Paso Robles Press Magazine • #265 • May 2023

“Peter at Hearing Aid Specialists has helped me with my hearing issues since 2011. He is knowledgeable, professional and has provided me with the best equipment available. Losing your hearing is depressing but his expertise helps me feel normal.”

Richard S.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR BETTER?

Having issues with your hearing shouldn’t stop you from enjoying life. It’s simply a matter of making a choice to move forward and take control of your condition, or to do nothing and fall behind.

Have you had your hearing tested recently? Not sure what are your treatment options? We have helped thousands of patients the past 20 years. We can help you too.

Lucier Hearing Aid Specialist

Adam Firestone and David Walker Founders of Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Photo Courtesy Firestone Walker

Sunshine, Celebrations, and Gratitude

As we welcome the warmer weather and bid adieu to the seemingly endless yet much-needed rains, it’s time to savor the sunshine and immerse ourselves in the splendor of the outdoors. The vivid colors and delightful fragrances of blossoming flowers serve not only as a gentle reminder of Mother Nature’s marvels but also as a fitting homage to the upcoming celebration of Mother’s Day.

As a proud mom, I am eternally grateful to my wonderful children for making me a mother. Each day, they bring boundless joy, impart valuable lessons, and fill my heart with love. To all the mothers, we celebrate your strength and the immeasurable love you share with your children.

This month, we are excited to once again explore the captivating stories of the exceptional individuals who constitute the foundation of our community. It is an honor to shed light on their narratives and witness the uplifting impact they have on those around them. One such exemplary figure is Firestone Walker Brewing Company, a local gem in Paso Robles, steadfastly dedicated to their craft and committed to enhancing our community through the production of top-quality beer.

In addition, we are thrilled to welcome back two beloved events: The Best of the West Antique Equipment Show and the Golden State Car Show. Both of these cherished occasions are making a strong comeback, infusing our community with excitement and joy as they display the finest examples of antique machinery and classic automobiles.

Let us also pause for a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the courageous veterans who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. This Memorial Day, we honor their bravery and remember their selfless acts.

On a personal note, Nic and I are commemorating our eleventh wedding anniversary this month. Our journey so far has been nothing short of extraordinary, replete with love, adventure, and personal growth. We are grateful for the life we have built together and eagerly anticipate the many chapters that lie ahead.

May this month be imbued with love, renewal, and a profound sense of gratitude for the multitude of blessings that enrich our lives. We hope you enjoy this month’s issue of Paso Robles Magazine.

Hayley & Nic

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.

PUBLISHER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Hayley Mattson

CONTENT EDITOR

Camille DeVaul

AD DESIGN

Jen Rodman

LAYOUT DESIGN

Evan Rodda

Neil Schumaker

Anthony Atkins

Cami

BUSINESS & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Nic Mattson

COPY EDITOR

Michael Chaldu

COMMUNITY WRITER

Christianna Marks

AD CONSULTANTS

Dana McGraw

Jamie Self

COMPANY ADMINISTRATOR

Barbie Butz

BeeWench Farm

CONTRIBUTORS

Blake Ashley Frino-Gerl

Elisa Huot

James Brescia, Ed.D

Karyl Lammers

THE

Paso Robles Area Historical Society & Museum

Shift N Gears

Mira Honeycutt

The General Store

The Natural Alternative

LOCAL SUMMER GETAWAYS

JUNE 2023

PUBLICATION DELIVERY DATE

JUNE 2, 2023

ADVERTISING DEADLINE

MAY 10, 2023

For more advertising information, contact our advertising representatives above, or see our media kit at: pasoroblesmagazine.com/advertise

Paso

Through the Grapevine

This year’s festival will feature local and out-of-county olive oil, olive, and lavender vendors showcasing their products, along with free olive oil tastings and unique olive oil ice cream from We Olive. There will also be lavender specialties to enjoy.

Paso Robles Olive & Lavender Festival Returns May 19

The Olive & Lavender Festival is returning for its 19th and 17th year, respectively, to Downtown Paso Robles this May. The popular event, which has grown over the years, showcases the healthy properties and culinary uses of olives, olive oil, and lavender, all of which are proudly grown in Paso Robles.

The Olive and Lavender Festival has successfully combined the two events for the last three years, creating one grand event to kick off the summer season. Gary and DeeDee Brown, owners of We Olive, introduced the idea of an olive festival to the Main Street Association 19 years ago. Shortly after, Lila Fuson of the Central Coast Lavender Farm had a similar idea for a lavender festival.

New to the festival is a partnership with the Paso Robles Distillery Trail and the California Coast Beer Company. The distillery trail members will be pouring spirits, featuring their Paso Robles Mule Bar using Root Elixirs and local ginger beer. The Paso Robles Distillery Trail, the only distillery trail in California, features 13 distilleries throughout San Luis Obispo County.

Guests can expect a distillery machine display for lavender oil, an olive oil distillery trailer, and cooking demonstrations using olive oil and culinary lavender. Additionally, seminars on the health benefits of both products will be available.

The Paso Robles Main Street Association event will take place on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park. The event offers free admission, with a fee for the Distillery Trail and Cal Coast Beer

Co. beverages.

For more information, visit the Paso Robles Downtown Main Street Association’s website at pasoroblesdowntown.org.

CSCC Fryers Club Roast Sunday, May 7, at Terra Mia Cancer Support Community — California Central Coast (CSC), a local nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients and their families, is hosting the 7th Annual Fryers Club Roast, a fundraising event to raise funds and awareness for their programs and services.

This year’s Fryers Club Roast will take place on Sunday, May 7, at Terra Mia and will feature Ali Rush of 15 Degrees C and a vibrant roasting panel of her friends, local celebrities, and industry colleagues. Plus, the afternoon will

include both a live and silent auction full of exciting lots from trips and wine to dinners and more.

According to Candice Sanders, Executive Director of Cancer Support Community — CA Central Coast, “Our organization relies on the generosity of our donors and supporters for funding to provide critical mental, social, and emotional support to local families impacted by a cancer diagnosis. We are thrilled to host our 7th Annual Fryers Club Roast, which promises to be a fun and memorable evening for all involved. This event sells out every year, so rush to get your tickets while you can.”

Tickets for the event are available for purchase on the Cancer Support Community’s website at cscslo.org. Your ticket will include a live and silent auction, scrumptious tapas and small bites by local restauranteurs and caterers, delightful local wine and beer, and music by Dante Marsh and The Vibesetters.

“We still have a range of sponsorship opportunities available that include tickets, and prominent recognition at the event and in all promotional materials and proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships help us achieve

our commitment to provide social, emotional, health and wellness support to local cancer patients and their families, within San Luis Obispo County, at no cost to them,” noted Sanders.

If you would like to explore sponsorship opportunities, volunteer, or become involved with Cancer Support Community — CA Central Coast, please contact the organization at development@cscslo.org or call (805) 238-4411. For additional information about Cancer Support Community — CA Central Coast or the 7th Annual Fryers Club Roast, please visit cscslo.org.

accepted a check for $2,500 from the SLO County Garbagemens’ Association at the San Miguel Library’s grand reopening Touch-aTruck community event Wednesday.

Speaking over air horns and laughter from visitors exploring more than a dozen community and county vehicles on display at the Touch-a-Truck event, SLO County Garbagemens’ Association president Jeffrey Clarin said the group is always looking for ways to donate.

“Supervisor Gibson told us about the library in San Miguel, and we voted for this,” Clarin said. “We definitely want to support and give back to this community.”

The San Miguel Library closed temporarily last fall due to a retirement and the need to refresh the library’s interior. The library reopened in March with new bilingual manager Grant Thompson, who is bringing families back to the library for storytimes and other programs in English and Spanish.

San Miguel Library will offer additional spring break events for families through April 15. For more information about library events and County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries, visit SLOLibrary.org.

San Miguel Library Receives Grant Award County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries

May Brings Some of Our Favorite Events

lavender, even plants.

KARYL LAMMERS

We’re entering the last month of Spring, which is the first of our four seasons for 2023. Spring began on March 20 with the Spring Equinox and will end on June 21 with the Summer Solstice. As the sun moves across the Celestial Equator, the length of days and nights change. The Equinox (Spring and Autumnal) represents equal hours of days and nights, and the Solstice (Summer and Winter) depicts longer days and shorter nights.

The Flower Moon, full moon in May, will be strong on the 5th of the month. Native Americans call it the Corn Moon — it’s time to plant!

May brings one of the town’s favorite events. On the 20th from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., The Downtown Main Street Association will host the combined Olive and Lavender Festivals in the City Park. There’s free admission to enjoy a cooking demo theme. “Experience the Olive” along with an Olive Oil Tasting Competition, artists, crafters, and Wine Tasting. The park will be filled with booths offering everything

May is a month full of celebrations for everyone. May 8 is Mother’s Day, a time to honor mom, grandma and great-grandma for all they do.

honor our five branches of the military. Mark your calendar, fly the flag and support our military. We do need them and appreciate them for having our back.

