2017 DEC PASO Magazine

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2 PASO Magazine, December 2017

December 2017, PASO Magazine 3



CONTENTS 

DECEMBER 

A Monthly Look at Life in Our Remarkable Communities 2017 

22 

22 PASO ROBLES 

LIGHT PARADE 

16 

16 

32 

33 

12 SOMETHING WORTH 

READING 

A Column by Nicholas Mattson … 

and Bob Chute! 

14 MAIN STREET 

Events Coming Downtown in December 

16 PASO PEOPLE 

Salvation Army Rings in the Season 

Joyce Herman Retires from the Adobe 

By Meagan Friberg 

Kate McKinley: New 911 Operator 

By Chuck Desmond 

In Review: JED Nicholson Named 

Champion of Youth 

Jonathan Stornetta: Paso’s New Fire Chief 


28 ROUND TOWN 

Neighbors In Need: Hope for the Holidays 


North County Holiday Offerings 

By Melissa Chavez 

Holiday Crafts: Opportunities and Ideas 


Kindermusik: Activities for the Toddlers 

By Tonya Strickland 

Growing in Earnest: Paso Food Co-op 


Templeton Happenings: 

A Column by Heather Young 

County Perspective: 

A Column by Bruce Curtis 

8 PASO Magazine, December 2017 

24 

18 

24 VINE STREET VICTORIAN 

SHOWCASE 

25 COMMUNITY 

GIVES BACK 

Rotary Donates, and Donates, and Donates 

Heart to Heart: More than $500,000 in Giving 

DEPARTMENTS

CONTENTS 

DEPARTMENTS 

CONTINUED 

38 HOOFBEAT 

Hoofbeat Calendar and Trail Tales 

By Dorothy Rogers 

42 BUSINESS 

SLO County Economic Forecast 

By Bruce Curtis 

Gatherings Opens the ‘Emporium’ 

on Park 

Business Spotlight: Dr. Bonnie Lyon, 

A Beautiful Face, and Wellness 

by Mother Nature 

By Millie Drum & Meagan Friberg 

LivHOME Helps Seniors Remain 

Independent and Safe 

The Natural Alternative Nutrition Center: 

Holiday Survival Tips 

Odyssey Café Celebrates 20 Years 

of Food and Friends 


Kennedy Club Fitness Celebrates 

10 Years of Health and Happiness 

Local Goods Report: 

The Holidays are Here 

From General Store Paso Robles 

50 EDUCATION 

AND CULTURE 

The Nutcracker Ballet Begins: 

Alexandre Algueró as Cavalier 

By Heather Young 

Paderewski Festival Resonates 


Applause Children’s Theater Opens 

‘Peter Pan, Jr.’ Auditions 


Sustainable Santa Wishes you a 

Healthy Christmas 

By Per-Olof Nielsen 

Sustainable Christmas Trees: 

Real vs. Artificial 


City of Paso Robles Library 

and Recreation 

Things to do in December 

Happy Holidays Paso Robles! 

Artwork By Travis Ruppe 

52 

:: ON THE COVER :: 

VOLUME 17 

60 BEARCAT COUNTRY 

Paso Robles Sports 

Football Runs the Table in PAC 5 

Cross Country Earns Trip to State Meet 

62 EVENTS 

PASO Magazine Elegant Evening 

Photo Gallery 

Time & Place: The Monthly Event Calendar 

66 LAST WORD 

Larry Eastwood Hangs Up The Ladles 

_______ 

NUMBER 8 

54 

60 

DECEMBER 2017 

PASO MAGAZINE IS ONLINE 

All of our monthly stories are posted online at 

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WE VALUE YOUR INPUT! 

(805) 239-1533 • PASOmagazine.com 

Email: publisher@pasomagazine.com 

Mail: P.O. Box 3996, Paso Robles, CA 93447 

Drop off: 1244 Pine St. Suite 204, Paso Robles 

PASO Magazine ©2017, is owned and published 

by Nicholas & Hayley Mattson. 

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 

in Paso Robles 93446, Templeton 93465, Shandon 

93461, Bradley 93426, and San Miguel 93451 zip 

codes. Postage paid at Paso Robles, CA 93446. 

PASO Magazine is also available for our visitors 

at the Chamber of Commerce, North County 

Transportation Center, local motels, hotels, 

vacation homes, B&Bs, airports, and high-traffic 

hotspots. 

Annual subscriptions to PASO Magazine , mailed 

to areas beyond the described distribution areas, 

are available for $26.99 per year (no international 

mailing). Subscribe online at PASOmagazine.com. 

For advertising inquiries and rates, story ideas and 

submission of photos, letters, press releases, etc., 

email publisher@PASOmagazine.com. 

In-town drop point: Dutch Maytag, address above. 

Advertising Graphics by Denise McLean, Mode 

Communications 

Editorial Composition by Travis Ruppe 

Art Production by Sue Dill 

EDITORIAL DEADLINE 

7 th of each month preceding publication 

ADVERTISING DEADLINE 

10 th of each month preceding publication 

Publisher/Owner: Nicholas & Hayley Mattson 

Founding Co-Publisher: Bob Chute 

Founding Co-Publisher: Karen Chute 1949-2004 

Advertising Consultants: Millie Drum, Pam 

Osborn, Jamie Self, Karli Twisselman, Bob 

Chute, and Nicholas Mattson 



It truly is the most wonderful time 

of the year. When the weather turns 

into fall and toward winter, there is 

a yearning inside me to dig deep for 

faith in something greater than myself, 

and to rely on that as the cold 

sets in. Fighting against the instincts 

of self-preservation, and taking ac- 

SOMETHING WORTH READING 

By Nic 

Mattson 

Wow. Thank you Paso Robles! 

How does one begin to express 

the appreciation I feel toward so 

many community members expressing 

their love for me and the effort 

I’ve put forth over the first 16 years of 

PASO Magazine. 

Humbled. 

Mind blown. 

Awesome beyond definition… 

and so very proud. 

I was reading the October issue 

tion in giving to others is the essence 

of this holiday season for me. It humbles 

me. 

When I think of all those who 

gave to me when I needed it the 

most, it is what got me through the 

dark nights of winters past, and into 

a place where I can take a break with 

my wife, lay on the floor of my boys’ 

room and let them crawl all over me 

with a playfulness I cherish. 

It has been a long, hard road 

at times, and I still have that picof 

PASO Magazine, checking out the 

efforts of my protégé, Nic Mattson, 

when I came upon the two page 

spread with the unbelievable headline 

of “Thank You Bob” and proceeded to 

read the words of so many saying so 

many incredible things…about ME! 

Wow. 

Shock. 

Dismay. 

Thank you Nicholas and Hayley 

Mattson for making this happen. 

Words cannot begin to describe how 

you have blessed me. 

ture of the evergreen tree sprouting 

through the snow with 

the caption, “Never Give Up.” 

It is somewhere around here. 

I don’t know if there is any better 

advice that has ever been given to me 

than that — never give up. 

It is a truly wonderful life, and I’ve 

been blessed by the angels in mine. 

I’m humbled by the words of my 

mentor and predecessor, because I 

don’t know if I’ve ever done anything 

more than never give up. 

I feel I’ve just been doing my job 

for the past 16 years…reporting on 

the community I love. But, I recently 

began to realize it was time to hand it 

over to someone with a younger, fresher 

perspective…one with more energy. 

As I’ve said before, the best way to 

describe it is to recognize I am a typewriter 

in this new high-tech world. I 

prayed that the Lord would send me 

an enthusiastic individual with a love 

for print who would appreciate what I 

have accomplished and be able to take 

the PASO Magazine to new places… 

I’ve spent most of my life “just 

getting started,” and today I feel the 

same way. Whatever road I’m on, 

whatever direction I’m headed, it 

might always feel as though I’m “just 

getting started.” 

As my wife and I walk this road 

now, with our children beside us, all I 

know for sure is that if our little ones 

learn anything from me, it is to never 

give up — there is a miracle five 

minutes away — if you can just hang 

on. 

THANKS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS FELLOW SUPPORTED ROBLANS! BY 

By Bob Chute 

places I can’t begin to grasp or fathom. 

Enter Nic Mattson. If this isn’t a 

God-thing I don’t know what is. I 

thought I was high energy back in 

the day but this guy is something 

else. Plus he understands all this new 

stuff…that I just can’t grasp. And 

he has encouraged me to stay involved…how 

cool is that? 

Once again, thanks so very much 

and a very Merry Christmas to all! 

Buckle your seat belts fellow Roblans…this 

is going to be a fun ride. 



Season’s Greetings! Paso Robles 

is abuzz with the sights and 

sounds of the most wonderful 

time of the year! It’s a time when 

we gather with friends and family 

to share the warmth together 

through the cold and dark of 

the winter frost, and Downtown 

Paso Robles Main Street Association 

is ringing in the season 

with three great events. 

Together, the three events 

count for more than 100 years of 

winter celebration for Paso Roblans 

— 56th annual Christmas 

Light Parade, 31st annual Vine 

Street Victorian Showcase, and 

27th annual Victorian Teddy 

Bear Tea. 

Main Street executive director 

Norma Moye wants to remind 

you to get prepared to join in the 

holiday spirit! 

“Come get your Song Book 

and Black-Out Bingo card from 

our Main Street office, or any 

participating stores,” Norma said. 

Main Street is located at 835 

12th St. #D. 

Norma also reminded that the 

Blackout Bingo drawing will be 

held on Sunday, Dec. 10 at the 

Holiday House at the City Park, 

where kids of all ages can visit 

Santa. 

Santa Claus is coming 

to Paso 

Saturday, Dec. 2 

Mrs. Claus paid us a visit on 

Nov. 24 and flipped the giant 

switch to light our town for Santa’s 

arrival, and will join the big 

guy on Saturday as he flies into 

town for the 56th annual Christmas 

Light Parade. 

The theme of this year’s festive 

cruise is “There’s no place like 

home for Christmas” and it all 

begins at 7 p.m. The parade filled 

with floats, marching bands, and 

the grand finale of Santa and Mrs. 

Clause will wind its way around 

the downtown streets carrying 

the sounds and sights of the season 

of good cheer. Cash awards 

go to category winners. Parade 

applications are available at the 

Main Street office. 

The event is sponsored by 

Wells Fargo Bank and H&R 

Block. 

And you don’t have to wait! 

Santa is already here! Visit the 

jolly old elf at the Holiday House 

at Paso Robles Downtown Park 

from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays, 

Dec. 3, 10, and 17, and 

Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 

21-24. 


Vine Street Victorian 

Showcase 

Saturday, December 9 

In three decades, Paso Robles 

has welcomed and entertained 

hundreds of thousands of people 

for a holiday walk down the 

Vine Street Victorian Showcase, 

and the 31st installment awaits 

the wonderstruck eyes and bright 

smiles of those visiting for the 

first time. 

“Vine Street” is the product of 

a partnership between the City 

of El Paso de Robles, El Paso de 

Robles Historical Society, and 

Paso Robles Main Street Association, 

and of course the amazing 

businesses and residents of Vine 

Street between 8th and 21st 

streets. 

Together, they bring to life the 

winter season like nowhere else, 

with Ebenezer Scrooge harassing 

onlooking visitors from his balcony, 

the Snow Queen bringing 

her soft touch to the harshness of 

winter, and Mr. and Mrs. Clause 

ho-ho-ho-ing with the community 

carolers. 

Vine Street will be filled with 

entertainers, community open 

houses, live music, and lots of 

tasty treats. 

Teddy Bear Tea 


If you just can’t get enough 

of Santa Claus, the Teddy Bear 

Tea is another chance to visit the 

jolly old elf, along with special 

guests — the Snow Queen & 

King, Santa’s Elves, and Victorian 

Friends. 

Enjoy music, singing, and 

entertainment, Teddy Bear 

tea cups to take home, gingerbread 

cookies, candy canes, 

pictures to color and door 

prizes. 

Seating is limited and will sell 

out! Tickets are available at the 

Main Street office. 

Norma and the Main Street 

volunteers wish you a Merry 

Christmas and Happy New Year. 

Contact Norma at 

info@pasoroblesdowntown.org, 

238-4103, or visit pasoroblesdowntown.org 

for more info. 

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PASO PEOPLE 

RED KETTLES AND BELLS HELP PASO PEOPLE 

Salvation Army bell ringers drive local goodwill 

The Salvation Army’s red 

kettles and bells have popped 

up around Paso Robles as the 

150-year-old organization rings 

for the message of giving locally 

to meet the needs of those without. 

The Salvation Army prides 

itself on delivering 82 cents of 

every dollar to program services, 

and ask anyone who has 

received help in a time of need, 

you will find a great deal of gratitude. 

Whether it is a check written 

to cover a portion of a month’s 

rent, or a few meals, or assistance 

to keep the power on 

through a cold December, the 

bells of The Salvation Army ring 

true. 

In Paso Robles, Beth Quaintance 

serves as SLO County Service 

Extension Rep/EDS Coordinator 

for Salvation Army and 

has rung the bell loudly over 

several weeks to announce the 

need for bell ringers for the local 

locations of the red kettles. 

The very first kettle was set 

out by Salvation Army Captain 

Joseph McFee in 1891. 

During the holiday season, he 

resolved to provide dinner for 

the destitute and poverty-stricken. 

He placed a pot at the Oakland 

Ferry Landing at the foot 

of Market Street. Beside the 

pot, he placed a sign that read, 

“Keep the Pot Boiling.” He soon 

had the money to see that the 

needy people were properly 

fed at Christmas. 

Six years after, the kettle idea 


After nearly 50 years, Joyce 

Herman, a long-time member 

and administrator for the 

Friends of the Adobes, has 

decided to take a bit of a 

break. Energetic and knowledgeable, 

she is virtually a 

walking history book when it 

comes to the Rios-Caledonia 

Adobe, the adobe churches 

in the area, and the town and 

spread from the west coast to 

the Boston area. That year, the 

combined effort nationwide 

resulted in 150,000 Christmas 

dinners for the needy, and today 

in the U.S., The Salvation Army 

assists more than four-and-ahalf 

million people during the 

Thanksgiving and Christmas 

time periods. 

You might never know your 

neighbor called Salvation Army 

for help, but you can be sure 

that more lights are on, and 

more bellies are full because of 

the good that goes into those 

red kettles during the winter 

season. 

Whether you rang the bell, 

or dropped a bill into the kettle, 

you were a part of making 

someone’s life a little brighter. 

Rios-Caledonia Adobe admin resigns her post 

people of San Miguel. 

When she officially resigns 

from her position as the administrator 

of Friends of the 

Adobes and lead docent and 

tour guide, there will be a void 

in the all-volunteer organization 

that will be felt for years 

to come. Joyce first joined the 

group at its inception, back in 

1968, when Virginia Peterson, 

Virginia Culbert, and Marga- 

“…every time a bell rings 

an angel gets his wings.” 

- It’s a Wonderful Life 

There are variety of Paso Robles 

locations for bell ringers 

this December, and three of 

the most common are: 

American Mattress 

2255 Theatre Drive 

Albertson’s 

189 Niblick Road 

Walmart 

180 Niblick Road 

ret Work headed the efforts 

to rebuild the crumbling historic 

adobe. 

“Joyce has contributed so 

much over the years,” said 

Linda Elmerick, Friends of 

the Adobe member and volunteer. 

“There’s really no one 

who knows as much about 

the history of the historic 

adobe, the families who have 

lived here, and the many 

uses it has had over the years 

than Joyce. She has taught 

all of us volunteers so much 

and, truly, every time I listen 

to her giving a tour I learn 

continued on next page 


something new.” 

The Rios-Caledonia Adobe 

is California Historical Landmark 

No. 936, a San Luis Obispo 

County Park, and was initially 

part of the properties of 

Mission San Miguel de Archangel. 

It is located on the old 

mission trail, eight miles north 

of Paso Robles and adjacent 

to the San Miguel Mission. 

Preserved buildings, beautifully-landscaped 

grounds, 

picnic sites, a gift shop, and 

research library grace the site. 

The adobe has become a 

visitor’s center for San Miguel, 

with the help of Joyce and 

the all-volunteer staff. Their 

yearly cactus jelly making sessions 

and sales bring interest 

and visitors from near and far. 

Several yearly events such as 

the Memorial Service at the 

Estrella Adobe Church in May 

and the Tour of the Haunted 

Adobe in October. A classic 

car show and Caledonia Days, 

held in June and September 

have brought hundreds to the 

grounds of the adobe over 

the past several years; there 

are talks of combining the two 

events together for one larger 

event in the spring of 2018. 

Calling her decision to resign, 

“bittersweet,” Joyce said 

she will likely fill in from time 

to time as a volunteer and will 

continue to be a member of 

the non-profit organization. 

She also hopes others will 

consider volunteering at the 

historical site. 

“I will miss my time out at 

the Adobe, but I do plan to 

stop by and help out occasionally,” 

Joyce said. “I think 

what I will miss the most is 

leading tours for local school 

children and talking with visitors, 

both locally and those 

from all over the world, about 

what the adobe means to the 

people of this area.” 

For more information on 

the Rios-Caledonia Adobe 

and Friends of the Adobes, 

see rios-caledoniaadobe.org. 

Stop by the adobe Friday 

through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 

p.m. or call Linda Elmerick at 

680-6086 to volunteer. 

Gathering for worship Sundays 10 am @ Live Oak Church 

(Corner of Oak & 15th Streets in Paso) 

Sunday School & Nursery for kids—Youth Group Sundays 6-7:30pm 

Love-Acceptance-Forgiveness 

935 Riverside Ave., Suite 20 

Paso Robles, CA 


“I REALLY LOVE MY CAREER” 

Kate McKinley — Paso’s Newest 9-1-1 Dispatcher 


“It’s better to know me and not 

need me than to need me and not 

know me.” This holds true for that 

time when you need to call 9-1-1 and 

have that gut-wrenching and sinking 

feeling of wondering if someone 

will actually answer and really be 

able to help in time. It’s been awhile 

since we’ve looked at the Dispatch 

Department in the Emergency Services 

building and this is a perfect 

time to get refreshed, with the arrival 

of KATE McKINLEY. 

Firstly, remember, NEVER BE 

AFRAID you are “bothering 

someone” by calling 9-1-1. 

They are here for our safety! 

Let’s start with a couple of the 

good-news facts. The Dispatch Department 

is in really good shape. 

There are eight highly-trained and 

many more calls each day that are 

more routine — fender benders 

to be reported, parking questions, 

whom should I call for this or that, 

is the road closed, my cat’s up a 

tree, etc. 

El Paso de Robles is lucky to 

have Kate on board. She is calm, 

deliberate, well-trained and thorough. 

You might ask, “Hey Chuck, 

how did she get to our little pueblo?” 

Good question. Let’s find out. 

Kate’s family lived in five or six 

different states as her dad took increasingly 

important positions in 

his line of work. Mostly though, 

she’d say that Walla Walla, WA, 

where she spent her high school 

years, became the solid foundation 

she stood on. 

