2018 January PASO Magazine #201

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January 2018, PASO Magazine 5

CONTENTS JANUARY 2018 

24 

20 

36 

41 

24 TASTE OF PASO: BEHIND THE 

MENUS OF LOCAL FOOD & WINE 

20 GIVING LIFE TO COCO: PIXAR 

DIRECTOR MICHAEL VENTURINI 

SHARES LIFE OF ANIMATION 

BY MELISSA CHAVEZ 

23 PASO WINE ALLIANCE BLENDFEST WE VALUE YOUR INPUT! 

DEPARTMENTS 

SOMETHING WORTH READING 

8 Publisher’s Letter 

10 Crystal Ball: Mayor Martin’s Look at 2018 

13 Main Street: A Column by Millie Drum 

14 Baking with Boys: A special to PASO Magazine 

by Sarah Pope 

PASO PEOPLE 

16 Michael Venturini: Art & Paso 

by Melissa Chavez 

18 New Year’s Chill: Cayucos and Avila Host 

Polar Bear Plunges 

BUSINESS 

33 Business Spotlight: The PASO Magazine 

Sales Team 

34 Clean Eating for the New Year 

By The General Store Paso Robles 

35 Healthy New You, Part One 

By Natural Alternative 

ROUND TOWN 

36 Altitude Gains: SLO Airport Expands 

38 Templeton Happenings: 

A column by Heather Young 

40 County Perspective: 

A column by Bruce Curtis 

41 San Miguel Reflections: 

A column by Lynne Schmitz 

EDUCATION AND CULTURE 

42 The Kings of Cool: Popular Wine Country 

Theatre Show Returns 

by Heather Young 

VOLUME 17 | NUMBER 9 

PASO MAGAZINE IS ONLINE 

All of our monthly stories are posted online at 

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the go, or share stories on social media. 

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(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 ©2018, 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: 1244 Pine Street, Suite 204 

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 

HOOFBEAT 

10 th of each month preceding publication 

44 Hoofbeat, Trail Tales, and the Hoofbeat Calendar 

by Dorothy Rodgers 

Publisher/Owner: Nicholas & Hayley Mattson 

Founding Co-Publisher: Bob Chute 

:: 

EVENTS 

ON THE COVER :: 

Founding Co-Publisher: Karen Chute 1949-2004 

47 Time & Place: The Monthly Event Calendar 

Enthusiastic participants run to 

Advertising Consultants: Millie Drum, 

the ocean to start the new year. 

LAST WORD 

Pam Osborn, Jamie Self, Karli Twisselman, 

50 Templeton Milk Delivery: Famous Bottle 

Bob Chute, and Nicholas Mattson 

Photo by Nicholas Mattson 

Finds New Home 

6 PASO Magazine, January 2018


By Nic 

Mattson 

Happy New Year and Other Big Things 

inging in the New Year never fails to fill 

me with massive optimism. I usually 

take the whole pile of things I didn’t accomplish 

last year and I heave it into the new 

year and say, “Yeah, we got this!” TBH, I’ve 

never accomplished the entire list ... but it’s 

usually for the best. 

The real magic of the New Year is having 

that cyclical perspective, knowing that 

the trip around the sun is beginning again 

and we have another shot at improving 

our lives with at least some confidence that 

we know what is coming. So what’s on your 

list? Get crazy and hit us up on social 

media and tell us what your big plans are! 

#TellPASOMagazine 

I’ll tell you that when we started 2017, 

my wife and I had big plans. We had yet to 

close on our lease-option home, and to 

make it all work we went out and bought 

the wonderful PASO Magazine. Talk about 

an uphill charge! 

Both our big purchases are not fixer-uppers, 

but they are both projects with big 

upside. Our home is a 1918 Colony home 

in Atascadero that we have big ideas about, 

and of course PASO Magazine is a 16- 

year old publication that we are looking to 

take to the next level as the best publication 

in the Paso Robles area. 

Going glossy was a step in the right 

direction, and 2018 will see a big effort to 

expand our services online and in other 

areas of local media and advertising. We 

want to keep sharing “The Story of Us” 

here in north SLO County — one of the 

special places in all the world. 

For the past decade, I referred to this area 

as “The Shire” because of the way we operated 

under the radar as L.A. and Silicon 

Valley stole the limelight. With our inviting 

atmosphere, relationship with “The Happiest 

City” of SLO, and our maturation as 

a world-class wine region, the stage is set 

for taking a big step forward as a world-renowned 

destination — and that comes with 

growing pains … and traffic. 

It’s still one of the greatest places in the 

world, and should be for at least another five 

years. After that, it is anyone’s guess, especially 

as we enter 2018 with a bone-dry end 

of 2017 with little rain in the forecast. 

Entering 2018, we have each other and that 

may be all we really know we can count on. 

So as you take on the new year, with your big 

dreams and big goals, take that step forward 

and make your dreams happen — and about 

halfway through, when you realize it would 

have been much easier to just stay in your comfort 

zone, remember that we are counting on 

you to do something big. Who knows, maybe 

you want to add your story to our story. We’d 

love to share it — but first, you got to do it. 

“If thou wouldest win Immortality of Name, 

either do things worth the writing, or write 

things worth the reading.” — Thomas Fuller 


eetings and Happy New 

Year to all! With the usual 

trepidation about presuming 

to be able to predict the future, 

I am pleased to share some thoughts 

about items, issues and (hopefully) 

answers that may be on the horizon 

for our community in 2018. No 

doubt, unforeseen challenges will 

emerge, but these are some of the 

things we look forward to addressing 

in the next 12 months. 

Economic Development 

Our city has been blessed with a 

healthy economy, including strong 

retail sales and world-recognized 

tourism. As we move forward, we 

will focus on building new components 

of the local economy to 

produce a wider array of head- 

Mayor Mar tin’s 

CRYSTAL 

of-household jobs. This will create 

a more balanced economy that is 

not reliant upon one specific industry. 

The result of our success in 

this area will be a stronger, more 

resilient economic base. We have 

already begun this process with 

the formation of our new Airport 

Commission and more focused 

roles for our local Chamber of 

Commerce and Paso Robles Wine 

Alliance. Just as we declared in 

the 1990s that we would become 

the retail hub of the area, we will 

declare now that we are poised to 

become the economic development 

center. 

Housing 

A critical component for economic 

development and for the 

BALL 

continued quality of life for current 

residents is the development of a 

wider, more affordable selection 

of housing. The existing inventory 

of homes and rentals continues 

to pushes that affordability out of 

the picture. To accommodate existing 

and future needs we need to 

progress towards our General Plan 

housing goals. Next year, we will 

see the impacts of changes proposed 

by our Housing Constraints 

and Opportunities Committee. 

These changes will produce a more 

affordable, streamlined development 

process while insuring that 

infrastructure improvements required 

by development are realized. 

Streets and Roads 

We are five years into our 12-year 

program to use General Fund money, 

sales tax override funding and grants 

to improve city streets. Our first target 

consisted of large collectors and 

arterials. The fruit of those efforts is 

readily observable. Next, we start focusing 

on residential streets. To provide 

the greatest possible input from 

our citizens we have empowered the 

Special Sales Tax Oversight Committee 

to collect that input and make 

recommendations to the City Council. 

This committee will continue to 

be responsible for examining repair 

expenditures to ensure we are making 

the appropriate expenditure of 

the voter-approved sales tax override. 

Expect to see more great progress. 

Public Safety 

We will continue to support and 

enhance our public safety agencies. 

As one would expect, the hiring, 

training and equipping of police 

officers and firefighters is a very 

cost-intensive process. Nevertheless, 

we are committed to incremental 

improvements that won’t break the 

bank, but will continue to raise the 

level of public safety in our city. We 

will pay particular attention to the 

recent fire safety study, which plots 

the course for that department’s personnel 

and facility development. 


Intergovernmental Relations 

In the latter part of 2017, we 

have turned the corner on participation 

and communications with 

other levels of government. Specifically, 

the Mayor’s office has 

reached out to the San Luis Obispo 

County Board of Supervisors and 

other mayors in our county to enlist 

support for regional issues such 

as unfunded retirement liability, 

cost-effective animal control services, 

improved mental health services, 

opioid abuse, regional transportation 

issues and affordable housing strategies. 

We have also been active participants 

in efforts by the League of 

California Cities and the National 

League of Cities to address these issues. 

Most recently, our County leaders 

have acknowledged that our cities 

should be treated more as “partners” 

and less as “customers” when discussing 

future regional issues. Expect to 

see more engagement between governmental 

partners in 2018. 

Other Issues 

Among the other issues we 

will face in the upcoming year are 

the evolution of laws and policies 

governing cannabis use, the potential 

re-use of the mothballed California 

Youth Authority property 

and the continuing need to address 

homelessness. I am hopeful we 

will have meaningful community 

discussions regarding the cultural 

development of Paso Robles 

including new and re-purposed 

facilities and a nurturing of the 

performing arts. 

These are just a few if the issues 

we will face in 2018 and there 

may be more out there. I am so 

very pleased that here in the City 

of Paso Robles we have the “cando” 

attitude to face the expected 

and unexpected with courage, optimism 

and boundless energy. As 

we look to 2018, we do so as 

people who are immensely proud 

of our past and have great confidence 

and energy for the future of 

our city. 

On behalf of the entire Paso Robles 

Council and staff, I wish for 

you, your families and our community 

the happiest and most productive 

New Year. 

Sincerely, 

Steven W. Martin 

Mayor, City of Paso Robles 


Toddler & Kid Family Yoga Classes 

Bring Joy & Connection to Multiple Generations 

Bringing happiness, confidence, mindfulness and strength to 

the children of Paso Robles is Vanessa Orr’s primary goal. As executive 

director and instructor for YaYa Yoga ca, Orr has seen the value 

in connecting children and their parents, grandparents or caregivers 

through yoga. Her Toddler & Kid’s Family Yoga classes at Centennial 

Park are making a beautiful difference in the lives of little ones 

and the adults who love them. 

“This class is perfect for my one year old grandchild and me,” 

says Lisa Larriba as she helps her granddaughter 

play with a musical chime during a recent 

class. There are lots of smiles and 

excitement when the yoga mats are 

unrolled. Sprinkled with music, 

picture books and engaging props, the 

class sparks the child’s inner yogi 

while enhancing language development, 

motor coordination and play 

skills. 

“Kids learn positive 

thinking and ways to 

self-regulate difficult 

emotions,” says Orr. 

“Through yoga poses, they gain 

Centennial Park 

600 Nickerson Drive 

(805) 237-3988 

facebook.com/ 

prcityrecreation 

strength, flexibility, balance and most importantly patience. These 

are important skills that are valuable in activities like sports and 

dance.” 

An elementary school teacher for seven years, Vanessa has 

combined her expertise from the classroom with her yoga teacher 

training. The result is an enriching experience where yoga comes to 

life in fun and creative ways. Whether attempting the frog pose, 

practicing bunny breath or marching like dinosaurs, little ones learn 

about their growing bodies, bonding with their caregiver in the 

process. 

“Watching a one year old lay quietly next to their grandparent 

while holding hands and breathing together is why I do this,” says 

Orr. “Parents and grandparents build a special bond with a child 

through yoga that not many other activities offer.” 

The winter session of Toddler & Kid’s Family Yoga at 

Centennial Park happens Thursdays, January 18 -February 22 with a 

6 or 3 week choice for children ages 1-5 and their accompanying 

adults. The class is $65 for 6 weeks or $35 for 3 weeks for up to 

four family members per registration. For more information 

about all winter recreation class offerings, 

please visit prcity.com/recreation. 

Scan here to 

view classes. 


What’s Happening 

By Millie Drum on Main Street? 

“It’s Where Everybody Comes Together” 


Introducing Karyl Lammers - 

Our Downtown Main Street Ambassador! 

Paso Robles is on the map! Visitors from all 

over the world are discovering what we as residents 

and business owners enjoy and appreciate 

every day! From the wineries, historic points 

of interest, unique museums, fine hotels and 

dining, shopping, entertainment and cultural 

events, Downtown Paso Robles is usually where 

the journey begins for many of our guests. 

Karyl Lammers now holds the distinct honor 

of being our Main Street Ambassador. She 

not only represents the heart of downtown 

and its Main Street members — promotes 

the commerce and vitality of the entire North 

County. 

“As the Main Street Ambassador, it is my 

honor and pleasure to help make this happen. 

I ask where our visitors are from (Templeton to 

New Zealand!) and what brings them to Paso!” 

Lammers said. “I introduce myself, welcome 

them to Paso Robles, offer my business card, 

the Main Street Directory and ask how I can 

assist with their visit. They love the fact that 

there is an Ambassador to greet them personally! 

They enjoy sharing stories with me. We 

part with a handshake. 

“Currently I am downtown two days a week 

greeting visitors, locals, business owners and 

their employees with cordial conversation; 

offering suggestions for shopping, dining and 

sight-seeing. People are so grateful when I 

tell them that our downtown stores are independently 

owned so the owners can provide 

the most unique items. I often find myself 

talking to our residents; telling them they are 

as blessed as I am to live here. We enjoy conversations 

and share fun stories about all things 

Paso. I offer the Directory, so they know the 

events and the businesses they may need and 

not know about!” 

“Businesses in Paso Robles are THE BEST!! 

