Paso Robles Magazine #235 • November 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

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Local Postal Customer

Remember to Vote! November 3 Thanksgiving for Paso Robles

YOUR HEARING HEALTH

Is time running out on your deductible?

Most insurance deductibles reset at the beginning of the year.

Now may be the best time to have your hearing tested!

Symptoms of

Hearing Loss Requiring frequent repetition.

Difficulty following conversations involving more than 2 people.

Thinking that other people sound muffled or like they’re mumbling.

The end of the year marks many occasions...

The end of the holiday season, the beginning of a new year and the sense of renewal that it brings, and for most people the best time to use your health insurance benefits.

Deductibles typically renew on January 1st. Whether your health insurance is through a group or individual plan, the end of the year can be the best time to schedule appointments and save money on healthcare.

Have you had your hearing tested in 2020?

For most Americans over age 50, a hearing test is recommended as a part of their annual healthcare routine.

However, most will wait to schedule an appointment until difficulty with hearing becomes apparent.

Hearing impairment is very common. In fact, today, 1 out of every 6 baby boomers (ages 53-71) has some degree of hearing loss. Luckily early detection, prevention, and treatment is better than ever with modern technology!

At Hearing Aid Specialists, we’ve been helping people overcome hearing loss since 2002. While the world has changed quite a bit since then—especially with hearing aid technology—our approach has remained the same.

We are still a small, family-owned business that treats its patients like it would its own family members.

Frustration and exhaustion from conversation while straining to understand speech.

Difficulty hearing in noisy environments like crowded rooms, shopping malls, etc.

Long term exposure to loud noises or environments.

Reading lips or relying on reading lips for comprehension.

Turning up the volume on the television or telephone.

Learn more about hearing health at

SLOCountyHearingAids.com

Call us today to schedule your hearing appointment and make the most of your healthcare benefit!

Late appointments and Saturdays available.

7070 Morro Road, Suite D • Atascadero www.slocountyhearingaids.com

contents

November 2020 | Issue No. 235

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HONORING OUR HEROES THIS VETERANS DAY

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH HAROLD LOWE, 101, AND HENRY BARBA, 107, BOTH WWII VETERANS

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THE HAMONS: FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE

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JOHN AND MARJORIE HAMON, ON VOLUNTEERING, SERVING OTHERS AND RETIREMENT

THANKSGIVING FOR PASO ROBLES

THE NON-PROFIT GROUP SHIFTS TO DRIVE-THRU TO KEEP THE TRADITION GOING FOR THE COMMUNITY

ON THE COVER

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FIRESTONE WALKER SOLAR SYSTEM

“BREWING FOR TOMORROW” INITIATIVE RAMPS UP SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

Cover photo inspired by the 2020 Election, Centennial Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote, Honoring our Veterans and being a Proud American. Photo By Galeanu Mihai.

30,000 PRINTED | 26,700 DIRECT MAILED LOCALLY!

3,300 DROPPED AT HIGH TRAFFIC LOCATIONS IN SLO COUNTY

Paso Robles 93446 • Templeton 93465 • Shandon 93461 • Bradley 93426 • San Miguel 93451 Hotels • Wineries • B&Bs • Waiting Rooms • Restaurants • High-traffic Visitor Hotspots for advertising inquiries and rates email publisher @ pasomagazine.com, or contact one of our advertising representatives.

DEPARTMENTS

Something Worth Reading

Round Town

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12

Publisher’s Letter

publisher, editor-in-chief

It’s Happening On Main Street: Autumn in Paso

Hayley Mattson

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Day of Giving: Preparing to Bring Holiday Cheer

15

The General Store: Joy: Little Ways to Help Each Other Through the Holidays

Taste Of Paso

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34

community writer

Connor Allen

ad consultants

Dana McGraw Jamie Self

Local Business

The Natural Alternative: Making Your Health the Priority

SLO County Office of Education: The Beat Goes On Directory of Local Houses of Worship

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ad design

Denise Mclean Jen Rodman

Sip & Savor: Paso Winemakers Reflect on Vintage 2020

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Brian Williams

layout design

Oak Leaf

32

Nicholas Mattson

managing editor

Michael Michaud

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publisher, editor-at-large

office administrator

Cami Martin | office@pasomagazine.com

OUR NEXT ISSUE:

Adam Welch: Resilient Project

WINTER HOLIDAYS December 2020

PUBLICATION DELIVERY DATE Friday, November 27, 2020

ADVERTISING DEADLINE*

Last Word

November 10, 2020

* ad reservation deadline is the 10th of each month preceding the publication. for more information about advertising, upcoming issues and editorial themes, contact our advertising representatives above, or see our media kit at

City Park Bench Dedication to Tre & Chris Directory to our Advertisers

pasomagazine.com/advertise

PASOMAGAZINE.COM publisher@pasomagazine.com • (805) 237-6060

contributors Camille DeVaul The general store

James Brescia, Ed.D. Karyl Lammers

Meagan Friberg Mira Honeycutt

OFFICE

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MAIL

P.O. Box 427 Paso Robles, CA 93447

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Editorial Policy

Commentary reflects views of our writers and not necessarily those of Paso Robles Magazine. Paso Robles Magazine is delivered free to 26,700 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.

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Paso Robles Magazine ©2020 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 Paso Robles Magazine.

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A break in the Santa Lucia mountain range, known as the “Templeton Gap,” allows cool air from the coast to make its way to Paso Robles. This flow of cool oceanic air creates temperature swings within a 24-hour period of up to 50 degrees, creating an ideal climate for producing wonderfully complex wines.

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Paso Robles Magazine | November 2020

Sharon West

As we prepare for November classes and activities our team is so grateful to be able to provide life enriching services to the Paso Robles community. The theme of gratitude is prevalent in many of our November offerings.

Star Trails Nightscape Photography

Standing beneath a blanket of stars on the central coast is one sure way to reconnect to deep gratitude for our place in this beautiful world. Professional photographer Sharon West will share her secrets for capturing awe inspiring photos of the night sky during this hands-on class series. Introductory class (Wednesday, November 4 from 5:30-6:15 p.m.), two Saturday evening on-location shooting sessions (Saturdays, November 7 and 14 from 6-9 p.m.) and two photo processing classes (virtual Zoom sessions Wednesday, November 10 and 17 from 7-8 p.m). $40 + $10 supply fee.

Gratitude in the Garden: Three Class Series for Toddlers

Mindfulness and giving thanks is the theme for this outdoor series focused on having positive experiences with new foods and nature.

Join garden educator, young mother and doula, Victoria Carranza in the Centennial Park garden to engage your senses! Explore together and enjoy activities to involve your littles in the garden while learning that play can be productive and tasty. Build a routine of gratitude and mindfulness at home with tips you receive each week. Each family group will enjoy three private 30 minute classes with Ms. Carranza then receive take home supplies to continue the exploration of gratitude and nature together. Thursdays, November 5-19. Times available between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. $30 + $25 supply fee ($10 returning student discount).

Science-Dipity Recess: Learning Through Play

Join Tim Baker, credentialed teacher and science educator extraordinaire for four Wednesdays of science driven fun including: frisbee science and frisbee golf, creating a miniature golf course using sidewalk chalk then having fun playing it, a science decath-a-lot with engaging scientific challenges throughout Centennial Park, and exploration of the “science toy box” including how to have fun with hula hoops in ways you’ve probably never thought of before. Each participant will receive a recess kit complete with frisbee, sidewalk chalk and a hula hoop to keep. Tuesdays, November 18, December 2, 9 and 16 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Centennial Park. $150 (20% sibling discount).

Speaking of Recess Fun…

Paso Robles Recreation Services is excited to announce Paso Play on Wheels, a new mobile recreation program providing opportunities for fun through play to children and families in Paso Robles. Recreation staff members and their mascot Sharkey will be giving away FREE recess kits to families during the Paso Robles School District meal distribution from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, November 6 at Georgia Brown Elementary School and Friday, December 4 at the Culinary Arts Academy. Families do not need to be enrolled in the food program to receive a recess kit. These kits include items that encourage children to be active and enjoy outdoor play while distance learning. We are grateful to our founding sponsors for this program including the Paso Robles REC Foundation, Paso Pediatric Dental and CaliKids Fitness.

