2017 March PASO Magazine

PASOMAGAZINE.COM

How Did 

You Sleep 

Last Night? 

March 2017, PASO Magazine 3

4 PASO Magazine, March 2017


CONTENTS MARCH 2017 

A Monthly Look at Life in Our Remarkable Communities 

FEATURES 

10 FRANK MECHAM: 

ON MOVING ON 

12 EROICA 2017 

40 HOOFBEAT 

Hoofbeat Calendar and Trail Tales 

By Dorothy Rogers 

DEPARTMENTS 

14 EDUCATION 

Early Learning Academy Brings 

Top-Notch Programming to 

Littlest Bearcats 

Catch The Little Mermaid 

at Paso Robles High School 

The ‘Wild Wild West’ Casino 

Supports Youth Sports 

Mother and Daughter Team Up 

to Bring Creativity to After-School 

Classes 

More CASA Volunteers for North County 

Foster Children 

2017 marks the 9th Annual 

Paso Robles Dog Jog 

22 PASO PEOPLE 

PR Chamber Agri-Business Tour 

2017 Tickets on Sale March 1 

This ’N’ That 

Get Creative at Studios on the Park 

with Assortment of New Classes 

Tickets going fast for 2017 Mardi Gras 

Underground Celebration 

At the Paso Robles Library 

30 ROUND TOWN 

Open House & Car Show WWW9 

and Spring Mega Swap Meet May 13 at 

Estrella Warbirds and Woodland Auto Display 

Mid State Fair Celebrates 2016 

and Plans for 2017 Fair 

Templeton Happenings During March 

County Perspective 

A Column by Bruce Curtis 

Chef Phillip Riccomini is Retiring 

After 19 Years at the Culinary Academy 

San Miguel Reflections 

Book Signing for Anne Schroeder’s 

Newest Book – Maria Inés 

39 CITY OF PASO 

ROBLES LIBRARY 

AND RECREATION 

Cool Stuff to Do for the Month Ahead! 

43 BUSINESS 

Wine Country Theatre will make you 

laugh with ‘Noises Off’ 

Black Diamond Vermicompost 

- It All Starts in the Soil 

Local Goods Report by The Team 

at General Store Paso Robles 

1890 House - Every Possible Subject 

Depicted in Antique Prints and Maps’ 

47 TIME & PLACE 

Where to Find Just About Anything 

and Everything to Do in March 

50 LAST WORD 

Paso’s Graffiti Erasers 

By Chuck Desmond 

12 

30 

44 

50 

VOLUME 16 | NUMBER 11 

- ON THE COVER - 

Photo provided by EROICA California 

EDITORIAL DEADLINE 

7 th of each month preceding publication 

ADVERTISING DEADLINE 

10th of each month preceding publication 

Founding Co-Publisher: Karen Chute 1949-2004 

Publisher/Editor: Bob Chute 

Editorial Consultant: Chris Weygandt Alba 

Advertising: Millie Drum, Pam Osborn, 

Jamie Self and Bob Chute 

WE VALUE YOUR INPUT! 

(805) 239-1533 • PASOmagazine.com • bob@pasomag.com 

Mail: P.O. Box 3996, Paso Robles, CA 93447 • Drop off: Dutch Maytag, 1501 Riverside, Paso Robles 

PASO Magazine © 2017, is owned and published by Bob Chute. No part of this periodical may be reproduced 

in any form or by any means without prior written consent from PASO magazine. 

PASO Magazine is published monthly and distributed FREE to every residence and business, including rural addresses, 

in Paso Robles, Templeton, Shandon, Bradley and San Miguel (zip codes 93426, 93446, 93451, 93461 and 93465). 

Postage paid at Paso Robles, CA 93446. PASO Magazine is also available for our visitors through the Chamber of Commerce, 

North County Transportation Center, local motels, hotels, vacation homes, some B&Bs, and other other high traffic locations. 

Annual subscriptions to PASO Magazine , mailed to areas beyond the described distribution areas, are available 

for $18 per year (for orders outside U.S., add $10 postage). Mailing address: P.O. Box 3996, Paso Robles, CA 93447 

For advertising inquiries and rates, story ideas and submissions, contact Bob Chute at any of the above numbers. 

In town drop point for photos, letters, press releases, etc. at Dutch Maytag Home Appliance Center, 1501 Riverside. 

Advertising graphics by Denise McLean, Mode Communications. Editorial composition by Travis Ruppe. Art Production by Sue Dill. 



JUST A THOUGHT 

By Bob 

Chute 

Paso ARTSFEST to be discontinued 

I would guess it was the victim of its own success, 

but the largest free art festival on the Central Coast, 

PASO ARTSFEST, has been discontinued and 

will no longer be taking place in Paso Robles over 

Memorial Day weekend. 

Disappointing. Our grandkids 

have been to town several 

times to enjoy it. Lots of activities 

for all ages, but this year, “Studios 

on the Park regrets to inform 

the public that we can no longer 

sustain the demands of running 

an event of the size and scope of 

PASO ARTSFEST,” says Barbara 

Partridge, president of the 

Board for Studios on the Park. 

“We thank our past attendees, community partners, 

artists, sponsors and volunteers for helping 

us bring art to life through a truly magical event 

these past eight years." Barbara adds, "I hope 

Studios and the City can continue to forge productive 

and meaningful partnerships.” 

The City of Paso Robles is evaluating its ability 

to produce arts-themed events and will have 

more information available in the coming months. 

Inquiries, suggestions, and comments can be sent 

to info@pasoartsfest.com. 

We Experienced a 

Whoooole Lotta Rain 

During February 

I’ve lived in Paso since 1979 

and I do believe this has been 

one of the rainiest seasons I 

have seen…next month we’re 

going to delve into our local 

weather history and give you 

some facts about how these series of area storms 

have compared to those in the past. 

Spring is here! 

Monday, March 20 marks the first day of Spring. 

It’s a great time of the year, new growth all around 

and my wife, Rhoda, gets to spend more time working 

and playing in the dirt…plants are her thing! 

Don’t forget to turn your clocks forward one hour 

at 2 a.m., March 12 as Daylight Savings Time begins...yahoo! 

(Spring Forward!) 

Personal 

Happy 8th Birthday to 

granddaughter Mallory Kate 

Lear on March 5, pictured with 

her 5 year-old William Robert 

last fall. 

Studios Sweet Art 

Luncheon honors 

MARJORIE 

HAMON 

Hundreds of Roblans turned out on Valentine’s 

Day to honor Business Leader, Community 

Advocate, Arts Philanthropist and Hometown 

Angel Marjorie Hamon for the special Sweet 

Art Fundraising Luncheon held at Studios on 

the Park in Downtown Paso. 

“We are proud to be HER art studio,” said 

Mistress of Ceremonies Dee Lacey. “Our exuberant 

Kids Art Smart students share her sentiment 

for Studios. Time and again they are 

heard proclaiming, ‘This is MY Art Studio!’ as 

they usher their parents and siblings through 

the doors. These children love to boast about 

their ‘very own place where we get to make art’.” 

During the Sweet Art Luncheon, as of press 

time, “$47,195 was pledged and received” said 

Studios Executive Director Sasha Irving. “And 

an anonymous donor wrote in and said he will 

match up to $2000 in new donations so we 

have the potential to raise over $50,000! 

During the past year Studios, with the assistance 

of 3506 Volunteer Hours, have held 

numerous events, exhibitions and classes for a 

total of 102,366 lives changed. 

To learn more about Studios on the Park visit 

the admission-free pride of Paso at 1130 Park 

Street, Downtown, or on line at studiosonthe 

park.org. They’re open every day at noon. 

If you wish to donate, call 238-9800 or contact 

sasha@studiosonthepark.org 



FRANK MECHAM: ON MOVING ON 

– BY BRUCE M. CURTIS – 

The handoff in DC had us so mesmerized, we 

missed a similar transition in our own back yard, 

perhaps because the local baton changed hands 

much more deftly. After two decades in public office, 

the county’s top poli, Frank Mecham, pulled 

out his chair for a conservative successor; Debbie 

Arnold was the interim choice, replaced shortly 

by newly elected District 1 Supervisor John Peschong, 

replacing Mecham on the Board. 

Mecham should have retired as chairman of the 

board of supervisors at the top of his game, but 

instead surrendered the top post early to ease 

in heir Debbie Arnold. That illustrates Mecham’s 

native shrewdness. His surprise abdication, apparently 

to derail a controversial fellow supervisor 

was as smart a bit of political maneuvering as 

we’re likely to get in our rural county. And even 

though sparring between board candidates got 

rough and raw, right-leaning Mecham maintained 

an even-handed presence on the board. But he 

didn’t forget. One of his pre-retirement strategies 

was to deny board chairmanship to a liberal supervisor; 

by 2015 he sussed out that the board 

was headed for a 3-2 conservative majority. Even 

though he’d only been chairman for a month, he 

stepped down. 

Could Mecham be persuaded to run again? It is 

not a stretch to suggest California could use his expertise 

at a time when, as some argue, Sacramento’s 

single party myopia skews the State’s ship toward 

the rocky fringe. It would be a shame to put such a 

well-honed edge back in the drawer. 

“I have no desire to go anything further,” asserts 

Mecham, content to have wrangled and branded 

some tough challenges. Fixing budget-busting 

public pension growth is the one of which he’s 

proudest. 

“Overall the biggest accomplishment was pension 

reform, during my first term in office.” A perfect 

storm of peaking retirements and the Great Recession 

threatened to take ever bigger bites out of the 

budget, exchanging roads and social services for 

plum public retirement packages. San Luis Obispo 

County dodged the bullet, in the process saving 

taxpayers millions, according to Mecham. 

Drought touched off a rather more contentious 

public season as the board was called upon to form 

a water resource management plan that created a 

new regional water district. 

Rural homeowners jousted with wineries, each 

vying for water district board clout. 

“There was a time when they wanted to hang me 

in little parts,” Frank recalls, but the drought also produced 

his most memorable quote, that he couldn’t 

see the sense in just doing nothing. A more Solomon-like 

utterance showed his concern that all water 

users be treated fairly: “I just hope that we are not 

in the situation where the guy with the most money 

wins. That would be a very sad situation.” 

"We have two ears 

but one mouth." 

Frank Mecham’s statesman skills were repeatedly 

tapped following the election of Adam Hill which 

produced a 3-2 liberal board majority—even though 

the board of supervisors is assumed to be non-partisan. 

Mecham ran interference between the board’s 

conservatives and its liberals, who usually projected 

themselves through Hill’s sharp tongued newspaper 

letters. Despite allegations of board intimidation and 

land developer connections against Hill, Mecham 

kept his tongue. He still does. 

Property rights watchdog, the Coalition of Labor, 

Agriculture and Business, (COLAB) revved up to 

fight a county “smart growth” initiative whose details 

they saw as depriving property owners of the 

value of their land. The group filed suit to force the 

same environmental review process that developers 

faced, upon the county’s smart growth plan. 

Mecham, by then board chair, kept a low profile; 

COLAB eventually lost at the state appellate court, 

but not before an industrial sized load of dirty laundry 

was well aired; COLAB accusing Hill of silencing 

dissent and preventing accountability, while Hill 

defaulted to charges of racism, criticizing COLAB’s 

“bloviating foolishness.” 

Mecham intervened, as he often did, calling for 

a break and calm. And as often as not, Mecham 

stepped around the personal political piles to vote 

with Hill on the biggest issues. 

Perhaps county supervisors’ demeanor mirrors 

the national mood and Mecham worries that with his 

departure, civility may have left the room as well. 

“There can be too much arguing; far too often a 

chairman of the board is in that position, but I always 

believed [a chairman] should listen more than they 

talk, they should facilitate, not dominate. You know, 

we have two ears but one mouth.” 

Other moments that stood out during Mecham’s 

eight years on the board and as Paso Robles Mayor: 

Paso’s earthquake recovery, new bridges, local 

control of Hwy 41, fiber optics in schools and even 

new signs in San Miguel. He sees plenty of challenges 

facing the new board, such as creating the rules 

to legally sell marijuana. Water will always be there; 

he’d like to see the Salinas Dam raised, which could 

then supply the whole county, he believes. Mostly, 

Mecham hopes the board won’t grow complacent, 

as it has in the past; he’s seen it. For the moment, 

though Frank Mecham is enjoying the quiet and 

time for his grandchildren. 

“I won’t run for political office but if something 

strikes my interest; I’ve been working with [Paso 

Robles Mayor] Steve Martin on youth authority property.” 

Martin is spearheading an effort by six other 

mayors to convert the former California Youth Authority 

School into a homeless transition center. 

The Paderewski Festival has occupied much of 

Mecham’s attention, although the energetic former 

supervisor may need to add something more on his 

plate, at least according to his wife. 

“I found myself wandering around the house, 

and she said, ‘this isn’t what it’s going to be like 

from now on, right?” 

Frank Mecham’s retirement from the San Luis 

Obispo County Board of Supervisors was commemorated 

with handshakes, hugs, a standing ovation and 

the adoption of a formal resolution densely packed 

with “whereases.” It aptly describes Mecham, a twoterm 

supervisor, as a public servant who treats everyone 

with respect; a tireless advocate for the county; 

and a true gentleman who will be greatly missed. 



By Melissa Chavez 

The third Eroica California vintage bike cycling event is set for April 8-9 in Paso Robles. 

The weekend promises fun for everyone with things to see. In Paso Robles City Park, 

booths will feature products from local merchants and unique, one-of-a-kind 

artists’ works ranging from the 1900s to the 1980s. A cycling fair will offer items 

and vintage bike parts that span every era. 

On Saturday, the Concours d’Elegance event will display participants’ 

vintage road bikes for a chance to win “Best in Show.” A special screening 

of “Marinoni: The Fire in the Frame” will celebrate the accomplishments of 

charismatic champion cyclist and bike frame crafter Giuseppe Marinoni. 

On Saturday evening, a Tuscan-style dinner will be served, featuring 

local beers and wines. A benefit auction event will conclude the day 

with proceeds to support Hospice of San Luis Obispo County. 

The pinnacle of the weekend takes place on Sunday, when 

many riders will don wool jerseys, lace-up shoes and hairnet 

helmets. Athletes will prepare to take part in one of four courses, 

ranging from 40 miles to the “Heroic” 127-mile route. Each 

are spectacular in elevations and sights – from undulating 

grapevine-covered hills with oaks, to longer routes that cross 

coastal mountain ranges and reveal welcoming ocean views 

in Cayucos and Cambria. Gourmet food rest stops in farms 

and vineyards and an Italian-inspired lunch upon return to 

Paso Robles will complete the unforgettable experience. 

From Italy to Paso Robles 

In 1997, founder Giancarlo Brocci initiated L’Eroica 

del Gaiole in Chianti, Italy, to capture the epoch of 

“heroic cycling” in its “beauty of fatigue and the thrill 

of conquest.” He hoped to regain attention of a noble 

sport, which he remarked “is absolutely capable of 

attracting young athletes and of becoming a reference 

and a discipline for life.” 

The 1979 coming of age Academy Award winning 

film, Breaking Away, captures this spirit in the story of 

a teenage Indiana boy’s obsession with Italian bicycle 

racing that infects his friends and, eventually, his hometown. 

The film pays homage to a time when many athletes 

battled for position on heavy-framed bikes with unruly 

gear shifting over gravel country roads. The era is often 

referred to as “classic” racing, but one that Brocci would 

determine as timeless and relevant to the future of cycling. 

In 2007 Brocci sought to tangibly manifest a rediscovery 

of classic racing on imperfect surfaces and other technical 

aspects less familiar to present-day professional cyclists and 

established a series of Strade Bianche races in Tucany, Italy. 

In seven years, Eroica has become a fiercely contested event. 

It has attracted international cycling winners, including Swiss road 

racer Fabian Cancellara, Philippe Gilbert of Belgium, Italy-born 

Moreno Moser of Italy, whose family includes a dynasty of six 

pro-racers, and Michał Kwiatkowski of Poland. 

While meeting in Italy in 2014, Brocci collaborated with SLO County 

cyclist and classic bike collector Wesley Hatakeyama to create the Eroica 

California team. They met again in California to scout possible bike routes in 

picturesque Paso Robles. By 2015, Hatakeyama successfully debuted the first 

L’Eroica on the Central Coast and repeated the event in 2016. 

Eroica races now take place worldwide. Upcoming Eroica events in 2017 include 

Nova (April 30), Montalcino (May 7), Japan (May 12-14), Hispana (June 2-4), Britanna 

(June 8), Limburg (July 2), Tuscany (October 1) and Punte del Este (TBA). Visit eroica.cc 

for more details. 