I have the privilege of representing Downtown 

Main Street to the business owners, so I can 

Karyl Lammers, 

our Main Street 

Ambassador 

better refer them to the people I meet. The reception 

is warm, friendly and exciting!! I have gained 

even more love and respect for every business!” 

“I’ve lived and loved Paso Robles for 28 

years, moving from Ventura; serving as Executive 

Director for 17 years for the Paso Robles 

Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center; preparing 

me to become the Ambassador for the 

Main Street Association. After meeting many 

visitors over the years, I know what they are 

looking for and what they enjoy. 

Please see MAIN STREET page 15 



Some might think since I am a 

mom of boys I may not have any little 

bakers to help out with the mixing 

and sprinkles, but that’s not true 

at all. My little baseball players love 

putting on an apron and making a 

mess in the kitchen! 

During the holidays, we look forward 

to our baking and crafting to 

share with the people we love and appreciate 

most — classmates, teachers, 

friends, family and our sweet mailwoman 

that will deliver our mail down 

our long dirt driveway. 

In our home, Christmas immediately 

starts right after Thanksgiving. 

Out go the pumpkins and up go the 

Christmas lights. The kids get going 

on Christmas lists and letters to Santa. 

Our Elf on the Shelf surprisingly appears 

doing something mischievous, 

then the baking and crafting begins. 

Bonding time with my boys! 

Cooking with my boys is super fun, 

HUGE mess and all. Finger-licking 

is a hard habit to break, but after the 

sixth or seventh hand wash, they learn 

to fight the urge. Cake and frosting 

A special to 

PASO Magazine 

By Sarah Pope 

and sprinkles … oh my!! The reward at 

the end of the kid-cake-pop-making 

assembly line is always the best part!! 

And the look on their faces when they 

take their first bite … priceless! 

WHAT YOU’LL NEED 

• 3 to 4 packages of Wilton’s 

Candy Melts 

• Wilton’s Treat Sticks 

• Sprinkles 

• Baby Cakes Cake Pop Maker 

VANILLA CAKE POPS 

(makes about 4 dozen cake pops) 

• 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour 

• 1 tsp baking powder 

• ¼ tsp salt 

• ½ cup softened butter 

• 1 cup sugar 

• 2 eggs 

• 2 tsp vanilla extract 

• ½ cup milk 

BAKING DIRECTIONS 

Combine flour, baking powder and 

salt. In a separate bowl, mix butter 

and sugar until creamy. Mix in 

eggs and vanilla. Blend together 

The endless options of colors and 

sprinkles, makes it fun to get creative. 

They are always perfect for school 

birthday party favors, holiday treats or 

a fun surprise to share with the neighbors. 

They are super cute and no utensils 

required … just a bite-sized ball 

of heaven. But best of all, they’re easy. 

Just give it a try! 

Happy Cake Popping! 

flour mixture and milk into butter 

mixture. Fill each cooking reservoir 

with 1 tablespoon of batter. Bake 4 

to 5 minutes. 

For the best decorating results, 

after the baked pops have cooled, 

place them in the freezer for approximately 

15 minutes. 

Candy coating (I like to use Wilton’s 

Candy Melts) should be kept 

warm and thin enough so that it 

spreads evenly over the entire cake 

pop. (If coating becomes too thick, 

thin with about 1/2 tsp of coconut 

oil and melt according to package 

directions.) 

To help keep the cake pop on 

the lollipop stick, dip about 1 inch 

of the stick in the warm candy coating 

and then insert into the chilled 

cake pop. Let them cool before 

dipping the pop into the warm candy 

coating. Immediately decorate 

with sprinkles. 


MAIN STREET from page 13 


Through the years, I’ve had the 

distinct privilege of meeting and 

knowing many of our local business 

people; making me proud to 

be a part of this community.” 

“Main Street Executive Director 

Norma Moye and I have been 

friends for many years. Supporting 

the Main Street Association 

and Downtown Paso Robles 

forms an alliance of merchants, 

business owners, stakeholders 

and community members while 

preserving and bolstering a thriving 

downtown for everyone to 

enjoy! Norma knows how things 

should be done. She understands 

people, trusts and truly appreciates 

everyone around her! If 

you don’t believe me, just look at 

what she has done for our community. 

Paso Robles is a must-see 

tourist destination. Visit downtown 

Paso and see Authentic 

California!! Thanks to the Main 

Street Association and Norma - 

I am proud to be our Downtown 

Ambassador!” 

Publisher’s Note: We are happy to 

have Karyl downtown, and proud of 

our Main Street Association. Welcome! 

Enhance our Downtown 

Streetscape! 

Donate a Wine Barrel 

The downtown wine barrel 

project needs community support! 

Donations are needed to replace 

older barrels and add new barrels 

throughout the downtown business 

district. Full barrels are cut 

to halves at Rental Depot. Led by 

chairman and artist, Laure Carlisle 

with support from the Paso Robles 

Art Association, local artists are 

working with the business owners 

on the artwork design to compliment 

their storefronts. 

Bobbi Conner, owner of The 

Natural Alternative said, “Thanks 

to Main Street and the local artists 

for adding a colorful, festive touch 

to the downtown businesses! We 

love the color it has added to our 

storefront. Customers are complimenting 

us on the fun addition 

outside!” 

“As an 11-year Main Street volunteer, 

now working on the barrel 

project,” Sandi Hatch says, “I enjoy 

meeting with business owners 

to see how we can visually improve 

their curb appeal. This is my way of 

serving the community.” 

Calling all wineries and residents! 

If you can donate wine barrels, 

call Norma at Main Street at 

238-4103. Along with the barrels, 

donations for planting mix, lavender 

plants, olive trees and perennial 

flowers are greatly appreciated! 

Main Street has the volunteers to 

make it happen with the community’s 

support! 


PASO PEOPLE 

By Melissa Chavez 

Pixar Animation Studios 

director Michael Venturini 

recounted his hometown 

visit to Paso Robles over 

Thanksgiving Day break and 

counted his blessings. He 

considers himself fortunate 

to have been raised in an environment 

where art was as 

part of daily life as math and 

science. 

“All of my family members 

express themselves creatively,” 

Venturini said. 

Michael’s father, Dean, 

is a retired printer in Paso 

Robles. His mother, Donna 

McConnell, who has a background 

in education, also 

resides on the West Coast. 

And City Park still bears the 

artwork of Michael’s uncle, 

David, in a familiar rock carving 

under a large oak tree. 

“When I became interested 

in art, I never gave up,” 

Venturini affirmed. “In my 

household, it was never a 

question as to whether to 

pursue art. When I got to a 

point when it became something 

I wanted to do with my 

life, I never had to question 

the value of being an artist.” 

HOW CHILDREN LEARN 

As Venturini grew as an 

artist, he discovered that the 

motor skill of holding a crayon 

their family in the Bay Area, 

close to where Michael works 

at Pixar. Their three children 

are Nicolas (12), Maddie (11) 

and Alyssa (6). 

“My parents were always 

supportive of my interest in 

art,” he said. “And now, with 

my own kids, I’m making a 

similar connection.” 

ART IN PASO ROBLES 

When Venturini returned 

home for a family visit to the 

Central Coast, he found himself 

astonished at the surge 

of artistic elements he discovered 

in Paso Robles in 

fine art, performing arts and 

“In my household, it was never a question 

as to whether to pursue art. When I got to a 

point when it became something I wanted to 

do with my life, I never had to question the 

value of being an artist.” 

and scribbling are milestones 

in a child’s development. 

“Young children connect a 

line to make a circular shape, 

then they start doing shapes 

within shapes, and then they 

start doing faces,” he explained. 

“You can see it before 

they even begin speaking 

fluently. These are stages 

of development. But typically, 

you will hear adults say 

they ‘draw like a first-grader’ 

because often the priority in 

school becomes other subjects. 

Later in life, we make 

peace with ‘I’m not artistic’ 

while others continue to pursue 

it.” 

Michael is married to a local 

girl, Shannon (Gilstrap) 

Venturini. They both graduated 

from Paso Robles High 

School in 1992, and began 

their coupled life right here 

in Paso Robles. (“Pan Jewelers 

is where I got my wife’s 

engagement ring,” he said.) 

Together, they are raising 

even food. 

“Paso Robles is very fortunate 

compared to other small 

towns. There’s life in the center 

of town, where other cities 

have died,” said Venturini, He 

cited the youthful creative 

display at the Studios on the 

Park gallery as one example. 

“We have amazing artists 

there. I’m fascinated that you 

MICHAEL VENTURINI 

can see paintings on easels 

and progress from the high 

school kids. We went to Barrelhouse 

Brewing, where musicians 

played on a flatbed, 

and heard live music over at 

D’Anbino’s. Who would have 

thought 20 years ago you 

could have a band in town 

and play gigs? We didn’t have 

any sushi or Greek cuisine 

then, either. I’ve watched the 

community grow and have 

become excited. 

“I didn’t learn this till I 

left,” says Venturini, who described 

an idyllic scene fit 

for a storyboard. “But places 

like Paso Robles don’t exist 

everywhere – a small, charming 

town with nice people in 

a country backdrop nestled 

close to the coast. I think the 

tourists who visit are a compliment. 

They spend a bunch 

of money to experience it for 

a couple days and later return. 

Paso is protected from 

the world, but also not exposed 

to a lot of the world. 


There’s a duality involved in 

its charm.” 

AN ARTIST’S TOOLKIT 

Venturini credits what 

one experiences as part of 

the toolkit that makes for a 

team of capable actors. He 

discovered that animators 

truly are actors as expressed 

in every concept brought 

to form, every gesture and 

fine detail that inspire millions 

of people to return 

to theaters to share the 

journey. 

“I am proud to have come 

from a small town. A lot of 

my identity was shaped 

there,” said Venturini. “What’s 

been interesting over the 

years I’ve been working in 

the industry is that, twenty 

years ago, no one knew 

where [Paso Robles] was, but 

they do today. 

“Now, I’m told how lucky 

I am to have grown up there. 

And I can say, ‘Yeah, I’m 

from Paso Robles.’ For me, 

it’s a place that evokes 

calm. I enjoy a similar sort of 

space in my backyard, 

where I enjoy hearing birds 

chirping and feeling a 

breeze on my face. It’s big 

city bustle here, but I’m still a 

country boy.” 

What message might one 

Paso Robles alumnus deliver 

to others about one who has 

gone before them? 

“I love any opportunity to 

tell any kid from any small 

town. I say, ‘Go on that adventure. 

Connect, learn from 

them, and know that anything 

is possible.’” 


By Meagan Friberg 

People across the world have 

a bevy of traditions to welcome 

the start of each new year. One 

tradition – participating in a 

“Polar Bear” dip or plunge – has 

been keeping merrymakers in 

the swim, despite icy waters, for 

more than a century. Two local 

beach communities will once 

again be hosting events in 2018. 

Carlin Soulé Polar Bear Dip 

at Cayucos Pier 

• 9:30 – festivities start 

• Noon – the dip officially takes place 

• See visitcayucosca.com for more info 

Polar Bear Plunge at Pier 

• 11:45 a.m. – meet on the south side of the pier 

• Photos and costumes are encouraged 

• See visitavilabeach.com for more info 

ANNE & HANNAH HAGY 

photo by John Hagy 

So, what constitutes a successful 

Polar Bear dip or plunge? 

The rules state one must strip 

down to a bathing suit and 

plunge into the water – all the 

way in – and emerge with wet 

hair/scalp. Costumes are encouraged; 

wetsuits disqualify 

an official plunge. 

Not interested in taking the 

plunge? It’s still fun to tag 

along – walk on the beach, 

take photos of friends and 

family, lend encouragement, 

and join in on the laughs! 

“Last year, it was my daughter Hannah’s first 

time. She was determined to stay out in the surf 

for five minutes or longer…no rushing out after 

a couple of seconds,” said Anne Hagy, Paso Robles 

resident and Atascadero teacher. “Hannah 

wore a squid head she had from Halloween and 

my green wig was from an old costume; I wanted 

to blend like seaweed. The last time I dipped, 

in 1998, was with my mom and brother and 

there were very few costumes. Now it is almost 

required to wear something fun.” 

EarthTones Owner Mary Uebersax says it allows 

one to start the new year, “fresh, excellent, 

exuberant, and cleansed. There’s this collective 

consciousness – you feel encouraged by the other 

people there. You have to go all-in; it’s like a 

metaphor for life – there’s no cheating when it 

comes to making positive changes in your life.” 

Los Osos resident Patricia Gimer, LMFT, 

was a polar bear novice when she took the plunge 

last year – at the age of 66! “As I hit the water, 

the shock of it made me slow my pace as well as 

question my sanity! The rules say you need to put 

your head underwater, but I was having second 

thoughts.” A breaking wave made the decision 

for her. “I lost all control but, when I sprung back 

up, I felt victorious! I had done it and I had the 

wet hair to prove it!” Will she do it again? “Absolutely,” 

she said, “maybe until I’m ninety!” 

HONORING THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR JANUARY 13, CHARACTER + INFINITE HOPE 

By Meagan Friberg 

The entire community is invited to attend a 

free event honoring the life of Martin Luther 

King, Jr. on Saturday, January 13, 

from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Flamson 

Middle School Auditorium. The 

annual celebration, has a 2018 

theme of Character + Infinite Hope. 

