Paso Robles Press Magazine • #262 • February 2023

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Something Worth Reading • Publisher's Letter

As we welcome February and look to warmer days ahead our community is still recovering from the severe rainstorm that we encountered last month. At the time of writing the Sheriff's Department continues its search for missing 5-yearold boy Kyle Doan, who was swept away by raging floodwaters on January 9 near San Miguel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our community.

In today's fast-paced world, it can be all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and neglect our health and well-being. From long work hours to constant social media stimulation, it can be challenging to make time for ourselves and prioritize our physical and mental health. But it's important to remember that our health and well-being should be at the top of our list of priorities.

This month we spoke to local experts who shared with us some of the best ways to focus on our health and well-being is to make self-care a regular part of our routine. This can include simple things like taking a few minutes each day to meditate or practice deep breathing exercises, going for a walk or run, or even just taking a few minutes to sit and enjoy a cup of tea and just be. Be being kind and compassionate to yourself, and recognize that your needs are just as important as anyone else's. It's about taking the time to do things that make you happy, whether that's reading a book, going for a walk, or simply taking a few minutes to sit and breathe.

One thing I have learned over the years is don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Failure is a part of the process, so don’t let it discourage you. Learn from your mistakes and move on. The more you try, the more you will learn, and the closer you will get to achieving your goals. Believing in yourself and having faith that you can achieve your dreams is the key to making them a reality. With hard work, determination, and a positive attitude, you can accomplish anything.

We hope you all have a wonderful February, and a Happy Valentine’s Day. We appreciate all your love and support and look forward to what this year will bring.

Hayley, Nic, and family

if thou wouldest win immortality of name, either do things worth the writing, or write things worth the reading.

— Thomas Fuller, 1727

This month’s edition of Paso Robles Magazine is brought to you by all the local advertisers that fill our pages. Thanks to them, we are able to bring you your local Hometown Magazine.

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The Natural Alternative

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"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today."

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

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Storm Surge Tears

Through Paso Robles

An atmospheric river was promised for California, and it delivered plenty of rain and destruction throughout San Luis Obispo County the first part of January.

As of Wednesday, January 25, the search continues for 5-year-old Kyle Doan, who was swept away on by raging floodwaters near San Miguel. It was reported by Cal Fire that the area the car he inhabited was trying to cross was impacted by a downed tree. A neighbor tried to help rescue those inside, and while Kyle’s mother was pulled to safety, he was unable to be rescued.

The SLO County Sheriff’s Office USAR

(Underwater Search and Rescue) Team, air operations, drone team, detectives, and deputies were deployed to search for Kyle, and after about five hours of searching on Monday, crews had to cease the search due to hazardous weather. However, with a break in the severe weather, the search was continued on the next day.

Paso Robles City Manager Ty Lewis told Paso Robles Press, “Our hearts go out to the family of the missing little boy. The city stands ready to help in any way needed. There are no words that would adequately describe how heart-wrenching this loss is. We pray the family gets closure; that he is found and brought back home to his family.”

Unfortunately, there have been no signs of Kyle, and the search efforts continue by both the county and volunteers.

Within 24 hours, regions in the county saw over 2 inches of rain and some up to 10 inches. Paso Robles Airport even beat its 1995 record of 1.18 inches. The amount of flooding and rising water levels in the Salinas River led to the

Paso Robles Police Department issuing several evacuation warnings and orders for areas near the Salinas River, which were all lifted by the afternoon on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

During the evacuations, the American Red Cross manned an emergency shelter at the Paso Robles Event Center.

Rural residents in the county have been facing their own challenges, with roads blocked by severe flooding and bridges collapsing like the one at El Pomar and Creston Road.

Commenting on the damage throughout the City, Lewis told Paso Robles Press, “This storm event caused much damage that the city is still assessing. Even though there was much damage reported by various community members and city, I think we faired fairly well considering. We are confident in the resilience and resolve of our community and our ability to rebuild/ repair quickly.”

For more emergency information in Paso Robles, visit the city’s website, prcity.com.

Karyl Lammers

We enter 2023 with the wisdom we’ve acquired from past years, determined to get it right this time. We begin every year with excitement for what’s to come and how we’re going to rock it.

After an energetic two months and a restful, rather eventless January, our calendars begin to fill up in February. Did you know that February 1 is National Freedom Day? In 1865 President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment to effectively end slavery in the United States. It was meant for all citizens to take a moment to appreciate how lucky we are and be thankful for the many freedoms we have in this great country.

February 2 hosts Groundhog Day. This fun, cheerful traditional day brings a little joy at this low point of winter, where we are halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. We will wake up Punxsutawney Phil from hibernation at 7 a.m. just to see if he notices his shadow. If yes, we’re in for six weeks more winter weather, if not, early spring will arrive. We have been playing this game for five decades and in some places pancakes and groundhog nog are served. He has a 30 percent correct record, but that’s not the point.

February 20 is Presidents’ Day. It’s always the third Monday in February. It originated in 1879 to commemorate Washington as our first president. In 1971 it was changed to recognize all of our presidents.

February 21 is Mardi Gras time. It started thousands of years ago as a pagan spring and fertility carnival celebration in France. It came to America in 1827 and is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday. “Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday” and symbolizes the last day of eating rich, fatty foods before the fasting of the Lenten season ... just thought it was “party time.”

Paso’s Main Street Association is starting 2023 with our first event of the year, Valentine Movie Night,

on February 19 at 7 p.m. at Park Cinemas. Your $12 ticket includes popcorn, a soda, and chocolates. The movie is “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.” A 1947 American romantic fantasy film starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison and featuring Natalie Wood and Edna Best. This is the story of a recent widow, Lucy Muir, who rented a house by the ocean for her and her daughter and their devoted maid, only to discover that it’s haunted by a cantankerous sea captain. It’s a movie of comedy, suspense, fantasy, drama, and romance. Our “movie nights” are a popular, fun experience. We start with a trivia session of special prizes, including prizes and a raffle from the theater. Now, The Park Cinema has been converted to a luxury experience with new top-of-the-line recliners and rockers for everyone’s comfort. A bar has been added with locally inspired beer and wine for your pleasure. We’re looking forward to seeing you. Paso is still a small town, so join us and see friends and neighbors you haven’t seen in a while.

February is known as the “Month of Love,” so it seems to give us more joy than most other months. Love is a feeling, an action, a state of being, and a motivation. Do everything with love and be in a state of joy.

When we are centered in joy, we attain our wisdom.

Charles M. Schultz reminds us:

A wise old owl sat on an oak, the more he saw, the less he spoke, the less he spoke, the more he heard. Why aren’t we like the wise old bird.

“Wisdom is not finally tested by the schools. Wisdom cannot be passed from one having it to another not having it. Wisdom is of the soul, is not susceptible of proof. It is its own proof.”

— Walt Whitman

The Doctors of Early Paso Robles

By Camille DeVaul and the El Paso de Robles Historical Society

Before becoming known as the next Napa Valley, Paso Robles began as a health and wellness destination with its healing hot springs. In the 1860s, San Miguel was a booming center of the North County, with homesteaders planting their roots in the prosperous area. And with them came many doctors ready to settle. Here are just a few of the doctors who called Paso Robles home.

In January 1864, Dr. F.D. Johnson of San Jose purchased one league of land from Daniel and James Blackburn, founders of the City of Paso Robles. Dr. Johnson built a health spa at the site of one of Paso Robles’ hot springs, and so began the health and wellness foundation in Paso Robles.

One of the earliest doctors was Dr. Cain, who lived with his family in a wing of the San Miguel Mission until a home was ready on his homesteader claim in lower Indian Valley. Dr. Neal came in the 1880s, homesteaded, and lived in a canyon east of San Miguel. He had an adobe home and planted an olive orchard.

Dr. James H. Glass, a graduate of Boston Medical School, arrived in Paso Robles. His first office was in the Adams Building (12th and Spring St.), and he often worked from his home on Spring St. He maintained a sanatorium in the old Blackburn home.

In 1886, Dr. Lorenzo Dow Murphy arrived in San Miguel from Tulare and registered at the Jeffrey Hotel. As soon as the San Miguel town site was surveyed, he purchased lots on Mission Street and began constructing his offices. His offices contained a combination drugstore and doctor’s office, the San Miguel post office, and the Wells Fargo Express office.

Dr. Alvin Wilmar came to San Miguel at the age of one year in 1889. His father was the manager of the S.P. Milling Company warehouse. He rode an Indian motorcycle to Paso Robles High School and then went on to graduate from UC Berkeley and UCSC Medical School. He established his first office in Paso Robles in 1915 and died at the age of 95 in 1983.

Dr. Glass

Dr. Henry C. Murphy lived with his family in San Miguel in the 1890s. The drought of 1898 forced Dr. Murphy to move to Salinas, where he built a small hospital and incidentally delivered John Steinbeck. In 1910, Dr. Murphy bought a 300-acre property south of Carmel, and with its hot springs, he hoped to establish a European-style spa. His grandson, Michael, and a Stanford classmate, Dick Price, developed a learning center at the site in 1961 called ESALEN.

In 1899, Dr. E.M. Dodson, a traveling dentist, arrived at the Royce Hotel to do necessary dental work. In the same year, a newspaper article reported that two doctors had left the San Miguel area after one year of practice. In nine months, they had only one patient each.

Dr. Leo Stanley, son of Dr. Hartwell B. Stanley, grew up in San Miguel and went to San Miguel Grammar School and Paso Robles High School. He worked his way through Stanford University and Medical School on harvester crews and later as a “peanut butcher” on Southern Pacific railroad trains.

Dr. Frank Alexander Lowe was born in Lowe’s Canyon and raised and schooled in San Miguel. His mother was a schoolteacher, and his father was a farmer. He worked his way through school as a dishwasher, and candy maker and took care of horses. He graduated from the University of Southern California Medical School as a classmate of Doctor Alvin H. Wilmar.

Dr. Samuel Johnson Call earned the title of “Resident Spring Physician” for the Hotel El Paso de Robles. Dr. David L. Deal was another “Resident Physician” with the Hotel. His office was located in the Adams Building at 12th & Springs Street over The Eagle Pharmacy, operated by Alfred Booth.

Polly Alice Sutton lived at 1520 Oak Street and operated a Maternity Home there by 1914. Over 5,000 children were born at Sutton’s Maternity Home from 1917 to 1941. Dr. Sobey and Dr. Kennedy delivered babies there.

Dr. William Rufus Hedgpeth came to Paso Robles from Santa Cruz and built the Hedgpeth Sanatorium at 1535 Park Street in 1916 as a facility to house his patients. It had seven patient rooms, a nursery, and an operating room. His daughter, Dr. Myrtle Hedgpeth, was an early optometrist.

Dr. G.L. Sobey, a graduate of Sanford University and then UC Medical School of San Francisco, came to Paso Robles in 1915 accompanied by his wife, a nurse from St. Luke’s Hospital in San Francisco.

Dr. Charles R. Kennedy came to Paso Robles in 1931. He served in the 20th Infantry during World War I, and during World War II, he served with the US Army as a Major and did a tour of duty in the Pacific. In 1946, he returned to his medical practice in Paso Robles. His roster of

patients topped out at 15,663, which was 50 percent more than the population of Paso Robles when he retired in 1973.

