Colony Magazine September 2019 #015

SEPTEMBER

Harvest Season

on the Farm Trail

Who's Who at the Charles Paddock Zoo Stadium Park History Tent City After Dark Concert COLONYMAGAZINE.COM

OFF

FEATURES

c ontents SEPTEMBER 2019

12

15

WHO'S WHO AT THE CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO?

FUR, FEATHERS AND SCALES — IT'S A WILD WORLD AT CPZ

14

CONSERVATION AMBASSADORS

PASO ROBLES ANIMAL SHELTER IS FULL OF FAMOUS CREATURES

ON THE FARM TRAIL

TASTING LOCAL FLAVORS WITH FARMSTEAD ED

DEPARTMENTS

16

SOMETHING WORTH READING 06 Publisher’s Letter ROUND TOWN 08 Colony Buzz 09 Santa Margarita: Small Town, Big Heart COLONY PEOPLE 10 Charles Paddock Zoo Director Alan Baker EVENTS 16 Fast Times Moto Festival 18 Colony Days & Tent City After Dark 20 Events Calendar

4 | colonymagazine.com

27

TOWN HALL Atascadero City Council

22

TASTE OF COLONY Taste of Americana: Too Many Zucchini?

24

BUSINESS Atascadero Marketplace 27 Business Spotlight: Beads by the Bay

33

31

Parks4Pups & Paws Cause Morro Bay Avocado and Margarita Festival 33 Morro Bay Harbor Festival 32

LAST WORD 34 Boys & Girls Club of the Central Coast

26

TENT CITY 28 SLO County Office of Education:

Collaborating with Arts Organizations 30 Stadium Park: Atascadero's

Forgotten Social Center

ON THE COVER Autumn sunshine and grapevines Photo by Rick Evans

Colony Magazine, September 2019

September 2019, Colony Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 5

Something Worth Reading ATASCADERO • SANTA MARGARITA CRESTON • MORRO BAY

THE STORY OF US • ISSUE NO. 15 PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nicholas Mattson PUBLISHER, OPERATIONS Hayley Mattson LEAD AD DESIGN Denise McLean

CONTACT US

(805) 239-1533 colonymagazine.com publisher@colonymagazine.com MAIL: P.O. Box 3996 Paso Robles, CA 93447

LAYOUT & DESIGN Travis Ruppe

EDITOR, LAYOUT & DESIGN Luke Phillips

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

PREPRESS PRODUCTION Sue Dill CONTRIBUTORS Atascadero Historical Society Barbie Butz Heather Young

Proud to be Local!

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.

James J. Brescia, Ed.D. Mark Diaz

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

Meagan Friberg Neil Farrell

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

Pat Pemberton Simone Smith AD CONSULTANTS Millie Drum millie@pasomagazine.com Pam Osborn pam@pasomagazine.com

Jamie Self jamie@pasomagazine.com

Designed and Printed in California

Dana McGraw dana@pasomagazine.com

8th of each month preceding publication

Carmen Kessler carmen@pasomagazine.com

AD RESERVATION DEADLINE

COLONYMAGAZINE.COM/ADVERTISE

OUR NEXT ISSUE: THE COLONY DAYS ISSUE • HOMETOWN PRIDE | OCTOBER 2019 PUBLICATION DELIVERY DATE: Thursday, September 26, 2019 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: Tuesday, September 10, 2019

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

25,000 Printed | 22,000 Direct Mailed Locally!

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

3,000 Dropped at High Traffic Locations

Hotels • Wineries • B&Bs • Waiting Rooms • Restaurants • High-traffic Visitor Hotspots

Subscriptions

Annual subscriptions are available for $26.99. Subscribe at colonymagazine.com

“I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift.”

Dodinsky

“Autumn is the season to f ind contentment at home by paying attention to what we already have.”

Unknown

“The full fruit of a labor of love lives in the harvest, and that always comes in it's right season.”

Jimmy Kinnon

S

eason’s greetings! No, not that season … but we are entering September and home of the Autumnal Equinox. September was originally the seventh month on the calendar year, and named after the latin word for seven — septum. It is followed by October, which was the eighth month, hence the Octo-. That of course was back when the year started with March.

We live in a pretty mixed up calendar world. The months of the year — at least the eight we just enjoyed — are named after Roman gods and rulers. Then they finished off the year with latin for seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth — September, October, November, December, respectively. That was the way it was when there were 10 months. Back then, the period after December and before March was not counted, until the arrival of March again — home of the Spring Equinox.

The addition of January and February rounded out the current iteration of the calendar … there is more to that story, but not the point. The point is that it is Wednesday, Thursday or maybe Friday … names derived from Norse gods, Woden, Thor, and Freya, respectively. Or it could be Saturday, named for the Romans’ Saturn.

It’s a veritable smorgasborg of mish-mash names we pay little attention to even as we write our rent checks, celebrate birthdays, get back to the work week, or prepare for our fourth quarter sales and then tax season.

What really gets us in the zone are the seasons, with a leap year every four years to make sure our calendar doesn’t get far off track.

Coming into September, we are set to enjoy the Autumnal Equinox.

Instead of being a gradual transition we usually experience as “fall,” the Autumnal Equinox is an instant — the exact moment when when the sun crosses the celestial equator, heading south. This year, it happens precisely on Monday morning at 12:50 a.m., September 23.

Resetting the calendar every four years, with a leap year, keeps our calendar in sync with the seasons, so that the equinoxes happen in March and September and the solstices happen in June and December.

So season’s greetings to you and your family as we head into harvest season and begin the harvesting and storing of our local food that will keep us warm and together through the upcoming winter season. We hope it will be a great autumn to one and all!

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.

6 | colonymagazine.com

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

— Thomas Fuller, 1727

Colony Magazine, September 2019

Colony Buzz |

A COLONY FOR ALL A Walk with a Deer

A fundraiser for the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy Mountain Mermaid Design’s mixed media artist Shata has donated a herd of flamboyant designer deer that were created with the assistance of students from Atascadero Fine Arts Academy.

Our local art gallery, Art! and the Central Coast Cafe join together to support this grassroots event. Funds from the silent auction of the designer deer, as well as bake sale goodies, will be benefiting all specialty classes at the Fine Arts Academy for the 20192020 school year.

Please join us on Friday, September 27 from 6-8 p.m. for

this Celebration Of The Arts event at the Paseo Nuevo Courtyard, located at 5810 Traffic Way in Atascadero.

We invite the community at large, current and past Academy families and our local businesses to attend this unique event. Students will be actively participating at this fundraiser. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided.

For questions regarding the students’ participation, call Franca at 805-205-4839. For questions about the art auction, contact Shata at 805-440-8246.

Over the past 15 years, the Atascadero Colony Days event has grown in breadth and width, bringing in the Historic Tent City re-creation as a live experience of life in 1916 when the Colony was a-buzz with excitement about the plans laid out by E.G. Lewis to bring the modern convenience of city life and the healthy lifestyle of country living together within a short drive of the beautiful Morro Bay coastline.

Today, we celebrate the founding of Atascadero with the Colony Days Parade and Historic Tent City Festival to bring life to a dream all but forgotten.

The hopes of a community of orchards, parks, statues and Italian renaissance is a distant echo, but what we do as a community to celebrate who we are today and the endless possibilities of life on Earth, is still alive and well.

That strong surge of community spirit comes alive every year for Colony Days, with an open invitation for everyone to bring a flavor of community and love together in a celebratory march into downtown Atascadero.

One of the advances in recent years, is the evolution of Tent City After Dark, in its 16th year, this year will feature local talent Moonshiner Collective, Bear Market Riot, and Arthur Watership. Go to colonydays. org for info on volunteering, sponsorship, tickets, parade entries (FREE!), and vendor applications.

Come visit us on Friday, September 13 for a Colony Days open house — enjoy music, beer, wine, and food and register for the event and get more info.

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 September 2019, Colony Magazine

By Joebe ll Coffee Ro a asters

colonymagazine.com | 7

| Santa Margarita

Simone Smith

T

ake your pick — fur, feathers or scales — pets have been intertwined with human life for thousands of years and even though we don’t speak the same language, the bonds that are created are undeniable.

According to a 2017-18 survey by the American Pet Products Association, 68 percent of households in the U.S. own at least one pet and with good reason — there are many benefits of pet ownership beyond the utilitarian reasons of protection or rodent control. Studies show that spending time with animals can produce many positive physical and psychological effects including reduced levels of stress, increased fitness, decreased blood pressure, increased socialization, decreased depression and increased level of happiness.

Jinx Pets can provide companionship, help with making new friends and help people learn to be responsible.

As a society we LOVE our pets — cuddly, cute and full of personality, we sometimes even bring them to work and having a pet or two at a small business can be an extra plus, proving to be an attraction all on their own.

These Pets Mean BUSINESS It’s fun to visit a business that has an animal helper and growing up I loved hearing a story about a bar/ restaurant in a small mountain town with a cage of six chatty Minah birds.

Locals and visitors would flock to see and “talk” with the birds located on the stairway transition between the two business sections. The birds were smart, great imitators and entertaining to the many customers right up until the day they began repeating a fight between the owners, complete with cursing and the sound of crashing dishes (the birds disappeared shortly after and were greatly missed).

Although none repeat stories, you won’t have to travel far to find some personable public pets, just visit some of Santa Margarita’s small businesses or pop over to the library to find some friendly, feathered or furry celebrities.

Starting at the East end of El Camino Real, across from Pacific Beverage, you can find Pecky, the newest “pet” to help inspire and entertain Peg Grady at Studio 58.

Pecky, first thought to be an escaped canary by his singing, is actually a young California Scrub Jay who Peg has trained to come down for peanuts. Pecky now even comes inside the studio to perch on a table or chair, patiently awaiting his treat.

Pecky

Buck, a big, orange, friendly tabby, is a transformed, previously feral, craigslist rescue cat from San Jose.

Buck is popular with kids in town.

He’s not shy or afraid of dogs and will even run out to see any who pass by.

If your timing is right, across the Larry street at Pintor’s Gas Station, you Next door, at The Educated will be greeted by Happy and Feta, Gardener, you will be welcomed by two beautiful Australian Shepherds the crowing of Larry, a personable who come to work with their owner silky rooster, often out on bug Memo. Happy is appropriately patrol and taking care of his two named because he is always happy to hens. While there, you will likely be greet customers and eager to play a greeted by Theo, a beautiful blue game. Feta is the alpha female who eyed Siamese, the true owner of the keeps things in check. nursery, in charge of pest control, pettings and food scheduling.

