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SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CV, NO. XXVI
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THURSDAY, JULY 8, 2021
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INDEPENDENCE DAY
Happy Birthday America, From Sculpterra Winery! Sculpterra Winery goes all-out for Independence Day
David Grant Nichols of Atascadero poses with his two first place trophies. Contributed photo
By PATRICK PATTON patrick@atascaderonews.com
Atascadero Teen Places First in Regional Motocross Series
PASO ROBLES — To call Sculpterra Winery’s Independence Day celebration “patriotic” is akin to calling a Paso Summer “a bit warm.” Independence Day—not simply the “4th of July”—is Sculpterra Owner Dr. Warren Frankel’s favorite holiday. “One of the reasons I started doing this several years ago,” Frankel said, “was because I went to my daughter’s college campus at U.C.S.B., and I think I was wearing [a patriotic shirt], and my daughter said ‘you can’t go on the campus with a shirt like this.’ I realized at that time that people were afraid to be patriotic, so I decided to start doing this because I wanted to give you an avenue by which you can show your patriotism.” The event kicked off its tenth annual celebration at high noon with an opening prayer from pastor Gus Bess of Overwhelmed by Grace Ministry, and Frankel gave an impassioned speech highlighting the importance of patriotism. “Today, the New York Times stated that if you have an American flag outside your house or on your lawn, you’re showing your political preference,” Frankel said. “That’s not true. We are all Americans. The purpose of Independence Day has always been from the
Nichols finishes first in two classes at Little Oakie Series, Madera By PATRICK PATTON patrick@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — Regional riders competed in the California Motorcycle Association (CMA) Little Oakie Motocross Spring Series 2021, held May through June in Madera. Among those competing were two Atascadero residents, David Nichols and Jayden Wheeler. Nichols, 16, placed first in the 250cc 4STK Novice class as well as the sportsman open, which is open to any bike beginner and novice. Nichols’ parents own Bolt Motorcycle Hardware in Atascadero, so he grew up around motorcycles. Nichols rode a lot as a child, though he only recently picked it back up after a long break. He rides a Husqvarna TC 125 2-stroke with a factory engine. “I try to just focus on the technique, staying smooth and going fast,” said Nichols. “We normally try to go to [the track] once every week.” Nichols and Wheeler both travel to tracks in Porterville and Tulare for training. “We would love to see a track here,” said Chantel Nichols, David’s mother. Wheeler, also 16, placed second in the 250cc 4STK Youth class. This was a change of pace for him, as he mainly competes in Hare Scrambles, which are intense off-road races lasting hours, and conducted on several-mile-long marked courses through rugged natural terrains such as woods or deserts. This past year, Wheeler performed well enough to promote from B-class to A-class. He rides a stock TC-125 as well and plans to continue with Scrambles while dabbling in Motocross. Both Nichols and Wheeler plan to continue training and look forward to moving up to faster classes for future competitions. Wheeler’s goal is to continue having fun doing what he loves, while Nichols’ goal is to eventually compete in professional national events.
SPORTS
Sculpterra Winery held its tenth annual celebration with speakers that included Retired CHP Officer Scott H. Peterson (left) and SLO County District Attorney Dan Dow (right) who address the crowd in the garden on Jul. 4. Photo by Randy Coons
beginning to unite the people—Democrats, Republicans, Black, White, Rich, Poor—it unites the country under the flag of being an American.” Laurie Valaau led the crowd of over 1,000 people in the singing of God Bless America and The Star-Spangled Banner, after which attendees were treated to an aerial flyover by
a group of local pilots led by Rod Dykhouse. Free apple pie, ice cream, and popcorn were served up, wine was poured for tastings, and Gypsi Flame Pizza, The Patio Kitchen, and Choco’s Mexican Grill served fresh meals while Monty Mills and the Lucky Horseshoe Band played classic tunes. Sculpterra has always been known for the
INTERNSHIPS
combination of wine and art, including the beautiful sculpture work of John Jagger and Dale Evers, the incredible ironwork of Bob Bentley, and The Legacy of Wine, an enormous iron-framed mural—painted by Steve Kalar and fabricated by Bentley—which CONTINUED ON PAGE A15
IN MEMORIAM
Bank of America Announces Paso Robles Public Safety Center Honors Fallen Officers 2021 Student Leaders Bricks hold the names of every SLO County public safety servant to die in the line of duty
Paid summer internships connect North County youth to career building opportunities
By CAMILLE DeVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles Public Safety Center (PSC) is the town’s epicenter for law enforcement and firefighters. When you are in trouble, or if you are the trouble, this is where you either need to be or need the people stationed here. The desperately needed PSC was built using City funds with the help of Dennis
By PATRICK PATTON patrick@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — Bank of America has announced that two Atascadero High School students have been selected as their inaugural San Luis Obispo 2021 Student Leaders. Emma Hanson and Oscar Perry have each started an eight-week paid summer internship experience with Habitat for Humanity, are earning $17 per hour, and have received a Chromebook as part of the internship. They are among 300 community-focused juniors and seniors from across the U.S. recognized by Bank of America’s Student Leaders program. “Bank of America is committed to supporting young adults by connecting them to jobs, community engagement opportunities, and leadership development to help get them on the path to economic success,” said Greg Bland, president, Bank of America San Luis Obispo. “We recognize young adults are the future of our community, which is why programs like Student Leaders are one way we can provide paid opportunities for teens to gain job experience while developing
ARTS & CULTURE
Paso Robles Public Safety Memorial statue and remembrance wall. Photo by Patrick Patton
Cassidy, Paso Robles Police Department (PRPD) Police Chief, from 1997 until his retirement in 2007. Cassidy was said to be instrumental in building the PSC, which completed construction just before the infamous 6.5 CONTINUED ON PAGE A15
GOVERNMENT
TCSD Approves Collection of Delinquent Fees in County Tax Roll
Emma Hanson (above) and Oscar Perry (below) are named Bank of America’s 2021 Student Leaders. Contributed Photo
a diverse pipeline of talent as they enter the local workforce.” Inspired by her brother with autism, Hanson is heavily involved in community service to help those with special needs, including working with the Special Olympics and volunteering as a teacher’s aide with special education students at local schools. She is excited about working with Habitat to learn the inner workings of running a nonprofit. CONTINUED ON PAGE A15
SMART CASE UPDATE
Annual Pancake Breakfast brought in almost 10k for the community
The meeting opened with a reading of the consent agenda, no items were removed for discussion, and Director Geoff English moved approval of the agenda, seconded By MELISSA MATTSON by Director Wayne Petersen. The consent melissa@atascaderonews.com agenda passed 5-0. The first item of business on the agenda TEMPLETON — Templeton Commu- was resolution 13-2021, a public hearing to nity Services District (TCSD) held a regu- consider any protests or objections, and if larly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Jul. 6 at 7 p.m. CONTINUED ON PAGE A15
WEEKLY FEATURE
WEATHER
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