Memorial Day weekend is our first active three-day weekend of the year. It reminds us that summer is just around the corner. Friday night, the 27th, we start with The Golden State Classic Car Weekend kick-off at Hanger 1 Estrella Warbird Museum from 5:30 til 8:30 p.m. This replaces the ever-popular cruise night on Spring Street of days past. There will be live music, dancing, food and tours of the Woodland Auto Display. On Saturday, the City Park will fill with classic cars from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be trophies, enthusiastic merchant awards, a big raffle, music, food vendors, and the manufacturer’s row. For details and to register, visit info@goldenstateclassics.org.

—Robert Frost

May 20 is National Armed Forces Day, conceived by Harry Truman in 1949 to

Memorial Day is celebrated on Monday, May 29. It was established to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we have enjoyed for so many years. Traditionally there have been ceremonies on this day at The Paso Robles District Cemetery at 11 a.m. Contact them for updates.

We’re moving thru 2023 with only seven months left. It is said that time moves slowly but passes quickly.

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today; And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year. Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white, Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night; And make us happy in the happy bees, The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

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Allergens (agents that trigger an allergic response, such as pollen from various plants) stimulate the immune system to release immunoglobulin, which in turn produces a histamine release. Histamine causes the body to flush, produce extra mucus, swells tissues, and can cause eyes to tear-the primary symptoms of hay fever. Other nasty symptoms include sinus congestion, headache, and burning eyes. The good news is there are several fastacting natural products that can relieve those nasty symptoms (without the side effects of certain medications).

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system, sinuses, mucous membranes, histamine inhibition, immune desensitization, and cellular energy.

Matthew’s Honey — eating locally produced honey will lower your allergic reaction over time to the pollen that the bees collect in your area to make their honey. One example rumored to help with seasonal allergies is local honey. Local honey is raw, unprocessed honey made close to where you live.

Breathe-X provides sinus support and soothes nasal passages. It helps manage healthy tissues in the respiratory tract, while supporting immune function and providing antioxidants to assist in detoxification. Breathe-X usually helps with allergy symptoms and sinus discomfort within 30 minutes of taking it. Many people see even greater results when taking this product over a longer period of time, specifically for 3-4 months.

Don’t forget to Save the Date for our annual Customer Appreciation Day, May 6. We will be offering 25 percent off store-wide. There will also be some special treats, a gift basket raffle, chair massages, and mocktails made just for you by The Alchemists Garden.

Don’t miss out on the best Sale of the year! We look forward to seeing you there.

— With Love,

The team at The Natural Alternative

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE

ONLY AND DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL COUNSELING WITH A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.

With the advent of the automobile, Americans took to the road in great numbers. From the beginning, the “auto tourist” sought out simple accommodations at the end of a long day of exploration. Initially, there were auto camps, which consisted of simple, rustic cabins offering few amenities except for protection from the elements.

Gradually, as roads improved and more Americans drove the highways, lodging establishments underwent a huge change. After World War II, auto tourism rose significantly in popularity. It is estimated that the number of motels in America tripled from 1940 to 1960, swelling from 20,000 to over 60,000 nationwide.

During those years, many roadside motor motels were built in Paso Robles. Most were owned and run by local families, and some had small cafes on their properties offering meals to the weary traveler. Today approximately 18 of these motels are still in existence in Paso Robles, providing a welcomed night’s lodging to the motoring tourist.

You may be surprised to learn that these motels are considered historically significant. According to smithsonian.com, “Efforts to preserve mom and pop motor lodges — particularly along Route 66, 'the highway that’s the best’ — indicate a desire among many historians and motorists to reclaim something of the motel spirit not yet entirely lost. To understand America is to travel its highways.”

Known in historic preservation circles as “Post World War II Roadside Lodging,” these remaining motels meet several of the criteria for

historic designation by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the California State Historic Preservation Office, and the Paso Robles Historic Preservation Ordinance. Nationwide, there is a renewed interest in preserving these historic properties. Each motel was unique, but most shared a style known as Googie Architecture. It is a form of modern architecture, a subdivision of futurist architecture influenced by car culture, jets, the “Space Age, and the Atomic Age.”

Originating in Southern California during the late 1940s and continuing into the mid-1960s, Googie-themed architecture was popular among motels, coffee houses and gas stations. The style later became widely known as part of the Mid-century Modern style. The term “Googie” comes from a now-defunct cafe in West Hollywood designed by John Lautner.

These motels are reflective of a simpler time in our history when mom and pop and the kids piled into the family car and set off for an open road adventure, stopping at the end of a busy day of sightseeing to park the car in front of their motel room and take a quick dip in the pool before heading out to the local café or diner for a bite to eat. The Historical Society is grateful to the current owners of these vintage motels for their efforts to preserve and protect this unique part of Paso Robles history.

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.

We sat around a table overrun with onion jam, cheeses, and homemade sausage roll, a family recipe that Lauren made just for us. Her husband Brandon, the other half of Yes Cocktail Co., poured us two versions of a special Paso Sangria we wanted to add to our offerings for our 10th anniversary. Our husbands had joined us on this rare occasion when we could not only be away from the store all at the same time, but also gather with our families. As we decided which of the drinks would be the winner, our hearts, and bellies, were full.

The night was special not only because we unanimously chose the same Sangria. We are rarely unanimous, but this time it was easy (we can’t wait for you all to try it, refreshing made with Rose, Grenache Blanc, or red wine). It was also memorable because it brought together so many of the things that have made the last 10 years fulfilling and joyful. We had incredible artisans, Lauren and Brandon, not just willing to create something just for us but also generous with their talent and energy. There were our families, who have done everything you can imagine to support the creation

and evolution of our business, from delivering boxes of charcuterie to keep the team’s energy up on a busy holiday Saturday (yes, cheese is a recurring theme here) to hustling cases of mugs out of rainstorms. They’ve evaluated water damage after our Great Firesprinkler Flood of 2022, and hung twinkle lights, and built everything you can imagine.

And the night was extra special because we were working side by side with each other, something we still adore 10 years in.

There’s been so much love shown to us and shared with us as we’ve run this little shop in our little town. The brilliant, hilarious people behind the counter with us, including our daughters and the occasional pup … ready to dance or wrap a book at a second’s notice. April, our bookkeeping brain and healthy caterer. Our business sisters at Firefly, and the Ziggy’s and Streetside crews who keep the fries flowing. And then there’s you, our incredible customers and neighbors. This community truly supports local, and every day we are reminded how lucky we are.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Now, please pass the Paso Sangria.

By Elisa Huot

Mother’s Day, held on the second Sunday in May, was signed into proclamation by Woodrow Wilson in 1914 as a national holiday honoring mothers. Still, the holiday was not initially intended to be the commercialized parade of flowers, cookies, and jewelry that it has become.

Observed by over 40 countries worldwide, typically in March or May, the holiday’s American roots can be attributed to a woman named Anna Jarvis, who sought to honor her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, a peace activist and suffragette who had cared for wounded soldiers during the American Civil War.

Ann Reeves Jarvis had advocated for a Mother’s Day for Peace, a day where mothers could have a reprieve from their husbands and sons losing their lives on a battlefield. Because she believed her mother’s sentiment had been lost,

How to: Spend Mother’s Day in Paso Robles

Anna began to protest the sale of Mother’s Day-themed gifts for profit, even being arrested for disturbing the peace. This begs the question: what does Mother’s Day mean to all the moms out there? While most of us have grown up with family traditions on this day, brunch or breakfast in bed, what do mothers really want on this day?

Beth McCasland, the owner of Penman Springs Vineyard, shared that she dislikes the responsibility that is placed on her children to buy her gifts on this one day when they make her feel special every day of the year. For mothers looking to have an experience in lieu of material gifts, Penman Springs Vineyard will be hosting a Mother’s Day Paint and Sip (details can be found on Eventbrite).

Kristin Parker has spent her last dozen Mother’s Days at the Loading Chute restaurant in Creston, but not as a patron. The Mother’s Day Brunch packs the house, and as the restaurant manager, she is hardly there to unwind. Kristin says that if she were not serving moms at “The Chute” her ideal Mother’s Day would be spent wine tasting in the sun with live music. Venteux Vineyards will celebrate mothers with live music and charcuterie picnic boxes.

Lauren Shannon, yoga instructor and owner of Lauren Shannon Wellness, wants to start her day with a hike at the Three Bridges Trail

in North County and end with a late brunch at Rava Wines, where there is plenty of room for the kids to run around. Rava Wines will be offering a Mother’s Day brunch complete with a seafood display and prime rib, prepared by Kelle Co. Catering.

A probe into the minds of a local mom group revealed that most would prefer to sleep in, have some alone time, and engage in self-care such as pedicures. While wine tasting is the most popular response (no surprise in Paso), just as common is curling up on the couch to watch a show.

