLUMNIST
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
OCTOBER EVENTS
OCTOBER 1- 31
16TH ANNUAL SCARECROW FESTIVAL
Throughout Cambria and more
Set out to see more than 80 imaginative and lively scarecrows lining the streets of Cambria’s East and West Villages, Moonstone Beach, Harmony and San Simeon. The scarecrows are the perfect manifestation of Cambria’s incredibly artistic community.
OCTOBER 19
ANNUAL GOLDEN OAK HONEY AND PUMPKIN FESTIVAL AND KIDS’ FLEA MARKET
Downtown City Park, Paso
Robles
10am-5pm
Bask in a fun day of honey, demonstrations, antiques, arts, crafts, pie-eating contest and a variety of merchandise to purchase, including at the Kids’ Flea Market.
OCTOBER 24
SPOON RIVER Park Cinemas 100 Pine St, Paso Robles
2 & 6pm
Atascadero AAUW Fall fundraiser — a dramatic playreading of “Spoon River” with music. For more information, visit atascadero-ca.aauw.net
OCTOBER 25-26
ZOO BOO
Charles Paddock Zoo, Atascadero
5-8:30pm
The event promises Halloween-themed adornments all around the Zoo, along with a medley of carnival games, a costume competition, Halloween-themed undertakings, a haunted house, and a collection of tricks and treats to relish. With over 200 residents the Charles Paddock Zoo is the backdrop for this engaging and unforgettable Halloween celebration.
OCTOBER 25
CORPORATE CUP TEAM BUILDING
Paso Robles Sports Club 2975 Union Rd, Paso Robles
9am
Compete, eat, and drink your way through the day while you connect, collaborate, and contend with your fellow team members and business community. Go head-tohead with fellow businesses in a series of exciting games such as pickleball, cornhole, basketball, obstacle courses, and more, designed to boost colleague morale, spark
creativity, and supercharge your team spirit.
OCTOBER 26
PASO ROBLES DIA DE LOS
MUERTOS FESTIVAL
Downtown City Park, Paso Robles
10am-4pm
Join in the cultural celebration that will include educational and children’s activities, food, dance, music, vendors of cultural wares, and more.
PASO AUTO WRECKING
BENEFIT BBQ
Estrella Warbird Museum 4251 Dry Creek Rd, Paso Robles
1am-4pm
805 Community Car Care
Centers is hosting a car show fundraiser to support rebuilding Paso Robles Auto Wrecking after a devastating fire.
3RD ANNUAL BOVINE CLASSIC
Sunken Gardens, Atascadero 8:30am
Get ready for a weekend of
world-class cycling and a taste of the SLO Life. The event has limited space and multiple routes, so if you want to be part of this year’s herd be sure to visit thebovineclassic.com for full event information and registration.
34TH ANNUAL ALMOND COUNTRY CHARITY
QUILT AUCTION & CRAFT
BOUTIQUE
Quail Run Estates Clubhouse 1400 Quail Run Ave, Paso Robles 1-5pm Craft Boutique Open ; 3-5pm Live Quilt Auction
Among the items being auctioned are bed-sized quilts, throws and wall hangings in a wide variety of styles and colors. In the craft boutique you will find a huge selection of holiday and other handmade/crafted items as well as smaller quilted projects. The charities chosen to receive auction proceeds this year are Operation Surf, and New Life K9s. Both charities offer support, hope and healing to service men and women
suffering from the effects of PTSD.
OCTOBER 27
A CONCERT OF MONSTROUS PROPORTIONS
Atascadero Bible Church 6225 Atascadero Ave., Atascadero
3-5 p.m.
Free concert by the Atascadero Community Band
OCTOBER 31
TRICK OR TREAT DOWNTON Downtown Atascadero 5-8pm
People and pets of all ages are welcome to come and enjoy family, children, and pet costume contests, games, and of course, Trick or Treating!
SAFE & FUN HALLOWEEN
DOWNTOWN
Downtown Paso Robles
3-6pm
Have a costume-fun-time while trick or treating at downtown merchants, trunk or treating around City Park, and taking pictures with witches!
94th Annual Pioneer Day Parade
Photos by Derek Luff
By CAMILLE DEVAUL
PASO ROBLES — After starting from ground zero with his 1945 Farmall M, Paso Robles High School (PRHS) FFA member Reiley Houtz is heading to Nationals in Indiana for his tractor restoration project. Houtz has spent over 400 hours restoring a 1945 Farmall M. The overarching cost of his project neared $8,000. Not only has he learned many lessons pertaining to tractor restoration, but he has also furthered his knowledge of how to handle money and work efficiently.
“It was definitely a new experience. I learned a lot with [the tractor project],” Houtz told Paso Robles Press.
The restoration of Reiley’s tractor ranged from cleaning the engines to putting on a new fan belt and making adjustments to the timing gear. Following the extensive restoration, he sandblasted, primed, and painted the entire tractor in only two days.
Houtz, a junior at PRHS, was familiar with the JB Dewar Tractor Restoration program, but this was his first year taking the plunge.
