GOOD NEWS. REAL NEWS. HOMETOWN NEWS.
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXII, NO. XII
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
RECREATION
GOVERNMENT
Adventures in Wine Country
City Council Approves Removal of Parklets by Nov. 1 An ad hoc was created to discuss other outdoor dining options By CAMILLE DeVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com Ride through the rolling hills and through the vineyards on horseback with Central Coast Trail rides. Contributed photo
Non wine-related fun for the entire family
class wine region, with unique wine tasting experiences, a laid-back vibe, and unforgettable personalities. With more than 200 tasting rooms By JENNIFER BRAVO and 40,000 vineyard acres producof Paso Robles ing more than 40 winegrape varietWine Country Alliance ies, Paso Robles Wine Country is a NORTH COUNTY — Paso very distinct area. Not only do we Robles is known for being a world- have exceptional wineries, delecta-
VIGIL
Jodry’s Parents Still Seeking Justice Sept. 14 marks two years since the 21-year-olds death
TRIBUTE
outdoors! Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo County have countless activities that will keep you coming back for more. Head to Margarita Adventures for several out-of-thebox experiences on their historic Santa Margarita Ranch. Outdoor Adventure Take part in their Wildlife or Immerse yourself in the great Kayak Tours or our fave, Ziplining!
Embark on six distinct zip lines that take you over valleys of oaks, mountainsides, and vineyards. Take flight and enjoy Paso from the sky with Balloons Over Paso, or hit the road with Paso Bike Tours. Ride over the rolling hills and through the vineCONTINUED ON PAGE A13
COMMUNITY
Flags Displayed in Honor Fallen Soldiers 13 flags represent the 13 service members killed By PATRICK PATTON patrick@pasoroblespress.com
By CAMILLE DeVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
ATASCADERO — Sept. 14 will mark two years since the tragic death of Atascadero resident Thomas (Tommy) Jodry. To honor his memory and the second anniversary of his death, a vigil will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11, from noon to 6 p.m. Friends and the public are welcome to join Thomas’s parents at the San Luis Obispo Parking structure on the corner of Marsh and Chorro Street, the location of his death. And after two years, Thomas’s parents are still seeking justice and the truth for their son’s death. Thomas was only 21 when he fell to his death from the second floor of a downtown San Luis Obispo parking structure on Sept. 14, 2019, after spending the day with Atascadero resident David Allen Knight (56).
ble restaurants, and stunning views, we offer so much more. We have a rich history to be explored, outdoor adventure, art, an abundance of remarkable agriculture, and numerous craft beverages that should be sampled.
Still, the many strange circumstances surrounding Knight and their son on that fatal day in September led Bill and Mary Jane Jodry to keep fighting for answers about that night.
The Night in Question: Sept. 14, 2019
On Sept. 14, 2019, at around 2 p.m., Knight came to Jodry’s home and told Bill he was looking for Thomas. Bill went to get his son, who forgot he had plans with Knight to look at art in San Luis Obispo CONTINUED ON PAGE A13
KRISTIN SMART CASE
PASO ROBLES — You may have noticed the 13 American Flags along Veteran’s Memorial Bridge on Niblick Rd. on Thursday, Sept. 2. The flags were put up at sunrise and taken down at sunset in an impromptu effort by a few friends that came up with the idea the night before. The group borrowed some flags from a local non-profit, non-partisan service club and contacted the Army Recruiters in Paso Robles for some help in hanging the flags. “The 13 flags represent the 13 service members killed,” explained David Phillips, “1 Army, 11 Marines, 1 Navy. We put up the flags of those service branches and hung one black ribbon on them for each service member they lost.” The date was significant in that it marked one week since the car bomb in Kabul that killed the service members being honored. The group explained that they felt it was important to honor the fallen soldiers, as it has been more than a year since our armed forces have suffered such a loss in Afghanistan, and they wanted to remind our community that our Armed Forces are still out there A few friends came together and placed the flags putting themselves in harm’s way to protect us. CONTINUED ON PAGE A13
NON-PROFIT
at sunrise and took them down at sunset in an impromptu effort to honor the fallen soldiers. Photo by Patrick Patton
PATRIOT’S DAY
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles City Council met virtually on Sept. 7 due to rising COVID cases. Council meetings will move forward with virtual meetings until further notice. Item 10: Approval of Award of Contract to Prepare Bid Documents for Road Repairs of the Country Club Neighborhood (Zone 4E) was pulled from the consent agenda for separate discussion by Councilman John Hamon. He also abstained from Item 5: Receipt of Warrant Register due to his son’s involvement. Council unanimously voted to approve authorization for the Mayor to Sign a Letter of Opposition to Senate Bill 9. Senate Bill (SB) 9 essentially says, “if the proposed housing development meets certain requirements, primarily designed to prevent the demolition of existing affordable housing or displacement of moderate, low or very-low-income families or historic properties, it can be approved ministerially.” All members of the Council seemed to strongly oppose the bill saying that it undermines the City’s authority over its lands. Councilmember Steve Gregory said, “I think this is an absurd law where they take away all our rights as a city and as a community to help us develop our communities.” Mayor Martin was authorized to sign a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom opposing the bill. In addition, it was said that other cities across the state are also opposing the bill. City Manager Ty Lewis said the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) is calling for Cities in California to oppose the bill, CONTINUED ON PAGE A13
WEATHER
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SPECIAL SEPTEMBER 11 Special September 11 combined with “Saturdays in the Park” | A3
JUDGE RULED ‘Your Own Backyard’ podcaster will not be testifying | A4
LIGHTHOUSE ATASCADERO programs are a beacon for our youth | A10
REMEMBERING September 11, 20 years later | A11
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