Personally, I would love a little break from the battles of keeping a clean house and gentle parenting a toddler to soak in a luxurious hot springs tub, reveling in the silence of the vineyard views at the River Oaks Hot Springs Spa. Would a massage and facial be asking too much?

Maybe the way we celebrate Mother’s Day has changed over time in the sense that we are not asking for necklaces, chocolate-covered strawberries, or even world peace. And while we all appreciate a sentimental homemade card and lots of snuggles, the theme of Mother’s Day as a day of peace has not been lost. Moments of peace and quiet are overwhelmingly what moms truly want on their special day … and wine.

Follow Elisa’s kid-friendly adventures across the Central Coast on Instagram @PasoMommy

We are here to offer some monthly tips, tricks, and tales from the automotive industry. Whether you are fellow gearheads or garage aficionados, or maybe you are thinking about blinker fluid (Hint, Hint, you don’t have any blinker fluid), we are here for you. We are Jimmy & Leigh-Ann of Shift’N Gears Garage in Paso Robles. If you don’t know us already, we are locals who decided to give back to our community and open up an ASE Master Certified full-service auto repair shop.

Are We There Yet?! — Don’t Skip Your Trips

You have your reservations booked, sunscreen packed, and pet sitter ready — But what about your car?

Vehicle Routine Maintenance should always be on your checklist. It might sound boring, but when it comes to your plans, wouldn’t you rather avoid surprises? Getting regular preventative maintenance services for your vehicle will help to keep you and your family safe, improve fuel efficiency and increase your vehicle’s lifespan. Professional auto repair facilities don’t just sell parts. They sell peace of mind, safety, and independence.

Maintenance Check List:

• Fluids full & Clean

• Wiper blades work streak free

• Air filters clean

• Exterior lights work

• Tire pressure and tread depth

• Brake check

• Battery check

Let’s face it, we spend a lot of time in our cars. It’s vital that you are ready for whatever comes your way. I am sure you’ll agree insurance and registration are already in your glove box, but what else can make your life a little less stressful?

What To Keep In Your Vehicle:

• Water and Nonperishable snacks — Keep your water and food in glass or stainless steel containers for safe storage. Food items like jerky, trail mix, protein bars, and dried cereals are ideal.

• Roadside kit that includes first aid kit, jumper cables, lockout kit, flashlight, gloves, duct tape, zip ties and reflective cones.

• Spare tire with tools — Scissor jack, lug wrench, and ratchet (spare tire lifespan 7-10 years)

• Extra clothes and a large outdoor blanket

• Cell phone with extra portable chargers

• Plastic bags and paper towels

Maintenance records. Most repairs performed by a Certified Auto Repair Center, like Shift N Gears Garage, are backed by a 36-month/36,000-mile nationwide warranty, honored at more than 35,000 repair centers nationwide.

JOHN COUCH

A Life in Chapters

By Camille DeVaul

1. The North Dakota Chapter

John grew up in North Dakota, where he worked on farms and lived a somewhat average life. Like many, he had his ups and downs, but instead of letting that get the best of him, John would eventually use the hard times as lessons and tools for later in life.

Living in the Peace Garden State, John didn't know much about life outside of his immediate surroundings. Eventually, he was faced with the question of college. But even if he went, he didn't know what to study. So, like his father and brothers, one month after his 18th birthday, John joined the U.S. Army.

John enlisted in a specialty with the Army where he learned airframe repair and became an aircraft mechanic. To John, he was learning skills that would be beneficial after his enlistment. Soon, he was promoted out of the course and in early 1971, was sent to the Bird Dog Unit based in Vietnam.

At this time, John knew his world was about to be shaken. Still, he didn't quite understand the extent of what he was about to endure.

In North Dakota, at 18 years old, there were a lot of unknowns for John Couch. He did not know what joining the U.S. Army would mean for him. There was no way for him to know it would eventually take him to California. He didn't know that he would become the chief of police for Atascadero, where he would end up raising a family. And even then, he didn't know he would be president of the Board of Directors for the Estrella Warbirds Museum.

"I tend to live in chapters in my life," is what John says after looking back on the journey that life took him on.

At the Estrella Warbirds Museum, John enjoys hearing his friends tell their life stories. This time though, we take some time to hear a few of his own.

2. The Vietnam Chapter

If there is anything that Vietnam veterans remember about their time overseas, it's the smell, the heat, and the mud.

"I didn't know what to expect, but it didn't surprise me," says John of stepping into Vietnam for the first time. "It hit me when I got off the plane. They opened up the door to the plane, and the massive heat and smells hit me."

After the Bird Dogs were sent back to the States, John stayed in Vietnam to join the 114th Assault Helicopter Company as a helicopter door gunner and crew chief. From late 1971 to 1972, John worked the "jeep of Vietnam" in the Mekong Delta.

John and his unit's job was to provide protection, bringing troops in and out of combat zones. In between jobs, they flew resupply and medivac missions — after all, being in the air proved much better than being on the ground.

"I had no idea that I would be in combat," John says. "I thought I was just going to work on aircraft."

Like many veterans, the details of being in Vietnam will stay with them.

While there, John turned 19. "It was quite a change in my worldview to experience that firsthand — I grew up quickly," he says. "When you are exposed to that, there are a lot of things that happen in your life since then that pale by comparison."

In May, we take a moment to remember and honor those who lost their lives serving their country. Memorial Day can especially be solemn for those who served and survived, unlike many who fought beside them.

Serving in a war different than any before it, Vietnam veterans and their service were greatly overshadowed by the war's politics. The Vietnam War was debated on, politicized, and protested during and well after its conclusion. But what links Vietnam veterans alongside every military man before and after them is they went into combat to fight for the man next to them, always with the goal of making it out.

"We weren't fighting for our country or the flag," he says. "We were fighting for each other."

Despite all of the tragedies witnessed, John learned a new appreciation for life. He also saw the beautiful side of Vietnam and its people. He watched kids be kids and parents hoping for peace.

"It exposes you to [things] you normally wouldn't think you would ever seem," he explains. "How cruel people can be to others and the reality of seeing it all happen and taking part in it like that was life-changing. It served to give me a broader view of life ... more appreciation for what we have in terms of our freedoms, our way of life, and everything."

3. The California Chapter

At the end of 1972, John was sent to Fort Ord in California, where he entered the military police academy. After graduating from CSU Sacramento in 1977, John would enter what would be an over 30-year career in law enforcement.

At the Santa Clara Police Department, John would work as a motorcycle officer, train at the FBI National Academy, become a sergeant and a part of the department's S.W.A.T. unit.

John credits his time in Vietnam for giving him more confidence when approaching intense situations, helping with his career as a police officer.

"The reality is, compared to a lot of the things I go through now, don't phase me," he says. "I think it served to help me a lot while I was in police work."

In 1982, John married his wife, Margie, and by 1990 they moved to Atascadero to raise their family. He began his tenure at the Atascadero

Police Department, where he eventually became the Chief of Police from 2004 to 2007.

"I enjoyed the time there," said the now-retired John. "I enjoyed the opportunity that was given to me to be the chief."

Since his retirement, John has served as a board member for the Salvation Army, the North County Women's Shelter and Resource Center, and the Atascadero Veteran's Memorial Foundation. Now, he is serving as the president of the Board of Directors for Estrella Warbirds Museum.

He enjoys the museum's atmosphere and learning the life stories of his friends there. "I like the whole idea of preserving the history of the artifacts," he says.

Inspired by his time in Vietnam, John now enjoys going to the less-traveled corners of the world alongside his son Jared. Last year, John was presented with the Distinguished Veteran Award at the Faces of Freedom Veteran's Day ceremony in Atascadero. Beside him were his wife, Margie, daughter Brittany, and her husband and children.

We look forward to seeing what the next chapters in John's life bring him.

John Couch, center, celebrates his Distinguished Veteran Award last year with (from left) his son-in-law Brent Wellington, daughter Brittany Wellington, grandson Christopher Wellington, wife Margie, and granddaughter Camilla Wellington

In this 1971 photo, John Couch is shown with his 114th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam

John Couch is shown during his time as a motorcycle officer for the Santa Clara Police Department

By Camille DeVaul

This Memorial Day Weekend, Paso Robles

City Park will welcome hundreds of impressive classic cars. The Golden State Classics Car Club returns to Paso Robles for its 15th Annual Car Show on Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 26, and Saturday, May 27.

Back by popular demand, the weekend begins with the Pre-Show Party held at the Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles on May 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The party's $20 tickets aren't sold at the door, and given the sold-out crowd from last year, it is recommended to get your tickets early. Tickets include a buffet dinner, a tour of the Woodland Auto Display, and live music and dancing with the ’60s rock ‘n’ roll band Unfinished Business.

