Colony Magazine #16 October 2019

COLONYMAGAZINE.COM

HAPPY COLONY DAYS!

Oct 31 - Nov 3 P a s o

R o b l e s

Music, education, and events dedicated to promoting the legacy of Ignacy Jan Paderewski

October 31

November 1

November 2

"Dracula Rising: Ghosts of Hollywood Past" with Ensemble 4 These Times.

Master Class with Gala Artist Pianist Takeshi Nagayasu

Youth Piano Competition Winners’ Recital

Music by Kaper, Korngold, Rozsa, and Vars.

Cass Winery No host buffet dinner, 5:30PM No host wine reception, 6:30PM Concert, 7PM $20

Costume Contest!

Friday

Cal Poly, Room 218 Free, 12:10AM - 2PM

Paso Robles Inn Grand Ballroom Free, 4PM

"Polish Baroque Treasures" with USC Thornton Baroque Sinfonia

Gala Concert with pianist

led by Adam and Rotem Gilbert

Park Pallroom in Paso Robles Wine reception, 6:30PM Concert, 7PM $35

www.paderewskifest.com 2 | colonymagazine.com

Saturday

Takeshi Nagayasu

Paso Robles Inn Grand Ballroom Wine reception, 6:30PM Concert, 7PM $40

805-235-5409

T O IC n Sa K le E N T ow S !

Thursday

Colony Magazine, October 2019

FEATURES

c ontents OCTOBER 2019

15

16

HALLOWEEN FUN IN ATASCADERO

TRICK-OR-TREATING, THE FARMERS MARKET AND ZOO BOO AT CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO!

15

MORRO BAY HALLWEEN EVENTS

PARADE HIGHLIGHTS

FAMILY FUN ON THE EMBARCADERO, ADULT FUN AT THE SIREN

WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO THESE EXCITING ENTRIES IN THE COLONY DAYS PARADE!

DEPARTMENTS

16

SOMETHING WORTH READING 06 Publisher’s Letter ROUND TOWN 08 Colony Buzz 09 Santa Margarita: Small Town, Big Heart COLONY PEOPLE 12 Colony Days Queen Bonne Scott 13 Colony Days King Jack Scott 14 Colony Days Grand Marshal Flora Adams EVENTS 18 Halloween Events in Morro Bay 20 Two in Tow & On The Go:

Tips for Taking Your Kids to Local Parades

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26

09

SLO County Office of Education: We Are One Community 32 Navigating Paso Wine Country 33 Pioneer Museum Trip with Sarah Pope 30

21

Pumpkin Patches of the North County 22 North SLO County Happenings

TOWN HALL 24 Atascadero City Council Report 25 SLO County Board of Supervisors Report 25 Measure A Passes for Templeton

LAST WORD 34 Mattsons Adopt Newspapers

TASTE OF COLONY 26 Taste of Americana:

The Month of the Pumpkin 26 Iron Oaks Winery opens in Paso Robles TENT CITY 29 SLO County Avocados Rebound

ON THE COVER 9-18-19 Atascadero News

By The Atascadero News

Colony Magazine, October 2019

Atascadero’s Premier Community Celebration

Downtown Atascadero & Sunken Gardens FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast 7-9am

Tent City After Dark Concert • Moonshiner Collective • • Bear Market Riot • • Arthur Watership • 6-10pm Colony Days Tent City Royalty Introduction 5:30-6pm

TICKETS

Colony Days Parade 10am

Historic Tent City Festival

Vendor Fair, Food & Amusements

Noon-4pm Dogtoberfest Wiener Dog Races

1-3pm

TENT CITY AFTER DARK

colonydays.org | a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Something Worth Reading “When understanding fails us, faith brings us home.”

ATASCADERO • SANTA MARGARITA CRESTON • MORRO BAY

THE STORY OF US • ISSUE NO. 16 PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nicholas Mattson PUBLISHER, OPERATIONS Hayley Mattson LEAD AD DESIGN Denise McLean

EDITOR, LAYOUT & DESIGN Luke Phillips PREPRESS PRODUCTION Sue Dill

CONTACT US

(805) 239-1533 colonymagazine.com publisher@colonymagazine.com

OFFICE: 5860 El Camino Real, Ste. G Atascadero, CA 93422

Barbie Butz Heather Young

Proud to be Local!

James J. Brescia, Ed.D.

Colony Magazine ©2019 is a local business owned and published by local people, Nicholas & Hayley Mattson *No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form by any means without written consent from Colony Magazine.

Meagan Friberg Neil Farrell

Find and Share ‘The Story Of Us’ Online at colonymagazine.com

Pat Pemberton Simone Smith

Like and Follow us: Facebook: @thecolonymag Instagram: @colonymagazine Twitter: @thecolonymag

AD CONSULTANTS Millie Drum millie@pasomagazine.com Pam Osborn pam@pasomagazine.com

Jamie Self jamie@pasomagazine.com

Carmen Kessler carmen@pasomagazine.com Dana McGraw dana@pasomagazine.com

“The person who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The person who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever seen before.”

Albert Einstein

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”

Dolly Parton

MAIL: P.O. Box 3996 Paso Robles, CA 93447

CONTRIBUTORS

Mark Diaz

Nicholas Mattson

Designed and Printed in California AD RESERVATION DEADLINE

8th of each month preceding publication

COLONYMAGAZINE.COM/ADVERTISE

OUR NEXT ISSUE: THE THANKSGIVING ISSUE | NOVEMBER 2019 PUBLICATION DELIVERY DATE: Thursday, October 31, 2019 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: Thursday, Oct 10, 2019

H

ave you heard the news?

We are truly grateful for the opportunity that was given to us to adopt the newspapers into our family of publications.

There is a great synergy between our monthly magazines and the weekly newspapers. Hayley and I are so excited about the new adventure in publishing.

When I left the Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press to begin magazine publishing, it didn’t miss the weekly grind of newspapers, but there was something missing from our monthly cycle as well. Now, the grind is back, and the juggle is real.

We took over the newspaper publishing on September 3, 2019 and it has been a rollercoaster to get things in place. The only way it was going to work was with some major changes, and now we have a lot of those changes done and have been getting some decent sleep.

There is something driving me inside that doesn’t let me count good enough as a goal, and also something that pushes me to want to give more. So even when things are all under control, my mind races.

I’m not sure how much more we can dream as a family, because it is a little surreal. This is what we want to do, however. We want to be a source of good and truth and honor for our community. Neither my wife or I are veterans, but as citizens of our great country and community, we are blessed with the opportunity to make a difference and honor those that served — not only with articles highlighting our veterans and other heroes, but also with stories about the good people at home enjoying, celebrating and honoring the freedom we are blessed with.

This is a great community, and we are bonded to each other. If it weren’t for such an amazing community, we would not have the ability to publish the great stories we do. We are now embarking on a fully-realized purpose of publishing and recording “The Story of Us” for Paso Robles.

We want to give a heart-felt thank you to those who “do things worth the writing” so we can “write things worth the reading.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT UPCOMING ISSUES AND EDITORIAL THEMES, SEE OUR MEDIA KIT AT PASOMAGAZINE.COM/ADVERTISE

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Atascadero 93422 • Morro Bay 93442 • Santa Margarita 93453 • Creston 93432

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Please enjoy this issue of Colony Magazine.

Nicholas Mattson 805-239-1533 nic@colonymagazine.com

Editorial Policy

Commentary reflects the views of the writers and does not necessarily reflect those of Colony Magazine. Colony Magazine is delivered free to 22,000 addresses in North San Luis Obispo County. Our costs are paid entirely by advertising revenue. Our Local Business section spotlights select advertisers. All other stories are determined solely by our editors.

For advertising inquiries and rates email publisher@colonymagazine.com, or contact one of our Adversting Representatives listed above.

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If thou wouldest win Immortality of Name, either do things worth the writing, or write things worth the reading.

— Thomas Fuller, 1727

Colony Magazine, October 2019

Wayne Cooper Memorial Lighthouse Golf Benefit

Saturday, October 12 Chalk Mountain Golf Course

Sponsor a Hole for LIGHTHOUSE at lighthouseatascadero.org Register to play 805-466-8848

By Joebe ll Coffee Ro a asters

The Hope Chest Emporium

Old Ranch and Antique to Just-Made Local Goods We Carry a Unique Blend

October 2019, Colony Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 7

| Colony Buzz

What Now for Our Local Newspaper?

Atascadero News now publishes on Wednesday, with a new-old look

F

or the past seven years, I’ve spent life in the trenches of local journalism and my wife has run a 10-office medical service.

We have a family motto — “I am so much, you are so much, and together, we are so much more.”

We feel that way about each other, our kids, but also our team and our community.

Adopting the local newspapers into our family also brought the need to expand our team.

Interesting to note, we didn’t purchase the company that owned the newspapers. We did purchase the publishing rights and property, including the subsidiary publications, websites, and the historic hardbound archives of the Atascadero News that the Atascadero Historical Society graciously stewarded for several months, and we are working to get them back where they belong.

Three days after the purchase, we were introduced as the new owners and the former publisher let the entire staff go; we were given a short opportunity to assess the team and offer positions to those who could fit our new publishing model.

Unfortunately, the company had been losing money in the newspapers for many years. This is a tough business and being local is a key factor in success. With our faith in our communities, we took on a big challenge of restoring faith in local publishing, and being a part of what is next for local news publishing in the 21st century.

We were fortunate to have a fantastic team behind us already driving the magazines, and have been afforded the opportunity to provide full time work to three of our team members.

We were exceptionally excited to expand Carmen Kessler and Dana McGraw into full time ad consultants, and Mark Diaz as our full time senior writer. All three had spent a great deal of effort in helping our magazines become better every month and their dedication and commitment paid off when we were provided this opportunity.

We already had former Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press editor Luke Phillips on as our magazine editor and he expressed his excitement about the opportunity to get back into the newspaper business, where he started his career.

We needed a sports writer and were glad to hear Connor Allen’s passion for his community and opportunity to continue giving local student-athletes and kids the spotlight and connection to their community. We are proud to come to an agreement with Connor to continue his work covering our community sports and more.

Our next decision had major implications for the direction of our company. We had two strong candidates to manage a large workload of marketing, design and editing. One choice would make our marketing and design

hand stronger, and the other would make our editorial team stronger.

After debate, we decided our best position would be to offer Brian Williams newspaper editor of both Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press and improve our news-based signature. We were very pleased at his acceptance. We know that with our team around him, we will have a much-improved local newspaper with focus and responsibility on what matters to us as local residents.

Along with new full time employees, we retain the best network of freelance contributors we don’t have room to even begin to mention.

As of this writing, it has been less than two weeks since we were introduced as the new owners of The Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press.

Unfortunately, we had no capacity to rehire all the previous employees of News Media Corp.

We didn’t let anyone go, and are grateful to those who assisted the last couple weeks to help us get through an abrupt transition. We now prepare to continue the great heritage of The Atascadero News and The Paso Robles Press.