In 1939 Mallory’s Hospital opened at 626 16th St. and was called the Community Hospital. By 1941, Glen Mallory, a nurse, used the same building from 16th Street after it was moved to the 300 block of 12th Street. In 1945, Mallory’s Hospital became a nursing home, and again, Paso Robles had no hospital.

On November 13, 1946, Dr. Alvin Wilmar made a proposal to SLO County Supervisor Chris Jesperson for a Hospital Bond issue. This was the first case under new hospital legislation authorizing a hospital district in the State of California. By 1948 a local election established the Paso Robles Hospital District with a bond of $200,000. The War Memorial Hospital was located on Terrace Hill (near west 15th Street) on 11 acres of land that had been donated by Mrs. Ken Pierce to the city for a park. War Memorial Hospital originally had 28 beds, 12 bassinets, five incubators, and a nursing and hospital staff of 50, and it could be expanded to a limit of 50 beds.

On January 2, 1950, 10 minutes after opening, the first patient at War Memorial Hospital, Robert Burke, whose back was broken when a cow fell out of a truck at Rossi Dairy and landed on him. His doctor was Dr. Frederick Ragsdale.

In 1958, The War Memorial Hospital was increased in size to 32 beds, and by 1969 a wing was added, which contained more modern equipment and 14 private rooms. By the 1970s, the hospital faced new medical requirements and fire safety standards which it could not afford and was eventually closed in 1977 when Twin Cities Community Hospital opened, and the Paso Robles District and Atascadero General Hospital merged.

The care of the ill is always a challenge, and with the scourges of diphtheria, scarlet fever, whooping cough, and pneumonia in the early years, survival was dependent upon local doctors and nurses. Sometimes the treatments were as bad as the diseases. Mercury was administered to syphilis victims before penicillin’s introduction in 1943. Surgery was primitive as it was often performed without the benefit of any diagnostic tools. Childbirth occurred at home until several “maternity homes” opened. Doctors worked without the assistance of X-ray machines, laboratories, blood tests, or antibiotics. Dr.Wilmar was the first to have an X-ray machine, and he performed the first blood transfusion in San Luis Obispo County in 1927.

The El Paso de Robles Area Historical Society and Museum are honored to be located in the historic Carnegie Library at the center of City Park. To learn more, visit pasorobleshistorymuseum.org.

Dr. Kennedy

Dr. Sobey

Nut-Fruit-Nut

Central Coast almonds, olives, and walnuts

By Eric Bryan

“Santa Barbara County has a long, narrow strip of sea-coast, fronting south, [. . .] which is believed to be peculiarly fitted for the culture of the almond.” So wrote Charles Nordhoff (August 31, 1830–July 14, 1901) in “California: For Health, Pleasure, and Residence – A Book for Travellers and Settlers” (1872). Nordhoff began his travels through California in 1871, and reported on the agriculture of the Central Coast.

Nordhoff was born in Erwitte, Prussia (Germany), and emigrated with his family to the U.S. in 1835. After schooling in Cincinnati and newspaper work in Philadelphia and Indianapolis, Nordhoff joined the U.S. Navy and sailed around the world. Following three years in the Navy, he worked as a fisherman and in merchant service. Nordhoff turned to journalism in 1853, writing for Harpers, the Evening Post, Tribune and Herald — all in New York. For his California project, he crossed the country by train and sent dispatches of his findings back to New York. The articles, revised and combined with additional material, became Nordhoff’s book on the Golden State.

One of the most notable journalists of his time, Nordhoff crusaded for equal rights for the newly freed slaves and for working-class people. His fascination with farming seems to have at least partially stemmed from his

Germanic work ethic, which placed a premium on industriousness. Carol J. Frost, Ph.D wrote in “The Valley of Cross Purposes” (2017): “Agriculture was the measure of a land’s value to Nordhoff, commerce and urban pursuits seeming only to fatten the ‘non-producers’ of the world.”

During his explorations on horseback, Nordhoff stayed at ranchos but sometimes roughed it; sleeping, he wrote, “on the green grass, with my horse staked out, my feet near a fire, and my body wrapped in overcoat and blanket.”

As you’d expect from his forays on the Central Coast, Nordhoff mentioned the cultivation of oranges, lemons, citrons and limes. But his agricultural reportage focused on almonds, olives and walnuts — crops which are almost nonfactors in Santa Barbara County today.

In San Luis Obispo County, however, there are currently nut orchards in Atascadero, Paso Robles, San Miguel, Santa Margarita/Pozo, and Templeton, while olives are grown in Atascadero, Templeton, and especially Paso Robles, where the Paso Robles Olive Festival is held each year in May.

Nordhoff noted the success of the Languedoc almond — imported from France several years previously — on the Central Coast. He reported that the Languedoc tree’s advantages were that it blossomed late, produced prolifically,

and that the nut had a reasonably soft shell. Farmers planted 108 trees per acre, with each tree yielding about 12 pounds of nuts at five years, and 20 pounds of nuts at eight years. With almonds selling at 20 cents per pound, the groves would produce about $260 to $430 ($5,115 to $8,460 today) per acre. One farmer could single-handedly maintain 20 to 30 acres of almond trees.

The author told of groves of fine young olive trees growing in Santa Barbara County. Planted at 60 trees per acre, at 10 to 12 years old each tree yielded an average of 25 gallons of olives. Olives went for 60 cents per gallon, while pickled olives sold for 75 cents per gallon. Mature olive groves would produce $900 to $1,125 ($17,705 to $22,130 today) per acre. Nordhoff considered the area’s pickled olives better than those from France and Spain, and he predicted that the Central Coast would become the center of olive culture.

Also growing in the region were English walnut trees. Nordhoff described the trees as having “clean, grayish bark, and wide-spreading branches.” Properly cultivated and irrigated, the trees each produced 50 to 75 pounds of nuts at 12 years, and 100 to 150 pounds at 15 years. Farmers planted 30 walnut trees per acre, and one grower could care for a 30-acre orchard. With walnuts selling for 12.5 cents per pound,

an orchard of walnut trees 15 years old earned $375 to $560 ($7,380 to $11,700 today) per acre.

Nordhoff’s glowing writings about the Central Coast earned him the affection of its residents. In early 1874 real estate broker Royce Gaylord Surdam laid out a Ventura County town, now known as Ojai. At the urging of local hotel proprietress Mrs. Blumberg, Surdam named the town “Nordhoff” in honor of the author who had written so much about the region. Nordhoff’s official founding occurred on April 6, 1874. The name was changed during the First World War due to the anti-German sentiment of the time.

Nordhoff’s grandson Charles Bernard Nordhoff also earned fame as a writer: He co-authored the novel “Mutiny on the Bounty” (1932).

Nordhoff on the Central Coast

In “California: For Health, Pleasure, and Residence — A Book for Travellers and Settlers,” Nordhoff rhapsodized about journeying along the Central Coast from Santa Barbara to Hollister, “through so fine a country, and under such brilliant skies.” He noted that he “slept three hours at the little town of San Luis Obispo,” one of the stage stops on his route. Nordhoff wrote:

“California has certainly the finest climate in the world. At Santa Barbara I left my horse, on February 20, and rode in the stage through parts of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Monterey

counties, over the mountains through the long and magnificent valley of the Salinas.”

Paso Robles

From Almonds to Olives

In the latter 19th century, Paso Robles was known for its wheat production, but by the early 20th century grapes, fruit, and nuts were the district’s main crops. Almond trees, in particular, thrived in the region’s well-drained soil of clay, sand and silt, and the local annual rainfall was ideal for the watering of non-irrigated nut orchards. The quality of the area’s nut crop was highlighted at the 1906 World’s Fair, where Paso Robles pioneer and farmer Michael Gerst was awarded the prize for the world’s best almonds.

The Paso Robles Almond Growers Association was established in 1910, and commercial almond growing began in the region in 1912. The area’s almond industry exploded to the point where in the 1920s, it had the highest concentration of almond orchards in the United States, and Paso Robles came to be referred to as the almond capital of the world.

Paso Robles’ dominance in almond growing continued into the 1960s, when its output began to be outstripped by producers in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Although almond trees are still cultivated in Paso Robles, the district is known today more for its olives and grapes than for its almonds.

Take Care of Your Heart

Americans currently spend billions each year on cholesterol lowering medication without addressing the main causes of heart disease: a poor diet and inactive lifestyle.

The key to preventing high blood pressure and an elevated lipid panel is maintaining a nutrient-rich, balanced diet and exercising regularly.

Adults should consume a healthy diet that emphasizes the intake of vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, lean vegetable or animal protein and fish and minimizes the intake of trans fats, processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and sweetened beverages. When choosing your groceries, opt for minimally processed foods and locally grown when possible. Try and increase your intake of dietary fiber, which is inversely associated with risk for heart disease. Choose olive oil as your main source of fat and consume fish 2-4 times per week. Limit high-fat red meats to a few times per month and use fruit to replace sweet foods as snacks and deserts.

In addition to essential dietary

changes, we have a very effective supplement Bergamot from a quality practitioner line that has proven itself as a leader in heart health. Dr. Vincenzo Mollace has championed several clinical trials that demonstrated specific fractions in Bergamot supported healthy levels of every blood lipid marker by targeting the source of cholesterol production. If you are looking for a safe and effective way to reduce cholesterol, inflammation and improve cardiovascular wellness, Bergamot is a winner. Buy Bergamot from The Natural Alternative, proven to work with so many customers.

Another effective supplement for supporting healthy cholesterol levels is fish oil. The beneficial, anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are essential for optimal cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health. Enjoy 35 percent off New Chapter Fish Oil through January.

Wishing you health & happiness,

— The Natural Alternative Team

love is All you need and a smidge of chocolate

We’ve been with Adam Dick and Dustin Taylor since the beginning. Maybe it’s their classic style or the fact that they play in a band called Huckleberry Flint. We have an open relationship, meaning we dabble with others, someone from London, perhaps, or someone really attractive from the midwest. But at the end of the day, we always come home to Dick Taylor.

We’re talking about chocolate, of course. Dick Taylor chocolate, founded by Adam and Dustin, is one of those products we trusted when we first opened our doors nearly a decade ago, and it’s one of those goods you’ll still find on our shelves. There are a lot of truly delicious artisan chocolate producers in the US now. Compartes out of LA, with their wacky and delightful flavors (their milk chocolate with potato chips bar goes with us on every road trip), and Askinosie’s single origin bars are a staple for us. But when someone inevitably asks us which is our favorite, many on our team are going to point you to the Dick Taylor chocolates. They are exquisitely packaged and consistently rich

and flavorful. Their Fleur de Sel sea salt chocolate ranks right up there with the best in the world (they’ve won over 80 awards for their craftsmanship), but we’ve also fallen pretty hard for the dark chocolate covered cherries, which are nothing like the kind we had growing up. Using tart, dried cherries grown in Michigan, they add multiple layers of Belize dark chocolate before dusting it with organic cocoa powder.

Having met the founders years ago, it’s wonderful to see how these two young men with a background in woodworking and boat building turned their love of creating with their hands into a source of pride for their hometown of Eureka.

When you’re thinking of showing a little love this Valentine’s Day, we hope you’ll consider some California-made chocolate. As always, we’ll be here to help you pick just the right something special, whether you’re in the crush phase, or hitting that double digit anniversary mark. We love to help!

Big hugs to all this Valentine’s Day!