The Paso Robles area provides an ideal mixture of Mediterranean climate and varied terrain to 

host Eroica California, which carries with it the distinction as the sole Eroica event in the United States. 

Portions of registration proceeds for Eroica California will benefit Hospice of SLO County. Local sponsors 

include Travel Paso Robles, City of Paso Robles, Cambria, Cayucos and San Luis Obispo, Cass Winery, Halter 

Ranch Vineyard and Olea Farm. For more information and registration, visit www.eroicacalifornia.com. See a 

film trailer of the Guiseppe Marinoni documentary at www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-nZgOQk_EE. 



EDUCATION & YOUTH 

PRESCHOOL, PRE-K, AND KINDERGARTEN OPTIONS ABOUND IN PASO ROBLES SCHOOLS 

EARLY LEARNING ACADEMY BRINGS TOP-NOTCH 

PROGRAMMING TO THE LITTLEST BEARCATS 

By Meagan Friberg 

When the 2016-17 school year kicked 

off, an exciting new addition to the 

Paso Robles Unified School District – 

the Early Learning Academy – brought 

preschool and kinder-readiness programming 

to families in the community. 

Offered at Winifred Pifer and Bauer Speck 

elementary schools, the program is 

based on the California Department 

of Education’s Preschool Learning 

Foundations and Preschool Curriculum 

Framework. 

“We have had a fantastic start to our Early 

Learning Academy,” said PRJUSD Superintendent 

Chris Williams. “This is one of the only 

mainstream academies of its kind in the county 

and we are pretty excited about that. Lauren 

Handley, our Preschool Campus Connection Coordinator 

and the director of the Early Learning 

Academy, has brought a tremendous amount of 

incredible work to our district and has provided 

many opportunities to our families. The entire 

framework of what we have been able to create 

under her direction has been phenomenal.” 

When Williams started with the district in 

2014, one of his many visions was to create this 

type of preschool programming. Now, nearly 

seven months into the school year calendar, the 

Parents Kristen and Matt Monteiro, and son, Carson, 

with a friend and Ms. Lupe, lead teacher at Winifred 

Pifer location of the Early Learning Academy 

Early Learning Academy is filled to capacity 

as the highly-trained teachers provide 

a quality play-based curriculum to the 

littlest of the Bearcat family. 

“I am so honored that, as part of 

our capital investment plan, our school 

board and our district committed to 

Early Childhood Education by creating 

our two new Early Learning Academies,” 

said Williams. “We 

have received positive 

reactions from parents, 

the word has gotten 

around, and it is a wonderful 

addition to our community.” 

Embracing the whole child 

Handley has nearly 20 years of experience 

working with children and 

families, most recently as the assistant 

supervisor for the Cuesta College 

Children’s Center. She grew up in 

Paso Robles, attended schools locally, 

and graduated from Atascadero High. 

She studied Child Development at Cal Poly 

SLO and earned her Multi-Subject Teaching 

Credential. 

Handley attended the district’s Pre-K and Kindergarten 

information session last year to find 

information for parents in her program at Cuesta 

as well as for her own children. There, she heard 

about all of the fabulous things happening with 

the district – the incorporation of art, music, 

movement, physical education, and the embracing 

of the whole child. 

“It was a wonderful feeling to be in that room 

and hear the changes that Paso was making,” 

she said. “What really grabbed me was the district’s 

vision of the whole child throughout elementary 

school, not just at a preschool level. To 

be able to provide that, and to have the chance 

to really talk with kindergarten teachers, and 

have that vision of where kids are going after 

preschool – that type of collaboration is just an 

amazing opportunity for everyone involved.” 

There’s a sense of excitement, according to 

Handley, for the children and parents to participate 

in the elementary school culture at an early 

age. The Early Learning Academy is for children 

3 ½ years old and potty-trained; early entry is 

Lauren Handley 

considered based on space for 3-year-olds and 

Transitional Kinder (T-K) students for before or 

after T-K care. 

Bearkittens, Little PEPers, & more 

The Early Learning Academy is a complimenting 

program to the Bearkittens, a lab-based preschool 

offered at Paso Robles High School and 

staffed by students enrolled in Child Development 

and Education Pathways. 

“Bearkittens is a top-running program,” 

said Williams. “Director Brenda 

Matthysse does a fantastic job, 

alongside the student helpers, and 

we are looking forward to expanding 

it as opportunities arise. There was a 

misconception that the Early Learning 

Academy was replacing Bearkittens, 

but it’s not.” 

Little PEPers, a component for students 

with special needs, is offered 

on the Bauer-Speck campus. The one 

hour parent-participation sessions focus 

on speech, language, gross motor, 

fine motor, and pre-academic skills. 

Please see LEARNING page 16 

KINDER AND 

PRE-KINDER OPTIONS 

Kindergarten 

For children who will be 5 years old 

on or before September 1. 

Transitional kindergarten 

For children who will be 5 years old on or 

between September 2 and December 2. 

Early entrance to 

transitional kindergarten 

For children who will be 5 years old on or 

between December 3 and March 1; admittance 

is based upon available space. 

Kindergarten registration takes place at the PRJUSD 

office, 800 Niblick Road. Bring completed packet 

(pick up at the district office or your neighborhood 

elementary school) and copies of: birth 

certificate, immunization record, proof of address, 

and parent’s driving license or identification card. 



PASO HIGH THEATRE COMPANY BRINGS MUCH-LOVED DISNEY SHOW TO THE STAGE 

CATCH THE LITTLE MERMAID 

AT PASO ROBLES HIGH SCHOOL 


See one of Disney’s most popular 

stories come to life as the Paso High 

Theatre Company presents The Little 

Mermaid onstage at the Paso Robles 

High School Performing Arts Center 

March 31 through April 9. Popular 

songs from the show include Part 

of Your World, Under the Sea, and 

Kiss the Girl. 

“The Little Mermaid is a challenging 

piece to put on the stage for 

so many reasons,” said Visual and 

Performing Arts Department Chair 

and Director of Theatre Arts Marcy 

Goodnow. “We change locations like 

any other show, but being under the 

water and on the shore in the same 

scene is quite a challenge. We are using 

animated projections to help us 

and we have also loved working with 

Heelys for this show! The shoes provide 

a gliding movement that helps 

us ‘move underwater.’ It has been 

really fun!” 

First introduced in 1989 as an 

animated musical fantasy film, The 

Little Mermaid was produced by 

Walt Disney Feature Animation and 

released by Walt Disney Pictures. 

Based on the Danish fairy tale by 

Hans Christian Andersen, it tells the 

story of Ariel, a beautiful mermaid 

princess, and her dream to become 

human. The film was written, directed, 

and produced by Ron Clements 

and John Musker, with the Academy 

Award-winning music score by Alan 

Menken and Howard Ashman. A 

stage adaptation of the film, with a 

book by Doug Wright and additional 

songs by Alan Menken and new lyricist 

Glenn Slater, opened in 2007, 

with performances on Broadway 

starting in 2008. 

The local production is directed 

by Goodnow, with choreography by 

Courtney Brock, and vocal direction 

by Aimee Ware. Costume design is 

provided by Ruth Enriquez-Bague, 

with set design by Geoff Higgins. 

Thirty-eight students and one teacher 

– Jim Steaffans – make up the 

cast. Ariel will be played by Madecyn 

Penn, and Christopher Garcia will 

play Pilot. 

“Being part of The Little Mermaid 

cast is like a dream,” said Penn, a junior 

at PRHS. “Never in my wildest 

dreams would I have thought that 

I’d be a part of such an amazing and 

magical experience. With each rehearsal 

comes new challenges and 

new opportunities and, because of 

those, new growth and improvement. 

I’ve never met a group of people as 

kind and supportive and passionate 

about one another and about what 

we do. Thank you to our wonderful 

director, Marcy Goodnow, for always 

encouraging and challenging us. This 

show has changed my life and I can’t 

LEARNING from page 14 

“We collaborate with Brenda, 

the Early Learning Academy lead 

teachers, and the Little PEPers’ 

teachers at least monthly,” added 

Handley. “This allows us to share 

ideas, stay up-to-date on the latest 

and greatest education tools, 

support our students and families, 

and make sure we are meeting the 

needs of all of our programs.” 

In addition, Handley said, “It’s 

nice for the kindergarten teachers 

to be able to go into our preschool 

and T-K classrooms to see how the 

kids are doing – social skills, classroom 

routines, pre-academics, fine 

motor skills, independence. It gives 

them the opportunity to have insight 

into what we need to do to 

prepare them for kindergarten.” 

Ms. Lupe, the lead teacher at 

Winifred Pifer, works alongside Miss 

Jenn, Miss Holly, and Miss Sarah. At 

Bauer-Speck, Miss Heather, the lead 

wait to bring this magical musical 

to life!” 

Taking on the role of Prince Eric 

is Cade England; Sophia Velasquez 

plays Grimsby, and Kylie Managan 

plays Flounder. Other main cast 

members include Graham Farrell as 

Scuttle, Maycee Ham as Sebastian, 

and Jacob Bausch as King Triton. 

teacher, is assisted by Miss Kelly, 

and Miss Danika; Miss Diane shares 

time between the two sites. 

Matt and Kristen Monteiro’s son, 

Karson, age 4, attends the Early 

Learning Academy at Winifred Pifer. 

When they first enrolled Karson, it 

was for the 2-day program. Before 

long, he was enjoying his friends and 

teachers so much that they enrolled 

him in the 5-day program – something 

they said has been a great 

experience for the entire family. 

“Karson’s overall social skills have 

really skyrocketed,” said Matt. “In 

addition, after just a few weeks, he 

knew his alphabet, was counting out 

loud, and was singing his favorite 

song for the family in both English 

and Spanish. “Karson feels like a big 

boy coming to school; he loves it 

and we love it!” 

Karson, listening to his dad, 

chimed in, “I like being with my 

Bausch, a senior at PRHS, said, 

“The Little Mermaid has probably 

been my favorite; every show I’ve 

done at PRHS has been an amazing 

experience, but this is so fun, yet 

deep, and has a character that every 

audience member can connect with. 

Please see MERMAID page 17 

The cast and crew of Paso 

High Theater Company's 

The Little Mermaid 

friends. My favorite part of the day 

is playing with the monster trucks!” 

Kristen said bringing Karson to 

the preschool has been a blessing. 

She also likes that the preschool operates 

on the same scheduled days 

as their older son, Tye, 12, a student 

at Lewis Middle School. “Just seeing 

how much he loves it here, and 

how comfortable he is, makes me so 

happy,” she said. “I love the communication 

the school has with the 

parents. There’s a newsletter and 

phone app for all of us; they share 

important messages and photos 

throughout the day, so we know 

what’s happening.” 

An interest list for the Early Learning 

Academy is now being taken for 

the 2017-2018 school year. For more 

information, call Lauren Handley 

at 769-1000 x30410 or go to pasoschools.org, 

click first on the schools 

link, and then the preschool link. 


I have really enjoyed working with 

this cast as they are all positive, talented, 

and professional. I’m so glad 

that this gets to be my fellow seniors 

and my swan song; it’s going to be a 

fantastic production!” 

Additional cast members are: 

Katie Schulte, Linnea Schafer, 

Emily Oetting, Samantha Vega 

Emma Severson, and Cassidy Le- 

Clair. Ren Callahan will take portray 

Flotsam, while Jestsam will be 

played by Jadyn Steaffens; Ursula 

by Casey Galli, and Chef Louis by 

Mr. Steaffens. 

The ensemble cast, with an 

abundance of sea creatures, lagoon 

animals, gulls, sailors, and more, include: 

James Reneau, Grace Roady, 

Brooke Bigelow, Pablo Godinez, 

Emma Danielson, Jacob Branson, 

Trevor Murray, Tyler Padgett, Myles 

McMahan, Asher Armstrong, Cody 

Buchholtz, David Trobisch, Kaitlin 

Pressley, and Sierra Marshall. Also: 

Tristan Brewer, Rebecca Slason, 

Estey Boling, Jessica Ridgeway, 

Sarah Prentiss, Shadi Frank, Josie 

Scruggs, and Stephanie Irysh. 

Lending their talents to the production 

are: Julia Schulte, acting 

coach; Madeline Whisler, vocal 

assistant; Stage Managers Isabel 

Gonzalez and Maricela Garcia 

Serrano; Assistant Stage Managers 

Rori Lomanto, Sam Mabry, and 

Ian Capps, as well as the stage crew 

made up of Sarah Galli, Alycia Doucette, 

and Ian Young. Cora Turner is 

in charge of sound; lights by Jessica 

White, Cassie Sparks is the house 

manager, and Shon Clayton is the 

usher manager. 

See the Paso High Theatre Company’s 

production of The Little Mermaid 

on March 31, April 1, 7, 8 at 

7:30 p.m. and on April 2 and 9 at 

2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at 

prhsdrama.com; $15/general admission, 

$12 discounted price for students/seniors/children. 


Jacob Bausch plays King Triton and 

Madecyn Penn stars as Ariel 



By Millie Drum 

The popular fundraiser, “Wild Wild 

West” Casino Night for the Paso 

Robles Youth Sports Council will be 

held on Saturday, March 25 at Centennial 

Park. The fun begins at 6 p.m. with 

dinner, casino style gaming and a silent 

auction. Tickets for $45 are available at 

PRYSC.com or from board members 

or member leagues. 

The number of safe playing fields for 

youth sports leagues has not kept up 

with the demand resulting in a shortage 

of facilities. As our area grows and develops, 

the demand for playing and practice 

fields increases. Member organizations 

include A.Y.S.O Region 741, PR Babe 

Ruth, PR Girls Softball, PR Youth 

Baseball, PR Youth Football & Cheer, 

and North County Aquatics. 

Fortunately, the invaluable partnerships 

with the city of PR Recreation 

Department, city council and the PR 

Public School District continues to 

bring the mission of the PRYSC to 

fruition. “There are a couple of exciting 

opportunities coming up in the next two 

years,” says Marc Dart, President of the 

PR Youth Sports Council. “With the 

expansion of the River Oaks development 

near North River Road, Dick 

Wilhoit and Estrella Associates has 

dedicated a large tract of land to the 

city. In conjunction with the city, the 

land will be developed into playing 

fields. These fields are critical in resolving 

the shortage of fields needed for 

our youth sports leagues. The fields will 

accommodate three football/soccer 

fields, and serve as a multi-use practice 

and multiple sports playing area.” 

Another development is Larry 

Moore Park, also in conjunction with 

the city of Paso Robles. Plans include 

two baseball fields with an area in 

between large enough for a football/ 

soccer field. Dart asks,” We are looking 

for partnerships with any business that 

could help with the development of 

these fields: grading, seeding, sod, irrigation 

materials, fencing, paving and of 

course, financial donations are always 

needed and appreciated!” 

Get involved! Volunteers give countless 

hours working on clean-up, building 

and field maintenance as well as large 

projects. Meetings are held the 2nd 

photos by 

Brittany App 

The whole family painting curbs 

with funds raised from Paso Robles 

Youth Sports Council 

Wednesday each month at 7 p.m. at 

Kennedy Club Fitness. Everyone is welcome 

and encouraged to attend. 

“Wild Wild West” sponsors include 

Paso Robles Waste & Recycle, H & R 

Block and KPRL Radio. Additional 

sponsorship opportunities are available. 

To donate items, contact Dart at 431- 

4748 or info@prysc.org. 

Mother and daughter team up to bring creativity to after-school classes 


Ten-year-old Mia Beck 

and mom Jamie have been 

offering after-school classes 

such as Tie Dye Mania 

through Paso Robles Recreation 

Services since January. 

In March, they are teaming up 

to teach two sessions – Duct 

Tape Accessories on March 

16, and Balloon Twisting Fun 

on March 31. 

“I’m really excited to teach 

other kids what I’ve learned and love to 

do,” Mia said. “My mom is my assistant; 

she always helps me out and helps me 

think of great ideas.” 

All classes offered by Mia and Jamie 

are open to everyone age eight and older; 

parents are invited to attend the classes 

free of charge with an enrolled child. 

In addition, snacks inspired by the class 

theme are included. 

Mia Beck in a 

Balloon hat 

“My classes are fun for girls, 

boys, and even adults,” Mia 

said. “In the Duct Tape Accessories 

class, we will be 

making bows, purses and accessories, 

wallets, bow ties, and 

more. Everyone in my Balloon 

Twisting Fun class will learn 

how to make fun things like 

flowers, wands, hats, swords, 

and dogs, which are my personal 

favorite; I can do those 

with my eyes closed!” 

Jamie, a career counselor, supports her 

daughter in her many ventures. “Ever 

since she was little, she has had a lot of 

ideas,” Jamie said. “I am always trying to 

encourage Mia and other kids; I explain 

to them that they have skills that are 

valuable.” 