You might notice the immediate change in the newspapers. Our mastheads are a throwback to a simpler time, but we live in a present that has never seen so much opportunity. We will publish through 2019 with our retro mastheads — which go back 50-100 years in time when

The Atascadero News and The Paso Robles Press touted the Old English typeset in their titles.

We will also include “The” in the masthead to strike a chord with our community because we are not “some” news or “some” press. We are The Atascadero News and The Paso Robles Press — the ones and only.

We’ve made decisions about our right to publish with the power of free enterprise and local economy behind us. We don’t just want to be the best newspapers on the Central Coast, we want every visitor to our communities to see our city emblazoned with pride across the masthead of a newspaper filled with good, real, hometown news.

We take our opportunity and responsibility to serve a free society with a free press with all the respect deserving of our first amendment rights and preservation.

Our respect for the truth is equal to our respect for our community.

We will apply our dedication to delivery of “Good News, Real News, Your Hometown News,” because we know what a great community has to offer. Together, we “do something worth writing,” in multiple languages, and we will continue to “write something worth reading.”

Please support your local free press by choosing us for your local advertising.

Sincerely yours, Nicholas and Hayley Mattson, and the Colony Media family.

Reliable Power.

Performance you can trust!

Atascadero Chamber of Commerce 2018 Business of the Year

805-466-2218 • 5025 El Camino Real • www.glennsrepair.com 8 | colonymagazine.com

Colony Magazine, October 2019

Santa Margarita |

Community, Heroes and the Uncertain Future of SANTA MARGARITA’S

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

O

Simone Smith

n El Camino Real, in the heart of downtown Santa Margarita, you can find a small, unassuming building that houses a very important and most respected part of the community, the Santa Margarita Volunteer Fire Department. The department is the hub of activity for the Santa Margarita Fire Protection District, established on August 2, 1921 by the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. Being surrounded by a single property owner (the Santa Margarita Ranch), the Fire Protection District serves properties on 307 acres within the boundaries of the town proper.

In nearly 100 years since it’s special district designation, the area served has not changed much with revenue remaining low while costs and time requirements to provide today’s standard “essential services” has increased exponentially.

The recent dissolution of the Cayucos FPD left Santa Margarita FPD as the sole single service special district in the County, but with the latest vote

by Templeton residents approving a $180 per year parcel tax to maintain and improve their local fire protection, changes are happening.

History was quiet in regard to the Santa Margarita Fire Protection District from its inception in 1921 until around 1962. Stories go that during those early years there was no firehouse and any equipment was located wherever it was most convenient for whoever showed up to help, but a new era was about to begin.

Herb Brazzi, the man who would become the first Fire Chief of the new Santa Margarita Volunteer Fire Department, said the County had given the town a 1938 International fire engine with a Barton-American 250-gallon pump and 300-gallon

October 2019, Colony Magazine

tank for fire protection but it was rarely used and was parked behind various businesses or homes in town.

Nothing much changed until 1962 when Vern Stewart got wind of talks to substantially raise the district fire tax and he started looking into the situation.

In his research, Vern found fire district tax dollars were going directly to Mr. Claud Proud, then Secretary of the Board of Fire Commissioners of Santa Margarita, owner of the Shell Star Garage (now the Antique Barn), running the “Claud Proud Fire Department” and responding to any fires himself. According to Mr. Brazzi the engine hadn’t been maintained in years and barely ran, was difficult to get to being housed in a narrow area on a concrete pad behind the building and had frayed hoses.

Vern Stewart and Herb Brazzi decided that they could do better and started the process for what would become the new, and greatly improved organization of the Santa Margarita Fire Protection District. The community rallied, a General District Election took place and Vernon L. Stewart was certified as being elected to the office of Fire Commissioner o n April 20, 1963.

Progress continued rapidly with the establishment of a Fire Board to oversee the income and distribution of funds for the Fire District, Herb Brazzi was made the first Fire Chief and they started drumming up volunteers.

A “nice lady” donated property as a site for a new firehouse and money in an existing reserve fund was used to build the new (still current) Santa Margarita Fire Station and to purchase a brand new 1965 model, white, Ford outfitted by the Apache Fire Truck Company of El Monte, California.

The department’s first white truck was equipped with a bumpermounted 700 gallons-per-minute pump and a 500 gallon tank (still in use up until 1995). Herb Brazzi remained Fire Chief until his retirement after the Highway 41 fire in 1994.

The Santa Margarita community loves its volunteer

Fire Chief Bob Murach

fire department who have come to their aid many times over the years, most notably during the major fire events of the Highway 41 fire and the 2015 Cuesta Fire. SMVFD is very involved with the community, approving and participating in Fourth of July Parade activities, hosting an annual Easter Egg Hunt, providing public outreach on Fire Safety to the school and more.

The department not only serves the district but also provides first responder auto-aid through an agreement with the county covering the area from Garden Farms to the bridge on Highway 58 and from Highway 101 at Santa Barbara Road and fro the north base to the south base of Cuesta Grade.

The recent dissolution of the Cayucos FPD prompted the Special Districts Fire Protection Study for the County of San Luis Obispo in November, 2018, in which Santa Margarita FPD was reviewed along with four other special district areas. The study, with input from SMFPD President John Wilkins and Chief Bob Murach, found SMFPD to be in serious financial trouble given that the primary funding source is a small portion of property taxes, based on their volunteer operational costs in 1978 when Prop. 13 took effect.

This rate has barely increased and is now at only 7.89 percent,

translating roughly to a mere $79 per $100,000 of assessed property value per year going to SMFPD. The study continues to state that the “future of SMFPD is unclear beyond five years” and that sustainability during that time is “predicated on the ability to recruit and retain paid call firefighters and develop staff into officers.” Also, with the ability to only borrow three times their annual budget, SMVFD has relied extensively on “grants and donations for support equipment procurement and operations” and even though SMVFD owns property to build a new station, the cost is far beyond what’s possible at this point.

SMVFD staffing currently consists of one part time Fire Chief, one part time Deputy Chief, one Paid Call Firefighter (PCF) Captain, one PCF Lieutenant, four Paid Call Firefighters and four new recruits.

Chief Bob Murach says they always need new volunteers who must go through the Firefighter Academy, taking a one-year minimum of training before becoming a PCF. Volunteers from all walks of life are welcome to show up and go through a drill held at the station every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. You must be 18 to join and 21 to drive. SMVFD is located in the heart of town at 22375 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita.

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WHEN BONNE MET JACK

JACK AND BONNE SCOTT Named Colony Days King and Queen

W

By Patrick Pemberton

hen Bonne first laid eyes on Jack, the two college students were holding pitchforks, shoveling cow manure.

Jack was assigned to the Hereford steers; Bonne got the short horns.

“Really romantic, isn’t it?” Bonne asked with a laugh.

And yet despite that (ahem) romantic setting, it wasn’t quite love at first sight.

Bonne had no plans to date. And Jack seemed aloof.

“Jack had a little white dog,” Bonne remembers. “I love animals, and I asked him if I could pet the dog and he said no. It’s amazing our relationship went farther than that.”

But here they are — 60 years after they were bonded by beef.

Bonne (pronounced “Bonnie”) and Jack Scott, this year’s Colony Queen and King, have spent decades close to each other. But they started out 4,500 miles apart.

While Jack grew up in tropical Hawaii, Bonne and her family braved the cold Lake Erie winters in Ohio. There they lived in a quaint neighborhood, where neighbors were also watchful relatives.

“You couldn’t get away with anything because someone would tell on you,” Bonne said.

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But those cold Ohio winters took a toll on Bonne’s little sister.

“She had pneumonia five times before she was six years old,” Bonne said.

When doctors said she wouldn’t make it through another Lake Erie winter, the family went west, to California, where Bonne’s father worked as a bricklayer in Fontana. Growing up in California, Bonne, who was nine when they left the Buckeye State, became known for a string of firsts: First female to take an Ag class in her high

school. First female cheerleader at Cal Poly.

First female president of the Kiwanis Club. First female DJ on the Central Coast.

“I was never good at listening to people telling my why I couldn’t do something,” she said.

Since she liked animals, she decided to study animal husbandry at Cal Poly. And then Jack arrived with a pitchfork.

“When I went to Cal Poly, I wasn’t interested in dating,” Bonne said. “I wanted to get my degree. I was planning on being a vet.”

As it turned out, she wasn’t quite committed to that. She went through multiple majors before settling on architecture and design — graduating 20 years after their wedding.

“The same year our oldest son graduated from high school,” Jack said.

“I said it took me a while,” Bonne added. “I had one husband, four kids and five majors.”

Bonne had several jobs: She created education exhibits at fairs. She was a morning DJ for easy listening station KIQO. She taught art. She sang in a country and Western duo.

“I sang for a number of years, from Solvang to Vegas,” she remembered.

While some might say she broke barriers — such as becoming the second woman to join the Kiwanis Club — her main motivation was just being near Jack.

“I sort of like the old dude.”

Colony Magazine, October 2019

J

ack doesn’t remember his first date with Bonne but he assumes it was something as simple as a cup of coffee and a slice of apple pie.

“We were real, real poor then,” he remembers.

But in the late 50s, the Madonna Inn was still a work in progress, providing the young lovers an opportunity to bond over a life’s passion, building things.

“We’d go in and wander around and watch what the woodcarver had done that week,” Jack said.

Eventually, Bonne and Jack Scott — this year’s Colony Parade royalty — would build on their own property. But they started out 4,500 miles apart.

While Bonne’s family lived in Ohio, Jack was born in Hawaii — his father, formerly of the Scottish army, was recruited to work in sugar plantations there. When he was 3, Jack’s hometown was attacked by Japanese planes.

“I remember the planes going over,” he said. “I remember seeing some of the dust from the planes strafing there. Air raid warnings came after that.”

October 2019, Colony Magazine

"We never had the money in the early days to hire an architect, to hire someone to build a barn.

So we just did it ourselves."

Too young to be afraid, Jack sur vived the Pearl Harbor bombing. And he went on to lead an agricultural lifestyle in Hawaii.

“I’ve never been on a surfboard in my life,” Jack said, bucking the island life stereotype. “And I don’t play the ukulele either.”

A track athlete in high school, he delivered newspapers, was an R.O.T.C. officer and hauled feed from the Port of Honolulu. But he was more interested in animals than pineapples and sugar. So he went to California to pursue an agriculture degree.

In June of 1961, Bonne turned 20 on the 17th, Jack graduated on the 18th, and they got married on the 20th.

It was a momentous four days.

After getting his teaching credential, Jack taught high school

for five years, then agriculture at Cal Poly for the next 33.

“Loved every bit of it,” he said.

Along the way, Jack was heavily involved in community activities, serving as livestock superintendent at the California Mid-State Fair and president of the Kiwanis Club in Atascadero. He also helped build the Faces of Freedom Veteran’s Memorial, the bandstand at Atascadero Lake Park and the restoration of Pine Mountain.

But some of his most memorable building was at the Scott home in Atascadero.

When Bonne first showed him the simple two-bedroom house, its lawn filled with weeds and trash (“It has potential!” she insisted), Jack was taken aback. But through the years, the couple went to work, hammering beams side-by-side.