We hope that you will join us for these and our many other November activities designed to enrich your mind, body and spirit.

To learn more please visit prcity.com/recreation, call Recreation Services at (805) 237-3988 or email recservices@prcity.com.

Something SomethingWW orth orth Reading Reading hanksgiving hangs in the air here, although the weather has not caught up with us yet. We took a trip to Jack Creek Farms a few weeks ago, and it just wasn’t right to pick out pumpkins in 97-degree heat. So we picked up some refreshments and headed to the coast.

It’s a great time of the year as fall sets in. Our corner of the world hits with perfect evenings most days, and it is time to kick back and reflect on all we have to be grateful for.

We also would like to say a big thank you to our veterans! The sacrifice is real, and so many local men and women have served our country, and we extend a loud and proud thank you to them for their service.

Do your part and vote!

Speaking of elections and local greatness, our 8th annual Best of North SLO County Readers’ Poll is now open! We have more than 100 categories of local businesses, organizations, events, and

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attractions waiting for you to cast your ballot for the Best of 2021.

Our Reader’s Poll is your chance to acknowledge all those who earned it in 2020, and this was a year we watched our community go above and beyond.

Of course, none of this could be possible without the best of the best — our loyal and faithful advertisers. THANK YOU. For many of us, this was the most challenging year ever. Never had we seen mandated business closures. But here we are, and we did it together. We aren’t stopping now.

It is a family here in our small towns — and as they grow, and as things change, it is up to us to keep our community spirit alive through thick and thin.

We hope you enjoy this month’s issue of Paso Robles Magazine and wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Please stay safe, share love, and be a good human.

Stronger together, Hayley & Nic Mattson

2021 NORTH SLO COUNTY READER’S POLL 2020 was a tough year! Help us celebrate those local businesses that have risen to the occasion and made our community great against the odds.

Now is your chance to bring some love to your favorite local businesses and attractions! Vote today for the Best of North SLO County!

Vote by December 15 for your chance to win $500 to your local favorite store. See survey for details. Best of Voting ends on January 10, 2021.

Scan the QR Code and go directly to the voting form.

Vote for your favorites now! Visit PASOROBLESPRESS.COM/READERSPOLL ATASCADERONEWS.COM/READERSPOLL

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Paso Robles Magazine | November 2020

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AUTUMN IN PASO

owntown Paso Robles is ready to celebrate this special autumn month, which has a deep meaning for everyone, even while dealing with the restrictions of Covid-19.

We need to be less and less “near-sighted,” consumed with the pain of the world, and more “far-sighted,” filled with hope and joy for the future!

On November 11, we celebrate “Veteran’s Day.” In 1918 Armistice Day marked the end of WWI: The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. In 1954 it was changed to Veteran’s Day to honor veterans from all wars. “Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they carry the scars of war.

We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us.” Ronald Reagan.

Paso Robles District Cemetery has a drive-thru the Avenue of Flags; at this time, there will be no ceremony, if it changes, it will be announced and will be held on the 11th hour of the 11th day in this 11th month. Enjoy the Flags hanging throughout Paso Robles, put up by The Boy Scouts, which add to the feeling of patriotism and gratitude to our Veterans.

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Karyl Lammers

Thanksgiving Day is the 26th, a time of love and connection with family and friends. Check out your favorite Paso restaurants for dinner reservations. Cooking at home? Shop local for special ingredients for your holiday feast, keep your money in our town.

Try the new “Paso Robles Market Walk” that will make your meal exceptional. “Just-Baked” is the place for wonderful sweet treats.

The “Vreamery” has some great vegan additions that everyone will enjoy. Looking for a special local wine, stop by “The Wine Merchant” and let them help you select the perfect varietal. For an unforgettable finish to your holiday meal, pick a special flavor from Leo Leo Gelato!

Downtown Main street Association Is working hard behind the scenes getting ready for the day when we can host events again. In the meantime, we are excited and proud to announce six new Director’s to our Board: Thomas Booth, “The Wine Boss,” Andrew MacDonald, “Sweet Lew’s,” Bill Sailor, “Yabba Dabba Dogs,” Theresa Sullenger, “Frameworks Investments,” Garrett Wesch, “Kahuna’s,” Jeffry Weissinger, “Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ.” With these new Directors, Main Street is moving forward with a positive new energy to bring back your favorite events and more.

Happy Holidays. Be Thankful for all we have, just living in Paso Robles Is a blessing. I’d like to share my favorite saying: “From the day of your birth, until the day you ride in a Hearse, nothing could be so bad that it couldn’t be worse.” 

Paso Robles Magazine | November 2020

November 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

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DAYOFGIVING

By Brian Williams

T

he Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles is gearing up for its 26th annual Day of Giving on Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Paso Robles Event Center.

Twenty-nine-year-old Amanda Bean, who is co-chair of the Toy Bank board and Day of Giving coordinator, says it will be different as many of the events have been due to COVID-19 guidelines.

“This year is a little bit different than we have ever done before. We are making all of the changes we need to make. We just ask that people be patient,” Amanda, who started volunteering with Toy Bank in elementary school when she was in Girl Scouts, shared.

The Toy Bank provides toys, games, playground balls, stuffed animals, books, arts and crafts, and more for approximately 1,400 to 1,600 children each year on the Day of Giving. They also partner with The Salvation Army

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Preparing to Bring Some Holiday Cheer They require the same documents as in year’s past — parent photo ID, birth certificate for each child, proof of address (such as a utility bill), and proof of income. To make the registration process easier for people, Toy Bank can access previously submitted documents.

“If you registered with us in 2019, we will verify your information with past documentation, and if you are new, you will be required to bring all the required documents, including children’s birth certificates with you on Day of Giving.”

People will receive a time to come to the Day of Giving. They will need to wait in their vehicle until they receive a text message or call to go inside the Frontier Building.

Toy Bank will be consolidating its areas this year. All arts and crafts, board

to provide grocery gift cards for families in Paso Robles, San Miguel, Bradley, Creston, Shandon, and Heritage Ranch. Unfortunately, Amanda says, Coats for Kids will not be part of the Day of Giving this year.

“We anticipate this being a bigger year for us because people’s job situations have changed, and the whole economy has changed. Luckily we are prepared for that,” Amanda said. “Last year was a pretty big year for us, being the 25th anniversary. We were able to have some stuff that we were able to put away for this year, which really worked out.”

Parents or guardians must reside in Paso Robles, Bradley, Creston, Heritage Ranch, or San Miguel, and have children from infant to 12 years old to receive assistance.

Toy Bank requires parents and families to register online at prtoybank.org.

Registration opens at noon on Nov. 1 2019 Day of Giving Co-Chairs Maribeth and runs through the end of November. Bonomi, left, and Amanda Bean.

games, and stuffed animals will be pre-bundled with toys in appropriate age groups to help spread everything out and help make sure items are not being touched as much.

This year they will not have a school supplies section or a bike raffle.

Volunteers and everyone who enters the building will be required to wear face masks and gloves that will be provided at the door, along with face masks for those who need them.

As always, Toy Bank will have its donation boxes out in the community.

If you cannot shop for a toy, the organization accepts monetary donations, and volunteers will buy toys.

You can donate online at prtoybank.org or by sending a check payable to: Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles P.O. Box 2801, Paso Robles, CA 93447 It has been a tough year for many people, and the Toy Bank is grateful to be doing the Day of Giving again.

“We were going to make it happen because the kids need a little bit of cheer,” Amanda said with a smile. 

Paso Robles Magazine | November 2020

JOY

little ways to help each other through the holidays

A

s we rang him up for three pounds of Paso Almonds, our customer quietly tugged a few bills from his wallet.

You guys, okay? You staying busy?

Because I want to be sure you’re still here at the end of the year. So that’s why I’m here.

We’ve been touched and sustained by moments like this, customers shopping with us intentionally, buying gift certificates they don’t even plan to spend (but we pressure them into it!), and pouring their energy into keeping our little store alive. Now, more than ever, shopping locally truly means the difference between open and closed. We are so grateful to continue to be able to offer hometown customer service, local gifts, and a lot of Dolly Parton, and have given a lot of thought to the ways we can all support each other through the holidays!