Oftentimes, kids and even adults 

are more comfortable learning from 

other kids, according to Jamie. “It can 

take the fear out of learning,” she said. 

“There are some adults enrolled in 

Mia’s Balloon Twisting Fun class; one 

couple shared that they are taking the 

class so they can surprise their grandchildren 

when they visit.” 

In addition to helping Mia with the 

after-school classes, Jamie is sharing 

her skills as a career counselor with 

participants in several PR REC offerings, 

including: 

BEING DELIBERATE 

April 26, 6-8:30 p.m. 

This workshop is designed for high 

school juniors and seniors, foster care 

youth, incoming college freshmen, transfer 

students, and the parents, teachers, 

counselors, and staff that support them. 

Participants will: determine interest and 

explore their passions; begin to choose 

a college and decide on a major; learn 

how to find part-time jobs and intern- 

ships, build a resume from nothing, and 

more. Two parents, teachers, counselors 

or guardians may attend free of charge 

with a registered teen or college student. 

HOW TO TRAVEL THE WORLD FOR 

FREE (OR PRETTY CLOSE) 

May 8, 6-8 p.m. 

Discover the secrets to exploring the 

world for free (or close to it). Whether 

you are 18 and want to see the world, 

graduating from college and hoping to 

take a gap year, wanting an extended 

vacation, retired and trying to stretch 

your fixed-income, or just ready for an 

adventure for you or your entire family, 

this workshop is for you! 

CAREER VISION 

EMPLOYMENT BOOT CAMP 

May 28, 4-8 p.m. 

The boot camp is designed for those 

that may be unemployed, recently laid 

Please see RECREATION page 20 



More CASA Volunteers for North County Foster Children 

Child abuse and neglect is an issue 

that is uncomfortable to talk about, 

but it is a reality. According to Rosie 

Guzman, Program and Grants Support 

Associate, in San Luis Obispo 

County, there are nearly 500 children 

under the jurisdiction of the juvenile 

dependency court due to abuse, 

neglect or abandonment. 

Court Appointed Special Advocates 

(CASA) of San Luis Obispo County is a 

nonprofit organization that trains volunteers 

from the community to advocate for 

these children, many of whom are in foster 

care. These volunteers become a constant 

adult figure in the life of a child who is 

struggling during this traumatic time. 

Because 40% of children in the foster 

care system are placed in North County, 

must! Charities has partnered with 

CASA of San Luis Obispo County to 

help expand the program in the northern 

region. The collaboration between both 

organizations spans over a four-year period 

with funding from must! Charities 

totaling almost a quarter of a million 

dollars. 

North County Program Manager 

Melanie Barket said it’s been a year since 

the collaboration began which has really 

amplified awareness. “More people 

in the North County are familiar with 

CASA than they were a year ago,” she 

said. Barket has an active caseload of 25 

volunteers advocating for 34 children, 

bringing the total number of children 

served to 78, a 30% increase over the 

number served one year ago. 

One of her volunteers, Lori Bickel, 

started her advocacy in July 2016. Bickel 

heard about CASA of San Luis Obispo 

County a long time ago and liked 

how the organization emphasized the 

well-being of youth who didn’t have anyone 

to look out for them. “I’ve loved the 

experience,” Bickel said. “I’ve seen how 

important it is for [the children] to have 

that one person be in their life.” CASA 


CASA volunteer Lori Bickel and North 

County Program Manager Melanie Barket 

volunteers visit with their assigned child 

weekly and advocate for needed services 

and a permanent placement. “If we continue 

recruiting at this pace, my hope is 

for all the foster children to have an advocate 

in the North County,” Barket said. 

2017 marks the 9 th Annual Paso Robles Dog Jog 


Walkers, joggers and dog owners 

unite! You and your faithful 4-legged 

friends are invited to join Sherwood Dog 

Park volunteers on Saturday, April 1 at 

Vina Robles Winery. The lush vineyard is 

the perfect setting for a 2k or 4k dog jog 

or walk. Festivities after the jog/walk include 

lunch, wine tasting and live music. 

An expo will feature local, dog-loving vendors, 

a silent auction and dog contests. 

Proceeds from the event support the 

ongoing maintenance and improvements 

for the Paso Robles Sherwood Dog Park 

that opened in April 2012, thanks to a 

grassroots effort and a few dedicated volunteers. 

The off-leash park “where dogs 

take flight” is located at 290 Scott Street 

next to the Senior Center. “What a splendid 

way to spend time with your dog while 

jogging through the beautiful vineyards,” 

says Larry Miller, Sherwood Dog Park’s 

board member. “The event is filled with 

fun activities for the whole family to enjoy 

while coming together as a community to 

support your local dog park.” 

Early registration fee of $25 includes a 

2k or 4k jog or walk, commemorative dog 

bandana, goody bag, finisher’s medal, a 

voucher for lunch, and Vina Robles wine 

tasting and event glass for over age 21 participants. 

Register now since the fee will increase 

to $30 after March 30. On the day of 

the event, check-in and registration begins 

at 9 a.m. with the jog following at 10 a.m. 

The Dog Jog goes on rain or shine! 

For info and to register, call 239-9326 

or visit parks4pups.org – the website with 

event calendar, newsletter, ways to donate 

and some great photos of happy dogs 

and their owners! 

RECREATION from page 18 

off, looking for a career change, re-entering 

the workforce, transitioning from 

the military, or looking to supplement 

retirement income. 

Registration forms for all Paso Robles 

Recreation classes may be found at www. 

prcity.com/recreationonline, or register 

in-person at the Centennial Park Registration 

office at 600 Nickerson Dr. For information 

on Mia’s and Jamie’s classes and 

other PR REC programs and events, call 

237-3988. 

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Bread & Frites 


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CALL 8055 254.4727 


PASO PEOPLE 

THIS 

‘N’ 

LITERACY FOR LIFE TUTORS NEEDED 

They say that a kind act can change 

another person’s life forever and for 

the better. Being a volunteer affords 

you the opportunity of lifting another 

person’s spirits and even improving 

their life. At Literacy for Life, they 


This month will be the 55th annual 

AGRI BUSINESS TOUR in and 

around El Paso de Robles. This 

started as a concept-idea by Paso's 

downtown merchants in conjunction 

with the Chamber of Commerce. 

The idea was for farmers and ranchers 

to bring business owners and 

shop keepers out into the country to 

see how the products they sold were 

being used. Bankers, shelf stockers 

and store clerks rarely were afforded 

the opportunity to see where the 

goods they provided finally ended 

up. Further, it was an opportunity 

for people on both sides of the 

commerce chain to interact without 

dollars changing hands. 

As word of the early success of 

these get-togethers spread, the 

whole concept of expanding the 

day-long opportunity grew into Paso's 

residents tagging along as well. 

Then, as the population began to explode 

with many new-comers having 

no idea of what went on “out there” 

nor understanding the historical importance 

of those places, the Agri 

Tour became a mandatory classroom 

assignment to understand Paso and 

our outlying areas. The class was titled 

Meet 'n' Greet 101. 

In the past years, extremely interesting 

stops on the tour routes have 

rewarded the attendees with information 

and memories they could 

have never received otherwise. Wine 

processing facilities, massive carrot 

farms, horse facilities, grain farming, 

Cal Poly, water conservation, cattle operations, 

nut ranches, Piedra Blanca 

Lighthouse, Jack Creek Store and a 

cross-sectional myriad of places that 

make ya say, “WOW – I had no idea! 

Astounding!” What makes these 

tours all the more exciting are the bus 

tour-captains who have deep, deep 

roots in Paso-area history. Believe me 

when I say they are most eager to 

share it; they don't hold back! 

With that preamble, let's look at 

this year's venue. BUT, before I even 

start, read fast because tickets go on 

sale today – March 1st – the same 

day you just received your March 

PASO Magazine! 

Okay, here we go with the answers 

you are looking for: 

• Tour Day is Wednesday – May 

3rd. Take the day off; you deserve 

this! 

• Tickets are $70 pp and available 

at the Chamber of Commerce located 

at 1225 Park St., phone 238- 

0506. 

• Seating is limited to 250. 

THAT 

A COLLECTION OF STUFF 

tutor English to adults who need 

to improve their skill at speaking, 

reading and writing English. Anyone 

with average English skills and 

a willingness to help others can be a 

tutor. Completing two days of training 

is all that is necessary for you to 

• Luxury tour buses are the transportation 

of the day. 

• Meet in front of Pioneer Museum 

at 2010 Riverside Ave. Park 

across the street in the Event Center 

parking lot – it's free. Arrive early for 

coffee; buses pull away at exactly 

8:30. The coffee 'n' fixins is always 

generously donated by Larry Eastwood, 

owner of Vic's Cafe. 

• You should be back to Pioneer 

Museum about 5:30 p.m. Wear comfy 

shoes! Bottles of water and restrooms 

are on the buses. 

Here is this years planned stops. 

First will be Camp Roberts for about 

3 hours. This will include a brief 

“welcome speech” by the Base 

Commander including a “status and 

importance of the camp's mission 

statement” followed by a “points of 

interest” guided bus tour. 

become an English Tutor for Literacy 

for Life. 

Tutor training is offered several 

times per year. Currently, it is scheduled 

in the city of San Luis Obispo 

on Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m. to 3:30 

p.m. 

There is an urgent need for this 

volunteer service in Paso Robles. For 

more information, your local contacts 

are Mike at 215-3913 and Judy 

at 709-5654, or visit their website 

at info@literacyforlifeslo.org 

Second stop will be at the refurbished 

and historic Adelaida School 

House. A BBQ lunch plus tour and 

speaker will be the focus here. 

Third on the list is the Bonnheim 

Ranch with a history lesson about Oak 

tree management plus a representative 

from Cal Fire will speak about 

the whole process of what transpired 

during the 2016 Chimney Fire. 

In this era, how can one not end 

a day with a lovely glass of wine? 

Indeed, you will! The last stop of 

the day is at Halter Ranch – one of 

the most beautiful winery settings 

anyplace. 

Still need more information? Call 

the Chamber of Commerce office 

at 238-0506. They'll be happy to 

help. There you go my friends. Have 

a great tour! 

17 TH ANNUAL ALL YOU CAN 

EAT CRAB FEED 

On Saturday, March 11, 4 to 7 

p.m. at Windfall Farms the Rotary 

Club of Paso Robles Sunrise cordially 

invites everyone to join them at their 

17th Annual Crab Feed! The event 

will be at the Stallion Barn, Windfall 

Farms, Creston - Rain or Shine! 

Includes all you can eat fresh delicious 

crab, salad, pasta, bread, beer 

and soda for only $75 per person! 

Please see THIS 'N' THAT page 24 



THIS 'N' THAT from page 22 

All proceeds from this event benefit 

the Rotary Club of Paso Robles 

Sunrise Founda on 501(c)(3), which 

distributed $1,000 scholarships to 

worthy Paso Robles High School 

graduates, sponsored high school juniors 

to attend Rotary Youth Leadership 

Camp (RYLA), and supports 

Skills USA for high school vocational 

students. Rotary Sunrise also supports 

Polio Eradica, and numerous 

community programs and projects. 

Tickets available at www.brownpapertickets.com 

PASO GOES RED FOR THE AMERICAN 

HEART ASSOCIATION 

The American Heart Association 

hosts the annual Paso Goes 

Red Luncheon on Friday, March 

31 at the Paso Robles Golf Club, 

1600 Country Club Drive, beginning 

with a Health Expo at 11 a.m., 

followed by the lunch at noon. The 

Go Red Campaign is sponsored 

nationally by Macy’s and locally by 

Dignity Health Hospitals of the 

Central Coast. The annual Go Red 

For Women campaign raises awareness 

that heart disease is the number 

one health threat to women; encouraging 

them to take preventive 

measures to reduce their risk. For 

more information, visit pasogoesred 

.kintera.org. For information, contact 

Emily Reneau at 963-8862 or 

email at emily.reneau@heart.org 

HIGHLANDS WELCOMES 

NEW LEAD PASTOR 

Highlands Church recently welcomed 

back Rev. James Baird as their 

new Lead Pastor. 

Rev. Baird is no stranger to Paso 

Robles or Highlands Church. When 

the church began 10 years ago, Rev. 

Baird and his brother, Graham, 

served as the founding pastors. Highlands 

began by meeting in the Park 

Cinemas in downtown Paso Robles 

before moving to its current home. 

Rev. Baird left Highlands in 2009 

to pursue his Masters of Divinity at 

Fuller Theological Seminary. 

staff of San Marino Presbyterian 

Church as an Associate Pastor. Now 

he comes full circle in ministry, returning 

to the church he helped 

found as its new Lead Pastor. 

“I am honored to be called back 

to Highlands as Lead Pastor,” Baird 

said. “This is a deep honor and a privilege, 

something greater than I ever 

could have dreamed or imagined.” 

Highlands Church is located at 

215 Oak Hill Road, services at 8:30, 

9:45 and 11 a.m. each Sunday. For 

more information, visit www.highlandsadventure.org. 

INAUGURAL “BLACK-TIE BINGO” 

ON SATURDAY, APRIL 1 

BENEFITING THE OPTIMIST CLUB OF 

PASO ROBLES YOUTH FUND 

The Optimist Club of Paso Robles 

proudly presents the return of the 

annual “Black-Tie Bingo” fundraiser! 

This year’s event will take the place of 

their annual “Chinese Auction” and 

held at the Paso Robles Event Center 

on Saturday, April 1, from 5:30 to 10 

p.m. in the newly remodeled Frontier 

Arts & Crafts building. 

The event will start with a Champagne 

reception complete with Hors 

d’oeuvres catered by Chef Andre 

Aversang of PasoTerra Catering from 

6 to 7 p.m. Co-Emcees for the evening 

will be Chuck Sawyer and Chad 

Stevens, and celebrity callers will keep 

the action going through 15 Bingo 

games played from 7-9:30 p.m., with 

bingo prizes starting at no less than 

$100. There will also be a raffle prize 

drawing for other prizes. You must be 

present to win! 

As a bonus for attending this event, 

there will be a special concert during 

the Bingo games by local favorite 

“Kings of Cool” who will be entertaining 

us with songs from the likes 

of Frank Sinatra and the infamous 

‘Rat Pack’! 

All proceeds from this event go to 

support the Optimist Club of Paso 

Robles to assist funding the youth of 

our community through High School 

scholarships and sponsorships of other 

youth events in the North County. 


All contributions are tax deductible. 

Sponsor packages are available 

now, as well as reserved tables for up 

to eight people. What a great way to 

entertain friends or co-workers by 

dressing ‘To the Nines’ and spending 

an elegant evening playing Bingo! 

Tickets are $75 each. For more info 

call 469-5609. 

After graduating from Fuller, Rev. 

Baird was ordained with the Santa 

Barbara Presbytery and joined the 

24 

PASO Magazine, March 2017



The artists and staff with Studios 

on the Park have plenty of classes, 

workshops, and events to help people 

of all ages and inclinations explore, 

wake up, and express their creative 

side. 

“We have many new exciting 

offerings,” said Studios Executive 

Director Sasha Irving, “and several 

of our favorite instructors are back 

with an awesome lineup of classes. 

Get ready for mixed media, ceramics, 

painting, and more at Studios! Our 

diverse programming includes plenty 

for younger artists as well.” 

MINDFUL ART SESSION: 

VISUAL ART JOURNALING 

Eve Provost Chartrand 

March 2, 16, 30 • 6-8 p.m. 

Art journaling is a powerful tool 

for self-discovery and cultivating your 

creativity. Mixed media artist Eve 

Provost Chartrand offers these art 

sessions that are geared towards providing 

emotional relief from stress 

and anxiety, while exploring the psychological 

benefits of mindful art. 

She will explore the personal value 

of journaling, as well as methods for 

Ink+Drink session with artist Kirstin Kallal 

Open Studio-Art Critique session 

with artist Jessamyn Lynn 

generating thought and techniques 

for building color, texture, and content. 

Participants will work with 

a prompt for journaling, and new 

techniques for building backgrounds, 

building layers of imagery and signification, 

or adding text. No experience 

necessary; all materials, except for 

sketchbook, are included in the $25 per 

session fee. 

CERAMICS CLASS 

Anna Meyrick 

March 6, 13, 20 • 4:30-6:30 p.m. 

Adults are invited to come and explore 

with clay in this dynamic ceramics 

class with Anna Meyrick – no 

experience necessary! The open studio 

format allows students to take full 

advantage of the artistic possibilities 

of the hand-building and slab methods. 

