A Year in Review: Top Stories of 2022

4th Annual Chicken Run Returns In Person To Remember Frace Sisters

Published January 6: Close to 300 runners and walkers showed up for the 4th annual Running Chicken 10k and 5k to celebrate the lives of "Bitti" and Brynn Frace on Sunday, January 2. The Chicken Run returned to Lake Santa Margarita after a virtual run last year.

Thousands of People Attend Atascadero's 6th Annual Tamale Festival

Published January 20: On Saturday, January 15, locals and tourists headed to Atascadero's Sunken Gardens to celebrate their love of tamales. Around 10,000 people attended the 6th Annual Tamale Festival, which has become an Atascadero staple. Not even on-and-off-rain could affect the turnout.

Odyssey World Cafe Welcomes New Owners

Published January 20: Now, after a quarter-century, the cafe's owners are embarking on a new Odyssey in their lives, turning the restaurant over to long-time Odyssey chef Carmelo and his wife, Anna Rodriguez.

Paso Robles Police Department Introduces New Police Chief

YEAR IN REVIEW 2022

Published January 20: Almost four months after losing Ty Lewis as Chief of Police to his new position as City Manager, Paso Robles Police Department (PRPD) has a new Chief in town — Damian Nord.

Community Supports Expansion of Homeless Services

Published January 27: On December 7, 2020, the El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) opened its first shelter in Paso Robles after operating in Atascadero for over twenty years. Located in the former Motel 6 at 1134 Black Oak Drive, they successfully made it through their first full year on December 7, 2021, even through all the challenges of COVID.

WWII Veteran Harold Lowe Passes at 102

Published February 4: On Sunday, January 30, Santa Margarita native and WWII veteran Harold Lowe passed away at 102 years old. He has been laid to rest at Reis Mortuary, and a graveside service was held at Los Osos Valley Memorial Park in February.

Paso Robles Remembers Bill Pluma

Published February 4: If there was a cause in Paso Robles that needed volunteers or awareness to be brought to people's attention, chances are Bill Pluma was involved. At the age of 81, Bill passed away at his home on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, in Paso Robles.

Annual Father-Daughter Dances Return with Love

Published February 10: Every year, father figures and the young ladies in their lives look forward to dressing up and attending the annual Father and Daughter Dances hosted by the City of Atascadero and the Main Street Dance Company in Templeton.

Downtown Paso Robles Parklets Removed

Published February 10: The City approved the parklet program as a way for restaurants to remain open and comply with tight COVID pandemic restrictions on indoor dining. During its peak, more than 20 parklets were installed in place of roughly 60 parking spots.

SweetArt Luncheon Returns to Studios on the Park

Published February 17: The annual Sweet Art Luncheon hosted by Studios on the Park returned to Paso Robles this year after taking a hiatus due to the pandemic. This time to celebrate adventurers, founding board members, and champions of the arts, Liz and Newlin Hastings.

State Lifts Mask Mandate in Schools March 12

Published March 3: California, Oregon, and Washington announced the end of mask mandates for students in a joint statement on Monday, February 28. Starting March 12, masks will no longer be required in school and child care facilities. However, they are still strongly recommended.

Archway Installed over Norma's Way

Published March 3: After over two years in the making, an archway, created and designed by local artist Dale Evers, was installed over Norma's Alley on Pine and 12th Street on Tuesday, February 22.

The 'Daffodil Man' Left Amazing Memories In His Wake

Published March 10: Lee Swam (aka the Daffodil Man) was beloved not only in the city of Atascadero but all over the North County. From planting thousands of daffodils throughout Atascadero to creating traditions that we still experience today, Swam left amazing memories in his wake.

Atascadero Celebrates 100 Years of Fire and Emergency Services

Published March 10: This year celebrates Atascadero's 100th year of Fire and Emergency Services in our beautiful city. The Fire Department started out small in 1922 but has only grown in equipment, facilities, and staff since then. And this year, we're celebrating.