As you continue to walk West crossing Encina St. you will find Jinx, a rather rotund, green eyed buddha of a black Manx cat (actually Theo’s brother), who resides in the back Primo patio of Rosalina’s. Jinx is in charge of rodent control but is happiest just Our last and most famous public being a big cuddly teddy bear/ mushy, pet can be found at the Santa lovey cat, full of purrs and affection Margarita Library, here you’ll visit for his adoring fans.

Maddy, a sleek and sheek black Your third stop is near the Post tuxedo cat with golden eyes. Her Office at Something Blue ­— Fine owner was beloved Margarita resident Sewing and Wedding Alterations. and active community member, Anne Here you will be ushered in by McMahon, who was instrumental in Primo, an adorable Welsh Corgi founding the Friends of the Santa who is “great for putting nervous Margarita Library and frequently brides at ease” being just the right attended meetings at the Community size with a big personality. Primo is Hall. Since Annes passing, Maddy a big hit with the customers, giving has carried on with duties, often high-fives, rolling over and showing overseeing library patrons and off his “downward dog” moves. making sure any meetings at the Continuing a few doors down to Community Hall run smoothly. the blue quonset hut that houses Santa Margarita’s pets mean Margarita Bikes and Huston Saddles business and are ready to welcome and Tack you will find Buck (short you town in trade for some smiles, for buckle) the saddle shop cat. laughs, pats, belly rubs or a few treats.

BigJohnInsurance.com

( 805 ) 466-7744

Home • Auto • Life • Bank • Financial Services

10 | colonymagazine.com

Colony Magazine, September 2019

Charles Paddock Zoo Director Alan Baker

F

By Melissa Allen

or the past 17 years, Charles Paddock Zoo Director Alan Baker has been a big part of making sure the zoo remains one of the biggest attractions in the area and the passion he shows for his work is undeniable.

“I always tell people I have the best job in the world,” Baker said. “I get to work with some incredible animals.”

Baker, a New York native, originally came to California’s Central Coast to attend Cal Poly and work on his Master’s Degree in biology. After completing school, Baker was hired by the California Department of Fish and Game to work on their sea otter project before budget cuts forced Baker and many others to find employment elsewhere.

Reluctantly, he went to work at the Fresno Zoo as a reptile keeper, never expecting to remain in zoo work.

Baker said once he realized what working in a zoo was all about and how passionate he was about the conservation of animals, it forever changed the course of his life.

He had the unique opportunity to help restore the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York where he worked his way up to Senior Zoo Keeper before moving back to California for a job as Zoo Supervisor at the Sacramento Zoo. Then, as fate would have it, the Zoo Director position became available at our very own Charles Paddock Zoo.

Currently, Baker is responsible for all aspects of animal care, finance, maintenance, security and educational programs related to the zoo which is one of only about 214 American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) accredited zoos in the United States out of 6,000 zoological entities in total.

Every five years, the zoo must undergo a thorough review that involves a several-hundredpage questionnaire, a three-day inspection of the zoo and requires Baker to appear before about 20 AZA-appointed members to answer further questions and wait for a vote as to whether or not the zoo will be accredited for another five years. It is a rigorous process that never truly ends — just as one round is done, it is time to prepare for the next review.

“We’re very proud to say our zoo has been accredited for over 25 years, never losing our accreditation and we were just accredited again this year in April,” Baker said. “It’s

a huge hurdle for us but it’s worth it because that puts us in a special category that makes us a real zoo.”

Baker said there are many things in store for the future of the zoo which he describes as a living, ever-changing entity. He would like to see the zoo become more broadly recognized which would allow for more funding to make all the changes he has envisioned for the zoo.

“It’s incredibly unique that the City of Atascadero can fund [the zoo] but it also puts a huge onus on the City,” Baker said. “We’re the zoo for Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, but the only one who gives funding is Atascadero. So, we would like the zoo to be perceived as more of a regional zoo. We have so many things we want to do here, so many new plans, so many new animals that we’re waiting to bring in and it’s always funding that’s stopping us. We just think our future is getting out ahead of this and controlling our own destiny.

9575 El Camino Real, Atascadero 805-466-3880 • APETCENTER.com September 2019, Colony Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 11

Who's Who at the

Charles Paddock Zoo? A

By Luke Phillips

tascadero’s Charles Paddock Zoo is home to dozens of different species of animals, from an aviary full of a variety of birds and a reptile house featuring turtles, lizards, snakes and more to a wide array of mammals from small to large including fullgrown Malayan tiger. Listed below are a few of our favorite critters to visit at the zoo along with a few fun facts about each one:

The Malayan Tiger

One of the most popular attractions at the Charles Paddock Zoo, the Malayan tiger is a tiger subspecies that is native to the southern and central parts of the Malay Peninsula and is an endangered species with an estimated 493-1,480 remaining in the wild.

The Malayan tiger subspecies was first designated as being a seperate tiger species from the Panthera tigris corbetti in 2004 when genetic analysis found that it was a distinct species.

Unlike many other cat species, the Malayan tiger enjoys playing in water and can often be found taking a dip in his pool at the zoo when the temperatures begin to rise. The tiger tends to like to take naps during the day so an early morning or late afternoon visit is your best bet to see this big guy in action.

The tiger has always been an icon of the Charles Paddock Zoo and was even immortalized at the zoo’s entrance with a huge bronze statue created by local artist Susan Beatie that overlooks the flamingo pond.

To find the tiger, make a hard right just past the gift shop after you enter the zoo. The Malayan tiger will be the first exhibit on your right.

12 | colonymagazine.com

The Slender-Tailed Meerkat

Located right in the center of the zoo, the Meerkat enclosure provides plenty of space to get up close and watch these entertaining little guys scurry about, popping in and out of holes and a hollow log. Originally from the deserts of Namibia, Angola and South Africa, the Meerkats are a type of mongoose and are almost always fun to watch.

One of their interesting behaviors includes designating a member of their clan to serve guard duty while the rest forage for food. The meerkats take turns serving onehour shifts as sentries. They are also known for their eclectic diet which can include everything from insects and eggs to lizards, small mammals and even birds. The meerkats are immune to certain types of venom which allows them to eat certain kinds of snakes and scorpions that are not edible to other species. They are also able to survive in the wild without water, hydrating themselves by eating fruit and tubers.

Red Panda

It’s always been frustrating trying to get a good look at one of the zoo’s more exotic residents, the mostly nocturnal red panda — a native of the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. But the newly

constructed Thelma Vetter Red Panda Experience should help to give visitors a better look. Opening to the pubic at the beginning of 2019, the exhibit was made possible by a generous donation from the estate of former Atascadero resident Thelma Vetter and is the first new exhibit built at the zoo in nearly four decades and the first exhibit built under the zoo’s “biodiversity hotspot” plan that will group exhibits based on their geographical area of origin.

Also known as a “shining cat,” the Red Panda is not actually a panda but a relative of the raccoon, skunk and weasel. However, like the unrelated giant panda, red pandas also have a diet consisting mostly of bamboo although they’ve also been known to eat mushrooms, roots, acorns, grasses and even fish, insects and other small mammals.

Red Pandas are listed as an

endangered species with less than 10,000 individuals in the wild, due mostly to habitat loss caused by deforestation due to cattle ranching.

Black-Handed Spider Monkey

Located in the tall cages near the center of the zoo, adjacent to the Meerkat exhibit, the black-handed spider monkey is one of the zoo’s most vocal residents. Spider monkeys have a highly developed larynx,

Colony Magazine, September 2019

It All Started with a Possum...

T

he Charles Paddock Zoo got its unofficial start in 1955 when the county hired Charles Paddock, a Bakersfield native, as its caretaker for Atascadero Lake Park.

Starting with a possum that Paddock rescued and named Cosmo Topper, the facility slowly evolved from a makeshift animal shelter into a full-blown zoo by 1962.

Paddock originally began rescuing and collecting wild animals in and around his home at the park but the collection soon outgrew the space and public interest in the animals caused large crowds to congest the area. Paddock solved the problem by grading a swampy area of the park (where the baseball field is today) and moving an unused 40-cage dog kennel owned by the county from the other side of Morro Road. This became the first iteration of the zoo, then called the Atascadero Children’s Zoo. giving them the ability to produce a wide range of vocalizations, from bird sounds to barks and grunts.

Native to Central America, the spider monkey loves to interact with zoo visitors and is fun to watch as he quickly swings and climbs around his enclosure. This type of monkey is arboreal, meaning that they rarely come down to the ground and prefer to spend their time in the forest canopy foraging for insects, nuts, seeds, flowers and eggs.

Radiated Tortoise The endangered radiated tortoise, a native of Madagascar, is one of the rarest subspecies of tortoise and is adorned with bright yellow lines radiating from the center of each carapace on its shell. Their habitat is disappearing due to destruction caused by humans and also because they are often the victims of poachers seeking their beautiful shells.

These gentle giants (each tortoise can weigh up to 35 pounds) are herbivores and enjoy munching on fruits, veggies and even succulents and cacti.

Like a tree, the radiated tortoise adds rings to its shell as it ages.

Its shell also has blood vessels and nerves and the tortoise can feel when it’s being touched.

The radiated tortoise can be found all the way at the back of the zoo.

From the entrance, veer left and continue past the parrots and king vulture.

Charles Paddock waters plants at the zoo in 1962.

Paddock foraged food for the animals, accepted donations from local supermarkets and also sold white rats as pets for 25 cents each to raise money for food for the animals. Eventually his collection became so large that he wasn’t able to keep up with the feeds financially so the Atascadero Zoological

Gila Monster The largest lizard that is native to the United States, the Gila Monster can grow up to two feet in length and a weight of up to five pounds.

These creatures, easily identified by their bright pink, orange and yellow patterns are found across the deserts of the southwestern U.S. and are named after the Gila River in Arizona where they were first discovered.

These large lizards are venomous and have even been known to be deadly to humans. They secrete venom through a row of glands in their lower jaw and administer the venom with a bite. Like snakes, Gila monsters also swallow their food whole without chewing. Unlike most predators, the Gila monster has poor eyesight and hunts using its sense of taste and smell.

The zoo’s Gila monster is located in the reptile house. Take a slight right after entering the zoo and passing the gift shop, then continue past the Prevost’s squirrel and burrowing owl exhibit to find the reptile house.

Scarlet Macaw The open, fenceless parrot exhibit at the Charles Paddock Zoo provides an unobstructed, close-up view of these colorful birds, the largest of which is the Scarlet Macaw parrot.

The macaw has creamy white, almost

September 2019, Colony Magazine

Society was formed to help raise money for the zoo.