Atascadero Community Band
Concert proceeds will benefit Atascadero High School Band Boosters
ATASCADERO — Prepare yourself for a spine-tingling experience as the Atascadero Community Band presents “A Concert of Monstrous Proportions!” Join the band on Sunday, Oct.
27, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Atascadero Bible Church for an afternoon filled with eerie, enchanting, and mischievously magical music. With the spirit of the season in their hearts, the band will explore the enchantment and sheer awe of “Jurassic Park,” tiptoe through the “Time Warp,” and celebrate whimsy with “Heffalumps and Woozles” along with other eternal, spooky, and colossal classics.
PASO ROBLES — Paso Robles High School has a unique program called the Field Studies Collaborative (FSC). These are a collection of courses that have students doing botanical work on Santa Cruz Island, marine biology in the tidepools of SLO County, nature writing in Joshua Tree National Park, and astronomy using a global network of telescopes. The goal of these classes is to provide students with opportunities to collaborate with scientists and collect real-world data on various topics.
Ava Friedling, Jamie Barnet, and Daniel
With the help and encouragement of a family friend from Greenfield, Chris Parish, Houtz joined the program and worked on his tractor every weekend for 12 hours.
JB Dewar has been hosting the tractor restoration program for 24 years, with the goal of teaching engineering knowledge and time-management skills to young adults. Houtz won fourth place in San Luis Obispo County which was announced during Cattleman’s Day at the California Mid-State Fair in July.
“He asked me if I wanted to drive his tractor in the 4th July parade in Greenfield two years ago ... after he saw my interest in tractors, he brought up the JB program,” explained Houtz. Parish, who had nearly all the parts needed for the restoration, offered his Farmall to Houtz to restore for him. Houtz began his restoration on the tractor last year heading to Greenfield each weekend to work on it.
One of Houtz’s biggest challenges in the restoration was a crack in the rear end that caused it to leak oil. Houtz ended up having to find another tractor in the same model for the part. While he did find one, getting it was a project in itself.
Expect a musical adventure that will thrill and entertain all ages.
Taking the podium as the fearless guest conductor is Nick Waldron of Cal Poly, who will lead the band in taming these musical monsters. Collectively, they will breathe life into the bold, bewildering, and gargantuan compositions that will make this concert an unforgettable autumn event.
The Atascadero Community Band
Ventura participated in the FSC Astrometry Field Research Seminar last spring. They conducted research on a double star system (binary star) and collected images by using an observatory in South Africa (robotic telescope). They compared the relative positions of the stars to historic data from the U.S. Naval Observatory and wrote up their findings for the Journal of Double Star Observations (JDSO).
Their paper was accepted for publication in the July edition of the JDSO with Ava Friedling listed as the lead author. Friedling stated, “The field studies collaborative Astrometry Research program was so much fun and was so educational. It was incredible to learn how to use advanced technologies to analyze photographs and take data on the binary stars. The process of crafting the paper was also very cool because it showed us how to collaborate with a group and put our data into words. I am extremely grateful and proud to have been a part of this program because it has
This year, company will be donating proceeds to the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles, among
PASO ROBLES — Delta Liquid Energy, a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated propane marketing company headquartered in Paso Robles, is stepping up again to collect donations for those in need during the holiday season. Delta Liquid Energy will also be contributing donations to these organizations based on their needs. The drives will be starting Nov. 1 and will continue until Monday, Dec. 9 (specific dates vary per location) for donations of new, unwrapped toys for all ages, non-perishable food items, and monetary donations. This year, the company will be donating proceeds to the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles, the Community Action Partnership of Kern County, Friends of Tulare County, the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County, the Spirit of Santa Paula, and the Salvation Army.
Each Delta Liquid Energy branch is locally operated. In the same spirit, all donations collected will go directly back into the communities in which they were collected. Over the years, Delta Liquid Energy has pledged thousands of dollars to support these organizations and others like them. This year, they have committed to donating $7,500 company-wide to purchase toys, gift cards, and non-perishables to help these organizations and match donations received.
For the year 2024, it is continuing to accept donations both in person and shipped directly to its offices. In-person dona -
“It was buried in mud. Probably a good foot deep. We had to use two trucks pulling it, and it barely came out,” said Houtz. “It was pretty hard to get it out, especially since the tires were completely flat. They didn’t hold air at all.”
Houtz will be heading to the National FFA Convention held in Indiana, where he will be representing Paso Robles High School and competing against the top 12 finalists chosen from all over the country. The convention is scheduled for Oct. 22 to 25.
The success Houtz has seen with his first tractor restoration project was unexpected but exciting for him. He is hoping to restore another tractor and has his eyes set on a Ford Jubilee. With Houtz’s Farmall, Parish acted as a mentor and paid for all of the restoration costs. For the next project, Houtz will be on his own but is looking for donations to help him pay for parts for his Ford Jubilee.