“This year’s theme comes from [Dr King’s] ‘I 

Have a Dream’ speech – ‘I have a dream, that my 

four little children will one day live in a nation 

North County 

where they will not be judged by the color of 

their skin, but by the content of their character.’ 

That idea ‘plus infinite hope’ gives us the reality 

that, as yet, we do not live in a world quite like 

that,” said Pastor Steve Calagna. “It means we 

are not giving up, and we will continue to work 

towards the goal of equality for all.” 

The March for Unity kicks off the day; gather 

at 11:30 a.m. at 21st and Riverside streets, near Pioneer 

Park. At noon, walk with friends, family, and 

fellow community members to Flamson Middle 

School where the celebration will begin at 1 p.m. 

“Our march is designed to replicate the 

marches that took place as part of the civil 

rights movement in the 1960s, specifically the 

March on Washington, where King delivered 

his famous ‘I have a dream...’ speech,” said Karen 

Christiansen. 

The keynote speaker – Dr. Joye Carter M.D. – 

is the first African- American female appointed 

as chief medical examiner in U.S. history; she’ll 

share about obstacles she has overcome. 

Event volunteers are still needed; call Jesusita 

at 237-3988 or see prcity.com/recreation for more 

information. 

Led by Patricia Alexander 

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fortunately, I found Patricia. She caught all the 

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and character. I highly recommend her!” 

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In the mid-1980s, newscasts supplied 

nightly a forensic evidence of 

a piercing national recession, the 

Chernobyl disaster, multiple terrorist 

attacks, the Soviet-Afghan War, the 

Challenger space shuttle explosion 

and John Lennon’s assassination. 

These were sobering tragedies that 

underscored turmoil indicative of the 

world in which we live. 

As these events flashed in images 

on our TV screens, and children all 

over the nation did as they always have 

– they sat under the shade of a tree or 

at an urban playground and dreamed. 

Inside their imaginations were color, 

characters and wonder. More than a 

fleeting thought, they became real as 

kids put pencil to paper. 

Michael was one of them. He simply 

loved to draw. And he never stopped. 

“As a kid, the challenge of having something 

in my imagination, what I saw in my 

head at 11 or 12 years old, was to get it 

out of my head and onto paper,” said Michael 

Venturini. “After high school, I found 

an animation trade school in Vancouver. 

Then I found a job at Warner Brothers and 

saw that I was in way over my head.” 

For a long time, the student had taken a 

literal approach to his art, in which he perceived 

animation to be “a series of drawings, 

joining one image to another,” but 

more was yet to be discovered. 

“Through more experience, I realized 

what I was really doing was acting,” said 

Venturini, “but I couldn’t draw what I was 

imagining. So, I doubled down to become 

a better draftsman. Then an opportunity at 

Pixar came up.” 

For 18 years, the Paso kid’s virtual pencil 

box has supplied two big-screen giants 

– Warner Bros. Animation and Pixar 

Animation Studios, a Walt Disney Studios 

subsidiary. Pixar’s blockbuster credits include 

“Toy Story,” “Monsters Inc.,” “Finding 

Dory,” “The Incredibles,” “Cars,” “Ratatouille,” 

“Up,” “Inside Out,” and “The Good Dinosaur,” 

to name a few. 


For the releases of “Ratatouille” 

(2007) and “Up” (2009), Venturini was a 

directing animator and both films won 

Oscars for Best Animated Feature Film. 

He began leading his department as a 

supervising animator with colleague 

Bobby Podesta for “Toy Story 3,” which 

won an Oscar in 2011, followed by “The 

Good Dinosaur.” 

At Pixar, acting classes are provided 

for animators, and biologists are even 

brought in to help animators learn certain 

physical aspects. 

“When I was an animator, I looked to 

films that challenged me professionally 

to consider the emotion that brings a 

character to life,” said Venturini. “You 

have to love being observational and be a 

student of that. And you have to understand 

why people (the characters) make 

the choices they do, be interested in 

composition and constructing movement. 

Every new film is a process of 

educating ourselves – how do fish actually 

swim? In our film, ‘Up,’ how do 

dogs move? And, alpha behavior differs 

between types of dogs. As a supervisor, 

I understand the environment the actor 

needs to thrive, and I want to create that 

environment. 

“Is the actor good with physical comedy? 

Are they good with emotional performances? 

We all start out as artists, but 

we start becoming performers. Likewise, 

animators research the voice actors’ 

movements by watching their live action 

film performances, in efforts of helping 

their drawn characters convey their 

choices.” 

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Pixar’s October 2017 release of “Coco” 

is among the latest in a series of wildly 

successful films by the Emeryville, California, 

juggernaut. In “Coco,” young Miguel 

dreams of becoming a musician like 

his great-great-grandfather. To do this, he 

seeks his ancestor and further explores 

his culture in the vast and glittering Land 

of the Dead. 

“People from the Mexican and Mexican-American 

community would tell us 

about their experiences. What we were 

really trying to learn more about was a 

multi-generational household,” said Venturini. 

“When Miguel found himself in 

trouble, we had to determine what role his 

grandmother played and his parents, as 

well, which informed our acting choices.” 

To infuse even more authenticity into 

the project, Pixar’s creative team traveled 

to Mexico early in the process to immerse 

themselves into the local culture 

and gleaned social, historical and artistic 

elements that now permeate the film in 

noble, sincere and humorous ways, and 

their cooperative efforts paid off. The 

film’s debut in Mexico quickly broke box 

office records, was hailed in Japan and 

off the charts in China. 

A Pixar film, said Venturini, averages 70 

to 90 animators, takes four to five years’ 

time from concept to completion, and 

can be impacted by the calendar time 

and complexity of the film. To complete 

“Coco,” he found there was less than average 

time with a higher-than-average 

complexity. 

“We had about 100 animators. What’s 

exciting about this film is that there was 

a style of animation that only exists in 

Coco’s world. It is part of my job to help 

animators to explore and discover that,” 

said Venturini. “What if you took a human 

being and removed all of the physical 

restraints we’re all accustomed to? How 

would a skeleton dance, run or move 

physically in a way we can’t do with an average 

film?” 

“One of the challenges was to convey 

the rich range of emotion to this film,” 

said Venturini, “and you’re putting up 

your art to be judged by one another, 

so you must be extremely collaborative 

in this environment. For the animator, 

connecting to their inner self is important 

and a very complex place to be. It is 

important to practice mutual respect and 

provide support and encouragement 

while pushing our project forward.” 

“In ‘Coco’, the main character expresses 

what music means to him. As we constructed 

the story, we learned why it’s important 

for him to become a musician. For 

our character Miguel to play the guitar, 

we had to figure out the technical tools 

we needed for his fingers to interact with 

the guitar strings. If you watch him, you’ll 

see he is forming actual chords,” revealed 

Venturini. 

One of the challenges for “Coco” was 

Miguel placing his hands into his pockets 

and creating the texture of cloth. But it 

was an important one to convey his emotional 

state and the way he withdraws into 

himself. 

Please see VENTURINI page 22 


VENTURINI from 21 

“We had to remove the weight of 

the physical body. It was a really fun, 

inventive challenge to remove the 

limitations we’re accustomed to,” 

Venturini explained. “Fun moments 

were enabling the skeletons to separate 

their body parts, spin their 

heads around 360 degrees and 

stretch their reach farther. We create 

“Animation is acting – and it’s so subtle. 

On the computer, we are able to make choices 

that take place inside the width of a pencil line. It allows 

us to bring more subtlety and nuance to our acting.” 

a world that’s new and fascinating, 

but a level of relatability. And that’s 

what’s fun, creating that bridge. Usually, 

what is the deciding factor is the 

quality and value of what it brings 

the audience. 

“How do you make a skull emotional 

and relatable? How do you 

cultivate empathy? It’s not that they 

smile, but how they smile. It starts 

with the eyes, a drop of the shoulders, 

and it washes over,” asked 

Venturini. “When the mouth comes 

first and then the eyes, it’s essentially 

a reaction, not a thought or a memory 

coming to them. How quickly 

does that happen? Is it a quick smile 

or a slow, melting smile?” 

Venturini added that, for his crew, 

“it can be an emotional experience. 

We remove the fear out of taking 

that risk and help artists feel on a 

deep emotional level, all to the benefit 

of the audience. 

“It’s a highly specialized field. 

Typically, studios recruit people who 

have some level of advanced training 

or experience.” said Venturini. 

“But how do we find people who 

are interested in this profession who 

don’t have access to specialized 

training or studios? How do we connect 

them to the resources, bring 

them in and help them to catch up?” 

One thing Pixar is doing, is exploring 

how animators and others 

can contribute to their fellow artists 

to help shape films in ways that audiences 

can benefit. 

“Their value,” said Venturini, “is 

their life experience, who they are 

and how they see the world is what 

they can bring.” 

As a supervising animator 

on Coco, Michael Venturini 

was given an opportunity to 

honor family members in the 

credits of Disney's Coco. He 

chose to honor his “Nonno” 

and “Nonna” — Emidio and 

Borelice Venturini. When you 

watch the movie, stay tuned to 

the credits to get a glimpse, 

and believe in the magic that 

one day a small-town artist 

might have an opportunity to 

honor those they love on 

the big stage, if they follow 

their heart … remember, 

a dream is a wish that your 

heart makes. 


PLAN NOW FOR FEBRUARY 9 –11 

Paso Robles BlendFest 

brings together 

wine, food and staycations 


We provide for our readers a look at what 

Paso Robles, Cambria and San Simeon are 

offering to more fully experience the Central 

Coast paradise in which we live and work hard 

to enjoy. Mark your calendars and check out the 

pasowine.com website for complete details and 

ticket information. 

What better way to recover from the rigors 

of 2017 than a respite of fun and pampering? 

From February 9-11, folks do just 

that when the 2018 BlendFest will returns 

to the Central Coast. 

“BlendFest is a perfect staycation opportunity 

for locals to enjoy their favorite Paso 

Robles blended wines at the coast and stay 

overnight at one of the seaside inns in Cambria 

and San Simeon,” said Christopher 

Taranto, Communications Director with the 

Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. 

The three-day event brings together 

scrumptious food, scores of fantastic local 

wines and paradise surroundings in which 

to savor them. BlendFest is also creative way 

to celebrate an early Valentine’s Day, which 

sneaks up on everyone midweek this year on 

February 14. 

“Blended wines, meaning the blend of different 

grape varieties within the same wine, 

is considered the fasted growing wine trend 

currently in the market,” says Taranto. 

To unwrap the three-day weekend, a 

Winemaker Dinner on Friday, Feb. 9, will 

feature selections from seven to nine wineries; 

the hosting winery is to be announced. 

On Saturday, the Grand Tasting at Hearst 

Warehouse in San Simeon enjoys a leisurely 

start in two sessions with approximately 200 

people per session and 30 wineries on hand 

to pour two to three wines each. Session 1 

takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. For Session 2, a 

Sunset Tasting makes the most of the golden 

hour between 4 to 6:30 p.m. 

To cap the weekend, on Sunday three to 

five featured wines will supply the Blending 

Seminar (location to be announced). For 

those new to the world of wine and aficionados 

alike, the seminar enables everyone to 

play winemaker in an art-meets-science discovery 

of how combinations interact. 

Taranto emphasized the selection available 

in Paso Robles, “With 46 different varieties 

grown in Paso Robles, the region’s real call 

to fame are the blends, and what balanced 

blends they are!” 

At press time, details were still being finedtuned 

for the event and will be updated at 

pasowine.com. 


Señor Sanchos 

Carlos Leyva opened Señor Sanchos 

on March 5, 1990 and operates on 

Creston Road to this day. 

What is distinctive and special about 

your restaurant? 

Voted best Mexican restaurant and 

best margarita in New Times readers’ 

poll, and won a SLO County enchilada 

contest, and we have some of the best 

hamburgers in the county. 

What's your secret ingredient? 

Our people. Our main cook Santiago 

has been with us since opening, and is 

the backbone of the kitchen. His son 

Santiago, Jr. has taken over much of 

the duties of the main cook. Another 

cook Tomas, has been with us since 

16. That is why our food is so 

consistent. 

Do you have an entrée that is considered 

your signature dish? 

If it wasn’t great, it wouldn’t be on 

the menu. It just depends on what your 

mood is. 

Are there any off-menu offerings our 

readers can try? 

If we have it in the kitchen, we can 

make it for you. Don’t be afraid to ask. 

We cater to most needs and desire. 

Are there any specials or events coming 

in January you want people to know 

about? 

We are always giving to the community, 

with cash or gift certificates. We’ve 

put thousands of dollars into the San 

Miguel Mission, and helped pay for the 

bronze sculpture in front of the police 

department. 

What keeps your customers coming 

back? 

Food, service and the unique atmosphere 

… and having a full bar. We also 

have space for banquets. The community 

has supported us for almost 30 years, 

and I have a lot of love for them all. 


Berry Hill Bistro 

Jody Storsteen opened Berry Hill 

Bistro on Pine Street in Dec. 2003, a 

few weeks before the big earthquake. 

“It was a very challenging time as we 

had to close for awhile waiting for engineers 

to OK the building. Once we reopened 

we were welcomed by a very 

supportive Central Coast community!!” 

