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.

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.