Following graduation from PRHS, Houtz is considering attending a trade school for something either in mechanics or welding. He was offered a spot to attend the John Deere Tech Program, which he is also considering attending.
is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization of area musicians dedicated to keeping music and the arts alive in the local community. In the spirit of giving back, the band is wickedly delighted to announce that the beneficiary for this event is the Atascadero High School Band Boosters. Whether you are a long-time local music and arts supporter, or an avid monsterhunter, the band invites you to join
us for this extraordinary performance. Admission is always free, and donations are welcomed and will support music programs at Atascadero High School. The concert begins at 3 p.m., and refreshments will be provided. For more information about the Atascadero Community Band, please visit atascaderoband.org, or their Facebook page at facebook.com/ AtascaderoCommunityBand.
taught me several crucial foundations of research that I will take with me through my STEM major in college.”
The astrometry (“measurement of stars”) course is a collaboration between PRHS, the Institute for Student Astronomical Research (InSTAR), Los Cumbres Observatory (LCO), and Cuesta College. In addition to becoming published authors, the students also earned college credit through the Astronomy 299 seminar at Cuesta. Observations of double stars allow scientists to refine calculations relating to the orbits these stars have, revealing the mass of the stars, a real-life application of Kepler’s Laws. With tens of thousands of double stars discovered, repeated observations are needed to help expand our knowledge of the cosmos.
The astrometry course was first offered in Paso Robles in 2017. You can learn more about the discovery at drive.google.com/file/ d/15jc2AyeasX-pfL_tH2RVq_Ia04vrpYAB/view
tions are accepted in the offices and by the drivers while they are delivering propane. Shipping directly to Delta’s offices is also as easy as can be. Simply shop at your favorite online retailer and use the office as your shipping address. Additionally, some grocery stores offer online shopping and will hand deliver to the location of your choosing. Please check with your local store for the availability of this service.
Locations accepting donations:
• 1960 Ramada Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446 — Accepting
new, unwrapped toys for all ages.
• 755 Blosser Road, Santa Maria, CA 93458 — A virtual food drive has been established for those who would like to donate online.
• 1620 Lemonwood Drive, Santa Paula, CA 93060 — Accepting new, unwrapped toys for teens and young children, with their greatest need of toys for ages 10-12 years old.
42165 North Sierra Highway, Lancaster, CA 93535 — Accepting new, unwrapped toys for babies 0-3 years old.
• 321 E. Noble Ave., Bldg. A, Farmersville, CA 93223 — Please support Friends of Tulare County by donating directly or purchasing toys off their Amazon wishlist.
• 3400 Buck Owens Blvd., Bakersfield, CA 93308 — Accepting non-perishable food items. 5100 Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella, CA 93240 — Accepting non-perishable food items.
1582 Goodrick Drive, Unit #6B Tehachapi, CA 93561 — Accepting gift cards for teens.
About Delta Liquid Energy Delta Liquid Energy began in Paso Robles in 1936 as San Luis Butane Distributors with founders Harry and Iva Platz. It became Delta Liquid Energy in
Ava Friedling. Photo by Derek Luff
NONPROFIT
Paso Robles Senior Center hosts celebrate Seniors BBQ fundraiser
Community gathers for annual event with support from local Scout troops, firefighters, and businesses
STAFF REPORT
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles Senior Center held its annual Celebrate Seniors BBQ and fundraiser in October. It was truly a community event with Scout Troops 60 and 1602 led by Erin Westmoreland, who helped serve over 100 meals on Saturday, Oct. 5. Craig Armstrong and the Sunrise Rotary Club prepared and grilled the
delicious chicken and bread. Meals that Connect provided the salads. Local firefighters Justin Ludwig, Mike Orr, and Dustin Virgil served up root beer floats. Many of the Paso Robles Senior Center volunteers stepped in to lend a hand by taking tickets, making gift baskets, and donating art for the raffle. Central Coast Home Health and Hospice, Kelly Woolworth from Central Coast Medicare Solutions, Central Coast
Physicians’ Network, along with Peter Lucien from Central Coast Hearing aids, gave away “swag” and answered questions.
The next event, sponsored by the Senior Center, and open to the public, is the Craft Fair, Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 270 Scott St. in Paso Robles. There is no charge to attend. All are invited to shop for homemade treasures. Come find a gift for someone special or for yourself.
CONTACT INFO
P.O. Box 3120, Atascadero, CA 93423 (805)712-6356 atascaderogreyhound foundation.org
Atascadero, CA 93442 (805)461-1504 contact@alffoodpantry.org alffoodpantry.org
LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero
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: lighthouseatascadero.org
ALF Food Pantry
OUR MISSION: ALF Food Pantry is dedicated to providing nutritious groceries to the food-insecure residents of
ALF Food Pantry (formerly known as Atascadero Loaves and Fishes) is celebrating 40
to families and individuals. The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce honored ALF as the 2024 Community Organization of the Year. With an all-volunteer workforce, we distributed nearly 600,000 pounds of food in 2023, the equivalent of 360,000 meals. We provide quality fresh and shelf-stable ingredients to food-insecure people in Atascadero, Templeton, Santa Margarita, Creston, and California Valley. Clients have increased by 20% each year since 2020 and food costs are dramatically higher.
Donations: We need your help to allow us to continue our vital work. Donate today using our QR code or mail a check to ALF Food Pantry, 5411 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422.
United Way of San Luis Obispo County
EDUCATION. INCOME. COMMUNITY.