Kate played H.S. softball, was 

in the band as a percussionist and 

played an active role in the school 

government. By then she’d also 

been playing piano and after thirdedicated 

employees in the department 

that is on the 2nd floor 

of 900 Park Street — just 30 feet 

away from Police Chief Robert 

Burton’s and Mary Sponhaltz’s offices. 

The dispatchers report to Mary 

(whom we all secretly know runs 

the department) even though 

the title on her desk translates to 

“Uber Assistant!” 

Dispatchers are in position every 

hour of every day. When you 

need them, they are there. They are 

not even allowed to hold a second 

job without special permission and 

approval to insure they are available 

for us Roblans as needed. 

The dispatchers receive about 

120 service-calls each day. Service-calls 

are those related to the 

need for fire, police, ambulance 

and the like, for emergencies. The 

dispatchers answer all 9-1-1 calls 

for both police and fire. There are 

Paso Police Department 

Dispatcher, Kate McKinley. 

ty years, she plays classical music 

to this day. When a BS degree in 

Criminal Justice led to the “I want 

more” syndrome, she ended up 

with a Masters degree in Public 

Administration. 

Kate began in finance and marketing, 

with a position in Belfast, 

Northern Ireland. After which 

she returned to Bellingham, WA 

Please see DISPATCHER page 21 


IN REVIEW: B&G CLUB NAMES 

JED NICHOLSON 

2017 CHAMPION OF YOUTH 

“Boys & Girls Club is important to 

me because of the critical role it 

plays in assisting children in doing 

well in school and avoiding 

bad influences. Any mentoring, 

especially for underprivileged 

children, is key to their positive 

development.” 

The Boys & Girls Club of 

North SLO County were delighted 

to honor JED Nicholson 

as the 2017 Champion of 

Youth. JED served on the B&G 

Board for more than ten years in 

dedication to keeping the Club 

true to its mission of providing 

all youth with the opportunity 

for a great future. In addition, he 

played a major role in protecting 

the Club’s interests and guiding 

decision-making with outstanding 

legal counsel. 

John E.D. ( JED) Nicholson 

received his B.S. from Georgetown 

University and his J.D. 

from University of San Diego. 

From 1990 until 1994 he was a 

Surface Warfare Officer in the 

Navy stationed in San Diego. 

Following law school, he 

worked in L.A. for two years 

before joining SLO firm Sinsheimer, 

Schiebelhut & Baggett 

John, JED, Karen, Cynthia, 

and Katherine Nicholson 

as an associate. In 2001, he left 

to help found Adamski Moroski 

Madden Cumberland & 

Green LLP, becoming a partner 

in 2004. In 2013, Mr. Nicholson 

started his own law office in Paso 

Robles, handling both trial and 

appellate litigation. 

JED is also on the Board of 

Directors for Big Brothers Big 

Sisters of SLO and a past Chairman 

of the agency. He is currently 

Vice President of Legacy 

United Soccer Club and serves 

as Secretary of the Shelby Sudbrink 

Memorial Scholarship 

Foundation. He has impacted 

the lives of countless youth 

through his years of coaching 

youth sports in Templeton. 


JONATHAN STORNETTA 

PASO’S NEW FIRE CHIEF 


On a warm October day, City 

Manager Tom Frutchy swore in 

Jonathan Stornetta as the new 

Interim Fire Chief in Paso. 55 

people in attendance listened 

closely to Mr. Frutchy’s comments 

about Jonathan as he spoke about 

his duty, honor, service-above-self, 

values and community. Clearly, 

there was great respect for 

Mr. Stornetta —“Fire Chief ” 

may be the title but the position 

is so much more than that. 

The sign outside the building says 

Department of Emergency Services. 

Let’s take a look.. 

Jonathan’s age puts him right 

in the prime-time of when a 

career becomes defined by the 

person instead of vice-versa. He 

wasn’t born in A-town but the 

family moved there when he 

was just learning to walk. Jonathan 

was a born ‘n’ bred Greyhound. 

Years back, sensibility 

set in and now he and his family 

are here in Paso. Good move! 

Fresh out of high school, 

Jonathan took a full time position 

at the local fire house as he 

wanted to be a mechanic. The 

chief squished him out of that 

and encouraged him to become 

a fireman. He did. 

Jonathan became a reserve 

firefighter which led to an opportunity 

of going to paramedic 

school at UC Davis. Someplace 

along this path, Jonathan realized 

that helping others was 

really his calling. Once a person 

has received and understands 

that calling, the rest of the story 

just becomes a “How.” 

With 21 years as a paramedic, 

Mr. Stornetta was also a full 

time firefighter in Morro Bay 

until Kevin Taylor recruited 

him to come to El Paso de Robles 

in 2001. That was a great 

opportunity for Jonathan and 

our growing community. In 

2003, Jonathan was promoted 

to Captain, to Interim Battalion 

Chief in 2006, and to Battalion 

Chief after 10 years. 

Following a thorough vetting 

process with a long list 

of applicants, Jonathan was 

chosen to be the new Inter- 

im Fire Chief, filling Paul 

Garcia’s shoes after his sixmonth 

stint. This title will last 

only eight months or less and 

it gives the City manager and 

Council time to watch Jonathan 

and for him to watch them! It’s 

much more than fires; it’s truly 

Public Safety and it’s all about 

saving lives and property and 

raising awareness throughout 

our pueblo. 

The challenges are pretty 

daunting. So far this year there 

have been over 2,900 calls made 

to the dispatch office! That 

number was not anticipated to 

be reached for many years into 

the future. When a fire truck 

goes, so does the ambulance — 

if it’s available. The fire truck always 

has a paramedic on board. 

Contemporary Comfort Food 

We’ll be open Christmas Eve Day until 3pm. Closed Christmas Day 

to allow our staff to enjoy the day with their families. 

We’ll be open New Year’s Eve Day all day and for dinner serving our 

regular menu, PLUS select specials to bring in The New Year and open all 

day New Year’s Day! 

HOMEMADE 

DESSERTS! 

Cocktail Hour 

Daily Specials • 3 - 6pm 

Cocktails • Craft Beer 

Wine • Appetizers 

*Excludes Soup 

We are OPEN ALL DAY...7 days a week from 11am 

1114 Pine Street • Downtown Paso Robles • 238-3929 

Dinner Specials Through 

Month of December 

Mondays 

Shrimp Tacos 

With Tarter Sauce, 

Jalapeno Avocado 

Salsa & Chips 

Tuesdays 

$16 

Pound of 

Steamed Clams 

With Salad & 

Garlic Bread $16 

Wednesdays 

Boneless Pork Chop 

With Sweet Potato 

Mash, Vegetable 

and Sourdough 

bread 

$16 

Thursdays 

Baby Back Ribs 

Cole Slaw, Garlic 

Bread & Frites $16 


The ambulance is under county 

contract and covers about 

1,000 square miles. Thus it 

may not be sitting idly and 

waiting to go. 65% of calls are 

medical emergencies; thankfully, 

only 7% are fires and 12% are 

incidents such as a fall in the 

home. 

Paso has four fire engines, 

a ladder truck, a heavy-rescue 

vehicle and an aircraft rescue 

vehicle stationed at the airport. 

There are 26 total employees in 

the department of which fifteen 

are both firefighters and paramedics 

and six more are Fire 

Captains. 

Over the next few months, 

Jonathan has to recommend 

three who will become battalion 

chiefs while maintaining 

a goal of 90% response within 

six minutes. He’s also been 

charted with a 2-year goal of 

staffing a squad to handle the 

increase in calls from a growing 

community with loads of visi- 

tors, stick to a tight fiscal budget, 

and maintain the needs of 

the community’s protection. 

If there is a moment left in 

his day, working on the five-year 

plan of an additionally-staffed 

new firehouse out on 46 East 

someplace, is also on the list. 

Only one word fits: YIKES! 

Jonathan is a ‘’look-ya-inthe-eye” 

kinda guy with a very 

full plate. It takes only a millisecond 

to realize his passion for 

the job he swore to uphold and 

the protection of our fellow residents. 

He’s exactly the way Mr. 

Frutchy described him at the 

swearing-in ceremony. 

At home, he and his wife have 

two children and they are deep 

into horse events as family activity. 

Somewhere down the list, 

“sleep” gets mentioned. 

Chief Jonathan, thank you for 

doing for us what we ourselves 

can not. Best of luck and safety 

to you and your entire organization! 

DISPATCHER from page 18 

where her family was at that time. 

Her dad heard there was an opening 

as a dispatcher in town and 

suggested she look into it. Kate 

was hired, and became a dispatcher 

in Bellingham for nine years! Her 

experience spread as she did special 

work for the local S.W.A.T., 

became a training officer for new 

dispatchers, and saw extraordinary 

challenges during the Winter 

Olympics. 

Ms. McKinley is a family-oriented 

woman and when her father 

took a position in Surprise, AZ, 

Kate thought, “Why not? I like to 

be near family.” 

Off she went, and spent over 

three years being a dispatcher in 

that city of over 130,000 residents. 

Meanwhile, Kate had two children 

but still hadn’t found her “Forever 

town.” That is until she got a call to 

“Come on over!” 

The ‘over to where?’ was Paso 

and it didn’t take any time at all for 

her to say, “Yup, this is gonna be it.” 

That was in February of this year 

and from my interview session, I’d 

say Kate’s here for the long haul! 

Here are a few of the reasons I 

came to that conclusion. 

Kate said, “Once I started this 

career, I’ve never looked back on 

my finance and marketing aspirations 

and wondered ‘what-if.’ 

I love this work! Paso has character; 

it’s such a unique place; 

this is my forever-town with a 

great size and while the work can 

be emotionally draining, there 

is so much to do here. The people 

I’ve met are just beyond super 

and supportive. This career helps 

me compartmentalize my life and 

when I’m at work, I can really stay 

focused. The balance is splendid. 

Evolving technology for dispatchers 

and the ability to get rapid help 

to the residents where it’s needed 

are always exciting. It’s tremendous 

to get a call about, say, graffiti 

and know we have the team of volunteer 

graffiti cleaners who make 

it go away, right away. More importantly, 

knowing that I played a 

part in ending a serious situation is 

always an upper. I’m still learning 

my way around town and I’d love 

to teach piano lessons but all that 

will unfold as it’s meant to be.” 

Good luck, Kate. Welcome 

home and we’re glad you’re here. 


The Sight and Sounds of the 



SPECTACULAR: 

One of the many words that can be used 

to describe the Vine Street Victorian 

Showcase! Others are glorious, splendid, 

magnificent, dazzling, unforgettable, festive, 

cozy, bright, joyful, and splendiferous. 

You could say that Norma Moye and the 

rest of the Vine Street residents and businesses 

… put on the ritz, get gussied up, 

and showcase with brilliant pizazz. 

It’s a must-see event. 

Lights, carolers, cocoa, sledding, Santa 

Claus and the Mrs., and of course, the 

infamous Ebeneezer Scrooge. 

See you there! 


6 to 9 p.m. 

Vine Street, Paso Robles 


PASO ROBLES ROTARY CLUB works to 

build goodwill and better relationships 

he annual Paso Robles Rotary “Tee It 

Up For OUR Kids” golf tournament 

has been raising money for the community 

for around 20 years. With three years of growth 

under event chairperson Rick Goree, the Paso 

Robles Rotary Club annual golf tournament 

has become a proud source of charitable donations 

into the community, and in 2017 it raised 

$40,000 for distribution to local causes. 

Alongside Goree, fellow Rotarian Lars Jorgenson 

was instrumental to quadruple the 

tournament fundraising and Rotarians Jennifer 

Idler and Jennifer Wescom led the silent auction. 

All together, Paso Robles Rotary Club raised 

and donated money for Boy Scouts Troop 60, 

Boys and Girls Club, the Children’s Museum, 

Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation, Youth 

Works, Morning Star Youth Ranch, CASA, 

Skills USA, and Rancho El Chorro. 

PASO ROBLES 

YOUTH ARTS FOUNDATION 

“Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation is honored 

to receive a $5,000 donation from Paso 

Robles Rotary Club for the 2017 Dining with 

the Arts Fundraiser 

Gala,” the organization 

wrote in a message. “All 

funds raised directly 

support PRYAF students’ 

artistic journeys 

through classes, materials, 

costumes and 

supplies.” 

Since the founding 

of PRYAF, 17 years 

ago, the program has 

grown to serve over 400 

students each quarter, 

offering a changing array of exciting visual and 

performing arts classes. When the California 

Arts Budget was cut by 90%, PRYAF stepped 

up to the plate. 

“At PRYAF, we believe the arts are vital to 

the cognitive growth and development of our 

children.” 

By the numbers, the donation from Rotary 

pays the full cost of delivering PRYAF services 

to 200 local children for an entire year. 

“Paso Robles Rotary Club’s contribution 

is so important and allows us to continue 

our mission to enrich the lives of area youth 

with free after school classes in the visual and 

performing arts, in a safe and nurturing environment,” 

Emily Jagger, PRYAF Director of 

Development reported. “Through this contribution, 

Rotary and community members are 

helping to share the wondrous possibilities that 

an arts education brings to the well-being of 

our youth.” 

Call 238-5825 for information, or visit pryaf. 

org. 

Please see ROTARY page 26 


HEART TO HEART REAL ESTATE 

Invoking Real Change Through Local Giving 

By Millie Drum 

Heart to Heart Real Estate 

is changing our community. 

Since its establishment in 

August 2013, this full service 

real estate brokerage led by owners/ 

brokers Mark McConnell and Liz Lee with 

realtor associates Christie Giaquinto and 

Jennifer Young, represent their clients, 

buying or selling property, with an offer 

that is unique in the real estate industry. 

Heart to Heart gives half of every commission 

they earn to the nonprofit or charity of 

their client’s choosing. This disbursement is 

a generous way for those who want to help 

the community with charitable giving…but 

may not have the means to do so. 

Over 200 nonprofits in San Luis Obispo 

County are always striving to meet their 

needs; primarily to help the most un- 


CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 

The Paso Robles Children’s Museum opened 

its doors in November of 2007 inside the restored 

and repurposed volunteer firehouse. Now, 

10 years later, the museum has welcomed over 

195,000 visitors, including 15,500 elementary 

school students who participated in educational 

programs provided by the Museum and its generous 

sponsors. 

As a part of the golf tournament distribution, 

Paso Robles Rotary Club presented the Paso 

Robles Children’s Museum with an oversized 

check in the amount of $5,000. 

“The Rotary Club of Paso Robles has had a 

huge impact on the success of the Museum with 

$38,000 in donations over the past 10 years,” said 

Jennifer Smith, Executive Director of the Children’s 

Museum. “This $5,000 donation provides 

essential funds for the Museum and allows us to 

continue providing a safe and educational place 

for children and families to gather on the Central 

Coast.” 

The museum’s mission is to engage children 

in a joyful learn-through-play environment and 

inspire educational curiosity while honoring the 

heritage of our volunteer firefighters. 

“We appreciate the Rotary Club’s support of 

our mission and thank all Rotarians for their ongoing 

efforts to support our youth in Paso Roder-served 

members of 

our community. Mark and 

Liz understand the issues 

facing nonprofits about 

raising money, securing 

donations and competing 

for sponsorship funds. Annual events and 

ongoing fundraising campaigns require a 

tremendous amount of planning, expense 

and volunteers! Utilizing the funds generated 

through a real estate transaction 

is the principle behind Heart to Heart’s 

theme of “We Make Giving Easy.” 

During the 3rd Annual “We Make Giving 

Easy” event on November 29, Heart to 

Heart presented $19,738 to these organizations: 

Camp Fire Central Coast $8,013, 

Women’s Shelter of SLO $2,931, Hospice 

of SLO $2,931, Alzheimer’s Association 

of SLO $2,931 and Central Coast Autism 

Spectrum Center $2,931. 

“Our goal is to create a greater network 

of giving and to show how real change in 

a community is possible,” says Mark and 

Liz. “We are proud of our business model 

which allows us to have a successful 

business while supporting our heartfelt 

commitment to improve lives, spread 

awareness and invoke change through 

community partnerships.” 

In all, Heart to Heart has donated to more 

than 50 nonprofits and charities since 2013. 

If you believe in the power of giving 

back and are planning a real estate transaction, 

call 226-LOVE (5683), email hello@ 

hearttoheartrealestate.com and visit hearttoheartrealestate.com 

for the listings, testimonials 

and videos that tell the Heart to 

Heart story of giving. 

From ROTARY page 25 

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA 

The Rotary Club of Paso Robles continues 

more than 70 years of history supporting 

the young men of the Boy Scouts of America. 

Rotary president Patrick Sayne presented 

this year’s financial backing to Kermit Komm, 

Chairman of BSA Troop 60 Parents Committee. 

The Scouts earn additional funds to support 

their activities like backpacking, summer camps, 

weekend campouts and Troop’s operational 

expenses such as the new 3,000-square-foot 

Esteemed Eagle Lodge built earlier this year 

to replace the aging facilities located at 23rd 

and Oak Street in Paso Robles. 

There is one more 75-year-old WWII surplus 

building still on the property which will be 

the next project. 

“Without the Paso Robles Rotary Club’s financial 

support of Scouting and the many other 

youth organizations in our town,” John Hamon, 

president of the Paso Robles Scout House 

Foundation said, “Paso Robles would have far 

less kids involved in organizations that teach 

our youth the important personal lifelong skills 

of citizenship and moral character that the next 

generation truly needs to have. Thank You Rotarians!” 

Call 239-3494, or visit scouting.org. 

bles,” said Smith. 

Call 238-7432 for information, or visit 

pasokids.org. 

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB 

OF NORTH SLO COUNTY 

Rotary continues to provide needed support 

for the B&G Club as it grows to serve those in 

need in Paso Robles. 

Paso Robles Rotary Club gave the B&G Club 

of North SLO County a check for $5,000. 

B&G Clubs provide high quality after-school 

and summer programs that are accessible to 

families of all income levels. The Club is a safe 

and positive environment that gives all youth 

the chance for a bright future, nurturing them to 

achieve academic success, healthy lifestyles and 

strong character. 

“Our community has a severe shortage of affordable 

programs and we are dedicated to expanding 

our program to better meet the needs 

of working families. The Club is working with 

the School District and the City to identify additional 

facilities, and is raising funds to support 

additional operating costs, which are primarily 

for Youth Development Staff,” B&G Club of 

North SLO County executive director Kate 

Morgans explained. 

Call 239-3659 for more information, or visit 

bgcslocounty.org. 

“The proceeds benefit organizations that support our youth right here in Paso Robles,” Goree said. “Derby Wine has been the title sponsor 

and Marion Todd and Great Western Alarm has sponsored the shirts for many years now, and we couldn’t do it without them. Our whole club 

got behind this event and donated items for the auction, bought items, donated their time. Without this support no way could we have raised 

$40,000.” Visit pasoroblesrotary.org for more information 



ROUND TOWN 


Bring hope to other during the 2017 holiday season 

s we turn the final page of the 2017 calendar 

and welcome the month of December, 

we take time to reflect on the holiday season. For some, 

holidays mean spending time with family and 

friends both near and far. Many of us look forward 

to traditional holiday celebrations – whatever those 

traditions may be – and will perhaps start a new 

tradition or two. 