Come with project ideas in mind 

or experiment to create vases, vessels, 

flowers, creatures or something new. 

The $125 fee includes materials and 

firing. 

INK + DRINK 

Kirstin Kallal, March 10 (second 

Friday of each month) • 5-9 p.m. 

Shake off the stress of your workweek 

and join printmaker Kirstin 

Kallal for a fun night with friends! 

Ink + Drink nights provide a great 

introduction to printmaking where 

participants will get an overview 

of the materials and processes used 

in printmaking, without an overwhelming 

time commitment. Artist 

and Facilitator Kirstin Kallal provides 

all of the materials and ink and 

you bring the drink! Using simple 

printmaking techniques, she guides 

participants through easy projects, 

including her pre-carved stamps to 

create keepsake gift tags and cards. 

“Stop in when you can between 5 

and 9, bring your friends and a bottle 

of wine, and stay for a glass or two,” 

says Kirstin. “Start your weekend 

making your own cards with the 

stamps and ink I provide, and then 

go to dinner or look at more art. This 

is casual, fun and simple! This is lowkey, 

non-intimidating, approachable 

art-making…and it’s a good time. 

We talk, we laugh, we drink, we 

make. For the March Ink & Drink, 

participants can stamp wine and 

beer-themed greeting cards and gift 

tags.” Price varies by item. 

OPEN STUDIO/ART 

CRITIQUE 

Jessamyn Lynn, March 15 (third 

Wednesday of the month) • 5-8 p.m. 

Join Jessamyn Lynn and bring a 

piece of art that you would like to 

talk about/need support with and/ 

or a piece to work on. “We offer a 

space for people of all backgrounds 

and ages and walks of life to come 

and create their own space and get 

Please see STUDIOS page 27 


‘A PARTY WITH A PURPOSE’ TICKETS GOING FAST FOR 

By Melissa Chavez 

On March 4, the 

Park Ballroom in Paso 

Robles will be transformed 

into The Big Easy to celebrate 

the second annual “Mardi Gras Underground” 

fundraiser. 

Tasty N’awlins cuisine by Paso 

Robles Culinary Arts Academy will 

be prepared under the direction of 

Director of Food Services Gregg 

Wangard, a multiple award-winning 

chef. Adding to the menu, Bon 

Temps Creole Café will serve delicious 

food in their signature Cajun 

style. Wine and beer will be available, 

featuring a “Hurricane” cocktail. 

All are encouraged to arrive in 

true Mardi Gras form with colorful 

masks and vibrant attire for a night 

of partying. The Fat Tuesday band 

will perform a selection of R&B, 

jazz, Dixieland and Memphis blues 

to entice everyone to the dance floor. 

Live and silent auction items 

will be up for bid that will include 

products and 

services by area sponsors. 

Proceeds from the 

event will benefit Hospice 

of San Luis Obispo County 

and Community Counseling Center 

(CCC). The nonprofit agencies 

work under one roof in Paso Robles, 

which help them more efficiently 

serve the public. 

Both CCC and Hospice SLO 

County headquarters operate in 

independent offices in San Luis 

Obispo. In Paso Robles, the North 

County office is at 517 13th Street, 

west of the Plymouth Congregational 

Church. The Downtown location, a 

brief walk from Spring Street, makes 

access especially convenient for people 

who use area transit systems as 

their main source of transportation. 

“Hospice SLO County and Community 

Counseling Center have a 

long history of working collaboratively, 

so it made sense for us to share 

office space in Paso Robles,” says 

Kris Kington-Barker, Executive 

Director of Hospice of San Luis 

Obispo County. “Both agencies provide 

short-term counseling for children, 

teens and adults with Hospice 

SLO County, focusing on areas of 

severe illness, grief and bereavement.” 

The two agencies represent a combined 

total of more than 87 years of 

service to San Luis Obispo County. 

Community Counseling Center’s 

(CCC) mission is “to build and 

support emotionally strong families, 

individuals, and community through 

confidential, affordable counseling, 

education, and advocacy.” 

“Lack of insurance or inability to 

pay is never a barrier for either agency,” 

says Kington-Barker. “In addition 

to great food, music and a memorable 

time, the Mardi Gras event shines 

light on how our agencies sustain 

North County residents within their 

most grievous circumstances. Every 

STUDIOS from page 26 

the support and community they 

want and need to form a stronger 

practice,” says Jessamyn. “I encourage 

everyone to come to an open studio/ 

art critique to see what YOU have 

to offer…if you’ve been looking for 

a place to connect or express yourself 

and would like to do so with 

other like-minded people.” Please 


person who attends our fundraiser 

will help their North County neighbors 

immensely by making it possible 

to continue these vital services.” 

Tickets for the Mardi Gras Underground 

celebration are $50/presale 

and $55 at the door. Reserved 

Sponsor table seating is available for 

$450 per table and include complimentary 

sparkling wine to toast the 

occasion. Everyone is encouraged to 

purchase their tickets early, as a sellout 

is highly anticipated. 

The Park Ballroom venue is located 

at 1232 Park Street in Paso Robles. 

For tickets and more information, call 

Gracie Rey at 544-2266. To learn 

more about Community Counseling 

Services and Hospice of San Luis 

Obispo County, visit www.cccslo.com 

and www.hospiceslo.org 

RSVP. No fees to attend; donations 

accepted. 

Please register or RSVP for all 

sessions and classes. To find more 

information on these classes and 

other happenings at Studios on the 

Park during March and throughout 

the year, call 238-9800, stop by 

1130 Pine St. or go to www.Studios 

OnThePark.org for registration, 

costs, and more. 


AT THE LIBRARY 

Adult Coloring Club 

Who says coloring is just for children? 

Come join in this newest crafting craze on 

Thursday, March 9, at 6 p.m. in the Library 

conference room. Why color? The process of 

coloring has the same therapeutic qualities as 

meditation. Coloring in a group allows you 

to add socializing to the mix while you create. 

During the Library’s Coloring Club, staff provide 

coloring tips and challenges to add to the 

fun. Feel free to bring your own materials and 

join in the fun at the library. No signups are 

necessary for the coloring club, and all materials 

are provided. 

Cuesta Book of the 

Year-themed programs 

The Library has several opportunities for you to 

participate in Cuesta Book of the Year events 

without ever leaving Paso Robles. 

Thursday, Mar. 16, 7-8 p.m. Join in a lively 

discussion of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks 

by Rebecca Skloot, which tells the true story of 

a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the 

same land as her slave ancestors. 

Thursday, Mar. 23, 7-8 p.m. Plan to attend an 

informative presentation on medical ethics by local 

physician Dr. Irene Spinello. Dr. Spinello, who 

specializes in Critical Care Medicine and is the 

Director of ICU at Twin Cities Hospital. 

Thursday, Apr. 6, 6-8 p.m. Based on the true 

story of the 1932 Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, 

the library presents Miss Ever’s Boys, a film telling 

the story from the perspective of Eunice Evers 

(Eunice Rivers in real life), a nurse who helped recruit 

men for the “experiment” that lasted for years 

instead of the three months originally proposed. 

This film is rated PG. 

Next in the Make It @ Your Library Series 

Next in the Library’s adult Make It @ Your 

Library series is a string art project on Thursday, 

Mar. 2 from 6-8 p.m. in the Library Conference 

room. You may have seen the my-favorite-state 

string art on the internet, and now you will have 

an opportunity to create your own version of this 

trendy art piece. All supplies and instruction will 

be provided, but please BYOH (bring your own 

hammer) (and earplugs?). 

Signup for this event at the Paso Robles 

Library Circulation Desk. Space is limited. This 

event is appropriate for ages 12 and up. 

Maker Mondays! 

The Library invites children of all ages to participate 

in a new program Maker Mondays! The last 

Monday of every month at 4 p.m. in the Library 

Story Room, children will experiment and explore 

the world around them through art, crafts, and 

experiments. According to Children’s Librarian 

Melissa Bailey, “Maker programs foster creativity, 


curiosity, and confidence in children and inspire 

them to share and try new ideas.” 

Maker Mondays are scheduled for March 27 

and April 24. The program is free but limited to 

the first 30 participants. Tickets will be available 

at the Children’s Desk beginning at 3:30 

p.m. the day of the program. For more information 

about Maker Mondays, contact Melissa 

Bailey at mbailey@prcity.com 

March Art - Hart Junge 

to display entire month 

March will feature the collages of artist Hart 

Junge. They are two by three feet and made mostly 

from non-glossy newspaper colors without text. 

A Passion for Paso 

Learn more about our local agriculture and 

develop your palate at the same time through the 

library’s new tasting series, A Passion for Paso. The 

first in the series is March 30, from 6-7:30 pm in 

the Library Conference Room. Learn about allthings-olive 

as Jennifer Holmes from We Olive 

presents this informative and delicious olive oil 

tasting. Learn the process involved in making a 

fine olive oil, the definition of "Extra Virgin," and 

the many health benefits derived from olives. 

The Paso Robles City Library is located at 1000 

Spring Street and is open Monday – Friday 10 a.m. 

- 8 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information 

on library programs and events, call 237- 

3870 or visit www.prcity.com/library. 

Custom Dressmaking & Tailoring 

by Mary Ann Austin 

• Expert alterations & fine tailoring for men 

and women. 

• Custom garment construction, Bridal, Special 

Occasion, Prom. 

• I cover pillows and shams. 

Located at 

1716 COMMERCE WAY 

(next to Full Belly Deli) 

Paso Robles 

Mondays & 

Wednesdays 

9:00 am - 4:00pm 

For appointment call 

(805) 440-7500 



ROUND TOWN 

Choice of Show 

By Bob Chute 

The Warbirds Wings and Wheels 9 

(WWW9), sponsored by Firestone Walker 

Brewing Company, includes an Open House 

extravaganza, featuring 

a Classic and 

Vintage Car Show. 

And this year 

they are adding a 

Spring version of last September’s successful 

inaugural Mega Swap Meet, with automotive 

related parts, featuring numerous new 

and used items in such categories as street 

rod parts, vintage auto parts, vintage race car 

parts, vintage motorcycle parts, vintage tractor 

parts, aircraft related items, plus hit and 

miss engines, Petroliana Collectibles, automotive 

art, and a car corral. 

Both events are set for Saturday, May 13, 

from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Estrella Warbirds 

Museum and Woodland Auto Display, 4251 

Dry Creek Road in Paso Robles. 

The 1/2 price admission of just $5 (free 

under 12) allows you to enjoy the WWW9, 

Spring Mega Swap Meet, plus entrance to all 

the museum displays and buildings with plenty 

of free parking adjacent to the 250 cars and 

specialty vehicles parked among military aircraft 

and equipment on display vying for 1st 

Place Class Awards in 23 classes and Woodland 

Auto Display Choice of Show Award. 

Warbirds Wings and Wheels has always 

been a great fun day with something to see 

for the whole family! There will be a kid’s 

zone with bounce houses and more. 

WWW9 will be held in the usual areas 

Last year’s full house at WWW8 

while the Mega Swap Meet will be set up 

on the East/West Taxi-Way. Once you have 

purchased a wristband, you can go to all locations, 

back and forth as much as you choose. 

That said, if you purchase an item at the Swap 

Meet, you will NOT be allowed to carry the 

item back through the area where the show 

cars are staged. They will have temporary 

fencing and staff to direct purchasers around 

to the parking lot to drop off their item and 

the buyers may then return back through 

the main entry area (those displaying their 

vehicles are assured their shiny custom will 

NOT have people walking by with a ‘rusty 

whatever’ and bang into it. That will NOT be 

allowed to happen!) 

With it being a combined event and spread 

out, they will have the usual food court near 

Hangar 1 plus they’re planning a second food 

and drink vendor location near the East/ 

West Taxi-Way, perhaps where the C-47 is 

normally located or on the Taxi-Way itself. 

Firestone Walker will be pouring their selection 

of brews, plus wine, sodas and water 

will also be available along with a variety of 

palate pleasers alongside vendors with event 

shirt and hat sales and auto-related items. 

DJ provided music will be playing throughout 

the day of the car show and Mega Swap 

Meet. Raffle prizes, 50/50 cash drawing tickets 

are $5 each or 5 for $20. There will be 

three drawing times. Prize numbers will be 

posted with the winning ticket numbers in 

the hangar throughout the show. 

How to Enter YOUR Car 

Park your car among the warbirds for that 

special picture! To enter your car in the show 

go to www.ewarbirds.org and click on the car 

show link for further information or stop by the 

museum and pick up an entry form. Entry fee is 

$40 per car through May 5, $50 after. All entries 

will receive 2 free entry wrist bands - good for 

all access - a goody bag, dash plaque, tee shirt, 

poster and a picture of their car with a plane as 

they enter the museum. Plus car show participants 

can enter a drawing 

to win $600 first prize, $400 

second, and $200 for third. 

Vehicle parking begins at 6 

a.m. and ends at 9:45 a.m. 

the day of the event. Judging 

is 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The 

Awards ceremony begins at 3 p.m. All vehicles 

are to remain in the display area until the 

Awards Ceremony has ended. Questions, call 

238-9317. See photos of last years’s show at 

www.ewarbirds.org 

Monte Mills 

Barn Dinner and Dance Mixer 

Friday Night 

Car show participants and museum members 

are invited Friday night, May 12th, for a 

good ol’ Barn Dinner/Dance to start the car 

show festivities off with dinner and dancing to 

the tunes of Monte Mills and the 

Lucky Horseshoe Band. Tickets 

are $35 per person including dinner…must 

RSVP by May 10th. 

Special parking for hot rods. Location 

is at the Estrella Warbirds Museum and 

Woodland Auto Display 6 to 10 p.m. with 

dinner at 6:30 p.m. and dancing at 7 p.m. Beer 

and wine available for purchase. 

1/2 Price Admission 

Now is a great time to visit Estrella 

Warbirds Museum for the special half price 

of just $5 (under 12, free). All Estrella 

Hot Rods! 


Warbirds Museum and Woodland 

Auto Display buildings 

will be open with free tours for 

the day. They’ve been working 

through the year adding new 

displays, new airplanes, plenty of 

new vehicles and artifacts. 

The Hind Pavilion Grand 

Entrance with an expanded gift 

shop and displays will be open to 

the public. The display includes 

an F18 training simulator and an 

early war years LINKS trainer. 

Visitor gates open at 7 a.m. and 

run through 4 p.m. Bring the whole 

family! Plenty of parking. Just following 

the signs! The museum is 

located by the Paso Robles Airport 

at 4251-A Dry Creek Road, normal 

hours it is open Thursday through 

Sunday and Memorial Day, Labor 

Day and Veteran’s Day, 10 a.m. to 4 

p.m. For additional information, call 

238-9317 or www.ewarbirds.org. 

The Woodland Auto Display trophy is 

awarded to the vehicle judged “Choice 

of Show” by Woodland Auto Display. 

Last year’s winner was Marc McCaslin of 

Bakersfield with his 1936 Ford coupe, 

featured, upper right on page 30. 

Estrella Warbirds Museum is dedicated 

to the restoration and preservation of military 

aircraft, vehicles and the memorabilia 

of those who used and maintained them. 

Their approach is not to glorify conflict, but 

rather to make future generations aware 

of the fact our way of life does not come 

without sacrifice. Estrella Warbirds Museum 

is a non-profit under the provisions of 

sections 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, tax ID 

number is: 77-0324714. All proceeds from 

the car show go to help preserve, maintain 

and expand their displays for future generations 

to enjoy. 

All proceeds help to support Estrella 

Warbirds Museum, A non-profit 501 

©(3) corporation. Tax ID#77-0324714. 


ROUND TOWN 

Kicking off the 2017 California Mid 

State Fair’s new slogan, “America’s Favorite 

Fair,” the 16th District Agriculture 

Association Board of Director’s 71st Annual 

Dinner meeting in early February 

recognized last year’s accomplishments 

and previewed some of the attractions 

planned for the 2017 version running 

July 19 through July 30, with the theme 

of “Come One, Come All…” 

This year’s fair, according to CEO 

Michael H. Bradley, “will celebrate agriculture, 

4-H, FFA, the arts, the talents of 

our citizens, world class entertainment, 

and the traditions of our region. You can 

expect many additional programs, improvements, 

and a new and expanded 

Carnival produced by Helm and Sons of 

California.” 

The evening celebrated: 

• Woods-Claeyssens as the Top Buyer 

in the Junior Livestock Auction with 

$884,800. 

• Randy Flamm as the Top Heifer Buyer 

of the Junior Livestock Auction with 

$46,585. 

• Albertson’s - 25,000 people strong - 

was honored as the Sponsor of the Year 

with a special shout out to Cindy Hawks. 