Berry Hill is a small intimate restaurant 

with French country decor featuring an 

extensive wine list of local wines and 

boutique wineries, and full liquor license 

for interesting drinks with fresh herbs 

and fruit martinis — try the cucumber-jalapeño 

martini or white chocolate peppermint 

martini. 

“What makes us special is our focus on 

fresh food made from scratch cooking 

and family friendly servers!!” 

They can accommodate most diets 

— gluten free bread, add or subtract ingredients, 

etc. This season they are using 

more sweet potatoes and butternut 

squash for soups and in salads, and added 

a maple leaf duck breast salad on the 

menu, lightly curried and grilled. 

"Our signature dish is the Berry Hill 

salad and sourdough cheddar melt — 

neither one has ever come off menu." 

A new bar menu focuses on smaller 

plates and appetizers to compliment 

happy hour. 

“We serve honest good food at a decent 

price, and genuinely care about 

our customers. We wouldn't be in business 

without them and I am so grateful 

for the opportunity to prepare the best 

food possible for the past 15 years to 

the great people of Paso Robles and San 

Luis Obispo county!! 

“The main ingredient I cannot cook 

without is passion topped with love!! We 

enjoy cooking and trying new ideas and 

love the art of preparing food for our 

customers!!” 


East 

TOWN 

3 

Creston Rd. 

9 

7 

Hwy 101 

North 

TOWN 

EATS DRINKS TREATS

Taste of Paso 

10 DOWNTOWN 

To 101 N 

11 

2 

13th St. 

5 

6 

1 

4 

8 

12th St. 

To 101 S 

Berry Hill Bistro - 1114 Pine Street 

805-238-3929 berryhillbistro.com | PAGE 25 

Hoyt Family Vineyards - 1322 Park Street 

310-457-3832 hoytfamilyvineyards.com | PAGE 31 

Golden Oak Grill - 1487 Creston Road 

805-286-4482 goldenoakgrill.com | PAGE 32 

Odyssey World Cafe - 1214 Pine Street 

805-237-7516 odysseyworldcafe.com | PAGE 31 

Red Scooter Deli - 1102 Pine Street 

805-237-1780 redscooterdeli.com | PAGE 28 

Senor Sanchos - 1902 Creston Road 

805-237-9880 senorsanchos.com | PAGE 24 

Good Times Cafe - 1104 Pine Street 

805-238-3288 goodtimesdowntown.com | PAGE 30 Touch of Paso - 1414 Pine Street 

805-238-4140 | PAGE 29 

Miss Oddette’s Creole Kitchen - 1240 Park Street 

805-610-3778 missoddettes.com | PAGE 30 

11 

Paso Robles Casino - 1144 Black Oak Drive 

805-226-0500 Pasoroblescasino.com | PAGE 28 

Thomas Hill Organics - 1313 Park Street 

805-226-5888 thomashillorganics.com | PAGE 29

PASO ROBLES CASINO 

Bar & Lounge 

Red Scooter Deli 

Don Ezzell and the Ezzell family 

opened Paso Robles Casino Bar 

& Lounge on Oct. 6, 2017, at its 

new location at 1144 Black Oak 

Drive. 

A grand opening weekend 

and New Years Eve party will 

take place Dec. 30 to 31, 2017. 

What is distinctive and special 

about your business? 

It is the only live gaming, bar 

and full restaurant combination 

on the Central Coast. Real Poker. 

Real Blackjack. Real cool 

cocktails. 

What's new on the menu for this 

season? 

Cool Tiki Island and Cuban 

food pairings with rum cocktails 

such as Cubano sliders. 

Do you cater to any dietary 

restrictions: such as gluten-free, 

vegan, low-fat, sugar-free, etc.? 

We change the menu often, and 

cater to customer requests. 

What ingredients do you source 

from local farms or vendors? 

Everything. 

What special ingredient can you 

not cook without? 

Spices...everything has a kick... 

everything is designed to excite the 

senses and pair with the craft cocktail 

and full bar cocktail offerings. 

What trends do you see growing 

in 2018? 

The craft cocktail evolution is 

here to stay. We have had the wine 

evolution, the olive evolution, the 

craft beer evolution and now the 

full craft cocktail evolution, which is 

all about cool and original recipe 

cocktails, entertainment and talented 

mixologists and chemists. 

What keeps your customers 

coming back? 

We are the largest full-service 

bar and cocktail lounge in Paso 

Robles. We have the largest selection 

of rum spirits and cocktails on 

the Central Coast. 

Do you have any signature drinks 

in the lounge? 

Try the "Bumbu Rum" you will 

love it. Try the Paso Colada, a 

totally original recipe served in a 

coconut and lit on fire! 

Stephanie Johnston opened 

Red Scooter Deli in Downtown 

Paso Robles in December 2010, 

and has now been operating for 

seven years. 


about your restaurant? 

We have an expansive menu 

that offers many choices. Delivery 

provided on our signature 

Red Scooters throughout town. 


season? 

Expanded breakfast menu 

with many healthy choices, 

fresh fruit and veggie smoothies, 

and salads. 

Do you have an entrée that is 

considered your signature dish? 

We are known for our 

French Dip, Reuben, Turkey 

Bacon Melt. 

Dietary restrictions: Glutenfree? 

Vegan? Low-fat? 

All menu items offered 

gluten-free. We offer a variety 

of vegan choices, and healthy 

salads and soups. 



Breads delivered daily from three 

local bakeries: Brian's Bread, Hush 

Harbor, Edna’s Bakery. Fresh, local 

produce delivered daily. Coffee 

beans sourced from local Joebella 

Coffee Roaster. 

What trends do you see growing in 

2018? 

We continue to see vegan 

& vegetarian options grow in 

demand as well as gluten-free. 


coming back? 

Consistent, high quality product 

made with love. Staff really cares 

about each and every sandwich 

made. They want to make customers 

happy and serve fabulous food. 

NOW 

OPEN 

FULL CRAFT BAR 

& RESTAURAnT 

Open Daily @ 4 PM 

Vegas-Style Gaming 

Real Poker • Real Blackjack • Real Cool Cocktails 

$5 Minimum Wager 

The NEW Paso Robles Casino, Bar & Lounge 

1144 Black Oak Drive 

Text CRAFT to 64600 for Special Offer & Promotions 

#craftpaso @pasoroblescasino 

Please play responsibly. Call 1-800-GAMBLER if you think you have a gambling problem. 

GEGE-001329 

www.pasoroblescasino.com 


Touch of Paso 

thom a s hill organics 

W ha t’s new this sea son? 

Bonnie Peterson opened Touch 

of Paso in 1987, and still operates 

the busiess today ... 30 years later! 



We are known for our homemade 

food. Almost everything we 

serve is made from scratch – our 

soups, breads, rolls, dressings. 


season? 

We add items to our menu 

as we go, when it feels right. If a 

customer suggests something, 

we sometimes try it and, if it’s 

popular, it just might make it 

onto our menu. 



We have so many! Our Touch of 

Paso omelet, waffles, chicken and 

dumplings, corned beef and cabbage, 

beef stew, and, everyone’s 

favorite – our cinnamon rolls. 

Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free? 

Vegan? Low-fat? Sugar-free? 

We have a few – our veggie 

omelets and salads are popular 

for those with dietary restrictions. 



We source vegetables and fruit 

from Central Coast Produce, and 

we carry local wines and beers. 

Are there any off-menu offerings 

our readers can try? 

We have a variety of daily specials, 

and our regulars often ask 

our chefs to prepare Chile Verde 

omelets and Eggs Benedict. 



Basil and pepper, and a few 

others. 


coming back? 

Our food and our people – 

both are the best in town. Our 

customers tend to have their 

favorite foods and order the 

same thing time and time again. 

And they love interacting with 

our employees including my 

granddaughter, Baily; our head 

chef, Victor and his assistant 

Oscar; and our head waitress, 

Bernadette. 

Debbie Thomas, owner 

of Thomas Hills Organics, 

shared with PASO Magazine 

highlights from her everinnovative 

menu of farmto-table 

delights for the 

winter season and the bounty 

of ingredients that draw 

people, near and far, to her 

restaurant on a daily basis. 

“Thomas Hill Organics is 

all about local and organic,” 

Debbie said. “I do not like to 

eat harmful chemicals on my 

produce, nor hormones in 

my proteins, and there is 

nothing like the taste of 

eatinga just-picked piece of 

fruit or vegetable! Once you 

eat this way, you will never 

shop at a chain grocery 

store again! 

“Currently, we locally 

source apples, pears, 

carrots, all our greens, 

including butter leaf lettuce, 

cilantro, pea tendrils, eggs, 

artisan breads, olive oils and 

berries. New this season is 

our Bulgogi-style short ribs 

with heirloom carrots and 

creamy polenta, which are 

amazing - not to mention 

Burrata with Windrose Farm 

apples and cherry panzanella, 

a personal favorite. 

“We change our entrees 

seasonally. Right now, we’re 

offering a charred octopus dish 

with bone marrow topped with 

a pork belly marmalade. We also 

have specials on weekends.” 

Debbie is not only attentive to 

providing cuisine that is wholesome 

and quality-minded, she is 

committed to helping to sustain 

her local community. 

“For every dish we sell through 

December, we are donating $2 to 

the nonprofit Big Brothers Big Sisters 

of San Luis Obispo County.” 

Thomas Hill Organics is open 

for lunch and dinner plus Sunday 

brunch at 1313 Park Street in 

Paso Robles. To learn more, visit 

thomashillorganics.com. Call 

226-5888. 


Oddette’s Creole 

Kitchen 

Good Times Café 

"a walk back into the ‘50s" 

Oddette Howard opened Miss 

Oddette's BBQ Sauces and Catering 

opened on April 1, 2003 and serves 

authentic Creole/Southern food 

and BBQ that is smoked. 

“Sometimes with a California 

twist like my greens sautéed with 

onions, mushrooms and tricolor 

bells then steamed to perfect 

doneness.” 


season? 

Every Friday I offer Fried 

Chicken and Waffles. There is a 

special each week like Fried 

Catfish and Greens, Meatloaf 

and Cabbage, Shrimp Etoufee, 

Jambalaya, Chicken Creole, 

Macaroni and Cheese, RedBeans 

and Rice, Smoked Back Ribs with 

Potato Salad. 



At Arroyo Robles the signature 

dish is the Fried Chicken and 

Waffles. 



Finding locals that make or 

grow what I need for my type of 

cooking has been a challenge. 

I can always count on Spencer's 

Fresh Market in Morro Bay for 

Andouille Sausage. 

Are there any off-menu offerings 

our readers can try? 

I am small and flexible enough 

that people will make requests 

and I will add to the list of specials 

or make it for them. That's how 

Red Beans and Rice got on. 



Garlic is not special but essential. 

Gumbo File (finely ground 

sassafras leaves) and Ground Bay 

Leaves are pretty essential. The 

most important of all is LOVE! 

Are there any specials or events 

coming in January you want 

people to know about? 

Not January but February, we 

will be having a Winemaker's 

Mardi Gras Celebration with all 

the traditional Mardi Gras Cuisine 

plus music and fantastic wines. 


coming back? 

All the love I put into the 

preparation of every dish! 

Al and Dee Anna Knauer 

opened Good Times Café on 

October 9, 1998. 



It is a full-service, family-owned 

“walk back into the 50s” café. 

What's new on the menu for 

this season? 

Good times has four new 

speciality burgers: 

• Wake Up Little Suzie: Smoked 

Gouda, coffee-rubbed 

burger patty, peppered 

bacon and a sunny side up 

egg and chipotle mayo 

• Heartbreak Hotel: A full 

order of pastrami on a burger 

• Hunka Hunka Burning Love: 

Burger topped with two 

jalapeño poppers, pepper 

jack cheese and bacon 

• Betty Bleu: Blue cheese 

crumbles with buffalo ranch, 

sun-dried tomatoes and bacon 



Burgers! 

Do you cater to any dietary 

restrictions: Gluten-free? Vegan? 

Low-fat? Sugar-free? 

We offer gluten-free buns or you 

can go without a bun on your burger. 

What ingredients do you source from 

local farms or vendors? 

Good Times’ produce, bread and 

wine are all local. 

Are there any off-menu offerings our 

readers can try? 

Try a Double Dipper: Ranch plus 

barbecue sauce, or lavored soft drinks 

— get creative. One example is a cherry, 

chocolate Dr. Pepper float. 

What special ingredient can you not 

cook without? 

Our homemade seasoning. 

What trends do you see growing in 

2018? 

More people wanting to eat at 

“ma and pa” restaurants. 

Are there any specials or events coming 

in January you want people to know 

about? 

We are celebrating our 20 th year in 

business in 2018. 

What keeps your customers coming 

back? 

Real food, real service and good times! 


Hoyt Family Vineyards 

Odyssey World Cafe 

Stephen and Carol Hoyt planted 

their first vineyard in 2001 in Malibu, 

and made the first wine in our 

kitchen in 2003. We started 

producing wine in 2004. 

Stephen handles farming and 

Carol the winemaking. 

From whom or where did you 

learn the most about making 

wine? 

I have worked with many great 

winemakers, and learned from all 

them. When I first started making 

wine we were at a custom crush 

and I helped out there. I learned 

about chemistry, bottling and 

even how to drive a fork lift. 