Atascadero Boxer Brings Central Valley 132-Pound Title Home

Published March 24: On Saturday, March 5, as a lastsecond replacement, Atascadero amateur boxer JJ Subia jumped in the car with his dad and headed to Madera to participate in the final round of the Madera Throwdown.

Fine Arts Academy to Celebrate 20 Years in Atascadero

Published April 7: It's been 22 years since Atascadero's Fine Arts Academy (FAA) came into being. And though COVID-19 stopped its 20-year celebration and reunion in 2020, staff, past students, and the school's founders are remedying that this year.

School Bus Driver Averts Disaster During Bus Fire

Published April 28: On Saturday, April 2, Tonya Pennington, a school bus driver for the Atascadero Unified School District (AUSD), averted a potential disaster when her bus started having mechanical failures due to an electrical fire.

Empty Bowls Raises Over $83,000 for Unhoused in North County

Published May 5: On Thursday, April 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., community members headed out to Atascadero Bible Church to participate in the 11th Annual Empty Bowls luncheon, which benefits the El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) and all they do for the North County.

SLO County Fallen First Responders to Be Remembered

Published May 12: Two San Luis Obispo County law enforcement officers will be honored at the annual San Luis Obispo County’s Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony.

Templeton High Girls Swim and Dive Team Win CIF Title

Published May 12: Records were broken when the Templeton High School’s (THS) girls swim team took home the CIF Central Section Division 2 championship over the last weekend.

Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Gala Returns to Honor 2020 and 2021 Roblans of the Year

Published May 12: After a year away, the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Gala at Rava Wines in person on May 7 honoring both Roblans of the year Pat Bland as the 2020 Roblan and Brian Thorndyke as the 2021.

SLO County Sheriff's Host First Rodeo

Published May 19: The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department held its inaugural Sheriff's Rodeo on Saturday, May 14, and the community was ready for it. More than 4,000 people were in attendance.

Atascadero Chamber Gala Honors 2021 Honorees in Person

Published May 26: Community members and Atascadero business owners gathered together on the evening of Saturday, May 21, for the 99th Annual Atascadero Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala where Kevin Campion was named Citizen of the Year.

Fifth Annual Lake Fest a Huge Success

Published May 26: Friends and families headed out to Atascadero Lake Park on Saturday, May 21, for the fifth annual Lake Fest. Friends of Atascadero Lake and THE LINK Family Resource Center teamed up to bring the community not one but two events, also incorporating Children's Day at the Park with Lake Fest. The events were co-sponsored by the City of Atascadero.

Best of the West Antique Equipment Show Returns

Published June 2: American history and equipment enthusiasts came out in full force to Santa Margarita this Memorial weekend for the Best of the West Antique Equipment Show. Proceeds from the event support the Paso Robles Annual Pioneer Day celebrations.

Memorial Day Ceremony Returns to Paso Robles District Cemetery

Published June 2: More than 300 people showed up for the return of the Paso Robles District Cemetery's Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 30. The event honors and remembers the men and women who lost their lives in service to our country.

Atascadero High School's Class of 2022 Celebrates Return of In-Person Graduation Ceremony

Published June 9: On Thursday, June 2, family and friends of the students in Atascadero High School's (AHS) graduating Class of 2022 filled the bleachers at Memorial Stadium.

Running for a Good Cause: Lighthouse Fun Run Returns

Published June 9: Lighthouse Atascadero held its eighth annual Lighthouse Run on the morning of Saturday, June 4. After a two-year break, the 5K was held at the Santa Margarita Ranch Educational Center from 8 to 11 a.m.

Bearcats Ready to 'Stand for a Better Future' Graduation Returns in Person

Published June 16: On a more than toasty day, Paso Robles High School (PRHS) hosted its 126th graduation for the Class of 2022 on Friday, June 10, at War Memorial Stadium.

Resilence Shines Through Templeton's Class of 2022

Published June 16: The Class of 2022 from Templeton High School officially graduated and closed their high school chapter on Thursday, June 9.

Local Archer Bella Otter Takes Two Golds at Pan American Championships

Published June 16: Bella Otter made her hometown of Atascadero proud when she brought home two gold medals after competing in the Pan American Championships in Nova Scotia, Canada, at the beginning of the month. The Championships took place from May 31 thru June 5.