“In today's climate of inflation, we're trying to give the people coming to the car show and the public something that is reasonable,” said Golden State Car Club President Scotty Smith of the party's second year. “The Pre-Show party was very popular last year. We had a couple of hundred people

there and more on the waitlist”

Then on Saturday, everyone will be welcomed to Paso Robles City Park for the 15th Annual Golden State Car Classics Show. Last year's show brought in over 300 cars to downtown, and this year Scotty is expecting a similar turnout. New at this show is more car classes — which means more awards and trophies.

The show will start Saturday, May 27, going from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Downtown City Park, on 12th and Spring streets. There will be a raffle, food vendors, trophies, and live music featuring The Skylights. Another new and expanding feature is Manufacturer Row, highlighting local classic car-related businesses. This year's title sponsors are Carrillo Automotive, Paso Robles; Mike Dean’s Auto Repair, Atascadero; and Kings Oil Tools.

Scotty is ready to bring his Chevrolet Nova to the show.

The judging classes include early and modern muscle cars, customs, hot rods, special interests, and the traditional classic categories for cars and trucks. There is sure

to be a car there for everyone to enjoy.

The Golden State Car Club started in 1987. They are now 82 members strong and all working for a good cause. Proceeds from the car show go towards local nonprofits.

"As an organization, we support a lot of other nonprofits at the end of the year,” said Scotty. “Last year was a big year for us.”

Last year the Golden State Classics Car Club distributed over $22,000 to local nonprofits. In December 2022, it partnered with Late Night Cruizers Car Club and Daniels Wood Land to hold the first Toy Bank Show & Shine Fundraiser, which raised almost over $14,000 for the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles. Other nonprofits and organizations the club has supported are Loaves and Fishes, the Estrella Warbirds Museum, Chapter 50 Veterans, Paso Robles Pioneer Museum, and the Cuesta College Automotive Department, just to name a few.

Golden State Classics is a nonprofit organization that promotes classic vehicles and supports local charities. To register or learn more, visit goldenstateclassics.org.

Journey into America’s Industrial Legacy: The Best of the West Antique Equipment Show

Honor Veterans and Experience

Living History at Santa Margarita

Ranch This Memorial Weekend

By Camille DeVaul

Arguably the best show in the West, The Best of the West Antique Equipment Show, will be starting its engines on May 25 through May 28 at the Santa Margarita Ranch.

This Memorial Day weekend, guests are welcome to explore and enjoy the equipment that helped build America into the country it is today. More importantly, the weekend is dedicated to remembering and honoring veterans who have given their lives for our country.

The Best of the West Antique Equipment Show is a Paso Robles Pioneer Day Committee

and Rossi Foundation event. Santa Margarita Ranch poses as the perfect location to enjoy a family gathering outside and teach the younger generations about the heritage of our area.

Best of the West coordinator Tara Tedeschi shares her favorite part of the weekend, “I love seeing the kids’ faces and even adults when they see these tractors and these big large pieces of equipment come to life ... they come back every single year because it is such a fun familyfriendly event to go [to] and hang out.”

At Best of the West, you can go back in time in more ways than one. The train holds plenty of history itself. It was featured in the TV show “Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman” and was one of the passenger coaches from Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad from the 1950s. Pretend you are headed out west with a ride on the infamous Santa Margarita Ranch steam engine train. But watch out — word on the street is the Atascadero Trail Riders have plans for robbery!

With Best of the West landing on Memorial Weekend, Tara says it is essential that veterans are honored, “We want to make sure that it’s known that we do this to honor our Veterans and keep their memory alive as well.”

At noon each day, all operations will pause for a military salute and flyover courtesy of the Estrella Warbirds.

Many fan-favorite activities will be back at the ranch, including the Farm Bureau’s tri-tip dinners and other food vendors (including a bar), parades, and the Kid’s Corral.

“I think that farming and ranching and the equipment that has been used for hundreds of years is kind of a dying breed, so it’s important for us to showcase how our ancestors farmed and were able to live on the land,” Tara explained. “I think [its important], especially Paso Robles and the surrounding areas, is such a farming and ranching rich community. It brings all of us joy ... doing this to make sure generations to come

can still soak up this rich heritage. I think it’s important for us to keep that memory alive.”

In the Kid’s Corral, youngsters can look forward to some unique activities, including gold panning with the Central Coast Gold Prospectors, vintage water pumps, butter making, model trains and tracks, grain buckets, and roping dummies, giant sand pile, and tire climbing gym.

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy a tractor parade, earthmoving demo, plowing demo, blacksmithing, and so much more.

“It’s not just equipment just sitting there. You will see all these old pieces moving and actually

in action,” Tara adds that this year the show will be adding harvesting demonstrations with antique equipment.

Coming back to the show is the Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owner’s Club (AMOC). Founded in 1991, the AMOC has members all over the world. Several countries are planning to participate in AMOC’s showing at Best of the West in May. Locals from around the county and even folks from across the nation bring equipment and tractors from various decades. It ends up creating a timeline of the mechanized progress of 20th-century America. Of course, none of this would be possible without the help

of JB Dewar, who donates fuel for the show.

The Santa Margarita Ranch is home to many landmarks serving as proof of its own rich history. Here, people can find the original El Camino Real, the Asistencia building, the Wells Fargo building dating back to the stagecoach days, and mission vineyards.

Tara and her team are excited for everyone to enjoy Best of the West in May, “Knowing that we can at least bring a little piece of the past back to life is neat to see in person.”

For more information on tickets, trailer camping, volunteering, and all the show has to offer, visit bestofthewestshow.com.

Photos by Rick Evans

By Christianna Marks

It’s a tale as old as time: Boy meets girl. Girl introduces boy to her brother. The two men go on to become brothers-in-law and co-founders of the North County’s most famous brewery, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, and the creators of one of America’s biggest craft beer festivals — the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest, which returns to Paso Robles on June 3.

“Adam Firestone and I are brothersin-law,” said Firestone Walker co-owner and co-founder David Walker. “He likes to say his sister chose his partner, and I like to say my wife chose mine.”

Both Adam and David started out in the wine and grape industry on the Central Coast but then decided to start a brewery fueled by their shared love of beer in the early ’90s.

“Craft beer wasn’t a huge leap for us,” David added. “We started a brewery under the eaves of the Firestone vineyard in an old barrel room and literally just started brewing beer. It was incredibly difficult most days. I mean, people weren’t that engaged with craft

beer at all, certainly not like they were with wine.”

Five years later, they had outgrown the tiny barrel room and started building a brewery location in Buellton.

“Before we could finish that location, a purpose-built, brand new, ready-to-go brewery had been built in Paso Robles,” David said. “The ownership of that brewery had gone into liquidation, so we bought the facility off the bank, and that brought us to Paso Robles. It was huge serendipity for us. Turned out to be the right community at the right time.”

That was back in 2000, and 23 years later, Firestone Walker Brewing Company has become a staple in California, San Luis Obispo County, The North County, and Paso Robles. The business also employs close to 450 locals from the area, who have become a part of the company’s family and community.

“We have a bias towards working locally. Because that’s how we can make a real impact. And ultimately, craft beer is a local thing. Brewers since the beginning of time thrived in their regions,” stated David.

“Craft beer wasn’t a huge leap for us. We started a brewery under the eaves of the Firestone vineyard in an old barrel room and literally just started brewing beer. It was incredibly difficult most days. I mean, people weren’t that engaged with craft beer at all, certainly not like they were with wine.”

Last fall, Firestone Walker teamed up with Cal Poly to produce Cal Poly Gold Lager. They also funded the Enjoy Paso mural downtown that Studios on the Park created, and continue to sponsor Paso’s Concerts in the Park and other community efforts.

Firestone Walker is also passionate about sustainability and conserving natural resources. For example, the brewery’s on-site solar plant offsets the majority of the brewery’s energy needs. Process water is treated on site and returned to the local aquifer. A new CO2 recovery system is in the works, and spent grains are fed to local livestock.

All of these community efforts include working with Paso Robles Pioneer Day to stage the annual beer fest.

“We’ve worked really, really well with the Pioneer Day folks in Paso Robles, and that’s such a well-run, good-hearted organization. Together, us and them, we’ve created probably the best beer festival in America,” continued David.

The Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest officially launched in 2012 and was the brainchild of Brewmaster Matt Brynildson and current Pioneer Day board member Tom Madden. Though Matt wasn’t super interested in putting on a fest at first, that all changed, and to this day, proceeds from the event go to Pioneer Day.

“He [Tom] said, ‘Wait a second, if you could put together the ultimate event, don’t worry about cost, don’t worry, just dream big. What would it be?’” Matt recalled. “I thought about it for a while, and I said, ‘I would want to fly brewers in from around the world and have the very best beer available poured by the makers or by the owner of the brewery.’ I thought I had him there because that was never going to happen, and I added that I would be really specific about the types of beer we pour.”