Why not make a new tradition this year by helping 

those in need? Get the entire family involved – young 

children love to help! There are countless ways to make 

this holiday season a bit brighter for others in our community! 

Below is a sampling of ideas: 

DONATE TO RISE, JOIN GIVING TREE 

The mission of RISE is one of hope – "to transform 

the lives of sexual and intimate partner violence survivors, 

their families and the community through services and education 

that promote safety, healing, and empowerment." 

You can help: 

• Ask co-workers and friends to participate in the 

Giving Tree program, then pool funds and purchase 

gift cards from various merchants including grocery, 

shoe, and department stores and gas stations. “We are 

doing things a bit differently this year in regard to the 

Giving Tree,” said RISE Development and Marketing 

Manager Mariko Kriege. “Gift cards allow our families 

to purchase the items they need and takes the guess 

work out of holiday shopping for our Giving Tree volunteers.” 

• Make a financial donation to help provide crisis 

intervention and treatment services. Make checks 

to RISE and mail to: P.O. Box 630, Paso Robles, CA 

93447. 

• Donate items to the Safe House such as: diapers, 

towels, first-aid supplies, laundry detergent, new pillows, 

twin sheet sets and comforters, pajamas, socks, 

underwear and more for women and children. Call 

226-5400, see riseslo.org, or stop by the RISE office at 

1030 Vine St. in Paso Robles. 

PASO’S LIGHTS OF HOPE 

Paso's Lights of Hope benefits the Cancer Support 

Community - California Central Coast by raising 

funds and awareness for local cancer patients, survivors, 

and their families while shining the light on the organization’s 

mission: “so that no one faces cancer alone.” More 

than 35,000 lights adorning 17 trees in the Paso Robles 

downtown park were turned on at the annual Downtown 

Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 24 and will continue to 

shine nightly through Valentine’s Weekend 2018. 

Paso’s Lights of Hope is co-sponsored by the City 

of Paso Robles and the Downtown Paso Robles Main 

Street Association. To sponsor a bulb, a branch, or tree, 

click on the Lights of Hope link at cscslo.org or stop by 

the CSC office at 1051 Las Tablas Road in Templeton; 

call 238-4411 for more info. 

DAY OF GIVING 

The 23rd Annual Day of Giving on Dec. 16 at the 

Paso Robles Event Center will provide toys, coats, and 

a holiday meal to local families with children from 

Paso Robles, San Miguel, Bradley, Shandon, and Heritage 

Ranch. The Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles, 

Coats for Kids, the Salvation Army, and community 

members make this possible. 

• Much has been donated, but more is needed. Place 

new toys, art supplies, games and sports balls in Toy 

Bank collection boxes around town; send monetary 

donations to: Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles, P.O. 

Box 2801, Paso Robles, CA 93447. 

• Take gently-used coats, sweatshirts, and sweaters 

to: Plaza Cleaners in the Albertson’s Shopping Center 

or Paso Robles Cleaners on 13th Street. Take new and 

clean coats to: KPRL, Idler’s, Farm Supply, Strawberry 

Blonde Salon, El Paso Mini Storage, The Blenders, or 

North County Copy & Parcel. 

• Send a check payable to the Toy Bank, with memo 

“Coats for Kids” to the Toy Bank address listed above. 

• Help the Salvation Army with monetary donations 

to purchase gift and food cards by sending a 

check with memo “Day of Giving” to P.O. Box 2654, 

Paso Robles, CA 93447. 

HELP OUT THE SALVATION ARMY 

The Salvation Army’s holiday kettle campaign generates 

funds to carry the organization through the 

entire fiscal year. 

• Volunteer to ring the bells and collect funds 

through Dec. 23; call 975-5632 to schedule a time slot. 

• Place monetary donations in the paper kettles at 

checkout lines in Food 4 Less. Send monetary donations 

to P.O. Box 2654, Paso Robles, 93447. 

• For families NOT participating in the Day of 

Giving, the Salvation Army offers three additional 

toy-giving opportunities: Angel Tree, Toy Shop, and 

Emergency Toy Giveaway. 

• Those wishing to help with donations of toys, interested 

in being an “angel,” or in need of assistance 

are encouraged to call 238-9591 or stop by the Salvation 

Army Center at 711 Paso Robles St. Tuesday or 

Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 


MORE WAYS TO HELP 

• Season of Hope: Bring non-perishable food items 

and new, unwrapped toys to any local fire station or 

various participating businesses through Dec. 15. Local 

television station KSBY partners with several organizations 

to distribute items collected during the drive; 

all donations remain on the Central Coast. Make a financial 

donation, or find a full list of items needed and 

drop off locations by clicking the Season of Hope tab 

at ksby.com. 

• Donate to ECHO: El Camino Homeless Organization 

(ECHO) provides food, shelter and other 

critical services to individuals and families with 

children. Donate at echoshelter.net or send checks 

payable to ECHO, P.O. Box 2077, Atascadero, CA 

93423; call 462-3663 for more info. Donate clothing 

and household items to Gatherings Thrift and North 

County Christian School Thrift Shop; both are located 

in Atascadero and many proceeds directly benefit 

ECHO. 

• Hope for the Holidays: Add non-perishable 

food items to collection boxes situated at various locations 

throughout the county through Dec. 15. Volunteers 

are needed to hand out most-needed-items 

lists to customers entering participating grocery 

stores. Businesses may host a money box or match donations 

from employees and donate the funds. Click 

on the Hope for the Holidays tab at slofoodbank.org 

for more info. 

• Can your library fines: Through Dec. 30, $1 

in fines is forgiven for every canned or other nonperishable 

food item donated ($16 max per library 

card account). Bring cans of soup, chili, fruit and 

vegetables, packages of rice or pasta and more to 

the Paso Robles library main desk to “Can 

Your Fines.” Details available at the library or 

237-3870. 

• Donate to Loaves and Fishes: Send monetary 

donations to P.O. Box 1720, Paso Robles, CA 93447 

or click on the PayPal link at loavesandfishespaso 

.org. Bring commercially produced and sealed food 

donations or fresh produce from your garden to the 

back-alley entrance of 2650 Spring St. (entrance 

through 26th St.) on: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 

9 to 11 a.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. or on Thursday from 5:30 

to 7 p.m.; phone 238-4742. 

From all of us at Paso Robles Magazine, 

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays 


TO MAKE YOUR SEASON BRIGHT 


There is plenty to choose from during the holidays 

— from community gatherings to crafts to 

concerts featuring beautiful music of the season. 

North SLO County is the place to be! Events 

are chronologically listed. Readers are encouraged 

to visit event websites or call and confirm 

scheduled events. 

56 TH HOLIDAY LIGHT PARADE in 

Paso Robles on Saturday evening, Dec. 

2, beginning at 7 p.m. Celebrate “There’s 

No Place Like Home for Christmas” with 

Santa and a glittering array of floats, 

equestrian, vehicle and marching entries. 

Bundle up and choose your spot along the 

Downtown parade route, from 10th and 

Spring streets (heading north past City 

Park), turning east one block to 14th Street, 

turning south on Park Street (between 14th- 

12th), turning east from 12th and Park to 

Pine Street, then turning south on Pine 

Street around City Park. Route ends on 11th 

Street. Call 238-4103 or visit pasoroblesdowntown.org. 

MORRO BAY LIGHTED BOAT 

PARADE at the Embarcadero on Dec. 

2 begins at 6:30 p.m. Bring the family and 

come early to secure a good spot along the 

waterfront to view a dazzling procession 

of delightfully festooned Christmas skiffs, 

yachts, kayaks, cutters, sailboats and fishing 

boats. If you arrive even earlier at 3:30 pm, 

Pre-Parade Festivities include holiday music 

and free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 

Tidelands Park. Visit MorroBay.org. 

WINTER CONCERT: ‘ALLELUIA’ by 

Cuesta College North County Chorus at 

the Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave, 

Atascadero, begins at 3 p.m. on Dec. 3. Enjoy 

J.S. Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio, Parts 3 

& 4” and other lovely pieces by a chorus of 

voices and solo artists with orchestra accompaniment. 

Veterans invited FREE! Tickets: 

$15/General and $10/students, seniors 65+. 

Pre-purchases are encouraged, as seating 

goes fast for this annual event. Search “North 

County Chorus” on Facebook. 

‘HOLIDAY MAGIC’ at Allegretto Vineyard 

Resort, 2700 Buena Vista Drive, Paso 

Robles, presents the Symphony Brass Chamber 

Ensemble on Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. Come early 

at 2 p.m. to stroll through the Tuscan Villa-inspired 

grounds and enjoy a Christmas 

Market with enticing gift items for purchase 

from local vendors, wine tasting, hot chocolate 

for the kids, carol singing at 4 p.m. and a 

Christmas tree lighting at 4:50 p.m. Prix fixe 

dinners are available for purchase with reservations, 

as seating is limited. Concert tickets: 

$35/adults, $10/children. Call 369-2500 or 

visit allegrettovineyardresort.com. 

SOY CANDLE MAKING at Centennial 

Park in Paso Robles. Handcraft and decorate 

your very own 10-ounce soy candle in a relaxed 

and friendly environment to enhance 

your creativity. Two classes available: Tuesday, 

Dec. 5 and 19, from 6 to 8 pm. Cost: $25 + 

$12 supply. Centennial Kitchen/Becky Hallett. 

Call 237-3988 or visit the “Activities & 

Classes” page at prcity.com. 

‘THE NUTCRACKER’ by North County 

Dance and Performing Arts Foundation 

with Class Act Dance on Dec. 7, 8, 9 and 

10 at Templeton Performing Arts Center. 

Schedule as follows. Dec. 7: Open Dress 

Rehearsal on at 7 pm. Dec. 8: Evening performance 

at 7 p.m. Dec. 9: Two matinees at 

11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 10: Matinee at 1 

p.m. and performance at 5:30 p.m. For more 

details, email: info@ncdpaf.org, call 316- 

1833, visit the North County Dance and 

Performing Arts Foundation page on Facebook, 

visit websites ncdpaf.org or brownpapertickets.com. 

ATASCADERO WINTER WONDER- 

LAND from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 8 at Sunken 

Gardens and downtown Atascadero offers 

a huge snow slide, snowy play areas, a 

rock climbing wall, a bounce house, Joe’s 

Little Train, Santa and Mrs. Claus and over 

50 food and craft vendors. Visit Atascadero 

Chamber.org. 

‘OLIVE THE HOLIDAYS’ at Olivas 

de Oro Olive Company, 4625 La Panza 

Road in Creston. On Saturday, Dec. 9, 

from noon to 5 p.m., join in the annual 

holiday party to sample olive, balsamic and 

ranch products, including their newly-released 

olio nuevo, and nibble on holiday 

cookies and treats. Take part in olive branch 

wreath-making, too. Your $10 donation will 

go straight to the Food Bank. Need to shop? 

Check out their gift baskets and stocking 

stuffers, too. Visit their Facebook page or 

call 227-4223. 


VINE STREET VICTORIAN SHOW- 

CASE from 6 to 9 p.m., on Dec. 9, takes place 

between 8th and 21st streets in Paso Robles. 

There’s something for everyone, including 

bands, dancers, free refreshments, The Grinch, 

the Snow King and Queen, choirs, caroling 

and one cantankerous Ebenezer Scrooge! Paso 

Robles High School Marching Band opens 

the festivities. Bundle up and enjoy this free, 

well-attended, annual event. No dogs/cars allowed. 

NOTE: No traffic permitted on this 

route between 6 to 9 p.m. Call 238-4103. Visit 

pasoroblesdowntown.org. 

VICTORIAN TEDDY BEAR TEA 

at Paso Robles Park Ballroom, 1232 Park 

Street, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 16 Visit 

with Snow King and Queen, Santa and 

Mrs. Claus, the elves, and Victorian friends. 

Enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating, pictures 

to color and candy canes. Bring your 

teddy bear for cookies and juice. Music, storytelling 

and a door prize. Seating limited. 

Pre-purchase tickets (adults/$15, kids/$8) 

at the Main Street Office, 835 12th Street, 

Suite D. Call 238-4103. Visit pasoroblesdowntown.org. 

ROUND TOWN 

‘2018 NEW YEAR’S EVE’ delivers “Champagne 

Wishes & Caviar Dreams” at La 

Bellasera Hotel & Suites in Paso Robles. 

Take part in an unforgettable culinary experience 

and ballroom bash with a three-course 

dinner, music and dancing, champagne toast, 

midnight snack and dessert bar. Cost: $39 

to $99. Inquire about New Year’s Eve room 

packages, holiday parties and gift cards. For 

tickets and full details, call 238-2834. Visit 

labellasera.com/nye. 



There’s no better time than the December holiday 

season to bring out the crafting supplies and 

spend time creating special gifts, decorations, and 

memories with family and friends. Below, find 

information on a variety of fun ideas and events 

to keep crafters of all ages in the holiday spirit. 

ART OF SOY CANDLE MAKING 

Join instructor Becky Hallett as she guides you 

through the process of handcrafting and decorating 

a natural vegetable soy candle. Learn about 

melting the wax, creating colors, choosing fragrances, 

and selecting the right wick for your candle 

and container. The class is designed to show 

participants how fun and easy it is to handcraft 

highly fragrant natural soy candles at home. 

The two-class will be offered on Tuesdays, 

Dec. 5 and Dec. 19; both classes start at 6 

p.m. and will be held in the Centennial Park 

classroom building, 600 Nickerson Dr. $25 

registration fee, plus $12 supply fee payable to 

the instructor. For more info, call 237-3991; 

pre-registration is highly recommended. 

CRAFT A BOAT OR GINGERBREAD HOUSE 

The annual Morro Bay Winterfest, billed as 

12 Days of Fun, has something for everyone including 

a lighted boat parade and crafts for the 

entire family. On Dec. 3, in conjunction with 

the Paddle Parade, organizers are hosting a paper 

boat building craft event and other family-friendly 

activities at Tidelands Park at 1 p.m. 

On Dec. 9 and 10, families and professionals 

are invited to display handmade gingerbread 

houses at the Inn at Morro Bay for a chance to 

win people’s choice and judges’ awards. A caroling 

concert and goodies help to keep the event 

festive and fun; stop by from 1 to 4 p.m. For a 

full list of activities, and to register for events, 

check out morrobaywinterfest.com. 

PAINT PARTY 

Join Skye Pratt, artist and owner of Paint Party, 

and the folks at Mitchella Vineyard and Winery 

on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 

tap into your creative side. Skye will take participants 

step-by-step through the process of creating 

a delightful winter themed painting, “Holiday 

Glow” – no experience needed! 

Tickets include a glass of wine, two hours of 

instruction, and all painting materials. Call 239- 

8555 for reservations and more info. Mitchella 

Vineyard and Winery is located just off of CA 

46 East at 2525 Mitchell Ranch Way in Paso 

Robles. Learn more about Skye and Paint Party 

at letspartyslo.com. 

WEEKLY ARTS & CRAFTS 

Artisan children’s educator Anna Meyrick 

offers a series of dynamic art classes for 

young artists each week at Studios on the Park 

in downtown Paso Robles. In December, she is 

offering holiday-themed projects and, as always, 

is committed to encouraging and supporting 

students as they learn, experiment, and create! 

Pre-registration is required; contact Anna at 

annameyrickmosaics@gmail.com or (971) 221- 

3438. Scholarships are available by request. 

Classes are held on Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 

p.m. • Dec. 7: Polar Bear: create an adorable 

polar bear floating in the icy sea using a limited 

watercolor palette and ink; $20. • Dec. 14: 

Felt Donut Ornaments: work on sewing skills 

and create a delicious donut ornament for the 

holidays; $20. • Dec. 21: Whimsical Red-Nosed 

Reindeer: use watercolor and pen to create a 

whimsical red-nosed reindeer; $20. 

SATURDAY CRAFT TIME 

Each Saturday, the friendly people at the 

Paso Robles location of Michael’s offer crafting 

ideas, instructions, and encouragement through 

their Kids Club and Make Break events. In 

December, the focus is on holiday fun! 

Kids Club takes place from 10 a.m. 

to noon. Dec. 2: Create Slime; Dec. 9: 

North Pole photo props, and Dec. 16: Candy 

Cane decorations. Make Break happens from 

1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 2: Gingerbread Houses. 

Dec. 9: Holiday t-shirts, and Dec. 16: 

Personalized gifts. For a full list of classes 

happening at the Paso Robles store in 

December, see www.michaels.com, call 226- 

0737 or stop by 2055 Theatre Drive in the 

Target Shopping Center. 

HANDCRAFTED FOR THE HOLIDAYS 

Be sure to stop by Studios on the Park, located 

at 1130 Pine St. in Paso Robles, through 

Dec. 31 as California’s premier craftspeople 

are featured in the invitational exhibition and 

retail sale – Handcrafted for the Holidays – 

devoted to bringing wide public attention to 

the field of fine craft. A portion of every sale 

supports Studios on the Park’s efforts to make 

the creative process available to the public 

through its unique nonprofit open studio facility 

and educational programming. For more 

information, see studiosonthepark.org. 


By Tonya Strickland 

Is it just me, or does anyone else have 

this weird obsession with researching 

kids’ recreation classes? Mine aren’t in 

school yet, so you’ll often find me scrolling 

through the Paso Robles Activity Guide to 

see what cool family-friendly thing we 

want to try next. Not that I have tons of patience 

for kids’ classes. They’re fine when 

you have one child. But when you have 

two, there’s not much you can register 

them for together. 

Instructor Nancy Knox leads circle time songs for children and 

their adults at the Kindermusik Wiggle & Grow class in October. 

In fact, let’s take this moment to reflect 

on the experience of bringing a younger 

sibling to the older sibling’s class. Child 

distraction attempts include, but are not 

limited to: 

• Watching that weird guy play with toy 

dinosaurs on YouTube and hoping your 

kid doesn’t break your phone. 

• Giving your kid your car keys, only to 

hear your car beeping lock/unlock from 

the parking lot outside for the next 10 

minutes. 

• Scooping them up and walking 

around as they desperately try to wiggle 

out of your grasp. 

So much fun, right? But the age range 

for Kindermusik’s “Wiggle and Grow” 

series is newborn to four. Boom. Disaster 

averted. 

Kindermusik pairs musical instruments, 

movement and singing with the 

interesting little life lessons of listening, 

turn-taking and cause and effect. 

Mom has to participate, though, which 

is kind of a bummer if you wanted to, say, 

get in any amount of glorious peace to 

zone out on your phone. #sorrynotsorry. 

But we genuinely enjoyed this class. The 

morning opens with a cute little circle 

time song where all the kids get to hear 

their name in the lyrics. 

Then we practiced with different instru- 

Photo by Heather Stephenson, City of Paso Robles. 

ments - definitely a highlight. Because, 

other than our piano and maybe one 

rogue Fisher Price toy, we don’t have any 

kid musical instruments in our house. I 

just can’t even with the banging and ringing 

sounds. The kids got a kazoo recently 

(thanks, grandparents) and that thing was 

retired within a day. Because, no. 