What about winemaking drives 

you to get up in the morning? 

I love the creative process. 

I have always loved to cook 

and was an artist too. For me 

wine making combines the 

two. I love creating a wine 

that people truly enjoy. The 

process from start to finish is 

thrilling. 

Which three of your wines are 

currently crowd favorites? 

Our Malibu chardonnay is 

what put us on the map. Right 

now I am absolutely loving our 

petite sirah, which I like to call 

sex in a bottle. Our 2012 

cabernet won best of class by 

San Fransisco Wine Chronicle. 

What wine is your winery most 

know for? What is its specialty? 

We are also known not only 

for our fabulous wines, but a 

great place to hang out. Our 

new tasting room in downtown 

Paso Robles is warm and friendly. 

Newest releases? 

We are very excited to be 

bottling soon a rosé from our 

estate-grown pinot noir. 

Dawn Gregory and John 

Hawley opened Odyssey World 

Café in 1997. 



We specialize in comfort food 

with a touch of an international 

twist. 

What's new on the menu for 

this season? 

Our general managers, 

Jill Cook White and Wilbert 

Saucedo, plan to bring more 

variety to the menu to keep 

up with taste trends. 



Not really, every customer 

has their favorite menu item. 

We have daily soups and 

specials, stir fry bowls, pastas, 

and we bake our bread fresh daily. 

Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free? 

Vegan? Low-fat? Sugar-free? 

We have several items on the 

menu, and we try to meet a vast 

variety of dietary needs. 



Many of our ingredients and 

vendors are local. 


coming back? 

Our food and our people. 

They know they’ll find 

consistently good food, 

good prices, and many of 

our employees have been 

with us for years. After 20 years 

here, our customers are also 

our friends. 


Golden Oak Grill 

Lorena Lopez and Jorge Quintero 

opened Golden Oak Grill in 

March 2015, the same year their 

son Tristan was born. Tristan is 

2 1/2-years old, and the Grill is 

coming up on its third birthday. 

What inspired you to start your 

own restaurant? 

We love cooking. We both worked 

almost 18 years in the kitchen. 


season? 

We have daily specials, and had a 

special menu for Thanksgiving. The 

day after Thanksgiving, we made 

waffles out of the leftover stuffing 

and smothered them with gravy 

and cranberry sauce. 

Do you have an entrée that is considered 

your signature dish? 

We have pork carnitas chilaquiles, 

and cinnamon roll french toast. It’s 

really different than anyone else. 

We have a really simple menu, 

but really fresh. We also do a pain 

perdu french toast, and make a 

paprika vinaigrette. 



We get fresh strawberries, and in 

summer we buy the organic cherry 

tomatoes and large tomatoes, 

and many other vegetable and 

fruits. We love our local wineries 

as well. We have Vina Robles 

Pinot Grigio, a J.Dusi, Opolo, and 

Tarrica wines. 

What special ingredient can 

you not cook without? 

Not just one. We use a lot of cumin, 

balsamic vinaigrette, tomatoes, 

onions, and bell peppers. 


coming back? 

We have friendly, good service. It 

is one of those things that people 

like. 


By Meagan 

Friberg 

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 

All of us at PASO Magazine 

would like to thank our local 

business owners, advertisers, 

readers, and community members 

for supporting the work 

that we do to bring this publication 

to life month after month, 

year after year. We wish you all 

a healthy, joyful, prosperous, and 

Happy New Year! 

To kick off 2018, our PASO 

Magazine advertising consultants 

– Millie Drum, Bob Chute, 

Pam Osborn, Jamie Self, and 

Karli Twisselman – share how 

much they enjoy working with 

their clients, helping them create 

successful advertising campaigns 

and, most of all, how thankful 

they are to be able to turn many 

of their working relationships 

into lasting friendships. 

Here’s what they had to say: 

What do you enjoy most about 

working with clients to promote 

their business? 

MILLIE: I enjoy sharing my 40+ 

years of experience in retail marketing 

and sales with my clients; 

especially new business owners. 

It’s exciting to share the beautiful 

all-glossy format and hear 

the positive responses. I’ve developed 

many rewarding, long-term 

friendships based on trust and the 

proven success of PASO Magazine. 

BOB: I’ve worked with so many 

business clients since starting the 

magazine in 2001 that have developed 

into friendships. It’s been a 

positive experience for us both — 

their successful advertising in the 

magazine is realized as our success 

as well; we’re all in this together. 

PAM: I enjoy becoming friends 

with my clients and helping them 

promote and grow their business. 

JAMIE: I like helping my clients 

brainstorm and plan out their 

advertising campaigns. There is 

something really cool about seeing 

an idea come together in print, 

and I like being a part of that. 

KARLI: I like helping local business 

owners, many of whom I 

grew up knowing, and I want to 

help them with their marketing 

goals and messages. Over time, I 

have gained quality relationships 

with my PASO Magazine clients, 

those I’ve have worked with previously, 

and I am proud to call them 

friends. 

Do you have an advertising 

client success story you’d like 

to share? 

MILLIE: Richard Blake of Paso 

Robles Handyman says, “The 

phone starts ringing as soon as 

the magazine comes out!” His 

monthly ad, featuring a clever 

photo of RB and son Jon, has 

made them recognizable in the 

community and helped to build 

their business. 

BOB: I don’t have a specific story, 

just the overall good feeling of seeing 

a consistently great response 

for the many businesses advertising 

with us. 

PAM: Golden Collar Canine 

Salon – in the very beginning of 

Teresa’s advertising with PASO 

Magazine, she wanted to do a 

coupon. I advised against it, she 

insisted, and the following month 

she opened a drawer and literally 

out popped all of these coupons. 

She still uses the coupon 

today! 

JAMIE: More than any one 

success, I’m always proud of the 

fact that most of my clients have 

been my clients for years. The 

reason they run ads month after 

month and year after year is because 

it works – the results they 

see and the ease of advertising 

with us make it a great partnership. 

KARLI: My clients know that 

if their ad is in PASO Magazine, 

then the word is out – and their 

message will be seen! 

As we start the New Year, what 

sentiments do you have for your 

loyal clients and our readers? 

MILLIE: As PASO Magazine 

begins a new chapter with new 

owner/publisher Nic Mattson, 

I’m committed to his promise 

to, “Keep A Good Thing Going” 

and carry on Bob Chute’s legacy. 

For my clients and our readers, 

THANK YOU, and remember 

this catch phrase: “No other publication 

can do...what we do.” Read 

it cover to cover, share and keep 

it for reference, and support our 

small local business owners who 

are our friends, neighbors, and 

stake holders in our community. 

BOB: As we welcome 2018, I 

want to say THANK YOU to 

everyone in the area – our loyal 

advertisers and our loyal readers – 

who have responded to all of those 

ads and shopped locally. 

PAM: Happy New Year! And 

best of luck for the coming 

months. And, MOST of all… 

Hang on...this ride is getting bigger 

and better! 

JAMIE: I’d like to personally 

thank my clients for being part of 

another successful year. We have 

so many fresh ideas lined up for 

2018, and I can’t wait to get started! 

Happy New Year! 

KARLI: I love the community 

pride of Paso Robles. I am honored 

to be from such a great town 

and proud to be doing what I love. 

I look forward to helping get your 

message out in 2018! 

Bob, our former owner 

and publisher, has lived 

in Paso Robles since 

1979. He purchased the 

former Country News, 

increased revenues 820% over an 

eight-year period before selling it, 

and was involved in consulting with 

weekly newspapers around the state 

for several years. He started Paso 

Robles Magazine (now PASO 

Magazine) in 2001 and sold it to 

Nicholas and Hayley Mattson in 

June 2017. “I enjoy working with 

Nic, and passing along my love 

of this area and this publication 

as his ‘mentor.’ After I ‘retired’ for 

two months, Nic graciously allowed 

me to come back and work with 

many of my former clients as an 

advertising consultant. I really 

enjoy the interactions and experiencing 

this new energy and direction 

for PASO Magazine from the 

Mattsons! 

Millie has worked 

with PASO Magazine 

for 14 years. She moved 

here from Northern 

California 29 years 

ago, and holds two titles with our 

publication – advertising consultant 

and writer. 

Pam has been with 

PASO Magazine for 15 

years. She grew up in 

Cholame and lived in 

Paso Robles until 2013 

before relocating to Billings, MT, 

following her husband’s retirement. 

She is an advertising consultant and 

friend to her clients. 

Jamie moved from 

the oil fields of West 

Texas to Atascadero in 

2004 so she could see 

water and trees; she 

has worked with PASO Magazine 

since 2007 as an advertising 

consultant. 

Karli was born and 

raised in Paso Robles 

and, although she 

has only worked for 

PASO Magazine as an 

advertising consultant for four 

months, she feels at home! She is a 

graduate of Cal Poly, holds a degree 

in Business and Marketing, has 

extensive sales experience, and 

enjoys working in her hometown. 


LOCAL GOODS 

REPORT 

from GENERAL STORE 

PASO ROBLES 

C L E A N 

EATING 

FOR THE 

NEW YEAR 

HEALTHY EATING 

STAPLES TO TURN YOUR 

LOCAL PRODUCE 

INTO MEALS 

 

It’s okay, we all did it. Went for that last bag of Paso Almonds that was supposed 

to be shipped to your brother’s family but never quite made it out of your 

kitchen (or even into a bowl - we ate it straight from that gorgeous, slender bag.) 

And most of us did not ring in the new year with celery juice. We live in wine 

country. Enough said. 

But now it’s January, and if you’re like us at the General Store, we use this as a 

time to recharge and renew. We spend hours looking at cookbooks in anticipation 

of the clean eating we hope to be doing to start the new year. Reading these 

reminds us how spoiled we are by the access we have to wonderfully fresh, local 

produce. It also gives us a chance to restock the pantry with some of the things 

we’ll need to turn that pile of lettuce into something amazing. 

One of the books that we’ve fallen in love with is called Salad in a Jar by Anna 

Helm Baxter. It’s chock full of simple pictures of ingredients laid out in a really 

straight forward way, and salads that inspire. We ran into a few local ingredients 

from the store that came in handy when whipping up some of the dressings: 

STEPLADDER HONEY 

The family at Stepladder has set their hives in their avocado orchards with access 

to citrus and sage. The resulting honey is smooth and delicate and not too 

sweet. It will make all the difference in something like Ms. Baxter’s Thai Pick Me 

Up dressing. It’s also nourishing in a cup of tea. We’re partial to our Good Vibes 

tea by Swan Sisters, and Spice of Life around the corner has lovely blends, too. 

FIERY GARLIC OLIVE OIL 

Olivas de Oro makes this for us, and it packs a punch. You can use it to stir fry 

veggies, or as a shortcut when a recipe calls for garlic and chiles (as does that 

Thai Pick Me Up.) 

GO FISH SEASONING BLEND 

Locally made by LeZ Ranch, we use it on a lot more than fish. It’s made with 

kosher salt, pepper, dill, lemon peel and coriander. We love it mixed into yogurt 

dressings, and - with a touch of mayo - it’s the perfect partner to grilled or 

steamed artichokes. 

MALDON SALT 

Made by a fourth generation family business in England, it’s hand harvested 

and delish. We carry Maldon salt in the store, and we also carry it in little jars to 

the store to sprinkle over lunch. If we had to choose the single ingredient we’d 

take over all others in the store, it would be this guy. (Sorry Garlic Rosemary 

Salt. We still love you.) 

Cheers to enjoying Paso’s wonderful bounty, and may the new year bring us 

all around a table together. 

The Team at General Store Paso Robles 


THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE 

NUTRITION CENTER 

Healthy New You Part 1 

The staff at The Natural Alternative would like to wish you a healthy, 

happy new year! January is the month 

that we seem to have a little extra motivation 

to “get healthier, lose weight, 

and start exercising!” 

With the holidays behind us (as 

well as pecan pie & eggnog), we have 

many customers coming in looking 

for tools for an effective but healthy and sustainable weight loss. 

Studies are now suggesting that probiotics can help you lose 

weight and belly fat! Both human and animal studies have found that 

normal weight people have different gut bacteria than overweight 

people. Certain probiotics may reduce the number of calories you 

absorb from food, in addition to supporting release of satiety hormone 

(feeling of fullness). One study of 210 people found that taking 

Lactobacillus gasseri for 12 weeks reduced body fat, BMI, waist size 

and hip circumference! 

Dr. Formulated Fitbiotic is a probiotic with the particular strains 

used in the studies to support healthy weight loss. In addition, Fitbiotic 

contains a prebiotic fiber that adds to a feeling of fullness and 

helps promote healthy blood sugar. Fitbiotic comes in packets that 

can be easily mixed into food or a RAW Fit Protein smoothie! 

RAW Fit from Garden of Life is made of USDA Certified organic, 

RAW, plant based, vegan, high protein powder. The 28 grams of protein 

is from 13 sprouted seeds and grains, and is completely gluten 

free and dairy free. In addition, RAW Fit is the only high protein weight 

loss shake that contains 400 mg of RAW Svetol, a clinically researched 

green coffee bean extract. One study showed the group supplementing 

with Svetol lost twice the weight than the placebo group. RAW 

Fit also contains 300 mg RAW organic Ashwagandha to support the 

body when under stress, a time when cortisol seems to elevate. Chromium 

and cinnamon have been added for healthy blood sugar, as 

well as fiber to promote fullness from organic flaxseeds and African 

baobab fruit. A powerhouse for weight loss! RAW Fit comes in 4 

amazing flavors--vanilla, chocolate, Marley coffee, and original. 