They doubled the square footage of their home, built a barn, sheds, and a studio, learning how as they went.

“There was always a house being built at about that stage,” Jack said. “We’d just go prowl through the (other) house and see how they anchored that corner down or how they fastened those walls together, and we’d go back and do it ourselves.”

Bonne, trained in architecture, drew up modest plans and submitted them to the county for approval.

“We never had the money in the early days to hire an architect, to hire someone to build a barn,” Bonne said. “So we just did it ourselves.”

Needless to say, they work together well. And when the Colony Days Parade starts, the two will work together again. But this time, the work will be a little more laid back.

“This year I don’t have to do any work on the parade,” Jack said. “We get to ride in one of the first cars that goes through. That way they can get us back to the viewing stand so we can sit there and clap as everyone goes by.”

colonymagazine.com | 13

FLORA MAE ADAMS 2019 Colony Days GRAND MARSHAL Has Been Caring for Atascadero's Young People for Decades

T

By Luke Phillips

his year’s Colony Days Grand Marshal is all about family, raising children the right way and making sure the next generation of young Atascaderans is on the right path. At 89-years-young, long-time Atascadero resident Flora Adams has more than enough wisdom to go around and doesn’t mind sharing it with the multitudes of youngsters in her life, including her 27 grandchildren and 37 greatgreat-grandchildren.

“You gotta be real close with your children,” she said. “You gotta teach them — some friends they don’t need. Keep your friends that’s good and do what’s right. When they came home and they did something wrong, I spanked their butts!

I raised my kids the old-fashioned way and all my children are doing good. They participated in sports and they were good — I didn’t have no bad reports for none of them.”

Born in New Orleans on January 19, 1930, Flora is the daughter of George Smith, a factory worker, and Azzalle Smith, a house cleaner. After she graduated from Washington High School in 1947 she went to work cleaning houses with her mother. She met and married John Davis Adams, a Mississippi native, and the couple had 11 children before moving to Atascadero in 1964 where they had another child.

“It’s changed a lot [since then],” Flora said.

“People are more friendly. When I first came here a lot of people were racist. But people changed, the kids went to school and made friends with their children and a lot of them came to my house. It ended up being real nice.”

John worked in underground construction until he was injured when a large boulder fell on his foot. Unable to return to construction after the injury, John opened the first auto detailing business in Atascadero. For more than 10 years

Flora worked for the Atascadero Head Start program, teaching youngsters life skills for four hours per day. To this day, Flora still has former students approach her with fond memories of her classroom.

Flora is all about family but that family is not limited to blood relatives. After raising all 12 of her own children — all of whom attended and graduated from Atascadero High School, including local high school football star Carlos Adams — Flora and John took in and adopted several foster children, filling their lives with love and guidance. She also adopted two of her own grandchildren who live with her now.

“She’d take anybody in whether she knew you or not,” Carlos Adams said. “I have friends that still pass by and say they’re a friend of Carlos’ and she says, “Come on in!” She’s very welcoming to everybody, she’s just a welcoming committee. No matter how hard your circumstances have been, she’d let you in and give you a fair chance. She’s always been one to help out anybody.”

Carlos said that some of the “riff-raff ” his mother allowed into the house made him worried for her safety.

“But a couple of years down the road and these people would have straightened themselves out — she just changed people,” Carlos said. “She’s a healing type of woman.”

When he heard that his mother had been named the Grand Marshal of Colony Days, Carlos said that she is more than deserving.

“She’s the greatest lady in the world,” he said.

“She deserves bigger awards, but that’ll do.”

Carlos said that growing up, his mother was always a disciplinarian but he’d “rather get disciplined by her than my dad John,” he said.

“She was a great lady — she was fair, she was honest, she just told it like it was and didn’t hide anything,” he said. “She’s just a great person. My favorite woman in the world.”

When her grandson Derrick learned that his grandmother was going to be the Grand Marshal of Colony Days, he said, “It’s a wonderful thing.”

“It’s a great honor and she deserves it,” he said. “She’s been taking care of kids her whole life and she adopted me and my sister.”

Flora often travels to visit her sister and brother in New Orleans and her grandkids in San Diego but when she’s home, she’s always surrounded by a steady stream of grandkids and great grandkids and is still busy imparting her wisdom.

“Spend time with your children,” she said.

“Grandmothers should help with the children.

One thing I am against is the drinking alcohol and the drugs. If you want your children to do right, you've got to be an example and so far I am lucky.”

BigJohnInsurance.com

( 805 ) 466-7744

Home • Auto • Life • Bank • Financial Services

14 | colonymagazine.com

Colony Magazine, October 2019

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS in Atascadero

By Melissa Allen

TRICK-OR-TREAT ON ENTRADA

A t a s c a d e r o ’s Business Improvement District will present the annual Trick-or-Treat on Entrada on Thursday, October 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Times are subject to change as it tends to get dark around 7 p.m.

Families can dress up in their very scariest Halloween garb and visit more than 30 participating local merchants for trick-or-treating in a fun and safe environment.

The Trick-or-Treat on Entrada, which is in its tenth year, has been organized by the Business

October 2019, Colony Magazine

Improvement District since 2018.

“Each year the event has grown — 2018 we prepared for 300 kids and we estimate that we had about 500,” said Anna Pecharich, owner of Anna and Mom on Entrada Avenue. “We anticipate we will have an even larger turnout this year. We are happy to offer a safe environment for families to come and enjoy Halloween.”

In addition to the trick-ortreating, kids and families can wander through a hay maze, enjoy some music and participate in a costume contest. There will even be a costume contest for pets because who doesn’t love a dog in an outfit? “ We invite nonprofit organizations that are not located in the downtown to participate in the event as well,” Pecharich said.

“Last year, Woods Humane Society held the pet costume contest, and The Elks held the costume contest for kids. We look forward to them taking part in the event again this year.”

This event is free for attendees and as a safety precaution, Entrada Avenue will be closed on Halloween from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit: visitatascadero.com/events

ATASCADERO FARMER’S MARKET — HALLOWEEN EDITION

Atascadero’s Wednesday farmers market will continue as scheduled on Wednesday, October 30 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. However, there will be a fun twist since it is the day before Halloween. Attendees who show up to the farmers market in costume will receive a treat from the farmers.

Sunken Gardens is located at 15 East Mall in Atascadero.

ZOO BOO AT THE CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO

The Zoo Boo is back at the Charles Paddock Zoo on Saturday, October 26 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This all-ages event promises some spooky Halloween decorations throughout the zoo with carnival games, activities, a haunted house and Halloween treats. Attendees are encouraged to wear their fun, creative, scary costumes as there will be a costume contest.

Tickets are $13 per person ($12 for zoo members). Children 2 and under get in free. Tickets are available at the zoo box office.

For more information about Zoo Boo, visit charlespaddockzoo.org or call 805-461-5080.

colonymagazine.com | 15

2019 COLONY DAYS PARADE Highlights

T

By Luke Phillips

he 46th Annual Colony Days Parade will return to the streets of Atascadero on Saturday, October 4 at 10 a.m. featuring a colorful array of floats, marching bands, equestrian entries, vehicle entries, community organizations and more. The parade begins at 10 a.m. with the parade route beginning near the Adobe Plaza on El Camino Real and marching north along ECR and then east on West Mall, ending just past City Hall.

The following entries are expected to be some of the highlights of this year’s parade:

Atascadero Community Church

The Atascadero Community Church, winner of last year’s Sweepstakes Award for their circusthemed float featuring a Ford F150 dressed up as an elephant and pulling a big top tent, will be back this year with a new float to wow their fellow Atascaderans.

This time the pull vehicle will be made up to look like a sailboat and will be pulling a giant “wave” filled with children from the community who will be playing the part of surfers. Float organizer David May said that the float will have 31 spots available for passengers and any children in the community who would like to ride in the parade sign up for a spot by calling him at 805-466-8610 or by calling the Community Church at 805-466-9108. All passengers will be required to have a signed parental consent form.

“A parade is supposed to be fun and it’s supposed to be for kids,”

16 | colonymagazine.com

May said. “Every kid in Atascadero who wants to be in the parade should be able to and we should make it fun and inclusive.”

May said that the float will also feature a big smiling sun and the music of the Beach Boys. May organize the float-building efforts and several members of the church pitch in to help bring it to life.

The AHS Marching Band will “It’s a lot of work for three hours but if some kid gets some joy out play “Carry On My Wayward Son,” of it, that’s the cool part,” he said. by Kansas. Drum majors Liliana Garcia and Kiana Lambert will lead the marching band along with drum captain Benjamin Chester.

The band is under the direction of Nate Conrad.

The PRHS Marching band will march in a combined band with members from the city’s two middle schools, led by PRHS band director Aimee Ware, assisted

by Sonny Galvan, director of the Flamson and Lewis Middle School Escuela Del Rio Escuela Del Rio is well known bands. Emily Plale will lead the for their elaborate and artfully color guard and Justin Butcher will designed floats at the Colony Days lead the percussion section. The Parade and their entry is always combined band will present their one of the most highly-anticipated. street march, “Let’s Get Loud!”

Past entries have included a vehicle full of minions from the movie “Despicable Me,” and a giant, steaming volcano.

The group has one numerous awards for past parade entries including the Judge’s Award last year. They have also one the parade’s biggest honor, the Sweepstakes Award, multiple times including in 2017, 2014, 2012 and 2011.

For this year’s parade, Escuela Greybots Atascadero High School Del Rio will be woring on building a float that highlights the many Greybots robotics team members wonderful locations on the Central will be riding on a float in the parade along with mentors, Coast as you cruise Highway 1.

“Escuela del Rio enjoys parents and their World Champion supporting Atascadero’s Colony robot Fireball. The robot helped Days and appreciate all the support the Greybots win the FIRST we get from our great community,” World Championships robotics competition in Houston, Texas said Program Director Eric earlier this year. The Greybots served as team captains for an Marching Bands As of press time, marching alliance of four California teams. bands confirmed for the parade The Greybots now hold the elite included Atascadero High School status of teams that have won three Greyhound Marching Band and World Championship titles and the Paso Robles High School they will automatically be invited back next year.

Bearcat Marching Band.

They Greybots manufactured 90 percent of the parts used to assemble Fireball at their shop at Atascadero High School.

The team is currently practicing for its off-season competitions with one scheduled for September 27-29 and other for November 8-10. The teams competition season will kick off on January 4, 2020.

Team members will be selling raffle tickets at the Colony Days Parade for a chance to win one of two $500 VISA gift cards. All funds raised will go toward the teams trip to the 2020 World Championships in Houston.

Friends of the Atascadero Library

The Friends of the Atascadero Library will debut the community star dancers and choreographers for the 2020 Atascadero’s Dancing With Our Stars event, dancing along the parade route in a choreographed routine.

Next year’s show is set for March 26-28 and will benefit seven local nonprofit organizations including the Atascadero Library, Atascadero Performing Arts Center Committee, Central Coast Dance Foundation, Atascadero Police K9 Foundation, Friends of the Charles Paddock Zoo, North County Economic Foundation and Templeton Community Library Association.