So when we got to use rhythm sticks 

and egg shakers to make music, and 

asked our children to try to copy our (simple) 

sequences, it was really fun and different. 

Then we all did a line dancing number 

with a partner. It was really sweet and cute 

and it got the kids up and moving around, 

which was awesome pre-naptime. All in 

all, we highly recommend this class. 

Tonya Strickland lives in Paso Robles 

with her husband, their two small children 

and one crazy but lovable dog. A 

longtime journalist and government reporter, 

Tonya stepped back from her writing 

career in 2016 to stay at home with 

the little ones. In February, she launched 

the family adventure blog Two in Tow 

& On the Go. It features pictures, tips 

and stories about things to do with kids 

on the Central Coast, all with a hearty 

(but hopefully humorous) dose of real 

life. You can share in the adventure at @ 

two.n.tow on Instagram + Facebook or 

visit the blog at twontow.com. 

The winter session of Kindermusik 

Wiggle & Grow is scheduled for 

Tuesdays from 10 to 10:45 a.m., 

Jan. 23 to Feb. 13 at the 

Centennial Park White Oak Room 

in Paso Robles. Registration costs 

include sibling discounts. For more 

information, visit the city’s recreation 

page at www.prcity.com/recreation. 


GROWING IN EARNEST 

PASO ROBLES FOOD COOPERATIVE SEEKS NEW MEMBERS 


Paso Robles Food Cooperative, 

now over 130 members strong, seeks additional 

members to help establish a brick-andmortar 

market in Paso Robles to provide fresh 

food and create nutritionally and economically 

strong communities in a responsibly stewarded 

environment. 

PASO FOOD CO-OP BENEFITS 

Each member is an owner and eligible to 

reap product discounts. Money spent at the coop 

helps build the community by supporting 

local, sustainable food production. Local purchasing 

and management also enables higher 

wages than a conventional store. 

Food choices are available to meet everyone’s 

needs: organic, grass-fed, GMO-free, biodynamic 

and raw, vegan, and gluten-free. Education 

and cooking classes are also an integral 

part of the practice, which helps people improve 

their own health and enhance an overall 

quality of life. 

Imagine a place where you can purchase fresh, food ingredients 

grown right where you live. Everything sustainably raised and 

grown without pesticides. The dollars you spend go right back 

into your community and supports local workforce. Sound too good to 

be true? It isn’t. It exists, and it’s a trend that is taking root nationwide. 

EXISTING CO-OPS 

Cooperatives come in many familiar forms. 

Several local examples are: Farm Supply, Miner’s 

ACE and Blake’s TrueValue hardware stores, 

and federal credit unions. Other storefronts include 

Gina’s Natural Elements, Spice of Life, 

and Olive Diva. 

NATIONWIDE SUCCESS 

There are 1.3 million food co-op members 

across America. The statistics impress: 89% of 

meat sold is sustainably raised, 82% of the produce 

sold is organically grown and 74% of food 

waste is recycled. The average co-op purchases 

from 51 local farms and 106 local producers. 

Consumer-owned co-ops work with 157 

local farmers/producers, carry three times as 

much locally-sourced products, donate three 

times as much annual income to charity than 

conventional grocers, and pay their employees 

higher wages and benefits than conventional 

stores. Thirty-eight percent of co-op revenue is 

Photo courtesy of Paso Food Co-op, logo by Lacey Akins Marketing & Design 

Board of Directors, left to right, are Gabe Smith, Justin 

Page, Gregory John Ellis, Lacey Akins and Barrie Valencia 

spent locally, versus 24 percent of conventionally-owned 

stores. For every $1,000 spent at a food 

co-op, more than $1,600 is generated in the local 

economy, or 1.5 times than a regular store. 

WHAT’S NEXT FOR PASO FOOD CO-OP? 

Throughout December, the co-op is promoting 

vendors of gifts in its “Buy Local” challenge 

to support local members. Interested businesses 

can contact the co-op directly at 727-3745. 

The first 200 Founding Members who join 

the Paso Food Co-op will have their names 

displayed on a plaque inside the store, but every 

member has an equal voice to help decide how 

the co-op is organized and managed. A onetime 

membership is $300, which can also be paid 

in $25 monthly installments. 

Run by volunteers, help is always welcome 

at the co-op. Among their goals is to provide a 

meeting space in which to hold classes, events 

and even a little café. To learn more, visit ncg. 

coop/what-co-op and pasofoodcooperative.com. 


WHAT’S HAPPENING in 

Templeton this month 

Nominate a Templeton hero 

Templeton Chamber of Commerce 

is taking nominations from the community 

for the second annual Templeton 

IMPACT Awards Dinner, which 

will recognize the heroes and leaders of 

the community. Awards will be given 

at the dinner on Feb. 24, 2018, for Citizen 

of the Year, Public Safety Person 

of the Year, Student Citizen of the Year 


Get into the Christmas spirit with Templeton Presbyterian’s Living Nativity 

Live animals, including camels and donkeys, along with costumed characters 

of all ages will present a narrated living nativity scene that tells the story 

of Jesus’ birth. 

Templeton Presbyterian Church puts on the yearly Christmas event over 

the third weekend of December. The half-hour presentation is free and 

open to the public. In addition to living nativity scene, there will be free refreshments, 

hot cocoa and singing on the church’s front lawn on the corner 

of Crocker and 6th streets. 

“Our church does this because we love to tell the story of God becoming 

human in the person of Jesus,” said the Rev. Charlie Little of Templeton Presbyterian 

Church. “For all the other wonderful ways to celebrate the Christmas 

season, the most important one is to celebrate the birth of Christ, the 

Son of God.” 

For more information, go to templetonpres.org. 

and Business Beautification Award. 

Nominations are due by Jan. 24, 2018, 

and may be completed on the Chamber’s 

website, templetonchamber.com. 

Wreathing Making Party 

at Jack Creek Farms 

Wreath Making Party will be held 

at Jack Creek Farms, 5000 Highway 46 

West in Templeton, on Saturday, Dec. 

2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The $35 cost 

for the wreath includes fresh greens, 14- 

inch grapevine wreath form, ribbon and 

wire, gourmet s’more to warm you up 

from Just Baked Cake Studio & Bakery, 

plus a cup of Jack Creek Farms fresh cider. 

Spots are limited and a portion of 

the proceeds will go to Special Olympics 

San Luis Obispo County. For more information 

or to purchase tickets, go to 

sosc.org/sloc/wreathmakingparty, email 

kshannon@sosc.org or call 544-6444. 

BINGO 

Templeton Lions Club holds BIN- 

GO night every Monday at the Templeton 

American Legion Hall on Main 

St. from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. 

Free seasonal juicing, 

cooking and health classes 

Nature’s Touch, 225 South Main St. 

in Templeton, will host free seasonal 

juicing, cooking and health classes on 

ROUND TOWN 

Templeton Presbyterian presents a living nativity the third weekend of December. 

Tuesday, Dec. 5 and 26 from 5:30 to 

6:30 p.m. Attendees can taste and see 

how much each season bring with each 

of the fresh harvested veggies. They will 

learn how to get creative with what one 

already has instead of purchasing it. 

The class will prepare a couple of different 

recipes and will sample some of 

the seasonal harvest. To sign up for the 

class, email naturestouch@sbcglobal 

.net or call 434-3062. 

‘The Nutcracker’ ballet 

in Templeton 

"The Nutcracker" ballet will take 

place on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., 

Saturday, Dec. 9 at 11:30 a.m. and 4 

p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1 and 5:30 

p.m. at Templeton Performing Arts 

Center. Tickets are $28 for adults and 

$24 for children. For more information, 

email info@ncdpaf.org. To purchase 

tickets, go to ncdpaf.org. 


COUNTY PERSPECTIVE 

By Bruce 

Curtis 

Terminal Velocity: I usually fly 

my plane on shorter hops, flying 

the airlines on longer runs, but 

I’m rethinking that. 

After delivering a four-seat 

prop plane to its new owner in 

Peoria, Illinois, in less time than 

the flight home, the airline equation 

has reached a tipping point 

for me. If I can fly myself from 

California to Illinois in eight and 

a half hours, and the return trip 

takes 11 hours in three different 

sardine-packed jets, for a lot 

more money… why do I need to 

ride the kerosene queen at all? 

The cherry on top was the 

San Luis Obispo arrival; warm, 

bumpy, Santa Ana breeze, the 

pilot waiting too long to descend, 

landing hard, halfway 

down the runway, rattling passengers 

with maximum braking 

— eye opening even to this grizzled 

pilot. Captain Thrill Ride 

then proceeded to taxi over 

to the new terminal — whose 

promenade and glass-lined jetways 

were brightly lit but empty 

— and powered down. 

Apparently he hadn’t heard 

that San Luis Obispo’s new 

$40 million passenger terminal 

wasn’t open yet. 

We sat there for five minutes 

before the airline’s ground crew 

succeeded in waking our pilot 

so he could taxi to the old terminal. 

For you 99-percenters without 

a plane, the new 56,000-squarefoot 

terminal opened officially 

on November 1. Construction 

crews managed to beat their 

deadline by opening the terminal 

well in time to meet crowds 

of holiday travelers, queuing 

to pack themselves in like 

self-loading baggage. 

The success of KSBP airport 

as a regional terminal may not 

have been noticed by most 

folks, although behind the 

scenes, lobbying by airport and 

county officials paid off: ridership 

rose 21% over 2016, up a 

whopping 40% over just two 

years ago. And airport officials 

aren’t resting, they hope to 

add direct service to Dallas and 

Portland in 2018. 

San Luis Obispo’s airport renaissance 

has come at a cost to 

nearby airports. Santa Barbara 

has lost flights, although that 

city is served by airplanes larger 

than KSBP’s 90-seat Bombardier 

CRJ’s. That plane mercifully 

lacks the dreaded middle seat. 

The new terminal, festooned 

with wing pieces and a 747 engine 

cowl, labeled art, is three 

times bigger than the old terminal, 

heck, the baggage claim 

area is larger than the old terminal. 

Flights now leave more than 

85% full; tight for you and me, 

but spacious for airline bottom 

lines, with room to expand to 

bigger planes and more destinations. 

San Luis Obispo airport 

is now gateway direct to Seattle, 

Phoenix and Denver, as well 

Flights now leave more than 85% full; 

tight for you and me, but spacious for airline 

bottom lines, with room to expand to bigger 

planes and more destinations. 

as San Francisco and Los Angeles. 

And with county officials 

inking a contract with First Class 

Concessions, you’ll have access 

to the same kind of post-security 

gift shop trinkets and head 

pillows you’ll find at Phoenix or 

Los Angeles. 

Here, Kitty, no, Here Kitty… 

We recently brought you the 

animal shelter tussle, Paso Robles 

and Atascadero opting out 

of the county’s $14 million joint 

animal shelter. Both city councils 

barked the loudest over the 

cost, but now San Luis Obispo 

County supervisors are on 

a PR stump tour to woo them 

back into the litter. The board 

voted to send Debbie Arnold 

and John Peschong on the 

road, promising to only charge 

the cities for their actual shelter 

use. Both mayors, however, 

aren’t likely to overlook the 

fact that cities are being asked 

to shoulder 95% of the shelter’s 

cost. If North SLO County 

doesn’t participate, cities like 

Arroyo Grande would have to 

pick up the slack, measured in 

millions of dollars. Probably explains 

why Arroyo Grande sent 

a letter to both Paso Robles and 

Atascadero asking them to reconsider… 

Pot Pout: Blazers and boutiques 

alike blasted a county 

proposal to ban pot shops in 

SLO County. In a non-binding 

test vote, three of five county 

supervisors voted in early October 

to deny licenses to both 

medical and recreational marijuana 

dispensaries — the sanitized 

word advocates use for 

cannabis stores, which can begin 

selling legally in 2018. 

Predictably, pot cultivators 

and marketing representatives 

called the decision shocking, 

accusing the board of ignoring 

industry safeguards. 

Board Chair John Peschong, 

back from a visit to pot-legal 

Colorado, spoke about a child 

who ended up in the hospital 

after eating a pot-laced brownie. 

He didn’t mention a decline 

See SLO County page 37 


SLO County from page 36 

in motorist behavior and awareness 

like I’ve seen on recent 

trips to pot-legal Oregon and 

Washington. 

In the end, he and the board 

voted to allow marijuana cultivation 

in Carrizo Plain, ban sales of 

edible pot products and prohibit 

retail sales in unincorporated 

areas. 

Board member Adam Hill, 

visibly frustrated, suggested the 

vote represented an abuse of 

the democratic process. 

Future issue: State officials are 

still developing rules regulating 

packaging, sale and strength of 

marijuana in ways that may favor 

large producers over smaller 

local growers. 

Meet the New Boss: We 

extend a greeting to the county’s 

new chief officer, Wade 

Horton. Most of San Luis 

Obispo County’s past County 

Administrative Officers 

were hired from outside the 

county but Horton’s an insider, 

vacating San Luis Obispo County’s 

Public Works department, 

where he’d been since 2014. 

If you’re wondering what 

he does, well, if the board of supervisors 

is like Congress, then 

Horton is like the President, 

without, uhh, the vote part. 

The CAO oversees budgets, 

employees and just about everything 

else a well oiled county 

machine needs to run. 

Like his predecessors, Horton 

ROUND TOWN 

serves at the board’s pleasure, 

a fancy way of saying they can 

fire him whenever they like, but 

we hope he will have a long and 

calm career. 

Browsing airline pricing… 

hmm, still cheaper for me to 

fly myself to Washington for 

Thanksgiving. Guess I won’t 

be visiting the new terminal 

quite yet. 


HOOFBEAT 

By Dorothy Rogers 

The tarantulas are on the drive in to the 

ranch again this afternoon. They insist that 

there will be either rain or fog within 

3 days. Yes, I know that this is often 

thought of as their breeding season, 

but it never ceases to amaze me when 

it comes to their predictions. The ants 

also seem to be out enforce. 

How often do we pay attention to 

the signs before us? The Lord gave us 

many signs as recorded in the Bible, 

yet we often don’t notice or ignore 

them. Blessed. 

The Horse and Man 

Foundation 

Thanks go to HorseandMan.com 

and a caring workman for alerting 

authorities and setting up a fund to aid 

two emaciated horses known as “Bonnie” 

and “Clyde.” The senior Paint horses 

(not from this area) were seized and 

are being supervised by Sound Equine 

Options. The two horses are on the 

UC Davis’ re-feeding protocol. “Clyde” 

Patty Knudson 

marked a little over a 1 on the Henneke 

Scale (measures body mass) and “Bonnie” 

slightly better. 

I know that there are endless open 

hands asking for donations at this time 

of year. The Horse and Man Foundation 

donations are 100% tax deductible. 

The horses can’t give back, but 

I know that they will be grateful 

to any who help. You’ll know you 

helped to right a wrong and so will 

the Lord. Thinking about making 

a donation? Need more information? 

Go to: horseandman. 

com Perhaps make this gesture in 

memory of a dear riding or work 

partner. 

Horseman’s Christmas 

Wish List #2 

Sharing your experience and 

expertise can last a lifetime. It can 

have a positive impact for the rest 


of someone’s life whether young or mature. 

How about a first-time competitor’s 

guide with your personal insights? The 

do’s and don’ts for showing, what to expect, 

what to take along, what to note, 

etc. A map and directions to a show 

could solve a number of issues 

Interested in riding at night? Be aware, 

but it can be a memorable evening with 

the moon shining through the oaks and 

pines. It gives one a fresh perspective 

with a chill on your cheeks as you sing 

and smile. 

Riding lights for you as well as reflectors 

on your horse’s tail, etc. will aid in 

safety. If you plan on caroling horseback, 

do so as a group and try to stay 

off of main roads. There are a number of 

products to help “light your way.” 

A Gift That Keeps On Giving 

Consider a donation to: SLO HEET 

(emergency rescue/evacuation), the 

scholarship programs of the Cattlewomen 

and other ag groups, Rancho 

de los Animales, Heaven Can Wait 

Horse Rescue, Cal Poly, Miller’s 

Equestrian, Animali Farm, Wranglerette’s, 

Paloma Creek Equestrian 

Center, high school rodeo, Little Riders, 

the Railhead Arena, 4-H or other 

equestrian groups (especially those 

setting up trails and arenas), youth 

scholarship programs, educational programs, 

library book/DVD gifts, trail 

system development or upkeep, the 

animal victims of war or natural disasters 

(keep Puerto Rico and the South 

in your prayers) or to sponsor a class 

or perpetual trophy to encourage those 

who are learning and developing while 

remembering your passion for horses (or 

a favorite horse). 

Many of these programs are tax deductible, 

but check them out. If you 

need a little write-off, consider these 

options. Do your homework and be 

safe. If you have an older horse just 

standing, (well trained), how about having 

it considered as a possible Mighty 

Oaks animal assistant? These horses 

help our veterans with PTSD, etc. to 

merge into society. It is eye-opening and 

heart-touching to learn how a particular 

gesture, statement, encouraging talk or 

the kindness of sharing your horse and 

your attention with someone has 

changed their lives. 

Special Blessings 

If you are lonely during this time, seek 

the love of God for you personally and 

you will never really be alone again. If 

you ask, He will not turn you down. 

Consider extending your circle of family 

and friends to include singles, the mature, 

or those otherwise left alone. Help 

make someone else’s holiday wonderful 

without expecting any real thanks. Attend 

a celebration of Light and discover 

a wonderful New Year filled with opportunities 

for service, love, growth and 

laughter despite (and possibly because 

of ) what is going on in our world today. 

From our outfit to yours, may you and 

your family (including your critters) 

have a blessed Christmastide. 

Dorothy 


Dec. 2 Final Open Breed 

Show, CCCAHA (hosted by 

an Arabian club, but Open entries) 

Dec. 2 Paso Christmas Light 

Parade, “No Place Like Home 

for Christmas,” 7 p.m. 

Dec. 7-16 Cowboy Christmas, 

450,000 sq. ft. So. Hall, Convention 

Center Paradise Rd., 

Las Vegas, 9-5 p.m., free admission, 

more shopping with 

a western flair than you can 

handle in one pair of shoes or 

boots, during the NFR 

Dec. 9 Ray Berta Clinic, $180 

fee includes lunch, audit $25, 

develop a better relationship 

with your horse, Carmel Valley 

Trail, Saddle Club, rayberta 

@hughes.net 

Dec. 16 Fiscalini Preserve 

Work Day, 9-12 p.m., Cambria, 

take along a hat, scarf, 

gloves, closed toed shoes, water, 

meet new friends & help 

with preservation of one of the 

nicest trail systems in the region, 

927-2856 

Thank you for sharing 2017 

with me and others from the 

Horse Community. From our 

outfit to yours, Merry Christmastide 

and Happy New Year! 

Check weather reports and footing PRIOR to loading up. Please stay 

off of designated trails after rain in order to preserve them for the 

future. Most trails require at least two full sunny days to dry enough 

for suitable trail riding without erosion. 