Family of Hal of Fame Linda Hamers (posthumously) 

• John Lacey Honored with Centennial 

Cattleman Award 

• Employee of the Year honors went to 

Hector Vergara. 

• Volunteer of the Year recognition to 

Steve Mowry. 

• The 2017 CMSF Hall of Fame Inductees 

included Katcho Achadjian, Matt Masia, 

and Linda Hamers (posthumously). 

• CMSF Wins Awards at IAFE Convention 

The California Mid-State Fair was the 

winner of several awards at the 2016 

International Association of Fairs and 

Expositions annual gathering held in Las 

Vegas November 27-30, 2016. 

1 st Place 

1.) Get Crafty California. All new mixology 

competition combining California-grown 

produce and craft spirits. 

2.) Cattlemen & Farmers Day Photo. 

Photo by Brittany App. 

3.) JB Dewar Tractor Restoration 

Program. Old and worn tractors are restored 

by high school students, being 

mentored by JB Dewar. 

2016 California Mid-State Fair 

Highlights! 

For the sixth consecutive year overall 

attendance exceeded 410,000 people, 

Robles Zinfandels during Zinposium, 

Friday, March 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Paso 

Robles Inn Ballroom. 

Zinposium is a unique 

Zin-focused seminar featuring 

a panel of winemakers, 

lead by Master Sommelier, 

Peter Neptune, tasting you 

through the heritage grape 

of Paso Robles. 

CMSF Board President Chris Darway, right, 

and Vice President Dee Lacey, present the 

Cattleman of the Year award to John Lacey. 

despite temperatures exceeding 105° 

on five of the twelve days. 

First-year CEO Michael H. Bradley 

said, “Despite the extreme heat, America’s 

Favorite Fair was a tremendous success, 

full of family fun and memories.” 

BLAKE WINS! Highlighting the EN- 

TERTAINMENT was country superstar 

Blake Shelton whose record-breaking 

sold-out show of 14,875 people was the 

single-largest crowd to ever see a show 

in the Main Grandstand Arena. That Saturday, 

July 23rd also set single-day records 

for beer consumption (326 kegs) 

and trash haul-away (7 yards). Overall 

attendance for the Bud Light Concert 

Series was very strong at 74,845 people 

attending the 13 concerts/shows. 

The JR. LIVESTOCK AUCTION 

brought in a total of $2,426,206 on 817 

animals (with Add-Ons, unofficial). Of 

that, $345,825 came from the Replacement 

Heifer Sale and $2,080,381 came 

from the Jr. Livestock Auction. Highlights 

included Friday’s Highest Selling Heifer: 

Chaparral 4-H’s Brandon Pacheco’s 

Replacement Heifer at $22,000 (Buyer: 

Adelaide Inn & Black Oak Hotel) and 

Saturday’s Highest Selling Animal: Chaparral 

4-H’s Jena Corea’s Hog at $45,600 

(Buyer: Tom Corea Construction). 

VINTAGE PASO: Zinfandel Weekend 

Create your own zinful itinerary to 

smell, sip and savor the heritage of Paso 

Robles during Vintage Paso: Zinfandel 

Weekend, March 17-19. You’ll find a 

wine lover’s paradise in Paso Robles - 

140 local wineries celebrate with 3 days 

of events! Discover more at Friday’s Zinposium 

and Z-Afterparty tasting. 

Vintage Paso: Zinposium Seminar 

Experience an overview of Paso 

Hall of Fame 

Katcho Achadjian 

Hall of Fame 

Matt Masia 

Peter 

Neptune 

Vintage Paso: Z After Party 

Back by popular demand, the Z After 

Party will return to Vintage Paso: 

Zinfandel Weekend! 

Looking for something to do after 

dinner in Downtown Paso Robles? 

19 Paso wineries for a special walkaround 

Zinfandel tasting, complemented 

by a fantastic selection of desserts and 

live music on Friday, March 17 from 8 to 

The INDUSTRIAL ARTS AUCTION 

increased from 57 exhibits in 2015 to 

58 exhibits this year, with overall money 

being raised for the kids reaching a 

$58,627 payout (with Add-Ons). 

Entertainment announced 

Four Grandstand Arena acts at the 

Paso Robles Event Center were announced 

for the 2017 Fair: 

• Superstar Lionel Richie in concert on 

Wednesday, July 19 at 7:30 pm. A special 

guest for the show has yet to be announced. 

Richie’s concert is part of the 

annual Bud Light Concert Series. 

• Three-time GRAMMY winners and 

multi-platinum artists Zac Brown Band 

will perform on Thursday, July 20 at 7:30 

p.m., part of the annual Bud Light Concert 

Series 

• Country music superstar Keith Urban 

will perform on Wednesday, July 

26 at 7:30 pm. Special guest is Lauren 

Alaina, who will open the show. Urban’s 

“ripCORD WORLD TOUR 2017” concert 

is part of the annual Bud Light Concert 

Series 

• Performance is part of An Evening of 

Music & Wine - Frankie Valli & The Four 

Seasons will perform on Friday, July 28 at 

7 p.m. The show is the Fair’s annual “Evening 

of Music & Wine” concert. 

On the Frontier Stage, the following 

performances have been booked and will 

be free with paid admission to the Fair 

• Blue Öyster Cult to perform two 

shows, on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at 

6:30 and 8:30 p.m. 

• WAR to perform two shows, on 

Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at 6:30 and 

8:30 p.m. 

• The Fab Four to perform two shows, 

on Thursday, July 27, 2017, at 6:30 and 

8:30 p.m. 

10 p.m. at the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom! 

Participating wineries: Ancient Peaks 

Winery, Brecon Estate, Calcareous 

Vineyard, Caliza Winery, Castoro Cellars, 

Field Recordings., Glunz Family 

Winery & Cellars, J Dusi Wines, Lone 

Madrone, Nadeau Family Vintners, 

Peachy Canyon Winery, Pomar Junction 

Vineyard & Winery, Powell Mountain 

Cellars, Ranchita Canyon Vineyard, 

Rotta Winery, San Antonio Winery, 

Vino Vargas, Vina Robles Vineyards & 

Winery, and Zenaida Cellars. 


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What’s happening in Templeton this month 

By Heather Young 

ROUND TOWN 

Art by Maeve Croghan 

at Castor Cellars 

Castoro Cellars will feature the 

work of artist Maeve Croghan 

during the months of March and 

April. Admission to the gallery 

is free during business hours and 

special events. 

Navigating Motherhood 

Twin Cities Community Hospital 

hosts a free Navigating 

Motherhood for new moms in the 

third floor waiting room of the 

Templeton hospital every Thursday 

from 9:30 to 11 a.m. This support 

group is facilitated by a licensed 

clinical social worker. Topics include 

teaching positive coping 

skills and strategies for successfully 

overcoming the new challenges 

of motherhood. Understanding 

the risk factors and symptoms of 

postpartum depression will also 

be addressed. Babies and support 

persons are welcome. No registration 

is required. 

BINGO 

Templeton Lions Club holds 

BINGO night every Monday at the 

Templeton American Legion Hall 

at 805 S. Main St. from 4:30 to 5:30 

p.m. 

Baby Care and 

Breastfeeding class 

This series of three classes at 


covers breastfeeding, baby 

care and safety. Participants will 

receive practical information for 

a successful and rewarding breastfeeding 

experience, including: what 

to expect during the hospital stay, 

tips for ensuring a positive breastfeeding 

experience for mom and 

baby and assuring an adequate milk 

supply. Partners are encouraged to 

attend. These classes are free and 

are held in the Founders’ Pavilion 

on the first Monday of the month 

at 6:30 p.m. Pre-registration is 

required by going to www.twin 

citieshospital.com/about-us/ 

classes-events. 

Coffee with a CHP 

California Highway Patrol’s 

Templeton office hosts Coffee with 

a CHP the second Tuesday of each 

month at Nature’s Touch Nursery & 

Harvest, 225 Main St. in Templeton, 

at 8:30 a.m. The monthly coffee 

event gives locals the opportunity to 

interact with local law enforcement 

personnel on a 

more personal 

level. 

March Women in Business 

Templeton Chamber of Commerce’s 

Women in Business meets 

the second Tuesday of the month 

on March 14 at 11:30 a.m. at 

Templeton Community Center, 

601 S. Main St. The cost is $25 

for chamber members and $30 

for non-members. To RSVP, call 

434-1789 or email info@templetonchamber.com 

by the Thursday 

at 5 p.m. before the luncheon. 

Understanding Hip & Knee 

Replacement 


in Templeton hosts a free class 

to understanding hip and knee 

replacement the second Wednesday 

of each month at 4 p.m. in the 

Founders Pavilion. The pre-operative 

class helps educate patients 

and their families about hip and 

knee replacement surgery and recovery. 

Pre-registration is required 

by going to www.twincitieshospital 

.com/about-us/classes-events. 

March After Five Mixer 

The Templeton Chamber of 

Commerce will host its monthly 

After Five Mixer on Thursday, 

March 23 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For 

the location and more information, 

contact Gail Kudlac at info 

@templetonchamber.com or 434- 

1789. 

Templeton Chamber’s 2017 

Business Expo 

This year’s Templeton Chamber 

of Commerce’s annual Business 

Expo will take place on Thursday, 

April 6 at Fig at Courtney’s House, 

311 6th St. in Templeton, from 

4 to 7 p.m. The theme this year is 

“hidden treasures.” This event is 

free and open to the public and features 

giveaways, raffle prizes, food 

samples, beer and wine and lots of 

fun for the whole family. 

COUNTY PERSPECTIVE 

By Bruce 

Curtis 

Big Moneys: Light airplane radios 

– we call them avionics – are just, 

just stupid. Garmin has a virtual monopoly, 

so replacing the old stuff 

costs an arm, a leg and a Porsche. 

That ours were elderly was understatement 

– the black and white 

TV in your attic is cutting-edge tech 

by comparison. They were ready for 

a museum. So I transferred money 

from my account to the airplane 

account to buy the latest touchscreen-wiz-box 

that can find the 

runway in a simultaneous volcanic 

eruption, snowstorm and London 

fog. 

But the money promptly disappeared. 

For five days. After three 

days I called the bank, scaling the 

phone tree. They had transferred 

the money, but were sitting on it 

for three more days. Why? Because 

they can. Float; the term for the 

interest they skim during those 

five days it takes to “transfer” 

money for in reality, a millisecond 

electronic transaction. Don’t laugh; 

it adds up. 

“Do you still send it by stagecoach, 

like the one in your commercials?” 

I prodded. 

The young man on the other end 

of the phone was getting emotional, 

guess he couldn’t handle my 

nuclear-grade sarcasm. I felt guilty; 

banks are like nations: old bankers 

declare wars, young bankers fight 

them. 

Paso Robles city officials may be 

asking themselves if regional water 

officials were reaching a little too 

deeply in their pockets to extract 

penalties for unavoidable teething 

trouble at the city’s new sewage 

treatment plant. 

To let you know how it works, 

environmental bureaucracies ratchet 

up regulatory standards every so 

often, because they can. Sewage 

treatment plants that used to be 

more than adequate, are declared 

polluters as agencies raise the bar, 

forcing expensive new technology. 

Those who shoulder the unintended 

consequences may not like it, but 

that’s how the real world of state 

regulating works nowadays. 

Central Coast Regional Water 

Quality Control Board (RWQCB) officials 

formally fined the city for violating 

its wastewater treatment permit, 

173 times over a two and a half year 

period through June, 2016, according 

to RWQCB enforcement coordinator 

– don’t you love that term? 

– Thea Tryon. The price tag for all 

those peccadilloes: over $500,000. 

City sewage plant officials respond 

that as new systems and 

new treatment plants come online, 

hiccups are inevitable. At any rate, 

nobody should have been surprised, 

said public works director Dick 

McKinley, not the plant operators, 

not the water board. And even with 

the best intentions and top tech, 

rules are so strict that problems 

are inevitable. State law makes it 

difficult to raise taxes, but is it 

ethical for the government to 

use fines instead? In other words, 

should regulations be so strict that 

nobody can keep them, so violations 

become a new government 

revenue stream? Voters may want 

to weigh in on that question. 

Getting Organized: local property 

owners are banding together 

to deal with another state mandate 

that wasn’t invented here either, 

despite the generous and contentious 

coverage groundwater has 

garnered in the past two years. 

After a county proposed sustainable 

groundwater management 

district failed at the ballot box, 

Paso Robles basin property owners 

are taking matters into their own 

hands. 

The 2014 mandate, signed by 

Governor Jerry Brown, dangles a 

sword of Damocles; unless local 

groundwater management districts 

are formed and sustainability 

proposals submitted, the state of 

Please see PERSPECTIVE page 37 

34 

PASO Magazine, March 2017

Heartgard 

Exp. 3/31/17 

Exp. 3/31/17 

Exp. 3/31/17 

434-2002 

www.templetonvet.com 

80 S. Main 

Templeton 

Open to serve you Mon-Fri 7:30am - 6:00pm 

Saturday 8:00am - Noon 

Ryan Ehlinger, DVM • Robyn Schmidt, DVM • Meghan DeClue, DVM 


Chef Phillip Riccomini is retiring 

after 19 years at the Culinary Academy 

Recently a new San Miguel 

Community page was created on 

Facebook. After reading several 

comments on the page, a member of 

our San Miguel Advisory Committee 

created a questionnaire asking 

what people would like to see done 


With his life spent in or around a 

kitchen, one of the most respected 

and loved instructors in the entire Paso 

Robles Education System is retiring. 

His formal title is Executive Chef and 

Culinary Specialist and Instructor. His 

name is Phillip Riccomini. He’s a really 

good guy, a disciplined educator and 

has helped many hundreds of students 

along their educational paths. 

Chef Phillip grew up in the Hi-Desert 

area of California as one of three sons 

in a family restaurant business. Everyone 

worked and by a very early age, 

he was butchering as well as doing 

dishes and the rest of the chores. 

When his dad passed away, the sons 

took over with Phillip as “Chef-incharge 

of the kitchens.” In 1979, Phillip 

knew he had to get better. He applied 

to and was accepted at the CIA – Culinary 

Institute of America – the most 

famous one in Hyde Park, New York. 

After graduation, he returned to the 

family business which now included 

three locations with a bakery and catering 

service. The various disciplines 

were falling into place. 

So much so, that Phillip was recruited 

to come to the Central Coast 

as head chef for the Park Suites Hotel 

which is now Embassy Suites. That 

led to a stint at the SLO Country Club 

where he met even more people that 

would play important parts in his career 

path. While Phillip could certainly 

cook and bake and run a business, the 

one element that was missing was a 

more broad overview of the industry. 

One garners that by selling in it. Of 

course he had “sold” his customers on 

their choice of meals and the like, but 

he hadn’t sold to people like himself. 

Through Kraft Foods and Sysco Food 

Systems, that was about to change and 

so would his career. 

Around 1997, the El Paso de Robles 

School District was planning to start a 

culinary school as part of a master plan 

of teaching more hands-on skills for 

our youth. Rod Blackner was hired to 

start the program including outfitting a 

building with a kitchen and even finding 

funds for the project and a revenue 

stream that could help support it. Rod 

was one of Phillip’s customers. During 

sales calls and cups of coffee, Phillip 

found out that Rod would be looking 

for a certified chef as the head instructor. 

Phillip also heard him say that the 

person would need a certified teaching 

credential; Phillip certainly did not have 

that. However, without telling anyone, 

Phillip went about getting that certification 

and on a subsequent sales call, he 

gave it to Rod and said, “I want to apply 

for this job. I think I’d be great at it.” 

During the interviewing cycle, where all 

the applicants were in the same room 

together, it was pretty clear that Phillip 

had more credentials than the others 

and he won the position. He believes 

he is the first professional chef in the 

State to also be a certified teacher. 

In the Fall of 1998, the first class 

was held. There were eight girls and 

one boy in the 20,000 square foot facility 

located at 1900 Golden Hill Rd. 

Phillip had written the curriculum and 

off he started. It’s hard to say who 

learned more – the students in what 

they learned about the food business 

or the teacher figuring out how to control 

a classroom. But, they all survived 

the year and the next year, there were 

35 students! These years, there are approximately 

65 students packed into 

4 semesters’ worth of work per school 

year. Students are all Juniors or Seniors. 

Add it all up and it comes to somewhere 

near 1000 students have gone 

through Paso’s Culinary Academy! 

Let’s look at some of the accomplishments 

and goals this man has had 

at the Culinary Academy. Phillip has 

taught for Cuesta’s North Campus and 

today, the High School curriculum is so 

good that it counts for College credit 

at Cuesta on the way to earning an AA 

degree. He has also taught in concert 

with California Men’s Colony. 