Combine RAW Fit with Fitbiotic, a healthy diet and daily exercise 

and be amazed at the results! Happy New Year and Happy New You! 

Stop by and let my incredible staff help you discover “what better 

feels like!” 

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. 


ROUND TOWN 

ALTITUDE GAINS 

By Heather Young 

County Steps up its Airport 

Presence with New Terminal 

The convenience of flying out of a nearby 

airport has been made more comfortable by 

the opening of the San Luis Obispo County 

Airport in November 2017. The new facility 

is 56,000 square feet — substantially larger than 

the old one, which was under 9,000 square feet. 

The previous terminal was often cramped 

with the small check-in area, even smaller 

security area that was added post-9/11 and a 

two-room waiting room with one door to the 

tarmac. Flights leaving at the same time and 

going to different destinations were called one 

at a time to exit the single door and walk across 

the tarmac and up the stairs to the planes. 

Now, there are six different gates with enclosed 

walkways — called jet bridges — right to the 

plane. 

Because the previous terminal was constructed 

before 9/11, which promoted security points 

in airports around the world, the only place to 

buy food and coffee was on the outside of security. 

Now, there is a cafe with coffee, beer, wine 

and other beverage, as well as a variety of food 

offerings, next to the gates. 

Once you go through security and exit the 

main building, walk through a courtyard that 

has seating, a fenced-in turf area for the fourlegged 

passengers’ comfort. Additionally, the 

new terminal provides free WiFi, ATMs and 

charging stations. 

According to the airport, the opening of the 

new terminal came soon after airlines started 

offering direct flights to Denver and Seattle, 

in addition to San Francisco, Los Angeles and 

Phoenix. Alaska, American, United and Elite 

Airways utilize the airport. 

“This is a very exciting time for the airport 

and its passengers,” Director of Airports Kevin 

Bumen said. “The new terminal is a beautiful, 

efficient building that will enable us to provide 

an incredible customer experience.” 

The new terminal cost $39.5 million and was 

funded by Federal Aviation Administration 

grants, passenger facility charges and airport 

revenues. 

With the opening of the new terminal, SLO 

Transit route 1A began servicing the airport. 

Route 1A runs between downtown SLO and 

the airport via Broad Street. The cost is $1.50 

one-way and transfers are free from the driver. 

Monday through Friday, buses arrive at the air- 


port every hour from 6:40 a.m. to 9:40 p.m. On 

weekends, the bus runs every hour from 8:40 

a.m. to 7:40 p.m. More details can be found at 

SLOTransit.org. 

Additionally, the airport permits Uber and 

Lyft, as well as taxis and shuttle buses, to pick 

up and drop off at the airport. Uber began service 

to and from the airport in 2016 and Lyft 

was added in 2017. 

IdentoGo, an official partner of the Transportation 

Security Administration, will be at 

the airport Jan. 15 to 19 to register people for 

the TSA PreCheck Program. Although TSA 

is not operating its full PreCheck program 

at SLO airport at this time, passengers will 

still get a benefit of having PreCheck. Those 

benefits include expedited screening, keeping 

shoes on during screening and not needing 

to remove light jackets. Appointments are 

not necessary, walk-ups are welcome Monday 

through Thursday, Jan. 15 to 18 from 9 a.m. 

to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 19 

from 9 a.m. to noon. 

As of October, 336,586 people transported 

through SLO County Airport in 2017, which 

was up 21.8 percent from 

the same time period in 

2016. The total in 2016 

was 330,249, up 12.9 percent 

over 2015, totaling 

292,462. 


WHAT’S HAPPENING in 

Templeton this month 


The New Year brings 

new shows at Templeton 

Performing Arts Center on the 

campus of Templeton High School. 

North County Theatre Works will start the year off with a production 

of Eugene Ionesco’s “The Bald Soprano” in January. The show will run 

on Friday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20 at 4 and 7 p.m. and 

Sunday, Jan. 21 at 2 and 6 p.m. in the Templeton PAC. 

In February, the Templeton High School Drama Department will 

hold its annual dinner, which raised money for scholarships and 

production support for its upcoming shows in the PAC. 

“Our goal is to make $5,000, which we will divide between 

scholarships — $3,000— and production support — $2,000,” THS Drama 

teacher Catherine Kingsburg said. 

The fundraiser dinner will take place on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 6 

to 9 p.m. at Templeton American Legion Hall, 805 S. Main St. 

During the dinner, cast and crew will entertain the guests. The food 

will be provided by FIG. Tickets are $30 each or a table of eight 

for $200. For more information, call 591-4770 or go to templeton 

drama.org. 

In March, THS Drama will present its spring show, “My Fair Lady,” 

March 15 to 24 at the PAC. The musical will include a live orchestra. For 

more information, call 805-591-4770 or to go BrownPaperTickets.com 

to purchase tickets. 

SLOFolks Concert: 

David Jacobs-Strain 

and Bob Beach 

SLOFolks will present David Jacobs-Strain 

and Bob Beach at Castoro 

Cellars on Saturday, Jan. 20. Doors 

open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will 

start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 each 

and seating will be provided for the 

show. For more information, go to 

SLOFolks.org/events. 

BINGO 

Templeton Lions Club holds BIN- 

GO night every Monday at the Templeton 

American Legion Hall at 805 S. 

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

Nominate a person or 

business for Templeton 

an IMPACT Award 

Each year, the Templeton Chamber 

of Commerce honors local community 

members and businesses for what they 

give to the Templeton community with 

ROUND TOWN 

its IMPACT Awards Dinner. This 

year’s dinner will take place on Saturday, 

Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. The chamber 

will be taking nominations for Citizen 

of the Year, Public Safety Person of the 

Year, Student Citizen of the Year, and 

Business Beautification Award. The 

deadline for nominations is Jan. 15 and 

submitted via the Chamber’s website, 

TempletonChamber.com. 

Templeton Farmers’ Market 

Templeton Farmers’ Market is held 

every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 

p.m. in Templeton Community Park. 

The market doesn’t close due to inclement 

weather, it only closes on 

Christmas Day and New Year’s Day 

if those holidays fall on Saturday. For 

more information, go to NorthCounty 

FarmersMarkets.com. 



COUNTY PERSPECTIVE 

ROUND TOWN 

By Bruce 

Curtis 

Gun Bust Dropped: This 

month’s column comes with a bit 

of legal flavoring, starting with 

the admission I enjoy going to 

see my grandchildren partly for 

the chance to go plinking at the 

firing range with my son-in-law. 

I’m a lousy shot, but like most 

guys, I love the sound, the explosive 

report. There’s no muzzle 

flash; they only do that in the 

movies. 

And though I’m not much personally 

into guns, that doesn’t 

stop me from being a strong 

constitutional originalist; I support 

the 2nd Amendment, I see 

our founding document as a 

fragile but vital bulwark against 

tyranny, so we focus on a recent 

gun arrest in the South County. 

The “perpetrator”, firearms 

dealer Dylan Todd, was taken 

away, along with his wife, to be 

charged by the California Department 

of Justice on a technicality, 

failing to disable a gun 

feature before a state deadline. 

Here’s where it gets scary; 

San Luis Obispo County sheriff’s 

officials had given Todd two 

AR 15 rifles on consignment, as 

required by a court order. The 

judge directed Todd, a federally 

licensed firearms dealer, to dispose 

of confiscated weapons for 

the department, as he had done 

many times before. 

It was a farce of official incompetence; 

a court ordering Todd 

to do one thing, while another 

government agency arrested 

him for possessing the very guns 

he’d been ordered to sell. Apparently 

one hand was moving 

game pieces without the other 

hand’s knowledge, except that 

in this game there was no getout-of-jail-free 

card. This draconian 

drama hadn’t played out in 

North Korea or even San Francisco, 

but rather closer to home. 

The couple was released without 

charge, but not before they 

had suffered through their own 

gun trauma, the cocked barrels 

of state government aimed 

squarely at their freedom—not 

for illegal activity, but merely 

for following a different government 

mandate. 

Community members have 

stepped up to support the 

Todds, raising money to help 

them with legal expenses, but 

the apparent trampling of their 

civil rights is indelible. If it was 

me, I‘d find the meanest junkyard 

dog civil rights lawyer available 

and go after the state. And 

I wouldn’t quit until I’d received 

a cash settlement big enough to 

buy a nice lake front retirement 

home at Tahoe and nice fast Embraer 

Phenom jet to commute 

in. But that’s just me. 

Mental Moves: Mindful of a 

similarly expensive recent civil 

payout, county board members 

were all ears when Sheriff Ian Parkinson 

rolled out a list of changes 

to handle mental health issues 

at county jail. A lack of mental 

health facilities and training have 

been blamed for several deaths 

of county inmates, the most expensive, 

a $5 million wrongful 

death settlement. 

Claims that mentally ill inmates 

aren’t handled properly came 

at the same time mental health 

advocates are pushing for alternatives 

to the criminal justice system. 

The idea being that criminal 

courts and jails are a poor substitute 

for competent treatment. 

A broad coalition of agencies 

was formed to work out some 

solutions; groups including county 

behavioral health, the district 

attorney, the public defender’s 

office, as well as private mental 

health services like Transitions 

and El Camino Homeless Organization 

came up with recommendations 

heard by supervisors 

on December 5th, including: 

Converting former jail health 

facilities for mental health offices 

and treatment rooms, better 

medication oversight and control, 

medication-assisted addiction 

treatment and better staff 

training. Increases in mental 

health staffing are also planned. 

Pace Pester: Think you’ve 

had it with those irritating, flashing 

speed signs that remind 

you you’re going three miles 

per hour over the limit? Sorry to 

be the bearer of bad news, but 

you’re soon going to encounter 

more of them. 

Every seven years county engineering 

folks evaluate these mostly-rural areas, 

reviewing speed limits. 

The signs, technically known as 

dynamic speed warning signs, 

display your speed as you go by, 

using Doppler radar similar to 

systems used for traffic enforcement 

by the California Highway 

Patrol. The signs will go in 

countywide, after bids open in 

early January. And no, the signs 

aren’t capable of giving you a 

ticket; they’re just to advise you. 

Of course, I can’t speak for what 

might happen if a cop happens 

to see one of the signs light 

up with “58 mph”, as you blitz 

through a 45 zone. 

County officials haven’t said 

whether they’re installing the 

new signs to remind motorists 

that county officials just changed 

speed limits along roads in unincorporated 

areas. 

You didn’t know? Naturally, 

the lack of publicity of speed 

limit changes does nothing to 

help us avoid tickets; for that we 

just need situational awareness. 

I know, what a concept. 

Actually this is a regular deal. 

Every seven years county engineering 

folks evaluate these 

mostly-rural areas, reviewing 

speed limits. They have the authority 

— lawful responsibility, 

actually — to even raise speed 

limits where the majority of drivers 

exceed current limits. But 

you’ll rarely see that happen, the 

reasons being growth and traffic. 

Rural areas are safer to drive 

at higher speeds, but in stretches 

such as downtown Templeton, 

growth in traffic and housing 

has seen the posted limit of 

45 mph drop to 40 mph. 

Other areas where speed 

limits have changed: Cemetery 

Road in San Miguel and Monterey 

Road in Paso Robles which 

had no posted limit—the basic 

speed law applied—now both 

areas are posted 50 mph. 

One exception: the 35 mph limit 

along California Valley’s Soda 

Lake Road. Naturally, traffic 

surveys showed nobody obeying 

that limit out in the middle 

of nowhere, so county officials 

raised the maximum speed to a 

more realistic 50 mph. 

Pot Grandfathered: Finally, if 

you didn’t register to grow pot 

in 2017, you can’t even apply 

this year; county supervisors decided 

141 farms is enough, no 

new licenses. You can still grow 

up to six plants, indoors only, for 

yourself. And you’ll likely draw 

less attention from state prosecutors 

who evidently prefer blazing 

blunts to blazing guns. 


San Miguel Reflections 

By Lynne Schmitz 

San Miguel is 

CHANGING 

San Miguel is experiencing 

changes. New homes 

are being built, Highway 

101 from Camp Roberts to the 

San Marcos bridges is undergoing 

major reconstruction and 

repairs, and a brand new store 

was opened last July. 

Peoples Self-Help Housing 

of SLO County purchased two 

large development sites on the 

east side of 11th Street. Presently, 

24 new homes have been 

mostly completed and another 

59 homes will be built as part of 

the same project. 

Ultimately 83 new families 

will settle here with an influx 

of children into Lillian Larsen 

Elementary School. 

In March of last year, CalTrans 

began a major highway rehabilitation 

project which will continue 

through most of this year. 

Work is being done to improve 

the highway north of town 

through Camp Roberts and the 

10th Street bridge in San Miguel 

is being reworked. At south 

Mission Street, the southbound 

lanes will be realigned closer to 

the northbound lanes. The onramp 

will then pass under two 

bridges allowing cars to access 

the highway more safely in the 

right lane to go south. Two new, 

higher bridges are replacing the 

old ones at San Marcos Road. 