View: Ocean & coastal dunes 

Access: Pecho Valley Rd., park in lot across from Camp Keep 

Fees: Free, so far 

Rated: Easy, but deep sand can be tiring for horses, go easy 

Time Factor: 10-12 mi., 3-4 hrs. at walk 

Trail: Single track, fire rd. thru dunes, may also ride on beach 

Feet: Barefoot fine for most horses, but suggest shoes, some rocks 

Dogs: Not on trails, leash in parking area, in vehicle if cool 

Camp: horse water, take own water & food, reserved horse corrals, 

$7.50 non-refundable on credit card for camp plus $75/vehicle, primitive, 

see: www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=592 

Overnight: Horse Camp advanced reservations required 

Main Ranger Station: Spooner’s Cove, 528-0512 info. 

First Aid: Ranger’s station, bring layered clothing, hat, sunscreen 

Cell Reception: Spotty 

Caution: Snakes. Multi use. Be courteous to hikers, mountain bikers 

Maps: Ranger station, www.CCCMB.org or www.SLOPOST.org 

Participation: see above for trail clearing dates & events 

Trail Directions: From parking, ride down the left side of rd. heading 

back out of park. Follow trail to left (by where surfers park at Hazard 

Canyon). Cross creek. Climb out of creek. Take the first trail right, 

parallels road. Follow trail until see well-traveled trails to left. 

These trails head to the back bay. Once near the back bay, find trails 

leading to the beach or stay along back bay. Makes a big loop bringing 

you back to Hazard Canyon and Camp Keep parking. For more 

options cross the rd. at Cable or Bloody Nose Trail. 

Brought to you by 

Whitehorse Tack 

2805 Black Oak Drive, Paso Robles 

whitehorsetack.com 



BUSINESS 

Central Coast Economic Forecast 2016-2017 

Bruce M. Curtis 

Economically, “things feel pretty 

darned good,” declared Economist Chris 

Thornberg, but problems we’re avoiding 

will come back to bite us, if we don’t talk 

about how to fix them. 

Much useful data could be gleaned 

from leading economists who took a shot 

at foretelling the economic future of both 

America and San Luis Obispo County, 

but their crystal ball became muddied 

by advocacy that at times took a pointed 

partisan tone. 

Economic health was clearly important 

to more than 500 business leaders and 

elected officials who willingly ponied up 

$135 each to attend the November 3rd 

summit at Madonna Convention Center 

in San Luis Obispo, the largest turnout 

the economic summit has ever drawn. 

Keynote speakers, Beacon Economists 

Robert Kleinhenz and Chris Thornberg 

observed that San Luis Obispo had not 

just reached 4% unemployment — a figure 

economists consider full employment 

— the regional economy surpassed our 

neighboring counties and blitzed ahead 

of the state of California’s overall jobless 

number of 4.8%. 

Still, job growth remains sluggish, at 1% 

over 2016, Kleinhenz revealed. A Beacon 

study shows that most if not all employers 

on the Central Coast are having trouble 

finding and keeping employees, with 

jobs going begging. 

“Leaders should address housing needs, 

develop industries to replace Diablo 

Canyon, and get politicians to focus on 

long-term economic issues...” 

Steady economic growth for the past 

five years is credited for the strong economy, 

but both Kleinhenz and Thornberg 

both predict slower growth and they 

blame a lack of housing. That lack of 

housing means a lack of employees, ultimately 

slowing business growth. 

“California is running out of workers; 

240,000 to 300,000 new homes are 

needed, but only 100,000 are being 

built,” Thornberg warned that a shrinking 

employee pool will slow business growth 

and development. 

“Job growth is at the limit,” because of 

a lack of employees, warned Kleinhenz, 

and while the current economic outlook 

for the county remains strong, things 

could soon stagnate if leaders fail to address 

the lack of workforce housing. 

Thornberg pulled no punches when he 

put the blame squarely on local leaders 

who choose to pursue affordable housing, 

instead of building homes the market 

demands. 

Affordable housing programs don’t 

work, because of the affects of “filtering” 

i.e, where new home buyers vacate older 

homes, which become available to lower 

income buyers. 

At the moment, they told attendees, 

the percentage of people who can afford 

homes in San Luis Obispo County is in 

the low teens. 

“I want to help you connect the dots:” 

Kleinhenz explained, “Low labor supply 

and slow home building are connected; 

there is no labor market if people can’t 

GATHERINGS OPENS ‘EMPORIUM’ ON PARK 

Since 2013, Alesen Corella and the 

Gatherings Thrift team has worked 

with a mission to be a light in the 

community by using the thrift shop as a 

platform to pay-it-forward. The business 

model gives patrons the opportunity to 

select from a list of local charities that 

they would like their purchase to benefit 

after shopping at the store — and Corella 

opened a Paso location called Gatherings 

Emporium on Park Street. 

Gatherings Emporium opened its 

doors in time for the Elegant Evening in 

November. The large space is laid out with 

boutique quality clothing on the right with 

an eclectic mix of unique decor and gift 

items showcased on the left — where local 

artisans are given open space to show 

off a variety of goods with the theme of 

up-cycle and re-purpose throughout. 

Corella set the Emporium up with 

an open concept where the goods are 

blended throughout to give the store an 

easy flow. The bottom line for Corella is 

how much the new Emporium can give 

back to the community in many other dif- 

ferent ways as well. 

“It is a really unique business model,” 

Corella said, “and we are targeting 

the locals. It is exciting that every purchase 

is a gift back to the community. A 

woman today was finding treasures she 

liked, and she bought a lot. I know we 

will get the tourists, but I want to give 

back to the community, and make it a 

place the community enjoys coming in 

with great stuff at great prices!.” 

Visit Gatherings Emporium at 1335 

Park Street, or call 369-2599. 


find places to live.” 

He buttressed his view by 

noting that Paso Robles’ residential 

rental vacancy rate 

has dropped from 2.1% a year 

ago, to just over 1% in 2017. 

Thornberg laid blame on 

both political parties but leveled 

his biggest volley against 

President Donald Trump, 

whom he said had, “done 

nothing”. 

Thornberg criticized attempts 

to repeal Obamacare, 

saying politicians should be 

trying to reform the cost of 

medical care: 

“Americans pay $9,200 

apiece for health care, when 

Japan pays less than half of 

that, in spite of having an older 

population,” said Thornberg, 

repeating the same 

theme, politicians who should 

be asking the right questions, 

instead of beating the same 

political themes. 

California is doing its job to 

attract new workers to meet 

the growing shortage, according 

to Caroline Beteta. The 

head of Visit California, the 

state’s tourism marketing arm, 

played marketing videos with 

actor Rob Lowe and retired 

basketball star Magic Johnson 

extolling the virtues of the 

Golden State. 

Beteta revealed other travel 

marketing projects, including 

a new tourism website with 

custom versions in 14 other 

countries, and a web channel 

with original video programs 

featuring high-achieving Californians 

and culinary tours 

of the state, already seen by 

more than 25 million viewers. 

Beteta also says Visit California 

also wants a bigger 

share of the ‘bleisure’ market: 

business conference visitors 

increasingly choose to spend 

vacation time after conferences 

end. The focus brought 

a Forbes Magazine economic 

conference to Salinas, and 

with it, considerable regional 

revenue. 

Distilled, the main advice? 

Leaders should address housing 

needs, develop industries 

to replace Diablo Canyon, and 

get politicians to focus on long 

term economic issues instead 

of partisan memes. That last 

irony wasn’t lost on attendees. 



There’s no place like home! Bonnie 

Lyon hasn’t been to the Emerald 

City, nor did she wear ruby slippers 

while tromping around New Mexico’s 

high desert for the past five 

years, but whether our children are 

small or grown, when they call, we 

come. 

Bonnie’s call to New Mexico was 

to help care for her three young 

grandchildren while her middle son 

Peter and his wife Katrina returned 

to school and finished their university 

degrees. Mission accomplished! 

Bonnie’s time on the desert was 

not totally consumed with childcare. 

She ‘put my brain on paper’ by 

writing a book titled Through the 

Tunnel; Unlock the Pain of Your Past 

and Find the Courage to Grow Up, 

Not Just Old. The release date for this 

volume of work is March 2018. 

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 

Back home, Bonnie reconnects 

with Paso Robles, 

hosting The Relationship 

Hour, free of charge on 

scheduled Wednesday evenings 

from 6:30 to 7:30 in 

her downtown office located 

at 1227 Park Street, Suite B. 

The Relationship Hour is 

fast-paced, fun-filled and knowledge 

based! Bonnie will address a specific 

relationship topic. Whether with 

your partner, kids or siblings, you’ll 

walk away armed with new insight 

and practical applications to resolve 

conflicts and deepen your understanding 

so you can grow closer. 

Bonnie offers a seven-week class 

that meets for two hours where 

the principles of connecting will be 

taught. 

Bonnie 

Lyon 

By attending, you can 

begin to understand why 

you are experiencing and 

interpreting life the way 

you do. You’ll learn the 

fundamental principles of 

living consciously, which 

includes 

living with personal integrity 

and impeccable honesty, rigorous 

personal responsibility, humility, 

vulnerability, openness, willingness, 

transparency and boundaries. 

With full seven-week attendance, 

you’ll become aware of living 

life from a position of emotional 

honesty, reality, truth and 

recognizing life’s distortions; 

seeing that choice is one of life’s 

greatest gifts. 

Topics include integrating prin- 

ciples of validation and vulnerability 

into life and living in truth rather 

than distortion and how to recognize 

distractions and controlling 

behaviors in relationships. And most 

importantly, how to live a life in 

peace rather than in pain. Powerful 

concepts that change lives. 

Text or call 286-8606 to reserve 

the class or schedule a complimentary 

appointment. Email Dr_ 

bonnie@outlook.com. 

Visit bonnielyon.com for upcoming 

Relationship Hour topics. 

CLASS DATES AND TITLES 

Dec. 6: Relax. It’s Christmas! 

Beat Holiday Stress & New Year 

Depression 

Dec. 13: Unplug for the Holidays 

& Connect! Never in history have we 

ever been more plugged in… yet 

Americans are lonelier than ever! 

By Meagan 

Friberg 

Each month, we send a set of questions 

to our featured business owners and then 

share their answers with our readers. For 

December, we reached out to Linda Davis, 

owner of A Beautiful Face Skincare, and 

Stephanie Austin, owner of Wellness by 

Mother Nature. 

Linda is a licensed Esthetician who 

treats her clients to state-of-the-art facials, 

using top-of-the-line skin care equipment 

and product lines. Extremely detailoriented, 

her skincare facials provide not 

only results, but relaxation as part of her 

European and clinical protocols. Stephanie 

is an honors graduate of Holistic Medicine 

specializing in Homeopathy, Iridology, 

and Holistic Nutrition. A certified holistic 

health and nutrition coach through her 

business, Wellness by Mother Nature, she 

empowers people through classes, coaching, 

workshops, and resources on the healing 

value of nutrition and the innate selfhealing 

abilities of a body in balance. 

Here’s what Linda and Stephanie had 

to say… 

PASOMag: What do most enjoy 

about doing business in North 

County? 

LINDA: I’d have to say it’s the 

people. I have found people in 

North County and throughout 

SLO County to be genuinely warm, 

friendly, and extremely down to 

earth. My clients always put a smile 

on my face! 

PASOMag: Do you have any 

specials you can share with our 

readers? 

LINDA: Yes! Earlier 

this year, I brought in an 

amazing skin rebuilding 

treatment – DMK 

Enzyme Therapy – and 

my clients love it. DMK 

International is the only 

company in the world to utilize 

transfer messenger enzymes to rapidly 

restore the health, vibrancy, and 

natural functioning of the skin, leaving 

it firm, healthy, and nourished in 

as little as one treatment. It’s a game 

changer; it rebuilds the factory that 

is our skin, delaying and potentially 

eliminating the need for fillers and 

Botox. Natural, healthy skin is in! 

While this treatment is huge globally 

– the Queen of England loves 

DMK – I’m currently only one of 

200 therapists in the United States 

performing this anti-aging 

service. 

PASOMag: Would you 

like to share a sentiment 

with our readers for the 

New Year? 

LINDA: I would like to 

wish everyone a healthy, happy, and 

bright New Year. May you live as 

long as you want, and never want as 

long as you live! 

For more info, call or text Linda at 

805-434-2961, stop by 792 South 

Main St. in Templeton, or check out 

beautifulface.biz. See her ad on page 

35 of this issue of PASO Magazine, 

and visit her website and Facebook 

page for special pricing and offers, including 

new and exciting treatments 

in 2018! 

Please see SPOTLIGHT page 48 


LivHOME offers immediate, longterm 

solutions and private duty home 

care that gives families and individuals 

peace of mind in Santa Barbara, Ventura 

and San Luis Obispo counties. 

Area Director Bonnie Craig recently 

opened the Paso Robles office to complete 

local coverage. 

Care management includes care 

oversight, family coaching, health advocacy, 

and access to resources. The 

Helps Seniors 

Remain Independent and Safe 

whole person approach available 

through LivHOME helps seniors live a 

full life regardless of the limitations of 

aging. 

LivHOME’s Life Care Managers serve 

as a concierge to advocate on behalf 

of the families and individuals and coordinate 

all aspects of care that can include 

some very difficult emotional issues 

as well as the business of dealing 

with the medical industry. 

Both family and professionals develop 

a Plan of Care to honor a loved 

one’s independence; considering and 

respecting their passions, hobbies and 

unique circumstances to optimize their 

quality of life — wherever they call 

home. 

Regardless of any type of physical, 

psychological or cognitive limitations, 

Life Care Managers work with the 

Please see LIVHOME page 49 


THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE 

NUTRITION CENTER 

Holiday Survival Tips! 

I absolutely LOVE the Christmas season! 

As fun and exciting as the holidays 

are, do you feel like you already have 

too much to do with not enough time to 

do it? In addition to the demands of everyday 

life, the holidays (even though 

a joyful time) mean shopping, cooking, 

baking, entertaining, parties…the list is 

never ending. With a little planning, you 

can ENJOY this beautiful and meaningful 

Christmas season. 

Stay Healthy & Avoid Holiday 

Weight Gain 

How do we avoid overeating sugar 

(it’s everywhere!), excess alcohol (all those great parties), and pushing our 

body to the crashing point? This disastrous combination will not only encourage 

weight gain but also suppress your immune system. Who needs 

to be sick this time of year?! 

Did you know that the average person gains 5-9 lbs. during the holiday 

season! One of the primary reasons for weight gain is STRESS!! So…first 

try to pace yourself during the holidays, simplify gift giving, and most importantly, 

make time to enjoy your family. The following should help keep 

motivation and energy optimal: 

1. Eat high quality protein, healthy fat & veggie with each meal to effectively 

control those sugar cravings. Try a couple of hard boiled eggs or a 

nutritious protein shake for a quick meal--stop by for a great selection of 

protein powders! 

2. If you’re tempted by goodies being passed around, choose a small 

portion of something that is sinfully delicious, and be done! 

3. Stay hydrated! 6-8 glasses of water each day would be so beneficial! 

Coffee, tea and alcohol don’t count! 

4. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Your mind & body will 

thank you! 

5. Last, but not least, make time daily for exercise! Exercise not only 

boosts metabolism but boosts natural endorphins –instant happiness! 

Support calm energy and focus with Calm Advantage (20% off this 

month) to get through the craziness! Stop by The Natural Alternative for 

healthy holiday gifts. Gift Certificates available. Merry Christmas everyone!! 

Bobbi, CNC, ACN, MH 

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only. 

Please consult with your medical practitioner if health challenges exist. 


CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF GREAT FOOD AND REPEAT CUSTOMERS 

Odyssey World Café is a staple in downtown Paso Robles 


Since 1997, the team at Odyssey 

World Café has been 

serving up great food in a family-friendly, 

casual, comfortable 

atmosphere. Although 

the original vision of Odyssey 

was more of an open-market 

concept rather than a restaurant, 

it has become one of the 

most popular dining spots in 

downtown Paso Robles for 

locals and visitors alike. Now, 

after 20 years in the same location, 

the Odyssey team has 

plenty to celebrate! 

As owners and business 

partners, Dawn Gregory and 

John Hawley said they are 

thrilled about the success 

of their restaurant over the 

years. Thanks to the continued 

support of locals and 

out-of-towners, they are happy 

to “keep a good thing 

going.” With Dawn overseeing 

most of the service, ad- 

vertising, and front of house, 

and John tending to food, 

accounting, and back of the 

house duties, they maintain 

a good rhythm at the restaurant 

with the added help of 

their spouses, Steve Gregory 

and Shaun Hawley. 

“Originally, we did not envision 

a restaurant, but the 

customers formed who we 

are today. At Odyssey, we 

have become a place where 

‘locals’ eat,” said Dawn. “Like 

the show ‘Cheers’, everyone 

knows your name. If we 

don’t know your name, we do 

know you as the food you eat! 

Once, a regular dithered on 

what he was going to order. I 

told him, ‘when I see you I see 

a white breast!’ I meant chicken, 

of course, but I wasn’t 

sure if my teasing went too 

far! The following week, he 

introduced me to his son as ‘a 

French Dip’!” 

JOHN HAWLEY, WILBERT SAUCEDO, DAWN GREGORY, AND JILL 

(COOK) WHITE WELCOME DINERS TO ODYSSEY WORLD CAFE 

When Kennedy Club Fitness 

Paso Robles general manager 

Matt McClish joined the KCF 

family at the Arroyo Grande 

location more than a decade 

ago, he was looking for light 

responsibility and then found 

himself opening the Paso Robles 

location. 

Celebrating their 10-year anniversary, 

the team at KCF is 

working on developing a deeper 

relationship with the community 

with membership director Keith 

Swank. 

Together, McClish and Swank 

look toward improving an already 

great community. 

“Our ultimate goal as a 

company, and for Paso, is 

to help create the healthiest 

community in the 

country,” “I was watching 

the Today Show and they 

listed the top five, and we were 

No. 3 — and they listed it as 

‘San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles.’ 

That is cool.” 

McClish and his wife Karisha 

Dearing both work at KCF, and a 

new sense of purpose took ahold 

of him after his son Eli was born. 

“Both of us moved around as 

kids,” McClish said. “We didn’t 

really know what community 

was. It was three years ago, and 

we were downtown with Eli 

for Halloween and the streets 

were closed and there were ‘a 

billion’ kids around, and it hit 

me — this is something special. 

That is when things like Rotary, 

and Chamber, and now school 

board [became important].” 

Building a sense of community 

was a common theme 

throughout the conversation. 

“Paso has opportunities, and we 

want people to be healthy no matter 

where they are working out,” 

McClish said. “Our goal [at Kennedy] 

is to help everyone get there, 

and we hope we have a facility that 

meets as many needs as possible.” 

Today, McClish and KCR 

membership director Keith 

Swank are working together to 

build a better fitness club and 

with it, a better community. Both 

McClish and Swank agreed 

that their line of work is highly 

rewarding. 

“People walk in like it was 

hard to get up this morning, and 

they walk out with that glint in 

their eye,” McClish said, “and 

you know that whatever challenges 

they are going to have 

that day, they are going to navigate 

those just a little bit better 

because their head is in a better 

place than when they came in.” 