Not long after the formation of the zoological society, Ursin Perkins was elected as the new county supervisor and decided to move the County Roads Department maintenance building from the Lake Park to a new spot on Sycamore Road, allowing Paddock plenty of space to reconstruct the zoo in its present-day location.

The zoo continued to expand, adding new animals and securing new sources of funding and also continued to grow in popularity, bringing in an average of 100,000 visitors per year by the mid-70s.

After Charles Paddock passed away in 1975 the zoo was renamed in his honor. In 2016 community members raised money to install a new life-sized bronze statue in front of the zoo depicting Paddock holding his first zoo animal, Cosmo Topper the possum.

featherless face with bright red feathers covering most of its body along with brilliant blue and yellow feathers on the lower wings.

The scarlet macaw is native to a large section of North, Central and South America and can be found from southern Mexico all the way to Brazil and the island of Trinidad. Macaws are highly familial, preferring to spend their time in large groups, mating for life and spending hours every day with their mate and children, preening one another and removing bugs from feathers.

Macaws like to eat leaves, berries and seeds foraged from the rainforest and also have specialized beaks that allow them to crack tough nuts and a long, sticky tongue that allows them to remove the nuts once cracked.

You can find the parrot exhibit on your left after passing the zoo gift shop.

Caribbean Flamingo A small flock of Caribbean flamingos greets visitors to the Charles Paddock Zoo with their pond located directly adjacent to the zoo’s entrance. The caribbean flamingo, a close relative of its cousins the giant flamingo and the Chilean flamingo, are the only flamingo species found in North America.

For flamingos, breeding success is based on synchronous nesting of the colony so that chicks hatch around the same time. So once per year,

the colony puts on a show for zoo visitors, constructing large nesting mounds and nests before laying and hatching their eggs.

The flamingos’ distinctive gooselike honks can often be heard ringing across Atascadero Lake Park from the birds’ enclosure at the front of the zoo.

King Vulture A large and intimidating creature, the king vulture is a bit of a bully in the bird world and has been known to chase other birds away from a scavenged carcass while it eats its fill.

The bird’s aggressive attitude is one of the theories of how it the “king” part of its name. Found in Central and South America, the bird is the largest of the vulture species other than the two condor species.

The birds are striking in appearance with bright yellow-rose tinged white feathers and a large, very noticeable caruncle on its beak.

The king vultures can be found perched high above in their tall cage located in the back left corner of the zoo near the parrot exhibit.

Remember to look up or you might miss them!

The Charles Paddock Zoo is located at 9100 Morro Road in Atascadero.

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

colonymagazine.com | 13

INTO THE WILD: Paso Robles rescue center features celebrity animals

A

s I walk through the Conservation Ambassador compound, a kookaburra laughs at me, a bottom-heavy black bear bumbles over to greet me, and a lemur perches on my shoulders, making me scramble for a Bucket List selfie.

But, as much as this seems like a scene from a beloved kids show, most of the animals that come through here have a sob story.

An alligator named Spike once belonged to a drug dealer. A spider monkey named Maya was found in an L.A. dumpster. And in a classic “dead mom” Disney storyline, a coyote named Ana was rescued from the womb after her mother was killed by hunters in Utah.

“Every animal has a story,” said Kambria McGrath, director of development here.

Conservation Ambassadors was founded roughly 30 years ago by David Jackson, who once trained dolphins and sea lions for the U.S. Navy. He and his former wife, Anita, had both been trained to teach exotic animals and they wanted to open an animal rescue operation.

Luckily, David’s mother had 40 acres in rural Paso Robles.

“This property has actually been in our family for five generations — 230 years,” said Jackson’s daughter Samantha, who grew up at the

14 | colonymagazine.com

By Patrick Pemberton

center and began officially working there as a 12-year-old dietician years ago.

The center that began with just five animals now has more than 230, including a tiger, alligators, camels, bears, eagles, river otters and rare animals such as the bugeyed slow loris. Thanks to help from volunteers and food donations from places such as Cal Poly, Albertson’s, and Food 4 Less, the operation is able to keep the animals healthy and happy. Meanwhile, they are trained to provide outreach, educating kids and adults nationwide through the organization’s popular Zoo to You program.

The animals regularly visit schools — more than 300 per year.

They also appear at car shows, the Mid-State Fair, fundraisers and private parties. Because they have permits in 38 states, Zoo to You also travels extensively.

The handlers make clear that the animals are not party favors — they are there to educate.

But photos with the animals — say, with a lemur, for instance — are encouraged.

“We want people to fall in love with our animals like we have fallen in love with them,” McGrath said. “Because if they fall in love with them, they’re going to do something about it to help protect them.”

Kambria McGrath

One big fan is actor and former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has the animals attend his private parties, alongside A-list celebs like Sylvester Stallone, Clint Eastwood and director James Cameron. But the animals don’t get star struck — perhaps because they’re stars as well.

Skunks here have appeared on a State Farm commercial.

A friendly black bear named Trouble was the inspiration for the character Koda in “Brother Bear,” and movie sound effects experts have used that laughing kookaburra to record jungle noises.

Any time you see animals on “Today,” “The Tonight Show” and “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” they are from Paso Robles. David and Lisa Jackson can frequently be seen on the shows, as they recently were with James Corden and Will Ferrell (appearing as Ron Burgundy, anchorman).

While the Los Angeles Zoo has animals closer to the studios, those animals have not been trained for outreach or travel, Samantha Jackson said.

“Their animals are conditioned to fit in enclosures,” she said.

“Travel is stressful for them.”

And you don’t want a stressedout cougar hanging out with Ron Burgundy.

Samantha has been around exotic animals even before she was born. In fact, while pregnant with Samantha, her mother, Anita, broke her back while training bears.

Luckily, she recovered in time.

“When she went into labor, her water broke at the front gate of the zoo as she was locking up, finishing her day,” Samantha Jackson said.

When Samantha was a yearand-a-half old, they welcomed Jasmine, a week-old Bengal tiger Samantha grew up with until Jasmine died 21 years later.

“We donated her to Cal Poly when she died, so she could teach one more time,” Jackson said.

Lucky to have a chance to visit the center — which is normally closed to the public — I rushed home to spread the word.

And I shared that lemur selfie before I could correctly pronounce “kookaburra.”

Colony Magazine, September 2019

On the Farm Trail

A

quick meeting with FA R M s t e a d ED founder Lynette Sonne and Karen Tallent, owner of The Groves on 41, is enough to get the mouth watering for the savory and sweet flavors grown all along the Central Coast — which is just the reason Lynette was moved to launch the FARMstead ED program in 2014.

Five years later, partnered with more than a dozen farmers and producers, an “a-ha moment” sprouted into a full ED-ucational AGRI-cultural experience around San Luis Obispo County.

“About 20 years ago, a group started the farm trail in the county and it was really ahead of its time,” Lynette said. “It was meant to showcase farms and activities.”

The growing farm trail map currently boasts nine locations from Talley Farms in Edna Valley to Hartley Farms in San Miguel and Stepladder Ranch in San Simeon.

“It was born because people would come and tell me that I have such great olive oil, or ask me where I get such good honey or beef, and I thought ‘how do people not know that we have these amazing resources right here in our county,’” Lynette said.

From there, it became a hands-on project.

“The idea is to bring people out to the farm,” Lynette said. “Farmto-table was in full swing with restaurants serving fresh, local food, but where are the farms?”

Local residents drive by them every day. Knowing where the farms are, what they produce, and where a lot of local food comes from is an impressive experience.

“More and more, people want to know where their food comes from,” Karen said. “It’s a family experience and we learn together.”

The Central Coast is a getaway

By Nicholas Mattson

for many from around California, the United States, and the world.

Many come Lynette to the Paso Sonne Robles area for the wine, and the farm trail is a special attraction.

“It dovetails into a weekend of wine tasting, because what goes better with wine than local food?”

Lynette said. “We have people come for a three-day weekend and after wine tasting, are ready to sidetrack their palate a little bit and learn a little more about where your food

Jennifer Joseph, Dakota, and Karen Talent.

Together, along with other local farms like Templeton Valley Farms, Chaparral Gardens, and Harmony Lavender, they provide a handson “AGRI-cultural” experience for all ages.

“It is a cultural experience to come out, meet the farmer, hear the stories, and learn,” Lynette said. “We

- UPCOMING FARMSTEAD ED EVENTS -

TOMATO Sunday Dinner at Windrose Farm on Saturday, September 22 • $150/Person • farmsteaded.com for more info.

Graze and Sip Event at SLO Provisions on Oct. 17 • 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Adelaida Local Market on Oct. 20 • 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Halter Ranch

comes from.”

Lynette noted that alongside the flourishing wine industry, it is important to realize that the local agriculture industry is a one billion dollar industry in its own right — how’s that for a local pairing?

Speaking of pairs, Lynette and Karen make a great one.

“Karen and I met at a wine event, introduced by a mutual friend and the rest is history,” Lynette said.

“We’ve done a lot of collaborative farm experiences.

September 2019, Colony Magazine

are in AGRI-cation. I learn… I went through a three-hour workshop to see how sausage is made and now I so appreciate the time it takes. Like the flavors of olive oil, understanding and knowing what it takes to make it makes me appreciate it even more.”

FARMstead ED is still growing and collecting local farms, ranches and purveyors.

The purveyors and artisan craftsmen on the trail infuse their products with locally farmed ingredients to make everything from

cocktails to spice blends — including Yes Cocktails, Bren’s Original Blends, and LifeElements.

“We’ve got a lot of local purveyors who use the products from local farms to create their products,” Lynette said. “So it is not just the olive oil from this farm, but it is the olive oil that goes to Leo Leo Gelato to make olive oil gelato or the lavender… it is the collaborative effort. Like the herbs and spices that go into Yes Cocktails to make their drinks.”

As a rising tide raises all ships, so does a strong network of local farmers, ranchers, and artisans.

Karen, who runs the 10-acre farm at The Groves on 41 with her daughter Jennifer Joseph, is working on a new tree-planting program and will open up a tasting room.

“It is a matter of timing, but [the tree planting program] is just about ready to roll,” Karen said. “You can come out and learn about olive oil and the ways we are planting and… you can plant your own tree, with a certificate with the coordinates of where it is, and come visit. It also entitles you to become an honorary producer and be a part of the producer’s club.”

FARMstead ED coordinates team building workshops that put groups and companies in touch with opportunities for handson experiences within the farm trail network.