XO-The Team at General Store Paso Robles

2022 Wine Country Alliance Award Winners

By Jamie Guzman of Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

The Community Wine Awards recognize individuals and organizations that make Paso Robles Wine Country a better place to live and work. For the fourth year in a row, we called for nominations for our Wine Awards from the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance membership, and the awards are voted on by their peers. It is exciting to announce the recipients of the 2022 Vineyard Worker of the Year, Cellar Worker of the Year, Hospitality Star, and Environmental Steward.

Cellar Worker of the Year

Vineyard Worker of the Year

It all starts in the vineyard, and keeping a careful eye on how the vineyard is maintained and cultivated throughout the year takes a lot of talent and perseverance. The vineyard team member who has contributed the most to helping their team cultivate and harvest exceptional Paso Robles fruit is recognized in this award. Through leadership, dedication, or spirit, this team member deserves recognition for their time spent with boots in the dirt and hands on the vines.

Daniel Martinez,

“Daniel is first in, last out, and the best chef on the entire team! His low-key demeanor and softspoken confidence bring calm to even the busiest harvest days and nights. Daniel always says ‘yes,’ even when none of us know how he does it. He’s a reluctant pro when it comes to educating our guests and team about viticulture, and we are thrilled that he’s part of the Alta Colina family.”

Aurelien Cruzet, Clos

The cellar team is the backbone of the winery; through exceptional organization and careful management, this team keeps the winery’s vision for high-quality wine at the forefront. This award goes to a member of the cellar team who has contributed the most to help their team produce outstanding Paso Robles wine through leadership, dedication, or spirit; this cellar team member doesn’t shy away from getting dirty and deserves recognition.

“For the past five years, Aurelien’s been our Assistant Winemaker. Not only does he assist in the management of the cellar, vineyard, and production team, he’s an integral part of the hospitality team’s success, Always a phone call away and eager to help. He’s the first to greet every team member with a smile and a joke, even after a long night of harvest, all while being a supportive husband and father to his 2-year-old daughter. Aurelien is our ‘Jack of all Trades’ and so deserving of this award.”

To learn more about Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, visit pasowine.com.

Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery

Solène Winery

Hospitality Star

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –

Maya Angelou

Hospitality is at the root of this quote, and there are some among us that give above and beyond their job title. This award goes to the hospitality rock star (whether in the tasting room, wine club, restaurant, hotel, etc.) who gives 110% to provide a lasting impression on the guests of Paso Wine Country. These are the Hospitality Stars.

“Addie’s dedication over the years has been a key part of the success of Law and Paso as a whole. Her positive and infectious enthusiasm makes her a wonderful ambassador for our region. Addie is the absolute definition of a shining star. Always positive and upbeat, she builds connections with new guests, old members, and anywhere in between that makes them truly feel like part of the 'Law family.' The stories she tells about the team and family over her ten years with Law make you want to join the team immediately!”

Environmental Steward

The business that has undertaken the greatest effort to ensure their operations are managed with the best "green" business standards. Either in the vineyard, in production, or stewardship, this business has shown leadership that deserves this award.

“The team at Tablas Creek Vineyard has operated with the environment in mind since its inception. They became one of the first wineries in Paso Robles to certify their vineyard as organic in 2002, certified biodynamic in 2016, and focused regenerative viticulture’s global spotlight on our region by becoming the first winery in the world to be Regenerative Organic Certified. With resource conservation in mind, every new planting at Tablas Creek since 2006 has been wide-spaced and unirrigated, proving that dry-farmed varieties can flourish in Paso Robles. Beyond the vineyard, their team reduced their carbon footprint by shifting to lightweight glass over a decade ago and releasing one of America’s first premium boxed wines, among other big and small actions. The Tablas Creek team continues to be a leader in environmental stewardship.”

Adelaida Pitts, Law Estate Wines

Tablas Creek Vineyard

George Marrett

ECHO Founder, Author, Pilot, Veteran

By Camille DeVaul

When it comes to the Vietnam conflict and rescue missions operated there, you are sure to find the name George Marrett in the history books.

George is an aviator, writer, one of the founders of the El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO), and one of the earliest members of the Estrella Warbird Museum. You can typically find him tellings jokes and introducing speakers at the Estrella Warbirds Museum at their monthly dinners. But on the rainy night of January 4, it was George's turn to tell his story.

& Bob

The Origin Story

Born in 1935 in Grand Island, Nebraska, George was 5 years old when the United States joined World War II and 10 years old when it ended. Along with most Americans at the time, his family lived with food and supply rations. He remembers helping his father raise and sell rabbit meat and hide to help their family survive the tight times.

"The war made a big effect on me," as he retells of planes flying overhead in his childhood during the second world war.

Living near an Army Air Corps base, George and his childhood friend played fighter and bomber pilots, re-enacting the war stories they heard over the radio.

"That got me interested in airplanes in that time period [of the war], right off the bat," says George as he goes on to explain his journey to later becoming a decorated United States Air Force officer.

George graduated from Iowa State College in 1957 with a BS in chemistry and then entered the United States Air Force (USAF) as a second lieutenant from the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). From there, he spent a few years in pilot and flight training at several Air Force bases (AFB) around the country. In 1964 he was selected to attend the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB where he flew the Northrop T-38 Talon, Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, and General Dynamics F-106 Delta Dart.

After graduation, he transferred to the Fighter Test Branch at Edwards for three years, where he tested the McDonnell F-4C Phantom, Northrop F-5A, and the General Dynamics F-111A Aardvark.

A-1 Skyraider 1968

George

The Sandy Chapter

After some convincing, George went to Thailand to join the Vietnam conflict by flying the Douglas A-1 Skyraider as a "Sandy" rescue pilot in the 602nd Fighter Squadron. While there, he completed 188 combat missions, over 600 combat hours, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Medal with eight Oak Leaf Clusters.

George's year of rescue missions in Southeast Asia was a formidable one. Twelve pilots in George's squadron were lost that year, two suffered from severe burns that sent them home, and 26 airplanes were lost.

Here, George recounts witnessing a pilot going down during one of his missions: "Suddenly, I see a parachute going to the tree and an airplane crashing into the ground — Now I am the only one left with two helicopters [who have] never been on a rescue. They have already shot down two airplanes. And that was the deer in the headlight that of all of my flying experience that was the one where I was just stunned."

For this downed pilot, George was told to turn around and resume the rescue mission the next day. That pilot ended up in a prisoner of war camp for five years before returning home.

George wrote the book "Cheating Death: Combat Air Rescues in Vietnam and Laos" to memorialize the men that were killed in his squadron.

"Rescue, I think, changed my outlook on life. Rescue is a big thing. It's American," George says of his year of rescue.

Homeless, Not Hopeless

When George retired from Hughes Aircraft in 1989, he couldn't let go of the rescuer he had become. Moving to Atascadero for retirement, he couldn't help but notice the homeless population there with no organization to help them.

"There are a lot of homeless veterans and there is just something about a veteran that is homeless and that just can't be," says George as he explains why he felt called to the homeless cause. "That rescue [in Southeast Asia] changed my life and outlook on things."

After years of working with the Atascadero Loaves and Fishes by expanding their services, the first Board of Directors for the soon-to-be ECHO was born, with George sitting as the group's first vice president. The journey to building ECHO into the organization it is today is recounted in George's latest self-published book. In it, he recounts their humble beginnings and the miracles their organization would soon foster.

One cannot possibly condense all of George's stories and life onto one page. But that is OK because George has written six books recounting the different chapters of his life. His experiences have impacted more than just himself and are ones that have gone down in history.

This February, George celebrates 65 years of marriage with his wife, Jan. Together they have two children, Randall and Scott, and four grandchildren, Tyler, Zachary, Cali, and Casey.

George has been inducted into the Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame, received the USAF Test Pilot School Distinguished Alumnus award, and was inducted as a Fellow with the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.

F-104A Starfighter 1965

PASO RESTAURANTS HONORED IN THE 2022 MICHELIN GUIDE

Paso’s dining scene is smokin’ hot

By Mira Honeycutt

In the past two years, five local restaurants have joined the pantheon of recognition from the world-renowned Michelin Guide, with two receiving one star and three others inducted in the 2022 Guide.

In 2021, Chef Ricky Odbert’s Six Test Kitchen became Paso's and SLO County’s first restaurant to receive one Michelin star (see story on pasoroblespress. com). Add to that: The Restaurant at JUSTIN received one star and a Green star for sustainability practices in the 2202 Guide.

In addition, three other Paso restaurants — In Bloom, Les Petites Canailles and The Hatch — were inducted into the 2022 Guide.

“It’s amazing,” commented Julien Asseo, co-owner/chef of Les Petites Canailles. “But it’s only the beginning. There are bright things in the future and Odbert helped shine attention on Paso.”

Yes, it’s a great honor for Paso chefs/restaurateurs and I had the pleasure of chatting with all the honorees.

Cuisine: Cali Contemporary justinwine.com

“I was elated, I cried and I laughed,” said Executive Chef Rachel Haggstrom. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget that.”

The soft-spoken chef admitted she was a bundle of nerves when The Restaurant’s name was announced as winning the Green award and then the one star.

“I stood on stage in shock and awe,” she recalled of the awards ceremony at Los Angeles’ Peterson Museum last November. (Odbert was also present among the winning chefs of the 2021 Guide, receiving the honor due to the 2021 cancellation of the ceremony in observance of COVID restrictions.)

The California native, known for her upscale farm-to-table cooking style, commands The Restaurant’s kitchen and leads the culinary team that services JUSTIN winery events and the restaurant program at the JUSTIN winery and the downtown tasting room.

However, the star is for The Restaurant’s prix fixe dinner service only. The current multi-course menu paired with JUSTIN wines begins with Alba white truffle and Jarrahdale squash tortellini followed by Maple Leaf Farms duck and Challerhocker souffle, finishing with fig and walnut torte. Canapés and amuse bouche are offered in between courses. The award-winning wine list includes JUSTIN and international wines.

“We do accommodate dietary requests and make sure that the [substitute] dish is made in a similar style so wine pairing matches the flavor profile of food.”

For her culinary style, Haggstrom is cognizant of the fact that she has to stay within the parameters suitable for the winery’s wines. However, she feels fortunate to have access to JUSTIN’s 25-acre produce garden and orchard lush with 150 fruit trees.

With a 15-year experience having worked with Michelin chefs Thomas Keller and Wolfgang Puck, Haggstrom arrived at JUSTIN in 2019 from the Balboa Bay Resort where she discovered JUSTIN at a wine dinner. “I didn’t know JUSTIN had a culinary department. An opening popped up and I emailed Justin [Baldwin] and asked, ‘Is this for real?’ We went from there and here I am today.”

In Bloom

Cuisine: California inbloompasorobles.com

“It feels great,” commented Executive Chef Kenny Seliger when I met him and proprietor Chris Haisma at In Bloom. “it’s been a long road. We still have a lot of work to do but it’s nice to get a pat on the back.”

“What’s blooming? What’s in season?” said the German native who also worked with Thomas Keller. “That’s where the In Bloom concept took seed — it’s about the farmers and the good products we have in this area.”

“The focus is on the ever-changing menu. In Bloom is a living breathing project that’s never going to be stagnant,” Seliger emphasized.

“The reason we have so many repeat diners is people know they’ll come in and find something different each time,” said Haisma.