It’s the place locals go to relax, 

share a meal with friends, 

hold lunch meetings, or enjoy 

a romantic dinner for two. 

The owners mingle with the 

crowd, the servers are on a 

first-name basis with most 

diners and, more often than 

not, you’ll see someone you 

know when visiting this popular 

culinary hub. 

“We have found a niche that 

works and we are happy with 

it,” said John. “What we realize 

is not everyone has endless 

money to spend when dining 

out, so our goal is to serve really 

good, homemade, authentic 

food at a great price.” 

Specializing in, “comfort 

food with a touch of an international 

twist”, the chefs and 

crew consistently serve customers 

generous portions of 

favorites and new additions. 

They create daily soups and 

specials, delicious burgers 

and steaks, salmon, stir-fry, 

pastas, and more to the delight 

of their guests. 

“We’ve been really lucky 

with our staff over the years; 

without them we would not 

be so successful. We have 

promoted Jill Cook White 

and Wilbert Saucedo to General 

Managers,” said Dawn. 

“They plan to bring more variety 

to the menu to keep up 

with trends in taste. We rely 

upon these two powerhouses 

to guide us through the 

next generations of dining 

guests.” 

“We love our locals; after 

nearly 20 years here they 

are our friends,” said John. 

“We’ve had such a good time 

and, after 20 years, we have 

been successful. It’s all because 

of our loyal customers 

making Odyssey their place 

to eat; it’s very rewarding.” 

Adds Dawn, “We feel we 

are survivors. Earthquakes, recessions, 

employee changes, 

and the Paso Robles dining 

scene have had their effect 

on us, but we have prevailed 

– an Odyssey indeed!” 

Odyssey World Café is located at 

1214 Pine St. in Paso Robles. 

Stop by and say hi to Dawn, John, Jill, Wilbert, 

and their amazing team, and be sure to 

congratulate them on 20 years of success! 

More info at odysseyworldcafe.com 

and their Facebook page. 

The brick and mortar, the pool, 

the exercise rooms, the basketball 

and racquetball courts, the 

free weights, the stationary machines 

— the stage is set. What 

Kennedy does over the next 10 

years seems to be based on what 

people do. 

“We see the big picture, and 

Matt referred to ‘community,’” 

Swank said, “and what we are 

going to improve on is relationships 

— we are building relationships, 

not memberships.” 

Without giving away details, 

Swank hinted at a change in 

the way the club will approach 

memberships. 

“We need to be much more 

elaborate about our process,” 

Swank said. “We are working on 

setting the groundwork for 2018.” 

“We are rebuilding the process,” 

McClish concurred. 

Kennedy Club Fitness 

Paso Robles 10 th Anniversary 

500 S. River Road 

Wednesday, December 13 

5:30 to 8 p.m. 

Enjoy food, drinks, and music 

by Ricky Montijo 

Kennedyclubs.com • 239-8488 

10TH 

ANNIVERSARY 

Ricky Montijo 


LOCAL GOODS REPORT 

THE 

HOLIDAYS ARE HERE! 

It feels like we’ve had elves working in secret 

for months, and now we get to load up 

the tables at General Store with wonderful 

goods made by our local producers and a few 

new friends. 

One of those new friends would be Bevin 

Bells. Bevin Bells was started in 1832 by four 

brothers. No, it’s not a Paso company, but it’s 

an American company from a small town, and 

at General Store, we search for treasures like 

Bevin Bells wherever we go. 

Established in East Hampton, Connecticut 

(known as Bell Town), it was one of over 30 

companies there to produce bells, and is the 

only one still in operation. They patented the 

first foot-operated bell in a car (called a foot 

gong, later replaced by a car horn), the bells 

rung by the Salvation Army and the New 

York Stock Exchange, and home, sheep, ship 

and, yes, cowbells. 

The company headquarters was struck by 

lightning in 2012 and burned to the ground, 

but they’ve risen from the ashes and are on 

track to hit their 200th anniversary in 2032. 

We met Cici Bevin this summer, and were 

charmed by how classic and simple the bells 

were — their ring really does sound clear! We 

asked Cici, who is a sixth generation Bevin 

and handles marketing and custom projects, 

if she could create something just for us. 

“Every time a bell rings, 

an angel gets his wings.” 

It’s A Wonderful Life 

We love what we developed together: a holiday 

bell ornament that says “Paso Robles” on 

one side and “JOY” on the other. And to give 

it a little more history, it’s the exact same bell 

that rings in It’s A Wonderful Life whenever 

an angel gets their wings. 

We couldn’t stop there. We also brought in 

from 

GENERAL STORE 


classic sleigh bells, jingle bells and a custom PR 

black cowbell for chiming in at Pioneer Day, or 

just getting people to come in for dinner. There 

is also an assortment of cowbells in smaller sizes 

and cheerful colors, and yes — a version of 

the same cowbell was rung by Will Ferrell on 

Saturday Night Live. 

“Needs more cowbell.” 

Saturday Night Live 

Another custom project we’re excited about 

for the holidays: our enamelware camping 

mug with custom Paso logo. With an assortment 

of rim colors, it’s a one-of-a-kind gift 

for camping, for kids to use outside, or for 

cozy nights sipping cocoa. And the cocoa you 

should be drinking? Why, the locally made 

and organic hot cocoa from Yes! Mixers of 

course! Lauren and Brandon made mulling 

spices, cider, cocoa and Mexican cocoa (just a 

touch of cinnamon — yum!) just for General 

Store. They’re great for teacher gifts, to share 

with neighbors, or for Christmas morning. 

Come see us! It may not be as easy as ordering 

in your pajamas, but we promise it will be 

a lot more fun. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, 

and on Saturdays, donut holes and Spearhead 

coffee : ) 

SPOTLIGHT from page 44 

whether it’s the snow or the ocean. 

PASOMag: Do you have any specials 

PASOMag: What do most enjoy 

or discounts to share with our readers? 

about doing business in No. Co.? 

STEPHANIE: Since starting my 

STEPHANIE: While I have offices 

in Paso Robles, I teach coun- 

away one free 6-week program. En- 

Restoring Wellness Program, I give 

ty-wide and have international online 

clientele in my coaching programs. I love 

Stephanie Austin 

ter to win by Dec. 31 at wellnessbymothernature.com 

for the chance to win the 

Dharma Yoga Loft and Serenity Wellness Inn in 

next 6-week program, starting on Jan. 6. The 

Paso Robles where I offer services locally. I like 

program includes a holistic nutrition and healing 

curriculum, a guided cleanse, weekly phone 

having access to a wide variety of food with all of 

the restaurants in Paso Robles, I love the moderate 

climate, and being so close to everything 

calls, daily emails, and more; find more info on 

the program at my website. In addition, I have an 

Allergy Elimination Special for assessment and 

treatment. 

PASOMag: Would you like to share some 

thoughts with our readers for the New Year? 

STEPHANIE: Start thinking now about what 

changes you would like to bring in for the New 

Year. Instead of calling them resolutions, call 

them contributions to your new lifestyle. People 

often fail at resolutions, but if they keep adding 

things in they will succeed. 

For more info contact Stephanie at 805-996- 

0279, or WellnessByMotherNature.com. Like and 

follow Wellness by Mother Nature on Facebook. 


LIVHOME from page 44 

individual and families to provide 

resources with safety, security, choice 

and autonomy in mind. LivHOME 

Connect technology combines handson 

care with remote care, enabling 

24/7 care oversight at significantly 

reduced cost. 

Additionally, it’s important to experience 

meaningful and joyful activities 

and stay connected with the world. 

With the holidays approaching, living 

alone can be very lonely. LivHOME’s 

caregivers are always available to chat, 

share social gatherings and help loved 

ones stay connected with family and 

friends. 

A Life Care Manager is an independent 

representative with experience in 

social work, nursing, gerontology, and/ 

or mental health. An extra layer of high 

quality care is offered for those with 

dealing with cancer, Alzheimer’s and 

dementia, Parkinson’s, heart disease 

and stroke, as well as behavioral/mental 

health care, hospital-to-home care, 

respite and end-of-life care. 

It’s helpful to have a professional 

third-party offer resources and create a 

BUSINESS 

care plan that will be valuable and rewarding 

for everyone involved. 

For a consultation and home care 

assessment, contact Bonnie at 

bcraig@livhome.com, 

687-8766, 1111 Riverside Dr. 

and visit livhome.com/ 

santabarbara 


EDUCATION & CULTURE 

BALLET OPENS DECEMBER 8 

Alexandre Algueró will dance as Cavalier 


Though the Central 

Coast is no a snow-covered 

wonderland 

during the Christmas 

season, other traditions 

remain strong in the 

North County, including 

Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” 

ballet. 

“It’s a really good way to get into the 

holiday spirit,” said Gabriella Trevisan, 

this year’s Sugar Plum Fairy. 

Trevisan, who trains at Class Act Dance 

in Paso Robles, will dance with guest 

dancer, Alexandre Algueró, who will 

be in the area from Barcelona and has 

agreed to be in the ballet. 

The Christmas story of Clara, her uncle 

Drosselmeyer, the Prince, Sugar Plum 

Fairy and the fantasy world is a Christmas 

tradition that North County Dance and 

Performing Arts Foundation brings to the 

North County every December. 

“There are a lot of unsung heroes,” 

director Cheryle Armstrong 

said about those who make the ballet 

possible. Those people include 

the parents that work behind the 

scenes and participate as dancers. 

Trevisan, a Paso Robles resident, 

is a junior at Mission Prep in San 

Luis Obispo. This year’s ballet is her 

eighth year dancing in “The Nutcracker” 

for North County Dance & 

Performing Arts Foundation. 

“I’ve been almost 

every role in ‘The Nutcracker,’” 

Trevisan said. 

She was 9 years old 

when she danced in the 

ballet for the first time. 

She filled the roles of 

Bon Bon, Reindeer and 

Tealight that year. She’s 

been dancing since 

she was 4 years old and 

now dances six days a week for one to 

3.5 hours a day. 

“I’m really excited,” Trevisan said. “I 

can’t wait to bring the character to life 

and bring the magic to the audience.” 

Fifteen-year-old Koby Wescom has 

also been dancing in the ballet for many 

year — seven to be exact. This year he will 

again take the stage as the Nutcracker 

Prince. 

“I am looking forward to being the Nutcracker 

Prince again this year,” Wescom 

said. “Being a part of this production has 

been a blessing in so many ways. I 

have not only grown as a dancer but 

as a person too. We have had many 

great experiences and have made 

some amazing memories.” 

This year, Wescom will also be 

dancing the family scene with his 

sister, Kyra, who will play Fritz, and 

his mom, Amy, who will play Mrs. 

Stahlbaum. 

This ballet will take place the 

second weekend of December. Student 

night and open dress rehearsal 

will be held on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7 

p.m. Following performances will happen 

on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, 

Dec. 9 at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 

Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1 and 5:30 p.m. at the 

Performing Arts Center on the campus of 

Templeton High School. Tickets are $28 

for adults and $24 for children. For Student 

Night, tickets are $10 and a can of 

food for students and $25 for adults. For 

more information or to purchase tickets, 

go to ncdpaf.org. 

Nutcracker Tea Party 

Enjoy an afternoon tea with Sugar Plum, 

Clara and Mrs. Stahlbaum from “The Nutcracker” 

ballet with special appearances 

by dancers from the Land of the Sweets 

on Sunday, Dec. 3 at noon and 3:30 p.m. 

at Class Act Dance, 1324 Vendels Circle, 

Ste. 101 in Paso Robles. 

There will be photo opportunities 

with the cast members, autographs, 

Nutcracker gift souvenirs, raffle items 

and more. Tickets are $20 each. 

To purchase tickets, go to 

teaparty2017.brownpapertickets.com. 


PADEREWSKI FESTIVAL 

PERFORMANCES 

RESONATE THROUGHOUT 



For four days, 

Paderewski Festival 

events delighted 

both residents and 

visitors alike for its 

annual celebration of 

the pianist, composer, 

statesman, winemaker 

and philanthropist. In venues throughout Paso 

Robles, Paderewski’s legacy was made manifest 

in concerts and activities held at two ballrooms 

and among vines and barrels at two wineries. 

On the first Thursday in November, Café 

Musique had everyone swaying or tapping 

their toes to the group’s instantly likeable 

brand of gypsy, swing, tango and folk tunes 

in the Cass Winery Barrel Room. On Friday 

evening, Park Ballroom was the site of a 

piano Master Class and American jazz standards 

performed by Grammy Award winner 

Bill Cunliffe, Darek “Oles” Oleszkiewicz and 

Tina Raymond. 

Junior division finalists Noelle Hadsell (8) 

and Holly Hadsell (12) placed first 

and second, respectively, in the 

Paderewski Youth Piano Competition. 

Photo by Steve Cass 

YOUTH PIANO COMPETITION 

FINALISTS 

Among the highlights of the festival was 

the Paderewski Youth Piano Competition on 

Saturday afternoon, which features three winners 

each from the Senior division for students 

ages 15-18, a Junior division for students 10- 

14 years old, and a Paderewski Legacy Award 

winner. For 2017, the Legacy Award recipient 

was 11-year-old Andy Shen. The Senior winners 

in first and second place were Max Afifi 

(17) of Seaside and Xinyun Liu (16) of Salinas. 

Please see PADEREWSKI page 53 


Mark your calendars now for December 14 and January 9-11 

APPLAUSE CHILDREN’S THEATER 

to hold auditions for ‘Peter Pan, Jr.’ 


Kiddos and teens 

throughout the community 

still have an 

opportunity to take 

part in one of the 

most exciting children’s 

musical productions 

in Paso Robles. Peter Pan, Jr. will take 

the stage in springtime, but preparations are 

beginning now. 

“Don’t miss your chance to fly the Neverland 

with us,” said Vikky Mullin, founder 

and director of Applause Children’s Theater 

(ACT). “We have had such a wonderful response, 

but we still have a few spots left.” 

This adaptation of the Disney animated 

film based on a play by J.M. Barrie, is a 

modern version of the boy who refused to 

grow up. The cast includes the characters that 

we all know and love, including Peter Pan, 

Tinker Bell, the Fairies, Wendy Darling, 

her parents and brothers John and Michael, 

Nana the nursemaid, the villainous Captain 

Hook and his hilarious sidekick, Smee, and a 

slew of pirate henchmen, just to name a few. 

The ensemble is large, which gives opportunity 

for every child to receive more than one 

part to perform. 

ACT was created with the desire for all 

children to take part in a live theater production. 

Every young person who auditions 

gets cast in the play. The process helps put 

everyone at ease, builds friendship among 

Stacks of scripts await eager 

kids waiting to take part in the 

musical production, Peter Pan, Jr. 

cast members and encourages positive reinforcement 

for everyone from first-time actors 

to the most seasoned members. 

To help children equip themselves to put 

their best foot forward, Vikky will host an 

ACT workshop on December 14 from 

5:30 to 7:30 pm at the ACT studio, located 

at 1413 Riverside Avenue in Paso Robles. 

“All kids, age seven through high school 

who audition, are cast in the show, but you 

must preregister and attend the workshop,” 

said Vikky. “Kids will sing through songs, 

read the script, and get familiar with the 

characters. While the children are practicing, 

parents can finish filling out paperwork and 

sign up for the day and time they would like 

their children to audition.” 

Vikky’s approach to working with youth is 

very relational and inclusive, helping develop 

the confidence they need to unleash their 

talents on stage. 

In November, Vikky hosted a six-week acting 

class geared for youths to become familiar 

with the audition process. It is this training 

that she developed to help children become 

aware of the gifts they already possess and to 

discover and cultivate new ones, too. 

“Last year’s show, The Wizard of Oz, was 

a huge success, selling out in three performances 

with crowds of 350 for each show! 

Sixty children from the community enjoyed 

learning the joy of performing live theater,” 

said Vikky. 

For its enthusiastic audience response, 

the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization would 

be hard-pressed to survive without support 

from its generous sponsors. Monetary 

support is 100 percent tax-deductible and 

provides a win-win for Applause Children’s 

Theater and those wishing to make the most 

of their last-minute December donations in 

time for tax season in April. 

This season, business and other sponsors 

can even help sponsor the show. For $400, 

a banner is displayed of the business name 

or donors at the show along with a business 

display table in the lobby. However, no donation 

is too small. 


“ACT simply cannot do this with the help 

of the amazing community support,” said 

Vikky. “If you or your business would like 

to be a sponsor this year, please reach out. 

It’s a great way to become an important part 

of something that will deeply enrich our 

children, touch the hearts of their audience 

and maintain the quality of life in our fabu- 


lous community.” 

For more information, visit www.applausechildrenstheater.com 

and call Vikky 

Mullin at (805) 610-7187 or send email to 

applausect@gmail.com. 

PADEREWSKI from page 51 

Pianists from Santa Barbara swept the 

Junior division. In third place was Vincent 

Lertchareonyong (14), and in second place 

was Holly Hadsell (12), who also placed 

second in the 2016 competition. A pleasant 

surprise was the Junior first place winner, 

Noelle Hadsell, who at just eight years old, 

won first place. 

In addition to common interests in performing 

arts, both Noelle and her older sister 

are mutually supportive of one another 

in musical competitions. The sisters also 

enjoy ballet and singing when not playing 

Bach, Mozart and Chopin. Their interest in 

competition grew from piano lessons to a 

growing love of music in its various forms. 

At school, however, the sisters typically 

lean toward Beethoven while their peers 

prefer pop. 

MAGDALENA BACZEWSKA 

WOWS AT GALA CONCERT 

The Saturday evening audience was fully engaged 

as Magdalena performed her program 

of Paderewski, Chopin and Szymanowski. The 

New York City concert pianist and professor at 

Columbia University familiarized the audience 

with intriguing information before she played 

each piece. Without question a technically 

flawless pianist, the rapt audience absorbed 

every note of Baczewska’s intuitive playing. 

Baczewska seemed to make her own even the 

most popular of the Paderewski’s compositions, 

which drew repeat ovations. 

PADEREWSKI CYCLE 

PRESENTATIONS 

At Epoch Estate Wines’ York Mountain 

location, where Paderewski bottled his award- 

winning Zinfandel, VIP ticket holders enjoyed 

a relaxing brunch on a perfect Sunday morning 

while viewing a musical presentation of 

Paderewski Cycle. Sponsored by the Adam 

Mickiewicz Institute in Warsaw, the national 

juried competition calls for creative “treatments” 

for a musical script about Paderewski. 

Nine finalists from New York City and Los 

Angeles were featured in videotaped musical 

vignettes aimed to bring Paderewski’s multifaceted 

accomplishments to a modern audience. 

Special guests at the Festival included the 

Honorable Mariusz Brymora, Consul General 

of the Republic of Poland, and Dr. Krzysztof 

Olendzki, director of the Adam Mickiewicz 

Institute. 

For more information about the Paderewski 

Festival, visit paderewskifest.com 


P aso Women 

Lauded in Santa’s effort 

to promote healthy Kids 

By Per-Olof Nielsen 

It’s no secret that a growing number of 

American kids have an “eating disorder.” 