Matt also told Tom that the fest would need good food and excellent music. He added that he just kept listing off everything he thought would detour Tom, but Tom gave him the green light on everything that came out of his mouth. And in another turn of serendipity, the Firestone Walker team was ready to take on the task of starting one of the premiere craft beer fests in America.

“A lot of really good smart people, well-connected people, got together, and they put all their skills together and just really meshed well,” said Matt.

This year’s Invitational will be the brewing company’s 10th, and just like all previous years, it sold out within minutes. This year

The Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest is launching a brand new event that will take place on Thursday, June 1, called the Firestone Walker Invitational Kickoff, with live music and beer samples for the community at the City Park. The fest itself will take place on Saturday, June 3.

David added that getting ready for the Invitational is an all-year thing and that it’s similar to preparing for the Super Bowl.

“The whole idea of this is to bring in international, national and local brewers alike,” David said. “So we spend a lot of time bringing beer into the country, which needs

to be licensed, it needs to be physically moved, it needs to be posted in the county and the state, so it’s a huge compliance issue getting the beer here and getting it here express mail. They can’t just put it on a slow boat.”

“For the two weeks leading into the festival, we’ve got a quarter of our warehouse dedicated to assembling all this beer, and like David said, it has to be brought in through a variety of different mechanisms,” added David’s nephew and Adam’s son, COO Nick Firestone.

Though the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest brings participants in from all over and boosts Paso’s economy, it also maintains a focus on being a fest for the brewers, bringing in big craft beer hitters from all over the world for one weekend every year and making it all about the beer and the people who make it.

“I think it was one of the smartest things that we did just compared to other big beer festivals in America is we focused on the brewer experience. A lot of them have come out each and every year,” added Nick.

The beer fest is ultimately another indication of how Firestone Walker combines world-class beers and experiences with a passion for local heritage and community.

“Paso Robles is as integral to our story as Mr. Firestone and Mr. Walker,” David concluded. “I mean, this is not something like Tesla that we can pick up and move to Austin. Our roots are deep here. It’s almost hard for me to articulate how important it is to us. It would be a totally different enterprise if it were somewhere else. We hope to be part of the Paso Robles landscape for a long, long time.”

“Together, us and them, we’ve created probably the best beer festival in America.”

2023 INVITATIONAL BEER FEST EVENTS

Firestone Walker is celebrating with its North County neighbors by hosting the following community happenings:

FEST KICKOFF MONTH: BEER PAIRINGS

Special beer pairing menus presented by Firestone Walker and dozens of participating restaurants across San Luis Obispo County. Available throughout the month of May.

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

Free and open to the public: the inaugural Firestone Walker Invitational Kickoff in Paso Robles City Park, featuring live music and Firestone Walker beers, including a preview of the 2023 Invitational collaboration beer: No Vacancy IPA brewed with Alvarado Street.

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

The Invitational Kickoff Block Party beside the brewery Taproom restaurant features beer, bites, and festivity. Afternoon and evening.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

The Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest welcomes all 2023 ticket holders.

Vietnam War Veterans Remember Those Lost at the ‘Wall that Heals’

By Camille DeVaul

In 1982, a 200-foot-long wall was built with the names of over 58,000 servicemen and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country during the Vietnam War. Since then, the wall has stood in silence as a memorial for survivors to come and remember their fallen brothers, sisters, fathers, sons, and daughters.

In March, a replica of the famed Washington D.C. memorial, the “Wall That Heals,” made its way to the Madonna Meadows in San Luis Obispo as the wall’s first stop on its 2023 tour.

The wall displayed the same names of 58,281 men and women who lost their lives serving their country in the Vietnam War. The wall was last at the Madonna Meadows five years ago, and the location is the first ever where the wall has returned for a second visit.

SLO County Veteran Services Officer Morgan Boyd told Paso

Robles Press Magazine the county was approached to host the wall again over a year ago. After completing the vigorous application process, the county was given the green light in December 2022 to host the wall.

“There’s a lot of things that we had to pull together quickly and we were able to do that with the support of the community,” said Morgan, who hosts the event alongside the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum.

There were over 60 sponsors for the wall, including the SLO County Board of Supervisors, Madonna Inn, and the Legacy Wellness Center located in Nipomo. On Tuesday, March 14, the wall was escorted from Camp Roberts in San Miguel to the Madonna Inn. Despite the wet weather, over 100 people showed up to escort the wall.

Ron Mullison at the “Wall That Heals” display searches names on the wall

“To them they are escorting their fallen brothers on the wall, so it is like a memorial service for them,” said Morgan, who passed out special momentos to those who participated in the transport.

The wet weather created a muddy setting for the wall after set-up. It was common to overhear veterans who served in Vietnam to crack a few jokes saying, “looks like they brought the Vietnam mud along with it.”

Wednesday, March 29, marked the 50th anniversary of the removal of American combat troops from Vietnam. Templeton resident Rodney Dykhouse served as an Army helicopter pilot flying Hueys from 1970 to 1971, and came to see the wall at Madonna Meadows.

“[It] tugs at the heart strings — [the] first time in Washington I cried my eyes out,” said Rodney of seeing the wall again and of his first time seeing the original in Washington, D.C.

The “Wall that Heals” made its debut in 1996. It stands 375 feet long and 7.5 feet high. In its 27 years of touring, the wall has been on display in more than 700 U.S. communities, according to vvmf.org.

Like many veterans who were visiting the wall, Rodney had a list of people to find and visit on the wall. He was looking for his roommate from flight school, a high school classmate, a neighbor, and some men from his company that were killed in Vietnam.

“These guys were good young men. They died doing what their country asked them to do,” said Rodney while he searched the wall.

Volunteers and a resource center at the wall in Madonna were crucial for those finding names on the wall. Photos and remembrances of each service member on the wall can be found on vvmf.org/wall-of-faces as well as their exact location on the wall.

The Vietnam War is most commonly and briefly described as a conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia with the purpose of preventing the spread of communism. But the war and its purpose were strongly debated within the U.S.

“The American government screwed it up,” said Rodney, who went on to tell us what he wished people knew about the Vietnam War. “They never went in there with a plan to win. They went in there with a plan to try to neutralize the North and hopefully give the South enough time to grow up and take care of themselves, but that’s not the way to win a war.”

Rodney is the third generation of his family to serve in the U.S. military. His grandfather served in the trenches of World War I, his father was a World War II veteran who went across the Omaha Beach during the Battle of the Bulge, and then one of his sons served as an Airborne Ranger.

“We have kept America free for four generations,” said Rodney, who added that made him feel proud of their services.

Morgan was impressed at the community’s support of the wall coming back to San Luis Obispo County.

The SLO County Veterans Resource Center connects veterans to their accredited benefits. Last year, Morgan’s office was able to bring in $9.668 million to local veterans and are responsible for over 800 million annually — all with a nine-person team.

“We pride ourselves in being efficient and good at helping the veterans navigate their benefits,” added Morgan.

Veterans can find more information on the County’s Veteran’s Services at slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Veterans-Services.aspx

TBy Camille DeVaul

he Floral Parlor was a vision long in the making, but after a night at the Paso Robles Inn, and a morning walk for coffee, that vision was on its way to becoming a reality for Sunny Sheldrake.

Sunny opened The Floral Parlor on Spring Street in the hub of Paso Robles. Within her brick walls, Sunny and her team bring to life whimsical and modern floral designs. With each coming season and holiday, the shop is brought to life with creations only imagined in fairy tales. An Orange County native, Sunny is a mother of four grown children and grandmother of three. She escaped the corporate world to live a life she always romanticized having.

Creating designs from the heart, Sunny continues making personal connections with the community with her “sunny” disposition,

sourcing quality florals, and adding value to each design or event she touches.

The Floral Parlor strongly believes in giving back to the community. One way they do this is with its auction donation item of “Flowers a Month for a Year,” which has been key in raising charitable funds for the Redwings Horse Sanctuary and Rescue, and Paso Robles Youth Arts, just to name a few. They are looking forward to promoting and contributing to its newest nonprofit, Applause Children’s Theater (ACT) of Paso Robles.

For Mother’s Day, the small-town floral shop will be offering a fabulous selection of luxury designs, fresh bouquet wraps, hand-picked greeting cards, and an array of unique gifts to pair with them, like its candles and floral-themed goodies — truly

a one-stop shop.

In the shop, you can find fresh flowers ready for pickup or order online for delivery. They deliver flowers daily all over the Paso area and do floral designs for weddings, corporate events, and winery parties.

“I want to thank the community of Paso Robles for their support and for making The Floral Parlor possible,” says Sunny of her newfound home. “This is such a special place, and I give thanks every day that I get to live here. I love seeing each and every one of your faces when you come in to visit the shop, and every time we get an order my team and I do a happy dance.”