As work progresses lanes are 

detoured and traffic slowed for 

safety. Remember that fines are 

doubled in construction zones if 

tempted to rush through. In July, 

a Dollar General Store opened 

on 10th and K Streets, a welcome 

addition to local businesses. 

The company serves smaller 

communities nation-wide, and 

the store features a large variety 

of household necessities. 

Downtown, a whimsical mural 

entitled ‘Kow Party’ was placed 

on the end wall of the San 

Miguel Flouring Mill at 14th 

Street just across the railroad 

tracks. Well-known local and 

international artist Steve Kalar, 

scion of a pioneer family, created 

the mural. 

In mid-November, change 

came to Mission San Miguel 

which was founded and built 

220 years ago in 1797 by Spanish 

Franciscans of the Order 

of Friars Minor (OFM) from 

Majorca. It was ceded to the 

Diocese of Monterey in July, 

2016. The last Franciscan pastor 

departed in November, 2017, 

replaced by Diocesan priests. 

The parish remains active. The 

Gift Shop and the Retreat Center 

are open. The missionaries 

were likely the first vintners in 

California, planting vineyards 

as they founded and built the 

missions. 

The Mission grapes they propagated 

for their sacramental 

wine (and brandy) is a black 

grape, quite sweet but low in 

acidity. The vines are very hardy, 

The variety survives today in a 

few places, but wines made from 

the Mission grape are by and 

large poor in quality, although 

methods were developed in the 

early days to improve quality 

and taste. The missionaries 

planted a vineyard about five 

miles northeast of the mission. 

In the largest museum room, 

a large wine vat survives with 

a clay pipe near the bottom 

through which the grape juice 

would be dispensed into waterproofed 

baskets. Today, the 

town, which was once surrounded 

by almond orchards, 

is surrounded by vineyards producing 

very fine wines. 



A tradition was born in Paso Robles two 

years ago when Wine Country Theatre 

brought “The Kings of Cool — Legends of 

Vegas” to the stage in Paso Robles. 

The musical, a tribute to Frank Sinatra 

and Dean Martin, ran for the first time in 

2016 over Valentine’s Day weekend and was 

again brought back in 2017. 

“We felt we should bring [‘The Kings of 

Cool’] back [because it was such a popular 

and loved show],” Wine Country Theatre 

Executive Director Cynthia Anthony said. 

“It’s such a great dinner show.” 

Anthony said that the reason “The Kings 

of Cool” makes a great production for dinner 

theater is because it doesn’t require 

an intense focus, but it’s fun and lively. 

People should go see the show, she said, 

“because the music of Frank Sinatra and 

Dean Martin is timeless and the talent of 

the Kings of Cool is just remarkable.” 

“This is one of our most popular events 

and has sold out the past two years,” 

Wine Country Theatre Board President 

Laurie Zenobio said. 

The cast is again made up of Chad Stevens, 

Bobby Horn, John Laird and the 

Brett Mitchell Trio, which is made up of 

Brett Mitchell on keyboards, Bill Wingfield 

on bass, and Darrell Voss on drums. 

"The format stays pretty much the same as 

the Sinatra/Martin show — something you 

would have seen in a Las Vegas Showroom 

in the ‘50s and ’60s,” Steven said. “We've 

added music from legendary Vegas performers: 

Louie Prima, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Bobby 

Darin, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, Elvis, 

The Kings of Cool, from left: 

Bobby Horn, Chad Stevens, 

John Laird and the Brett Mitchell 

Trio leader. 

more Sammy Davis, Jr.. and of course, 

Mr. Las Vegas — Wayne Newton; Sinatra 

and Martin, too.” 

The show will run Friday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, 

Feb. 10 in the Park Street Ballroom, 

1232 Park St., Ste. 200, and will include 

dinner, a glass of wine and the show. 

There will also be local wine and martinis 

available for purchase. Cocktails will start 

at 5:30 p.m., dinner served at 6 p.m. and 

the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Dinner will be 

served right before the first act and dessert 

BOX BEAMS BOOK SHELVING 


during intermission. Tickets for the show 

only are $25. Tickets for the dinner show 

are $85 each or $80 each for groups of eight 

or more. The dinner will be a three-course 

meal catered by Chef Andre Averseng of 

Paso Terra. 

For more information or to purchase 

tickets, go to winecountrytheatre.com or call 

800-838-3006. A maximum of 120 tickets 

are available for each night. 

“If you loved Vegas when entertainment 

was king, and these guys ruled the strip, 

you'll love ‘The Kings of Cool - Legends of 

Vegas,’” Stevens said. 

MENU CHOICES 

Salads 

• Beet and goat cheese terrine, drizzled 

with basil sauce on a bed of frissée 

• Market greens with dried cranberries, 

feta cheese, candied nuts/cranberry 

vinaigrette 

Entrées 

• Braised beef short ribs 

• Salmon Wellington with spinach 

and candied onion in brioche 

• Spinach and ricotta rotolo pasta 

with fresh tomato sauce 

ROUND TOWN 

All served with butternut squash puree and 

seasonal vegetables 

Desserts 

• Hazelnut torte 

• Lemon cheesecake 

• Cream puff with vanilla filling 

drizzled with caramel 


HOOFBEAT 

By Dorothy Rogers 

“I was a ranch horse,” “I was a horse that 

transported folks on trail rides,” “I was a 

pack horse in the Sierras,” I was best friends 

with a lonely little girl,” “I was a competitive 

high school rodeo horse,” “I was proud to offer 

my best, but today I found the quiet joy 

in what the Lord created me to do: help a 

veteran deal with PTSD and loss.” 

Watch in the Coming Months 

Watch for information on the tremendous 

equine therapy program through 

different perspectives in PASO Magazine 

this year. Learn how you can join in to 

lend a hand to those struggling to make a 

new start for those who have served. 

Mighty Oaks Ministry has been hosted 

at the Work Family Ranch for five years. 

The ranch has been in the family since the 

1880s. George and Elaine Work and their 

family have chosen to use the land and 

the horses they have been blessed with to 

in turn bless those who need some healing 

and inner peace while still supporting 

their family. 

Fire Storms Ravage the Land 

& Creatures 

We’re tarting a new year knowing that 

much of Southern California is either 

burning or under threat. We haven’t had a 

full 10th of an inch of rain, yet, although 

we have had fog. In your prayers, please 

consider rain. Due to those without a full 

picture of the situation: we’re not talking 

about global warming, although that can 

be a factor. There are those who don’t want 

to clear out downed wood that markedly 

fuel these fires, people and “planning” 

that don’t fully consider the land, escape 

routes, safety measures, etc. 

Trailers were not allowed in to enable 

evacuations. Many horses have been 

turned turned loose. Unless the folks block 

the stall entries, often horses will run back 

to the stall as a “safe place” despite flames. 

Wild life can get into unthinkable situations 

in fires causing havoc. Blessings on 

the heads of the grooms and community 

volunteers who are aiding in untangling 

the chaos. 

Let’s Turn This Into a Positive 

If you can look outside and see your 

horses, join me in giving thanks. Please 

consider helping the folks and Southern 

California horses (other large animals) 

that have been stricken who are in need 

of veterinary attention and food. Besides 

the emotional impact, burns, wire cuts 

and fencing encounters, the lungs of the 

“Drinkers of the Wind” are impacted. 

Most, probably permanently. These horses 

will need attention to return to productive 

lives. Check out the horseandman.com 

website for legitimate charities that will 

help. 


Celebrate: Rose Parade 

The “big one” is set for January 1 in 

Pasadena. It is unlike other parades in 

that all of the floats must be decorated with 

flowers and vegetation. Horse groups vie 

for years to be included. The addition of a 

December 29th show/exhibition at the LA 

Equestrian Center allows the horses to strut 

their stuff. There is a charge which can be 

included in a package tour. 

Theme groups run the full gamut. 

Heavily silvered saddles and gear were the 

signature of movie stars, newscasters, and 

others over the years. Bohlin never made 

a comfortable saddle, I am told, but they 

are worth six figures plus. Olsen Nolte 

also made some silver saddles, but they 

were far more comfortable to ride. The 

whole outfit was HEAVY, but a must 

have in the Hollywood set for decades. 

Rendezvous 

On a positive note, Paso Events Center 

will host the 2018 Back Country Horsemen’s 

Rendezvous. Save the dates for this 

gathering of folks who love the forests 

and packing: April 13-15. There will be 

leave no trace programs, vendors, reports 

on developments in the forests, cook-offs, 

and a trail challenge. These events are for 

horsemen and mule enthusiasts as well. 

April 13 we’ll tap our boots to Monte 

Mills and his Lucky Horseshoe Band. 

They are one of the best long term dance 

bands. So many who attended Cal Poly 

and local schools hooped and hollered as 

Monte yodeled away. 

News from Varian Arabians 

A black stallion has been added to their 

historic lineup. “Shazhad” is a currently a 

breeding stallion. He has competed as a 

halter horse. His female side has produced 

a dynasty of champions: halter, cutting, 

sport horse, etc. You can see him at the 

ranch in Arroyo Grande with a phone call 

for an appointment or during one of the 

events hosted at the ranch. 

Call Angela Alvarez at 489-5802 for a 

complete list which has been growing. 


Dec. 29 Equifest, Burbank, 10 a.m. Equestrian 

Center 480 Riverside, Burbank, $15 

general seating, VIP $40 reserved 

Jan. 1 Tournament of Roses Parade, 5.5 

miles, Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 

Jan, 4, 11, 18, 25 Sugarland, Barrel Race 

at Woodland, 707-372-1555, entry $35, 

$100 added money per event, start 6 p.m., 

call to confirm 

Jan. 5. 6. 7 King City, fairgrounds, 625 Division 

St., 7 p.m. start. $35 Fri., $65 Sat 

& Sun.., 831-385-4952. added money, Sat. 

start 1 p.m., Sun. start 10 a.m. 

Jan. 13 CA Cow Horse Awards Banquet, 

judges’ seminar, Whitney Party Barn, 

30162 Road 192, Exeter, 5 p.m., $20, 

Kristy 551-349-5580 

Jan. 13 & 14 Combined Test, practice new 

USEA dressage tests, Twin Rivers Ranch, 

N. River Rd., between Paso & San Miguel 

Jan. 14 Barrel race, Bakersfield, 5818 S. 

Fairfax $65 entry, 661-858-3903 

Jan. 18-21 Double R Cutting, Paso Events 

Center, admission & parking free to spectators 

Jan. 20 Santa Ynez Equine Evacuation 

meeting, 9 a.m., 195 N. Refugio, SY 

Don’t want to be left out in 2018? Send 

in your organization’s scheduled event to 

info@calclassics.net to be included free in 

the Hoofbeat Master Calendar. 

In the Santa Cruz area there is Wilder Ranch (831-423-9703): There are over 50 

miles of multi-use trails (equestrians, hikers & mountain bikers). Trails are both fire 

roads & single track through meadows & redwoods. The horse camp is on the 

inland or east side of Hwy. 1 (not the main park entrance). There is a locked gate 

so call for the combination. There are approximately 5 horse corrals with spigots 

for water (bring hoses) bring a porta-potty. No fires & no dogs. Access to trails is 

directly out of camp. Reservations are typically not necessary, but call first. Day 

use also allowed. 

Check out the California State Parks website for additional information 

and directions. www.parks.ca.gov 

Brought to you by 

Whitehorse Tack 

2805 Black Oak Drive, 

Paso Robles 

whitehorsetack.com 


TIME & PLACE JANUARY 

A monthly look at local events, fundraisers, 

meetings, and entertainment. 

To submit a listing, email nic@ 

pasomagazine.com, mildrum@sbcglobal.net 

or mail to PO Box 3996, 

Paso Robles, 93447 by the 5th of 

each month preceding publication. 

Questions? 239-1533. 

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • BNI– Early But 

Worth It Chapter - Business Networking 

International – Tuesdays 7:00 to 

8:30 a.m. Paso Robles Golf Club. Visitors 

welcome, visit bni.org. 

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • Tai Chi Chuan – 

Intermediate, ages 18+, Tuesdays, 

10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Tai Chi for 

Health – Beginner, ages 18+, 11:15 

a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Centennial Park, 

Room B with Faye Baker. Register at 

PRCity.com/recreation or Centennial 

Park, Mon. – Fri. noon to 5:00 p.m. 

237-3988. 

2, 16 • MOPS – Mothers of 

Pre-schoolers, first & third Tuesdays, 

9:30 a.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, 

940 Creston Road, Paso, Ashley Hazell, 

459-6049, nocomops@gmail.com. 

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • Body in Balance 

for Active Aging, ages 50+, Wednesdays, 

10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Senior Center 

with Faye Baker. Register at PRCity. 

com/seniors or Centennial Park, Paso, 

Mon. through Fri. Noon to 5:00 p.m. 

237-3988. 

4 • Above the Grade Advanced Toastmasters, 

first Thursdays, 7:00 to 9:00 

p.m. Kennedy Club Fitness, 500 So. 

River Road, Paso. 238-0524, 930206. 

toastmastersclubs.org. 

4, 11, 18, 25 • BNI – Partners in $uccess 

- Business Networking International 

– Thursdays, 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. 