The Standard American Diet (“SAD” diet) 

of fast junk, which is now called “snack” and 

processed “foods” stripped of nutritional 

values and the fiber so important to good 

digestion and loaded with chemicals, preservatives, 

herbicides and pesticides and added 

sugar is leading to a generation of American 

children whose lifespan will be shorter 

than their parents — a first in American 

history, says Helen Nielsen. Nielsen, a food 

activist and journalist, is now recruiting influential 

women to help curb this shortened 

life-span situation. 

To address this explosion of diet driven 

illnesses never seen in American children just 

30 years ago she has spent the better part of 

the year recruiting a “Corps of Lady Santas” 

(CLaS) to join the members of a growing 

group called The Real Santas United to end 

Childhood Obesity — a group founded by 

her husband, who is known as Sustainable 

Santa®. 

The goal of the group is to change both 

the current message and the future image 

of the 21th Century Santa away from the 

overweight guy who promotes eating candy 

canes, cookies and drinking sugary drinks 

to one who promotes children’s health by 

eating Real Food and living a sustainable 

lifestyle. 

This is not a simple task, says San Francisco 

SWEA (Swedish Women’s Educational 

Association) chapter President/Ordförande 

Birgitta Hilleberg-Durrett. She was one of 

the first recruited to the cause last spring. 

The eating patterns imbedded in the “SAD” 

diet are now part of American culture, where 

in some neighborhoods, particularly in the 

poorer sections of our communities, access 

to healthy “Real Food” options are limited, 

even if they wanted to change their diet. 

Since 1984 the San Francisco SWEA 

group has held a major Holiday Fair each 

December where the healthful happiness in 

Swedish Christmas culture, including their 

choices of nutritious foods is on display. 

“It is no mystery as to why the Scandinavian 

countries all showed up at the top of 

the 2017 World Happiness Report published 

by the United Nations last February,” says 

Hilleberg-Durrett. 

Sure we Swedes enjoy our traditional special 

holiday treats, but they are just that – special 

treats. Traditional foods cooked in traditional 

ways. Plus, adds Hilleberg-Durrett, 

the process of cooking and baking for the 

Swedish holiday takes time and preparation 

fostering community and togetherness, two 

important factors in achieving “happiness.” 

That is quite different from ordering up a pizza, 

or picking up some fast food passed to you 

Rosemary Hawthorn and Helen Nielsen 

deliver Bless Your Heart Bakery goodies 

in a paper sack while you’re in your car. Healthy 

eating is part of our Swedish culture, and in San 

Francisco we put that on display each December, 

notes the San Francisco SWEA President. 

While the 2017 U.N. “happiness” ranking 

factored in many factors; Norway’s taking top 

position in spite of the fall in oil prices, the 

revenues from which are distributed directly to 

their citizens, suggests that “money is not the 

key to happiness,” says Helen Nielsen. 

Factors such as caring, freedom, generosity, 

honesty, good governance and key to our 

cause: good current health, and a healthy life 

expectancy are the markers we are focusing 

on. It is doubly significant that the USA has 

dropped to 19th place, says Nielsen.The likelihood 

of an unhealthy old age dominating 

our future with declining social and wellness 

supports are the key USA markers we want 

to change. 

To accomplish this Nielsen has been traveling 

California much of the year recruiting 

influential, dedicated women to join in full 

partnership with the 21st century breed of 

Real Santas United to achieve this end — 

starting with the kids. 


LADY SANTA ROSEMARY HAWTHORN 

- A BAKING PIONEER – 

Plus educator of kids regarding the healthy 

lifestyle of Early California Pioneers. 

Rosemary is proprietor: Bless Your Heart 

Bakery, where she and staff produce super 

yummy breads, cakes and cookies, etc. using 

NO Wheat, NO Sugar, NO Butter or other 

Dairy, NO GMOs, NO Gluten and nothing 

else bad – just a host of great “natural” 

ingredients like root, coconut and other nut 

flour, brown rice, millet and sorghum – all 

healthy for you. 

For many years Rosemary has sponsored 

workshop campouts for kids comparing the 

lifestyles of early California pioneers and 

today. Take Sugar for instance, says Rosemary. 

Sugar in the amounts now consumed 

by kids, is toxic, with illnesses like non-alcoholic 

Fatty Liver Disease becoming one of 

the fastest growing ailments showing up in 

Elementary School age kids. 

Between offering delicious healthy-foryou 

baked goods and teaching healthfulness 

lessons, Lady Santa Rosemary gets a 

gold star from Sustainable Santa® and Lady 

Santa Helen for her efforts. 

Find out more at blessyourheartbaking. 

com, or call 227-4969. 

Helen Nielsen and Birgitta Hilleberg-Durrett 

show off the international coverage of the 

SWEA Holiday Fair in San Francisco. 

Lady Santa Nancy Walker Founder, 

Executive Director and Therapeutic Chef 

of The Wellness Kitchen in Templeton, CA 

runs a program which should be a model for 

every community, says Santa Helen. 

In a nutshell: With an all-volunteer staff 

they prepare a host of nutrient rich meals 

and broths in several categories — all super 

healthful, some with very few spices for 

those recovering from intestinal surgeries or 

because of their cancer treatment(s) or other 


medical issues cannot tolerate “hearty bold” 

foods i.e. no garlic or spices. 

These are packaged and delivered to 

people all over this part of San Luis Obispo 

(SLO) Co. Calif. who are recovering from a 

variety of surgeries and treatments. Plus they 

have a walk-in sit-down area which serves 

nutritious lunches. 

They also have an Education Program 

aimed at kids 4-7 and it’s EAT THE 

RAINBOW!!! — a program demonstrating 

the differing vitamins and minerals provided 

by the five different veggie color groups. 

Find out more at thewkrc.org or call 

434-1800. 

Lady Santa Sasha Irving, if the 3rd applauded 

as exemplary on the Sustainable 

Santa® List. Irving directs the awardwinning 

Co-op Art Studios on the Park 

in Paso Robles.CA. There, among many 

other things, they bring over 3,000 public 

elementary students into their studios for 

hands-on professional art classes completely 

free of charge. 

Please see HEALTHY KIDS page 57 



The centerpiece of the Christmas season is the Christmas tree. 

In my house, the tree is the first thing put up, and the last thing 

taken down. We make a whole event of putting up the tree and 

decorating it. 

Growing up, we often had a fake tree because one of my grandma’s 

was allergic to pine needles and the scent of it. The years when she 

didn’t come for Christmas, my mom, brother and I would head out to 

the local Christmas tree farm to pick out the perfect tree. My brother 

was the one to do the actual cutting. We always had the same argument. 

Me: Let’s get that super tall tree that will never, ever fit in our 

house. Mom: NO! Me: Please! It’ll look so good! 

We always came home with a five-foot tree that fit perfectly in the 

front window of our living room. 

As an adult, I was very excited to be able to purchase my own real 

Christmas tree from the tree lot, though instead of picking the biggest 

tree, I went for the “Charlie Brown Christmas tree.” 

After a number of years, I purchased an artificial tree because I thought 

it was more environmentally friendly. Since then, I’ve heard otherwise. 

Now, I know, thanks to The Wilderness Society, that real trees are better 

for the environment than plastic Christmas trees. 

HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE 

WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE? 

• Don’t buy plastic trees as they have a huge carbon footprint because 

80 percent of those sold each year are shipping from China and 

may also be made from harmful products: petroleum, carcinogenic 

PVC and lead. Because they are made of plastic, the trees will never 

biodegrade. If you prefer an artificial tree, look for one that is made locally 

and does not contain plastic or harmful materials. 

• Buy a real tree as Christmas tree farms actually help mitigate climate 

change because the soils absorbs much more carbon than the wood, as 

well as providing a habitat for wildlife. 

• Help manage forests by cutting down a tree in a national forest, but 

first check and see if your local national park allows it and get a permit 

before you attempt to cut down a tree in a national forest. 

• Buy a tree grown nearby rather than one that is trucked in from other 

area because the distance a tree travels adds to its carbon footprint. There are a 

few local tree farms where you go and cut down your own tree — so you know 

where the trees are grown. Before purchasing a cut tree, find out where it came 

from. If it’s not local, request that the business stock local trees in the future. 

• Recycle or replant your live tree in your yard after Christmas. My 

mom’s family planted their live Christmas tree in their backyard in 1965 

in Atascadero and it’s still there to this day. Do take caution when buying 

a potted tree as many don’t survive the time inside. To plant a tree outside, 

get a smaller one that is native to the area. 

• Decorate a tree outside your home instead of cutting a live tree and 

bringing it inside. Sure, you can’t put the presents under that tree, but you 

can decorate it with popcorn and cranberry strings and ornaments made 

from nature, such as pine cones and acorns. 

• Make a tree out of repurposed materials. It could be a fun project 

every Christmas to come up with a creative tree using found or items you 

already possess. 

Proper planning saves time and 

money and offers peace of mind. 

Estate Planning & Business Planning 

30-minute Free Consultation 

GET THE BIG PICTURE 

Wishing you a Happy New Year with your resolutions. 

Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts 

Health Care Directives, Durable Powers of Attorney 

Trust Administration, Probate 

Business Law, Entity Formation, Real Estate Law 

1104 Vine Street, Suite B, Paso Robles · 805-227-7184 · www.patriciascoles.com 


Every Christmas season many of us get ready to entertain loved ones 

and to show our love for them through meals and presents. The choices 

made when gift-giving and hosting parties also impact the earth and 

future generations. What can you do to lessen your negative impact? 

GIFT-GIVING 

As much as I love to find the perfect gift for all those around me, I realize 

that more things aren’t what most people want. My favorite gifts are 

those that allow me to spend time or make memories with those I love. 

• A shared meal 

• A shared activity 

• Activities that can be done with my daughter 

• Consumables, such as food and drink 

• Purchase wanted items (such as electronics) from eBay or other resale 

places. It may seem tacky to buy items second-hand, but I’ve found 

second-hand items that were brand-new. 

• Instead of purchasing wrapping every year, consider using what 

you already have, including newspapers and magazines or using items 

that can be also be part of the gift. I’ve wrapped candles and soups in 

washcloths or bath scrubs or put into a reusable bag or pouch. I wrap 

nearly all of my gifts in gift bags that I’ve collected over the years. I 

haven’t purchased a gift bag or tissue paper in a very long time, I just 

keep passing them on. 

• Trade in the paper gift tags, find reusable tags. Years ago, I bought 

a new of small wood tags from Michaels and then painted them with 

chalkboard paint and strung twine through the holes. I have been 

reusing them ever since. 

HOSTING GET TOGETHERS 

I love hosting parties, but dislike all the waste it can produce. I’ve listed 


a few easy ways to cut down on waste without a lot of effort. 

• Use reusable table wear and utensils. If you use disposable, which is 

sometimes necessary for large gatherings, use paper plates that do not 

contain any plastic, as paper will eventually biodegrade, but plastic will not. 

• Replace paper towels/napkins with cloth napkins or towels, then toss 

in with your regular laundry. 

• Purchase produce from the farmers’ market to ensure that it is grown 

locally than trucked a long distance. 

• Send leftovers home with guests by using the dishes they brought 

rather than using plastic bags. 

HEALTHY KIDS from page 55 

Their Kids Art Smart program 

is at the heart and soul 

of their effort to show kids the 

creative process which builds 

social, emotional and intellectual 

strength and development 

in the children of the community. 

Promoting such creativity 

is all part of the effort to reinforce 

the children’s ability to 

be “Healthy Happy and Fit for 

Life” – the mantra of the Real 

Santas United who are now 

both men and women. 

Find out more at studiosonthepark.org, 

or call 238-9800. 


AT THE LIBRARY 


YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD 

TO PLAY WITH LEGOS! 

Come to the Library’s monthly LEGO 

Build from 4:00-5:00 pm in the Story Room 

and see if you’ve got what it takes to be a 

Master Builder. Each build will have a different 

theme and challenge to put your 

building abilities to the test. Those that complete 

the challenge will see their creations 

on display in the Library following the 

build. Moving to the second Monday of the 

month, LEGO Build is scheduled for Dec. 

11, Jan. 8, & Feb. 12. 

Burner Cover Snowman 

Kick off your holiday season Saturday, 

Dec. 2 at 10:30 a.m. in the Library Conference 

Room by making a burner cover snowman 

to enhance your holiday décor. Using 

simple materials, create a unique, handcrafted 

snowman wall hanging that will last 

for years. Materials and instructions will be 

supplied. 

Sign up online. Space is limited. Family 

groups are welcome, however due to the 

nature of the tools and materials used, 

children under 13 must be accompanied by 

an adult at all times. 

IT’S STORY TIME! 

Mother Goose on the Loose 

For ages 0-18 months, 2nd & 4th Thursdays 

@ 10:30 a.m. in the Story Hour Room. 

An early literacy program that uses nursery 

rhymes and songs to create positive 

connections between children and their 

caregivers. Attendance is limited to the first ten 

participants (one caregiver/one child) only. 

Toddler Story Time 

For ages 1-3, every Friday, 10:30 a.m. 

& 11:30 a.m. in the Story Hour Room 

Stories, movement, music and a simple 

craft. Children begin to learn listening skills 

in a program geared to the interests and abilities 

of the littlest listeners. Adults must accompany 

their child to the Story Room. 

Preschool Story Time 

For ages 3-6, every Monday, 10:30 a.m. 

& 11:30 a.m. in the Story Hour Room 

Stories, movement, music and a craft. 

Children can practice listening and socialization 

skills while having lots of fun. 

Space is limited; pick up a free admission 

ticket at the children’s desk prior to the 

program. 

Grandparents & Books 

For all ages, every Wednesday, beginning at 

2:30 p.m. in the Story Hour Room 

Offers a less structured experience with 

book time and activities shared informally on 

a drop-in basis by volunteer grandparents. 

FILM DISCUSSION AT THE LIBRARY: 

UNDER THE SAME MOON 

Community Conversations 

About Immigration Continues 

The public is invited to a film discussion 

of Under the Same Moon on Wednesday, 

Dec. 13, 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Library Conference 

Room. Californians: Community 

Conversations about Immigration, a mother 

and her son, separated by economic circumstance, 

rely on weekly phone calls to keep 

in touch. The moon becomes a symbol for 

them as they are united under the same 

moon each evening. Following the film, audience 

members will have an opportunity to 

participate in a discussion of issues raised in 

the film. This film is rated PG-13; children 

under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. 

To sign up for classes, visit 

prcity.com/government/ 

departments/library/calendar.asp 

The Paso Robles City Library is located at 

1000 Spring Street and is open 

Monday – Friday 10-8, 

and Saturday 10-5. 

For more information on library 

programs and events, please call 

237-3870 or visit prcity.com/library. 



BEARCAT COUNTRY 

PASO ROBLES FOOTBALL 2017 

UNDEFEATED PAC 5 CHAMPS 

8/25 Bearcats 7, Lemoore 12 L 

9/8 Bearcats 9, McClymonds 20 L 

9/15 Bearcats 21, Cajon, 48 L 

9/22 Bearcats 27, Clovis North 7 W 

9/30 Bearcats 3, Sierra Canyon 41 L 

10/6 Bearcats 28, Arroyo Grande 7 W 

10/13 Bearcats 46, San Luis Obispo 14 W 

10/27 Bearcats 23, Righetti 14 W 

11/3 Bearcats 21, Atascadero 14 W 

11/10 Bearcats 28, Damien 45 L* 

*CIF Postseason Round 1 

PAC 5 League games denoted in BOLD 

Photos by Rick Evans 

Paso Robles accomplished the improbable after entering 

the season dropping the first three games and 

running nine of the 10 games with an interim head 

coach, J.R. Reynolds. Despite the adversity, and against 

four determined PAC 5 opponents, the Bearcats ran 

the table and earned an undefeated 2017 league title. 

The league title came with the sweet taste of rivalry 

victory — a 21-14 win over the Atascadero Greyhounds 

on Friday, Nov. 3. 

Entering league play, the Bearcats lugged a 1-4 record 

around their neck and opened against the heavy 

league favorite Arroyo Grande. 

Dispatching the Eagles, 28-7, and the Bearcats were 

then the ones with the target on their back. Another 

big win, 46-4, over San Luis Obispo and the anticipation 

rose for the potential high stakes game against 

Atascadero to finish as champs — but first the ‘Cats had 

to get through the Righetti Warriors, a potential upset. 

Paso fell behind in the first quarter, 0-7, but roared 

back into the lead with 14 unanswered points in the 

second and finished with a 23-14 win and secured the 

league title. 

The only thing left on the table was to finish off the 

Greyhounds and keep a perfect record in tact. Our 

Paso Robles Bearcats did just that, beginning with a 

21-0 halftime lead. 

The Bearcats held off a late-game charge to clinch 

the undefeated title for Paso Robles, and notch another 

win over the rival Greyhounds — a rivalry which is nearing 

the century mark. 

From all of us at PASO Magazine, congratulations 

to Bearcat Country — all the players, fans, families, and 

coaches that made it happen in 2017. Enjoy it, because 

it will be time to start getting ready for next year soon! 


The Bearcats put some distance 

between themselves and Arroyo 

Grande on Saturday, but the Eagles 

are still nipping at their heels on the 

way to the State meet. 

Under the world-class mentorship 

of “Huff,” Paso Robles High 

School head coach Ivan Huff, and a 

trusty team of assistants, the Bearcats 

boys cross country team continues 

to traverse elevation gains 

and run down horizons. On Saturday, 

Nov. 18, the Bearcats scratched 

another milestone on their record 

with a fifth-place finish in the CIF 

Southern Section Division 2 finals. 

Paso Robles entered the finals 

ranked No. 5 in the CIF-SS D2, a ranking 

just recently earned after spending 

most of the season outside of the 

Top-10. The ranking, and the finish 

at finals, added another definitive 

win over PAC 8 rivals Arroyo Grande, 

which finished ninth. 

Arroyo Grande was no slouch, 

and posted the first finish of the day 

for our local teams with an eighthplace 

finish for senior Luis Jazo at 

15-minutes-13.4-seconds. Paso’s 

fastest runner, junior Pablo Cortes, 

finished 26th at 15:33.2. To understand 

how competitive the Division 

2 field is, the math on that: 18 runners 

finished in the 20 seconds between 

Jazo and Cortes. 

Junior Jacob Moran (15:48.8), senior 

Ian Young (15:50.1), sophomore 

Damian Gavilan (15:50.5), and sophomore 

Michael Hernandez (16:04.9) 

rounded out the scores for Paso, 

placing 38th, 40th, 41st, and 66th 

overall, respectively. 

The finish put the Bearcats on the 

bus to the CIF State Cross Country 

Championships on Nov. 25, where 

they will face even tougher competition 

and an Arroyo Grande team 

looking for revenge. Results from the 

Bearcats’ performance at State can 

be found at PASOMagazine.com. 

The Road to State was Littered 

with Victory 

On November 2, the Bearcats 

earned their fourth consecutive 

PAC 8 League title by edging out 

a motivated Arroyo Grande Eagles 

team, 35-36. 