Following the dancers will be Barry Lewis driving his vintage Jeep, carrying event producer Jeannie Malik, show director Molly Comeen and 2015-18 show director Frank Sanchez.

The theme for the 2019 show will be “Prime Time Atascadero: Season 11” and will highlight popular TV shows past and present.

Colony Magazine, October 2019

Volunteer Call for COLONY DAYS!

T

By Heather Young

execute different tasks throughout the year.

"Volunteering for a community event like Colony Days is so important to keep it going,” Atascadero Colony Days Volunteer Coordinator Candice Hubbard said. “It's a big event and takes a lot of people to put it on. From helping organize parade packets to setting up the Tents in Tent City, there's a job for everyone.”

he 46th annual Atascadero Colony Days, which is the city’s premiere community celebration for all, will take place Oct. 4 and 5. Volunteers are the heart of Colony Days, as the event is put on by volunteers.

The more hands the event has, the lighter the work. While there are volunteers that work year-round to organize the event, many volunteers are also needed Some of the volunteer the weekend of the event and the opportunities include: week before, as well as to plan and • Photography, videography and

October 2019, Colony Magazine

videographers and social media specialists — will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m., location TBA. Parade volunteers will have a training on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m., location TBA. A training for all other volunteers will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 1 in the evening, location and exact time TBA. To sign up to volunteer or to learn more about the event, go to ColonyDays.org and click on the Volunteer tab or contact A training for marketing Hubbard at 805-602-8153 or volunteers — photographers, candicehubbard101@gmail.com. social media • Setting up tents • Moving items from storage into the tents • Setting up electrical and lights • Setting up tables and chairs • Doing various jobs at Tent City After Dark • Picking up trash throughout the event • Taking everything down after the event • AND MORE

colonymagazine.com | 17

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS in Morro Bay

I

By Melissa Allen

FOR THOSE 21 AND OVER

f you find yourself in Morro Bay this October and aren’t sure what to do in the sleepy town for Halloween, here are some annual events to keep you in the Halloween spirit:

FOR THE KIDS

For those in Kindergarten through eighth grade (and younger, too) the Trick-or-Treat event on Main Street and Morro Bay Boulevard will be back for its sixth year on Thursday, October 31.

Jon Elliott, the owner of Mike’s Barber Shops in Morro Bay, helped to get this event off the ground six years ago while at a Lion’s Club meeting discussing what Morro Bay lacked in Halloween-related events.

“The consensus was — we didn’t really do much in this town for Halloween,” Elliott said. “My hometown in northern California did an event similar that I modeled

18 | colonymagazine.com

this event after.”

When asked what brings the event back year after year, Elliott said it is a group effort between several Morro Bay entities and it continues to be a fun event for the kids.

“The kids like the event, getting candy and having fun in the carnival’s closed-off street area,” Elliott said. “The town and City supports it and helps with the resources needed. The Chamber and Visitor Center help and many volunteers.”

Map pick-up will start at 3 p.m. at Grandma’s Frozen Yogurt & Waffle shop at 307 Morro Bay Boulevard. The map will guide

kids and parents to more than 100 local businesses that will be passing out candy in a safe and fun environment. At 5 p.m., the kids can show off their spook-tacular costumes in a parade followed by a costume contest. Everything will wrap up around 5:30 p.m.

Back by popular demand, the Morro Bay Police Department will have its haunted house at the police station at 850 Morro Bay Blvd. This will run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with the trolley running from Main Street to the Police Station.

Both the trick-or-treating event and the police station haunted house are free of charge to anyone who wants to join the fun.

For the third year in a row, The Siren will throw its annual Halloween Costume Contest on Saturday October 26 from 8:45 p.m. to 11 p.m. Doors will open at 8 p.m. The cover charge is $10 and can be purchased online ahead of time.

Attendees can win cash prizes for categories such as “spookiest costume” and “funniest costume.”

Santa Barbara-based Everything’s Fine Five will be performing a long list of covers from artists ranging from the Beach Boys to Abba to Chaka Kahn, Elton John and more.

The Siren is located at 900 Main Street in Morro Bay. For more information or to purchase tickets for the Siren Costume Contest, visit eventbrite.com/e/siren-annualhal loween-costume-contestparty-feat-everythings-fine-fivetickets-68656827419

Colony Magazine, October 2019

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October 2019, Colony Magazine

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colonymagazine.com | 19

10 Tips for Taking Your

Kids to Our Local Parades

Tonya Strickland

T

he North County’s heritage will once again be on full display this fall with tractors, classic cars, and all the grandeur brought by the Colony Days and Pioneer Day parades. So it’s time to grab the kiddos, line our city streets and show some community spirit!

But not go crazy in the process. And for that, I bring you parade tips. Lots and lots of parade tips.

Except, this time, I turned to my trusty Facebook readers for all the parade 411. And you guys did not disappoint! From pre-parade accessory prep to what to bring, there are some real handy nuggets here.

But before I get to the tips, can I take a moment to be corny?

You may or may not know that I was the North County government reporter for The Tribune for what feels like a million years, give or take. I didn’t have children for most of my career there. (I ended up staying home after No. 2 was born). Year after year, I covered these cherished North County parades. I talked to Pioneer Day royalty and learned their fascinating backstories steeped in history, I whittled down all the Colony Days parade routes and road closures, and I weaved “Leave your pocketbook at home!” into all the briefs. I knew these parades inside and out.

Or, so I thought. Truth is, I never really experienced these parades until I became a parent. I told you it was corny!

But hear me out.

In 2017, my then 3-year-old daughter Clara was part of a beginning ballet class for Class Act Dance, and we were invited to ride on the company’s float in the Pioneer Day Parade. It was a 70s style hippy/groovy float with glittery streamers and tie-die and all the fun music. Little Clara and I got to ride on the float together, and no joke while I was watching her little hand cup into a princess wave at the crowd, I almost cried.

It’s such a trip for me being a Paso Robles parent with kids actually taking part in the traditions I wrote about when I was just an outside observer. As a mom, not only do I get to experience events firsthand but I also get the treat of seeing them through my kids’ eyes. And there’s just no amount of article writing that’s going to replace that feeling.

OK. Now that I’m done crying on my keyboard… here are those tips I promised you!

To readers, by readers! (some comments edited for clarity and brevity).

20 | colonymagazine.com

Clara and Wyatt in our wagon at the Santa Margarita 4th of July Parade.

1. DOLLAR STORE PREP Wagon and snacks! Sunglasses and sunscreen! I also paint my own kids’ faces before we go, and get flags or whatever at the dollar store so they don't feel left out when I don't want to spend $$$ on all the fun extra stuff. … It might not be the BEST face paint, but it does the job and makes them happy! Throw some spray glitter in their hair too and they feel like the coolest kids at the parade! - Tanya Vierra 2. FUN FAKE TATTOOS I do themed tattoos for the holiday! - Amie Wadsworth

6. HEADPHONES AND HATS If your kiddos are on the sensitive side with environments, headphones can help. Hats also help to narrow the visual overwhelm. If you are afraid of losing kids, write your phone number on their arm! And pack a lot of patience! - Sherrie Medinger Fabricius 7. BASKETS OR BAGS (If the) parade throws candy, something to put it in is helpful! - Jacqueline Clark 8. BACKPACK CHAIRS For sure a wagon for the kids, an umbrella for shade and or rain, and lots of snacks and yummy things. I bring a chair I can carry on my back. And, if ever possible, always take chairs early to drop off.

-Trish Juarez

3. SCOUT BREAKFAST EARLY We enjoy breakfast somewhere within walking distance (of the parade route), and we set out our chairs ahead of time. We love to dress up — for Pioneer Day, it’s all cowboy hats and bandanas. For the Christmas parade, we hit the dollar store for Santa 9. SIT NEAR THE START hats and light-up necklaces! - Eva Downs When you pick a spot, plan for where the sun will be an hour later. Sometimes spots that start out 4. CASH IT UP sunny end up shaded or at least with the sun not Always Bring cash. Because we always forget straight in your eye, lol. I like to find a spot close to and our poor kid never gets to have face paint or fun the beginning of the parade before the Downtown snacks.

Park if some of the older tractors break down, - Ashley Mendenhall which makes the parade longer at the end of the 5. NOISEMAKERS, GLOWSTICKS route. - Valerie Gilliss If it’s during the day, noisemakers are fun for 10. SIT CLOSE TO A RESTROOM the kids: cowbells and kazoos. At night: dollar store I try to be close to a bathroom because my pottyglow in the dark necklaces and bracelets. If it’s trained toddlers have to go a million times. We also warm, we love our clip-on fans for the stroller. Bring take the wagon or stroller for all three kids with child-friendly bowls for the Pioneer Day Bean Feed. lots of snacks and their water bottles - Shannon It’s always easier for my kids to eat if they eat from Tamplin Schomp familiar plates. - Jennifer Garibay

Colony Magazine, October 2019

SLO County Pumpkin Patches Carve out some fun and have a gourd time!

professionally designed corn maze, hay rides, games, a playground and more. Corn cannons for additional cost. During the last two weekends in October, bring your flashlights for the night maze from 7:30 to

By Melissa Allen 10 p.m. Large selection of carving kits for sale as well as fresh produce and 70 varieties of s Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote in 1842 pumpkins and gourds. in The American Notebooks: “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as CHESEBOROUGH FARM autumnal sunshine by staying in the house."

Address: 790 Moss Lane, Templeton So if you find yourself sitting on your couch Phone: 805-434–0843 wearing leggings and flannels, drinking your Website: chesebroughfarm.com pumpkin spice latte lamenting the end of Hours: 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. daily summer, here’s a list of fall activities in North through October.

County that Hawthorne himself would likely Offerings: An old fashioned farm experience approve of: with carriage rides and pumpkin cannons on weekends. Many varieties and colors of winter BROOKSHIRE FARMS squash and pumpkins as well as plenty of other Address: 4747 Los Osos Valley Rd, fresh produce and endless photo opportunities.

San Luis Obispo On Saturday, October 19, Cheseborough Farm Phone: 805-549-8733 will host its third annual Tractor Pull.

Website: brookshirefarms.com Hours: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to JACK CREEK FARMS 6 p.m. weekends through October.

Address: 5000 Highway 46 West, Templeton Offerings: $11 per person on weekdays, Phone: 805-239-1915 $15 on weekends. Admission includes a

A

Website: jackcreekfarms.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through October.

Offerings: Families can enjoy the oldest pumpkin farm in the region and, for $1 per person, gain entry into a family fun area that includes tractor tire garden, butterfly garden maze, farm animals, a wooden train and more.

The farm’s eighth annual Pumpkin Palooza will take place Saturday, October 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 which includes entry into the Pumpkin Painting Corral where you can select one pumpkin from the bunch and have access to art supplies to decorate your pumpkin.

RIVER “K” PUMPKIN PATCH

Address: 5670 North River Road, Paso Robles Phone: 805-441-8250 Website: facebook.com/riverkpumpkins Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through October. Corn maze open later for groups by appointment.