To learn more about FARMstead ED, contact Lynette at 805-226-2081 or i n f o @ FA R M s t e a d E d . c o m , or go to farmsteaded.com.

colonymagazine.com | 15

Fast Times Moto Festival Revving Up Motorcycle Racing in Paso

M

otorcycle racing star Johnny Murphree remembers sliding around the Paso Fairgrounds in his first flat track race long before Paso became a dominant force in the wine and tourism industry. Way back in the 1980s when wine tasting was free, dirt-track racing became a way for Johnny to cope with the loss of his mother and focus his reckless energy on something constructive.

With his racing days over and every bone in his body broken at least one, Johnny said that he and his wife Kary Ann felt called to bring back the joy and excitement of racing to the Central Coast.

Remembering Joey Brown Races have been held at the event center for the past two years in honor of Joey Brown, dirttrack pioneer, promoter and local shop owner.

“A big group of us got together with Brett Butterfield and put a race together. Without much marketing, and just a great group of folks involved, we had a pretty good turn out!” said Johnny. As it grew and they realized the area would support something much bigger, Butterfield, owner of the Ravine Waterpark, turned the reigns over to Johnny.

Without quitting his day job as owner of Murphree Building Inspections, Johnny and his wife, founded the Ride It Out Race Promotions.

With fellow motorcycle enthusiast and longtime friend, Greg Taylor they started planning The Fast Times: Moto Festival occurring on Saturday and Sunday, September 14-15 at the Paso Robles Event Center located at 2198 Riverside Avenue, Paso Robles. Doors open at noon on Saturday.

“The Bike show starts at noon and there will be plenty to eat and drink, so people can stroll through the bike show, vendor area and swap meet,” explained Johnny.

The two-day event features more than flat track racing. Johnny explained that getting local bike enthusiast to come is easy especially since there is no racing on the Central Coast, but Ride It Out’s goal is to bring the community together.

“We know what it takes to entertain motorcycle fans; good racing and beer,” said Johnny.

Kary Ann, daughter of famed Gary Nixon, 1967 and ’68 AMA Grand National Champion, has taken great strides to draw people unfamiliar with the motorcycle racing world to the event.

More than just racing, the festival includes live music, camping, a vendor row with boutique shops, food, and a People’s Choice Motorcycle Show with the help of Dennis Camp. Kary Ann knows her Dad would be proud of them, keeping his love of motorcycles going and sharing that with others.

Racing opportunities for all

First and foremost, wanting the festival to be a community event, the team added expert and novice races to all its classes on Sunday, featuring 22 separate classes for all sizes, ages and skill levels.

On Saturday, practice starts at 4 p.m. with races beginning at 6 p.m. Racing Saturday night will feature a compact show with a $5000 purse Pro Flat Track event with limited amateur, vintage, and kid’s classes. Saturday also features Hooligan racing. Increasing in popularity, Hooligan racing is amateur flat track racing on street bikes that are mostly stock (no racing bikes allowed) and are 750cc or larger engine.

Johnny stresses that the festival has something Following the competition, live music will play for everyone. in the infield until everything closes down

Something for Everyone 16 | colonymagazine.com

By Mark Diaz

around 10:30 p.m. Crews will work overnight to create a rough scrambles or “Moto TT” track for Sunday’s races.

The Track opens at 7 a.m. on Sunday with the day hosting a ‘“Run-What-Brung” open traction knobby tire racing on a Moto TT, or rough scrambles course, with roller jumps for tight, fun racing, and a full range of age, size, and skill level classes,’ the website boasts in motocross speak.

Mulder named Grand Marshal For its first Grand Marshal, the festival chose motorcycle legend, Eddie Mulder. Starting his racing career at the tender age of 8, Eddie went on to win five Grand National championships.

Eddie also maintained a prolific career as a motorcycle stunt man performing his feats in over 20 films. He also played the state trooper in the cult classic "Near Dark," a vampire movie before the undead sparkled. Eddie was one of Gary’s best friends and a long-time mentor for Johnny.

In a phone interview, Eddie sang praises about the Paso community and their involvement in the success of the early races. As a professional promoter, he said that the town gave phenomenal support to the races both in offering a helping hand and by showing up and enjoying the events. “They were racing people,” said Eddie. Showing full confidence in his friend, Eddie called Johnny a ‘Shake and Baker’ meaning he’s a guy who can get things done.

Without a doubt, Paso has become a destination for wine enthusiasts and vacationers as well a place to relocate from Los Angles and the Bay Area. Now, the community has the opportunity to add to the city’s list of accomplishments by making itself the California Central Coast motorcycle racing destination.

For more information about the festival, visit rideitoutmoto.com.

Colony Magazine, September 2019

 Â? Â? Â?Â?  ­Â?€‚ ƒ „ ‚  Â

Historic Templeton

1800elpomar.com

… † ‡ ‚€ � ˆ� �

September 2019, Colony Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 17

COLONY DAYS

Atascadero's Premier Community Celebration Marches Oct. 4-5

A

By Heather Young

tasc adero’s premiere community celebration, Atascadero Colony Days, is soon to be marching for the 46th annual event to be held the first Saturday in October. Community partners in the form of sponsors and donors, volunteers, vendors, Tent City actors and parade entries are being sought.

“Our all-volunteer board and committee members are a small army, but we are also in need of new members who want to take it further,” Colony Days Chair Nic Mattson said. “There are so many ways to get involved and all it takes is a desire to celebrate your community, share your love with others, and show up willing to help.”

The Tent City After Dark concert kicks off the weekend on Friday, October 4, followed by the Lions Club pancake breakfast, parade, festival, Tent City, Dogtoberfest and more on S aturday, October 5.

“Colony Days is one of the longest standing nonprofit organizations in Atascadero," Mattson said. "Kiwanis, which assists in our parade lineup and staging, celebrates 50 years this year and Colony Days is on its 46th.

We’re old, but that is what makes it fun. We've been celebrating Atascadero history for 46 years and now we're a part of that history.

This year’s theme is California Dreams and can be interpreted in a myriad of ways. Themed floats are highly encouraged.

“My favorite part of Colony Days

18 | colonymagazine.com

is being a part of a parade float,” Mattson said. “There is nothing like seeing a child’s face light up as you move down El Camino Real and you catch their eye and wave to them — you can tell, it is something they’ll never forget either.”

GET INVOLVED

It takes many hands to make Colony Days a reality. Both time and money are required from the community. There are several ways you can get involved: Sponsor the event or become a Friend of Colony Days — Both monetary and in-kind

donations are needed every year.

Expenses for the event include administration costs, insurance, road closures, security, marketing, printed materials, advertising and the website; equipment rentals, trash cans, port-a-potties, parade awards, signage and so much more.

Sponsorships start at $500. "Friend of Colony Days" donations start at $100 but all monetary donations are welcome. To donate, visit colonydays.org.

Volunteer — Skills of all kinds are needed to plan and implement the event. Volunteers are needed for administrative tasks, finance,

COLONY DAYS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS WEEK-OF EVENTS Sunday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.: Colony Days Quota Tea Thursday, Oct. 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Royalty Reception — Come meet the King and Queen in Tent City.

Friday, Oct. 4, 8:30 a.m. - noon: AUSD third-grade field trip to historic Tent City Friday, Oct. 4, 6 - 10 p.m.: Tent City After Dark concert in Historic Tent City

SATURDAY, OCT. 5 EVENTS Colony Days Parade and Festival 7 to 9 a.m.: Lions Club Pancake breakfast 10 a.m.: Colony Days Parade Noon to 4 p.m.: Historic Tent City Festival. Vendors, entertainment and food in Sunken Gardens 1 p.m.: Dogtoberfest, wiener dog and small dog races and pet costume contest

website management, social media, photography, videography, working behind-the-scenes for Tent City, doing tasks for particular events, setting up, cleaning up and more.

To get involved in the planning of the event or to volunteer for a particular job, visit colonydays.org and click on "Volunteers."

Vendors — All kinds of businesses and organizations are sought to be vendors at the festival on Saturday, October 5. Particularly of interest this year are artisans who produce products similar to what people would have bought in the early 1900s, such as pottery, woodwork, tin, etc. To sign up as a vendor, visit colonydays.org and click on "Vendors."

Tent City actors — People of all ages and acting abilities are sought to populate the 1916 recreation of Atascadero. Classes are held in advance to prepare the actors for their roles in the working community. Actors develop a character to portray and spend the day roaming around Tent City. To get involved, visit colonydays.org and click "Tent City."

Parade entries — Entry into the annual parade is free and is open individuals, community groups and businesses. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and awards for the different categories are awarded during the festival in the afternoon. The deadline to enter the parade is Sept. 16. Parade entry numbers may be picked up during Tent City After Dark or Saturday, October 5 between 8 and 9 a.m.

Colony Magazine, September 2019

Tent City After Dark: Concert, Food & Drinks!

Moonshiner Collective • Bear Market Riot • Arthur Watership

A

By Heather Young

tascadero Colony Days’ annual f u n d r a i s e r, Tent City After Dark, is a concert that will include performances by Moonshiner Collective, Bear Market Riot

September 2019, Colony Magazine

and Arthur Watership on Friday, October 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

The event allows for people to see the historic recreation of Tent City in 1916 Atascadero after hours and enjoy food and drinks while listening

to local music with the historic City Hall in the background.

“Tent City After Dark is the best event of the year,” Colony Days Vice President Karen McNamara said.

“It is a relaxing evening of great music in the most amazing setting: a historic Tent City. The glowing

lights from the tents and overhead lanterns under a starlit sky are an atmosphere that can't be matched.”

To purchase tickets, visit colonydays.org and click on Tent City After Dark. All proceeds from the event benefit Atascadero Colony Days.

colonymagazine.com | 19

North San Luis Obispo County

HAPPENINGS Showdown

SEPT. 20&21

Cornhole TournameNt

T

he Third Annual SHOWDOWN Charity Cornhole Tournament will be an 8 Team Round Robin play for "A" and "B" bracket placement on Saturday morning.

On Saturday afternoon, teams that place 1st-4th will play in the "A" Bracket double elimination tournament for up to $2,000 in cash prizes, for 1st-6th place teams.

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 20 at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m.

WHERE: Atascadero’s Sunken Gardens, 6505 El Camino Real HOW MUCH: $40 per player, $100 per team MORE INFO: Call 661-317-6048 or visit visitatascadero.com

SEPT.

7

SEPT.

SEPT.

14

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: $15 pre/$20 door MORE INFO: colonydays.org

Sept.

14 20

Avocado & Margarita Street Fest

Saturday in the Park: Stellar Band

Fast Times Moto Festival

Saturday in the Park: Soundhouse

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7 WHERE: 714 Embarcadero

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7 WHERE: Atascadero Lake Park

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 14 at 12

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 14 WHERE: Atascadero Lake Park

HOW MUCH: $5-10 MORE INFO: avomargfest.com,

HOW MUCH: Free!