In 2005, the SKILLS USA contests 

started producing winners from Paso in 

the fields of baking, table service and hot 

food preparation. Phillip says his goal 

was always to help prepare students for 

an intense career in the “real world with 

real customers” where, fresh out of high 

school on day-one, they could walk into 

an interview opportunity and have skills 

to get a job. That was his driving force of 

being an educator. He fully knows that 

some students may use their training as 

a way to earn extra money or help defray 

college expenses. He also knows some 

will have lifelong careers in the food industry 

– many have! 

Chef Phillip wants all of Paso to 

know how much he has appreciated 

the support through his 19 years here. 

He also says that after 54 years in the 

San Miguel Reflections 

By Lynne 

Schmitz 

or improved in the town. Their replies 

were interesting in that the improvements 

and assistance requested 

echoed down the years to those 

of us who have lived in and donated 

our time to the town for many years. 

People change but needs and wants 

remain much the same. They want 

to live in a clean and friendly environment. 

They want laws enforced 

both in town and the surrounding 

Chef Phillip Riccomini and Kassidy Clayton 

food business, it’s time to play in his 

work shop, travel a bit and perhaps do 

some consulting. “Basically anything 

where I’m not on my feet every day. 

My hips and knees are tired!” 

If it’s been awhile visit the Cafe at 

the Culinary academy and enjoy a 

hearty, healthy, filling and rewarding 

breakfast or lunch for under ten bucks 

from Tuesday thru Friday from 8 a.m. 

to 2 p.m.. You’ll be with 20-30 other 

Roblans who know this treasure. And, 

you’ll get to see our youth learning 

valuable life-long skills. 

Chef Phillip Riccomini, Bless you 

and thank you for all these years of 

true devotion to the futures of Paso 

students! Well done, sir! 

Working together for a better community 

rural areas of the community. They 

want safe places for children to play 

and something for them to do. Over 

all these intervening years, people 

have banded together to provide 

cleanliness, stability and safety. 

Perusing newspapers from early 

days, stories abound of the men 

and women who formed improvement 

clubs and societies to bring 

higher standards of living to dusty 

streets of rough and tumble towns. 

Please see SAN MIGUEL page 38 


PERSPECTIVE from page 34 

California will step in and manage 

our water themselves. 

The groundwater basin in question 

extends from Santa Margarita, 

nearly to Cholame, and up to San 

Miguel, so lots of folks reside under 

that sword. 

Two districts have been formed; 

Estrella-El Pomar-Creston, and Shandon-San 

Juan, with a few smaller 

parcels pending – their petitions 

have been submitted. 66 big parcel 

properties and more than 190 

smaller ones are part of those water 

districts, yet they still only represent 

a small percentage of all property 

owners. 

The water districts’ seemingly 

miraculous rise from the dead reflects 

a June 30 deadline: miss it 

and landowners risk defaulting to 

state regulators, with no local say or 

voice. The districts already have fee 

for-water-use-proposals; good or 

bad, they’re likely preferable to the 

unknowns of state control. 

The map of district members 

looks like a checkerboard, but district 

1 supervisor John Peschong 

has inferred the county could step 

in and manage things for the remaining, 

uncommitted owners. It’s a 

big deal; the area has until 2020 to 

demonstrate sustainability. That’s a 

lot shorter than it seems. 

Seismic Shift: With one board 

member joining an anti-Trump 

street march and three others voting 

him out of the big chair, the county 

board of supervisors seems to be 

polarizing in ways that resemble 

post-election America. 

On January 10, fresh from the 

election, Debbie Arnold, Lynn 

Compton and John Peschong voted 

3-2 to appoint Peschong as 

chairman, touching off angst from a 

vocal group supporting Adam Hill. 

Hill, no stranger to controversy, 

having been accused of using 

intimidation against a competing 

election candidate, called the move 

a “petty political ploy.” 

“I do not feel he should be 

awarded the bully pulpit for being 

a bully,” Creston resident Bev Phifer 

offered. 

Will the board solidify along 

partisan lines, or will the county’s 

business move more amicably? 

Don’t worry, I’ll be your eyes and 

ears, watching…always watching. 

Liquid Love: Without El Niño, nobody 

could have predicted the deluge 

of the past six weeks; nobody 

did. Lake Nacimiento went from 

26% capacity to 81% with a spillway 

release to give the lake a good 

flood buffer. 

What a difference a year makes, 

but what a hassle for public safety 

and emergency crews, dealing with 

a prolonged hwy 41 closure, mud 

slides and pot holes popping up… 

or down? 

At any rate, county supervisors 

proclaimed a state of emergency, 

joining a similar state declaration. 

Those mean the county can apply 

for federal emergency assistance 

and you should let the county Office 

of Emergency services know if you 

sustained damage to your home 

or business. You may be eligible 

for reimbursement. Too bad they 

won’t give me money to buy new 

avionics for my plane. 


Book Signing for Anne Schroeder’s 

newest book – Maria Inés 

A fifth-generation Californian, Anne 

Schroeder’s love of the West has produced an 

authentic story set in the Central Coast during 

the “Time of the Troubles.” She worked with 

Salinan elders to tell their Mission story. Maria 

Inés - An Indian girl born under Padre Serra’s 

cross at Mission San Miguel witnesses the political 

intrigue and greed of Spanish, Mexican 

and Yanqui invaders who plunder California, 

destroying everything she loves. 

“Well-researched,” “compelling.” “A mustread 

for fans of California history.” Maria Inés is 

available on Amazon.com. Visit anneschroeder 

author.com. Anne’s books surround locations 

that tell a story. Cholama Moon is set in the 

ranches in Central California in the 1870s. 

Other titles include Branches on the Conejo, Scent 

of Cedars and Ordinary Aphrodite. Anne’s work 

ROUND TOWN 

has been published in SLO City News, Bay 

News and Coast News as well as recognition at 

the Central Coast Writer’s Conference. 

Although she now lives in Oregon, Anne 

will be on the Central Coast to sign books and 

to research her companion novel. Book signing 

dates are March 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 

3 to 6 p.m. at the Paso Robles Chamber of 

Commerce Visitor’s Center and April 2 at the 

Pioneer Museum from 1 to 3 p.m. Wine & 

snacks served. 

SAN MIGUEL from page 36 

With the advent of the Southern Pacific Railroad 

in 1886, San Miguel grew exponentially. 

The railroad was instrumental in planning the 

town. By the early 1900s, hotels, shops and 

stores, churches, salons, saloons, livery stables, 

doctors and insurance companies created and 

filled a large downtown business district. A library 

was opened. At times the town had two 

newspapers. New arrivals opened businesses and 

brought their affiliations with them, forming 

lodges and societies. 

The 1903 San Miguel Enterprise carried a 

weekly column listing Commercial Organizations: 

the San Miguel Improvement Club; 

Church Directory: Methodist Episcopal Church, 

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Congregational 

Church and the Mission; and Fraternal Societies: 

International Order of Odd Fellows Nacimiento 

Lodge (I.O.O.F.), Free and Accepted Masons 

(F. and A.M Lodge), Ancient Order of United 

Workmen (A.O.U.W.) Fraternal Brotherhood 

San Miguel Lodge, parlors of the Native Sons 

of the Golden West (N.S.G.W.) and Native 

Daughters of the Golden West (N.D.G.W.), 

Natalia Rehekah Lodge and Violet Chapter, Order 

of Eastern Star. 

Dances, dinners and sporting contests were 

held often, attended by everyone from Parkfield 

and Estrella out to the Nacimiento and Adelaida. 

All of these groups interconnected in an 

area-wide community. They held meetings, made 

plans for good works, formed youth groups, 

sponsored dinners, provided for the indigent and 

brought people together in common causes. This 

is the way things got done then and do today 

even though our world has expanded and we are 

not perhaps as community-oriented as when we 

were more connected with neighbors around us. 

Still, the well-being of our chosen community 

relies on a caring interest in our surroundings 

and a will to work for our own and our neighbors’ 

quality of life. Today we have the San Miguel 

Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the San 

Miguel Advisory Council (liaison to the county), 

the San Miguel Resource Connection and 

4-H clubs (greatly expanded beyond agriculture). 

Churches and the school have groups for adults 

and for youth. The Lillian Larsen School garden 

needs both student and adult participation. The 

downtown landscaping is in need of a local gardener 

– see Mike at the Mercantile. 

We are all busy but we can all pick up, 

sweep up and help each other with a smile and 

pride of ownership in this community if we work 

together. 



HOOFBEAT 

By Dorothy 

Rogers 

Our prayers have been answered for this dry 

and thirsty land. Some of us were ready, while 

others were not. Watch the almonds and olives this 

year now that there is some ground water. 

There are all manner of exciting activities to 

look into this year. Just keep your mud boots handy 

for awhile. 

Playdate with Horses 

Kasia Roether is a horse trainer, teacher, 

consultant and life coach. March 11 (rain date 

March 25) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. relax and allow 

Kasia to guide you through working with 

horses at a lovely private ranch near Lake 

Nacimiento. It is gloriously green there right 

now. There will be a one hour lunch break. Water, 

coffee, tea and light snacks will be available. 

Wear layers with closed toed shoes/boots, and 

bring along lunch and sun protection. Pack a 

folding chair and a notebook. 

Do you long to interact with horses in a relatively 

safe environment with educated eyes 

watching and helping you? Ready to try a new 

venture? Suppose you have no experience with 

horses and don’t own one? You need not ride 

to develop a relationship. Practicing connection 

and leadership through playful interactions 

with horses and others. There will be no riding 

during this retreat and you need not have any 

previous equine experience. 

Participation is $150 for the entire day 

which includes access to horses and the training. 

kasiaandsabaa@gmail.com or 975-5443 to 

reserve your spot. 

Join Kasia Roether for a Playdate with Horses. 

Make an increased connection (or a new one) 

with horses. No experience or riding is needed. 

Once More With Feeling 

Enormous quantities of rain have necessitated 

the rescheduling of the Benefit Ride at 

Work Ranch. These folks don’t quit. Years ago 

when my dance teacher/choreographer knew 

that we were about to drop, she would smile 

and say “Once more with feeling and harmony.” 

Gather up your gear and dust off your saddle 

(this year take a look underneath as well), 

then head to San Miguel and the Work Ranch 

for fun and new friends. 

Amid the green hills and friendly folks a 

Second Annual Benefit Trail Ride for Partners 

in Equestrian Therapy a treat awaits you. Becoming 

part of the history of the Work Family 

Guest on their working ranch while helping 

others. A commitment to sustainable ranch 

practices and family life is shared with those 

who like to ride their horses and help others. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to help and to 

share with others. The Work Family is one of 

our historic treasures. 

A delicious BBQ lunch will await participants. 

The cost is $75 which gives you a poker 

hand and access to a terrific silent auction. 

There will be some games and activities. Might 

as well have some fun while you are helping 

others. JP Robertson will provide the music. 

Take home a limited commemorative tote as 

a souvenir. For those 12 and up the moderate 

Please see HOOFBEAT page 41 


HOOFBEAT from page 40 

terrain ride will be fine, but it is not suitable for 

green horses or riders. If there is a lot of rain or 

the trails are not conducive to a ride, expect the 

ride will be canceled. Non-riders are welcome 

to attend. Sign up at Petslo (www.petslo.com) 

to join in on the fun. 

Paint the Town 

Color will brighten the Events Center 

March 23-26 with the Western Paint Horse 

World Show. Admission for spectators is free 

and runs concurrent with the Cattlemen’s Art 

Show so one stop garners a big experience. All 

types of color patterns and combinations will 

be seen under flat saddles as well as western. 

Gymkhana style games pit competitors against 

the clock and one another while standard classes 

keep several judges marking points. This is a 

big show and it’s free for the whole family so go 

out and cheer on your favorites. 

Western Art 

March 24-26 is set aside for the 27th Cattle 

-men’s Western Art Show and Sale at the 

Events Center. Pull out some fancy gear for the 

Artist’s Reception from 5 to 9 p.m. There’s a no 

host bar. $20 entry at the door. Visit with fine 

artists and get the scoop behind each piece. Put 

on your fancy duds and sparkle a little. 

Saturday the show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 

p.m. with free admission. The artists will all 

be in attendance and the Cattlemen will stage 

their renown BBQ from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. 

both Saturday and Sunday for $10 a plate. The 

proceeds benefit Youth Ag Projects. The Featured 

Artist, our own ever-popular artist, Vel 

Miller will lead you to understand “The West 

Through the Eyes of a Woman.” 

Check out the construction at the Mid-State 

Fairgrounds. It should improve the events for 

all. 

Note: Take a minute to check into what is 

happening in your horse trailer. It’s been a long 

time since we have seen a really wet winter 

here. Rain may have started an assault on your 

gear. Gray or green mildew and mold may be 

consuming your gear or tack. Take action now 

to protect your trailer and your gear. 

This winter/spring will see changes in the landscape 

and trails as the year progresses. Make 

certain to check on footing, parking, etc. on 

trails before venturing out. 

Make certain to get your dates and contact 

information in a month in advance right after 

the first of the month prior to the event dates. 

It would benefit your horses to check their 

hooves in case thrush is developing. Check 

with your veterinarian and your farrier for ideas 

to fight the fungus. 

Mar. 1-5 Santa Barbara Sunshine Classic, Earl 

Warren Showgrounds 

Mar. 2-5 Twin Rivers Ranch, N. River 

Rd., Winter HT, schooling dressage rounds, 

Intro-Adv. HT, twinrivershorsepark.com 

Mar. 3-5 Barb’s Wild Weekend, V 6 Ranch, 

Parkfield 

Mar. 3-5 College Rodeo, #6, JR #7 Clovis 

Mar. 4-5 Maurice Thibault Clinic, Parelli 

trainer, Dream Ranch, Arroyo Grande, Canadian 

trainer certified in the Parelli program, 

474-9908 

Mar. 7 Trainer Welcome Party, CaliPaso, 6:30 

p.m., PR Horse Park 

Mar. 8-12 West Palms Winter Circuit, 

PRHorse Park, expanded to 6 weeks 

Mar. 9 & 10 West Hills College Rodeo #3, 

Justin Hampton 559-934-2702 

Mar. 10 & 11 PCCHA Silent Auction, PR 

Events Center, 10 a.m. ends 4 p.m. 11th, 

Coyote Rock Roundup, benefits college 

bound, to donate a service or item or obtain a 

pledge form, email Debbie PCCHA Office: 

mdcgreror@pccha.com or 209-727-5779 

Mar. 11 Playdate with Horses #1, rain date 

Mar. 25 Kasia Roether, Lake Nacimiento, 

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. water, coffee, light snacks 

available, no riding, take along a chair, wear 

outdoor clothing for a range of temps., $150, 

975-5443, kasiaandsaba@gmail.com 

Mar. 11 Ray Berta Clinic, Carmel Valley, $180 

or $25 to audit, both include lunch, www. 

rayberta.com 

Mar. 11 USYUA National Hunter Derby, 

Grand Prix, 3 p.m., PR Horse Park 

Please see HOOFBEAT page 42 


HOOFBEAT from page 41 

Mar. 14 Atascadero Horsemen’s 

Club meeting, 6 p.m., no host 

dinner, 7 p.m. program, 8 p.m. 

meeting, AJ Spurs, Templeton, 

www.atascaderohorsemensclub. 

com 

Mar. 15-19 Central CA Zinfandel 

Classic, PRHorse Park, Hughes 

Parkway off of Airport Rd., world 

championship, VIP dinners, parties, 

hunter derbies 

Mar. 16-19 & 23-26 Dude Ranch 

Weekend, V6, Parkfield 

Mar. 17-19 Meg Brauch Straightness 

Clinic, Dream Ranch, Arroyo 

Grande, 474-9908 

Mar. 17-19 Challenge of Champions, 

Plymouth, CA #7 cutting 

Mar. 17 USHJA National Hunter 

Derby by Asuncion Valley Farms 

at PR Horse Park, 

Mar. 17-19 Cal Poly to compete, 

college rodeo 

Mar. 18 CC Cutting, Events 

Center, free to public 

Mar. 18 Zinfandel Grand Prix, 

PR Horse Park, 3 p.m. 

Mar. 18-19 Lopez Lake workday 

Sun. 