Offerings: One of the largest corn mazes in the county as well as a pumpkin patch with all shapes, sizes and colors to choose from. Corn maze is $5 per person, admission to pumpkin patch is free.

• 805-464-2633

October 2019, Colony Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 21

North San Luis Obispo County

HAPPENINGS The 46th Annual

OCT. 4&5

Colony Days Celebration

A

tascadero's annual Colony Days Celebration will return Oct. 4 with the Tent City After Dark Concert and continue Oct. 5 with the Colony Days Parade, the Tent City historic recreation and the annual Dogtoberfest wiener dog races. There will also be a vendor fair in Sunken Gardens immediately following the parade.

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 4-Saturday, Oct. 5. Parade begins at 10 a.m., festival closes at 4 p.m.

WHERE: Sunken Gardens, 6505 El Camino Real in Atascadero HOW MUCH: Free and open to the public!

MORE INFO: colonydays.org

OCT.

OCT.

3

OCT.

4

5-6

OCT. 4 Tent City After Dark Featuring the Music of: Moonshiner Collective Bear Market Riot Arthur Watership Enjoy an evening under the stars, paper lanterns, inside the Historic Tent City for a one-of-a-kind event with food, beer, wine, and music.

WHEN: Friday, October 4 • 6-10 p.m.

WHERE: Sunken Gardens, Atascadero HOW MUCH: $20 pre/$25 door MORE INFO: colonydays.org

OCT.

5

Colony Days Mixer

Nightmare on Main Haunted House

Morro Bay Harbor Festival

Templeton Oktoberfest

WHAT: Meet the Colony Days Royalty and Grand Marshal at the Tent City historic recreation WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 3 WHERE: Sunken Gardens, 6505 El Camino Real in Atascadero HOW MUCH: Free!

MORE INFO: colonydays.org

WHEN: Oct. 4,5,11,12,18,19,25,26,30

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 4 - Sunday, Oct. 6 WHERE: 1210 Embarcadero

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 5, 1-5 p.m.

WHERE: Templeton Community

& 31, 7-10 p.m., Nov. 1,2 7-10 p.m.

WHERE: 99 Main Street

in Templeton HOW MUCH: $10 per person, $17 for front-of-the-line VIP

MORE INFO:

in Morro Bay

HOW MUCH: $6-10, $5 for Morro Bay residents

MORE INFO:

Park, 550 Crocker St.

HOW MUCH: $35-45 MORE INFO: Visit

templetonoktoberfest.com

mbhf.com

nightmareonmain.com

OCT.

OCT.

12

19

SEPT.

Oct.

26

31

Paso Robles Pioneer Day

Atascadero Lake Clean-Up Day

Zoo Boo at Charles Paddock Zoo

Trick-or-Treat! on Entrada

WHEN: Saturday, October 12,

WHEN: Saturday, October 19

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26, 5-8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Charles Paddock Zoo,

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 31, 5-7 p.m.

WHERE: Entrada Avenue HOW MUCH: Free!

MORE INFO:

Parade begins at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Paso Robles Downtown City Park HOW MUCH: Free!

at 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: Atascadero Lake, meet opposite the Lake Park playground HOW MUCH: Free!

pasoroblespioneerday.org

RSVP to friendsofataslake@gmail.com

MORE INFO:

22 | colonymagazine.com

MORE INFO:

9305 Pismo Ave., Atascadero HOW MUCH: $13 per person, $12 for zoo members (children 2 and under are free).

visitatascadero.com

MORE INFO:

charlespaddockzoo.org

Colony Magazine, October 2019

COMMUNITY CLUBS & MEETINGS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS North County Newcomers

General Membership Meeting and Luncheon: Wednesday, April 3 The Groves on the 41, 4455 Hwy 41 East, Paso Robles from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $30; must RSVP by 3-24. Visit northcountynewcomers.org

Active Senior Club of Templeton

First Friday, 10:30 a.m., Templeton Community Center, 601 S. Main St. Meetings include a presentation on relevant local issues, often followed by a luncheon. Membership is $5 per year. Contact Templeton Recreation Department with questions. 805-434-4909

Coffee with a CHP

Second Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., Nature’s Touch Nursery & Harvest, 225 Main St., Templeton.

North County Multiflora Garden Club

Second Wednesday, 12 to 3 p.m. at PR Community Church, 2706 Spring St., Paso

Robles, Public is welcome, no charge, guests welcome. Call 805-712-7820 or visit multifloragardenclub.org

Exchange Club

Second Tuesday, 12:15-1:30 p.m. at McPhee’s, 416 S. Main St., Templeton. 805-610-8096, exchangeclubofnorthslocounty.org

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 465

Second Wednesday, 7 p.m. at Paso Airport Terminal, 4900 Wing Way. Getting youth involved with aviation, EAA465.org

Monthly Dinner Estrella Warbirds Museum

First Wednesday, 6 p.m., guest speakers. 805296-1935 for dinner reservations, ewarbirds.org

North County Wines and Steins

First Friday of the month (Jan-May; Aug-Nov),

6 p.m. at Templeton American Legion Hall, 805 Main St. Meetings include wine and beer tasting, speaker or program and potluck. winesandsteins.org, 805-235-2048

Central Coast Violet Society

Second Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Creston Village Activity Room, 1919 Creston Road, Paso Robles. Email Znailady1@aol.com with any questions.

Atascadero Republican Women Federated

4th Tuesday at 11 at Atascadero SpringHill Suites Marriott atascaderorepublicanwomenfederated.com.

Daughters of the American Revolution

First Sunday. For time and place, email dmcpatriotdaughter@gmail.com

CLUBS & MEETUPS American Legion Post 220

805 Main Street, Templeton • 805-610-2708 Post Meeting — second and fourth Wednesday, 6 p.m.

Elks Lodge

Atascadero Lodge 2733 • 1516 El Camino Real • 805-466-3557 Lodge Meeting — second and fourth Thursdays

Loyal Order of Moose

Atascadero #2067 • 8507 El Camino Real • 805-466-5121 Meeting — first and third Thursday, 6 p.m.

Bingo — first Sunday, 12-2 p.m.

Queen of Hearts — every Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Pool League — every Wednesday

Kiwanis International

Atascadero — 7848 Pismo Ave. • 805-610-7229 Key Club — every Wednesday, 11:55 a.m.

Kiwanis Club — every Thursday, 7 a.m.

Lions Club

Atascadero Club #2385 • 5035 Palma Ave. Meeting — second & fourth Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Santa Margarita Club 2418 • 9610 Murphy St. Meeting — second and fourth Monday, 7:30 p.m.

Templeton Club 2427 • 601 Main St. • 805-

434-1071 Meeting — first and third Thursday, 7 p.m.

Optimist Club

Atascadero — dinner meetings second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Outlaws Bar & Grill, 9850 E. Front Rd. or call 805-712-5090

Rotary International

Atascadero — 9315 Pismo Ave. Meeting — every Wednesday, 12 p.m. at Atascadero Lake Pavilion Templeton — 416 Main St. Meeting — first & third Tuesday, 7 a.m. at McPhee’s Grill

Advertise your business and events with Colony Media!

Local Newspapers Monthly Magazines Online Options Quarterly Travel Magazine & Vino • More!

Call us today! 805-466-2585 or email nic@colonymedia.us October 2019, Colony Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 23

ATASCADERO CITY COUNCIL REPORT

Council approves expansion of ECHO services, hours

T

he Atascadero City Council adopted a resolution to expand the services of the El Camino Homeless Organization. Founded in 2001, ECHO provides food, shelter and supportive services to those in need.

A presentation by Phil Dunsmore, the City’s Community Development Director, requested tweaks to the current ECHO operation and management plans that affect its minor use permit and zoning laws. Among the changes suggested were an increase of 10 additional beds and changes of the current staff/ client ratio from one staff for every 25 clients to one staff for every 30 clients. The most significant alteration requested consisted of opening the facility to daytime operations.

"This would make this a daytime shelter...

It allows families and medically fragile clients a place to be druing the day."

“That’s a very significant thing,” Dunsmore said. “This would make this a daytime shelter for those clients so they can get them programmed into things that are really going to help them out.

It allows families and medically fragile clients a place to be during the day.”

One former client spoke against adding daytime hours to ECHO, voicing concerns that people would take advantage of the daytime hours and that the facility also ran the risk of beginning to “feel like home”

instead of being a springboard to self-reliance.

In response, Executive Director Wendy Lewis reassured the Council that concerns of client complacency have been taken into account.

“When you come into our program,” Lewis said, “you have a case plan and your case plan includes forward progress. The idea being people would be at the facility getting resources, still working with case management and getting increased case management.”

Lewis gave an example of a young man working swing and night shifts and stated that the new hours would provide him a place to sleep during the day. She said that the changes would bring an expansion of services and in turn create a higher client turnover by moving people forward quicker.

“We have community partners waiting in the wings to extend those opportunities because of the time schedule change,” Lewis said.

While at the podium, Lewis took the opportunity to address the lack of childcare in the area, calling it “a huge community need.” The State funds a preschool program for ages three to five, but Lewis said finding childcare for children under the age of three is the biggest hurdle for parents seeking employment.

“That is a big gap that we need to look at,” she said.

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24 | colonymagazine.com

805-434-4848 Colony Magazine, October 2019

COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REPORT

Adelaida District Water Draws SLO BOS Attention

T

By Mark Diaz

he San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors took its first step in addressing water use concerns the in northwest portion of Paso Robles, known as Adelaida. In response to persistent concerns voiced by residents about water use and sustainability, the board unanimously passed a motion to employ the United States Geological Survey to study the area.

Water derived from drilling in the area does not come from the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin but from pockets located in its fractured bedrock. Finding water in f ractured bedrock possess significant challenges. Basins act similar to an underground lake, allowing wells to draw

“There’s a lot of fear in this community in the Adelaida area” water as long as they are below the waterline, whereas trying to find water caught in pockets of fractured rock is more akin to drilling for oil.

Currently, Adelaida is roughly defined as the land west of Paso Robles and Templeton that extends south from Lake Nacimiento to Santa Rita Road.

However, the Adelaida District as defined by the America Viticultural Area is much smaller at an estimated at 883 acres and is home to 30 wineries, one of which is Justin Vineyards & Winery which drew public

outrage for clearcutting 100 acres of oak tree and was cited by SLO County for illegal land grading.

The board authorized the USGS to complete the first portion of a five-stage project that involves compiling existing data and defining the borders of the area.

City staff estimated the cost for the first stage at $64,238 and year to complete. The board also included the development of an information website in the project at the recommendation of Geoff Cromwell from the California Science Center of the USGS.

“There’s a lot of fear in this community in the Adelaida area,” said Supervisor John Peschong.

“A lot of it has come from people who have moved in over the last [few] years, drilled deep wells and then we also had a drought and that combined to have an effect on people’s homes.”