The ever-evolving menu is designed as shareable dishes so you get to sample a wide variety, such as sunchokes from Mt. Olive farm served with celery root aioli, mushrooms with a butternut squash yogurt, and the panzanella salad circled with whipped burrata. However, the signature mustard-coated pork chops currently served with sauerkraut and pickled radishes is a constant menu item.

Although heavy on vegetarian dishes, the menu does include Mary’s organic chicken, Wagyu beef, Kurobuta pork chops and barramundi. There’s an impressive cocktail menu and local and international wines.

Chef Kenny Seliger

Chef Rachel Haggstrom

Owners Chris + Nicole Haisma

Les Petites Canailles

Cuisine: French lpcrestaurant.com

“It was a great surprise,” chef/owner Julien Asseo told me when I met him at his Spring Street restaurant. “It’s always nice to be recognized for what you do, especially from Michelin.”

What does it mean for Paso? I asked.

“It’s not that Paso needed any attention but what’s nice about Michelin is that Paso, known for wine, is now getting this [food] recognition,” Asseo pointed out. “It’s important to be able to offer more than a wine tourism experience and now we’ve proven we can by getting this recognition.”

Asseo spent his early years in Paso (his father Stephan Asseo, a Bordeaux native, launched L’Aventure winery here in 1998), then moved back to Bordeaux as a teen to enroll in a culinary school. From then his 17-year chef’s journey has taken him from Paris and Los Angeles to Las Vegas where he worked with the legendary Guy Savoy at Caesar’s Palace.

Asseo draws on his French heritage but sidesteps the traditional classic style. “We brought a fresh take on what French food can be because we are influenced by the Central Coast with a modern twist. We’re not in Paris or Burgundy; we are in California,” he said.

The menu begins with bites such as caviar and an artisanal cheese board. Among the appetizers is my favorite leeks à la plancha and Burgundy escargot risotto. Among the main dishes the signature steak au poivre is the crowd-pleaser.

Although Asseo comes from a Bordeaux wine lineage, his real love is food. “It’s not just cook-and-serve,” he insisted. “We host our guests every night. It’s a place of comfort, joy, and socializing. I tell my team we have the power to create an experience every single night. It’s not an easy career — it takes sacrifice and dedication.”

The wine list is local and French, including Asseo family wines.

The Hatch

Cuisine: American hatchpasorobles.com

“It’s really incredible, I can’t quite get over it yet it’s not something that was on our radar,” said the elated co-owner Maggie Cameron. "It feels amazing to be recognized for this specific food,” she added, referring to her comfort-food restaurant.

The Hatch is down-home simple and casual where everyone helps out in the kitchen led by longtime team member Jesus Campos. “When you make the same menu every day it’s hard to get excited about it,” said Cameron who opened the restaurant with her husband Eric Connolly in 2015.

A favorite with locals, the restaurant is known for Mary’s organic chicken, roasted or fried, and other comfort dishes like skillet cornbread, shepherd’s pie, meatloaf and shrimp and grits. The bar boasts a selection of 100 whiskeys and farmers market-inspired cocktails.

For Cameron the recommendation is indeed aspirational: “Enough to satisfy my team and to keep my chefs going. It’s not a goal that we had, but now I see what this means. You have to keep working hard to stay in the Guide.”

Chef + Owner Julien Asseo

Maggie Cameron

Eric Connolly

Health, Fitness & Wellness

Local experts share some advice on being your best self

By Camille DeVaul

The start of the new year and anticipation of spring has a way of making us reevaluate our health. These last few months until spring gives us an opportunity to get back to the basics — cleanse our bodies and minds so when the weather is bright and warm, we are ready to take it all in while feeling our best.

We sat down with three locals who make bodily health their business. We asked them for some advice on all things health, fitness, and wellness.

Ryan Joiner is the founder and CEO of Athlon Fitness & Performance in San Luis Obispo. Since 2003 he and his team have specialized in fitness and performance coaching to help our community look, feel, and perform at their best and create the lives they want. He holds a bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology from Fresno State, a master's degree in Human Movement & Sport from Cal Poly, and 14 other advanced industry certifications.

What advice do you have for beginner athletes?

Two key things in the beginning of a new program, (even if you're advanced and restarting a program).

1. Start light. Focus on volume (more sets and reps, or time) before focusing on intensity (amount of weight or speed). Your body and brain will reward you with more consistent, long-term progress, and less pain and injuries. Too much intensity threatens your brain and puts it into survival mode rather than muscle-building mode.

2. Don't miss workouts. Show up consistently each week, and you'll progress. Make it so easy you can't say no to it. Seriously, show up to the gym and do one simple exercise and leave. Then repeat it often. You can add more complexity in the future. Start easy, and show up consistently. It works.

What advice do you have for more seasoned athletes looking to improve?

Come at it with a beginner's mind: start your new program light, don't miss workouts, and increase in very small ways. Nine times out of 10, advanced athletes derail themselves by violating one of these key beginner principles. They're called fundamentals for a reason. They work. Embrace the basics and start light, don't miss workouts, and increase in small ways. It will get you where you want to go much faster and more effectively than all the sexy stuff from the internet.

North County Pilates owner and instructor Melissa Barton fell in love with Pilates over 15 years ago. She attended Cal Poly, receiving her BS in Kinesiology, the study of movement within the human body. After Cal Poly, Melissa completed the prestigious BASI Pilates training with Karen

Clippinger at Cal State Long Beach.

Melissa explains, "My goal is to provide a safe space for the exploration of movement utilizing Pilates. I want my clients to feel better and get stronger to be able to do the things they love."

What are the advantages of doing low-impact exercises like Pilates?

One advantage of Pilates is we can start someone wherever they are in their fitness journey; you can come in having recently been released by your doctor from an injury or more progressed in their fitness level.

What advice do you have for someone looking to begin a fitness routine?

My advice for someone wanting to improve or begin a new fitness journey is to start slow. I know we all want quick results, but I want my clients to incorporate Pilates forever. I want it to be part of their lifestyle. And new routines take time to make permanent. So give it time.

Rachel Howell is the Manager of The Natural Alternative and holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Food Science & Human Nutrition with a concentration in Dietetics from Colorado State University. Since 2017, Rachel has passionately assisted our community in health and nutrition matters, providing guidance in weight management, digestive health issues, skin conditions, and autoimmune disorders.

What advice do you have for someone wanting to improve their overall health?

Improving your overall health comes down to making practical, sustainable changes and practicing them each day. The key is to start small, ensuring these changes become lasting habits, then working toward bigger goals little by little. My advice for small changes initially would be to focus on incorporating more movement, fresh foods, and water into your daily routine.

What are three essential vitamins/minerals you suggest implementing for overall health?

The three most important supplements one can take to improve their overall health are:

• A food-based multivitamin containing a broad vitamin/mineral profile, taken a few times per week or every other day.

• A quality, multi-strain probiotic taken each day at nighttime to ensure optimal gut health and regularity.

• A digestive enzyme supplement, to aid in digestion, nutrient absorption and prevent gas and bloating.

RYAN JOINER

MELISSA BARTON RACHEL HOWELL

Share some love on Valentines Day

By Camille DeVaul

Valentine’s Day is the perfect reminder to stop and smell the roses of friendship, family, and romance — but It can be easy to get swept away in expectations. So, we are sharing some fun and easy ways to show your loved ones (including yourself!) just how glad you are to have them in your life.

Go on a coffee date

There’s nothing better than a warm cup of delicious, caffeinated joy. Luckily, we have plenty of locally owned coffee shops to fuel our caffeinated addiction. Treat yourself and a loved one, to some of the good stuff from Spearhead Coffee on 12th Street in Paso Robles, or from AMSTRDM Coffee on 13th Street and then take a tour around the park and browse the local boutiques.

If you find yourself in Atascadero, then pick up a hot cup from Malibu Bru or Dark Nector and enjoy the sunshine sitting in Sunken Gardens right next to the historical and grand City Hall. Then take some time to cruise through the shops on Entrada.

A picnic in the park

Take your family for a picnic in the park or go solo — either way, start the journey at Red Scooter Deli on Pine Street in Paso Robles. Sitting conveniently across from Paso Robles City Park, the deli offers a wide selection of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, wraps, and soup.

After you have the essentials, head to the park to enjoy your meal free from other worldly distractions, and then take the little ones to the park for some playtime.

Love, like wine, gets better with time

Wine has a very romantic reputation. So take your sweetheart to Kula Vineyards & Winery tasting room on Entrada Avenue in Atascadero. Alongside their golden retrievers, owners and husband and wife duo Chris and Ayako Williams will seem like old friends in a matter of minutes. Enjoy their award-winning wine, and ask about

their Sparkling Fridays, which offers a special price on their Sparking Rose. The Kula tasting room sits in the heart of Atascadero, which comes to life at night.

Flowers are always a good idea

Research shows fresh blooms have positive immediate and longterm mood boosting effects. The Floral Parlor on Spring Street in Paso Robles offers beautiful blooms and arrangements. They also have fun and unique gifts, perfect for the last-minute pick up.

Show some love and appre ciation to your friends and family, or even yourself, with a lovely floral arrangement this Valentine’s Day.

Valentine Movie Night

Main Street Association and Park Cinemas are joining forces to bring a classic film night at the movies. Get ready for a screening of the timeless romance “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir” on the big screen on Sunday, February 19 at 7 p.m. So grab your popcorn and join them for an evening of nostalgia.

Satisfy your sweet tooth

Now that you have flowers and wine, pick up something sweet to complete your Valentine’s Day. Just Baked in Paso Robles and Bramble Pie Bakery in Atascadero offer seasonal and scrumptious treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether or not you share those treats are up to you.

The Evolution of Fitness

and Why Passion is Key

By Simone Smith

What does it mean to be fit? Back in the days of early man, fitness was a matter of survival and reproduction. Since then, our lifestyles have changed significantly, causing humanity to move from a necessarily active to a much more sedentary way of life with a new set of issues to deal with health wise.

From the convenience of food to working at home and a million ways to stay fit, I turned to a local fitness expert for insight and advice on keeping motivated and staying on track.

Physical movement has always been part of our daily lives, but over time, beyond simple survival, specific movements were slowly developed, passed down, and refined for use in battle, protection or competition, dance or communication, celebration or religion; but movement for health reasons did not come about until later.

The earliest concept of health in relation to physical activity was noted around the time of Confucious when it was found that certain diseases were associated with the physical inactivity of the Shaolin Monks from their long term practice of sedentary meditation. At that time, a form of “moving meditation” began to be developed to promote health, muscle development, the stimulation of internal organs, and increased longevity, a practice that would become Kung Fu and the beginning of the martial arts movement.

Pre-Industrial Revolution, the global population was generally more physically fit, simply by the amount of time and effort required to live on a daily basis, but the innovations and technological advances since have led to not only more comfort, convenience, and leisure time but also to a more sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle that we’ve tried to address as a consequence.

From leaders such as President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s establishment of the President’s Council on Youth Fitness in 1956; to President-Elect John F. Kennedy, who called physical fitness a defining principle of his administration; to the jogging boom of the 1970s, the Jane Fonda workouts of 1982, the popularization of gyms and fitness centers, rise in personal trainers, home fitness equipment and now with fitness apps and trackers; have we found anything that really works?