Mar. 24-26 Western Paint Horse 

World Show, Events Center, free 

admission for spectators, concurrent 

with art show 

Mar 24-26 Cattlemen’s Western 

Art Show & Sale, Events Center, 

free admission Sat. thru Sun., 

take your opportunity to visit 

with some of the West’s best fine 

artists, Vel Miller is the featured 

artist, BBQ lunch $10/plate, originals 

& prints 

Mar 24-26 Cow Working Clinic, 

5371 County Rd. 206, Orland, 

530-865-2610, info@thecalifornios.com 

Mar. 25 Playdate With Horses #2, 

Kasia Roether, Lake Nacimiento, 

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.water, coffee, light 

snacks available, no riding, take 

along a chair, wear outdoor clothing, 

$150, 975-5443, kasiaandsaba@gmail.com 

Mar. 25-Ap. 1 NRCHA Stakes, 

So. Point, Las Vegas 

Mar. 30-Ap. 2 V6 Cattle Drive, 

Parkfield 

April 23 Rescheduled Work 

Ranch Benefit Ride, Work Ranch, 

San Miguel 

With all of the rain we have 

experienced, plan on staying 

off of rain soaked paths. 

If you ride on the high side, 

hooves can break down the 

form. Think sand either at 

the coast or inland. 

Brought to you by 

Whitehorse Tack 

2805 Black Oak Drive, 

Paso Robles 

whitehorsetack.com 


In 1990, the Cattlemen’s 

Western Art Show got a modest 

start at the old Cooper 

Ranch on Cripple Creek outside 

of Paso. There was a 

gathering of only three artists, 

a spouse and a contract cowboy 

– Larry Bees, Ernie Morris, 

Suzanne Williams, Larry’s wife 

Jackie and cowboy Gary Williams. 

They decided there was 

a need for a Western art show 

on the Central Coast. Through 

an association with the SLO 

Cattlemen’s Association, the 

show set down its roots; growing 

every year and drawing 

huge crowds and artists from 

all over the Western states. 

The Cattlemen’s Western Art 

Show celebrates the 27th year 

with the Artist Reception on 

Friday, March 24 from 5 to 9 

p.m. at the Paso Robles Event 

Center Estrella Hall. For $20, 

attendees will enjoy Cattlemen’s 

hors d’oeuvres, wine 

tasting, and no host bar. The 

Artist Reception is an opportunity 

to speak with each artist 

and hear the stories that spark 

their creativity. 

Whether you are a serious 

collector or just a beginner, 

this show offers something for 

everyone. The art show, free 

to the public, continues Saturday, 

March 25 from 10 a.m. to 

5 p.m. and Sunday, March 26 

Featured artist Vel Miller, 

left and her works: 

Cool, Calm & Collected, 

above, and The Chilkat 

Dancer, below. 

from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A Cattle 

-men’s BBQ lunch is available 

from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

for $10 per plate. 

The featured artist is Vel Miller. 

As an artist, Central Coast 

rancher and valued community 

member, Vel welcomes you 

into her world of seeing life 

through her art. The shows organizers 

are eager to welcome 

Vel’s collectors as well as introducing 

her work to new collectors. 

Over 50 artists will be on-site 

with 400 new works available 

for purchase including Western 

themed and landscape 

paintings in acrylics, oils, pencil, 

pastels, and scratchboard 

as well as sculptures and reproduction 

prints. 

Visit cattlemenswesternart 

show.com for complete information. 

The last drop Lady Jill Mueller 


BUSINESS 

By Heather Young 

Wine Country Theatre has been bringing a variety 

of live stage productions to Paso Robles over the last 

few years. After another successful second run of “The 

Kings of Cool,” a musical featuring the songs of the 

Rat Pack, Wine Country Theatre will put on a comedy 

Friday, March 17 to Sunday, April 2. 

“Noises Off” is a farce about the ins and outs of the 

theater. The comedy follows a “hapless” troupe of actors 

as they attempt to present the comedy, “Nothing On.” 

The comedy is directed by Robin Kirk Wolf, who also 

directed John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” last year. 

This will be Wolf’s fourth time directing the comedy. 

“It’s great to embrace something a little lighter,” Wolf 

said. “There’s something about this show that always 

brings me back. It’s obviously drop-to-the-floor funny, 

but what really reaches me is that, in its heart, ‘Noises Off’ 

is about people doing what they love, as awful as they 

may be at it. It’s why we in the theater run ourselves ragged 

to give the gift of a laugh.” 

The cast is made up for nine local actors: Brianna Birks 

as Brooke; Matthew Hanson as Lloyd; Bob Knowles as 

Selsdon; Sean McCallon as Tim; Kate Perello as Poppy; 

Zandi Peters as Dotty; Cory Schonauer as Garry; Katie 

Winslow as Belinda; Bo Wolf as Frederick; Robin Wolf, 

director; and Krystal Kirk, stage manager. 

“A perfect choice for these hectic, crazy times,” Wine 

Country Theatre Executive Director Cynthia Anthony said 

about the show. “We need to laugh, and be entertained 

by the lovable fools that inhabit this classic comedy.” 

Black Diamond Vermicompost 

IT ALL STARTS IN THE SOIL – THE ROOT OF THE MATTER 

“Mother Nature is pretty amazing, quite a genius, if you just leave her alone. Cristy Christie 

The show will take place in the Park Ballroom, 1232 

Park St. in Paso Robles on Friday and Saturday, March 17, 

18, 24, 25, 31 and April 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 

19, 26 and April 2 at 2 p.m. “Noises Off” is suitable for 

a PG-13 audience. Wine, cheese, desserts and snacks 

will be available for purchase and enjoyed during the 

performance. Tickets are $25 for general admission and 

$15 for students. For groups of eight or more, tickets are 

$20 each. For tickets and information, go to www.Wine- 

CountryTheatre.com or call 1-800-838-3006. 

“Theater people love the show because we see ourselves 

in each of these ridiculous characters,” Wolf said. 

“Audiences love it because it offers them a glimpse 

behind the curtain - literally - and an insider’s view of how 

the magic and the mayhem happen.” 

Wine Country Theatre shows for the rest of 2017 

• “Gypsy,” a summer musical based on the memoirs of 

a legendary stripper, will take place Aug. 11 to 27. 

• “Next to Normal” is a rock musical about a mother 

who suffers with bipolar disorder that will be performed 

Nov. 17 to Dec. 3. 


Cristy Christie, owner of Black Diamond Vermicompost 

says, “It started with the broccoli and my older 

sister bringing vermicompost to my attention. We were 

both looking for a new career a little later in life.” 

Her sister, Patti, announced, “I think I figured it 

out! We’re going into the worm business!” Cristy’s 

next step led to a small worm bin to see if she could 

keep the worms alive and even like them! She adds, 

“I wasn’t a good gardener, so the more I learned, the 

more interested I became. I was amazed by worm 

habits and how they produce the castings or poop - 

the dark, crumbly stuff.” This is where microbiology 

comes in. The worms consume the microbes that are 

Bountiful squash fed with compost tea 

decomposing the compost; then produce the castings. 

Worm castings are not the same as regular compost. 

Please see VERMICOMPOST page 45 


LOCAL GOODS REPORT 

PASO ALMONDS: 

SIMPLE AND WONDERFUL 

We have a confession: we’ve been taking Paso 

Almonds for granted. Not that we aren’t huge fans. 

We love how the bags of brittle smell toasty and sweet 

when we reach in to offer samples. And we’re weirdly 

happy to hear that crinkling sound the bags make 

when you stack them in a basket, full and fresh. When 

someone’s leaving the Central Coast for a trip, it’s 

always our go-to gift...travels well, easy through 

airport security, says “Paso” in the name, and everyone 

loves it. But, like so many simple things, we felt like 

we understood Paso Almonds because we knew what it was made of. 

It’s made of butter, and almonds, and sugar. Straightforward, right? 

And yet, after spending time with owner Rusty Hall, we realized just 

how little we knew of this little bag of goodness that we’ve sent home 

with so many people over the years. Rusty was kind enough to give us a 

few minutes between batches. 

When did you set out to start a candy company? 

We started Paso Almonds just selling the nuts after I inherited an 

orchard from my father in 1974. We didn’t start making the brittle until 

1992 to raise funds for the SLO Literacy Council. 

How much of it do you still eat after twenty years? 

I taste it often for quality control. It’s sensitive to the butter, which 

changes based on what the cows might be eating at any given time, so we 

from 

GENERAL STORE 

PASO ROBLES 

modulate the sugar over the year. I do still get cravings 

for the Brittle Corn and Sweet Hots. 

Do people ask you for your secret recipe? 

The art of Paso Almonds isn’t in the ingredients: 

almonds, butter and sugar. It’s knowing how much 

of each to use, and the skill of getting the timing 

perfectly right. The almonds are roasted while the 

caramel is made, and there’s a kind of dance when 

you mix the two together at the perfect time. 

Most people know about the Paso Almonds Brittle, 

but we didn’t realize how the Sweet Hots are made. 

The sweet hots are made from the leftover brittle 

after it’s bagged. We add chipotle and salt. It’s a little 

bit of the tail wagging the dog with Sweet Hots. We can only make it 

from the leftover brittle, so at certain times of the year we just don’t 

have much available. 

Best place you’ve heard of people enjoying Paso Almonds? 

One of the joys of making this product is hearing where people take 

it. It’s small and portable, so it has gone some crazy places: the top of 

Mount Kilimanjaro, for example. There’s a scientist in Antarctica who has it 

shipped down by her mother. We know people carry it all over the world. 

If you haven’t ever tasted Paso Almonds, get yourself to the General 

Store pronto. We have a little baggie behind the counter, and we get fresh 

deliveries all year round. 

Happy Spring, neighbors! 

The team at General Store Paso Robles. 


VERMICOMPOST from page 43 

Back to the broccoli. After adding vermicompost 

to a young broccoli plant with patience until 

picking, Cristy adds, “The broccoli was so strong, 

healthy, dark green and juicy. It never made it to the 

salad. I told my husband Jac, ‘We have to produce 

vermicompost for our community!’” That set Cristy’s 

quest for information in to full swing with intense 

research and visits to worm farms and conferences 

all over the country. Black Diamond Vermicompost 

began in 2009 and has continued to grow ever since. 

Unlock the Treasure in Your Garden! 

Cristy’s speaking to garden clubs not only promoted 

sales for vermicompost, it revealed to the 

most dedicated gardeners, that the chemical-based 

fertilizers were compromising the natural microbiology 

of their soil. She adds, “The transition to natural 

from conventional takes time; soil needs to heal 

Red wiggler worm beds 

after being inundated by chemicals. Dirt is inert, 

soil is alive. Healthy soil is made of air, water, the 

right balance of minerals and organic matter containing 

an abundant and diverse population of micro-organisms. 

All of us have the first 2. The earth’s 

minerals (the ‘native’ soil in our backyards) will likely 

need adjustments. That's where soil tests come in. 

Quality organic matter containing a multitude of 

microbes is the difficult to find and to make. It’s by 

far the most important and most easily overlooked 

ingredient to the plant. The big fertilizer companies 

have insisted that their way is the best way. Over 

recent years, the consumer has become knowledgeable 

and pro-active.” 

It’s a 3-month process to produce worm castings 

with daily monitoring. Dairy manure is “hot” composted 

in bins, then fed to the “red wiggler” worms 

in thin layers. In 8 to 10 weeks, the process ends 

with harvesting the castings from the bottom of the 

beds, screening and packaging. There are over 1 million 

worms housed in the large beds at the farm. The 

vermicompost is stockpiled in the winter months to 

meet the huge demand in the spring. The product is 

sold by the 3 or 15-pound bag, by bulk or the yard. 

Please see VERMICOMPOST page 46 



What’s your interest? What do you collect? Art, 

music, vintage prints, memorabilia, maps, engravings 

or something yet to be discovered? The more unusual 

treasures tucked away in the Eighteen-Ninety House 

will delight the serious collector and spark the novice’s 

curiosity. Dot Lefebvre is a collector of memories 

depicted in precious images and words on paper. Her 

Eighteen-Ninety House is not only her home on the 

Westside, it’s her business on Railroad Avenue. 

After over 50 years in business, Dot is downsizing 

her collection. There are no plans for retirement yet. But 

if the right interested party came along, Dot just might 

consider an opportunity with someone that appreciates 

the scope and significance of this collection 

Among the works with historical meaning, there are 

Civil War and Frederic Remington wood engravings, 

a Sarah Bernhardt autographed photo 

from 1913, World War I posters, 15th 

century sheet music and sacred music 

pages dated 1537. Of international 

interest, you’ll find Balinese paintings, 

miniature Egyptian paintings on papyrus, 

and English tomb brass rubbings. 

Vintage memorabilia from the 

publishing world include newspaper 

articles (George Dewey from 1899 

San Francisco Examiner), New Yorker 

magazine covers, political cartoons, 

and 29 issues of the San Francisco “Argonaut” 

from the late 1800’s. Pieces perfect for home 

or business decorating include winery prints, vintage 

maps, Old West prints and paintings, and 18th century 

botanicals (ferns, flowers, insects, shells, animals, etc.). 

While many of the pieces in the 

studio are framed, custom framing 

and matting is available for privately 

owned works as well. Many of Dot’s 

customers have been with her for over 

40 years. New local customers, visitors 

and collectors have yet to discover 

the incredible collection of fine and 

graphic arts. She’s at the shop on the 

weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 

from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eighteen-Ninety House is 

located at 1030 Railroad Ave., Suite 103, between 

10th and 11th Streets in Paso Robles. 

VERMICOMPOST from page 45 

Jac and Cristy are passionate about their mission. While 

talking about vermicompost to the public at festivals, farmer's 

markets, and other venues, they have learned that people are 

receptive to understanding the complexities of soil and how 

they can take more control of their family's health by growing 

nutrient-dense food in their own backyard. 

Visit blackdiamondvermicompost.com for complete information, 

retail locations to purchase the products, “before 

& after” photos, customer testimonials, calendar tours, and 

WORM FEST, soon to be scheduled! 

Looking for a Fun-loving Group 

With an Important Mission? 

Multiflora Garden Club is a dynamic group that loves to garden, serve the 

community and must have fun doing it! Club fundraisers award college students 

majoring in Earth Science. Activities include inspirational luncheons, 

craft groups, garden tours, plant propagation and sales, bees to butterflies 

and community outreach. Visit multifloragardenclub.org for calendar, 

monthly meeting info, activities and more. 


TIME & PLACE FEBRUARY 

A monthly look at local events, fundraisers, 

meetings, and entertainment. To 

submit a listing, email bob@pasomag. 

com, bring info to drop box at Dutch 

Maytag, 1501 Riverside Ave., or mail to 

PO Box 3996, Paso Robles, 93447 by 

the 7th of each month. Questions? Call 

239-1533. 

1, 8, 15, 22 • Life Community Toastmaster 

Club, Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 

pm, Life Community Church, 3770 Ruth 

Way, Templeton. 712-0671. 

2 • Estero Bay Advanced Toastmasters, 

first Thursdays, 7 to 9 pm, Kennedy Club 

Fitness, 500 So. River Road, Paso. 238- 

0524, 930206.toastmastersclubs.org. 

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • BNI – Partners in 

$uccess - Business Networking International 

Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 am, Paso 

Robles Assn. of Realtors, 1101 Riverside 

Ave. Visitors welcome, visit bni.org for 

info and chapter website. 

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • Speak Easy ToastmastersClub, 

Fridays, 12:10 to 1:15 pm, 

Founders Pavilion, Twin Cities Community 

Hospital. http://9797.toastmastersclubs.org. 

235-8567. 

3 • Wines and Steins, first Fridays, social 

hour 6pm, guest speakers, potluck. American 

Legion Hall in Templeton. Winesandsteins.org. 

4, 11, 18, 25 • Grief Share –13 week 

Saturday seminar/support group for 

people grieving a loss.10 am to noon, 

$15, on-going, open enrollment. Trinity 

Lutheran Church, Fireside Room, 940 

Creston Rd., Paso. Deaconess Juliet 

Thompson, 238-3702, ext. 205. 

5 • Daughters of the American Revolution 

meets every 1st Sunday. For time 

and place, email dmcpatriotdaughter@ 

gmail.com. 

6 • Almond Country Quilters Guild 

Meeting, 6:30 pm, first Mondays, 

Trinity Lutheran Church, 940 Creston 

Road, Paso. Annual Trash to Treasures 

sale for guild members. Contact Jill 

Quinn at natomarose57@gmail.com. 

General info: lisajguerrero@msn.com, 

ACQGuild.com. 

6, 20 • Writing Support Group. Complete 

writing projects with award-winning 

author/editor Patricia Alexander. Every 

other Monday, 6:30 to 9 pm. $25 per 

or $20 for 4 meetings paid in advance. 

Call for location: 479-7778. BookOf 

Comforts.com. 

6, 13, 20, 27 • North County Overeaters 

Anonymous, Every Monday, St. 

James Episcopal Church, 514 14th St. 

Paso Robles, www.OA.org, Tina Stewart 

610-3724. 