MORE INFO:

in Morro Bay

#AvoMargFest

SEPT.

14

Bandstand

visitatascadero.com

SEPT.

p.m. to Sunday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Paso Robles Events Center, 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles HOW MUCH: General Admission is $20 on Saturday, $15 on Sunday MORE INFO: Call 805-423-8874 or isit rideitoutmoto.com

Bandstand

HOW MUCH: Free!

MORE INFO: visitatascadero.com

SEPT.

Oct.

20 28

5

805 Locals Market

Live Music with The Belmores

ECHO'S Long Walk Home

Templeton Oktoberfest

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m.

WHERE: Sunken Gardens park HOW MUCH: Free!

MORE INFO:

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m.

WHERE: The Nautical Cowboy at

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 28 WHERE: ECHO Homeless Shelter,

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

WHERE: Templeton Community

facebook.com/805Boutiques

20 | colonymagazine.com

the Carlton, 6005 El Camino Real HOW MUCH: No Cover Charge MORE INFO: Call 805-461-5100

6370 Atascadero Avenue HOW MUCH: $10-$25 MORE INFO: Call 805-462-3663 or visit echoshelter.org

Park, 550 Crocker St.

HOW MUCH: $35-45 MORE INFO: Visit templetonoktoberfest.com

Colony Magazine, September 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.

September 2019, Colony Magazine

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 and fourth 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

colonymagazine.com | 21

ATASCADERO CITY COUNCIL REPORT

By Mark Diaz

COUNCIL LOOKS TO UPDATE SMOKING ORDINANCE, CURB TEEN VAPING In response to a request from the Atascadero Police Department, the City Council took steps to repeal and replace portions of the tobacco use ordinances Title 6 and 10. As stated by City Staff, the purpose of the new rules is to better define designated non-smoking areas and add the prohibition of minors, children under the age of 18, from being in possession of tobacco products. The regulations also aim to curb or end the use of vaping products by teenagers.

The new areas proposed and redefined are on Atascadero Avenue, from Morro Road to El Camino Real and in the streets and along the public right of way from Ardilla Avenue to Potrero Road and any public place within 500 feet of Colony Park Community

In the short weeks since the Atascadero City Council discussed the APD's proposed changes in the tobacco ordinances, news of health problems among the nation's teens associated with vaping have exploded. National news covered stories of 120 cases of lung disease across 15 states that have been linked to the use of vaping and e-cigarettes.

Center. If passed, the ordinance would prohibit smoking and vaping on the median between North County Christian School and Echo Shelter. The first reading passed unanimously.

from $20.18 to $24.01, a 19 percent increase. The last rate adjustment occurred in 1994. With the rate increase, the City looks to bring in $350,000 for the fiscal year 2019/20.

Mayor Heather Moreno WASTEWATER RATE expressed the Council’s desire INCREASE to make it abundantly clear that The Atascadero City Council this rate increase is first part of approved Proposition 218 to additional increases that span a increase wastewater rates from five-year plan. The mayor stated

that reason reason for the gradual rate hike was in the hope of furthering research would reduce future increases.

Needing more than 2,000 written protests to defeat the proposition, the Council received only one but also received one verbal positing feedback during the Council meeting.

“It’s difficult times for elected officials to take these kinds of steps,” said Curtis Black, a private citizen addressing the Council. “…I think the amounts are quite reasonable and the need is there.”

The rate increase was based on a 2019 Wastewater Rate Study.

The City is also performing a full audit and inventory wastewater connection user classifications.

Once completed, the City will examine several factors such as volume metric analysis and water use patterns to assist in its wastewater rates evaluation.

Currently, Atascadero charges the lowest rates in the County.

We turn your laundry piles into happy smiles.

CALL OR TEXT for FREE PICKUP and DELIVERY or WASH & FOLD SERVICES 805-550-9891 • TheLaundromatBySwishAndSwirl.com

22 | colonymagazine.com

Colony Magazine, September 2019

MPLETON TE

RY GROUP SO

EA ADV I AR

TEMPLETON AREA ADVISORY GROUP REPORT

TAAG Reviews New Commercial Project Proposal

T

By Mark Diaz

he Templeton Advisory Group passed a motion to approve the Sphere Partners Inc. project located at 221 North Main Street. The proposed commercial mixeduse development includes three buildings, one restaurant space and two with ground floor retail spaces and second-floor office spaces.

TAAG originally tabled the item, recommending the project for approval in response to the large number of people who attended the meeting to comment and question the development. The delay allowed the committee and residents to gather more information about the project and give the developers ample time to address concerns brought forth by citizens. TAAG does not have the power to approve or deny developments, but can only NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

into the lot would shine their lights into the surrounding homes. Sphere explained that their design would block light from cars with a gentle land grade as well as a hedge at the back of the property.

Marty Mohamed

send recommendations to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors which takes them into consideration.

Sphere Chief Operating Officer, Marty Mohamed, responded to questions put forth by meeting attendees and the board. He told the group that the company has worked with the County to create a project that “encompassed the Templeton design guidelines.” A majority of the worries voiced by residents was the risk of light pollution. Cars pulling

WHERE TO DRAW THE LINE?

Board Member, Murray Powell, opened a discussion concerning the boundary limits of TAAG’s and the possibility of broadening the organization’s advisory reach.

Currently, TAAG’s boundary line mimics the Templeton School District’s. However, there are areas outside of TAAG’s influence that still affect Templeton. Powel stated a need not only in Templeton but throughout the County for Citizen Advisory Councils.

“The concern is that the majority of the whole county is not governed

by a CAC,” Powell said. “Basically what is happening it that there are projects that sail through planning and the County with approval where there is really no public representation.”

Board member Joel Woodruff suggested that the group could use both the postal zip code and the school district’s boundary to produce an accumulative section under TAAG. Templeton resident Gwen Pelfrey informed the board that the school district boundaries were first chosen because it represented a group of people that held a common interest.

The County’s CAC liaison for TAAG, Kate Shea, “strongly” recommended to TAAG speak with the county board of supervisors representatives before making any decisions.

Robert Fry, MD Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Joint Replacement, PRP Injections Sports Medicine, Fractures, Arthroscopy Joint Pain and General Orthopedics

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. Fellowship trained in Sports Medicine.

1111 Las Tablas Rd, Suite R Templeton, CA 93465

www.docfryorthopedics.com

September 2019, Colony Magazine

805-434-4848

colonymagazine.com | 23

| Taste of Americana

Too Many Zucchini?

Barbie Butz

T

his time of the year, as summer begins to ebb, I’m reminded of times when my gardening friends would call and ask for help with getting rid of an over- abundance of zucchini. They would want me to supply them with new recipes other than zucchini bread! They knew I had a cookbook collection and wanted me to do the research for them. Of course, now they can do their own research on their computer. Those times were good for laughs and I suggested that they not plant zucchini the next summer and just buy what they needed at one of our great farmers markets.

However, in my research I did discover some very appealing recipes using that prolific vegetable. I hope you will enjoy these recipes for tousled zucchini, zucchini and tomato frittatas and a zucchini and tomato salad.

¼ cup heavy or whipping cream ¼ cup grated Gruyere or Monterey jack cheese 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

zucchini and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion softens, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato and heat through, about 2 minutes. Whisk the eggs, Parmesan cheese, chives, salt, and Directions: pepper in a large bowl. Pour over the Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. vegetables. Reduce the heat to mediumButter a 10-inch ceramic quiche dish, low. Cook, uncovered until the bottom and set it aside. Heat the oil and butter of the eggs are set, about 3 minutes. in a large skillet. Add the garlic, and cook Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake over medium-low heat for 2 minutes. until frittata feels set when pressed in the Add the onion, raise the heat slightly, center, 12 to 15 minutes. Invert onto a and cook for another 2 minutes. Then serving plate. Serve hot or cooled just to add the zucchini, tomato, herbs, vinegar, room temperature. Makes 8 servings. and salt and pepper. Reduce the heat and cook until the zucchini is slightly wilted, about 4 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the prepared quiche dish. Beat the eggs with the cream, and pour this over the zucchini. Sprinkle with the Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, and bake until golden, about 25 minutes. Serves 4 to 6.

Cold Zucchini and Tomato Salad

Zucchini and Tomato Frittata

Tousled Zucchini

Ingredients: ¼ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 medium onion, chopped 8 ounces zucchini thinly sliced 1 small tomato, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, or 2 teaspoons dried 1 teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon, or ¼ teaspoons dried 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 4 eggs

24 | colonymagazine.com

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/8-inch-thick half-moons 1 small Vidalia onion, cut into 1/8-inch-thick half-moons 1 garlic clove 2 ripe Roma or plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped into 1-inch cubes 8 large eggs ¼ cup (2 ounces) freshly grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons minced chives ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper Directions: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the

Ingredients: 3 to 4 zucchini, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices (about 3 cups) 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved ½ cup minced shallots ½ cup chopped fresh basil ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 1 small clove garlic, mashed ½ teaspoon coarse salt 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Juice of ½ lemon ½ cup vegetable or olive oil 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions: Combine the zucchini, tomatoes, shallots, basil, and parsley in a large bowl.

Toss, cover, and chill well. In a small bowl, mash the garlic and salt together with back of a spoon until the mixture forms a paste. Stir in the mustard and lemon juice. Whisk in the oil, vinegar, and pepper. Toss the dressing with the zucchini-tomato mixture just before serving. Serves 6 to 8.

Cheers to zucchini and the season’s harvest!

Colony Magazine, September 2019

Announcing the New

Paso Robles Dignity Health Laboratories Patient Service Center • • • • • •

No appointments necessary Convenient parking and access Comfortable testing rooms for expectant mothers Coffee, juice, snacks Low cash prices Accepting Commercial PPO insurance plans, Tricare, Triwest, Medi-Cal, CenCal Health, Medicare and Dignity Health Central Coast Plans

Toll Free Phone—855.586.7660 Toll Free Fax—844.200.0103 • •

•

Please bring a picture ID and insurance card.

If a fasting test has been ordered, do not eat or drink anything except for plain clear water for 12–14 hours prior to blood draw.

Accepting orders on any laboratory’s form.

Target

HWY 101

THEATRE DRIVE

6 Y4 HW

Dignity Health Labratories

N. MAIN STREET

Located in The Crossing Shopping Center next door to See’s Candies.

Dignity Health Laboratories The Crossing Shopping Center 2307 Theater Drive, Suite 500, Paso Robles Monday–Friday, 7AM–5PM

Arroyo Grande Community Hospital

French Hospital Medical Center

Marian Regional Medical Center

"Awakening Ways helps me thrive.