1321 Spring St #101 • (805) 286-4512 thefloralparlor.com

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From nuts & bolts to water heaters, BLAKE’S has been providing our community with the hardware you need for almost 70 years!

ooking for care regarding injuries, pain, malfunctions, or basic mobility is essential when it comes to improving daily lives. When a business meets the needs of that care, it thrives. Hart Family Chiropractic in Atascadero has been serving the community for close to 30 years with the goal to assist patients of all ages in obtaining optimum health.

Dr. Darren R. Hart, who was born and raised in Atascadero and attended Atascadero High School, Cal Poly and Palmer College of Chiropractic, started his practice in 1994. After getting a lifesaving adjustment as a young child, he became inspired. In fact, most of the employees there has a story related to chiropractic care, and it relieving symptoms they were experiencing. Working with Dr. Jon Wells, who is now

the primary chiropractor, and Dr. Dieter, Hart also hired his nephew Justin Hart as the care coordinator, chiropractic assistant Lindsay Trupe and office manager Elle Freeman. There are two massage therapists, Seth Daugherty and Rachel Wisener. Specialized services provided are to offer a natural, holistic, and drug-free approach to health. Patients get help maintaining spinal alignment, restored balance, and increasing the life, health, and energy in the body. They also see expectant moms and work with their spine and nervous system throughout all stages of pregnancy, pre and post-partum. In addition, they have alleviated pinched nerves causing heart dysfunction. They were able to bring a patient back to his active lifestyle that specialists couldn’t figure out.

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Working with the community is important and so “each year Hart Family Chiropractic donates to Okalhaven Children’s Chiropractic Center, an organization specializing in getting chiropractic care to children in need,” Freeman says. In the past Dr. Hart has also volunteered with Chirofeed, a local event for chiropractors to feed the homeless community.

Hart Family Chiropractic has been providing an assortment of wellness and full body restoration for those in need of it. The business has sustained as a result of the compassionate care they put forth towards each individual that walks through the door.

Hart Family Chiropractic

3546 El Camino Real, Atascadero • (805) 466-6378 hartfamilychiro.com

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Stop by our showroom today, located across the street from Market Walk! (805) 369-2171 · 1732 Spring St, Paso Robles · veranda-home.com

LBy Blake Ashley Frino-Gerl

FITZPATRICK

The Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center is a hub of information and resources for those visiting the Central Coast. As a key destination for those seeking information about the local area, the Visitors Center has seen an eventful month of April with an abundance of calls and visits requesting information about the blooms happening in and around the Central Coast. The Visitors Center is dedicated to keeping track of the blooms and providing up-to-date information to visitors about where to find them.

Whether you're a wildflower aficionado or simply enjoy discovering new sights on a

Sunday drive, the Superbloom is an opportunity not to be missed. After a rainy winter, the hills are now covered in a vibrant tapestry of colors from various wildflowers such as Lupine, Brittlebrush, Sticky Monkey Flower, Indian Paintbrush, California Poppies, Tidy Tips, Sand Verbena, Evening Primrose, and Fiddleneck. The colors range from yellow, bright white, deep purple, periwinkle, hot pink, pastel, and vivid green, making for a breathtaking sight.

Visitors can find the blooms east of Santa Margarita along Highway 58, Shell Creek Road, Bitterwater Road, and La Panza Road. For those who want to venture further afield, Carrizo Plain National Monument and California Valley are must-see destinations.

The Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce has been serving the local business community since 1920. By developing and strengthening a network of businesses, the Chamber

has cultivated dedicated leaders who give their time, share their expertise, and help to strengthen the economic well-being of the Paso Robles community. The Chamber is dedicated to its work and sees the positive impact it has on the local businesses and community. With a collaborative team that is passionate and dedicated to moving Paso Robles forward, a visit to the Visitors Center is not just about getting information but also about experiencing the office camaraderie and the positive energy that drives the Chamber's work.

So call or visit the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center today for additional information on the Superbloom and local events and programs. The Visitors Center has all the information you need at its fingertips and is here to help make your visit to the Central Coast a memorable one. Visit pasorobleschamber.com

The General Store Paso Robles Celebrates Ten Years of Connecting Local Makers to the People

By Camille DeVaul

For hundreds of years, communities gathered their daily goods and trades at the local general store. These shops were the people’s connection to the world and to each other. The General Store Paso Robles has been our connection to our local makers and creators for the past decade.

Three women, Jillian, Erin, and Joeli, bonded by their appreciation and enthusiasm for artisan producers and all things tasty, lovely, and useful, opened the General Store Paso in the heart of downtown Paso Robles in 2013.

Co-Founder Joeli said, “We saw a need for an easier way to connect local makers to the people who wanted handmade, artisan goods, and wanted to do that in a welcoming, warm, and Paso-focused way.”

But without the encouragement of another local and woman-owned business, The General Store Paso may have never opened on the park. Longtime and beloved boutique Firefly opened in downtown Paso Robles in 2006, offering a unique and thoughtful collection invoking the whimsical side of life. Ten years ago, they made the move from 13th and Park Street to 12th Street. The General Store Paso team, longtime Firefly customers, found support and encouragement from the mother-daughter duo, Laurel and Emily, to open their own little slice of heaven.

Paso Robles Press Magazine sat down with the women at General Store Paso and Firefly to learn more about their decade in business and what the next 10 years hold for them.

PM: What is it like to own a business with three women?

GS: We could find no examples of a business run by three women when we started out, not one. But we had done research about the importance of vision work and business planning in partnerships, so we did a ton of personal, group, and legal work to make sure we were all on the same page. Our friendship was invaluable, so we put as many guardrails in place as we could business owners, and, ultimately, it has given us strength, stamina, and joy.

PM: What inspired you to open Firefly?

FF: My mom, Laurel, and I had always daydreamed about opening our own store. I grew up going on shopping trips with her and my grandma, and we always loved finding creative places with interesting and unique items. We used to talk about what our store would be like. When I moved back to the Central Coast in 2006, we decided that it was the right time to finally start something together. Paso was rapidly growing into a serious wine destination, but the downtown was pretty quiet at the time. We wanted to be a part of the downtown resurgence and to provide locals and tourists with a fun spot to find beautiful and affordable things.

Mother and daughter duo Laurel (left) and Emily Miller opened first opened Firefly on the corner of 13th and Park Street over 10 years ago.

(From left) Employee Anna Peschong, co-founders Erin Stuck, Jillian Waters, and Joeli Yaguda, and bookkeeper April Ziegenbein celebrate 10 years in business for The General Store Paso Robles.

Our first version of Firefly was a combination fine art gallery and craft gallery that was located at the corner of 13th and Park. As time went on, we transitioned away from the gallery, moving instead to a more traditional retail space, while still keeping the creative presentation and elaborate window displays.

PM: What does it mean to you to have been open for 10 years?

GS: We remember so clearly the day we opened how the register drawer jammed just minutes before we were set to pull the paper off the front windows. We were overwhelmed by the support of our friends and community, but we also remember people saying, “are you going to get more stuff?” Ten years in, it’s powerful to think of so many businesses we’ve seen launch and then blossom. And those goods are what fill our much, much more full shelves.

PM: What is it like to run a business with family?

FF: It has been both wonderful and challenging. Wonderful because you know that you always have each other’s back, and there’s a deep level of trust. Challenging because you can’t just walk away. If there’s a conflict, you have to work it out because, at the end of the day, this is your family, and you love them. But we’ve learned so much about each other over the years, and we both value that. It’s definitely made our relationship stronger over time, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know my mom as a person (and not just as my parent).

PM: How have Firefly and General Store Paso supported each other?

GS: Firefly was generous from day one about their plan to move to the location on the park. It was only after talking with them that we decided to go for it. Sometimes people talk about us as competitors, but we don’t see it that way. The pie is big enough for all of us. Also, they are very glamorous neighbors to have. We’re more of a jeans and Sharpie vibe, and they always have incredible style.

PM: What are you most proud of when it comes to your business?

GS: We love each other and are more family than we were the day we opened. We have built a business that’s sustainable and takes care of people. And that we’ve been able to support groups like ECHO, Must! Charities, and World Central Kitchen, in meaningful ways.

PM: What advice would you give to other women who hope to become business owners?

GS: Love and respect each other by doing the very tedious but critical groundwork, including an operating agreement. Also, get ready to work really hard, and be seen and known and supported in a way that will change your life.

PM: How do you contribute to the community?

GS: We give in the ways we can (either time, money, or a crock pot of chili) to Must! Charities and ECHO. We also feel strongly about promoting inclusiveness and respect for our neighbors in the store. We want every person who walks through our doors to feel welcomed.

PM: What would you like people to know about your shop?

GS: When we opened, it looked like online shopping could be the end of independent stores, and COVID accelerated that even more. Fortunately, our community did not let that happen to us and so many of our neighbors. People still have a need for human connection. We see it every day in their willingness to seek out the small and handmade, how much fun it is to talk to a person in real life, and the satisfaction of discovering things without an algorithm. Stores like ours only work when people walk the walk, and our community does that.