SHARE SOME JOY This year’s JOY theme was designed just for us by artist Annie Riker, and it’s front and center on our free gift wrapping. (*sorry, free gift wrapping for GSPR items only) EVEN MORE LOCAL New Paso ornaments, lotions, dog treats, pottery, sweatshirts, mugs, art prints...we’ve got more local love than ever!

A LITTLE HELP With maximum capacity limits, it really helps if shopping is done in smaller groups. We don’t want to turn people away, but we also want to keep people safe.

WE LOVE OUR TEAM… ...and so we enforce mask-wearing at all times. We also offer curbside pick-up and an expanded PRIVATE SHOPPING offering of goods online to accomCall or visit our generalstorepr. modate everyone’s needs. com for by-appointment shopping hours. Whether you want to shop Thankful for this community, solo or with friends, each hour will The Team allow up to 8 guests total in the at General Store store.

Paso Robles

November 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

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Catching up with

John & Marjorie Hamon

By Meagan Friberg

P

aso Robles is blessed with an abundance of people that give back and contribute to the betterment of the community. One couple, John and Marjorie Hamon, has been volunteering and serving others locally for more than 45 years.

When they were honored by the Paso Robles Chamber as the 2014 Roblans of the Year, their longtime friend Wade Taylor referred to the Hamons as “pillars of the community.”

Together, they have been involved with activities to help promote the city, and can often be found volunteering at a charity event, serving their church, and helping run their family-owned business.

Recently, I had the chance to sit down with the Hamons as they shared the exciting news of the transfer of ownership of Hamon Overhead Doors to their son, John Hamon III, known as J, around the office.

“On paper, the ownership switched over in July 2019,” J said. “In reality, it happened January 1, 2020, but it wasn’t officially announced until now. There was a bit involved with the transition, and my wife and I have been building a house, so that’s been keeping us busy.”

Tom Triol, Marjorie’s father, started Overhead Door of Paso Robles in 1966. The Hamons met in 1974 while attending Cal Poly SLO and married the following year. They settled in Paso Robles after graduating; Marjorie earned her degree in Industrial Engineering while John earned his

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Faith, Family, and Focusing on the Future in Industrial Arts and began working for his father-in-law. He and Marjorie purchased the business in 1978 and renamed it Hamon Overhead Door Co., Inc. Marjorie worked part-time alongside John while raising their children, Jessica and J. Today, their family also includes J’s wife, Shiloh, and grandchildren Madalyn, Jack, Selah, and Soren, their angel grandson.

John’s brothers, Mark and Greg, have been working in the family business since 1980 and 2006, respectively.

“So, with the transfer, this is now a third-generation family-owned, local business,” J said. He has worked fulltime at Hamon Overhead Doors for 18+ years, not counting the days he worked during high school and college.

John adds, “That was always the plan, back when we started doing doors with Marjorie’s dad and eventually took over the business. J was little at the time, of course, but, after 43 years, it’s time for him to take over the reins.”

“Sometimes, I think maybe we did wait a little longer than we should of,” Marjorie said, “but, honestly, it’s hard to let go.”

Although not quite ready to retire completely, John and Marjorie admit it will be nice to have more time together to do the activities they love.

“We’ve managed to travel through our working years, but it will be nice to go on longer trips,” Marjorie said.

“We do a lot of trips with a local group; making memories is what it’s all about.

We realize how life can change in the blink of an eye; life is short, so you need to take those opportunities now.”

In addition, they enjoy flying in their plane, with John as the pilot, as well as taking motorcycle trips, going fishing, snow and water skiing, camping, entertaining, and spending time with their kids and grandkids. “ We a re active in the community, and that’s not going to change,” John said. “I still have two more years on the Paso Robles City Council, and I’m still enjoying that position.”

They are involved with their church home, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, and, together, their commitment to volunteering makes up an impressive list.

John has served with the Volunteer Fire Department, Paso Robles Planning Commission, Paso Robles

Airport Advisory Committee, Industrial Technology Advisory Board at Cal Poly SLO, Boy Scouts of America, Paso Robles Children’s Museum, Rotary Club of Paso Robles, and numerous city and county committees and agencies.

Marjorie has volunteered and/or served on committees with the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, the Paso Robles Speakeasy Toastmaster Club, the Pioneer Day Committee, and Paderewski Festival. In addition, Marjorie’s talent as a singer and guitar player, and her passion for music has graced many people over the years at gatherings, including weddings and funerals.

Until the day comes for a full retirement, the plan is for John to stay on board part-time as a consultant for commercial sales at Hamon Overhead Doors. Marjorie is the current CFO of the corporation, and she also intends to stay on part-time for now.

“My parents and I have a great relationship,” J said. “We get along well, and we like working together. My desk and my mom’s desk are six feet apart, and it’s been that way for about 12 years, so I can’t imagine working without them at least part-time.”

One thing is certain – whichever path the road takes, Marjorie and John, they are leaving their family business in good hands with J. And, in case our readers are wondering, that catchy jingle will remain – Garage Door Jammin’? Time To Call Hamon! 

Paso Robles Magazine | November 2020

WITH LOVE FROM THE

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

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THANKSGIVING FOR PASO ROBLES Shif ts

to

Drive-Thru

to

Keep

the

Tradition G oing

P

reparation for Thanksgiving for Paso Robles annual dinner usually begins with the core group meeting in August, but it started earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We usually meet in the middle of August and begin planning,” said Thanksgiving for Paso Robles Chairman David Kudija. “With everything shut down due to COVID-19, I started thinking about it in May, and we started talking about it in July. We think we have a solid plan in place.”

The nonprofit group has come up with a workable plan and will be serving its 26th Annual

Thanksgiving for Paso Robles will look different this year. Instead of a sit-down dinner, it will be a drive-thru.

Photos by Brian Williams

THANKSGIVING FOR PASO ROBLES Free Thanksgiving dinner for anyone with all the trimmings!

WHEN: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Nov. 26 WHERE: St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church parking lot, 820 Creston Rd., Paso Robles MORE INFO: thanksgivingforpasorobles.com or call 805-239-4137 18 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 26. This year’s significant difference is it will be a drive-thru instead of the usual sit-down dinner, complete with tablecloths, fine China, and a home-made dinner.

“It will still be a complete Thanksgiving dinner,” David shared. “People will just have to drive-thru to get it.”

The other significant change is the location.

The drive-thru will be held in the parking lot of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church at 820 Creston Rd. in Paso Robles. Historically it has been held inside the banquet room at Centennial Park since 1989.

Mildred Wilkins started the annual event and shepherded it for the first 20 years.

By Brian Williams

Two ladies, transplants from Orange County, Linda Stermer and Rhonda Evans oversaw it for three years together, after which Stermer continued for a total of 10 years. Originally the event was hosted at the Paso Robles Senior Center until it moved to Centennial Park’s banquet room.

David has been in charge of the free community staple for the past six years. Except for it being a drive-thru and moving to St. Rose, he said everything else should be the same.

“It continues to be open to everyone, free of charge,” David said, who has been volunteering for 26 years. “It will be a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings — oven-roasted turkey, country ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, green beans, candied yams, cranberry sauce, green salad, rolls, house-baked pies, lemonade, tea, and coffee.”

Guests are not required to sign up before Thanksgiving. They only need to show up at St. Rose between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“Show up, and you will get fed,” David shared.

For the last couple of years, Thanksgiving for Paso Robles has served on average 1,000 meals.

This year they are preparing 1,500 meals.

“We are expecting a greater need this year,” David shared. “This year, with the economy suffering and the way this crazy year has unfolded, we think more people are going to come out.”

“If people do not have transportation, Thanksgiving for Paso Robles will bring a meal to their residence on Thanksgiving.”

Thanksgiving for Paso Robles asks that people requesting delivery of a meal call (805)239-4137

by Nov. 20 to get on their schedule.

David said they are always looking for volunteers and gladly accept donations. People wanting to volunteer must sign up via the website at thanksgivingforpasorobles.com. The volunteer sign-up period runs from Oct. 20 through the week of the event.

This dinner is the only event put on by the nonprofit Thanksgiving for Paso Robles. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 662, Paso Robles, CA 93447.