In addition, with more research, we’ve learned not only how important movement is for us physically but also how important it is for our mental and emotional health as well.

As a professional brain coach and memory expert, Jim Kwik says, “as your body moves, your brain grooves.”

This quote refers to studies that show how exercise increases heart rate, blood flow, and oxygen into the brain, releases positive “feel good” hormones for a better mood and lowers stress and anxiety. In addition, a UCLA study also shows an increase in the amount of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which has shown to increase learning and memory in addition to “supporting functional recovery from brain injuries.

Brittany and David Pomfret with their two kids, Samson & Clementine, and family dog Sunny.

Basically defined now, to be fit means that you are in good physical and mental health, in a general state of well-being, or that you can function efficiently and effectively in work and leisure at various life stages.

So, what do we do? If we’re not “required” to be physically active for our livelihoods, how do we get motivated and stick to it? To help answer these questions, I asked a local expert, the man affectionately referred to here in Santa Margarita as “Workout Dave” (of course!).

David Pomfret grew up in New York, where he was always active and involved in sports, from gymnastics to diving, and later became a track athlete as a sprinter specializing in the Pole Vault through college. After graduating with a degree in Biology/ Pre-Med in 2000 from Bucknell University, David followed his passion to the Central Coast.

By making this move, Dave was able to further his skills as a Pole Vaulter joining the Sky Jumpers of Atascadero to train under local coach and legend Jan Johnson, the 1972 Munich Olympic bronze medal winner, while also pursuing his Masters Degree in Kinesiology at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.

After obtaining his masters degree, Dave went on to coach Track and Field at Cuesta College for 15 years until leaving to focus more on his family and purchasing Studio Fitness for Women, rebranded as Equilibrium Fitness for Women in San Luis Obispo. Along with his wife Brittany and staff, their familyrun business offers an “overall fitness approach focused on helping women stay healthy, balanced and fit through all stages of life,” providing services that include metabolic testing, education, and nutritional counseling in addition to a fully equipped gym and fitness classes.

If you’re anything like millions of other iPhone users and me, you may have noticed a new fitness app that came with a recent update. You know, the one with the rings. Input your age, height, weight, and fitness level, and it gives you a goal of “active calories burned” to close the ring. I found myself becoming neurotic, having to use the app all the time, or my activity didn’t count.

Asking Dave about my experience and his thoughts on apps he laughed and told me I’m not alone.

He said to “take fitness apps with a grain of salt. Although they can be good for motivation and data, the metrics of counting steps, actively burned calories, etc.., just don’t fit each individual, and the constant notifications can be distracting, taking you out of the moment”. Also, “calories burned will never out do what goes on in the kitchen.”

Over the pandemic, there was a move to home fitness equipment and apps, but people missed out on the social aspect of classes and meeting at gyms prompting a resurgence of gym memberships.

All considered, what’s Daves best advice? “Consistency, but the key really is to do what you love to do and to move your body for pleasure, not to lose weight or to reach some arbitrary goal; otherwise, you will fall off track quickly.”

“Whatever activity you find most fulfilling is the best thing, and set process goals vs. product goals; for example, say you love playing Pickleball, meet at the court twice a week before breakfast. Love hiking or backpacking? Walk a minimum of three days/week, gradually adding distance or frequency.”

Dave also explains, “incorporating some weight, balance, or flexibility training and occasionally stepping out of your comfort zone will make you even better at what you already love to do.”

So, what are you waiting for?

Find your passion, add some friends for accountability and enjoyment, and have fun, and fitness will follow.

“as your body moves, your brain grooves.”

“take fitness apps with a grain of salt”

Gina Fitzpatrick

President/CEO

Paso Robles Chamber

Advocacy in Action

Working Hard Behind the Scenes For the Community

As you may well know, the Paso Robles and Templeton Chamber of Commerce prides itself on working hard behind the scenes to advocate for our members and the community. In 2022, we found ourselves collaborating with the city of Paso Robles to begin to formulate an unhoused population plan. Additionally, we worked with the city to promote public safety, prioritize street repairs, and discuss the vital issue of downtown parking. On a county level, we have provided insight on Harvest Host and event space parameters that will affect San Luis Obispo County.

Working with consultants and the city, the unhoused population initiative produced a forward-thinking map to best adjudicate our current needs. This is an ongoing and detailed plan, and we will continue to provide support to the city and focus on next steps, which may include a strategic plan.

Public safety is a high priority for businesses and citizens, and during conversations at the city level, the Chamber has recommended prioritizing lighting and safety in alleys and several parking lots, especially in the downtown area. Street repairs are an ongoing concern, and the Chamber has leveraged the value of our membership to help weigh in on the matter.

As an active commissioner on the Downtown Parking Advisory

Commission, I can tell you that downtown parking is a very complicated issue. I have personally spoken with many of our member businesses located in the downtown corridor. As a result of those meetings, the Chamber recommended upgrading the parking system technology, asked council to consider timed parking instead of paid parking, and requested more dedicated employee parking spaces or lots. We also advocated for, and will continue to ask for a parking structure. It is imperative that we plan for our future, today.

At the county level, we are working with county supervisors to ensure the fair and equitable use of private land, specifically in regards to Harvest Host and private event spaces. We feel strongly that there is a balance to be determined between protecting and promoting landowners’ use of private property to best further the member business needs while not encroaching on neighbor’s rights.

For more information on advocacy efforts or to have your voice heard, feel free to contact me at gina@pasorobleschamber.com or our dedicated governmental affairs representative, Amy Russell, at policy@ pasorobleschamber.com.

We will continue to keep you informed on issues that will make our community a better, stronger, and vibrant place to live, work, and play.

New California Laws in 2023 Could Affect You

New

By Judy Abel

Each year California enacts new legislation with dozens of changes to state law. Here are some new laws that took effect on January 1, 2023:

The Freedom to Walk Act nearly legalizes jaywalking. Crossing the street outside a designated sidewalk won’t automatically be a ticketable offense.

However, if law enforcement deems the action of a rogue walker creates an “immediate danger of a collision,” then a jaywalking ticket can be issued.

Vehicles must move over to an adjacent lane of traffic if one is available before passing a bicyclist. AB 1909 also prohibits governments from requiring bicycles to be licensed.

California’s minimum wage is increasing to $15.50 an hour. In San Francisco, the minimum wage is nearly $17 an hour.

Pay equity is behind SB 1162, which expands on existing transparency laws that mandate all workplaces with 15 or more employees to include a salary range in job postings. Employers with more than 100 workers must submit certain data to the state, including salaries of employees and contractors broken down by gender, race, and ethnicity.

Removing the “pink tax” is behind AB 1287. The law prohibits charging a higher price for goods that are similar in kind like razors, shampoo, and deodorant, just because they are marketed to women.

To help college students meet academic goals, AB 1705 calls for community colleges to enroll their students in transfer-level math and English courses if the program they want

to transfer into requires those subjects. It will now be easier for sidewalk street food vendors to obtain local health permits. Backers of SB 972 claim it will improve community health and safety while helping vendors enter the economy to build businesses and provide for their families.

AB 2799 aims to protect rap artists by restricting prosecutors’ use of the artists’ creative content like song lyrics and music videos against those same artists in court.

Local State Senator Ben Allen backed SB 1322 that requires oil companies to post on their websites how much profit they’re making in California.

Known as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, SB 1183 allows California children up to age 5 to sign up for free books in both English and Spanish.

AB 1242 protects women seeking an abortion by prohibiting law enforcement or state corporations from cooperating with or providing information to out-of-state entities regarding lawful abortions in California. It also prohibits law enforcement from knowingly arresting a person for aiding a lawful abortion in the state.

Gender affirming care will be protected under SB 107 which will protect transgender children and their families who flee to California from other states that criminalize a range of social, psychological, behavioral and medical interventions “designed to support and affirm an individual’s gender identity” when it conflicts with the gender they were assigned at birth.

A new state law prohibits police from using evidence collected from “rape kits” from sexual assault survivors to be used to prosecute those victims in other criminal cases. Police departments can no longer retain the victim’s DNA to be used against them in the future.

SB 1044 prohibits an employer, in an event of an emergency, from retaliating or disciplining an employee who refuses to report to work or leaves a workplace because they have a reasonable belief that the work area is unsafe. Employers are prohibited from taking a worker’s mobile device or preventing them from seeking help. The law defines an emergency as a natural disaster or criminal act. A health pandemic is not listed as an eligible emergency.

AB 1949 allows workers to take up to five days of bereavement leave for the death of a close family member, such as a spouse, domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, child, sibling, grandparent or grandchild. The leave may be unpaid at companies without a bereavement policy or workers may use available sick time if company policy only allows for up to three days of bereavement leave.

AB 44 outlaws the sale and manufacturing of new fur products and clothing in the state. California is the first in the country to implement a statewide ban. The law does not apply to used fur products and clothing.

Plus, four new state holidays will be celebrated in 2023; Lunar New Year (January 22), Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day (April 24), Native American Day (September 22), and Juneteenth (June 19).

laws affect traffic, the workplace and more

RUNNING OUR WAY THROUGH

SLO County

Us Californians tend to get a little antsy this time of year as we wait for the impending arrival of spring. Along with the crisp, perfectly temperatured spring weather comes a new way of life for us in the Golden State. This new season means the outdoors and one of our favorite pastimes — warmer weather means marathons, 5Ks, and triathlons are officially back here in North County.

So that you can get in on the running fun, we compiled a list of all of the marathons, 5Ks, and triathlons happening this year in North County:

Lake San Antonio Triathlon

May 7 Bradley

The Lake San Antonio Triathlon is back this year to kick off the month of May. The triathlon includes a variety of challenges with their sprint, Olympic course, long course, parent/child, duathlon, and aqua bike.

For more information or to register, visit lakesanantoniotriathlon.com

Silver Moon Race

March 4-5

Paso Robles

This March, the Silver Moon Race is returning to Paso Robles for its 3rd annual race. The Silver Moon Race is a two-mile lap race across farm and vineyard roads. Go at your own pace and enjoy the scenery or strengthen your endurance. The race starts at sunset and runs through the night under the moon and stars until sunrise.

For more information or to register, visit silvermoonrace.com

Lighthouse 5k Fun Run

June 3

Santa Margarita

The 9th Annual Lighthouse 5K Run Run returns this June. Runners can look forward to a scenic trail to walk or run along with a kids’

half-mile and 100-yard dash. It will be a day of fun for the whole family with raffle prizes, race awards, Kiwanis pancake breakfast, vendor fair and bounce house.

Most importantly, you’ll be helping Lighthouse support victims of addiction and work in spreading awareness, prevention, intervention, and education about substance abuse.

For more information or to register, visit lighthouseatascadero.org/ fun-run.html

San Luis Obispo Spartan

Trifecta Weekend

November 4-5

Santa Margarita

The Spartan Race returns to San Luis Obispo County for its second year this November in Santa Margarita. Dash through the rows of growing grapevines during bud break and in epic open landscapes, surrounded by the towering Los Padres National Forest. Compete against the top Age Group athletes from around the country and earn points based on your finishing position.

For more information or to register, visit race.spartan.com/en/race/ detail/7929/overview

ECHO Turkey Trot

November 23

Atascadero

In 2022, the El Camino Homeless Shelter held its 4th annual Turkey Trot in Atascadero. As always, the trot is held on Thanksgiving morning. Participants are encouraged to wear their best turkey costume while they run/ walk twice around the lake. Prizes are awarded for the best costumes for adults, children, and pets.