CONTACT INFO (805) 541-1234 unitedwayslo.org
CONTACT INFO
Offices in Atascadero, Paso Robles & SLO treeoflifepsc.com (805) 543-6000
CONTACT INFO 1000 Spring Street Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 237-3870 prcity.com
CONTACT INFO Operation Surf 80 San Francisco St. Avila Beach, CA (805) 544-7873 info@operationsurf.org operationsurf.org
CONTACT INFO 6875 Union Road Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 237-3751 redwingshorse sanctuary.org
United Way of San Luis Obispo County’s programs deliver the education and resources that can help families succeed, in the present and for the next generation. Our work is centered on three impact areas that give people the best start for a successful life: Early Childhood Education, Family Financial Stability and Community Strengthening. Please join us! Together we can do our part to make a stronger community in SLO County that benefits us all.
DONATE: Invest in lasting change through a charitable donation at unitedwayslo.org/donate
VOLUNTEER: Find a volunteer opportunity that fits you at unitedwayslo.org/volunteer
TREE OF LIFE Pregnancy Care Center
WOMEN. HEALTH. LIFE
Tree of Life has been helping women and families in our community for over 39 years. All services are FREE and confidential. Women facing pregnancy decisions can find compassion, hope, positive options, and practical help from our friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our goal is to provide resources to assist a woman in choosing life for her baby and then to parent or place for adoption. We also offer compassionate help for women struggling with the mental and emotional effects of a previous abortion. Donations: We’re grateful that all of our support comes from generous individuals here in our community.
Friends of the Paso Robles Library
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Support the Library through a Friends of the Library membership, starting as low as $10/year. The Friends of the Library appreciates 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. Support 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 information
Operation Surf
MISSION
Our mission is to channel the healing powers of the ocean to restore hope, renew purpose, and revitalize community. Operation Surf’s curriculum-based programs aim to inspire injured military and veterans to seek wellness in all aspects of their lives while providing the necessary resources, tools, and peer-to-peer support to continue this mindset indefinitely. By staying true to our core values of care, inclusion, commitment, integrity, and communication, we change participants’ lives – one wave at a time. Local Veteran Opportunities: OS3- Three Month Surf Program Application is Open! Apply via the website www.operationsurf.org OS3 is a three-month, locally-focused program that provides veterans with an opportunity to bond through surfing, keep each other motivated, and move forward in life with a new perspective. Focused on four key pillars of mentorship, unity, family, and the peace of surfing, Operation Surf inspires to make lasting change in the lives of our community.
Redwings Horse Sanctuary
For information about making donations, adoptions, etc, visit redwingshorsesanctuary.com. For upcoming events, visit facebook.com/pg/redwingshorses/events
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 fundraising, and more. Please submit the form below to schedule a volunteer training or contact our office: info@redwingshorsesanctuary.org or (805) 237-3751.
Atascadero Elks Lodge
CONTACT INFO 1516 El Camino Real, Atascadero, Ca 93422 805-466-3557 www.elks2733.org
ATASCADERO LODGE NO. 2733 Since 1987, the Atascadero Elks have contributed over $1,000,000 to local community-based programs, non-profits, youth groups, local sports teams, programs for handicapped and needy children, patriotic programs, veterans’ programs and many, many community activities. Our mission as Elks is to inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize our belief in God; to promote the welfare of our community; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; and to cultivate good fellowship. We have a full calendar of events and activities for our members.
To learn more
Craig Armstrong and the Sunrise Rotary Club prepared and grilled delicious chicken and bread for the Celebrate Seniors BBQ and fundraiser in October. Photo provided by the Paso Robles Senior Center
For more information, call 1-844-908-0605 (Cal-SCAN)
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PUBLIC NOTICE
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20241995 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: 1868 BRANDS, TAYLOR RANCH, 4885 GREEN VALLEY ROAD, CAMBRIA, CA 93428, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: TNT EQUIPMENT AND CUSTOM FARMING LLC, 4885 GREEN VALLEY ROAD, CAMBRIA, CA 93428 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization CA I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ TNT EQUIPMENT AND CUSTOM FARMING LLC, GARRETT TAYLOR, MANAGER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 09/19/2024 TRANSACTING BUSINESS DATE: NOT APPLICABLE CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.
ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By MKATZ, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 09/19/2029 PUB: 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17/2024 LEGAL CM 527
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20241928 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: LA MONTANITA VINEYARD, 9199 VIA LA MONTANITA, CAMBRIA, CA 93428, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: A MARRIED COUPLE: CHRIS W. OLSEN, 9199 VIA LA MONTANITA, CAMBRIA, CA 93423, DENYSE PYO OLSEN, 9199 VIA LA MONTANITA, CAMBRIA, CA 93428 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ DENYSE PYO OLSEN This statement was filed with
the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 09/09/2024
TRANSACTING BUSINESS DATE: 10/27/2009 CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.