“Thanksgiving for Paso Robles is 100 percent organized and executed by volunteers,” David said. “We expect a large turnout this year again, and your assistance is needed more than ever.” 

Paso Robles Magazine | November 2020

November 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

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Our Local

W

orld War II ended 75 years ago on May 7, 1945, and despite how long ago some of us may think that was, there are still some veterans of WWII who remember their time in the war as it was yesterday.

Harold Lowe, 101, and Henry Barba, 107, both grew up in San Luis Obispo County and later lived only a few blocks from each other in Santa Margarita.

Harold and Henry are both WWII veterans, and both have impeccable memories.

The two have been great friends through their many years of knowing each other.

“Henry and I are great buddies because we’re the only natives in Margarita; I think that we lived here in this county all our lives,” Harold shared.

Harold Lowe was born July 17, 1919, in San Luis Obispo. He grew up with Alex Madonna, who liked to play a few pranks here and there on Harold. Despite embarrassing Harold in front of the entire girls’ locker room, the two remained close friends until Madonna died in 2004.

Lowe was in one of the first drafts and only 21 at the time. He was always a little suspicious of that since his ex-girlfriend was on the draft board, and it was not a happy breakup! But looking back, he said she was a lovely girl, and he might have brought it upon himself!

Luckily though, Lowe soon met the love of his life, Virginia “Ginny” Mae Cheda of San Luis Obispo. Ginny stayed by his side throughout the entire war, and the two were married on July 1, 1944, just a few days after he returned home. They’ve been married 76 years and counting!

Lowe was sent to Fort Lewis, Washington, for boot camp, enlisted with the 162nd Infantry. After the Pearl Harbor

20 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

By Camille DeVaul Attack in 1941, he was deployed on March 1, 1944.

Along with the 641st Tank Destroyer Battalion and 41st Reconnaissance Troop, the groups left the Brooklyn Navy Yard and sailed for the Pacific through the Panama Canal heading for Australia.

But, everything wasn’t as glamorous and well put together as it is in the movies.

“We were so unprotected, in fact, we didn’t even have uniforms when we went in. When I went in the army, I got the old choke pick 1918 blouses with rough wool,” Lowe remembered.

That’s right. Lowe and his regiment received old shirts from WWI as their uniform. He remembers photos taken of them leaving boot camp wearing just t-shirts because that’s all they had.

“We didn’t have anything to fight with—when we went over about all we had were our rifles and our bayonets— they were just starting to get radios or something like that,” Lowe shared.

According to Lowe, all new uniforms, weapons, and supplies went to the National Guard before passing them down to draftees.

The troops arrived in Melbourne, Australia, on April 9, 1944. Later they were moved to a camp outside of Seymour, AUS. Lowe laughed as he described the camp as more of a sheep field where they pitched a tent.

For a while, the American and Australian troops got along, but after more Australians were fighting overseas, the Aussie women were getting more friendly with the Americans.

Let’s say it didn’t go over very well with Aussie soldiers.

Tension grew between the two troops, but reality hit everyone when they finally shipped out and moved into New Guinea.

“When we were in New Guinea,

we were fighting two people—We lost over 50% of our men within a couple of weeks,” Lowe recalled.

Along with fighting their mutual enemy, the Japanese army, the troops battled various diseases, including malaria.

Lowe contracted malaria and was eventually sent home after being overseas for 28 months.

After a long trip back home and some trouble with rotten tomatoes, Howard finally made it back to his beloved Ginny. They married just a few days later.

The couple had two children, Pattie and Jim, born in 1946 and 1947.

Howard decided to leave the army behind him and become a carpenter for roughly 35 years. He built his own house in Santa Margarita and even helped build the infamous Madonna Inn. If you thought Howard’s memory was good, let me introduce you to his friend Henry Barba.

dren. His parents buried six children, including Henry’s twin sister Henrietta who died during infancy.

Like most in the area at the time, Barba grew up farming and ranching.

As a young child, Barba worked on the Santa Margarita Ranch. He helped Freddy Higuera (yes, the same family as Higuera Street in SLO) put leather collars on the 10 and 20 mule teams which pulled the harvesters.

In 1936, Barba, his cousin Juaquin Miller and a friend filled a large barn (also still standing) to the top with hay.

That’s a successful hay season!

Barba met his future wife, Jesse Hampton, when they were kids. Jesse’s family owned a large ranch near the Rinconada Mine. Being six years Jesse’s senior, Barba would joke with her brother that one day he would marry Jesse, take over the family ranch, and throw the rest of the family off it!

Barba did end up marrying Jesse, but instead of taking the family ranch, they had one child together, a son Raymond Barba, born December 14, 1941.

Henry Barba comes from a long line of military men, going back as early as the Civil War. Many died in action and are buried at several Central Coast Cemeteries.

& 1940 - HAROLD

2013 - HAROLD & GINNY Barba was born 107 years ago on October 19, 1913, in a home that still stands in Santa Margarita. But for the first two weeks of his life, he was known as Everett until his mother changed her mind.

Barba’s parents were Mauricio Barba of San Luis Obispo and Catherine Walters of Arroyo Grande. The two married and built their home in Santa Margarita on five acres in 1900. Henry Barba was one of seven surviving chil-

GINNY BEGAN DATING

HARO LD LO DURI WE NG W WII

In 1940, it was Barba’s turn to follow in the footsteps of the men before him. Barba was drafted into the U.S. Army. When he heard the news, it was no surprise. All he thought

Paso Robles Magazine | November 2020

was, “Well,… this is it.”

Barba headed to basic training at Camp McQuaid in Watsonville, CA. He was assigned to the 250th Coast Artillery Battery G, also known as the Glamour Boys, and off he went to Kodiak Island, Alaska.

Despite the cold, life in Kodiak wasn’t so bad. The troops lived in tents, but coffee was always hot, and they got three square meals a day.

Barba came from poverty. He was lucky to get one, sometimes two meals a day. His family didn’t take assis-

HENRY BARBA

tance or food stamps. So for someone who came from hardships like that, camp life wasn’t so bad.

In 1941 it was declared that anyone ages 29 and older were to be sent back to Seattle and discharged. Barba just missed the cut being 29 years old at the time. However, it turned out that it didn’t matter anyway because, on December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was bombed.

One of Barba’s duties was the spotlight. At night he would scan for enemy aircraft or their artillery. The only thing was if he did spot an enemy, all anyone had were wooden guns!

The island had no cannons, just wood phone poles made to look like guns and decoy airplanes. There were

HENRY BARBA DURING WWII

November 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

only five rifles on the entire island!

When the war finally ended in Europe, Barba felt happy and proud.

When the war ended in the Pacific, where his brothers and friends were stationed, he was elated.

Barba and many others who were in the military at the time knew Japan was ready to fight for ten years on their homefront. According to Barba, the U.S. anticipated so many deaths in the Pacific and had so many Purple Heart medals made that they are still giving out medals from the same batch made in WWII. Henry Barba made it through WWII unscathed. But that wasn’t the case for many of his family and friends who saw the many horrors in the Pacific and Europe.

One friend, Joe McKuzick, a Santa Margarita native, survived the Bataan Death March. Barba’s grandson Daniel Barba remembers hearing Joe talk about the horrors of the march.

And another Santa Margarita friend, Frank Oster, made it back from Europe. But two boys from the Pozo area did not come back alive.

Charles R Vaca, CPL 363 Infantry, April 19, 1923 - July 9, 1944 and David L Vaca, PFC 363 Infantry, August 10, 1923 - September 14, 1944 both died at the age of 21 in Sicily right before the end of WWII. They are buried in the Santa Margarita Cemetery, but their story still remains a mystery. No one knows who they were or how they died.

It is not very often you get to speak to people like Harold Lowe and Henry Barba. They have seen the country in some of the best times and also the worst. Incredibly, they remember it all. Every date (month, day, and year mind you), they remember what it felt like and all the people that were around them during that time.

It truly was a privilege to tell the stories of Lowe and Barba. Many of us take people like them for granted these days. I hope that even after Veteran’s Day, we can appreciate people like Harold Lowe and Henry Barba a bit more.  A special thanks to Danny Barba and the Santa Margarita Historical Society for their help with this article.

pasoroblesmagazine.com | 21

VINTAGE 2020

Paso Winemakers Reflect on

T

he year 2020 will go down in history as most challenging, shrouded by the COVID-19 global pandemic, devastating fires in California, and cataclysmic hurricanes in the south. Life, as we knew, has morphed into a new normal.