The suggested donation for participation is $20 per individual and will help provide services to those in need in our community. There is no need to register in advance; donations will be taken at the event.

For more information, visit echoshelter.org/turkey-trot

Silver Moon Race

Lighthouse 5K Fun Run

The Running Chicken The Running Chicken Fun Run Returns

By Christianna Marks

Everyone’s favorite 10K/5K was back this year with the 5th annual return of The Running Chicken Fun Run. The muchloved fun run took place on Sunday, January 8, at 9 a.m., with 430 walkers and runners registered for the race that celebrates the lives of local sisters and runners Brittni and Brynn Frace.

“We’re excited. Can’t believe it’s been five years that we’ve been doing this, but the event has continued to grow, it’s got a lot of community support, and it’s really allowed us to further the mission of Brynn and Brittni’s foundation,” said their father, Warren Frace.

Like last year, this year’s Running Chicken was conducted in a hybrid fashion. While many of the fun run participants headed out to Lake Santa Margarita in person, 50 people also participated virtually from all over the country.

“We decided to keep virtual as an option because we know we have people from around the country that want to participate. They can’t actually get out to the race course,” added Warren.

The Running Chicken Fun Run had something for everyone. The 5K, mostly flat, portion of the course is set up for participants of all levels and ages. More experienced runners gave the 10K section a go. There they faced plenty of challenges, including “the wall.” The race course at Lake Santa Margarita is the same one used by the cross-country team at Atascadero High School. It’s also the very same course that Brynn and Brittni ran themselves.

“It’s a pretty course. It’s a challenging course. And that’s why we picked it for the location of this [fun run],” Warren said. “When they [the participants] are out there running the race, you can picture Brynn and Brittni running those exact same hills and turns.”

Continuing with tradition, the Kiwanis Club was there to make a pancake breakfast for all the racers and walkers once they crossed the finish line. The Kiwanis Club said they made more pancakes this year than ever before.

The Fraces, who pick the Running Chicken’s theme yearly off of things that their daughters created, decided this year’s theme for the race would be “Be Nice — Say HiYa.”

“That’s something that Brittni came up with, she had a sketchbook, and she would draw pictures and write little inspirational notes and whatnot,” Warren explained. “We used to go up to Oregon in the summer, and there was a sign you’d see on a lot of the hiking trails that were up there, basically a ‘share the trail’ kind of sign. It would say, ‘be nice, say hi,’ and the whole idea was for mountain bikes, equestrians, and pedestrians all to share the same trail. So she actually drew some different drawings of that, and that’s what got incorporated into the poster.”

This year, the top three winners of the 5K and the 10K in both the women’s and men’s categories received stained-glass chickens made by artist Deborah Nottenkamper. A distance runner herself, Deborah was also good friends with both

Brynn and Brittni.

This year’s winners were:

5K Women: Frances Perry, Quinn Dubrul, and Colleen McCandless.

5K Men: Oliver Baker-Ballantyne, Bailey Aiello, and Adrian Garcia.

10K Women: Annie Meeder, Nora Pizzella (who ran wearing Brynn’s race bib), and Ellie Nisbet (who ran wearing Brittni’s bib number).

10K Men: Connor Fisher, Anthony Perez, and Jason Reed.

“After the accident and we lost the girls, we had this vision to create this foundation to honor their memory, and the whole idea was to be able to give back to the community and spread positive thoughts and ideas and encourage kids to be in sports and whatnot,” Warren Frace stated of the Run 4 Bitti and Brynn Foundation. “That was a great idea back in 2018, but with everything that’s changed in the last five years, it seems like that mission is even more important than it ever was. So, the ability to just kinda have a positive event and really promote the overall community and help young kids stay focused on achieving their goals is a really great thing to be involved in these days.”

So far, the Run 4 Bitti and Brynn Foundation has given away $21,000 in high school scholarships for kids going to college, and they’ve also given away 250 pairs of athletic shoes to kids in need. To find out more about the foundation, visit run4bittiandbrynn.org

What to do after high school?

During the holiday season, my wife and I attended gatherings of family and friends with high school-age children and grandchildren. A common question overheard while talking with the high school-age youth was, “What colleges did you apply to, and which is your first choice?” I tried to ask, “What are your plans after high school?” According to the 2021 U.S. Census, approximately 37.9 percent of adults in the United States have completed a bachelor’s degree. By asking the question about the next steps, we consider the multiple postsecondary paths individuals can take on the journey to becoming productive members of our society.

How do we, as a community, best prepare youth for life after high school graduation? Nearly 10 years ago, I presented some of my educational research at a symposium hosted by Cambridge University in the United Kingdom (U.K.) about postsecondary paths for young people and the recruitment of employees. My research partner Dr. James Gentilucci and I addressed an audience from America, Europe, Asia, and Africa on the importance of thoughtful education and workplace practices designed to train and retain a local workforce. The U.K., London in particular, faces a similar shortage of employees as we do here in California. One path the European, African, and Asian countries implement is aggressive Career and Technical Education (CTE) in secondary schools that include teacher education. Over the past few years, I attended conferences hosted by the California Department of Education on the importance of CTE pathways in our schools. Our previous local assembly member, Jordan Cunningham, was always in attendance. I anticipate our new assembly member Dawn Addis will continue the support Jordan championed in the state legislature.

Education in the United States and across the globe continues to experience challenging times. We would be wise to remember that less than 40 percent of Americans report attaining a bachelor’s degree. More than 9 out of 10 Americans (91.1 percent) earned a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Educational attainment varies by age, sex, race, ethnic origin, nativity, and disability status. While we in America continue to navigate through federal and state mandates impacting our classrooms, our leaders must continue emphasizing CTE as a part of the educational puzzle. Expert puzzle masters advise that instead of taking a wild stab at the puzzle, identify a good strategy that will lead to an acceptable solution. Like the puzzle master’s advice, CTE is a crucial piece of the educational quest for student success. CTE

curriculum strives to pair academics and high-level workplace skills. Students, administrators, teachers, business members, community leaders, and even politicians have endorsed CTE programs across the country for the following reasons:

• CTE-related jobs are in high demand.

• CTE preparation can meet individual and community workplace needs.

• CTE programs reduce dropout rates.

• CTE classes serve to increase student engagement in both CORE and CTE classes.

• CTE curriculum increases student achievement during and after school.

• CTE is cutting-edge in preparing students for “college and career readiness.”

We must make college and career readiness information available, such as collecting and reporting whether students are on-track for high school graduation, readiness for postsecondary enrollment, and how well students persist towards earning a college degree (not simply entrance rates). SLO Partners’ mission is to engage business partners and educators in aligning workforce needs with career and college pathways. We facilitate work experience opportunities to ensure that students have the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the workplace and that businesses have the skilled workers required for a sound, growing economy. We continue to work on industry certifications, such as our highly successful CompTIA Bootcamps.

SLO Partners is a regional consortium of business, industry, education, and community leaders committed to collectively impacting the workforce and economic development by aligning education systems and employment programs with economic opportunities. We recently received formal notification of the intent to award additional pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, and workforce development grants for our county. SLOCOE, Cuesta College, and every school district and charter school in our county continue to join forces in leveraging CTE funding to best serve the students in our county. I encourage you to learn more about our highly successful partnership with Cuesta College, SLO Partners, and our high school CTE programs benefiting the community. It is an honor to serve as your County Superintendent of Schools.

County superintendent of SLOCOEDU

James Brescia, Ed.D

Processing Grief

It takes as long as it takes

By Jennifer Scales

“There’s an empty space in our hearts, Where you once held a place. A hollow ache that brings us to tears, Of the sadness, we must face.

We will miss everything about you, Your smile, your laugh, your caring heart. We don’t know how to carry on without you, Maybe celebrating you today, we can find a start.

We will take comfort in your memory, As we reminisce of you, so special, so kind. We love you so much and will do our best, But you will never drift too far from our mind.

We can rest in the assurance of seeing you again, One day we will embrace you again in love. Until then, we know God will keep you, Peaceful and loved in his arms above.”

This past March marked the first anniversary when I sat by my mother’s bedside and watched her leave this world. She fought cancer for 17 months. Her fight ended that day. I have wanted to draft this article for a while, but I could not bring myself to write the words. There is a different kind of grief when you lose a parent. For those of you who have experienced this loss, I am sure you will agree that when a loving parent has passed, there is an all-encompassing quiet sorrow. That sorrow becomes intensified by the hollow truth that one person you’ve always trusted and who was always there for you is now gone. You will never hear the voice of the first person who guided your steps, encouraged you, and you confided in, ever again in this life. Even if you were not close to your passing parent, the sense of loss is still hard to describe. An honest glimpse into your own mortality as the torch passes on to the next generation.

The thing about processing grief is no one answer works for everyone. There is no one way to make the sorrow lesson quicker. I know one thing about grief, it takes as long as it takes. No steps to complete, and no magical words or prayers can rush this process. It just takes time. It will get better

with the support and prayers from friends and family. But truthfully, losing a parent is hard. I must say that milestones are the toughest, and holidays are not easy either. Still, there is something about those dates that leave a permanent reminder that someone you love has died. Dates that stand out as a day uniquely theirs, like Mother’s Day, the day they were born, and sadly the day they died. Remembering and honoring my mother is so important to me. I keep in weekly contact with my father, as his loss is much different than mine. He lost the love of his life. Every day is a journey of sorrow for him, missing her presence in his world. I can’t imagine his loss, just like I can’t imagine the loss of a child, which he and my mother also experienced. I came to the astounding realization that wherever you are in your grief. Own it! Take your time to deal with your loss and take the time to reminisce, hurt, cry, and even scream if it helps. Be decisive even when you don’t feel like it, and never give up; your loved one wouldn’t want that for you. Be careful of anyone, all though well-meaning, to tell you it’s time for you to move on or to get past it. It takes as long as it takes, and you need to take just as long as you need. Don’t allow insensitive family and friends to dictate how you process your grief. I know my grief for my mother will get better with time. I just don’t need someone to remind me of that.

My advice, find solace in whatever your belief system may be. If you need a friend, find one; if you need therapy, call one; and if you need a grief group, there are plenty around. Just remember to take care of yourself. Remember the beautiful memories you created with that person. Whoever they are to you, your mother, father, spouse, child, sibling, dear family member, or friend. Mourn them, remember them, honor them, and cherish their memory by loving yourself.

Finally, be gentle with yourself; grief takes as long as it takes.

Thank you for reading my words. Please share them with someone who needs to hear them.

Be kind to yourself and others.

Whoever they are to you, your mother, father, spouse, child, sibling, dear family member, or friend. Mourn them, remember them, honor them, and cherish their memory by loving yourself.

Planning a Sweetheart Meal with Local Ingredients

By BeeWench Farms

For local farmers, February is exciting. The weather is starting to warm up and it’s time to start thinking about all the fruits and veggies to start growing for spring.

This month you can find almost anything that you are looking for at your local farmer’s market. There should be plenty of winter season veggies such as kale, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, celery, and beets to name a few. Artichokes and asparagus will start appearing this month. We are in the middle of citrus season, so make sure to add Meyer lemons, mandarin oranges, kiwis, kumquats, and grapefruits to your list. Not only are they delicious, but fresh citrus will boost your immune system with some vitamin C.