PM: What does the next 10 years look like for your shop?

GS: More inspiration, more dancing behind the register, more small makers, more big laughs. More giving, more hugs, and a ton more joyfulness together.

Sunshine Welcomes Riders to 15th Annual ‘tour of Paso’

By Camille DeVaul

With the sun shining, over 100 cyclists rode through the green countryside of Paso Robles in the 15th Annual Tour of Paso Bike Ride, supporting the Cancer Support Community – California Central Coast (CSC-CCC) in Templeton.

Cyclists met early in the morning at Niner Wine Estates on Sunday, April 2, eager to get active for a cause.

“We were so pleased with the forecast and the weather,” CSC-CCC Executive Director Candice Sanders said. “[It was a] Beautiful day, sun shining, all the green, wildflowers, it was pretty.”

The ride had both a 50-mile and a 26-mile option for participants, with a gourmet luncheon and award ceremony at Niner Wine Estates once the ride concluded at noon. This is the event’s 15th year and one of the nonprofit’s biggest fundraisers of the year.

The mission of CSC-CCC is to help those affected by cancer and their loved ones. They

offer support through numerous programs “so that no one faces cancer alone.”

Tour of Paso raised close to $65,000, and every penny of the funds will go directly to the CSC-CCC. The money will stay in San Luis Obispo County and support families touched by a cancer diagnosis. Each participant had a suggested fundraising goal of $200.

The continuous rain that came through San Luis Obispo County in the early months of the year did turn some riders away from signing up. Even then, 111 riders did come to show their support and ride in the pleasant and very welcomed sunny weather.

“It is so great to get out there. I think everyone who comes to this event is in such a great mood,” said Candice, who is a cancer survivor herself. “There are a lot of friendships that start with this ride.”

This year’s fundraiser featured new branding with bright poppy flowers — very appropriate for the color spring Paso Robles has this year. Candice notes that while she couldn’t find anyone who rode all 15 years,

there are some riders who have participated in 13 Tour of Paso rides.

“It was definitely a milestone year for us,” she adds.

Since the beginning, CSC-CCC has supported anyone in the county whose family has been touched by cancer, whether it is the patients themselves or their family members.

“We had a couple of teams who went above and beyond with their fundraising,” said Candice.

At The Tour of Paso, awards were given out to the top fundraising team and top individual fundraiser. The award for Top Fundraising Team went to Saxum Vineyards, who brought in over $13,000 in donations. The award for Top Individual Fundraiser went to Kathy Stone, raising close to $2,000.

This year’s major sponsors for the ride were Saxum Vineyards, Terry and Pebble Smith, David and Nancy Lacey, and Niner Wine Estates.

More info on Tour of Paso and the CSCCCC can be found here tourofpaso.org.

Berry & Cheese Coming into Season at Farmer’s Markets

As the weather is starting to warm up, our local farmers have even more delicious produce to choose from. You should start to notice more berries and fruits as they come into season. There are still plenty of leafy greens and you might even find a few early tomatoes. We must buy the big box of strawberries because if we buy anything smaller, there’s a little empty container by the time we get back to the car. They just smell so amazing when they are in season and are irresistible.

Here are some in-season fruits and veggies that you should be able to find at most of our local farmers markets: Avocados, Cherries, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Blueberries, Artichokes, Asparagus, Cabbage, Celery, Green Peas, Kale, Onions,Spinach, Radishes, and Swiss Chard.

Even though we don’t think of cheese as being seasonal, it is. Now is the time of year when most dairy producers are busy turning that beautiful milk into delicious cheese. Spring is a natural time for most animals to have babies because there is abundant feed and good weather. That means our local dairies are very busy in the milking parlor. Most of our local cheesemakers offer samples at their booths, so if you are interested in trying out some amazing local cheese, check them out.

By BeeWench Farm

Mother’s Day is a perfect reason to visit the Saturday Templeton Market. Bring your mom and treat her to all the wonderful foods, flowers, and sweet treats available. You can pick up everything you need to make your mom a truly special Mother’s Day meal and some beautiful flowers. Don’t forget to stop by Stepladder Creamery’s booth to pick up her favorite cheese for avocado toast. Amanda from Stepladder Creamery recommended the super fresh and brand new Chevre, which you can spread on the toast with the avocado or the nutty, salty Cabrillo, which can be grated on top. They make everything at their farm in Cambria, so it is always fresh and delicious.

If you have a mom with a sweet tooth, be sure to pick up some fresh berries from the market. Serve them alongside the avocado toast just as they are or make a sweet berry parfait. Bacon and sausage are my favorite parts of breakfast, so be sure to check out one of the local butchers or ranchers at the market for the best sausage flavors and tasty bacon. GreenLove Elixir has some amazing granola and syrups for your parfait treat. They also sell some chocolate truffles and bars for an extra sweet treat. You can also make mom a super-special dessert and make some chocolate-covered strawberries, too.

Goat Cheese Avocado Toast

Ingredients:

Olive oil (check out The Groves on 41)

2 eggs

2 slices sourdough bread, toasted

1 avocado

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon crumbled or spreadable

goat cheese (Stepladder Creamery)

Fresh dill, to taste

Directions:

1. In a medium skillet, heat a thin layer of olive oil over medium heat. Add eggs and cook for about 3 minutes or until cooked to your liking.

2. Mash avocado flesh with a fork and divide between the toast. If using spreadable goat cheese like Stepladder’s Chevre, mix it with the mashed avocado and spread on the toast. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Top each slice of toast with a fried egg and sprinkle each with crumbled goat cheese. Sprinkle with fresh dill, and enjoy!

Berry Parfait

Ingredients:

1 cup Greek yogurt

½ cup granola (GreenLove Elixer)

½ cup strawberries (about 6), hulled

and quartered

½ cup raspberries (about 8-10)

½ cup blueberries (about 10-12)

Honey

Directions:

1. In two glasses, divide the yogurt and top with a layer of strawberries.

2. Continue with another layer of yogurt, granola, and berries.

3. Drizzle with honey.

have you seen our energy bill? with

This month the Paso Wine Fest marks its 40th year. What began as an intimate affair with 17 wineries gathered in the downtown park in 1983 has grown to over 100 participants. This year 118 wineries have signed up to pour Paso’s finest wines during the May 20 Grand Tasting at the Paso Robles Event Center.

This is according to Joel Peterson, who is entering his fifth year as executive director of Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA). During that time, Peterson has seen a striking increase not only in visitors to Paso but also in PRWCA’s winery membership.

“The growth has been impressive,” he told me when we met on a rain-soaked afternoon at his office. Located on Spring Street, PRWCA, a nonprofit organization, is a cooperative marketing alliance of wineries, vineyards and related hospitality businesses.

“When I started in 2019, we had 165 winery members,” Peterson said. “Now we are up to 190.”

In recent years, Paso Robles itself has seen a tremendous expansion, drawing visitors to wineries and tasting rooms, not to mention its Michelin-honored restaurants. In 2013 Wine Enthusiast Magazine named it the Wine Region of the Year. Three years later Sunset Magazine honored it as the Best Wine Region in the West.

“It’s an authentic experience whether you’re driving or walking,” Peterson enthusiastically declared. “All you see is beautiful wine grapes, olive trees, lavender. There are cattle, a park for the kids. I think people fall in love with this. There’s an authentic throwback to what a California town should be like.”

The region now boasts over 200 wineries.

“I wish we [his team] could take credit, but it’s really the wonderful wineries and people in Paso,” Peterson said. “You fall in love with these wineries,” 95 percent of which are small and family-owned. So, at the Grand Tasting, you’re likely to meet the winemaker or their family.

“Wines are beautiful and affordable and they recommend their neighbor down the road,” Peterson said.

While Paso Wine Fest celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, there have been only 38 in-person festivals due to COVID-19 restrictions and cancellations in 2020 and 2021. Last year the festival returned with a bang and a revamped presence.

In 2022, the festival made its move from the downtown park to

JOEL PETERSON: Leading the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

the Event Center, a change Peterson admitted made him nervous. He checked with Paso pioneer Gary Eberle, unofficially, thinking he might be opposed to it.

“Gary’s response was, ‘It’s about time,’” he said. “He was so behind it, so supportive.”

Not only was the move a brilliant stroke, but the festival also re-invented itself as an elevated experience, especially with the creation of four elaborate lounges. The concept was a team effort between the PRWCA staff and the SLO-based Karsten Butler Events production company.

“We went to bigger brands and asked if they wanted to activate a bigger space, a lounge,” Peterson said of the four wineries that created their spectacular lounges: Daou, Austin Hope, JUSTIN and Barton Family. So popular were these that this year a total of 13 wineries have signed up for such lounges.