Despite this anxiety-riddled year, Paso vintners had plenty to be grateful for this harvest season.

To get a reflection on Vintage 2020, I reached out to a few Paso winemakers around late September and early October.

“We are lucky to be here compared to Napa,” said Anthony Yount in a phone conversation as the Glass Fire was ravaging the Napa and Sonoma regions. “It’s been a strange vintage, and it fits in with the year.”

The winemaker for Denner Vineyards was in mid-harvest when we spoke. He noted the picking order has been out of sync, such as viognier being the first pick.

“Flavors

Jade Rava helping her family with harvest at Rava Wines.

are ahead of sugar levels, which is not typical of Paso.”

Yount, who also crafts wines for Sixmilebridge Vineyards planted to mostly Bordeaux varieties, was two-thirds done and satisfied with the fruit. “The acidity is high, which is a hallmark of Sixmilebridge,” he remarked.

“And the native yeast seems to be happy.”

Second-generation winemaker Gelert Hart was finished with harvest at his family’s Ambyth Estate, founded by his father Phillip Hart and Mary Morwood Hart. The Demeter-certified biodynamic vineyard in Templeton thrives on biodiversity. In addition to panoramic hillside vineyards planted to 11 varieties of predominantly Rhône grapes, the estate is alive with bees, livestock, chickens, olive and fruit trees, plus a flock of sheep and a family of alpacas and llamas.

“The fruit looks good, and we’re happy with the acid levels,” Hart commented on the phone.

“Less yield than we would like, but vines look good and no problems this year.”

“I love this vintage,” expressed Goran Bjekovic, winemaker and co-proprietor of Aleksander Wine focused on Right Bankstyle Bordeaux blends. “We had nice continuous steady ripening, which is not good for high alcohol or highly extracted wines,” Bjekovic said, but ideal for his style of winemaking, which leans toward Old World elegance hovering around 13.9 percent alcohol.

“We were lucky to bring in our entire sparkling harvest prior to the hazardous air quality conditions,” said Lauren Rava in an email response. The co-founder of Rava Wines, specializing in sparkling wines, commented on lessons learned working 16 vintages alongside her husband, Chad. “No two vintages are the same, and each harvest gives us new surprises.”

Steve Viera, vineyard manager for Derby Wine Estate, oversees a total of 450 acres under vine in their three vineyards — Laura’s on the east side, Derby on the west, and the coastal Derbyshire in San Simeon planted to pinot noir, syrah, and chardonnay.

“It’s a phenomenal year for pinot, the best in ten years,” remarked Viera. He wasn’t sure why. “Maybe more dormancy,” he suggested. Viera was pleased with the zinfandel and petite sirah in Laura’s vineyard and mid-harvest in the 90-acre Derby vineyard planted to over a dozen varieties, including Rhône, Bordeaux, and Spanish.

Like most vintners, Steve Lock’s picking decision began early September at his Ècluse Wines vineyard. “We start tasting through the vineyards picking sample clusters,” he said when I met him at the winery’s expansive 1200-square foot terrace. Syrah was already picked by mid-September and fermenting in bins, juice of which Lock strained out with a sieve and offered for a taste.

Lock reflected on the unpre-

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dictable season — rain in April, a cooler July, and then heat spikes.

“It’s been erratic, but vines seem to be resilient,” he noted. Overall yield was lower this year, but the quality so far has been very good.

“But we are a long way from being finished,” Lock added.

Janell Dusi also commented on low yields this year. The founder of J. Dusi Wines was elbow deep in production but took time out to chat with me at her busy winery, where I noticed several bins filled with cabernet sauvignon, tannat, and petite sirah, fruit being processed from her 38-acre estate vineyard along Highway 46 West. The zinfandel comes predominantly from her family’s Dusi Ranch and Paper Street Vineyard.

Dusi mentioned the brief yet challenging heat spike that can result in high sugar in the fruit. “This year, you really have to give a little TLC,” said the fourth-generation winemaker.

What will the 2020 vintage look like?

“It’s too early to tell,” said Yount. “It will be pretty good, possibly a great year.”

Dusi concurred: “Grapes are tasting great, quality is there, but time will tell.”

Commenting in Rabble Wine Company’s newsletter, director of winemaking Jeremy Leffert expressed, “It’s looking like an awesome vintage from a quality perspective.”

Wrapping up the catastrophic year of 2020, those words sound like a blessing. 

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Paso Robles Magazine | November 2020

November 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

pasoroblesmagazine.com | 23

ment since brewing began here on the Central Coast in 1996.

“A no-brainer really,” David shared, adding that they feel it is a fitting milestone on the eve of the brewery’s 25th anniversary.

The 9.7-acre solar array is located on Firestone Walker land adjacent to the brewery and was built in collaboration with REC Solar. It features ground-mounted single-axis trackers that maximize solar energy capture. It is projected to generate 4,570 MWh (megawatt hours) of electricity each year.

A second, smaller 277-kilowatt solar installation will occupy a parkBy Brian Williams ing shade structure spanning 14,000 ucked behind Firestone square feet just south of the brewery.

Walker Brewing Company Construction of the solar project is what co-founder David began in April and included utility Walker playfully calls the “solar substation upgrades that will make system” — a 2.1-megawatt array that it easier for other local companies to will offset a majority of the brewery’s tap into solar energy power. energy usage.

For the better part of the past “That is a pretty grand word for decade, Firestone Walker has ramped it, isn’t it, solar system,” he says with up its sustainability efforts in what a hearty laugh before lowering his it calls its “Brewing for Tomorrow” voice and saying, “Welcome to our initiative. solar system.”

“Reuse, repurpose and recycle” has He is obviously having a bit of been one of the brewery’s mantras fun, but make no mistake, David since its earliest days when it began and co-founder Adam Firestone take brewing with recycled equipment sustainable brewing very seriously. from the Firestone family winery.

“Whenever we can reduce our The brewery’s “boneyard” is one carbon footprint, we are going to do great example. Retired tanks and so, and using sunshine to fuel our other equipment go into the bonebrewery is a simple way for us to yard where they are repurposed for participate,” David says. “Brewers have use elsewhere, such as booths for sought to conserve energy for centu- Taproom seating. ries, and we want to continue that Other Firestone Walker Brewing tradition here on the Central Coast.” for Tomorrow examples include: The solar project is another in the • Advanced recovery systems now long list of commitments Firestone allow kettle steam to be captured Walker has made to the environand reused for heating wort, further

C RE

ATES A A R SYS T ‘S O L

E

M’

FI R E S T O E W A L K E R N

T

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reducing natural gas and electricity usage.

• Brewery process water is treated on-site and returned to the local aquifer.

• Firestone Walker also uses specialized equipment, looped systems, and engineering strategies to conserve and reuse water.

• LED lighting located throughout the brewery campus increases energy efficiency by 75 percent.

• Firestone Walker’s new warehouse is energy efficient thanks to a highly reflective roof design, leading-edge insulation; electric forklifts; and efforts to ship by rail when possible.

• Spent grains from the brewing process are converted into feed for local livestock.

Giving back and being good neighbors is ingrained in the Firestone Walker Brewing Company. It goes beyond the environment.

This Spring, Firestone Walker did beer drops for frontline medical workers and community volunteers as a way of saying thank you for helping the community during the COVID19 pandemic.

Firestone Walker participated in the local Coats for Kids drive last

December, with staff donating coats and the brewery bought coats from local stores, totaling more than 150 donated. They are planning similar activities again this December.

Even their signature events benefit the community in significant ways.

The Firestone Walker “Invitational Beer Fest” has greatly supported the nonprofit Paso Robles Pioneer Day over the years. All proceeds from the fest go to Pioneer Day, helping preserve this beloved local tradition.

The brewery’s annual “From The Barrel” event benefits Woods Humane Society, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to the humane care of homeless dogs and cats in San Luis Obispo County.

Firestone Walker has long donated beer to Paso Robles Concerts in The Park. All beer purchased by concert patrons is donated by Firestone Walker, with proceeds benefiting the Recreation Enhances Community (REC) Foundation.