ELAINA CANO, County Clerk
By MMALTBY, Deputy New Fictitious Business
Name Statement, Expires 09/09/2029
PUB: 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17/2024 LEGAL CM 528
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20241918 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: JM LIVESTOCK, 440 HUNTER PL, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: A MARRIED COUPLE: JOHN EVAN MORONES, 440 HUNTER PL, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446, MAGGIE MAE MORONES, 430 HUNTER PL, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ JOHN EVAN MORONES, OWNER
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 09/06/2024
TRANSACTING BUSINESS DATE: 02/01/2024
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By GUGALDE, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 09/06/2029 PUB: 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17/2024 LEGAL CM 529
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20241854 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: LA PIXCA FARMSTEAD, 5160 WHITE TAIL PLACE, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCT-
ED BY: AN INDIVIDUAL: CLEIDA CORRES, 5160 WHITE TAIL PLACE, PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA 93446 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ CLEIDA CORRES
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 08/29/2024
TRANSACTING BUSINESS
DATE: 08/08/2024
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.
ELAINA CANO, County Clerk
By
ATRUJILLO,
Deputy New Fictitious Business
Name Statement, Expires
08/29/2029 PUB: 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17/2024 LEGAL CM 530
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20241905 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: CALIFORNIA CUBS, 22175 H ST, SANTA MARGARITA, CA 93453, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: A CORPORATION: PRECISION AEROBATICS, INC., PO BOX 372, SANTA MARGARITA, CA 93453
If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization CALIFORNIA I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ PRECISION AEROBATICS, INC., BENJAMIN HODGES, PRESIDENT
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 09/05/2024
TRANSACTING BUSINESS DATE: 09/04/2019 CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By MKATZ, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 09/05/2029 PUB: 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17/2024 LEGAL CM 531
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20242021 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: CALIFORNIA WINE WORKS, LLC, LINE SHACK WINERY, HEART OF THE MATTER WINERY, 831 WINERY, HALF MOON BAY WINERY, CORUCE VINEYARDS AND WINERY, PERSIAN TRADITIONS WINERY, ALILA, MONTEREY PLAZA HOTEL, CORKS FOR COMPASSION, 86 GIBSON RD STE.2, TEMPLETON, CA 93465, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCT-
ED BY: A LIMITED LIABILITY
COMPANY: CALIFORNIA WINE WORKS, LLC, PO BOX 5236, PASO ROBLES, CA 93447 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization CA I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ CALIFORNIA WINE WORKS, LLC, ROBERT BALENTINE, MANAGING MEMBER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 09/24/2024 TRANSACTING BUSINESS DATE: 10/30/2004
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct
copy of the original statement on file in my office. ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By MSTILETTO, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 09/24/2029
PUB: 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24/2024 LEGAL CM 534
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20241983 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: KEAGAN IVANS INSURANCE AGENCY, 1316 TAMSEN ST., SUITE 204, CAMBRIA, CA 93428, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: AN INDIVIDUAL: KEAGAN IVANS, 1316 TAMSEN ST., SUITE 204, CAMBRIA, CA 93428 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ KEAGAN IVANS This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 09/18/2024 TRANSACTING BUSINESS DATE: 09/18/2024 CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By ATRUJILLO, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 09/18/2029 PUB: 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24/2024 LEGAL CM 535
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20241930 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: REMEMBER WHEN, REMEMBER WHEN TOO, 152 N. OCEAN AVE., CAYUCOS, CA 93430, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: AN INDIVIDUAL: JENNIFER MEINERS, 152 N. OCEAN AVE., CAYUCOS, CA 93430 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ JENNIFER MEINERS This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 09/09/2024 TRANSACTING BUSINESS DATE: 10/01/2019
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By MMALTBY, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 09/09/2029 PUB: 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24/2024 LEGAL CM 536
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20241771 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: MEDITERRANEAN SPICE, 1401 PARK ST #105, PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA 93446, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: A CORPORATION: SUFFIAN INC., 1401 PARK ST. #105, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization CA I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ SUFFIAN INC., MOHAMED REZK, CEO This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 08/20/2024
TRANSACTING BUSINESS
DATE: 08/14/2024
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By ATRUJILO, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 08/20/2029 PUB: 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24/2024 LEGAL CM 537
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20241996 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: CREEPY CRAFTERS, 9309 MUSSELMAN DRIVE- #3, ATASCADERO, CA 93422, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: AN INDIVIDUAL: BRADFORD CHARLES GOLDEN, 9309 MUSSELMAN DRIVE- #3, ATASCADERO, CA 93422 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows is false is guilty of a crime.) /S/ BRADFORD CHARLES GOLDEN This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County on 09/19/2024 TRANSACTING BUSINESS DATE: NOT APPLICABLE CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. ELAINA CANO, County Clerk By MMALTBY, Deputy New Fictitious Business Name Statement, Expires 09/19/2029
PUB:10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24/2024 LEGAL CM 538
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No 20242009 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS/ARE DOING BUSINESS AS: SCREEN AND SHADE CO., 5554 B TRAFFIC WAY, ATASCADERO, CA 93422, SAN
LUIS OBISPO COUNTY THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY: AN INDIVIDUAL: MICHAEL CURTIS, PO BOX 652, ATASCADERO, CA 93423 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization
Photos by Derek Luff
Good News • Real News • Your Hometown News
WORSHIP DIRECTORY
ATASCADERO GOSPEL CHAPEL
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 Center for Spiritual Living 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) 391-4465. awakeningways.org
St. William’s Catholic Church 6410 Santa Lucia Road, Atascadero, CA (805) 466-0849 www. stwilliams.org Weekday Masses : 10:30 AM Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:30 PM Sunday Masses: 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM Spanish FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH
9925 Morro Road, Atascadero; "The Church on the Hill"; An independent church committed to the teaching of God's Word.; Praise and Prayer–10 a.m.; Morning Worship–11 a.m.; Evening Worship–6 p.m.; Wednesday Prayer–6:30 p.m.; Nursery care and children's classes provided.; Pastor Jorge Guerrero; (805) 461-9197.