I adore these amazing, loving people!" ~ Patricia A.

Living the Consciously Awakened Life WELCOME HOME WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU! Sunday Gatherings at the beautiful Atascadero Lake Pavilion, 9315 Pismo Avenue Gatherings for Adults & Children: 10:00am

Visit www.awakeningways.org or call 805.460.0762

September 2019, Colony Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 25

| Chamber of Commerce

Expo reinvents itself as The Marketplace

I

By Kofi Ogbujiagba

n order to create awareness about the prospects for commerce and industry in the city, the Chamber of Commerce has decided to revamp what used to be called the Business Expo Trade Show into a full-blown Marketplace to showcase various products and services from within and outside the city. The renaming of the former Business Expo Trade Show to Atascadero Marketplace, according to Reneau, is a strategic decision that was made by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce to attract vendors to sell their products and services directly to customers in a business-friendly setting.

Atascadero Chamber President & CEO Emily Reneau is thrilled with the prospect of attracting new businesses to the city. According to her, “We are seeing a lot of new businesses coming in and some development projects springing up in the area, which create a conducive atmosphere for the City of Atascadero as a place to do business in.”

Kristie Steele, Director of Business Engagement, explained why the Chamber of Commerce is promoting the Marketplace.

“We promote it because it promotes the business community and creates networking

opportunities for the business community,” and business people. The downtown is both Steele said. pedestrian and bicycle friendly.

The Atascadero Marketplace is scheduled For more information about the event, other for September 19 at the SpringHill Suites Chamber activities and how to get involved,

by Marriott, located at 900 El Camino Real contact the Atascadero in Atascadero. About 400 businesses and Chamber of Commerce at visitors are expected at the event. This would atascaderochamber.com be a commercial bonus for the members of or call 805-466-2044. the Chamber as they could sell their products and services while building up future inventories and cultivating new customers.

L ocated almost equidistant from Los Angeles to the south and San Francisco to the north, right in the wine-growing district of the Central Coast region of California, with pleasant weather and a scenic landscape of rolling hills and breathtaking valleys, Atascadero is fast becoming a favorite place for visitors, leisure seekers, seniors

Weekly Specials!

Monday: “Wine Down” 50% off most wines Tuesday: “Senior Night” 15% off for 55+ Wednesday: All-you-can-eat dungeness crab Sunday: Prime Rib night New Menu Items: • Lobster Pops •

• Seafood Combo Platter •

Live Music: Thurs, Fri, Sat 6-9pm Now taking reservations for your holiday, Christmas, and New Years parties Call and ask for Sunny! 805-461-5100

Nautical Cowboy • Inside the Historic Carlton Hotel Open Daily 4-9pm • Daily Happy Hour 4-6pm • Lounge open until 11pm on Fri & Sat 6005 El Camino Real, Atascadero • 805-461-5100

26 | colonymagazine.com

Colony Magazine, September 2019

Business Spotlight |

Bead-Dazzled Beads by the Bay more than just a store

By Melissa Allen

W

alking into Beads by the Bay in Morro Bay, it becomes very evident that this is not just a store — you are walking into a community. This community is made up of all walks of life; do-it-yourself jewelers, crafters and people just walking in to greet the shop kitty (whose name is Shop Kitty).

call/text

“It’s always funny to me, it seems that people really make connections in the store,” said owner Susan Stewart. “It’s become a real destination with a really special feel to it.”

Stewart says patrons of the store chat with each other, come up with solutions to each other’s

crafting hurdles and have even had customers find out they’re related while shopping for beading supplies.

Thirteen years ago, Stewart was doing construction-related work and as the economy tanked, times were getting tough. The current owner of a second bead store in Cambria made Stewart, a beading hobbyist at the time, an offer to take over the business or the store would close up for good.

Stewart took a leap of faith and has kept the store open ever since.

Beads by the Bay has no shortage of inventory with beads made of glass, stone, shell, bone, seaglass, freshwater pearls, and the list goes on.

In addition to beads, the store sells pre-made jewelry, charms, stained glass window art, windchimes, etc.

The store also does jewelry repairs or can offer customers instructions on restringing, repairing, or how to start a DIY beading project.

Outside, the back end of the store is an inviting garden area complete with a fish pond and home to a large stock of plants such

as succulents, air plants, seasonal herbs and local white sage. They also have a garden-potting station where you can choose from their selection of terra cotta or bonsai pottery and pot a plant right there in the back of the shop.

Beads by the Bay also has everything you need for creating your own miniature fairy garden — a perfect all-ages project.

Aside from merchandise, Beads by the Bay also offers a schedule of classes each month including basic beading, jewelry making, wire wrapping, or whatever patrons are into and the garden space can even be used for events and parties.

So whether you are a novice to beading, an expert jeweler, or just want to bring your dog and drink your coffee in the tranquil garden area, anyone would be sure to leave this store inspired to create something beautiful.

Beads by the Bay 333 Morro Bay Blvd.

805-772-3338 morrobaybeads.com

Open every day:

Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How can you help a child in foster care?

805.234.6882 CA Lic. #01918524

TariHaberfield@gmail.com

ViewHousesByTheSea.com 815 Morro Bay Blvd • Morro Bay, CA 93442

VOLUNTEER

DONATE

ATTEND AN EVENT

Visit slocasa.org to see how your support will help a child who has been abused or neglected.

'

September 2019, Colony Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 27

| SLO County Office of Education

Collaborating with Arts Organizations

James J. Brescia, Ed. D

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

S

an Luis Obispo County is a beautiful slice of California located three hours south of the Bay Area of California and about three hours north of Los Angeles, stretching over 70 miles down the 101 along the Pacific Coast and inland through deserts and mountains to Kern County, covering 3,616 square miles, with just over 284,000 in population. Agriculture, tourism, building and design construction, knowledge and innovation, advanced manufacturing, health services, and energy are some of our major economic drivers. What does each of these economic drivers have in common? “ArtsBased Leadership.”

Many corporations are recognizing arts-based learning as an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Additionally, some firms are using the arts as a pathway to explore non-art topics such as leadership, change, and innovation in business. San Luis Obispo County is fortunate to have growing Arts Partnerships for many of our schools, districts, and communities. These partnerships acknowledge four profound

“I try to give people a different way of looking at their surroundings.

That’s art to me.”

Maya Lin leadership impacts. Involvement in the arts helps us quiet the mind and puts us in touch with inner wisdom. The arts create bonding experiences that facilitate collaboration, and accelerate the ability to get to the root causes of an issue.

Arts-based activities can be used strategically to create safety, build trust, find shared values, and shift perceptions. Finally, arts-based learning, along with whole-brain creativity and design thinking, is shown to improve creative skills.

Local arts organizations are partnering with the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education in support of arts outreach.

Our partnerships provide opportunities for students to experience and participate in the arts with professional artists in professional settings. The San Luis Obispo County Office of Education and Opera San Luis Obispo recently hosted the summer Opera Camp for students and plans to partner for multiple student activities related to the October 12 and 13 productions of “South Pacific” at the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo.

To date, this partnership has afforded more than 7,000 students the opportunity to experience and work with professional artists in a professional venue. Funds for recent events were provided by Mary Bianco, David Burt, Virginia Severa, the Moca Foundation, the Paso Robles Education Alliance, and the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education.

According to the most recent Arts and Economic Prosperity Survey, San Luis Obispo County arts and arts-related activities enhance our local economy by nearly 30 million in funding and expenditures. The arts is one of the most popular Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways selected by San Luis Obispo County students, and the most recent Central Coast Economic Forecast refers to the positive impact the arts has on our local economy. Our county is also growing in cultural and artistic vibrancy because of the dedicated individuals that make the central coast their home. We invite any interested arts organizations to partner with our local schools in building up our community.

It is an honor to serve as your county superintendent, and I hope that this article will spark discussion among all educational stakeholders about the power of becoming involved in arts outreach as a volunteer, patron or participant.

“Painting is self-discovery. Every good artist paints what he is.”

Jackson Pollock

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 28 | colonymagazine.com

Colony Magazine, September 2019

Sail away with South Pacific Special to Colony Magazine

Opera San Luis Obispo (OperaSLO) recently held auditions for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical South Pacific and local performers reeled in coveted roles. “Our auditions are tough. There is no special treatment for locals,” said Brian Asher Alhadeff, Opera SLO Artistic and General Director.

“Everyone has to meet high musical standards. It just happens that we have so many talented performers in our region.” About half the cast is comprised of locals.

Dori Duke, who plays the sassy merchant role of “Bloody Mary,” lives in Templeton and retired after 34 years working for the County of San Luis Obispo. She has been involved with music and theater since high school. “I’ve had a love for musicals my whole life.

My father was an amazing tenor and performed in many opera productions,” Dori explained.

“This production is especially meaningful for me. Both of my parents loved South Pacific and the soundtrack was often playing in our house. I like to think they’ll both be looking down and singing along with me.”

Premiering on Broadway in 1949, South Pacific was a hit with 1,925 performances and 10 Tony Awards. Based on the PulitzerPrize winning short stories by James Michener, the musical is set on a tropical island during World War II. The story weaves parallel romances with culture clashes, as U.S. sailors wait for their naval deployment against the Japanese fleet.

South Pacific features popular tunes including “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy,” and “Bali Ha’i.

Skye Privat, who plays the lead role of “Ensign Nellie Forbush,” recently graduated from Pacific Conservatory Theater (PCPA) at

September 2019, Colony Magazine

Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria. William DuFuria, from Lompoc, delivers comic relief as “Luther Billis,” and Gregory Gorrindo, San Luis Obispo, is L.T. Joseph Cable, the handsome officer who is new to the island and all the sailors’ antics.

Elizabeth Umphenour, 15, Atascadero High School, landed a role as one of the nurses. “Elizabeth has a wonderful voice and this is a great opportunity for her to work alongside seasoned professionals,” said Alhadeff.

Gabriel Manro, a two-time Grammy Aw a r d - w i n n i n g baritone, portrays “Emile de Becque,” a wealthy, sophisticated French gentleman. Manro attended schools in Atascadero and Templeton, where he began learning the violin and taking voice lessons. He has performed in numerous OperaSLO productions including the role of “Curly” in Oklahoma! in 2018. He currently performs with LA Opera.

During the curtain call for Oklahoma!, Manro delighted audience and cast alike when he proposed to Justine Prado, the stage manager. She answered with a resounding, “Yes,” and the happy couple danced as the 50-piece orchestra played “People Will Say We’re in Love,” a song from the show. The married couple return for South Pacific with Gabriel in a leading role and Justine as stage manager.