While the focus is on the Paso Wine Fest, which draws a large crowd, PRWCA’s well-planned promotional program constitutes a multi-layered approach, ranging from social media and trade and consumer outreach to media relations and visits and popular road shows, which are supported by an annual grant from California Department of Food & Agriculture.

“We typically do three road shows a year, two out of State [for the grant] and one in State,” Peterson said.

This year the trips are scheduled for Denver, Houston and San Jose.

Such road show junkets have a three-part activation which includes a master class, trade tasting, and a walk-around tasting.

“Then we open up to consumer tasting which helps us pay for the event a bit,” Peterson noted. “They [members] like the fact that we are flying the Paso flag and they can be a part of that. There’s a camaraderie and there’s a strength in numbers.”

He cited such pioneers as Eberle, Doug Beckett and Justin Baldwin, among others, all of whom have promoted the Paso brand.

“They talk about Paso first and their brand second,” Peterson said. Peterson, who currently serves on the Paso Robles School Board, does entertain the idea of pivoting into local politics.

“At some point, I might run for office,” he admits, “but right now I love my job, I love this community, and I’m not ready to leave.”

Joel Peterson, executive director of the Paso Robles Wine County Alliance, stands in front of a map showing all the wineries and tasting rooms in Paso Robles.

MAY 6 & EVERY 1ST SATURDAY

POCKET GALLERY ON PINE

849 13TH STREET, PASO ROBLES

11 a.m. to 12 p.m

The new pop-up art studio hosts the recurring event where you can meet the artists - Susan Lyon, Kathy Madonna and Maryanne Nucci.

MAY 6

7TH ANNUAL TAMALE FESTIVAL

SUNKEN GARDENS, 6500 PALMA AVENUE, ATASCADERO

11am-7pm

Rescheduled due to rain in January, the festival will feature over 30 tamale vendors from California, as well as additional vendors offering adult beverages, crafts and merchandise. Entertainment will include Emcee Francisco Ramirez along with Medina Light Show Designs, Mariachi Mexicanismo band, dancing and more.

MAY 13

WARBIRDS WINGS & WHEELS CAR SHOW

4251 DRY CREEK RD, PASO ROBLES

10am-4pm

Car show with show cars parked in and around warbird airplanes and down the taxiway. Average 250 to 300 cars. Craft vendors, food vendors, Firestone Walker Beer, Eberle Wine, bounce houses and face painter for kids, raffle prizes, 50/50 drawing. All museum buildings and displays open to all. Car show kicks off on May 12 with a dinner/barn dance with Monte Mills and the Lucky Horseshoe Band with silent auction.

MAY 12

MOTHERS DAY

MAY 14

COOKIE ADVENTURE

CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO, 9100 MORRO RD, ATASCADERO

This Mother’s Day, treat Mom to delicious cookies and a fun family outing to the Charles Paddock Zoo. Enjoy a variety of cookies from local bakers and an opportunity to explore the Zoo and its unique inhabitants.

MAY 19-20

PLYMOUTH

CONGREGATIONAL ESTATE SALE

PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL

CHURCH-UCC, 1301 OAK STREET, PASO ROBLES

9am-5pm

Estate sale treasures include: household furniture, framed artwork, yard tools, small home appliances, shop equipment, bicycles and more! On Saturday (during the sale) there will be a kid’s area including a free bounce house and popcorn.

MAY 20

ARMED FORCES DAY

CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO, 9100 MORRO RD, ATASCADERO

10am-5pm

All Active Duty Armed Forces men, women, and their immediate families (spouses and children) receive free admission to the Zoo. Bring your valid military ID to enjoy a visit to the only Zoo on the Central Coast.

MAY 20

6TH ANNUAL FRIENDS OF ATASCADERO LAKEFEST WITH CHILDREN’S DAY IN THE PARK

ATASCADERO LAKE PARK

10am-4pm

Activities for all ages include the Cardboard Boat Regatta & Races, 2-for-1 Charles Paddock Zoo coupons, a fishing derby, DJ, music from the “Way out West” band, kids activities, a 50/50 Raffle, food, and a variety of vendors. For kids, supplies will be available to build their own boat to race as part of the “Kids Class” Cardboard Boat Race.

MAY 20

PASO ROBLES OLIVE AND LAVENDER FESTIVAL

PASO ROBLES CITY PARK

10am-5pm

Enjoy everything olive and lavender while learning about both industries through seminars and demonstrations, and also arts, crafts, collectibles, food, as well as beer and spirits tastings. For information visit pasoroblesdowntown.org.

MAY 25-28

BEST OF THE WEST ANTIQUE EQUIPMENT SHOW

SANTA MARGARITA RANCH

8am-5pm

Get an up-close and hands-on look at antique equipment, including: tractors, engines, cars, steam trains, airplanes and much more. Hosted at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch on California’s beautiful central coast, this unique event is fun for the whole family. For more information visit bestofthewestshow.com

MAY 26

PRE-SHOW PARTY

PRESENTED BY:

GOLDEN STATE CLASSIC CAR CLUB

4251 DRY CREEK ROAD, PASO ROBLES

5:30-8:30pm

Your ticket includes appetizers, a chicken buffet dinner, live music with Unfinished Business, and a free tour of Woodland Auto Display. The party is open to anyone who wants to socialize with other car enthusiasts. Come hang out and dance the night away. Learn more at goldenstateclassics.org.

MAY 27

GOLDEN STATE CLASSICS CAR SHOW

PRESENTED BY:

GOLDEN STATE CLASSIC CAR CLUB

PASO ROBLES CITY PARK

9am-2pm

About 300 cars and trucks from all over California will be on display. Visitors can expect to see everything from muscle cars to hot rods, and antiques to exotic sports cars. The event will feature live music with The Skylights, food, product vendors and Manufacturers Row.

MAY 29

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

Chabad of Paso Robles

Rabbi Meir Gordon. 805-635-8684 info@chabadpaso.com

Monthly - Friday evening at 7:00pm, Saturday morning at 10:00am

Please contact us for address and current schedule

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

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.

Interim Pastor Russ Gordon

(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 am (Bilingual) • 12 pm (English) • 5 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

GEORGIA BROWN PRINCIPAL CELIA MOSES Named Woman of the Year

By Camille DeVaul

Georgia Brown Elementary School Principal Celia Moses was recently recognized by Senator John Laird in Sacramento on March 20 as the “California Senate District 17 Woman Making Herstory,” also known as “Woman of the Year.”

Laird, who visited Georgia Brown last year, was impressed with Celia’s dedication to the Georgia Brown dual immersion program and its students. When Laird visited the campus, he was inspired by Celia's ability to recall every student, staff, and volunteer’s name that they encountered.

“It was humbling to be recognized and distinguished among all the amazing women who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities," Celia said. "I am very proud to represent the district, the Georgia Brown families, and the Paso Robles community.”

The California Legislative Women’s Caucus (LWC) Floor Ceremony for Women’s History Month was held in March when they invited members to honor a “California Woman Making Herstory" from their district. Women’s History Month was established by Congress in the 1980s.

In March, the LWC chair and vice chair took up resolutions in each house proclaiming March as Women’s History Month, followed by a floor ceremony titled “California Women Making Herstory.” At the floor ceremony, each member of the Legislature had the opportunity

to honor a woman in their district.

Celia, who was very humble when it came to earning the honor, said, “I was amongst all these amazing women, and it’s a life changing thing ... I’m just a principal [but] I'm trying to embrace it.”

Born in El Salvador, Celia immigrated to the U.S. with her four siblings at the age of 14. Learning English as a second language, Celia knows first-hand what her students are experiencing going through the dual-immersion program.

“I understand how they feel and the benefits of improving and becoming strong in your primary language because if you have a strong primary language your second language will come that much easier,” said Celia of the process her students take.

In 1998, Celia and her new husband moved to Paso Robles to start a family. She learned of Georgia Brown when her children began attending the school. In 2004, she started working as a substitute teacher and from there the ball started rolling.

Celia has worked throughout the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District, specializing in bilingual programs. Though she was comfortable with the around 150 students she worked with, a colleague of hers inspired her to apply for an assistant principal position in the district by saying she could make a difference in 700 students every day. Celia ended up taking a position as assistant principal at Georgia Brown and a year later became principal.

“I had a calling for the school," said Celia who became principal four years ago. "There is something unique about this environment. It's a magical place where we don’t see a lot of skin color differences and even accents.”

Georgia Brown is home to the district's high demand dual immersion program. The campus has become a magnet school, with two-thirds of its students not living in nearby neighborhoods.

"It's the most populated elementary school because our community values bilingualism and diversity," adds Celia.

Celia credits her staff — who feel more like family — for her success and the success of Georgia Brown. As someone once told her, she came to the school for the language but stayed for the people.

Of being recognized as Woman of the Year, Celia says, “I am definitely honored. It is not my success because it's the success of my entire community for me to receive this award and type of distinction.”