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA
A place of hope! Join us for in-person worship on Sundays at 9 A.M. Services are also streamed on 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.
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
940 Creston Road, Paso Robles; has Sunday worship services at 9:30 a.m; For more information, call the church at (805) 238-3702. Ext. 206.
ATASCADERO FOURSQUARE CHURCH–FATHER’S HOUSE
2100 Ramona Road. Sunday service at 10am. Will & Lori Barrow, Pastors; (805) 466-3191; fathershouseafc.com
ABIDE CALVARY ATASCADERO
4500 El Camino Ave (Downstairs, Rear Parking Lot) // info@ abideatascadero.org. Sunday Service at 9am, Children’s Ministry provided for ages 2yrs–6th grade. Pastors Chris Vanoli & Ben Eisenman // Love God, Love Others // Abiding closely with Jesus and teaching others to do the same.
THE REVIVAL CENTER
A division of Alpha Beth Ministries; 3850 Ramada Drive (corner of Ramada and Cow Meadow), Paso Robles; 805-434-5170; Pastor Gabe Abdelaziz; a charismatic non-denominational fellowship; Reaching People, Building Homes; Sundays 10am, Wednesday 7pm; alphabeth@tcsn.net, www.alphabeth.org; Instagram @the_ revival_center
COMMUNITY CHURCH OF ATASCADERO, UCC
5850 Rosario Ave. Service 10 a.m. (in person and on Zoom) Pastor Heather Branton (805) 466-9108 atascaderoucc.org
ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH
820 Creston Road., Paso Robles; (805) 238-2218- Parish Office open Mon-Fri 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; website: www.saintrosechurch.org; Mass times; Daily Mass- 8:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.; Tues. 7 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass 5 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.; Spanish Mass at 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. Father Rodolfo Contreras.
SANTA MARGARITA DE CORTONA CATHOLIC CHURCH
22515 “H” St, Santa Margarita (805)438-5383 Parish Office hours:Wed-Thur 9am-12pm Mass Times: Saturday Vigil Mass:5pm Sunday:10am Wed-Fri 10am Adoration Wed following Mass Confessions: Saturday 4pm and Sunday 9am
RESURRECTION ANGLICAN CHURCH
We are a “Mere Christian” congregation in the Anglican tradition. We are rooted in Christ and the authority of the Bible. We respect apostolic tradition and use The Book of Common Prayer. Whether you know anything about Christianity or not, visit us at 9:30 any Sunday morning at 9005 Santa Lucia Road. All are welcome. Text Pastor Cynthia with any questions at (828) 406-7253.
CONGREGATION OHR TZAFON"THE NORTHERN LIGHT"
Located at 2605 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA 93422. Friday Night Service 6:30 pm 805-466-0329 congregationohrtzafon.org
Be included in the Atascadero News & Paso Robles Press Worship Directory for an entire year at $175
Although we haven’t celebrated Halloween or Thanksgiving yet, it’s not too soon to be thinking ahead about Christmas. On Monday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Assistance League of SLO County will hold its 7th Annual Holiday Extravaganza at the Assistance Thrift Store, 667A Marsh St., San Luis Obispo. I’m serious when I tell you that this is an “awesome” event. There will be fully decorated trees and beautiful wreaths, vintage items, silver and china, and boutique clothing, all at thrift store prices. Of course, there will also be regular merchandise such as men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, household items, books, jewelry, art, and furniture. Visit the AL Thrift Store Extravaganza, which is a key source of funding for the phil-
Our heater in the house is on the fritz so I checked with a heating and air conditioning firm we’ve done business with in the past and was informed that I could get a new heater for ... are you ready for this ... only $5,000!
“Does that include a lifetime supply of gas or something?” I asked the salesman.
So, I started on my quest to find an alternate heating solution. The first option was that we could just go without a heater and freeze to death. Or we could buy more blankets and firewood. Then, I was struck by a fantastic idea. What could we use for fuel that we have plenty of and would be free? Cow chips, of course, that we could burn in our fireplace for free as the pioneers did.
My wife likes saving money as much as I do, and I’d almost convinced her about the cow chip idea until I told her that
Pastor G. Abdelaziz COLUMNIST
First, let me say thank you for taking a few minutes to read this article. My colleague, SarahKate Duran (who is my daughter), and I really enjoy bringing hope and peace into your lives. We believe there is such strength derived from the Word of God.