Tom Maas Clubhouse Celebrates Grand Opening

Published June 23: After just over a year after breaking ground on the building, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast (CGCMCC) celebrated the grand opening of the Tom Maas Clubhouse in Paso Robles.

Galaxy Theatre Replaced as Operator of Downtown Cinemas

Published June 30: The movie theater in the Colony Square shopping center will have a new operator effective immediately. Sanborn Theatres, the local family cinema business, will replace Galaxy Theatre as operator after 10 years, Jeff Nelson, CEO of Cinema Square, LLC, and the theater’s owner, announced on Thursday, June 23.

Spectacular Fourth of July on the Central Coast Returns After Pandemic

Published July 7: Independence Day was filled with red, white, and blue from the northern part of the county all the way to the coast this Monday.

The All Comers Track Meet Returns to Atascadero

Published July 21: Since the summer of 2000, the All Comers Track Meet has been a family favorite in Atascadero. This year the event started on Wednesday, July 13, with the following meet on Wednesday, July 20, and concluding with its final meet on Wednesday, July 27. The All Comers track meet is held at Atascadero Memorial Stadium at Atascadero High School.

California Mid-State Fair Returns in Full Force; Miss California Mid-State Fair Pageant has a New Court

Published July 21: A new court has been crowned at the California Mid-State Fair. Like in 2021, the Miss California Mid-State Fair [CMSF] Pageant was held on Wednesday, July 20, the opening night of the fair.

Equality Mural Project Brings Art Downtown

Published July 28: Historically, downtown Atascadero, specifically the Traffic Way area, used to be a well-known Arts District. The Equality Mural Project is working hard to bring art back into our thriving community.

Two Young Women Win JB Dewar Tractor Restoration Competition

Published July 28: Two young women dominated this year’s JB Dewar Tractor Restoration competition at the California Mid-State Fair.

Winemaker’s Cookoff Sells Out for 23rd Anniversary

Published August 18: Last weekend, the Paso Robles Rotary Club held their community favorite Winemaker’s Cookoff, which benefits their scholarship program for Paso Robles High School graduates.

Veterans Take Honor Flight Around Central Coast

Published September 1: Seventeen U.S. veterans took flight on Saturday, August 27, in the “Betsy’s Biscuit Bomber,” a restored World War II C-47 aircraft, for an Honor Flight around the Central Coast.

Atascadero Resident Charles 'Cap' Capper Turns 100 Years Young

Published September 1: Born on September 2, 1922, World War II veteran Charles "Cap" Capper will celebrate his 100th birthday this Friday.

Children's House Montessori School Celebrates 42 Years in Atascadero

Published September 1: Children's House Montessori School has been a staple in education in Atascadero for the last 42 years. Even though the school officially missed its 40-year anniversary in 2020 due to COVID, the school has thrived through the last two years and stayed open to the community.

Living Full Throttle: Remembering Aviator Sherman Smoot

Published September 8: On Friday, September 2, the aviation community lost one of its own when Sherman Smoot died in a plane accident in Kern County. Smoot was piloting his Yakovlev Yak-11, named “Czech Mate,” in preparation for the upcoming Reno Air Races, held yearly in September.

Atascadero Colony Days Announce Royalty and Grand Marshal

Published September 15: Three of Atascadero's residents have been awarded the roles of Grand Marshal, King, and Queen of Colony Days by the Atascadero Colony Days Committee. Ann Little will act as Grand Marshal, while Dan and Ramona Phillips will be crowned the King and Queen.

Dancing with our Stars Raises Over $210,000 for Six Local Nonprofits

Published September 22: Dancing with our Stars (DWOS) was back and bigger than ever this year. The local dance charity fundraiser took place at the Atascadero Lake Pavillion over the course of four nights.

Local Named First Creston Man of the Year at Creston Classic Rodeo

Published September 22: A special member of the Creston Classic Rodeo family was recognized this past weekend, Sept. 15-18, at the 26th Annual Creston Classic Rodeo (CCR). Cole McKenney was honored as the first Creston Man of the Year.

