Hometown News Since 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXI, NO. XV
EDUCATION
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
BUSINESS
Nick’s Barber Maneuvers Through Pandemic Three generations now working together in Paso Robles shop and salon
Trustees Receive Update on In-Person Instruction for Special Education Students By CAMILLE DeVAUL For The Paso Robles Press PASO ROBLES — Virginia Peterson Elementary began phase one of reopening the school to 65 special education students. Principal Maggie Tatman gave an update during Tuesday’s, Sept. 22, Paso Robles Joint Unified School District meeting on their first day welcoming adaptive learning students grades K-5 and Therapeutic Learning Center students grade 2-5 back to in-person learning. During public comment, more residents called in to comment on PRJUSD trustee Chris Arend’s response to callers last week who were concerned with his opinion letter, “Myth of Systemic Racism,” published in Cal Coast News. A caller, who originally called for another topic, said critical race theory shouldn’t be touched on in the schools, but he is glad he wrote the article saying he was 100% behind it. It was questioned whether or not Arend should be allowed to respond during public comment. It was determined he could respond as a member of the public. District Superintendent Curt Dubost gave his response, “I will state that I did not agree with everything that Chris said in the entire article, but I do believe I know the intent of it, and I do not believe that it was intended in any way, shape or form to be racist. “I do wish that he had been clearer that he was speaking only for himself and not mention the board, and I understand that perhaps the added comment about representing or having spoken with other board members was perhaps taken out of context or not entirely accurately quoted to him and he, I’m sure will address that when he speaks. “I think it’s a healthy discussion to have out in the open, and to as we can see, the different opinions we’ve heard in public comment. I think it’s best to have this discusCONTINUED ON PAGE A15
COMPETITION
By BRIAN WILLIAMS brian@pasoroblespress.com PASO ROBLES — It took a pandemic to kind of slow down 85-yearold Nick Ruberto. Ruberto has been cutting hair in his shop — Nick’s Barber and Hair Design — on Creston Road since March of 1996. He was closed for much of the past six months due to the COVID19 guidelines but has reopened since personal care businesses were allowed to move indoors again. Ruberto said his five-chair shop specializes in shear over comb. “The people should know we are going to be here,” said Ruberto, who was born in Italy. “We are going to give the best service in town.” Ruberto has been a barber for 65 years. His father and grandfather both cut hair. His family came to America from South America in 1961 and has been in California since 1967. “Nobody love working more than me,” Ruberto said. “I’ve never been late a day in my life.” “He’s in his glory when he’s working,”
Nicole Pebenito, left, sits next to her father, Nick Ruberto, and her son, Johnathan Horton, in front of Nick’s Barber and Hair Design in Paso Robles. All three generations are working at the barber shop. Photo by Brian Williams
said his daughter, Nicole Pebenito. Nick’s was reopened for about a month as the state and county successfully moved through the initial phases of reopening. This was followed by
an uptick in cases and deaths across chose to close again. Since reopening a the state and led to the state push- second time, business has been steady. ing personal care services and others “It’s been steady, but 50 percent outdoors. Instead of working outside, the family CONTINUED ON PAGE A15
ACTIVISM
FUNDRAISER
Long Walk Home Coming Close to $40K Goal Annual Event Modified for Safety by ECHO
Paso People’s Action holds Chalk and Talk events monthly in the Downtown City Park in Paso Robles. Photo by Brian Williams
Paso People’s Action Trying to Create A Safe Place for All
By CONNOR ALLEN connor@pasoroblespress.com ATASCADERO — The El Camino Homeless Organization held its 9th Annual Long Walk fundraiser on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 19, but it looked a bit different in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic safety precautions. The popular event is generally kicked off by the Atascadero High School Marching Band Drum Line. It brings together hundreds of community members and volunteers to walk with members of the transient population that ECHO serves to bring people together and bring awareness to the need within the county. The group walks from the ECHO parking lot to the Sunken Gardens, where they take a picture on the steps of the iconic Rotunda steps that blurs all the lines of
COVID UPDATE
Group is holding monthly Chalk and Talk events in Downtown City Park By BRIAN WILLIAMS brian@pasoroblespress.com
and some of our residents did the walk, but the event went really, really well in spite of being very unusual and different for us.” While only about 20 people in total made the walk this year in 2020 due to the pandemic, the event was still just as successful as
PASO ROBLES — Paso People’s Action wants to give everyone a safe place to speak. The grassroots group of locals based in Paso Robles was formed in late-June by Yessenia Echevarria and Carmen Bouquin. They have held informational Chalk and Talk events monthly in the Downtown City Park and recently had a voter registration rally at Sherwood Park in Paso Robles. “We allow space for community members to speak,” said Paso Robles native Echevarria during a phone interview with The Paso Robles Press. “We just need to hear a diversity of opinions. A Paso Robles where
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ECHO had its 9th Annual Long Walk Home fundraiser on Sept. 19. The event was modified to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. Photo courtesy of ECHO
social classes and represents the community as a whole. “It is usually a kind of festive atmosphere, and the spirit is such a great feeling to be with several hundred people and the people we are serving, and you can’t tell who is who,” ECHO President Wendy Lewis said. “This year, it was a little surreal, just our staff
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TRACTOR RESTORATION competition includes 3 North County teens | A3
WEEKLY COUNTY UPDATE MEDAL OF VALOR addresses mental health and awarded to CMC officer for guidelines for Halloween | A4 heroism under pressure | A5
THE ART OF LETTING GO opens your life up to enjoying your Golden Years | A13
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