Hometown News Since 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CIV, NO. XVI
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020
AUSD SCHOOL BOARD
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ESSENTIAL HEROES
AUSD REPORTS CAUTIOUS APPROACH TO SPENDING Savings a priority for the school district heading into a potential recession By NICHOLAS MATTSON nic@atascaderonews.com ATASCADERO — A clash of priorities and projected budget concerns challenge the Atascadero Unified School District as it manages the conclusion of the 2019-2020 year amidst a COVID-19 shutdown. Looking to maintain stability in the district and meet essential needs, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Jackie Martin opened the April 21 meeting with an update on meeting district needs and financial priorities. The district reported a total of 20 full-time budgeted employee positions, which can be allocated among more than 20 employees by way of part-time employment opportunities. Martin reported those positions have been open for most of the 2019-2020 school year, and with the state shutdowns of school districts, the urgency to fill those positions has been tempered. Among other financial savings, the district continues to audit where reduction of resources can be made, and expenditures curbed to prepare for a projected economic recession. “I’m looking at all the allocations,” Martin said, “all the ‘stuff ’ we buy and see what kind of savings [we can make]. We put a spending freeze in place, and are only approving expenditures that are essential.” Martin said the district will wait until after July 1 to decide how to address future needs for the 2020-2021 school year. “What we need for this school year, we are ordering it,” Martin explained to the board of trustees. “If it is needed for the fall, we are not processing those at this time because we really don’t know what the fall might look like just yet.” “We anticipate utility savings,” Martin said. “We just had a conversation yesterday about turning off the heater to the pool — why are we heating the pool when nobody is using it right now?” Turning off unnecessary heating and cooling systems across the campuses, including in-classroom refrigerators, are expected to help cut costs. “I’m assuming there won’t be any more trips this year,” Martin CONTINUED ON PAGE A14
LOCAL NEWS
Thom Schulz, one of the founders of CSCCC, at a previous Tour of Paso, at Niner Wine Estates. Photo courtesy of Cancer Support Community
WITH A COMMUNITY FEELING VULNERABLE, THE CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY FORGES FORWARD By HAYLEY MATTSON hayley@atascaderonews.com
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s with many non-profits, the Cancer Support Community, Central Coast, located in Templeton, relies heavily on donations and grants to provide non-medical, social, and emotional support of cancer patients and their families at no charge. In light of the current health pandemic, they have shifted to offering only virtual
services so that patients and their families can have continued support. Virtual services are not a new feature that the CSCCC provided to their patients; this came long before the arrival of the novel coronavirus. Sheltering-at-home was no stranger as well, is not a term that most know; however, it is a term that cancer patients and their families can well relate. When a patient goes through treatment, their immune system is compromised, and their health,
strength, and well-being is the utmost importance. Cancer patients spend many weeks to months in social isolation, with only a few intimate family members and friends allowed to be in close contact. This is why the virtual “telehealth” support, which is a HIPPA compliant, was implemented a few years ago. “I am proud of our team and how quickly they have reacted to support all our participants virtually. Support groups and counseling have moved to
virtual alternatives, and we are looking to add education, mind/body sessions, and other resources daily, creating a healthy and vibrant virtual local Cancer Support Community,” Shannon D’Acquisto, CSCCC Executive Director, wrote in an email. Shannon is not only a two-time cancer survivor, but she continues a courageous battle with a recent diagnosis (2019) CONTINUED ON PAGE A14
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
A Mother’s Day Gift Guide
By HAYLEY MATTSON hayley@atascaderonews.com
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s Mother’s Day approaches, and we continue to walk through another beloved holiday in the middle of this pandemic. We have the opportunity to be creative and work with our local businesses and experiences to set a new course of direction for all our gifting needs. These challenging times allow us to take advantage of the services that have long been offered but perhaps unknown to the general public. Our local boutique gift shops offer personal shopping experiences. Local wineries and hotels can help you create a unique day or weekend package to use now or in the future. Salons and hairstylists will put together personalized bags or baskets with a gift card, products, and other items readily available. Restaurants and caterers are at your fingertips, bringing home your mother or wife’s favorite meal or dessert. Not to mention items you may already have at home that you can customize. There are many options, so to pin it down, here are a few ideas and tips to help make your Mother’s Day gifting one for
SPORTS
the records books because we all need a little sunshine, and what better way than to celebrate these special women in our lives. personal shopping Having a shop owner as your personal shopper is a unique experience for sure and who would know their product more. The success of this type of shopping is all up to you, so here are a few things to help give guidance to your personal shopping experience: • Photo of your mom (or loved one) • Three words you would use to best describe her; outgoing, loving, scheduled, humorous, thoughtful, giving, to name a few, get your kiddos involved too • Three things your mom loves and enjoys; coffee, reading, taking photos, cooking, gardening, grandkids, antiquing, etc. • A magazine or book your mom loves; Paso Robles Magazine, Colony Magazine, The Notebook, The Moment of Lift, anything she has on the kitchen counter, nightstand or coffee table • Direction, what are you looking for; two-three gifts that can be put together in a cute bag or basket, one significant gift, a few small items that you will be joining with other products from a
COVID-19 NEWS
different source or location or you can bottle of wine let them know you have no idea and • Ask them to write down the types of they will guide you cheese and descriptions of any other • Finally, your budget, regardless of what items on the tray along with details about that the amount is your personal shopthe wine and why they chose to pair it per will be able to assist and let you CONTINUED ON PAGE A14 know what they can provide, this is key to the success of your experience and outcome so be sure to plan accordingly Shopping Resources: The General Store, Paso Robles; Reminisce Antiques, Paso Robles; Anna and Mom, Atascadero; Farron Elizabeth, Atascadero; Hope Chest Emporium, Atascadero; Indigo Clothing, Atascadero. local outing & getaway As with our small shop owners, our local economy is driven by touring our beautiful area, so why not use our local resources to create an experience she will not forget. Here are some packages that can be put together just by calling your favorite winery or hotel: Picnic Pairing With Your Local Wineries • Contact your favorite local winery • Request a cheese platter and a
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