My sincere prayer for each of you is that the God of Heaven will reveal Himself in a supernatural way in your life. I pray for divine healing over your bodies – a real relief from your chronic pain, that difficulty and shortness of breath. As I write this, I sense someone is so tired that you
Nonprofits and pie toppings
anthropic program, Operation School Bell, providing new, school-appropriate clothing to students in need in SLO County schools. Last year the program clothed over 2,000 county students. For more information visit alslocounty.org. For the Thrift Store, call (805) 782-0824. Just a little reminder this week for Coats for Kids, since we need to begin to think about the weather getting cooler. Our Rotary Clubs are ready to get out the boxes and decorate them for collections in our North County communities. But right now, if you have coats, jackets, sweaters, or sweatshirts you are no longer wearing, you can drop them off at Plaza Cleaners in Atascadero or Paso Robles and Fashion Cleaners in Atascadero. The cleaners will clean them free of charge, and a member of our committee will pick them up for distribution in December.
Remember that the items need to be for children and adults and should be worthy of donation. We call them “gently used.” If you want to donate new items that would be wonderful, too. I will continue to keep you
posted with more information about box locations, dates, and other things.
Last week, I included the recipe for Pumpkin Slab Pie, and I promised to include recipes this week for toppings for the servings, so here we go.
Cinnamon-Maple Whipped
Cream
Ingredients:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions:
Beat whipping cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt in large bowl with electric hand mixer on medium speed, until frothy, about 1 minute. Increase mixer speed to medium-high.
Beat until stiff peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve a dollop on top of slice of cooled pie; garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Pecan-Praline Sauce
Ingredients:
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
Natural gas
because of my tender health, she’d have to be the one to collect the chips.
In my neck of the woods we only have to deal with nearly freezing weather for about one week of the year. Having written that I’m thinking the folks in North Dakota, Maine and Montana right now are saying, “What a wimp Pittsy is!” And I suppose I am. What can I say? I’m a fifth-generation Californian who has lived on, or near, the coast my entire life, where our weather is almost idyllic. All we have to put up with is fog and earthquakes. We don’t need, or have, air conditioning and hardly ever use the heater except at night when it might get all the way down to 45 degrees inside our comfy home. So you can see why spending $5,000 for something we’ll rarely use seems like an unnecessary allocation of our resources.
We were almost ready to pull the trigger on the heater when I remembered something I’d read about years ago. As I explained to my wife, “I don’t remember in what country it was, but the people’s houses were two stories, with the bottom story being
reserved for cows. Yes, cows. By cutting a few holes in the floor, the heat the cows produced naturally drifted upwards, and that is how they heated their houses.”
“Well, that gives new meaning to the words “natural gas”, doesn’t it?” asked my wife.
“It’s the perfect solution for us. We have all that open space underneath our house and we could kill two birds with one stone. A few cows could get out of the weather and they’d heat our house for free.”
“To make room for the cows what are you gonna do with all that worthless junk you’ve stored under the house?”
“We’ll sell all my valuable junk, but because of my tender health, you’ll have to remove it to make room for the cows, which will produce more cow chips that you’ll have to muck out in the spring. But just think, it’s an ingenious enclosed system that I’m sure any greeny would love. If we want to turn down the thermostat in the middle of the night, all you have to do is kick a couple of cows out from under our house.”
“Would we have to get a
Word of God
are having suicidal thoughts, and you are very fearful. I want to tell you that there can be peace in the midst of your grief.
Father God, I come before You in the Name of Jesus. I declare and claim the promises of God on behalf of my city and county. I stand upon 2 Chronicles 7:14 (AMP), “and My people, who are called by My Name, humble themselves, and pray and seek (crave, require as a necessity) My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear them from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land.” Lord, we are Your people. Thank You for intervening in our lives and healing the hearts of broken people. Father, Your Son Jesus promised us that Holy Spirit would be our Helper. Truly, at this time, we need His help. We need help maneuvering through these times of uncer -
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Directions: In a saucepan, combine dark brown sugar, unsalted butter, whipping cream, and salt. Bring to boil over medium-high, stirring often; let boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and pecans. Let cool 5 minutes. Spoon sauce over slices of cooled pie.
Pumpkin Seed Brittle
Combine 1 cup raw pumpkin seed kernels, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a medium bowl; toss to coat. Transfer to parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees until toasted, 9 to 10 minutes. Stir halfway through baking time. Cool 30 minutes. Break in clusters and scatter over cooled pie servings. Top with whipped cream, if desired. Barbie Butz is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email her at bbutz1@outlook.com
permit from the county?” asked my wife.
“Of course we would. After all, this is California where you gotta get a permit to flush the toilet.”
“But wouldn’t it smell something awful?” asked the wife.
“Not any worse than the natural gas that comes out of a pipe that they make smell like rotten eggs so you can smell a gas leak. Only instead of coming out of the orifice of a pipe our natural gas will come out of the orifice of a cow!”
“But when company comes to stay won’t we be embarrassed about heating with cows?”
“That’s the beautiful part about it. You know how we hate having company, right? If we install our cow heater I guarantee it will cut down on the number of house guests we have in the future. And even if relatives do come and try to use our home as a hotel where we cook and clean for them, I guarantee they’ll be getting an early checkout after only one night!”