Valentine’s Day is coming, so make plans now to get the best ingredients for a delicious meal with your sweetheart. Our Templeton farmer’s market on Saturday offers a variety produce and locally raised meats and freshly caught seafood to make a truly stunning meal. Valentine’s day falls on a Tuesday this year, so treat your date to a stroll through the market in downtown Paso Robles Tuesday morning. Pick up all the ingredients that you need for a delicious meal and maybe even a scone, cookie, or freshly baked bread.

Create a charcuterie board for your special someone or treat your whole family to a special Valentine’s Day board to enjoy. Visit Stepladder Creamery for some amazing cheese, get some honey from California Bee Co, sourdough bread from any of our amazing bread vendors, some strawberries from Hayashi Farms, and edible flowers from GreenLove Elixir Bar. GreenLove Elixir Bar also has truffles, bath salts, and love potion infused chocolate bars for a sweet treat.

Don’t forget the flowers. Check out FarmerMaid Flowers at the Saturday Farmer’s Market in Templeton for beautiful arrangements of locally grown flowers.

Salad Ingredients:

7 cups mixed greens (approximately one bunch of spinach and a large head of lettuce)

1 large avocado

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Roasted Beets Ingredients:

2-3 (1 lb) whole beets

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fine sea salt & freshly cracked pepper

Roast Beets Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

1/3 cup lightly salted and roasted pistachios or walnuts, coarsely chopped

3-4 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented crumbled goat cheese, add to preference (~1/3 cup)

Dressing Ingredients:

1/4 cup orange juice freshly squeezed

2 teaspoons orange zest

1 and 1/2 tablespoons honey

Dressing Directions:

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds

2. Wash beets under cold water and cut off the top and bottom. Cut beets in half and toss with olive oil, salt & pepper.

3. Lay out a large piece of tinfoil. Wrap and seal beets. (Or place beets in a greased baking dish and cover).

4. Roast the foil package for 1 hour or until beets are tender when poked with a fork.

5. Once cooled to touch, using rubber gloves or paper towels, rub the beets and the skins will just slide right off.

6. Cut into ½ – ¾ inch cubes

Note:

While beets are roasting, prepare the dressing. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid. Close tightly and shake well until combined. Taste and adjust any flavors to personal preference.

Dressing Directions:

1. Place the lettuce in a large bowl or on a platter. Peel and segment the oranges; add to salad. Chop the avocado into small pieces (or thin slices) and toss with lemon juice. Add to the lettuce.

2. Drizzle dressing to preference. (You may not want to use all the dressing. Leftover dressing will stay good for up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge.)

3. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios and crumbled goat cheese over top.

1. If making this salad ahead of time, keep the lettuce, the dressing, and all the veggies and toppings separate. Toss together right before enjoying.

2. Do not toss the salad with the dressing until ready to use. This salad doesn’t store or sit well when dressed and is best enjoyed right after being served.

3. Red beets will make this a bit more dressed up for Valentine’s Day, but golden beets or Chioggia (bull’s eye) beets are very tasty in this salad as well.

WINTER BEET AND CITRUS SALAD

Culturally-Affirming Psychotherapy

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Baking Something Sweet for your Valentine Barbie Butz

There are many reasons I love the month of February. Reason number one is my birthday, and I'm just glad I'm still having them. Number two, I collect heart items, and the stores are full of them. Number three, I love the color red. And finally, I get to celebrate Valentine's Day by baking something special for those I love. Here are some ideas for you to consider for your Valentine's Day celebration

French Almond Custard Fondue

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons cornstarch

DIRECTIONS

Easy Pots De Chocalott

2 cups light cream

2 egg yolks, slightly beaten

1 tablespoon butter

2 teaspoons almond extrac

In saucepan, mix sugar, salt and cornstarch. Gradually stir in cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Gradually stir 1/2 hot mixture into egg yolks; blend back into mixture in saucepan. Boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat and add butter and almond extract. Pour into fondue pot. Good dippers include pineapple, cherries, strawberries, bananas and pound cake.

This recipe is super — super easy, super quick and super rich.

Impossible Coconut Pie

INGREDIENTS

4 eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 cups milk

DIRECTIONS

Devil's Creme

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup powdered chocolate drink mix

DIRECTIONS

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar

2 cups heavy cream

Stir together ingredients and chill; whip until stiff. Use to frost Chocolate/Cherry Torte.

1/2 cup self-rising flour

1 small can coconut flakes

1/2 cup melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine all ingredients with beaten egg; pour into ungreased 9-inch pie pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 egg yolks

DIRECTIONS

1 1/4 cups light cream, scalded 3 tablespoons brandy, rum or creme de cocoa.

Put all ingredients in a blender. Blend, pour into elegant cups, such as crystal wine glasses. Chill 4 hours. Garnish with whipping cream mounds if desired.

This delicious pie makes its own crust.

Raspberry Delights

INGREDIENTS

1 1/4 cup sifted flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup butter

1 egg yolk

DIRECTIONS

2 tablespoons brandy or milk

3/4 cup raspberry jam

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

6 tablespoons melted butter

2 1/2 cups flaked coconut

Sift flour with salt, 1 teaspoon sugar and baking powder; blend in butter. Add egg yolk and brandy or milk. Mix. Pat into an 11 x 7 x 2 inch pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Spread jam over the crust. Beat eggs until thick and lemon colored; beat in 1 1/2 cups sugar, vanilla and melted butter. Add coconut. Spoon over jam. Bake in preheated moderate oven, 350 degrees, 35 minutes. Cool.

Cut into 1 inch squares.

Note: These Delights can also be made with strawberry jam. They freeze well.

For a fun end-of-the-meal dessert, try this next recipe.

Chocolate/Cherry Tortet

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon flour

1/2 tablespoon cocoa

2 cups sifted cake flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 (4 ounce) bottle

maraschino cherries

1/2 cup butter

DIRECTIONS

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

4 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted 1 1/3 cup evaporated milk

2 teaspoons red food color

Devil's Creme for frosting

Combine 1 tablespoon flour and cocoa. Lightly grease two 9-inch round layer cake pans; dust with flour-cocoa mixture. Sift together

2 cups cake flour, salt and baking powder. Set aside. Drain cherries, reserving juice. Chop cherries and set aside. Cream butter; gradually add sugar and blend until light and fluffy. Add eggs, chocolate, evaporated milk, reserved cherry juice and food color. Beat until smooth. Blend in dry ingredients. Fold in cherries. Bake in prepared pans at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Remove from pans and cool on racks. Carefully split cake layers. put layers together with Devil's Creme, reserving 1/2 cup to decorate top layer. Decorate top with chocolate candy kisses. Refrigerate to set creme. Makes 12 servings.

FEBRUARY Calendar of Events

FATHER

DAUGHTER DANCE

PAVILION ON THE LAKE, ATASCADERO

6:30-9:30pm

(AGES 12 AND UNDER)

Bring your special girl to the Father-Daughter Dance at the Pavilion on the Lake for a semi-formal evening of music, dancing, refreshments, & more! A professional photographer will be on-site with affordable picture packages. For more information visit visitatascadero.com

FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE (AGES 12 AND OVER)

PAVILION ON THE LAKE, ATASCADERO

7-10pm

Bring your special girl to the Father-Daughter Dance at the Pavilion on the Lake for a semi-formal evening of music, dancing, refreshments, & more. A professional photographer will be on-site with affordable picture packages. For more information visit visitatascadero.com

VALENTINE’S DAY

VALENTINE MOVIE NIGHT

PASO ROBLES

7-9pm

LUMBERJACKS IN LOVE

THE GREAT AMERICAN MELODRAMA, OCEANO

7-9:30pm

912 at Haywire Minnesota, 200 miles from the nearest woman. Lumberjacks Slim, Muskrat, Dirty Bob, Moonlight and The Kid live their bachelor life. However, when Slim accidentally orders himself a mail-order bride named Rose, their simple shanty lives are turned upside down. This hilarious musical comedy is paired with “A Culinary Cabaret” for our famous Vaudeville Revue.

PASO ROBLES CHAMBER GALA

RAVA WINES

5:30-10pm

Welcome the 2023 Board of Directors and thank the 2022 outgoing Board members. They will also honor the Roblan of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Beautification Award recipient, and Business of the Year, as they share the Chamber’s accomplishments from 2022 and look forward to the year ahead. For more information visit pasorobleschamber.com

SLO CAL OPEN

MORRO ROCK, MORRO BAY All Day

Enjoy a classic movie on the big screen in Downtown Paso Robles. Movie to be announced soon. Tickets are only $12 and include popcorn and a soda. For more information, call the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street office at (805) 238-4103.

Join us February 23 - 26th, 2023 for the World Surf League Men’s and Women’s event at The Rock in Morro Bay. For more info or to sign up worldsurfleague.com

BLENDFEST ON THE COAST

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Experience a taste of Paso Robles Wine Country on the beautiful California coast. Paso Robles BlendFest on the Coast will take place February 23 – 26 in San Simeon and Cambria with a selection of exciting events. Paso Robles’ winemakers love to blend wine, mixing varieties to craft something unique and delicious. BlendFest celebrates rulebreaking, traditional, and unconventional wine blends throughout the weekend. Visit pasowine.com for more information.

AT THE LIBRARY BUSINESS &

Paso Robles Library

1000 Spring St. • (805) 237-3870 • Mon-Fri 9-7 and Sat 9-4 Children’s Library Activities

• Tuesdays

• For all ages, Try It! Tuesday craft kits are available starting Tuesdays (while supplies last) to take home and create.

• Cuentos y Crafts with Cristal at 4-5pm -A special bilingual Story Time and Craft program at the Library Study Center.

• Wednesdays

Join Miss Melissa at 10am in the Story Hour Room for ages 3-6. Enjoy stories, movement, music, and a craft activity.

• Fridays

Miss Cappy is back with Toddler Story Time on Fridays! Join her for a story or two and a simple craft activity at 10:00 am.

Templeton Library

1173 S. Main St. • (805) 221-5372 (currently voicemail only)

• Tuesday 10 am (Storytime only - Capacity limited to 30 participants) 11 am - 2 pm

• Wednesday - Friday 1 pm - 5 pm

• Saturday 10 am - 1 pm

• Closed - Sunday and Monday

Creston Library

6290 Adams St. • (805) 237-3010

Santa Margarita Library

9630 Murphy Ave • (805) 438-5622

Shandon Library

195 N 2nd St. • (805) 237-3009

GOVERNMENT

Paso Robles

• City Council

1st and 3rd Tuesday, 6:30 p at Council Chambers • 1000 Spring Street

• Senior Citizens Advisory Committee

2nd Monday, 1:30 p at the Paso Robles Senior Center • 321 S. Main Street #C, Templeton, CA 93465

• Parks & Rec. Advisory Committee

2nd Monday, 4:00 p at Centennial Park Live Oak Room • 600 Nickerson Road

• Planning Commission

2nd and 4th Tuesday, 6:30 p at the City of Paso Robles Library Conference Room • 1000 Spring Street

• Paso Robles Democratic Club

3rd Wednesday, 6:30 p

NETWORKING

Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce

pasorobleschamber.com • (805) 238-0506

1225 Park St., Paso Robles, CA 93446

Templeton Chamber of Commerce

templetonchamber.com • Open Thursdays and Fridays 11-3pm (805) 434-1789 • 321 S. Main Street #C, Templeton, CA 93465

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Cancer Support Community

Providing support, education and hope

1051 Las Tablas Road, Templeton • (805) 238-4411 • Visit: cscslo.org for more info

Cancer Support Helpline • (888) 793-9355, 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. PST.