Jim Wiemann: Remembering the ‘Voice of Paso’

Published September 22: The Bearcat community unexpectedly lost Jim Wiemann on Thursday, August 4, at the age of 56, leaving a hole in the Paso Robles sports community, where he was the go-to sports announcer and broadcaster.

Atascadero Celebrates Colony Days with 48th Colony Days Parade

Published October 6: On Saturday, October 1, Atascadero residents and spectators from all over the county lined El Camino Real to watch and cheer on the 48th Colony Days Parade. The parade started at 10 a.m., with Colony Days festivities carrying on until 3 p.m. in and around Sunken Gardens.

92nd Paso Robles Pioneer Day Parade Makes its Way Through Downtown

Published October 13: The day Paso Roblans have been waiting for finally came, the 92nd Annual Paso Robles Pioneer Day and Parade.

Paul Flores Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder of Kristin Smart

Published October 20: After 26 years of investigation, Paul Flores has been found guilty of the first-degree murder of Kristin Smart. The verdict came on Tuesday, October 18, right before noon when Paul’s jury reached a decision after just over 20 hours of deliberation.

Estrella Warbirds Museum Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Published October 20: The Estrella Warbirds Museum celebrated 30 years of preserving and hosting aviation history on Saturday, October 15. The celebration honored the museum’s beginnings, remembered late aviator Sherman Smoot, and kicked off funding for the museum's proposed western expansion.

Paderewski Festival Returns to Paso Robles

Published November 10: Fans of the classical composer Ignacy Jan Paderewski (known for stopping in Paso Robles while on tour) headed out last weekend to experience the three-day Paderewski Festival dedicated to the famous musician

Ten New Faces Inducted into the Greyhound Foundation Athletic Hall of Fame

Published November 17: Saturday, November 12, Atascadero High School alumni, sports alums, members of the Atascadero Greyhound Foundation, and former Greyhound Foundation Athletic Hall of Fame inductees gathered at the Pavilion on the Lake to celebrate the 2022 inductees into the Hall of Fame. Approximately 140 people attended the ceremony, and so many people showed up that more chairs needed to be added to the tables.

Park Cinemas Celebrates 25 Years

Published November 24: Park Cinemas celebrates 25 years in business this December, and they are ready to celebrate the milestone with the community.

Hidden Springs Christmas Tree Farm Celebrates 60 Years

Published November 24: On Friday, November 25, the Hidden Springs Christmas Tree Farm in Atascadero will open for its 60th season with seven varieties of trees to choose from, hot cider, and plenty of opportunities to make memories.

Coats for Kids Celebrates 35 Warm Years

Published November 24: Coats for Kids has been helping keep families warm for 35 years, and after two years of modified giving, they will be joining the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles for the “Day of Giving” on Saturday, December 10.

Brett Butterfield Named Roblan of the Year

Published November 24: The Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center and Templeton Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce Brett Butterfield as the 2022 Roblan of the Year.

Orange and Great: Greyhounds are CIF Grid Champions

Published December 1: Last Friday night, November 25, in front of a packed house at Memorial Stadium, the Atascadero Greyhounds football team was crowned CIF Central Section Division 5 champions, defeating Pioneer Valley 27-13.

Supervisors Approve New Paso Basin Planting Ordinance

Published December 8: San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors approved the adoption of a new Paso Basin Planting Ordinance. The new ordinance was greatly opposed by the San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau, SLO County Cattleman’s Association, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, and SLO County Planning Commission, among others.

Rain, Cold Can't Dampen Spirits at Light Up the Downtown

Published December 8: A cold, wet, and pitch-dark night didn’t dampen festivities too much on Friday, December 2, as the City of Atascadero and Chamber of Commerce once again lit up the Sunken Gardens and the iconic City Hall for Christmas.

Rain or Shine, the 61st Annual Christmas Parade Lights the Streets

Published December 8: Rain could not keep the Christmas spirit away last Saturday as the community lined the streets to watch the 61st Annual Christmas Lights Parade in Paso Robles.