Lee Pitts is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email them at leepitts@ leepittsbooks.com.
tainty and pain. So, on behalf of my readers, my city, and my county, I humble myself and do seek Your face.
Search us, O God, and know our hearts: try us, and know our thoughts: See if there be any wicked way in us, and lead us in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:2324). Father God, bring us to a place of true repentance. You promised that a broken and contrite heart you would not despise (Psalm 51:17).
Forgive our sin of self-righteousness and passing judgment inappropriately. Cause us to quit complaining about our lives, as we know many have it worse than we do. Father, as I quote a line from the movie “The Forge,” cause us to be a fountain and not a drain. O God, raise our contentment so that we can be healthy, loving so we will not be lonely, helpful so we will not be hopeless. Father
God, restore the joy of our salvation and renew a right spirit within us. Create in me and my readers a new heart (Psalm 51:10).
Father, I declare for many today to see a divine turnaround. I see open doors of deliverance and peace. Financial things that have been bound and seemingly clogged in the pipeline, will soon begin to flow like melted butter. When these things take place, cause us to remember how everything came about. May we not be afraid or ashamed to be able to say, “Look what God did.” May we not take credit as if it was something we did. I pray this in the Name of the Lord Jesus, the Lord of our breakthrough!
Pastor Gabe Abdelaziz is an independent columnist for The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; you can email him at alphabeth@tcsn.net
lee pitts COLUMNIST
barbie butz COLUMNIST
Paso Robles High School Alumni rekindle school spirit with inaugural Homecoming tailgate event
received a complimentary tasting and discount at Ancient Peaks Winery, a local sponsor.
with his former classmate and football teammate Trevor Waiton at the event.
By ELISA HUOT Contributing Writer
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles High School (PRHS) community rekindled its spirit with the Bearcat Inaugural Tailgate and Homecoming Celebration held on Friday, Oct. 11 at The Backyard. The event aimed to revitalize the Bearcat Boosters, a volunteer organization that supports athletics at the school, and reconnect with alumni and the broader community.
“Participation decreased during COVID, and we are looking to promote student sports while increasing support for our high school athletes,” said Katy Smith, secretary of the Bearcat Boosters.
Open to the public for $5 per person, the tailgate offered a variety of activities. Guests enjoyed music by DJ Blends, pictures by The 805 Photo Booth, and a chance to win Bearcat Boosters merchandise. The first 100 attendees
The Bearcat Boosters, dedicated parents, alumni, and fans, raise crucial funds to support Bearcat athletics at all levels. Their contributions provide athletic equipment, uniforms, awards, facilities, scholarships, and CIF postseason transportation.
Organizer Allen Bowman shared that the event came together as part of a much larger effort for the Boosters to reconnect with alumni and the community.
“As we approached Homecoming, we looked for a way to further our community outreach efforts and capitalize on the fact that homecoming coincides with Pioneer Day,” he said.
While Bowman did not attend Paso Robles High School himself, his wife is a graduate of the class of 1998.
“Our son played football and basketball for PRHS and our daughter is a current student who plays indoor and beach volleyball. I have taken on the role of connecting the Boosters to alumni who want to support the school,” he said.
“Sports were everything growing up,” said Amy, who played volleyball, basketball, and softball, and went on to coach basketball at the school. “Playing sports in high school grows strong connections and a sense of belonging.”
Amanda Wittsrom Higgins, Class of 2000, was one of Amy Baker’s student-athletes and helped to spearhead the event. “Hopefully everyone has a good time partying in the parking lot before heading to the football game to cheer on our Bearcats,” she said.
A highlight of the event was the chance to reminisce about school days. Attendees sporting their letterman jackets or cheerleading sweaters received free admission. Alumni shared stories and celebrated past athletic achievements like the 1998 CIF Championship win in football.
“There was always a sense of love with being a Bearcat and what it meant to be a Bearcat,” said Brett Collins, a 1999 graduate who lettered in multiple sports as he reconnected
Arlene Holst Krysinski (Class of 1970) and Holly Harris Driver (Class of 1971) attended after reading about the event in the local paper. “We were both in the band and active in student government,” said Driver, whose daughters also graduated from Paso Robles High. “This event brought back memories of past alumni gatherings at the Pioneer Museum while supporting the Bearcat Boosters.”
“We have had preliminary discussions about working with other businesses on this street to potentially grow this into a block party in the coming years,” said Bowman, who said the City of Paso Robles already has plans to make Railroad Street more pedestrian-friendly. “We would like to utilize the street, set up food vendors, and maybe add an open-air concert if the event gains enough traction.”
The Bearcat Boosters welcome those interested in supporting athletics at Paso Robles High School. For more information on becoming a member, visit their website at BearcatBoosters. com or follow them on Facebook.
of October 17 - 23
Amy and Russel Baker, owners of the Backyard, graduated from Paso Robles High School in 1992.
Held at The Backyard, event aimed to revitalize the Bearcat Boosters
Bearcat Pride was on display at the Backyard in Paso Robles during the Bearcat Inaugural Tailgate and Homecoming Celebration held on Friday, Oct.