David says doing all of this is the right thing to do.

“California’s Central Coast has been our home for a few generations — we have an affection for this place and feel an obligation to treat it as well as we possibly can.” 

David Walker and Adam Firestone walk amidst their 9.7-acre solar array, which was built as part of their "Brewing for Tomorrow" initiative.

Paso Robles Magazine | November 2020

November 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

pasoroblesmagazine.com | 25

Business Spotlight

S

trengthening our immune system has been at the forefront of many minds these days. COVID-19 has started a health movement for many, leading them to wholesome diets and a cleaner, natural way of living.

The Natural Alternative in Paso Robles is dedicated to carrying only the highest quality of products and educating their customers on their health.

Bobbi Conner opened The Natural Alternative Nutrition Center in 1995.

Bobbi is a Master Herbalist and Certified Nutrition Consultant, graduate of Trinity College of Natural Health, the American Academy of Nutrition, and Board Certified CNC with American Assoc. Of Nutritional Consultants as well as an Applied Clinical Nutrition.

Part of what makes The Natural Alternative unique is its caring, diverse, and experienced team. Victoria, the Store Manager, is a Certified Health Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nick, a Certified Health Coach, is also a Cardiac Technician.

Moriah is a Doula with years of natural health experience, and Megan, a Yoga

26 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

The Natural Alternative

By Camille DeVaul

Instructor and Life Coach, is always informative!

Here, you will find expert care and the highest quality nutritional products only available through natural healthcare practitioners’ offices, including Standard Process, Designs for Health, Metagenics, Neuroscience, Pure Encapsulations, and many more. You will also find a wide selection of local products, everything CBD, organic snacks and drinks, natural hair and skin care products, medicinal mushroom formulas, high-quality supplements, and a wide variety of herbs.

Customers can always find the safest products free of synthetic preservatives, parabens, and fragrances.

Bobbi offers Nutritional Consultations by appointment in addition to Functional Testing. Tests include Hair Mineral Analysis, Salivary Hormone Tests, Adrenal Testing, and Lab Analysis. Bobbi’s Weight Loss and Detoxification Programs are extremely

popular and effective. One of the most popular being her 21-Day Purification Program with weight loss ranging from an average 10-15 pounds. Additional benefits seen are renewed energy, mental clarity, and a foundation for overall healthier eating habits.

The Natural Alternative team educates their customers on the importance of eating well and proper immune support. Blood sugar control, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, and getting great sleep are all important! They have a great selection of immune-supporting supplements.

Throughout the pandemic and ongoing, the team at Natural Alternative offers shipping as well as curbside pickup. The team can also offer advice on keeping your immune system strong along with suggestions to help with reducing stress and improving diet, two foundations for a healthy mind and body.

At The Natural Alternative, customers don’t just purchase supplements; they get an educational experience.

Their message is this, “change your diet, exercise daily, practice disease prevention,” that is, The Natural Alternative.

Visit the “store that is so much more” and find out “what better feels like!”

Visit naturalalternative.com for more information and testimonials. 

The team of The Natural Alternative in Paso Robles from left to right, Megan McGeary, Sandy Walton, Moriah Walter, owner Bobbi Conner, Victoria Judge, Nick Barkemeyer, and Monika Binder. Photo courtesy of The Natural Alternative.

Paso Robles Magazine | November 2020

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t c e j o r P t n e Resili

Adam Welch

at the intersection of street art and fashion

By Connor Allen

L

iving through the pandemic has profoundly impacted our lives and has affected different people in different ways. Some have spent the past eight months scared of the uncertainty, some have spent it angry due to the business closures, while others were inspired.

In May, Atascadero fashion designer Farron Elizabeth and artist Adam Welch teamed up to collaborate on what they are calling the “Resilient Project.”

Inspired by the strong, resolute women in North County, the pair developed a clothing line and series of painted portraits portraying the community’s strength.

Adam began his journey as an artist in Merrimack County, N.H., in the small town of Epsom. He came into his own without any formal training and, through his experiences, has blazed a unique trail that has led him to over 40 countries, including Guatemala, Cambodia, Ghana, Australia, Peru, Lebanon, and Nepal, to name a few.

In 2015, Adam set up his first art studio in San Diego, and in 2018 he held his first major solo art exhibition, “Urban Archaic” in downtown Paso Robles, which sold out in a single evening.

Though the popular artist has not been on the Central Coast long, his art has more than likely already made its way into your life.

Adam painted all of the art at Bristols Cider House in Atascadero and has had his work featured on wine bottles and admired in magazines.

“I still see myself as a street artist. I have no formal training at all. I have never been to art school,” he said. “The painting from most of what I have done is just spray painting in the streets and running from cops. Pulling things out of dumpsters and painting on garbage. You look at other artists in the Paso Robles area, and they are classically trained. I think that is why Farron gravitated towards me because I am this crazy street artist, but there is an intersection now, which is really fascinating.”

28 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

The artist’s newest project has him trying his hand at something new, women’s fashion.

Together, with Farron, the two have created a line of apparel that prominently features the word “resilience” in a unique Old English gothic font that Adam created. Farron took the clothing they made and featured the pieces on local women that inspired them to stand strong in a photoshoot.

Adam took those images and put his own flair on them, focusing on the grace and beauty that is juxtaposed with their courage and bravery. Great art is meant to tell a story and convey emotions through the eyes, which the artist has captured repeatedly.

“I like contradiction, polarity, contrast, not just in my style but in the subjects themselves,” Adam shared.

“There is so much power in the gaze of a woman when their eyes tell a story and make you feel vulnerable like they see right through all of your crap. That is what I want these paintings for the Resilient Project to possess — an immediacy that is fleeting but anchored to a set of eyes that are forged from iron. I want there to be a balance of silk and steel — chaos and control.

That contradiction can be found in all of my favorite wines, music, and food. It is the ultimate goal of my art, to possess strength and elegance.”

After years of nearly nomadic living, it appears Adam’s art has found a home on the Central Coast as Farron Elizabeth will act as his exclusive art dealer.

While the thought of buying art can be intimidating to some because of the price, Adam and Farron have created this campaign to be accessible and affordable.

The duo has also decided to give back to the community with this project and donate a portion of the proceeds from the project to a local charity. 

To see Adam’s art or purchase a piece from the Resilient Project, visit Farron Elizabeth at 5955 Entrada Ave, Atascadero, or online at farronelizabeth.com.

Paso Robles Magazine | November 2020

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THE BEAT GOES ON...

Dr. James J. Brescia, Ed.D.

COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF SCHOOLS

A

s I reviewed the plethora of articles on distance learning, one story about how high school choirs are improvising in the age of COVID-19 caught my attention. The positive attitude and actions of these students, their teachers, their families, and the community reminded me of the many blessings in which we should give thanks. Even though concerts, performances, practices, productions, and exhibitions have been postponed or canceled since March, innovative, hopeful, and creative groups of artists continue to celebrate the arts.

Classes across San Luis Obispo County use different software programs to put videos together, interact online, and create arts programming. One of the packages allows the students and teachers to line up the videos in the correct order, synchronize the choir’s parts, adjust start timing, align sound,

30 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

Improvising in the A' ge of COVID'

and align video, so the class is singing local school districts, charter schools, in unison. Local students and teach- private, and parochial schools. Similar ers practice together online and create to the choir students in the article I virtual performances. reviewed, San Luis Obispo County is All of the noise bombarding our innovating in service to the community. senses from the political arena, our daily We must continue our commitment lives, and society can get in the way of to engaging everyone in meaningful recalling the many positive things we conversations about our challenges and still enjoy. We have so many reasons to opportunities. To that end, we must have hope for tomorrow and remem- continue supporting each other and ber how what we do will positively joining together as one community. influence the world. Please join me During times of stress, it is very easy in congratulating all those nominated to allow negative thoughts and feeland selected as “Employees of the Year” ings to creep into our heads because and thanking our employees for their of COVID-19. Mental health experts positive contributions remind us that focusto society. ing on the positive We should give in our lives can help thanks to all those Today you are you! filter out some of the who have contin- That is truer than constant barrages of ued to do their part true! There is no discouraging news. during COVID-19 one alive who is Promoting a posiand those who have let tive mindset will go you-er than YOU! us know how we can a long way in provid~ Dr. Suess ing a support system improve our service.