Special Programs

Email programs@cscslo.org for Zoom links

• Every Wednesday

• Tai Chi Chih | Virtual via Zoom•

10:00 - 11:00a

• Mindfulness Hour | Virtual via Zoom •

11:30a - 12:30a

• 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month

• Grief Support Group | Virtual via Zoom

1:30p - 2:30p

• 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month

• Adv. Cancer Support Group | Virtual

10:00 - 11:00a

North County Parkinson’s Support Group

Providing support, education and hope

2nd Monday of each Month from 6-8pm Atascadero Bible Church Library, 6225 Atascadero Ave, Atascadero Vic Breault vjbreault@gmail.com Or 951-663-9841

• 2nd Wednesday of each month

• Caregiver Support Group | Virtual 10:00 - 11:00a

• 2nd Thursday of each month

• Cancer Patient Support Group | Virtual 11:00a - 12:00p

• 2nd Tuesday of each month

• Young Survivor Support Group | Hybrid 6:00 - 7:30pYoung Survivor Support Group | Virtual 1:30 - 2:30 p

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

at Centennial Park White Oak Room • 600 Nickerson

• Library Board of Trustees

2nd Thursday, 9:00 a

at City of Paso Robles Library • 1000 Spring Street

• Airport Commission

4th Thursday, every other month, 6:30 p at 4900 Wing Way, Paso Robles

For general info, call City Hall M-F 8:00

a - 5:00 p at (805) 227-7276.

Visit prcity.com for virtual & up to date meeting info.

Santa Margarita

• Area Advisory Council

1st Wednesday, 7:00 p at Santa Margarita Community Hall • 22501 I St.

Visit: smaaconline.org for more information.

Optimist Club

Paso Robles Club #14668 • (805) 238-2410

• Meeting — 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 6:30 p

American Legion Post 50

240 Scott St., Paso Robles • (805) 239-7370

• Hamburger Lunch | Every Thursday, 11 a - 1 p, $6

• Post Meeting | 4th Tuesday, 6:30 p

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Paso Robles #10965 240 Scott St. • (805) 239-7370

Elks Lodge

Paso Robles Lodge 2364 • 1420 Park Street • (805) 239-1411

Kiwanis International

Paso Robles •1900 Golden Hill Road • Culinary Arts Academy

• Meeting — Tuesday, 12:00 p

Rotary International

Paso Robles Sunrise Courtyard by Marriott, 12 S Vine St.

Meeting — every Thursday, 12:00 p

Paso Robles Republican Women Club

All meetings held at the Broken Earth Wine tasting room.

• Meetings held the 3rd Monday each month.

• Day meeting January, February, November, December at 11:30 am.

• Evening meetings March, April, May, June, September and October at 5-7 pm. Dark July and August. For information prrwfmembership@gmail.com.

Almond Country Quilt Guild

Meetings held the 1st Monday each month

• Social hour from 6:15-7:00PM followed by a general meeting and a planned program

Houses of worshi P

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 office@13starsmedia.com or call (805) 237-6060. Please include your name, address, phone, service times, and name of spiritual leader of your congregation. Thank you, and stay blessed.

ATASCADERO

“ABC” Atascadero Bible Church

6225 Atascadero Mall

Atascadero

(805) 466-2051

Sunday 8am, 9am, 10:45

Thursday 7pm, Celebrate Recovery

Pastor Jeff Urke

Awakening Ways Spiritual Community

9315 Pismo Ave.

10:00 a.m. at the Pavilion

Rev. Elizabeth Rowley Hogue awakeningways.org (805) 460-0762

Congregation Ohr Tzafon

“The Northern Light”

2605 Traffic Way

Atascadero, CA 93422

Friday Night Service 7:30 PM (805) 466-0329

Cornerstone Community Church

9685 Morro Road

8:45 & 10:45 AM

Pastor John Marc Wiemann (805) 461-3899 cornerstoneca.org

Hope Lutheran Church

8005 San Gabriel Road, Atascadero

9am Sunday (in-person and livestream on YouTube)

Pastor: Aaron Smith (805) 461-0340 ourhopelutheran.net

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

Hilltop Christian Fellowship

2085 Gateway Drive

Heritage Ranch Service: 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Perry Morris & Jerry Gruber

(805) 239-1716

Oak Shores Christian Fellowship

2727 Turkey Cove Rd., at the Oak Shores Community Clubhouse Service: 8:30 a.m.

Pastor Jerry Gruber (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: Sunday at 9 a.m.,

Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Pastor Aaron Newman (805) 239-4295

Christian Life Center 1744 Oak St.

Service Time: 9:30 a.m.

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: 10 a.m. (805)-406-8910

Missionaries: (805) 366-2363

Covenant Presbyterian Church  1450 Golden Hill Rd.

Service: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Dan Katches

(805)238-6927

covenantpaso.com

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 a.m.

Pastor Gary Barker

(805) 238-3549

Highlands Church

Corner S. River and Niblick | 215 Oak Hill

Services: 9-10 am & 10:30-11:30 am

Pastor James Baird

(805) 226-5800

Live Oak

1521 Oak St.

Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor John Kaiser

(805) 238-0575

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

North County Christian Fellowship

421 9th St.

Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Steve Calagna

(805) 239-3325

Paso Robles Bible Church

2206 Golden Hill Rd.

Service: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Mark Wheeler/Pastor Dave Rusco

(805) 226-9670

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 & Oak Street

Service: 10 a.m.

Rev. Wendy Holland

(805) 238-3321

Poder de Dios Centro Familiar

500 Linne Road, Suite D

Services: Sun. 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

Second Baptist Church

1937 Riverside Ave.

Service: 11 a.m.

Pastor: Gary Jordon

(805) 238-2011

St. James Episcopal Church

1335 Oak St.

Services: 8 a.m. (Rite I), 10 a.m. (Rite II)

Reverend Barbara Miller

(805) 238-0819

St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church

820 Creston Rd.

Daily Mass- 8:30 a.m.

Saturday 8 a.m.

Tues. 7 p.m. Spanish

Saturday 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Spanish Vigil Mass

Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.;

Spanish Mass at 12:30PM

Father Rudolfo Contreras

(805) 238-2218

The Revival Center

3850 Ramada Dr., Ste. A-3

Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Gabe Abdelaziz

(805) 434-5170

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.

(805) 238-3702

Victory Baptist Church

3850 Ramada Dr. Ste D4

Sundays - 10 & 11 a.m.

Wednesday - 6:30 p.m.

Pastor Bruce Fore

(805) 221-5251

vbcpaso.org

Victory Outreach Paso Robles

2919 Union Road, Paso Robles, CA

Services: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, 7:00 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

Family Praise & Worship Located at Vineyard Elementary School

2121 Vineyard Dr, Templeton Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Vern H Haynes Jr.

(805) 975-8594

Templeton Presbyterian Church

610 S. Main St. Service: 10 a.m.

Reverend Roger Patton

(805) 434-1921

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

Life Community Church

8:30 & 10:30 Sundays

3770 Ruth Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 434-5040

hello@lccpaso.org

Pastor Brandon Hall

Solid Rock Christian Fellowship

925 Bennett Way Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor Jeff Saylor (805) 434-2616

Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Templeton Hills

930 Templeton Hills Rd.

Services: Saturday 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Zac Page (805) 434-1710

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

Daily Mass: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am

Saturday – 4:00 pm (English)

Sunday – 7:00 am (English) 10:00 am (Bilingual) 12:00 pm (English) 5:00 pm (Spanish)

Father Lucas Pantoja (805) 467-2131

SHANDON

Shandon Assembly of God

420 Los Altos Ave.

Spanish Service: Sun. 5 p.m., Thurs. 7 p.m. Pastor Jim Mei (805)226-9737

PASO ROBLES MAGAZINE

P.O. Box 427

Paso Robles, CA 93447 Phone: 805-237-6060 or office@13starsmedia.com

Journaling For Mental Health and Clarity

By Elizabeth Bryant

Mental health is an important aspect of a person’s overall health and well-being, and journaling can be a powerful tool for one to process their thoughts and emotions. It allows you to reflect on your experiences and identify patterns and triggers, which can help develop coping strategies. It can also be used as a goal-setting tool and tracking progress.

In addition to its therapeutic benefits, journaling can also be used as a preventative measure for maintaining good mental health. Keeping a journal allows you to regularly check in with yourself and identify any potential issues before they become problematic.

Journaling is known to be just as essential as physical fitness and exercise. Both are important for maintaining overall health and well-being, and they can complement each other in a holistic approach to self-care.

Journaling can be helpful for a variety of reasons. Some of the main benefits include:

Processing thoughts and emotions

Journaling provides a space for individuals to process their thoughts and emotions, which can be particularly beneficial for those who are struggling with anxiety or depression. It allows them to reflect on their experiences and identify patterns and triggers, which can help them develop coping strategies.

Gaining insight into oneself

Writing in a journal can help individuals gain insight into their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This can lead to greater selfawareness and understanding of oneself, which can be helpful in making positive changes.

Tracking progress

Journaling can be used to track progress in different areas of life, including mental health, personal growth, and goal setting. Reviewing entries regularly allows individuals to see how far they’ve come and identify any areas that need further attention.

Providing an outlet for self-expression

Journaling can serve as an outlet for expressing feelings and emotions that may be difficult to share with others. It can also be a way to express gratitude and positive thoughts, which can lead to an overall improvement in mood and well-being.

Helping with decision-making

Journaling can help individuals to organize their thoughts, evaluate different options, and make decisions. This is because the act of writing can help people to clarify their thoughts and feelings and to consider different perspectives.

Preventive measure:

Journaling can also be used as a preventive measure for maintaining good mental health. Keeping a journal allows individuals to regularly check in with themselves and identify any potential issues before they become problematic.

Starting a journaling practice can be simple and straightforward.

Here are a few steps to get you started:

• Find a method that works for you: Decide whether you want to write by hand in a physical journal, type on a computer or mobile

device, or use a journaling app or website. Experiment with different methods to find the one that you are most comfortable with.

• Set a regular time: Decide on a regular time each day or week to write in your journal. This could be in the morning, before bed, or at any other time that works for you.

• Be honest and authentic: Write about your thoughts and feelings, no matter how insignificant or difficult they may seem. Remember that journaling is a safe space for self-expression and reflection.

• Reflect on your writing: After writing, take a moment to reflect on what you have written. Look for patterns or themes, and consider how your thoughts and feelings relate to your overall mental health.

• Review your journal: Reviewing your journal regularly can help you track your progress, identify patterns and triggers, and make connections that you may have missed initially.

• Seek professional help if necessary: Journaling can be a helpful tool for managing mental health, but it should not be used as a replacement for professional help. If you are struggling with severe mental health conditions, please seek treatment from a qualified professional.

• Remember, journaling is a personal practice, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. The most important thing is to find a method that works for you and make it a regular part of your routine.

It is important to note that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. The most important thing is to find a balance that works for you and to make journaling a regular part of your routine.