Supervisor Bruce Gibson chimed in, supporting the project and asked that the defined study area be as broad as reasonably possible and be determined by the USGS. The overall five-year study would cost $592,824 and would include collecting new groundwater date, analyzing hydrologic systems and developing a comprehensive USGS report. Once completed, the board of supervisors can use the findings to determine how to govern water use and drilling in the area.

Templeton Voters Approve Measure A More Than 77 Percent Voted for 24/7 Emergency Staffing

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he communit y of Templeton showed strong support for Templeton Fire and Emergency Services in a special property tax election on August 27 in which 77.49 percent of voters approved 24/7 staffing for the unincorporated fire department.

“I could not be more happy with the love and caring support that the community of Templeton has shown toward our fire and emergency services,” Fire Chief Bill White said.

Of the 4,702 property owners eligible to participate, 48.51 percent cast their votes; 1,766 voted in favor of the tax, while 513 opposed it. For an annual cost of $180 per parcel property, the tax is expected to provide $486,000 per year to support round-the-clock staffing.

October 2019, Colony Magazine

By Melissa Chavez

Currently, only 6 cents of the 8.4 cents collected from property taxes is allocated to Templeton Fire Department, which is modestly staffed during office hours to serve the community. Nighttime hours are covered by firefighters only when they are available and able to stay at the fire station.

Since 2010, Templeton has experienced a 75 percent increase in service calls, 60 percent of which are medical incidents. Cal Fire Engine 30, which covers an area of 60 square miles and provides backup to Templeton Fire, was unable to respond to almost 14 percent of 911 calls in Templeton as they were already handling other incidents.

Templeton Fire and Emergency Services firefighters are also committed to playing a significant role in support of the cancer

community. Last February, the annual flower sale at Templeton’s firehouse collected $15,000 and netted $8,000, which was donated to fund cancer research. For the annual Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Firefighter Stairclimb event in Seattle last March, Templeton firefighters funded their own expenses, including airfare and accommodations. In 2018, TFD raised $18,788 and increased its 2019 tally to $21,661.

Increased grassroots support played a significant part in rallying financial assistance for the department’s projected deficit and Templeton isn’t alone in its struggle to maintain its 120year record of service. Due to inadequate funding, the Cayucos Fire Protection District (Station 56) disbanded in December 2018. Now that the firehouse

Fire Chief Bill White

is administered by Cal Fire, a permanent plaque commemorates the Cayucos Fire Department’s 70 years of service to the community.

“I was an emotional wreck after the preliminary votes were posted and we saw how much the community had rallied around our department,” White said. “I was in tears as I hugged Fire Captain Brandon Wall.

So much energy and effort has been put towards the education campaign and really spreading the word to the community as to the value of keeping Templeton Fire and Emergency Services properly funded.”

colonymagazine.com | 25

| Taste of Americana

The Month of the Pumpkin Barbie Butz

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t’s October and on my calendar I call it the “month of the pumpkin.” I love pumpkins but then who doesn’t love those versatile and nutritious cultivars of a squash plant?

The pumpkin was one of many foods found to be used by Native Americans when the Pilgrims arrived in the New World.

I’m sure they would all be surprised at the recipes using pumpkin that are found in generations of cookbooks published after the first Thanksgiving! Pumpkin is used in everything from pancakes to desserts and many delicious dishes in between.

Can you imagine a Halloween without a pumpkin, or a Thanksgiving without a pumpkin pie? But, in case you’d like to refresh your pumpkin menu, here are some starters: Vegetable Stuffed Pumpkins Ingredients 4 small cooking pumpkins with stems 2 loaves dry Italian bread 3 cups julienne carrots 2 cups julienne zucchini 2 cups julienne yellow squash 1 onion, chopped 1 eggplant, chopped 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped 10 mushrooms, sliced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cups vegetable stock ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon nutmeg Juice of 1 lemon 10 cups water Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut a circle around the stem of each pumpkin.

Remove and reserve the circles to us as garnishes. Discard the seeds from the pumpkin shells. Remove and discard the crust from each bread loaf. Crumble the bread into a bowl. Saute the carrots,

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zucchini, yellow squash, onion, eggplant, tomatoes, mushrooms, and garlic in the olive oil in a skillet until tender. Add the sauteed vegetables and vegetable stock to the bread and mix well. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Spoon the mixture into the pumpkins; drizzle with lemon juice. Arrange the pumpkins in a 13x9-inch baking dish.

Pour the water around the pumpkins. Bake, covered with foil, for 25 to 40 minutes or until done to taste. Transfer the pumpkins to a serving platter. Set a pumpkin circle with stem to the side of each pumpkin for garnish.

Note: I would suggest serving an individual pumpkin on a small plate like a bread and butter plate. Makes four servings.

Creamy Pumpkin Polenta Ingredients 5-1/3 cups water 1 teaspoon salt 1-1/3 cups yellow cornmeal ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¾ cup canned pumpkin ½ cup cream cheese, cubed Salted pumpkin seeds, optional.

Directions In a large heavy saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle boil, slowly whisk in cornmeal and nutmeg.

Cook and stir with a wooden spoon for 15-20 minutes or until Polenta is thickened and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the pan. Stir in pumpkin and cream cheese until smooth. Sprinkle each serving with pumpkin seeds if desired.

Pumpkin Praline Creme Brulee Ingredients 6 egg yolks ¼ cup maple syrup 1 cup heavy whipping cream ½ cup canned pumpkin ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract 4 teaspoons brown sugar ¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted Directions: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and syrup. In a small saucepan, heat cream over medium heat until bubbles form around sides of pan. Remove from the heat; stir a

small amount of hot cream into egg yolk mixture. Return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Stir in the pumpkin, cinnamon, vanilla and ginger. Transfer to four six-ounce ramekins or custard cups. Place ramekins in a baking pan; add one inch of boiling water to pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until centers are just set (mixture will jiggle). Remove ramekins from water bath; cool for 10 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Two hours before serving, place ramekins on a baking sheet. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Broil eight inches from the heat for 4-7 minutes or until sugar is caramelized. Sprinkle with toasted pecans.

Refrigerate until chilled. Makes four servings.

Pumpkin Chiffon Torte Ingredients Crust 20 gingersnap cookies, finely crushed 1 tablespoon butter, softened Filling ½ cup milk 2 envelopes (0.25 ounce each) unflavored gelatin ½ cup sugar 1 can (16 ounces) pumpkin 1 container (8 ounces) frozen light whipped topping, thawed ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground cloves Directions For crust, combine cookie crumbs and butter in a medium bowl; press onto bottom of greased 10-inch springform pan fitted with a flat bottom.

For filling, pour milk into large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high 30-45 seconds or until very warm (120 degrees). Sprinkle gelatin over milk, whisk until gelatin is dissolved. Stir in sugar. Add pumpkin, whipped topping, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves; whisk until smooth. Pour filling over crust; refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until center is set. Loosen torte from rim of pan; remove rim. Yields 12 servings.

Happy pumpkin days ahead!

Colony Magazine, October 2019

October 2019, Colony Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 27

| Business Spotlight

‘Vino Cowboy’ DOUG BURKETT launches IRON OAKS WINERY

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By Mira Honeycutt

owntown’s Railroad district is morphing into a hip industrial hub of Paso Robles. A handful of automotive garages are transforming into wine tasting rooms and beer bars. Iron Oaks Winery is the latest to join this group of bars and eateries.

Opened in July, the Iron Oaks Winery tasting room is riding on a western theme, probably because owner and “vino cowboy” Doug Burkett is a rancher and winemaker. To put it correctly, Burkett is a wine blending master.

“I buy stuff that needs another wine to do it better,” he said of his business model.

Burkett sources bulk wine from local wineries and then adds his blending techniques before bottling it as Iron Oaks wine.

Burkett grew up in Los Angeles and soon found his way to the Central Coast and enrolled at Cuesta College.

He worked in the wine business for ten years and had a gig as a self-proclaimed professional mechanical bull rider while bartending in Sacramento. During that period he started the Rebel Coast Winery in 2012. But the family’s cattle farm, the B Ranch in Hernandez Valley near King City beckoned, so he abandoned the wine business for ranching.

The wine world drew him back when Burkett launched Iron Oaks Winery with his first release of four wines from 2016 and 2017 vintages. The wine label art is as wild as the cowboy vibe in the tasting room. The white wine bears flipped images of a mountain range and Los Angeles skyline, the Condor pays homage to the birds found on Burkett’s family ranch and Rage & Romance mimics the tattoo on his arm — of a gun blasting out confetti.

We started our four-wine lineup tasting with the refreshing Wild As You Rosé, a blend of 13 different Rosés, showing notes of watermelon and guava — an ideal poolside wine. Flipside, a blend of pinot gris, viognier, chenin blanc and sauvignon blanc, had notes of

this year for his white wine production.

“We don’t need to age white wine,” he said, conscious of the financial strain that comes with red wine production. Red wine requires aging and therefore financial return is delayed, he explained. Besides, “white wines are awesome.”

The inspiration for the winery’s name comes from the proximity to the railroad, therefore the “iron,” and as a homage to Paso Robles, Burkett added “oaks” to the name.

“I’m in the cattle business so I’m a cowboy,” he said, pointing to the horseshoe on the logo, which is in fact turned upside down, normally a sign of bad luck. “I was born on Friday the 13th so I don’t believe in that,” he laughed.

But there’s more than wine at Iron Oaks. Burkett pointed to the large freezer tucked under the tasting counter that holds a selection of steaks from his ranch. The beef club program offers three packages — the Ranch Hand, the Foreman and the Land Baron that range from $125 to $250 per box of steaks and assorted meats.

The spacious tasting room sports saloonmeets-industrial decor with exposed ceilings and a patchwork of reclaimed corrugated metal, brick and distressed wood panels as wall coverings.

The room opens onto a courtyard and a deck that overlooks the busy 101 freeway. Visitors can relax on the deck, enjoying Iron Oaks wines or playing corn hole. Nearby, the parked vintage Airstream trailer will soon become home to a food truck-style kitchen serving grub to pair with the wines.

The tasting room is open daily, from noon to 8 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 10 p.m. on weekends. On Wine Wednesdays, the progressive wine pours are quite a bargain with wines priced by the glass at $4 served at 4 p.m., escalating to $5 at 5 p.m. and ending at 6 p.m. with glasses priced at $6.

“I was born on Friday the 13th so I don’t believe in that”

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stone fruit on the palate and a fresh mouthfeel.

In the red wine category, the 2016 Condor was a bold fruit-forward blend of petit verdot and cabernet sauvignon while the 2017 Rage & Romance, a merlot driven blend with petit sarah and tempranillo, is a robust wine that

would make an ideal pairing with grilled meats.

Burkett plans to keep his annual production small, under 500 cases, and will continue with the four wines that he bottles from sourced bulk wine. However, he plans to source fruit

Colony Magazine, October 2019

Stumped

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By Neil Farrell

he recent, multi-year, severe drought hit local agriculture pretty hard as SLO County farmers, ranchers and growers all faced serious water shortages.

Many avocado growers in the Morro Bay area, whose wells were failing, "stumped" many of their trees, literally pruning them down to the trunks to save them.