7, 14, 21, 28 • BNI– Early But Worth 

It Chapter- Business Networking International 

– Tuesdays 7 to 8:30 am. Paso 

Robles Golf Club. Visitors welcome, visit 

bni.org chapter website. 

7, 21 • MOPS – Mothers of Pre-schoolers, 

1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 9:30 am, Trinity 

Lutheran Church, 940 Creston Road, Paso. 

Rachel Wisener, 559-473-8258, northcountymops@gmail.com. 

7, 14, 21, 28, April 4 • DivorceCare 

– on-going 13-week program providing 

Christ-based help, healing and hope to 

those going through divorce or separation. 

7 to 8:30, Calvary Chapel, 1615 

Commerce Way. Paso. 239-4295. 

8 • CASA Volunteer Training – Information 

session at Paso Robles Starbucks, 

2301 Theatre Drive, 6:30 pm. Applications 

online at slocasa.org or by calling 

541-6542. 

8 • North County Multiflora Garden 

Club, social gathering 12 noon, meeting 

1:00 pm. Paso Robles Community 

Church, 2706 Spring St. Second Wednesdays, 

712-7820. Guests welcome. www. 

multifloragardenclub.org. Watch for Garden 

Tour coming up on April 22. 

8 • Experimental Aircraft Association 

(EAA) Chapter 465 – 7 pm at the Paso 

Airport Terminal,second Wednesdays. 

Getting youth involved with aviation. 

EAA465.org. 

10 • North County Women’s Connection 

Luncheon – 11am to 1 pm, guest 

speakers Carla Cross shares a “Happy 

Ending” and Becky Gray of must! Charities. 

$12, reservations before March 5 to 

JoAnn Pickering. 239-1096. 

11 • Central Coast Violet Society, 10 am 

to 12 pm, second Saturday, Brookdale 

activity room,1919 Creston Road, Paso. 

Info: znailady1@aol.com. 

12 • Daylight Savings Time Begins 

12 • PR Grange Pancake Breakfast, 

second Sundays, 7:30 to 11am, 627 

Creston Road, Paso. 

14 • Exchange Club, 2nd Tuesday, 

12:15 – 1:30 pm, McPhee’s in Templeton. 

610-8096, exchangclubofnorthslocounty 

.org. 

14, 28 • Paso Robles Lions Club, 7 pm, 

PR Elks Lodge, 1420 Park Street, Paso. 

2nd and 4th Tuesdays. 227-4476. pasorobleslions.org. 

15 • Paso Robles Democratic Club, third 

Wednesdays, 6:30 pm at NEW LOCATION – 

744 Oak Street, Paso Robles. Visitors/ 

newcomers welcome. pasoroblesdemocrats@gmail.com, 

769-4847. 

16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20 • Classical 

Music Appreciation with Ron Tarica, 

Music of the Baroque Period. Paso Senior 

Center, 270 Scott Street. Free class. 

16 • North County Prostate Cancer 

Support Group, 7 pm, third Thursday, 

Twin Cities Community Hospital Pavilion 

Room. Info: Bill Houston 995-2254 or 

American Cancer Society 473-1748. 

18 • Community Quilting (to help 

children and senior organizations with 

quilts), third Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm 

at Bethel Lutheran Church, Old Country 

Road, Templeton. Contact caroljhungerford@yahoo.com. 

20 • Santa Lucia Rockhounds – 7 pm, 

third Monday, Templeton Community Center, 

601 S. Main St. Open to all who enjoy 

rocks, fossils & minerals. slorockhounds.org. 

20 • Paso Robles Republican Women 

Federated, third Mondays, Paso Robles 

Golf Club. Check-in 11:30 a.m. Lunch at 

12 noon. $22, Guests welcome. Sharon 

Wilson 239-2940. 

21 • Chronic Pain Support Group 

Meeting – CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain 

Syndrome), Third Tuesdays, 5 to 6 pm, Rabobank, 

1025 Las Tablas Rd, Templeton. 

Suzanne Miller 704-5970, suzanne.miller 

@ymail.com. 

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS 

Held at RISE 

Sponsored by HospiceSLO 

1030 Vine St., Paso Robles 

544-2266 • hospiceslo.org 

Bereaved Parents Group 

Tuesdays, 5:30 to 7:00 pm. 

General Grief Support 

Wednesdays, 5:00 to 6:30 pm. 

Suicide Bereavement Support 

4th Wednesdays, 3 to 4:30 pm. 


TIME & PLACE 

21 • North County Parkinson’s Support 

Group, 1 pm, third Tuesday, Templeton 

Presbyterian Church, 610 So. Main St. 

Info: Rosemary Dexter 466-7226. 

28 • North County Newcomers Club 

– Deadline for April 5 luncheon at Vina 

Robles Winery in Paso Robles, $30, 11am 

to 2 pm. Meetings/luncheons/dinners 

held the 1st Wednesdays for residents living 

here less than 3 years. To RSVP, info for 

future events/activities, visit northcounty 

newcomers.org. 

EVENTS, FESTIVALS, FUNDRAISERS 

AND ENTERTAINMENT 

1 • Monthly dinner at Estrella Warbirds 

Museum, first Wednesdays, 6 pm, guest 

speakers. Call 296-1935 for dinner reservations. 

ewarbirds.org. 

4 • Dedication Ceremony/Open House 

– Troop 60 Esteemed Eagle Lodge, 2 pm, 

2247 Oak Street, Paso. 

4 • Mardi Gras Underground benefiting 

Hospice SLO County & Community 

Counseling Center. Park Ballroom, 7 to 

10:30 pm, tickets & info: 544-2266, hospiceslo.org. 

4 • Art After Dark Paso – First Saturdays, 

6 to 9 pm, Downtown Paso. Coordinated 

by Studios on the Park. 

5 • Wedding & Special Event Expo, 11 

to 3 pm, Paso Robles Inn Ballroom. 

7 • Golden State Classic Car Club meets 

at PR Elks Lodge, first Tuesdays, 7 pm, 

1420 Park Street, Paso. Goldenstateclassics.org. 

11 • Classic Car Cruise Night – 5 to 7 

pm, Second Saturdays (weather permitting), 

King Oil Tools, 2235 Spring St., 

Paso. Info: Tony Ororato, 712-0551. 

16 • Third Thursday Shop, dine and 

drink in downtown Paso. A portion of the 

proceeds benefit must! charities. Visit 

facebook.com/pages/Third-Thursday-PasoRobles. 

25 • 9th Annual Tour of Paso benefiting 

Cancer Support Community. Register at 

tourofpaso.org. 

April 1 • Dog Jog Paso Robles, Vina 

Robles Winery. Early registration/info, 

parks4pups.org. 

TUESDAY: 7 • Building an Energy 

Foundation by Rand Gholson. 

6:30 to 8 pm. 

21 • Auto Immune Support Group 

with Kelli Lincoln, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, 

WEDNESDAY: 8 • Raw Energy Ball 

Workshop: Essential Oils in the 

Kitchen, 6:30 to 8 pm 

22 • Intro to Wellness – A Taste of 

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY 

1051 Las Tablas Road, Templeton provides support, education and hope 

to those with cancer. Visit CSCslo.org and call 238-4111. 

Cancer Support Helpline, 888-793-9355, 6 am to 6 pm PST. 

March 25 – 9th Annual Tour of Paso 

Founder’s Team Challenge. Register at 

tourofpaso.org 

MONDAYS: Wellness Yoga at Dharma 

Yoga 11:30 am. Reiki 5:30 pm. 

TUESDAYS: Tai Chi Chih 9 am, 

Coffee Chat 10:05 am. 

3/14 • Young Survivors Peer to Peer 

Group 5:45 pm. 

WEDNESDAYS: Living with Cancer 

Member Support Group 10 am. 

3/1, 15, 29 • Caregiver Support 

Group 3:30 pm. 

3/8, 22 • Grief Support Group, 3:30. 

Change with Registered Dietitian Hayley 

Garelli, Class is FREE. 6:30 to 8 pm. 

THURSDAYS: 9 • Hispanic Cooking 

Class “Bocadillos Nutritivos” 

with Yessenia Echeverria, 6:30 to 8 pm. 

16 • Healthy Cooking – Portable 

Snacks, 5:30 to 7:30. 

FRIDAY 3 • Breakfast Club: 

Mommy & Me Cooking Class, 

THURSDAYS: 2/ 16, 30 • Life After 

Cancer 2 pm. 10 am. 

FRIDAYS: 3/10, 24 • Grupo Fuerza y 

Esperanza 6 to 8 pm. 

Special Programs - Cancer Well-Fit® 

at Paso Robles Sports Club, Mondays 

and Thursdays 12:30 to 1:30, preregistration 

is required with Kathy 

Thomas, kathythomas10@hotmail. 

com or 610-6486. • Look Good Feel 

Better®, check calendar for Mondays, 

register at 800-227-2345. • Silhouette 

Breast Form and Lingerie, 559-432- 

7199 by appt. • Navigate with 

Shannon, Thursdays by appt. 

THE WELLNESS KITCHEN AND RESOURCE CENTER 

1255 Las Tablas Road, Templeton • wkrc.org or 434-1800 for more info • For classes, register and pay online. 

9 to 10:30 am, adult $15, child $10, 

ages 4 to 6 welcome. RSVP required. 

3 • Cambria Cooking Class, New 

Greens, Heart Healthy Foods. 

11 am to 1 pm, Joslyn Rec Center. 

See online calendar for details. 

3 • Healthy Cooking - Portable Snacks 

Idler’s Appliance, 189 Cross Street, SLO, 

11 am to 1 pm. 



LAST WORD 


Even though the license plate frames proclaim El 

Paso de Robles as “Darn Near Paradise,” unfortunately 

we still have our share of those who don’t respect their 

good fortune to live here. People who tag our city with 

graffiti fall into that category. There simply is no reason 

for graffiti and it stands out as one of those nuisances 

that detract from the beauty in our hometown. 

Go back to your early physics class and you might 

remember the truism – ” With every action, there is an 

equal and opposite reaction.” And, so it is with graffiti. 

If it shows up, it has to go away. 

Back in 2003, Marvin Cowley, a retiree who moved 

here from Santa Cruz in ‘93, decided to do something 

about it. In Santa Cruz, Marvin had volunteered to pick 

up freeway trash and eradicate graffiti. Marvin said, 

“California has been really good to me and I wanted 

to give back.” 

Coincidentally, Carolyn Carter moved to Paso 

in 2003 as a retiree. She began walking the river area. 

After she received a mailbox flier 

from the Police Department asking 

to report graffiti, Carolyn ended up 

regularly calling the PD to report incidents. 

Then, on a chance meeting at a 

gym in 2008, Carolyn met Marvin and 

she asked how she could help. She’s 

been helping ever since. 

The work of erasing graffiti used 

to be handled by city employees 

Graffiti Clean Up Volunteer, Marvin Cowley 

who of course were paid to clean up the graffiti until 

2003 when volunteers began helping. Since then, the 

volunteer Graffiti Team has expanded to six members: 

Diane Coleman, Alicia and Craig Forrester and 

Bevelina Hardwick are the other four. 

Usually two of them respond to graffiti reports five 

days per week within the Paso Robles city limits. The 

team’s coordination still flows through the Facility 

Maintenance wing of the Community Services Department. 

Additionally, the Graffiti Team maintains close 

ties to the Police Department for the purposes of safety, 

tracking and documentation. Both Marvin and Carolyn 

share the same thoughts of their association with Paso 

residents and PD who appreciate their work once they 

learn about it. The comments range from “Gee, I didn’t 

even know Paso had a graffiti problem – you folks do a 

great job!” to “We have made so many friends in the PD 

as well as appreciative residents because of our work. It 

makes us feel really good about the work we are doing!” 

In 2016, the Graffiti Team performed 464 cleanups! 

All materials are paid for by the City 

at a cost which means we residents 

are footing the bill for cleaning up 

something that shouldn’t ever take 

place. On occasion, a nice Love or 

Peace message is graffiti-ed onto a 

wall and even though the sentiment 

is genuine, it still has to go away. Research 

shows that if graffiti is left in 

place, more of it will soon show up. 

The Graffiti Clean Up Crew. Top row: Craig Forrester, 

Marvin Cowley. Bottom row: Carolyn Carter, Alicia Forrester, 

Bevelina Hardwick, and Diane Coleman 

To report graffiti, email to GraffitiCleanUp@PRcity. 

com or call Paso’s Facility Maintenance Department at 

237-3873. 

JUST DON’T DO GRAFFITI! 

Pay attention here! A dozen local residents were 

apprehended in 2016. Here’s what happens when you are 

caught. First, you are arrested and charged with Vandalism. 

Depending on the amount of damage and the place 

(like a church) that was vandalized, this may be a misdemeanor 

(under $400 damage) or a felony (over $400). 

Either way, the case goes before the District Attorney in 

SLO. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in 

County Jail and/or a fine not to exceed $1,000. A felony 

conviction is punishable by up to 16 months in County 

jail and/or a fine up to $10,000. If the vandalism is 

$10,000 or more, the fine can be up to $50,000 and jail 

time. Really – is it worth all that just to damage something 

that isn’t yours? Think, people, think! 

On the other side of the coin, yet again, how 

blessed are we to live in our pueblo with so many caring 

individuals to clean up the messes caused by those who 

don’t have a clue. Thank you Graffiti Team! 

1890s House 46 

Adrienne Hagan 38 

Advanced Concrete 48 

AM Sun Solar 21 

Amdal Transport Svs 24 

American Wholesalers 3 

Anne Schroeder 38 

Artworks 37 

Austin, Mary Ann 28 

Berry Hill Bistro 20 

Bijou 44 

Biodynamic 38 

Black Diamond 

Compost 15 

BlakesTrueValue 31 

Blenders 25 

Body Basics 27 

Bridge Sportsmen 40 

Cal Paso Solar 17 

Cantinas on Park 13 

CASA 24 

Casa Rustica 15 

Casey Printing 41 

Casper, EJ, DDS 23 

Cattleman’s Western 

Art 42 

Chains Required 37 

Chalekson, Dr. Charles 35 

Cider Creek 28 

City-Recreation 39 

Coldwell Banker 8 

Connect Home Loans 31 

Country Florist 27 

Desmond, Heather 5 

Dupree Dial Graphic 23 

Dutch Maytag 19 

El Paso de Robles 

Historical 24 

El Paso Storage 48 

EROICA 13 

DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS 

Estrella Warbirds 7 

Firefly 46 

Friends of Library 37 

Frontier Floors 16 

Gallagher Video 50 

General Store 45 

Gilliss, Keith/PRIME 41 

Golden Collar 37 

Golden Reverse 

Mortgage 32 

GRL Computing 33 

Healthy Inspiration 14 

Heart to Heart 45 

HFG Insurance 37 

HR4SLO 29 

Kennedy Fitness 25 

Klockenteger, Lisa 37 

Lansford Dental 51 

Las Tablas Animal 21 

Lube N Go 26 

Main St Animal Hosp 35 

Dr. Mikulics 29 

Mode Communications 46 

Natural Alternatives 17 

New With Tags 44 

Nose to Tail 37 

Odyssey Cafe 10 

Optimist Black Tie 

Bingo 29 

Paradigm Advisors 44 

PASO Chevrolet 52 

Paso Jules 14 

Paso PetCare 10 

PR Chamber AG Tour 23 

PR District Cemetery 47 

PR Door & Trim 37 

PR Handyman 40 

PR Insurance 26 

PR Safe & Lock 47 

PR Waste 25 

PR Youth Arts 15 

PR Youth Sports 

-Wild West 19 

Patterson Realty 11 

Perfect Air 22 

Photo Stop 18 

Planet Fitness 4 

PW Construction 18 

Red Scooter Deli 25 

Refine Barre Studio 33 

Relay for Life 50 

Reneau, J Scott 29 

San Luis Sports 

Therapy 19 

Sawdey Inc. 40 

Scoles,Law Offices 

of Patricia 22 

Señor Sancho’s 9 

SolaraloS 27 

Solarponics 33 

Spice of Life 32 

Sprain Draperies 36 

Stifel 20 

Ted Hamm Ins 28 

Teresa Rhyne Law 29 

The Auto Bahn 13 

The Harley Group 21 

The Loft 37 

Trinity Lutheran 26 

Twin Cities Hospital 2 

Vic’s Cafe 48 

Western Janitorial 37 

Whitehorse 41 

Wighton’s 33 

Wine Country Theatre 43 

Worship Directory 49 

Writing Support Group 15 


All cases were completed by Dr. Jeremy Lansford 

and Dr. Jennifer Karanian

2017 March PASO Magazine

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