OperaSLO promises a grand South Pacific production with dancing, singing, expansive sets, props, and costumes, all accompanied by the OperaSLO Grand Orchestra. The production is directed by Zachary Johnson, c horeogr aphed by D re w Silvaggio, and musically directed and conducted by Brian Asher Alhadeff. Performances take place at Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo, Saturday and Sunday, October 12-13, 2pm. To purchase tickets, visit pacslo.org

colonymagazine.com | 29

STADIUM PARK Atascadero's Forgotten Social Center W

By Members of the Atascadero Historical Society

hen E.G. Lewis bought the Atascadero Rancho from Jason Henry in 1913, there were two principal residences, the original Henry House, which still is occupied at the north end of the ranch, and a new house that had recently been completed on what is now the corner of Morro Road and El Camino Real. The rest of the ranch consisted of some outbuildings, storage sheds and bunkhouses on 23,000 acres of open ranch land.

After the formal ceremony on July 4, 1913, when Mable Lewis accepted the deed for the property from Mr. Henry, E.G. and Mable settled into the newer residence, that would be known as Headquarters House. It was a grand house.

A City Full of Parks For the rest of 1913, and into 1914, E.G and his team of experts, known as Commissioners, started in earnest to plan for the development of this area. He ended up with grand plans for a modern and complete Civic Center, a major Industrial Center, a new railroad station, complete residential neighborhoods and thousands of acres of fruit orchards. He and his team of experts determined that between four and five thousand acres of the new colony would be used for various parks and recreation areas. A significant portion of these designated parklands were along the several creek beds that traversed the area. Additionally, there were parks identified around some of the significant proposed structures that were planned and laid out as part of the master plan for the development.

One of these major parks, Hotel Park, was planned around the site of the proposed hotel, in the area

30 | colonymagazine.com

of the current Bank of America, and another, Resident Park, around the site of the Permanent Residences Apartments, near where the Atascadero hospital building now stands.

A Central Meeting Place Between these two developments there was an area that contained a natural amphitheater, or stadium, with easy access to the Civic Center.

In the Atascadero Bulletin #4, February 1914, there is a photograph with the caption: “Entrance to Little Pine Park.” This is believed to be the entrance to what we now call Stadium Park. Later in Bulletin #7, September 1915, these parks are clearly identified on the map of the area. Additionally, there is Administration Park, located just west of the Civic Center buildings identified on this same map.

Beginning in early 1915, the planning for a second convention for potential buyers was begun. This convention was the beginning of the effort to formally start selling lots in the residential sections of Atascadero. As part of this planning, it was determined that a site for general meetings and social events was needed. The perfect location for this site was Little Pine Park. It was close to the civic center, that was under development, but even closer to the planned location for the new tent city that was to be built. Next month’s column will focus on the tent city aspect of this convention.

E.G. Lewis recognized that the attendees to this new convention, who would become the first residents of Atascadero, needed a place to meet, relax, play games, maybe have a dance, or eat a communal lunch, and have a church service. Where

did such a centralized place with a natural amphitheater and shade exist within the rancho? Little Pine Park, a piece of ground between his hotel and permanent residents’ apartments, that was protected, had trees and a very calming environment, was the ideal location.

The initial effort in the development of what would be renamed Stadium Park, was to first build a road for easy access to the site. Next his crews would build a large platform, or stage, around a large oak tree in a meadow just up from the entrance to this Stadium Park. His crews then terraced the adjoining hillsides and installed bench seating. Electric lights were also installed to provide lighting for functions in the evening and at night. It was a very calming and peaceful environment. Close to everything, but far enough away so there were no sounds of the construction going on to disturb the serenity.

Stadium Park's Heyday From the beginning, Stadium Park was a major success. It quickly became the social center of the new community. Visitors, would have lunch served there on nice days.

In the evenings there would be concerts, poetry readings and dances and other social events. A society of women was created. The first formal church services were held on this stage, open to all who wanted to attend. In fact, the attendees to these services eventually formed the Federated Church, which continued to meet here for many years after this first service. This church still thrives in Atascadero.

In her publication “The Birth of Atascadero,” Marguerite Travis, who arrived in Atascadero in 1915, has many remembrances and anecdotes of specific events taking place in

this park naming the actual people who were involved. It is a very interesting reading.

Stadium Park continued to be the social center of Atascadero long after the tents were put away and hundreds of homes were built and thousands of residents had begun new lives in Atascadero. There were weddings, both large and small, dances and many other social events.

Sold Off and Reclaimed After E.G. Lewis was forced into bankruptcy in 1924, the use of Stadium Park started to diminish.

In 1922, the Community Building was completed, the focus of a later article, and it had replaced Stadium Park as the social and religious center of the community, plus it was available year around and included a swimming pool. In 1926 the stage around the giant oak tree was moved to Atascadero Lake where it became the foundation of the original lakeside pavilion.

Eventually, Stadium Park was sold to a series of private buyers, it remained as private property until the 1990s when the City of Atascadero, using a combination of grants and private donations bought the property and restored it back as a public park. Today it is full of hiking trails and some of the most impressive views of the Civic Center available anywhere. If you decide to take a walk in this beautiful park, when you get to the sign for the Marj Mackey Memorial Meadow, stop for a moment and look around and try to visualize a large oak tree, which fell in the 1980s, in the middle with a large wooden stage containing singers performing for a large audience sitting in stands built into the hills. It was an amazing place, and by all accounts it had remarkable acoustics.

Colony Magazine, September 2019

Dogs Have OWNERS, Cats Have STAFF…

By Millie Drum

PARKS4PUPS RAISES FUNDS FOR DOG PARKS

P

arks4Pups gives North County residents and visitors two popular fenced and off-leash recreational areas for exercising and socializing their dogs. Sherwood Dog Park in Paso Robles and Vineyard Dog Park in Templeton were founded by this nonprofit and receive support from the community and the volunteers including “Bark Angels” who help maintain the parks.

Both parks have a similar design with play areas for small, older, or timid dogs separate from play areas for larger dogs along with shade, drinking water, picnic tables, dunking pools, waste bags and play toys.

The parks are funded by donations. Visitors are requested to pay a $1 day use fee or an annual membership of $25 per family. Organizers host several fundraising events including the

popular Dog Splash Days at the Templeton Community Pool on September 7 and 8. It’s the end of summer pool party for pups!

Movie night with “Yappy Hour” is a popular event for dog owners to socialize at Park Cinemas in Downtown Paso. Wine is available for purchase prior to watching a dog-themed movie. The next movie showing “Pick of the Litter” on November 7.

The Annual Dog Jog takes place each spring at a local winery for owners and dogs to enjoy a scenic vineyard stroll followed by lunch and activities. Both dog parks offer a summer program with free socials, usually on Saturday mornings, serving coffee, pastries and cordial conversation. For information on membership, events, volunteerism, donating and park locations, call 805-610-8291 or visit parks4pups.org.

Hughes, provides essential services and depends on volunteers who care for rescued and tame cats and kittens. The programs include health care, spay/neuter services and fostering until permanent homes can be found. Paws Cause works with SLO County Animal Services to identify feral cats that can become good working and barn cats! They’ll be trapped, vaccinated, spayed and neutered with the goal of releasing, re-homing them at local ranches, barns and businesses that need rodent control. Volunteers are needed to trap and transport to local vets and animal shelters.

To “Get Your Cat/Kitten On!” volunteer to foster one or a litter to prepare them for loving adoption. Visit Facebook and northcountypawscause. org for contact information and upcoming details and the date for the “Pizza for Paws” fundraiser hosted by Nardonne’s Pizza in CARING FOR OUR Atascadero. Both organizations FELINE FRIENDS welcome community and business sponsorships and donations to North County Paws Cause, advance their programs. under the direction of Laura

September 2019, Colony Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 31

Avocado-Margarita Fest

By Neil Farrell

F

inal preparations are underway for the 13th Annual Morro Bay Avocado and Margarita Festival.

Put on by the Chamber of Commerce, Chamber CEO Erica Crawford said the festival will once again be raising money for local charities, with this year's beneficiaries being the “Survivoars” dragon boat paddle team; Estero Bay Newcomers Club; Central Coast Partners for Equestrian Therapy; Rotary Club of Morro Bay; and the Morro Bay High School Cheerleaders program.

"By the end of this year's festival," Crawford said, "we will have donated $56,000 over the past five years."

The festival, set for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, has always been a celebration of the local avocado crop and its growers, who have been an important part of the agricultural economy of San Luis Obispo County for decades.

But it's also a celebration of the No. 1 favorite mixed cocktail — the margarita — a music festival up and attempt to play. The City's and, more and more, a Kids Club and Morro Bay High family-friendly event. art students will man an arts and crafts tent.

LOCAL TALENT ON DISPLAY A CULINARY The festival celebrates the EXPERIENCE fruit, adult beverages and family, This year's festival will be more Crawford explained. The music of a culinary experience too, as has always featured the best of Crawford said they will have a local talent and this year's lineup special area where local restaurants is no exception. Bands booked to and vendors will be serving up perform include Cuesta Ridge, gourmet dishes using avocados as Resination, The Jammies, Samba one of the ingredients.

Loca drummer circle, the Dork The MBHS cheerleaders Band and Cocktail Shorty. once again have the corner on The Dork Band? They're a very guacamole and chips, she said. animated and theatrical group, Crawford said of the Top 40 cover Another returning favorite will band. And classic rock/blues band, be the Central Coast Women for Fisheries, who serve up a Cocktail Shorty, "is the right vibe wonderful albacore for the end of a long day." tuna-stuffed avocado.

There's a second stage in the Several "avocado ambassadors" "Grom Zone," the area at the will be wandering the festival bottom of Pacific Street that will be filled with games for kids and a handing out menus and information, she said. stage that will feature the karate/ The City's trolleys will be movement studio students giving running that day so people can a martial arts exhibition, and the park at Morro Rock and ride to SLO Symphony and its "musical the festival gate, and they've set up petting zoo" featuring a number a special area on Market Avenue of instruments the kids can pick

32 | colonymagazine.com

a Culinary Party

AVOCADO INDUSTRY

BY THE NUMBERS

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.

(next to Dorn's) as an Uber and Lyft pick-up and drop-off spot for those who don't want to drive down to the festival and try and find parking.

The festival will once again be centered in the City's parking lot at 714 Embarcadero where the main stage and culinary tents will be, and the street from Harbor to Marina streets will be closed to traffic. Some 100 vendors selling a wide variety of goods will line the street, which Crawford said is the same number they had last year.