Others resorted to trucking in water at great expense to get through the drought, save the trees and salvage a harvest.

But three wet winters later, the 2018 avocado harvest, which in 2017 had slipped to sixth on the Top-10 farm commodities list, rebounded to a more normal fourth, behind wine grapes, strawberries and broccoli, according to the San Luis Obispo County Department of Agriculture/ We i g h t s and M e a s u re s ' 2018 Crop Report, the latest stats available.

The Crop Report valued SLO County's total agricultural production at $1.03 billion, which is a 12 percent jump on the 2017 overall value.

“Local agricultural producers amplified their economic contributions to the local and statewide economies in 2018 with an increased overall value of agricultural commodities of $1,035,499,000, a milestone in San Luis Obispo County,” said Martin Settevendemie, SLO County's Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer.

According to the 2018 Crop Report, there were 4,272 total acres of avocados, up from 4,197 in 2017. Production was way up, hitting 4.6 tons per acre and 19,155 tons overall, worth some $46.1 million. In 2017, just 2.34 tons of fruit were produced per acre. Total tonnage was 9,570.

And the value plummeted to $27.9 million from $44.6 million in 2016 as the harvest pretty much turned to guacamole.

Morro Bay is a hub for local

October 2019, Colony Magazine

AVOCADOS Rebounding From Drought

AVOCADO INDUSTRY

BY THE NUMBERS

avocado production as the Morro Valley adjacent to Highway 41 is filled with groves, many of which are decades old.

Bill Coy, an avocado g rowe r, former County Supervisor, and leader in the local industry, said he planted 30 acres starting in 1980, and now, at least 20 of those acres are almost 40 years old.

He started stumping trees at the beginning of the drought. "We began stumping them in 2006," he said, "primarily to bring 3-4 acres under control. They are extremely vigorous in some areas, and we tend to get more 'tree' than fruit in those areas.

"That is still the case today," he added. "Our best years are when the trees are slightly stressed."

Though seen mostly as a last resort, stumping trees is better than having them die for lack of water or going broke trucking water in.

"We were virtually out of groundwater in the month of

The avocado industry in San Luis Obispo County has officially rebounded from the drought years, nearly doubling from 2017 to 2018: 2018: • 19,155 tons produced • 4.6 tons per acre produced • Crop valued at $46.1 million 2017: • 9,570 tons produced • 2.34 tons per acre produced • Crop valued at $46.1 million See the October Issue of Colony Magazine for more on the local avocado industry.

January due to poor rainfall," Coy said. "We had a big crop year in 2013, but the fruit was small and the trees were stressed.

We were advised to remove trees and reduce the size of our orchard. We stumped 7 acres that year, then two more each of the succeeding years."

Like pruning back a home garden, stumping helps the plants.

"The great thing about stumping is that on avocados it completely

rejuvenates the tree, without any water,” Coy said. “We have not suffered any negative consequences.

So we've concentrated our watering on areas that absolutely need it. We finished stumping in the spring of 2018."

Now after three years of above-average rainfall that's filled the aquifer, water is not an issue for now.

"Our fruit has improved in quantity and quality almost 100 percent," Coy said. "It has worked out perfectly. That's not counting two spring freezes and a hot spell that knocked our young crop off. It seems like there's always something to contend with."

colonymagazine.com | 29

| Education

We are ONE COMMUNITY

James J. Brescia, Ed. D

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

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n a recent article I was reading about the importance of communities, the author addressed the trend to acquire the most “likes,” happy faces, and positive comments possible. Social media and even what was once considered traditional media are consumed with quantity over quality, splash over detail.

Rumor consistently outshines fact. As I age, I value my authentic and genuine relationships with people who love, respect and support me.

Today’s schools face multiple linguistic, cultural, religious, ethnic, and racial issues that are best approached through a caring community.

Large urban communities such as Los Angeles County, and smaller rural areas such as San Luis Obispo County, experience changing demographics, social pressures and even school violence. Our school and community leaders are meeting regularly to discuss the needs, perspectives and challenges all of the individuals we serve possess. How do we collectively address the needs of everyone and build up our entire community? School and community

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“If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships — the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live toggether, in the same world at peace.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt violence across the United States continues to be a topic of my monthly Superintendent’s Council meetings. The council has included school leadership, law enforcement, mental health professionals and social services in these regular discussions. The county has hosted two well-attended Building Community Summits and is planning two more for this academic year.

The goal of our summits is to facilitate multiagency communication and collaboration, present positive strategies for community engagement and to build up the county. The San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, local students, parents, nonprofit agencies, religious leaders, city and county government officials, school leaders, elected officials, and law enforcement are all participating in a Department of Justice grant designed to reduce school violence and build community. Sheriff Ian Parkinson stated in his opening comments

that “We can address our issues proactively, one relationship at a time.”

Because of the Sheriff ’s efforts, along with the Office of Emergency Services, San Luis Obispo County is one of the first counties in the state to digitally map every school campus and better connect the community.

Research indicates that community capacity to prevent violence is achieved primarily through the social relations embodied in dense networks of “strong” ties within geographically bounded spaces known as neighborhoods or communities.

Because research indicates that violence prevention programs structured in ways to build community capacity are the most successful, our ongoing workgroups commit to providing at least one proactive suggestion that might mitigate personal or agency disconnect. The San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, along with the Children’s Services Network, the Sheriff ’s Office, the Chief of Probation, and the Family Care Network, is planning ongoing “Building Community Summits.” We invite additional participants. I believe that together we can invest in our future by facilitating multiagency communications, working collectively, and acknowledging that we are all part of a shared community. It is an honor to serve as your County Superintendent of Schools.

“True public safety requires a collaboration between law enforcement and the community.”

Betsy Hodges

Colony Magazine, October 2019

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October 2019, Colony Magazine

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colonymagazine.com | 31

| Taste of Paso

How to Navigate PASO WINE COUNTRY

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By Mira Honeycutt

hen the Paso Robles AVA (American Viticultural Area) was established in 1983, there were just over a dozen wineries and 5,000 acres of vineyards.

Now, as the largest appellation in California, encompassing 614,000 acres (compared to Napa Valley’s 225,000 acres), the region has grown to 40,000 acres under vine and home to more than 200 wineries.

In 2014, the Paso AVA was subdivided into 11 distinct sub-appellations defined by the region’s topography, soil, climate and elevation. Reflecting Paso’s diversity of vineyards and wines, these appellations are spread over a sprawling area that stretches 42 miles from east to west, 32 miles north to south and can range from 700 feet to 2,400 feet in elevation.

So how does a visitor navigate this vast region?

To explore Paso is to know its many pockets and enclaves.

The three main arteries are the Highway 46 East and 46 West corridors and the woodsy Adelaida and Willow Creek regions deep into the area’s western reaches.

Clusters of wineries are also tucked along routes dubbed Back Road Wineries, Inner Circle Wineries and wine trails along Pleasant Valley, not to mention over a dozen tasting rooms in downtown Paso Robles and Tin City’s hip industrial zone.

Here’s a breakdown of the wine enclaves of Paso Robles:

HIGHWAY 46 WEST

More than 50 wineries are located on Paso’s west side, home to the cool appellation of Willow Creek. Wineries and tasting rooms are lined along the highway and nestled around woodsy trails.

The imposing castle of Tooth & Nail Winery offers a wide variety

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from Rhône blends to pinot noir and chardonnay. You can taste refreshing whites at Grey Wolf Cellars and spirits from its Krobar Distillery, Four Lanterns Winery offers distinctive Rhône blends at its rustic barn and third generation Roblan Janel Dusi pours zesty zinfandels at J. Dusi Wines. More distinctive zinfandels at Turley Wine Cellars and Peachy Canyon Winery. Niner Wine Estate’s restaurant and tasting room offer a sweeping view of the Heart Hill Vineyard. Nearby Linne Calodo’s owner and alchemist winemaker Matt Trevisan crafts brilliant blends of Rhône varietals. In the scenic Willow Creek district, a visit to wineries such as Saxum, Denner and Clos Soléne is by appointment only.

INNER CIRCLE

A handful of wineries loop behind both sides of Highway 46, among them Ecluse, TH Estate, Windward, Hope Family Wines, L’Aventure and further up, the spectacular Law Estate’s swanky tasting room and winery perched at an elevation of 1,900 feet. Tucked on the highway’s westside, Guyomar Cellars crafts bold Rhône-style blends and Pasoport specializes in port-style wines

YORK MOUNTAIN

Off of Highway 46 West, the minuscule York Mountain AVA was once home to York Mountain Winery. The region’s first winery, founded in 1882, is now transformed into Epoch Wine Estates, a modern structure where winemaker Jordan Fiorentini’s Rhône blends are as lyrical as her wine notes.

HIGHWAY 46 EAST

The busy corridor of 46 East, located on Paso’s warmer east side, falls in the appellations of

Geneseo, Estrella and reaches over into the El Pomar district. The highway is lined with wineries such as Eberle, Vina Robles, Robert Hall, Riboli Family, Glunz Family and the popular Wild West saloon style tasting room of Tobin James Cellars which on weekends can get jammed with 800 to 1,000 visitors. A handful of wineries such as Bodega de Edgar, Mitchella, Pear Valley, Steinbeck, Bianchi, Barr, Penman Springs and Rails Nap are tucked on the south side of the freeway.

BACK ROAD WINERY TRAIL

On the east side of Paso, this trail spreads over the appellations of Genesseo, El Pomar, Creston and Templeton. Over two dozen wineries are tucked along this trail, from small boutique wineries such as Steinbeck, Sarzotti, Seven Angels Cellars to larger ones like Sculpterra, Wild Horse and Cass, the latter serving excellent lunch at its cafe. There’s an excellent production of Bordeaux-style wines at Aleksander Winery and Italian varietals at Clesi and Ella’s Vineyard. Rava Wines is taking the lead in producing sparkling wines using méthode champenoise.

ADELAIDA DISTRICT

The woodsy Adelaida Road and its adjacent Lake Nacimiento Road offer a scenic drive where some wineries flank the winding road and others are tucked on hillsides. Here you will find the spectacular Daou Vineyards and Winery atop Daou Mountain and such distinctive names as Halter Ranch, Alta Colina, Villicana, Le Cuvier, Adelaida Vineyards, Tablas Creek and Justin. To heighten the region’s experience, some wineries offer hillside Jeep rides and vineyard tours.

PLEASANT VALLEY TRAIL

More than a dozen wineries are tucked along this 12-mile trail that meanders through the rolling hills just east of Paso and reaching into San Miguel. There’s a range of wines to be savored here. There’s sparkling wine and Albariño at Vino Vargas, Gewürztraminer at Tackitt Family and outstanding Bordeaux blends at Mystic Hills.

DOWNTOWN PASO

Paso’s downtown scene has exploded in recent years. Within a four-block wine stroll you can visit almost two dozen tasting rooms housed in various locations.