“It was a man-on-man dogfight to 

the finish,” assistant coach Jon-Paul 

Ewing wrote about the event, “with 

each team putting a finisher just in 

front of the others. They beat our No. 

1 and No. 5 runners, while we edged 

out their No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4. With 

a half mile to go, the Eagles had 

us beat. But a big surge at the end 

pushed us into the lead.” 

The Beaten Path Ahead 

With only a single senior — many 

seniors graduated — 2017 was supposed 

to be a building year, according 

to Ewing. 

With the success of the current 

team, expected to return almost 

every runner, the future is very 

bright. The girls cross country team 

also looks to return a large number 

of runners with more experience 

as Paso Robles remains a force to 

be reckoned with on the three-mile 

courses. 

Photo by Nic Mattson 


The PASO Magazine 

Photo Gallery 


TIME & PLACE DECEMBER 

A monthly look at local events, fundraisers, 

meetings, and entertainment. To 

submit a listing, email nic@pasomagazine.com,mildrum@sbcglobal.net, 

bring info to drop box at Dutch Maytag, 

1501 Riverside Ave., or mail to PO Box 

3996, Paso Robles, 93447 by the 5th 

of each month preceding publication. 

Questions? 239-1533. 

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • Speak Easy Toastmasters 

Club, Fridays, 12:10 to 1:15 pm, 

Founders Pavilion, Twin Cities Community 

Hospital. http://9797.toastmastersclubs. 

org. 237-9096. 

1 • Wines and Steins, 1st Fridays, social 

hour 6 pm, guest speakers, potluck. American 

Legion Hall, Templeton. Winesandsteins.org. 

3 • Daughters of the American Revolution 

meets every 1st Sunday. For time and 

place, email dmcpatriotdaughter@gmail. 

com. 

4, 11, 18 • North County Overeaters 

Anonymous, Mondays, 5:30, 1916 Creston 

Road, #400 upstairs, Paso Robles, 

www.OA.org, Irene 818-415-0353. 

4, 11, 18 • North County Toast ‘N Talk 

Toastmasters, Mondays, 6:15 to 7:30 pm, 

Keller Williams, 13th & Spring, Paso. Info: 

464-9229. 

5, 12, 19 • BNI– Early But Worth It 

Chapter - Business Networking International 

– Tuesdays 7 to 8:30 am. Paso 

Robles Golf Club. Visitors welcome, visit 

bni.org. 

5, 12, 19 • Tai Chi Chuan – Intermediate, 

ages 18+, 10 to 11 am, Tai Chi for Health 

– Beginner, ages 18+, 11:15 am to 12:15 

pm, Centennial Park, Room B with Faye 

Baker. Register at PRCity.com/recreation 

or Centennial Park, Mon. - Fri., 12 to 5 pm. 

237-3988. 

5, 19 • MOPS – Mothers of Pre-schoolers, 

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

Lutheran Church, 940 Creston Road, Paso, 

Ashley Hazell, 459-6049, nocomops@ 

gmail.com. 

5, 19 • Paso Robles Dance Hall – An evening 

of swing, ballroom and line dancing, 

7 to 9 pm., admission $5, Centennial Park 

Banquet Room. Visit prcity.com/recreationonline, 

call Tina Scarsella 835-2076. 

6, 13 • The Relationship Hour with Dr. 

Bonnie Lyon, 6:30 to 7:30, reservations: 

call, text, email, 286-8606, Dr_bonnie@ 

outlook.com, 1227 Park St., Unit B, downtown 

Paso. 

6, 13, 20 • Line Dancing – Wednesdays, 

9 to 10 am, Centennial Park Banquet 

Room. $55 for 10-Punch Pass (can be 

shared by more than one person). Beginning 

and intermediate classes taught by 

Tina Scarsella. Visit prcity.com/recreationonline, 

835-2076. 

6, 13, 20 • Body in Balance for Active 

Aging, ages 50+, 10 to 11 am, Senior 

Center with Faye Baker. Register at PR- 

City.com/seniors or Centennial Park, Paso, 

Mon. -Fri., 12 - 5 pm. 237-3988. 

7 • Above the Grade Advanced Toastmasters, 

1st Thursdays, 7 to 9 pm, Kennedy 

Club Fitness, 500 So. River Road, Paso. 

238-0524, 930206.toastmastersclubs.org. 

7, 14, 21 • 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. 

7, 14, 21 • Hamburger Lunch– American 

Legion Post 50, Thursdays, $5, 11 am 

to 1 pm. 240 Scott St., Paso. 

10 • PR Grange Pancake Breakfast, 2nd 

Sundays, 7:30 to 11am, 627 Creston Road, 

Paso. 

12 • Exchange Club, 2nd Tuesday, 12:15 

– 1:30 pm, McPhee’s in Templeton. 610- 

8096, exchangeclubofnorthslocounty.org. 

12, 26 • Paso Robles Lions Club, 7 pm, 

PR Elks Lodge, 1420 Park Street, Paso. 

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

13 • Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, 

Holiday Membership Mixer, 5:30 

to 7 pm, location TBA. pasorobleschamber. 

com, 238-0506. 

13 • North County Multiflora Garden 

Club, socialize at noon, meeting 1:00 pm. 

PR Community Church, 2706 Spring St., 

2nd Wednesdays. 712-7820, guests welcome. 

multifloragardenclub.org. 

13 • Experimental Aircraft Association 

(EAA) Chapter 465 – 7 pm at the Paso Airport 

Terminal, 2nd Wednesdays. Getting 

youth involved with aviation. EAA465.org. 

15 • North County Christian Women’s 

Connection Luncheon, 11am 

to 1 pm, speakers are Anesa Cronin 

presenting “No Matter Life’s Challenges, 

there is an Answer” and ECHO 

Homeless Shelter. Bring new socks 

for the sock tree. Templeton Community 

Center, $12, reservations by 

December 5 to Barbara Bernard, 226- 

2302. 

16 • San Miguel Craft Faire and Holiday 

Lights Parade Downtown San Miguel. 

Faire is from 2 to 8 p.m. Parade is at 6 p.m. 

Entries: discoversanmghtl.com or at the 

San Miguel Mercantile Entry deadline: 

December 12 Info: Michael Sanders at 

805-712-9120 

16 • Pancake Breakfast, American Legion 

Post 50, 8 to 11 am, 3rd Saturdays, $6, 240 

Scott St., Paso Robles 

16 • Community Quilting (to help children 

and senior organizations with quilts), 

3rd Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm at Bethel 

Lutheran Church, Old Country Road, Templeton. 

Contact caroljhungerford@yahoo. 

com. 

18 • Paso Robles Republican Women 

Federated, 3rd Mondays, 11:30 lunch, 

speaker at noon. $22 cash, guests welcome, 

Paso Robles Inn Ballroom. Reservations 

by the 2nd Wed. of each month 

to Diane Oehlke, 239-8696, dloehkle@ 

gmail.com. Prrwf.org. 

19 • Chronic Pain Support Group 

Meeting –CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain 

Syndrome), 3rd Tuesdays, 5 to 6 pm, Rabobank, 

1025 Las Tablas Rd, Templeton. Suzanne 

Miller 704-5970, suzanne.miller@ 

ymail.com. 

19 • North County Parkinson’s Support 

Group, 1 pm, 3rd Tuesdays, Templeton 

Presbyterian Church, 610 So. Main St. Info: 

Rosemary Dexter 466-7226. 

20 • Paso Robles Democratic Club, 3rd 

Wednesdays, 6:30 pm, Centennial Park, 

600 Nickerson, Paso Robles. 

21 • North County Prostate Cancer Support 

Group, 7 pm, 3rd Thursdays, Twin 

Cities Community Hospital Pavilion Room. 

Info: Bill Houston 995-2254 or American 

Cancer Society 473-1748. 

26 • American Legion Post 50 monthly 

meeting. 4th Tuesdays. 6:30, 270 Scott 

Street, Paso Robles. Info: Commander 

John Irwin, 286-6187. 

Jan. 10 • North County Newcomers 

Club – 1/10 is reservation deadline 

for Jan. 17, 6 to 8 pm. Dine, dance 

and meet the artists at Studios on the 

Park. Meetings/luncheons/dinners held 

monthly for residents living here less than 

3 years. To RSVP, info for events/activities, 

visit northcountynewcomers.org. 

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS 

General Grief Support, 

Offered by Hospice SLO County 

Meetings at 517 13th Street, Paso Robles 

• Wednesdays 5 to 6:30 pm 

No cost to attend, no pre-registration 

required • 544-2266, Hospiceslo.org 

GriefShare All Saturdays in December. 

A 13-week on-going faith-based seminar/ 

support group for people grieving a loss of 

a loved one. 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. 

EVENTS, FESTIVALS, FUNDRAISERS 

AND ENTERTAINMENT 

Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse & Cattlemen’s 

Lounge, 1103 Spring St., 

226-4925. Steakhouse: Prime Rib 


Wednesdays and Sundays! Cattlemen’s 

Lounge: Happy Hour, 4-7 pm, includes 

cocktail and menu specials; Monday Industry 

Night, 6-9 pm, 20% off for all professionals; 

Taco and Tequila Tuesdays 5-9pm; 

Wednesday Locals Appreciation Night Happy 

Hour 4-CLOSE; Friday & Saturday Live 

Entertainment, 9:30-11:30pm: 12/1-12/2 

Kenny Taylor, 12/8-12/9 Bobby Santa 

Cruz, 12/15-12/16 Donna Lu and Matt Kim 

Acoustic, 12/22-12/23 Shameless, 12/29- 

12/30 Nataly Lola, New Year’s Eve 12/31 

Soundhouse. 

Shared Histories 3 – Portraits of the 

Central Coast through Dec. 31 presented 

by the El Paso de Robles Historical Society 

and the Carnegie Library. Downtown City 

Park, Paso. Tues. & Thurs. thru Sat. 10 am to 

4 pm & Sun. 1 to 3 pm. 

2 • Art After Dark Paso – 1st Saturdays, 6 

to 9 pm, Downtown Paso. Hosted by Studios 

on the Park. 

2 • Christmas Light Parade, 7 pm, downtown 

Paso Robles. 

6 • Monthly dinner at Estrella Warbirds 

Museum, 1st Wednesdays, 6 pm, guest 

speakers. Call 296-1935 for dinner reservations. 

ewarbirds.org. 

8 • Poetry in the Garden – Join local poets 

and share your poetry and prose. Meet 

in Ellie’s Garden on 2nd Fridays at 6:30 

pm. Contact Ellie at 227-0110 or ellencasey777@gmail.com. 

9 • A Day of Christmas Fun, 12 to 4 pm, 

Paso Robles Event Center. Old fashioned 

Christmas party with wagon rides, Santa 

Claus, games, music. Space is limited, $20 

per child, pre-registration required and 

available at the Paso Robles Albertsons 

only. 

9 • Vine Street Victorian Showcase, 6 to 

9 pm. 

9 • Classic Car Cruise Night – 5 to 7 pm, 

2nd Saturdays (weather permitting), King 

Oil Tools, 2235 Spring St., Paso. Info: Tony 

Ororato, 712-0551. 

16 • Victorian Teddy Bear Tea, Park Ballroom, 

1232 Park St., 2 to 4 pm, Tickets 

238-4103. 

21 • Third Thursday Shop, dine and drink 

in downtown Paso. A portion of the proceeds 

benefit must! charities. facebook. 

com/pages/Third-Thursday-PasoRobles. 

HOSPICE SLO COUNTY 

2017 Light Up a Life 

7 • Atascadero, 6 pm, Pavilion at the Lake 

(indoors) 

8 • Paso Robles, 6 pm, City Park Gazebo 

(outdoors) 

11 • San Luis Obispo – Pet Peace of Mind 

Ceremony, 6 pm, SLO County Hospice office 

For other locations countywide, call 544- 

2266, hospiceslo.org 

THE WELLNESS KITCHEN 

AND RESOURCE CENTER 

Visit thewkrc.org, call 434-1800 for information on Healing and 

Wellness Foods meal programs, volunteer opportunities, and classes 

(to RSVP, register and pay online.) Wellness Kitchen is closed 12/24 to Jan. 2. 

Healthy Cooking Class - Holiday Treats, 12/21, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in 

Templeton, 12/22, 11am to 1:30pm in SLO Idler’s Home, 189 Cross Street. 

3 recipes, free to those going through illness. Friends/caregivers may join 

for a $20 donation. 12/26 • Auto Immune Support Group with Kelli Lincoln, 

6:00 to 7:00 pm, learn to use the Auto-immune Protocol to alleviate 

symptoms of disease, recipes and nutritional guidance. 

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY 

1051 Las Tablas Road, Templeton • Provides support, education and hope 

CSCslo.org, 238-4411. Cancer Support Helpline, 888-793-9355, 6 am to 6 pm. 

Office closed 12/25 through 12/28. 

PASO LIGHTS OF HOPE 2017 – All through the holiday season. 

Paso Robles City Park 

SPECIAL GATHERINGS: 12/7, Life Beyond Cancer, 1 pm; 12/13, Young Survivors 

Peer Gathering, 5:45 pm Templeton. 12/20, Potluck Social, 12 pm, Mindfulness 

Yoga, 12:15 pm, Young Survivor Peer Group, 6 pm, Sierra Vista Hospital. 

Weekly – MONDAY: Therapeutic Yoga at Dharma Yoga 11:30 am. 

TUESDAY: T’ai Chi Chih 9 am, Coffee Chat 10:05 am. 

WEDNESDAY: Living with Cancer Support Group -Newly Diagnosed/Active 

Treatment, 10 am. Living with Cancer/Cancer Companions, 11 am. 

FRIDAY: 1, 15, 29: Grupo Fuerza y Esperanza 6 pm. 

Special Programs: Cancer Well-Fit® at Paso Robles Sports Club, Mondays 

and Thursdays 12:30 to 1:30, pre-registration is required with Kathy Thomas, 

kathythomas10@hotmail.com or 610-6486. Look Good Feel Better®, check 

calendar for Mondays, register at 800-227-2345. Navigate with Shannon, 

Thursdays by appt. 

BOX BEAMS BOOK SHELVING 



LAST WORD 


When Larry Eastwood 

bought Vic’s 

Café in 1973, little 

did he know the Pioneer Day 

Bean Feed was part of the deal. 

Quoting from a story I wrote 

in 2013 to mark Larry’s 70th 

birthday, Larry said, “Vic did it 

before me and I still have the 

original recipe.” 

Terry Black owned the local 

tire shop and was a Lions member. 

Larry recalled, “He came 

wandering across the street four 

days after I opened to tell me 

about a recipe for the Pioneer 

Day beans. I found it and gave it 

to him. He handed it right back 

to me and said, ‘You’re in charge 

now!’ If it wasn’t for me and Darryl 

Drum, my right-hand man, it 

wouldn’t have happened for all 

these years. We’ve had a good 

time out there.” 

After 44 years for Larry and 

32 for Darryl, it’s time for their 

well-deserved departure from 

the Pioneer Day tradition. This 

year was the last time that Larry 

and Darryl started before 

dawn, fired up the burners, and 

helped the crew hoist almost 

2,400 pounds of fixin’s into the 

100-gallon bean pots. The next 

milestone will be in three years 

when Lion Duane Picanco 

marks 50 years! 

Next year, Scout Leader David 

Kudija will coordinate the 

effort with our local Boy Scout 

Troop 60. Larry agreed to return 

one more time…making it 45! 

A Beautiful Face 35 

Abby Self Storage 14 

Adrienne Hagan 12 

Advanced Concrete 64 

Amdal In Home Care 63 

Applied Telecom 

Technologies 27 

Arlynes Flowers 57 

Artworks 42 

Associated Traffic Safety 60 

Austin, Mary Ann 62 

Bella Jule Designs 5 

Berry Hill Bistro 20 

Biodynamics 32 

Black Diamond 

Vermicompost 40 

Blake’s True Value 27 

Blenders 49 

Body Basics 54 

Bridge Sportsmen Center 40 

Cal Paso Solar 23 

CASA 39 

Casa Rustica 61 

Casey Printing 38 

Chains Required 57 

Chalekson, Dr. Charles 35 

Cider Creek Bakery 36 

City of Paso Robles - Recx 13 

Cone & Associates 28 

Connect Home Loans 18 

Country Florist 36 

Covenant Presbyterian 27 

Di Raimondo’s Italian Mkt 31 

Dutch Maytag 41 

El Paso de Robles Historical 

Society 51 

El Paso Self Storage 41 

Equine Experience 40 

Estrella Warbirds 31 

Fidelity National Title 22 

First Baptist Church 53 

DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS 

Friends of Library 12 

Frontier Floors 16 

Gallagher Video Services 63 

General Store Paso Robles 49 

Gilliss, Keith - Prime 

Commercial 37 

Golden Collar 30 

Golden Reverse Mortgage 9 

GRL Computer Consulting 60 

Healthy Inspirations 54 

Hearing Aid Specialists 3 

Hearing Solutions 48 

Heart to Heart non profits 11 

HFG Coastal Ins. Service 23 

Highlands Church 29 

Kennedy Club Fitness 47 

Klockenteger, Lisa 48 

Kuehl Nicolay 25 

Lansford Dental 67 

Las Tablas Animal Hospital 52 

LivHOME 15 

Live Oak Church 17 

Lube N Go 30 

Lyon, Bonnie Dr. 45 

Main Street Small Animal 

Hospital 34 

Michael’s Optical 50 

Mikulics, Dr. 61 

MODE Communications 20 

Natural Alternative 45 

NCDPAF 33 

New with Tags 64 

Nose to Tail 50 

Odyssey World Café 19 

Paradigm Advisors 27 

Paso Chevrolet 68 

Paso PetCare 38 

Patterson Realty, Paso Robles 7 

Perfect Air 58 

Photo Stop 45 

Plateroti Dermatology 19 

PR Casino 14 

PR District Cemetery 18 

PR Door & Trim 28 

PR Handyman 51 

PR Insurance 29 

PR Main Street Association 4,5 

PR Safe & Lock 43 

PR Waste 59 

PW Construction 64 

Red Scooter Deli 12 

J Scott Reneau Insurance 33 

Riel Wine on Tap 31 

Riley, Dr. Kaitilin 49 

Salus Integtrative Medicine 51 

Sauret’s Errand Service 29 

Scoles, Law Office of Patricia 56 

Secret Garden Salon 42 

Senor Sanchos 21 

SESLOC Fed Credit Union 15 

Solaralos 41 

Solarponics 59 

Spice of Life 62 

St. Rose School 55 

Stove & Spa Center 6 

Susie’s Dog Grooming 58 

Ted Hamm Ins. 39 

Teresa Rhyne Law Group 57 

The Harley Group 37 

The Loft 17 

The Wellness Kitchen 47 

Touch of Paso 24 

Twin Cities Hospital 2 

Viborg Cart-Away Conc 59 

Vic’s Cafe 32 

Vitality Fitness Delivered 37 

Wellness by Mother Nature 56 

Western Janitor Supply 24 

Whitehorse 40 

Wighton’s 23 

Worship Directory 65 

Wyatt Wicks 64

2017 DEC PASO Magazine

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