The Margarita Man will again serve up their cocktail specialties.

New this year, the Boochcraft, a Chula Vista company will serve "high alcohol" kombucha drinks that are promoted as "gluten free, organic and derived from free trade sources."

AVOCADOS ARE THE STAR OF THE SHOW But the focus, as always, is on avocados and the local industry.

Volunteers will pick and pack 1.9

tons of fruit this year, Crawford said. The cheerleaders' avocados are donated by the growers and they sell boxes of avocados to the food vendors at cost.

“We pack the boxes ourselves," Crawford said. "And give away boxes throughout the day and we give away some avocado trees too."

They will once again raffle off a grand prize of free avocados for a year. Every month, whether you want them or not, she said, they will deliver a box of avocados to the winner's home, no matter where they live.

Advanced tickets are $7 Crawford said, and they have 2,500 of those. When they sell out, it goes up to $10 and the festival will be $10 at the gate.

Kids 10 and under are free. Buying an advanced ticket guarantees you entry, she explained. At past festivals they've reached their capacity limits and had to regulate entrants, letting one person in when one person leaves.

Tickets are available online at avomargfest.com.

A couple of events from past years won’t return this year as the Chamber isn't going to do a Taste of the Grove foodie event, held the night before, and there will not be a Sombrero Decorating Contest this year.

They will do the popular "Strong Arm" contest wherein contestants hold up with one hand a box of avocados with additional fruit added until one-by-one the boxes fall. They will again have the giant Jenga game and are working on some new games for the adults to play, with prizes of course being avocados.

Colony Magazine, September 2019

New Site, New Show, New Life for

HARBOR FESTIVAL

By Neil Farrell

T

he 38th Annual Harbor Festival will feature a new location, a new concert and organizers hope, a new life for the longest running special event in Morro Bay. There are big changes planned for the Harbor Festival, set for FridaySunday, Oct. 4-6 on Morro Bay's waterfront. Among the biggest is a pre-festival concert Friday night featuring two national headliner acts, a return to a two-day event, and a genuine touch of Germany with an Oktoberfest tent featuring German foods, German beers and

sponsored by a German energy company.

Staged for the past three years as a street fair and closing off the Embarcadero from Harbor to Marina streets, the main part of the festival was in the City's parking lot at 714 Embarcadero.

The Harbor Festival is now about six blocks north to the Front Street and Triangle parking lots. That's on the east side of the Embarcadero and across from the event's former, long-time site.

"With this," said Don Doubledee, the festival's site manager, "we're not

E85 Diesel

Propane ® Car Wash

Hwy 41 & 101 Exit 219

closing any streets and we're not blocking any businesses."

As usual, the festival will feature some great local bands on the main Embarcadero Stage — Jasper & Jade, Truth About Seafood, Zongo All Stars and Burning James & the Funky Flames on Saturday.

Sunday will have Tim Jackson, Dulce Taylor, Back Pages and a tribute band — Chris Farmer playing hits by The Eagles and The Beach Boys. Farmer's show is entitled, "Where the Desert Meets the Sea." Festival favorites Giovanni's "Down the Hatch" oyster eating contest hosted by Giovanni Degarimore, is set for 2:30 p.m., Saturday Oct. 5. And the Hawaiian Shirt Contest is set for 3 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 6. Both are at the Embarcadero Stage.

A second, Abalone Stage, on the south end, will have the American Karate School, Meet the Foppers (with Billy and Charley Foppiano), Story Time Drums with Tim Costa, Robbie Dugain & The Narrow Bridge Band, and the Cadillac Angels on Saturday.

Sunday will have the Cuesta Jazz Combo, Omni Dance for Kids, Bear Market Riot, Kindel Sylva, and Sovereign Vine.

Festival coordinator, Cheryl Wells, who first became involved in 1992 representing the Cuesta College Broadcast Club, is really excited about the Friday night concert. The music has always been her specialty.

Veteran band, Cracker, headlines the show set for 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at the festival grounds.

Tickets are available online at MY805TIX.com.

Cracker recently released its 10th studio album, "Berkeley to Bakersfield" that features original founders David Lowry and Johnny Hickman, plus original band mates Davey Faragher and Michael Urbano. All four played on the new album.

Folk artist Peter Case, who played the festival in 2001 and 2005, will open the Friday concert.

The festival is going back to a paid admission, too. Wells said the presale cost is $7, and $10 at the gate. But, "Locals are $5 at the gate," Wells said. "With ID, of course."

The ONLY Bead & Garden Shop on the Central Coast!

OPEN EVERY DAY! EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO BEAD as well as a huge selection of succulents, air plants and miniature garden accessories

Atascadero, CA 93422

333 Morro Bay Blvd.

Morro Bay, CA

805.772.3338

morrobaybeads.com

September 2019, Colony Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 33

Boys & Girls Club of the Central Coast Newly formed organization seeks to expand services CHAMPIONS OF YOUTH EVENT HONORING TOM & KATHLEEN MAAS

Special to Colony Magazine

I

n May of 2019, a merger agreement was signed between Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Maria Valley and Boys & Girls Clubs of North SLO County to create a unified, more effective youth development organization on California’s Central Coast. Currently, the organization operates 11 club sites in the communities of Santa Maria, Guadalupe, Paso Robles and Atascadero.

The merger provided an opportunity to serve more children and teens throughout the region.

We are now known as Boys & Girls Clubs of the Central Coast. By working together, we are able to empower more young people and play an instrumental role in preparing them for a successful future. We are here to ensure that our youth have every opportunity to reach their full potential.

Our vision is to open nine additional club sites in the region by 2025. Plans are in the works to open a new club site in Shandon this fall in coordination and partnership with the Shandon Joint Unified School District and must! Charities.

COMING SOON: A NEW CLUB IN SHANDON

In partnership with the Shandon Joint Unified School District and must! Charities, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Central Coast will be opening a new school-based club site in Shandon this fall. As a result, more than 100 children will have a safe place to learn and grow during the school year. In addition, and thanks to a three-year commitment of $150,000 from must! charities, BGCCC will be operating summer and out-of-school time programming as well.

Shandon will greatly benefit in part due to the staggering recent statistics that 30 percent of youth under the age of 18 in Shandon are considered homeless. The collaboration between the Shandon Joint Unified School District, must!

1800 El Pomar.................................. 17 76 Gas Station.................................. 33 777 Motorsports.............................. 17 777 Tractor Sales............................... 19 A Beautiful Face................................ 23 American West Tire & Auto............... 05 Atascadero Greyhound Foundation.07 Atascadero Hay & Feed.................... 17

Atascadero Pet Hospital .................. 11 Atown Family Med........................... 05 Awakening Ways Spiritual Community ....................... 25 Awesome Brows Now...................... 27 Beads by the Bay.............................. 33 Bottom Line Bookkeeping............... 21 California Mid-State Fair................... 35

34 | colonymagazine.com

charities, and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Central Coast is a true example of communities coming together to meet the needs of those who need us most.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce has honored Boys & Girls Clubs of the Central Coast as the Chamber’s “Nonprofit Organization of the Year.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Central Coast is uncompromising in its focus, mission and vision.

The success of the organization largely depends on its dedicated staff and Board volunteers who are responsible for the transformative work in the lives of the youth they serve. 2,500-plus children and teens throughout the organization’s service area benefit from high-quality, outcomes focused and safe programs year-round. More than 80 youth development professionals work together to offer daily access to programs in five core areas: Character and Leadership Development; Education and Career Development; Health and Life Skills; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.

DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS Thank you for choosing Colony Magazine!

CASA.................................................. 27 Dignity Health.................................. 25 Ellen Beraud for Supervisor............. 25 Equine Experience........................... 23 Five Star Rain Gutters....................... 05

Glenns Repair & Rental.................... 28 Malik RE Group...........................08, 09 Hearing Aid Specialists.................... 03 John Donovan State Farm............... 10 Las Tablas Animal Hospital............... 14

On September 14, our 19th Annual Champions of Youth Gala will take place at the Paso Robles Inn. This year, we will be honoring Kathleen Maas and remembering her late husband Tom Maas who recently donated $450,000 to purchase land for new clubsite in the Paso Robles community. This is the largest single donation in the history of the organization. All proceeds from this event will benefit programs and services offered in Paso Robles.

“We believe that kindness and generosity are contagious and we are expecting a successful event,” said Kathryn Scott, Director of Events.

Capital Campaign and Launch of the Tom Maas Legacy Fund Kathleen and the late Tom Maas provided Boys & Girls Clubs of the Central Coast with the largest single gift from a private donor in the organization’s 53 year history. Tom’s passion and philanthropic spirit were undeniable. The gift was restricted to purchasing property in Paso Robles to build a new club site. To memorialize Tom’s vision and passion for the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs, the organization’s leadership chose to name the proposed club site The Tom Mass Boys & Girls Club. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Central Coast is currently working on the building design and related plans to meet the needs of the community and determine costs for the project. A capital campaign will be launched in the months to come.

In addition to the proposed capital campaign, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Central Coast is launching a Tom Mass Legacy Fund to create sustainability in support of the projected growth in the Paso Robles community. With the support of Tom’s family (Kathleen, Dan, and Tammy), the organization will offer special giving opportunities inclusive of leadership gifts and naming rights for the proposed clubsite named in his memory.

Lube N Go......................................... 21 MCR Real Estate............................... 17 Nautical Cowboy (The Carlton)......... 26 Nick’s Painting ................................. 23 North County Pilates........................ 27 Odyssey World Cafe ......................... 32 Robert Fry, M.D................................. 23 SLO County Office of Education....... 29

Solarponics....................................... 26 Sue Hubbard Farmers Insurance..... 19 Tari Haberfield - Keller Williams...... 27 Templeton Beauty Salon.................. 23 The Laundromat by Swish & Swirl .. 22 Three Speckled Hens ....................... 31 Writing Support Group ................... 19 Wyatt Wicks Finish Carpentry .......... 22

Colony Magazine, September 2019

s Colony Day USE OPEN HO . 13

pt on Friday, aSmeino Real at 5860 El Cunbar Brewing

D Across from usic r, food & m • Wine, bee n plicatio s • Parade Ap kets • TCAD Tic

Moonshiner Collectiv e Bear Mar ket Riot Arthur Watership

Food & Music

Fr iday, Oct. 4 6 -10 p. m .

Beer Wine Cider

Histor ic Tent City

Sunken Gar dens ATA S CA DE RO, CA Tickets: $20 Presale/$25 Door

$500 VIP Seating with Table Service for 8 Includes 10 Drinks & Admission for 8