Frolicking Frog Cellars shares space in a jewelry store, Lazarre wines are served at Thomas Hill Organics bar counter; Indigene Cellars is tucked in an alley and Cypher is stationed at the train depot. Nearby, the state-ofthe-art Derby Wine Estate was once home to a historic almond mill and further up LXV Wine heightens the experience with spice pairings. The once forgotten Railroad Avenue is now getting some traction with tasting rooms such as Iron Oaks, Hayseed and Housdon, Paso Underground and the “bouncer-guarded” Speakeasy 1122.

TIN CITY

The newest addition to Paso’s wine experience is the hip hub located east of the 101 Freeway between Paso and Templeton.

It ’s buzzing with garagiste winemakers, crafting wine in their industrial warehouses. There’s also craft beer and distilled spirits to be found here, plus the cool Tin Canteen, ETTO Pastificio and Negranti Creamery. It’s a onestop experience for Paso wine, beer, food and gourmet shopping.

Colony Magazine, October 2019

I

Sarah Pope

had the pleasure of an official tour through the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum with sweet Mr. Bill Jones who has donated nine years of devoted time and love into this prized building. The museum thrives in our community’s effort and donations. It’s generous volunteers, board members and contributors have made it possible to offer free admission to visitors for over 40 years!

As I followed Bill into the museum, I was blown away by the extensive collection of treasures that was so strategically placed.

It was like a magician’s hat with endless exhibits and hallways.

The building consisted of family heirlooms, brilliant machines and belongings that one might have considered a waste hundreds of years ago but they are now a valuable piece of history. We are so blessed to have this memorabilia donated by locals and visitors who

COMMUNITY TREASURES at the Paso Robles Pioneer truly understand the importance of sharing these things with us and our children.

I was amazed by the collection of Paso Robles High School yearbooks, dated as far back as 1904. Athletic gear, trophies and achievement awards were preserved and carefully displayed for future generations to see. The museum’s slogan “Preserving Yesterday for Tomorrow,” says everything.

The Paso Robles Downtown City Park was designed around 1890 by the town founders (one of them being Drury James, the uncle of outlaw Jesse James). The Carnegie Library opened in 1908 and is now home to the Paso Robles Historical Society. The Paso Robles Inn opened its doors in 1891 and is famous for its thermal springs which attracted visitors such as Teddy Roosevelt and Clark Gable to Paso Robles.

In 1914, well-known concert

Museum

pianist Ignacy Paderewski visited Paso Robles for arthritic treatments at the hotel’s mineral hot springs. The locals would listen from outside with their lit torches as he would play for them from the hotel. An exhibit dedicated solely to Paderewski is located in the museum, offering interesting information about the celebrity as well as his contributions to our community.

New to the museum is a replica of downtown Paso Robles.

Volunteers are concentrating closely on every detail as they construct the pieces in their workshop, located on the museum grounds. The large replicas include the original Paso Robles Inn and the iconic Acorn Building and clock tower. C.S.Smith Ammunition (a walk-in exhibit) is packed with memorabilia, including the 1890 penny-farthing (the first machine to be called a

bicycle), which was ridden by Clark Sherwood from San Francisco to Paso Robles in four days in 1893. The bike was donated to the museum by Sherwood’s grandson, Gary Smith.

This museum is a true gem, holding everything from collections of barbed wire, antique typewriters and cars, to a one-room Creston schoolhouse built in 1886.

It is incredible how much history is being kept under one roof. Our 89th Pioneer Day celebration is right around the corner, honoring the heritage of Paso Robles. Plan a visit to the museum and take a journey through history.

therapeutic compounds in hemp that work synergistically. CBD isolate is NOT a bargain.

Choose a product with ingredients that are organically grown. Hemp is great for the environment because it effectively removes toxins from the soil.

If it is grown in fields that are contaminated with toxins, the hemp plant itself will be filled with those contaminates. Know where your product is grown and how it is processed.

Choose a product that is tested for quality and purity by an independent certified lab.

Certificates of Analysis should be available on request.

Choose a high-quality hempbased CBD product. Your product should be tested by an independent certified lab for actual percentage of THC as well as heavy metals, bacteria, mold, fungus, herbicides, pesticides and solvents. If you are drug tested, you want a THC-free product.

Premium full spectrum CBD is Mother Nature’s treasure chest. Use these guidelines to become informed about your potential choices. To learn more, join me at the free seminar on Thursday, October 24, at 6 p.m. at The Natural Alternative in Paso Robles.

Paso Robles Pioneer Museum Open Thursday through Sunday, From 1 to 4 p.m.

2010 Riverside Avenue pasoroblespioneermuseum.org

CBD: Hope or Hype?

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By Paula Vetter, FNP

BD stands for cannabidiol, a component of the cannabis plant. It is NOT marijuana and CANNOT make you “high.” Most CBD comes from the hemp plant. It is a “cousin” of marijuana but without the psychoactive THC. Hemp is related to marijuana just like Chihuahuas are related to St. Bernards. They are in the same “family,” but the characteristics are very different! By law, hemp must contain less than 0.3 percent THC (less than 3 parts per 1,000).

In 1992, scientists discovered the Endocannabinoid System. That’s right, our bodies are “hardwired” to use cannabinoids. We even produce limited amounts of them internally if our bodies are working efficiently. The ECS acts much like the conductor of an orchestra. Its role is to maintain perfect balance and harmony between cells, organs, glands, and tissues in the body. It also regulates our response to

October 2019, Colony Magazine

challenges, both internal and external.

Our Endocannabinoid System modulates our mood, appetite, energy, immune system, hormones, brain chemistry, sleep, metabolism and overall well-being. No wonder everyone is talking about CBD! When our internal level of cannabinoids falls, our “orchestra conductor” goes on vacation and the harmony falters. Supplementing with a pure, full-spectrum CBD provides unparalleled support.

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colonymagazine.com | 33

Mattson Family Adopts Local Newspapers

I

By Meagan Friberg

t’s official! On August 31, the Paso Robles Press and Atascadero News were purchased by local media owners Nicholas and Hayley Mattson.

Perhaps best known for publishing the monthly Paso Robles and Colony magazines under the banner of their Colony Media company, the Mattsons said they are thrilled to have “adopted” the two newspapers into their family.

“That is how we feel, that we adopted new members into our family,” Nic said. “These products give us a place to appreciate that sense of community, whether it’s our writers appreciating stories they are working on, or people doing work with various nonprofits, or the schools and other groups, it’s all about the people in our communities. And now we get to tell that story – the Story of Us – in more ways.”

The Mattsons welcome the following to their family of publications – the weekly Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press; the monthly Morro Bay Life and Avila Beach Life, and quarterly magazines VINO and Equine Enthusiast.

In addition, there are several special sections and publications produced throughout the year including area maps, special event guides, and more.

“News Media is very pleased to have found not only a local buyer, but another family company with Colony Media and Nic and Hayley Mattson,” News Media Corporation Marketing Director and Group Publisher J.J. Tompkins said. “It was very important to me that we passed on the rich history and future of the Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press to someone that will carry on what E.G Lewis started, the Porter family built, and News Media continued 76 Gas Station.................................. 24 777 Motorsports.............................. 21 777 Tractor Sales............................... 18 A Beautiful Face................................ 30 American West Tire & Auto..................2 Atascadero Greyhound Foundation...7 Atascadero Pet Hospital .................. 19

on. As a former resident of Atascadero and General Manager of the Atascadero News, I have no doubt Colony Media and the Mattson family will not only grow the newspapers, but be the best stewards of the newspapers in the best place to live in California.”

Although they had been discussing the possibility of the newspapers being available for purchase for a several weeks, the decision to make an offer happened quickly for the Mattsons.

“It was a quick decision,” Hayley said. “We looked at the numbers, made an offer, and now here we are.”

Nic adds, “J.J. called me to touch base, said they had an opportunity that might interest [us], and I was immediately excited. We really want to thank J.J. and everyone at New Media for their help through this process; they have been very supportive.”

For Nic, the purchase of Paso Robles Press and Atascadero News is akin to coming full circle.

Nic got his start in reporting at the Atascadero News as the sports

Atown Family Med........................... 19 Awakening Ways Spiritual Community ....................................................... 24 Awesome Brows Now...................... 21 Beads by the Bay.............................. 18 Bottom Line Bookkeeping............... 23 California Mid-State Fair................... 35

34 | colonymagazine.com

editor back in 2012, a position he held until 2017 when he and Hayley purchased Paso Robles Magazine. Since then, they have launched Colony Magazine and Central Coast TRVLR. “Purchasing these newspapers has always been part of our [hopeful] ’plan,’ but we just didn’t know we would have that opportunity presented to us so soon,” Nic said. “It does feel like coming full circle. It’s hard to say that, because this has actually been a small circle; it was only six and a half years ago when I was hired at Atascadero News!”

COMMUNITY & THE WRITTEN WORD And why was it important for the Mattsons to own local newspapers in addition to having the local magazines?

“Nic’s writing career was a soulful journey for him,” Hayley said. “For as long as I’ve known him, Nic has always had these creative outlets that he’s wanted to explore in different ways. So, doing something different in Atascadero and Paso Robles goes back to

DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS Thank you for choosing Colony Magazine!

CASA.................................................. 31 Dignity Health.................................. 19 Dutch Maytag................................... 15 Equine Experience........................... 23

Five Star Rain Gutters....................... 15 Glasshead Studio............................. 21 Glenns Repair & Rental.......................8 Greg Malik RE Group..................11,12

the roots of the community, the roots of the people – and that’s true for both the Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press. It’s about the longevity, the history.

The written word in print is so powerful; it’s something you just don’t get online. You get to see it in black and white, see and feel the pages, whether in a newspaper or magazine. It’s just something about knowing somebody’s hard work went into this product and they cared about putting this out for the community.”

The Mattsons said they appreciate the stewardship of the newspapers by News Media Corp. in between local ownership of the papers.

“The reason we wanted to make this purchase is because we want these papers and publications to be locally owned, locally produced, and provide coverage about locals from front to back,” Nic said.

“Being able to return them to hometown ownership, we can now continue this legacy. It’s true that many major national and regional newspapers have shrunk, but the local papers still have a great place in the community and that’s what we are doing right here in Atascadero and Paso Robles.”

So, just what will change and what will remain the same?

“We are adopting a new motto: Good News, Real News, Your Hometown News,” Nic said. “We are going to start off each edition with the good news on the front page, move crime and city news to the interior section, and then move on from there. We know the great community we have so this new organization and flow of content is how we want to approach the newspaper and what we cover; there’s a lot of good news out there! We want to make great newspapers, and we want our writers and salespeople to be proud of the product."

Hearing Aid Specialists.......................3 Hope Chest Emporium.......................6 John Donovan State Farm............... 14 Lube N Go......................................... 30 Nick's Painting.................................. 31 Odyssey World Cafe ......................... 31 Paderewski Festival.............................2

Paso Robles Art in the Park............... 36 Robert Fry, M.D................................. 24 SLO County Office of Education....... 31 Solarponics..........................................7 Sue Hubbard Farmers Insurance..... 24 Tari Haberfield - Keller Williams...... 31 Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles...... 27

Colony Magazine, October 2019

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