By coming together, to make the best of we support the work of our students, each day. families, teachers, staff, the community, Support systems are more than

simple “do-it-yourself ” projects. Our family, friends, and the community all represent pieces of a support network.

Winston Churchill was quoted during World War II as saying, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”When we look for opportunities during difficulty, we can improve our situation and that of others. American artistic gymnast and Olympian, Laurie Hernandez’s statement that “All I can control is myself and just keep having a positive attitude,” reminds us that we have control over our attitudes.

We are all very proud of our students, their families, our teachers, support staff, and the community as everyone continues to adapt and innovate.

Distance learning, small cohorts, physical distancing, wearing face coverings, and continual vigilance is tiring, but we are stepping up to the challenge. So just like the 1960s, Sonny and Cher song lyric or Solomon’s musings in the Book of Ecclesiastes, “The Beat Goes On.” I consider it an honor to serve as your county superintendent of schools. 

Paso Robles Magazine | November 2020

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DIRECTORY of LOCAL HOUSES of WORSHIP The following listing of area houses of worship is provided by the partnership between Adelaide Inn and PASO Magazine. We hope to include all houses of worship in the Paso Robles, Templeton, San Miguel, Shandon, and Bradley areas. Your congregation is welcomed to send us updates and information to make our list complete and accurate. If you have information, please send an email to publisher@pasomagazine.com or call 805-239-1533. Please include your name, address, phone, service times, and name of spiritual leader of your congregation. Thank you, and stay blessed.

ATASCADERO Awakening Ways Spiritual Community 9315 Pismo Ave. 10 a.m. at the Pavilion Rev’s Frank & Terry Zum Mallen Congregation Ohr Tzafon 2605 Traffic Way Service: Fridays, 7:30 p.m.

Rabbi Janice Mehring (805) 466-0329

CRESTON Creston Community Church 5170 O’Donovan Road Service: 9:00 a.m.

Pastor JD Megason

LOCKWOOD True Life Christian Fellowship Lockwood/Jolon Road, across from the school in Lockwood Service: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Erick Reinstedt (805) 472-9325

NACIMIENTO Heritage Village Church At The Don Everingham Center Heritage Ranch Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Brad Brown (805) 712-7265 Hill Top Christian Fellowship 2085 Gateway Drive Heritage Ranch Service: 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Jack Little (805) 239-1716 Oak Shores Christian Fellowship 2727 Turkey Cove Rd., at the Oak Shores Community Clubhouse Service: 8:30 a.m.

Pastor Jack Little (760) 304-2435

PASO ROBLES Apostolic Assembly of the Faith of Christ Jesus 2343 Park St Bilingual Services: Services: Thursday 7 p.m.

Sunday 2 p.m.

Pastor Miguel Alvarado (805) 610-2930 Bridge Christian Church Centennial Park Banquet Room 600 Nickerson Dr. Service: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Tim Mensing (805) 975-7178 Calvary Chapel Paso Robles 1615 Commerce Way Service: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Aaron Newman (805) 239-4295

Christian Life Center Assembly of God 1744 Oak St. Service Times: 10:30 a.m.

Youth Ministries: Monday 7:00 Home Groups during the week Preschool: Christian Life Early Learning Ctr. Pastor Guy Drummond (805) 238-3366 Christian Science Services 17th & Chestnut Streets Service: 10 a.m. Sunday & 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 7 p.m.

(805) 238-3833 Church of Christ 3545 Spring St. (Corner 36th & Spring) Service: Sunday, 11 a.m.

Evangelist Bob Champion (805) 286-5875 Sam Hogan (310) 602-9516 Delbert Arthurs (805) 238-4412 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1020 Creston Rd. Service: 9 a.m.

(805) 238-4216 Missionaries: (805) 366.2363

Life Worth Living Church of God 620 17th St. Service: 11 a.m.

Pastor Jim Wilde (805) 238-0978

Second Baptist Church 1937 Riverside Ave. Service: 11 a.m.

Pastors: Gary Jordon (805) 238-2011

Templeton Presbyterian Church 610 S. Main St. Service: 10 a.m.

Reverend Charlie Little (805) 434-1921

Live Oak 1521 Oak St. Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor John Kaiser (805) 238-0575

St. James Episcopal Church 1335 Oak St. Services: 8 a.m. (Rite I) 10 a.m. (Rite II) Reverend Barbara Miller (805) 238-0819

Higher Dimension Church 601 Main St. 1st Sunday: 1:30 p.m.

2nd - 5th Sundays 12:30 p.m.

Pastor Charlie Reed, Jr. (805) 440-0996

St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church 820 Creston Rd. Weekday Mass: M-S, 7 a.m.

Weekend Masses: Saturday - 5 p.m. (Vigil) Sunday - 8 a.m., 10 a.m. (Family Mass) 12:30 p.m. (Spanish) 5 p.m. (Teen) & 7 p.m. (Spanish) Father Rudolfo Contreras (805) 238-2218

Life Community Church 3770 Ruth Way Service: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Keith Newsome (805) 434-5040

The Revival Center 3850 Ramada Dr., Ste. A-3 Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Gabe Abdelaziz (805) 434-5170

Seventh-day Adventist Church Templeton Hills 930 Templeton Hills Rd. Services: Saturday 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Zac Page (805) 434-1710

Mid State Baptist Church 3770 Ruth Way Services Sunday: 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: 6:30 p.m.

Pastor Bruce Fore (805) 238-2281 New Day 1228 11th St (east off Paso Robles St) Services: Sunday 10 a.m., Wednesday 7 p.m.

Pastor Brad Alford (805) 239-9998 New Life Tabernacle 3850 So. Ramada Dr. Ste. D Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Efrain Cordero

Covenant Presbyterian Church 1450 Golden Hill Rd. Service: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Dan Katches (805) 238-6927

North County Christian Fellowship 421 9th St. Services: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Steve Calagna (805) 239-3325

Belong Central Coast 905 Vine St. meets @ NCCF Service: Sunday 3 p.m.

Senior Leaders: Pep & Angie Robey (661) 205-7853

Paso Robles Bible Church 2206 Golden Hill Rd. Service: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mark Wheeler Pastor Dave Rusco (805) 226-9670

Family Worship Center 616 Creston Rd. Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Patrick Sheean (805) 239-4809 First Baptist Church 1645 Park St. Pastor Michael R. Garman Services: 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Discipleship 10 a.m.

(805) 238-4419 First Mennonite Church 2343 Park St. Service: 11 a.m.

Pastor Romero (805) 238-2445 First United Methodist 915 Creston Rd. Service: 11 a.m.

Pastor Josh Zulueta (805) 238-2006 Grace Baptist Church 535 Creston Rd. Service: 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Gary Barker (805) 238-3549 Highlands Church Corner S. River and Niblick 215 Oak Hill Services: 8:30, 9:45 & 11 a.m.

Pastor James Baird (805) 226-5800

Paso Robles Church of the Nazarene 530 12th St. Service: 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Charles Reece (805) 238-4300 www.pasonaz.com Paso Robles Community Church 2706 Spring St. Service: 9:00 a.m.

Pastor Shawn Penn (805) 239-4771 www.pasochurch.com Plymouth Congregational Church, UCC Thirteenth and Oak Streets Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Steven Mabry (805) 238-3321 Poder de Dios Centro Familiar 500 Linne Road, Suite D Services Sunday 4:30p.m. & Wed. 7p.m.

Pastors: Frank and Isabel Diaz (805) 264-9322 / (805) 621-4199 Redeemer Baptist Church Kermit King Elementary School 700 Schoolhouse Circle Service: 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Christopher Cole (805) 238-4614

Adelaide Inn 1215 Ysabel Ave (Just off 24th near Hwy 101 and 46 East intersection) Paso Robles, 805-238-2770

The Light of the World Church 2055 Riverside Ave. Services: Everyday, 6 p.m.

Sundays 10 a.m. & 5 p.m.

Pastor Bonifacio Robles (612) 990-4701 Trinity Lutheran Church 940 Creston Rd. Worship Service: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Steve Willweber (805) 238-3702 Victory Outreach Paso Robles 3201 Spring Street, Paso Robles Ca Services: Sunday,10:30 a.m.

Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Pastor Pete Torres (805) 536-0035

TEMPLETON Bethel Lutheran Church 295 Old County Rd. Service: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Amy Beveridge (805) 434-1329 Celebration Worship Center Pentecostal Church of God 988 Vineyard Drive Pastor Roy Spinks Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.

(805) 610-9819 Central Coast Center for Spiritual Living 689 Crocker St. Service: 10 a.m.

Rev. Elizabeth Rowley (805) 242-3180 Cowboy Church Family Praise & Worship 206 5th st.

Service: 10 am Pastor Vern H. Haynes Jr. 805-975-8594

Solid Rock Christian Fellowship Assembly of God 925 Bennett Way Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Jeff Saylor (805) 434-2616

Vineyard Church of Christ 601 So. Main St. Service: 10 a.m.

Evangelist: Steve Orduno (805) 610-4272 Vintage Community Church 692 Peterson Ranch Road Services: 9 & 11 a.m.

Coaches: Aaron Porter, Dayn Mansfield (805) 296-1120

SAN MIGUEL Iglesia Fuente De Agua Viva 301 13th St. Services: 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Pastor Mike Duran (805) 467-5500 Mission San Miguel Parish 775 Mission Street Weekday Mass: 8 a.m.

Weekend Mass: Saturday: 5 p.m. English (Vigil) & 6:30 p.m. Spanish (Vigil) Sunday: 7 a.m., Noon & 6 p.m.

(Spanish) Father Eleazar Diaz, OFM (805) 467-2131

SHANDON Shandon Assembly of God 420 Los Altos Ave. Pastor Keith Richards Pastor Jim Mei (805)226-9737 Spanish Service: Sunday 5 p.m. & Thurs 7 p.m.

Pastor Mauro Jimenez

Paso Magazine P.O. Box 427 Paso Robles, CA 93447 Phone: 805-239-1533 or publisher@pasomagazine.com

November 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine

pasoroblesmagazine.com | 33

city park bench

dedicated to memory of tre & cris

By Brian Williams

A

park bench in the Downtown City Park was dedicated to the memory of Trevon Perry and Cristopher Wilson on September 25.

The bench faces the playground and sits along the sidewalk that leads into the Park from its southwest corner. It has a memorial plaque honoring Trevon and Cristopher, who were “taken too soon by senseless violence.”

Nearly 50 people attended the bench dedication, including San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow, many wearing red and black — the official colors of Homicide Victims’ Awareness. Sept. 25, which is also the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.

“Thank you for joining us today on this National Murder Victim’s Remembrance Day,” said Caryssa Esquivel, Perry’s sister, while standing in front of the bench. “We never anticipated that we would be remembering my brother on this day, but we are grateful for those who took the time to be here and share this day and our pain with us.”

In addition to their names, a portion of the plaque below a heart reads, “There is family, then there are A Heavenly Home...................................29 AM Sun Solar...........................................25 American Riviera Bank..............................9 Athlon Fitness & Performance................23 Avila Traffic Safety....................................25 Best Of 2021.............................................8 Blake's True Value....................................25 Bloke........................................................29 Bob Sprain's Draperies...........................22 Bridge Sportsman's Center.....................27 CalSun Electric & Solar............................27 Cheri York.................................................19

friends you choose to be family.”

“Tre and Topher had a bond that was deeper than friendship — it was family that they chose to be for each other,” Esquivel said. “Both of them should still be here today but have had their lives, dreams, and potential stolen from them by senseless violence. With so much going on in our world and our community in 2020, it is easy to be distracted from what truly matters.”

The memorial bench was made possible through a crowdfunding campaign. The families chose the playground’s location because the young men loved hearing children laughing and watching them play. People placed roses on the bench after the ceremony.

City of Paso Robles Rec & Library..............7 Coast Electronics......................................10 Compass Real Estate Group......................9 Connect Home Loans..............................10 Dr. Maureeni Stanislaus..........................33 Farron Elizabeth.......................................29 First Baptist Church.................................14 Five Star Rain Gutters..............................27 General Store Paso Robles......................15 Hamon Overhead Door...........................27 Handyman Brad Home Services............24 Harvest Senior Living, LLC.......................21

34 | pasoroblesmagazine.com

“I would like to thank the community on behalf of Cristopher,” said April Anguiano, Wilson’s aunt. “You have given us a place to come sit and share new memories on this bench.

All while feeling like they are right here with us.”

Trevon, 28, was reported missing on March 16. His body was found June 18 at a home in the City of Riverside.

In December of 2019, Trevon testified for SLO County District Attorney’s Office prosecutors at the preliminary hearing of murder suspect Kejuan Guy Bynum. Bynum is

Thank you for being #pasostrong

DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS This issue of Paso Robles Magazine brought to you by Hearing Aid Specialists Of The Central Coast..................................3 Hinds Financial Group............................23 Humana...................................................13 Kaitilin Riley, DDS....................................21 Kim Bankston..........................................17 Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home..................31 Las Tablas Animal Hospital......................15 Law Office of Patricia Scoles....................24

Lube N Go................................................26 Main Street Small Animal Hospital........12 Megan's CBD Market..............................29 Nick's Painting.........................................23 O'Conner Pest Control.............................25 Odyssey World Cafe................................33 Optometric Care Associates....................13 Pasadera Homes.....................................11 Paso PetCare............................................19

suspected of stabbing 23-year-old Cristopher Vento Wilson on June 1, 2019, during a fight in Shandon.

Many believe Trevon’s disappearance and death were related to the murder case.

Paso Robles Police Department detectives, along with the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, arrested 23-year-old Nicholas Ron, of Paso Robles, for the murder of Perry on June 28.

On June 30, PRPD detectives, along with San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Investigators, arrested 24-year-old Vivianna Rodriguez, of Paso Robles, for being an accessory in the murder of Trevon.

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, PRPD detectives, along with the SLO DA’s Office, arrested 22-year-old Nyessa Ron, 18-year-old Valente Holquin III in Victorville, and 25-year-old Alberto Garzon of Riverside, for being an accessory in the murder of Trevon.

All three were booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail.

Caryssa pointed to others that should be remembered on National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims such as Kristin Smart, James Watson and Nancy Woodrum.

“Stand with us to demand an end to the violence so no other families will have to remember the one they love on this day,” Caryssa said. 

Paso Robles District Cemetery................31 Paso Robles Handyman..........................33 Paso Robles Safe and Lock......................17 Paso Robles Waste & Recycle..................35 Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance........36 Pegasus Senior Living Creston Villiage................................ 19, 33 Red Scooter Deli......................................17 Robert Fry M.D.........................................22 San Luis Obispo County Office of Education..................................30 Shopper Heather.....................................33

Sierra Pacific Materials............................31 Solarponics..............................................31 Ted Hamm Ins.........................................26 Teresa Rhyne Law Group.........................19 The Art Works...........................................33 The Floral Parlor.........................................2 The Natural Alternative............................10 Tooth and Nail Winery...............................5 Wighton's | SimplyClear.........................11 Wyatt Wicks Finish Carpentry, Inc...........23

Paso Robles Magazine | November 2020

REGU L A R PICK U P SCH E DU LE FOR H OLI DAYS • E XCE P T CH RI S TM A S •

CH RI S TM A S WE E K

If your normal service day falls on Christmas, it will be shifted one day later.

Have all containers out by 6am.

RE G U L A R PI C K U P DAY

C H RI S TM A S WE E K PI C K U P

MONDAY

MONDAY 12/21

TUESDAY

TUESDAY 12/22

WEDNESDAY

WEDNESDAY 12/23

THURSDAY

THURSDAY 12/24

FRIDAY

SATURDAY 12/26

CH RI S TM A S TRE E PICK- U P

DEC E M B E R 28 T H - JA N UA RY 8 T H | Paso Robles City Residents For no additional charge, you can place your whole (please cut trees that are taller than 6') undecorated tree at the curb on your regular service day. We are unable to accept flocked trees (fake snow), decorations, and tree stands. If you have any questions or concerns please call our office.

8 05. 238. 2381

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count r ydispos al.com