2015 March PASO Magazine

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ROUND TOWN PERSPECTIVE from page 38 Margarita Ranch, owned by Rossi and partners Doug Filipponi and Karl Wittstrom. To be accurate, initial approval only covers the first phase, 111 homes; anything beyond that could trigger another round of contentious opposition, mostly involving California’s environmental regulatory labyrinth. The latest maze includes a required study of the threatened Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp. The study needs a dry and wet year, if we ever get another one. Rossi tiptoes euphemistically when he says the actual project could move forward at a different pace than what he expected when plans were first approved, so full build-out of Margarita Vineyard Estates could challenge both Rossi & partners’ patience, if not their longevity. Gravel Gaveled: Planning commissioners dealt a death blow to a proposed aggregate mine northeast of Santa Margarita in early February, concerned that gravel trucks would roll down Hwy 58 every two minutes during the height of summer construction season. The commission, mindful that many locals were adamantly opposed to the quarry, voted 3-2 to deny a mining permit. Residents sat through the meeting sporting scowls and large orange placards telling commissioners not to “… override our community.” Mine owners have not yet said whether they’ll appeal before the board of supervisors. Gravel aggregate is an important ingredient in concrete, and the farther contractors have to go to get it, the more it will cost to build things. Nevertheless, local residents spoke, the county heard and denied the permit. Isn’t that the way the system is supposed to work? Squirrel Squabble: A tempest of the type usually reserved for less-reserved legislative bodies like Congress and Sacramento, touched off both a supervisoral leadership shuffle and an apology of the, ‘If I’ve done anything for which I should be sorry, I’m willing to be forgiven’ sort. A kafuffle had been building since the election over the process that decides who gets to sit in the big chair in board chambers in San Luis Obispo. Some called it good ‘ol boy politicking, while stage-glancing at then-unanimously elected Frank Mecham. Paso Roblans of course know Mecham to be the consummate gentlemen, at least to the extent that political arena allows men to be gentlemen and women to be ladies, and they weren’t surprised when the former Paso Robles mayor chose to use his Solomon-like skills, more on that in a moment. Gibson, of District 2, seems to draw controversy like a neutron star draws bad movie scripts. In June, Gibson, fresh from admitting an affair with a staffer, pulled new ire from 5th district representative Debbie Arnold. She accused “Paso Roblans of course know Mecham to be the consummate gentlemen, at least to the extent that political arena allows men to be gentlemen and women to be ladies…” him of misleading state assemblyman Katcho Achadjian about support for Paso Robles’ proposed hybrid district bill. There was more between the two, but if soaps are your thing, watch daytime TV. Anyway, the furor peaked at the February 3rd meeting with enough heat to cook the cover off Roberts Rules of Order as members of the public blasted the board for not allowing public comment on who would be king, err, board chair. That’s when Mecham rose to quell the quarrel: He stepped down, astounding attendees. He then nominated Arnold to replace him, as well as newly elected 4th district supervisor Lynn Compton as vice-chair. The room quieted at Mecham’s ges- ture of munificence. All was well. Not. Gibson, noting that Adam Hill was actually up in the rotation for board chair, posted a nearly 800-word newspaper apology of the kind only politicians can make. He was sorry he had helped turn the whole chairman election debate into a politicized free-for-all instead of a “collegial, nonpartisan yearly rite of passage.” He went on to blame the Tea Party, COLAB, (the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business) and unnamed activists for mounting a “vicious campaign” to force Mecham to change his vote. Most of all, he was sorry Mecham decided to step down. There’s a mixed message here. It is nice when our elected officials take the high road, as those around them don’t. District: Board members did have time to approve the Paso Robles water district application, another step in an ongoing process, while a superior court judge upheld a ban on new wells. Pot: Smell & Water: As San Luis Obispo deals with complaints that medical marijuana growing releases objectionable odors, illegal marijuana cultivation is putting pressure on already strained water supplies in the state. Officials can’t do much; the groves are already illegal. San Luis Obispo, on the other hand, could give residents free Febreze. As for me, I ordered a new phone screen on Ebay. Turned out to be a piece of cake to install. I call that citizen empowerment. 40 Paso Robles Magazine, March 2015
HOOFBEAT By Dorothy Rogers Emerald green hills and pastures are punctuated by colorful mares. Look more closely and you see the stirring of their foals making passersby smile. Although not as numerous on the ground today, their antics in discovery still delight. Where Have All the Schooling Shows Gone? Veteran trainer/competitor, Patty Knudson continues to teach and train pleasure and trail horses along with their riders. Patty looked around and saw that opportunities for gaining experience for both western horse and rider are limited today. Taking action, March 15, Patty will stage an all breed (open) casual show at her ranch at 3880 Union Road in Paso. Are you an old hand at showing pleasure and trail horses? Perhaps your horse is young or inexperienced? Or, you are both rusty after the winter? Take this chance to tune up for the year at an amazing $50 for the whole day or $10 per class; the price Jessica Hill and her friend look forward to fun together at the Knudson Open Schooling Show March 15 in Paso. Photo by: Carrie Jaymes Photography can’t be beat. Show begins at 9 a.m. and generally finishes about 3 p.m. Spectators are admitted free, but bring a chair, hat, sunglasses, etc. Look for data flyers at local feed and tack stores. For further information contact Patty (441-7559) or make an appointment for an evaluation and tune up tips. Vulcan Mesa For those so inclined toward English and jumping into spring, the good folks at Vulcan Mesa on Templeton Road are staging a hunter/jumper schooling show also March 15. This one will feature 24 classes beginning at 8 a.m. There are some great prizes for the flat classes to 3’6” jumpers gathered March 15 at the lovely facility. Spectators are admitted free. Contact Eric Smith (712-4579) for details. Eric’s wife, Cindy Ramirez- Smith had quite a year in 2014. Hoofbeat reported some of her achievements. Double Duty with Paint After some 45 years in Northern California, Paint Horses will gather at the Paso Events Center March 26-29 for the Paint World. Welcome competitors! All colors and patterns should be seen along with a variety of classes from English to western gymkhana. Sunday the competition opens up to all breeds. The four judge show will bring in many to our area as well as some of the most colorful and talented horses on the circuit. Western Art While you are at the Events Center, head over to the SLO Cattlemen’s Western Art Show and Sale. Original artwork and some limited edition prints may be purchased. Enjoy visiting with the artists. Some call the Central Coast home while others travel half way across the country to visit. Friday night has Please see HOOFBEAT page 42 March 2015, Paso Robles Magazine 41
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2015 March PASO Magazine

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