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2024 Calendar Paso NEW.indd 1
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12/20/23 8:30 AM
GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXIV, NO. XXVIII
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023
COUNTY
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
CITY
ROBLAN OF THE YEAR
Supervisors vote to extend shelter crisis declaration to December 2024
City Council allocates community development block grant funds to local ‘nonprofits’
County moves forward with action plan on affordable housing, homelessness, and community development
ECHO and CAPSLO to receive financial support for shelter and care services By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@pasoroblespress.com
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — During their regularly scheduled meeting on Dec. 12, the San Luis Obispo County supervisors voted to extend the county’s shelter crisis declaration ordinance through Dec. 31, 2024. “The proposed ordinance and update of the building and life and safety standards would remain in place in our county until Dec. 31, 2024,” said Homeless Services Division administrative services manager Laurel Weir. “The current ordinance and safety standards are set to expire on Dec. 31, 2023. Extention of the ordinance and safety standards will ensure the county can continue to move forward to increase the number of emergency shelter beds in the county due to the creation of non-congregant shelters and tiny home villages when developed on public facilities. “The adoption of the ordinance facilitates the opportunity to create a more streamlined process for the creation of these and accelerates the development (on county-owned land).” The ordinance passed unanimously. Homeless Services Division Program Manager Marge Castle gave the supervisors a presentation on the annual action plan for SLO County in 2024 in regards to how the urban county will allocate federal grant funds — including community development block grants, home investment partnerships, and the emergency solutions grant that addresses the urban county’s housing, homelessness, and community development needs. The plan CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
COMMUNITY
Dick Woodland’s path has brought him from racetracks to being named Roblan of the Year. Photo by Derek Luff
Dick Woodland named 2023 Roblan of the Year
2023 Citizens of the Year, Business of the Year, and Beautification of the Year also announced
announced Dick Woodland as the 2023 Roblan of the Year. Additional awards distributed by the chambers were Jason and Rebekah Carvalho as Citizens of the Year, Paso By CAMILLE DEVAUL Robles Golf Club and Deeds camille@pasoroblespress.com Bar & Grill with the BeauPASO ROBLES — The tification Award, and Paso Paso Robles and Templeton Robles Waste and Recycle as Chamber of Commerce have the Business of the Year.
Paso Robles and Templeton Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Gina Fitzpatrick tells us, “We are acknowledging individuals in both the business sector and the community who have pursued their aspirations while generously enhancing the livelihood and economic vitality of our communities. I commend the
commitment demonstrated by each of the honorees and value the compassionate deeds and community spirit they exemplify.” When a young Dick Woodland rode around the racetrack, the last thing on his mind was that one day he would be a figure in his community. CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
PASO ROBLES — Two local nonprofits will be receiving funds from the City of Paso Robles after the City Council approved the delegation of some public service funding at its Tuesday, Dec. 19, meeting. The funds come from the city ’s 2024 Community Development Block Grant Program. The CDBG is a federal program that supports community development activities intended to build stronger communities. The city received over $128,000 in public improvement grants for use in 2024. CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
COMMUNITY
Magical moments at the 33rd annual Teddy Bear Tea in Park Ballroom Nutcracker performance and festive atmosphere as Paso Robles Main Street Association hosts holiday tradition By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — Hosted by the Paso Robles Main Street Association, teddy bears and tea returned to the Park Ballroom for songs and a Nutcracker performance by the North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation as the 33rd annual Teddy Bear Tea was held on Saturday, Dec. 16. The event is the final chapter in the Paso Robles “Christmas Story” dreamed up by the association’s Executive Director Norma Moye over 30 years ago. Moye describes the event as one final gift to the children before Christmas comes to town. For the first time in three
years, the North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation provided a personal performance of the 27th Annual North County Nutcracker. Also in attendance was the 2023 California Mid-State
Fair Court. Second Runner-up Princess Natalie Boyd said, “We love supporting our community and showing up to events and helping out. The Teddy Bear Tea is something the court has
done for a long time. We are happy to be here, happy to see everyone in all their cute little clothes and all their little teddy bears. We are here to show our support, help out, help the kids have a good time, and take
CONTEST
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
SPORTS
WEATHER
The Teddy Bear Tea was accompanied by a performance of the 27th Annual North County Nutcracker. Photo by Camille DeVaul
pictures with people. Show our support.” The Nutcracker performance was a favorite of the day, according to Miss Congeniality Shirley Horzen of San Luis Obispo. “I think they did a good job. You can see that they have practiced it,” Horzen said. “Even if the music cuts out or it malfunctions, they held it together. They did a great job.” Since their crowning, the court has been attending community events. The holidays have kept the team busy and they are handling it all exceptionally well. “It’s a lot of work but it’s a lot of fun. I don’t think I ever get tired of doing it,” said First Runner-Up Jenna Wilshusen of Paso Robles. Wilshusen grew up coming to the Teddy Bear Tea with her family. “It’s definitely an eye opener CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
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SANTA PARADE Brings Holidays to Shandon | A2
COLORING CONTEST Winners Announced | A6
CAMBRIA CHRISTMAS TREVON CARTER GIVENS Market Lights Up Athlete of Traditions | B1 the Week | B8
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