Paso Robles Assn. of Realtors, 1101 

Riverside Ave. Visitors welcome, visit 

bni.org. 

4, 11, 18, 25 • Hamburger Lunch– 

American Legion Post 50, Thursdays, 

$5, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 240 Scott 

St., Paso Robles. 

5, 12, 19, 26 • Speak Easy Toastmasters 

Club, Fridays, 12:10 to 1:15 p.m. 

Founders Pavilion, Twin Cities Community 

Hospital. http://9797.toastmasters 

clubs.org. 237-9096. 

7 • Daughters of the American Revolution 

meets first Sundays. For time 

and place, email dmcpatriotdaughter 

@gmail.com. 

8 • Almond Country Quilters Guild 

Meeting, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. featuring 

special speaker Rami Kim on Folded 

Fabric Elegance from her book about 

3D textures with fabric. Friday, Feb. 

2 – Special speaker Debbie Gordon 

on “quilting beyond the quarter inch.” 

Trinity Lutheran Church, 940 Creston 

Road, Paso. General info: lisajguerrero 

@msn.com, acqguild.com. 

8, 15, 22, 29 • North County Overeaters 

Anonymous, Mondays, 5:30 

p.m. 1916 Creston Road, #400 upstairs, 

Paso Robles, www.OA.org, Irene 

818-415-0353. 

8, 15, 22, 29 • North County Toast 

‘N Talk Toastmasters, Mondays, 6:15 

to 7:30 p.m. Keller Williams, 13th & 

Spring, Paso Robles. Info: 464-9229. 

8 & 22 • Writing Support Group. 

Complete writing projects with 

award-winning author/editor Patricia 

Alexander. Every other Monday, 6:30 to 

9:00 p.m. $25 per or $20 for 4 meetings 

paid in advance. Call for location 

479-7778. BookOfComforts.com. 

9 • Exchange Club, second Tuesdays, 

12:15 – 1:30 p.m. McPhee’s in Templeton. 

610-8096, exchangeclubofnorth 

slocounty.org. 

9, 23 • Paso Robles Lions Club, 7:00 

p.m., PR Elks Lodge, 1420 Park Street, 

Paso. Second & fourth Tuesdays. 227- 

4476. pasorobleslions.org. 

10 • North County Multiflora Garden 

Club, socialize at noon, meeting 1:00 

p.m. PR Community Church, 2706 

Spring St., second Wednesdays. 805- 

712-7820, guests welcome. multifloragardenclub.org. 

10 • Experimental Aircraft Association 

(EAA) Chapter 465 – 7:00 p.m. 

at the Paso Airport Terminal, second 

Wednesdays. Getting youth involved 

with aviation. EAA465.org. 

10, 17, 24, 31 • Line Dancing – 

Wednesdays, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. 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. 

12 • Paso Robles Dance Hall – An 

evening of swing, ballroom and line 

dancing, second Friday, 7:00 to 9:00 

p.m. Admission $5. For an additional 

$5, a ballroom dance lesson is taught 

from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. Centennial 

Park Banquet Room. Visit prcity.com/ 

recreationonline, call Tina Scarsella 

835-2076. 

12 • North County Women’s Connection 

Luncheon, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 

p.m at Templeton Community Center, 

$12, reservations before Jan. 7 to 

JoAnn Pickering at 239-1096. Speakers 

are Arlene Fetzer about “Living Out of 

Tune until You Find the Right Key” and 

Becky Gray of must! charities. 

13 • Central Coast Violet Society, 

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Second Saturdays, 

Brookdale Activity Room, 

1919 Creston Road, Paso. Znailady1 

@aol.com. 

14 • PR Grange Pancake Breakfast, 

second Sundays, 7:30 to 11:00 a.m. 

627 Creston Road, Paso Robles. 

15 • Paso Robles Republican Women 

Federated, third Mondays, 11:30 

a.m. lunch, speaker at noon. $22 cash, 

guests welcome, Paso Robles Inn Ballroom. 

Reservations by the 2nd of each 

month to Diane Oehlke, 239-8693 

dloehlke@gmail.com. Prrwf.org. 

15 • Santa Lucia Rockhounds – 7:00 

p.m. third Mondays, Templeton Community 

Center, 601 S. Main St. Open to 

all who enjoy rocks, fossils & minerals. 

slorockhounds.org. 

16 • Chronic Pain Support Group 

Meeting – CRPS (Chronic Regional 

Pain Syndrome), third Tuesdays, 5:00 

p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Rabobank, 1025 

Las Tablas Rd, Templeton. Suzanne Miller 

704-5970, suzanne.miller@ymail 

.com. 

16 • North County Parkinson’s 

Support Group, 1:00 p.m. third Tuesdays, 

Templeton Presbyterian Church, 

610 So. Main St. Info: Rosemary Dexter 

466-7226. 

17 • Paso Robles Democratic Club, 

third Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. White 

Oak Room, Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson, 

Paso. Visitors/newcomers welcome. 

pasoroblesdemocrats@gmail.com, 

769-4847. 

18 • North County Prostate Cancer 

Support Group, 7:00 p.m. third Thursdays, 

Twin Cities Community Hospital 

Pavilion Room. Info: Bill Houston 995- 

2254 or American Cancer Society 473- 

1748. 

20 • Pancake Breakfast, American 

Legion Post 50, 8:00 a.m.to 11:00 a.m. 

third Saturdays, $6, 240 Scott St., Paso 

Robles 

20 • Community Quilting (to help 

children and senior organizations with 

quilts), third Saturdays, 10:00 am to 

2:00 pm at Bethel Lutheran Church, 

Old Country Road, Templeton. Contact 

Cynthia Bradshaw, clbrad1313 

@hotmail.com. 

23 • American Legion Post 50 

monthly meeting fourth Tuesdays. 6:30 

p.m. 270 Scott Street, Paso Robles. Info: 

Commander John Irwin, 286-6187. 


27 • Lupus/Auto Immune Disorder 

Support Group, fourth Saturdays, 

10:30 a.m. Nature’s Touch, 225 So. 

Main St., Templeton. 

31 • Deadline for North County 

Newcomers Club luncheon on Feb. 

7 at Café Roma, 1020 Railroad Ave., 

SLO. Social at 11:00 a.m. Lunch at 

noon. 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, 

Sponsored by Hospice SLO, 

805-544-2266, hospiceslo.org 

Bereaved Parents Group, 

Tuesdays, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. 

Suicide Bereavement Support - fourth 

Wednesdays, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. 

Meetings at RISE, 1030 Vine St., 

Paso Robles 

General Grief Support, 

Wednesdays, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. 

Meeting at 517 13th Street, Paso. 

No cost, no pre-registration. 

GriefShare All Saturdays in January. A 

13-week on-going faith-based seminar/ 

support group for people grieving a 

loss of a loved one. 10:00 a.m. to noon, 

$15, ongoing, open enrollment. Trinity 

Lutheran Church, Fireside Room, 940 

Creston Rd., Paso. Deaconess Juliet 

Thompson, 238-3702, ext. 205. 

EVENTS, FESTIVALS, FUNDRAISERS 

AND ENTERTAINMENT 

The month of January - Winter Wine 

Stroll – All downtown wine tasting businesses 

are featuring gourmet food and 

wine pairing. Purchase tickets at downtownpasowine.com. 

3 • Monthly dinner at Estrella Warbirds 

Museum, first Wednesdays, 6:00 

p.m., guest speakers. Call 296-1935 for 

dinner reservations. ewarbirds.org. 

6 • Art After Dark Paso – first Saturdays, 

6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Downtown 

Paso. Hosted by Studios on the Park. 

12 • Poetry in the Garden – Join local 

poets and share your poetry and 

prose. Meet in Ellie’s Garden on second 

Fridays at 6:30 p.m., Contact 

Ellie at 227-0110 or ellencasey777 

@gmail.com. 

13 • Classic Car Cruise Night – 5:00 

to 7:00 p.m. second Saturdays (weather 

permitting), King Oil Tools, 2235 

Spring St., Paso. Info: Tony Ororato, 

712-0551. 

18 • Third Thursday Shop, dine and 

drink in downtown Paso. A portion of 

the proceeds benefit must! charities. 

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

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.) Hours, Monday through Friday, 

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday until 6:00 p.m. 

Healthy Cooking Class - Comfort Foods, Jan. 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 in 

Templeton. Jan. 19 in San Luis Obispo, Idler’s Home, 189 Cross Street, 11 a.m. to 

1:00 p.m. Class fee is $ 20; however, no one is turned away due to lack of funds. 

RSVP appreciated. Auto Immune Support Group, Jan. 23 with Kelli Lincoln, 6:00 

to 7:00 pm. Nutritional guidance and recipes about the Autoimmune Protocol 

to alleviate symptoms of disease. Intro to Wellness, Jan. 24 – A Taste of Change 

with Registered Dietitian Hayley Garelli. Class is FREE. 5:30 to 6:30 pm. 

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. 

SPECIAL GATHERINGS: Jan. 4, 11:00 a.m. Support for Advanced Cancers. Jan. 

10, 5:45 p.m. Young Survivors Peer Gathering in Templeton. Jan. 10, 12:15 p.m. 

Art Time. Jan. 11 & 25, 10:00 a.m. Patient Navigation, Jan.17, 6:00 p.m. Young 

Survivors Peer Gathering at Sierra Vista Hospital, San Luis Obispo. Jan.24, 12 

noon, Potluck Social. Jan. 31, 12:15 p.m. Mindfulness Hour, RSVP required. 

WEEKLY SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 11:30 a.m. Therapeutic Yoga at Dharma 

Yoga TUESDAY: 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi Chih 10:05 a.m. Coffee Chat 

WEDNESDAY: 10:00 a.m. Living with Cancer Support Group -Newly Diagnosed/Active 

Treatment. FRIDAYS: Jan. 12 & 26 • 6:00 p.m. Grupo Fuerza y 

Esperanza. Special Programs - Cancer Well-Fit® at Paso Robles Sports Club, 

Mondays and Thursdays 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 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. 


nic@pasomagazine.com

LAST WORD 

erhaps you’ve seen it standing 

along 101 by an Oak tree. It’s 

been there for years. If you’ve 

lived here for a long time or were 

born here many years ago, you 

probably know the story — or 

some of it anyway. 

We’re talking about the 12-foot 

tall milk bottle synonymous with 

the dairy industry that was a huge 

factor in our area’s development. 

Back about 1886, Ray Rossi’s 

grandfather, Vincent, landed in 

Ellis Island, NY from Switzerland. 

He was 19 or 20 years old, 

and in those days you just arrived 

as an immigrant and voila, next 

day you were an American. 

Beginning his work where 

California Men’s Colony now 

stands, Vincent accumulated his 

BY CHUCK DESMOND 

own small dairy herd and moved 

to Crocker — the first name for 

Templeton. He purchased land 

and started the Crescent Farm. 

More land was acquired and in 

1925, two grown sons, Vincent 

and Gregory now ran the business. 

In the 1930s, as a way to advertise, 

Gregory had the huge milk 

bottle made from chicken wire, 

stucco and whatever else would 

stick together. It was built as nothing 

more than an advertising sign 

for the Rossi Brothers. Travelers 

couldn’t miss it on 101. 

Times change, businesses come 

and go, the old ways become obsolete 

and all the other cliche’s get 

in on the action. But, that ol’ bottle 

stood proud for a long time. 

About three years ago, Mr. 

David Bond, a fourth generation 

Templeton man approached 

Darrell Radford, the Chairman 

of the Templeton Museum 

and Jim Greer, a Board member. 

He asked about perhaps 

getting that bottle moved to the 

Templeton Museum, and they 

figured it out. 

Dec. 5 at 10:45 a.m., with the 

sun shining brightly and the 

road blocked off, down Main 

Street came the bottle strapped 

to a flat-bed truck! 

I counted 53 people in attendance 

and each of them was 

snapping photos. It took about 

45 minutes to unload onto its 

new home right by the sidewalk 

in front of the Museum. Guest 

of the day was Ray G. Rossi, the 

grandson of Vincent. He’s 85, 

lives in Los Altos Hills, south 

of San Francisco, and is in great 

shape with a wonderful sense of 

humor and appreciation to the 

men and women who made this 

happen. He said, “Gee, I’m so impressed. 

It’s only a bottle! These 

folks here made my family really 

proud with this nice gesture.” 

Through the years and during 

the renovation of the bottle, all 

the original words were covered 

over. But, fear not! It turns out 

that David Bond is a sign ‘n’ letters 

painter as his profession. His 

work is all over the area and into 

NV and Texas as well. He hopes 

to begin the re-lettering process 

before the end of January. As that 

happens, we’ll keep you apprised 

of the progress. 

Templeton Museum is located 

at 309 S. Main St. It is open 

Friday through Sunday from 1 to 

David Bond, Darrell Radford, 

and Ray Rossi with the 

relocated milk bottle. 

4 p.m. with free admission. If 

you want the history of Templeton 

and even to see some of 

the original Crescent bottles and 

cardboard bottle tops, go by and 

spend a couple hours seeing this 

terrific treasure just down the 

road from anyplace you are now 

reading this. You’ll be impressed. 

A Templeton treasure has been 

saved. 

This article was edited for 

space. Read the full story at: 

pasomagazine.com/milk-bottle. 

A-Town Flag Football 43 

Abby’s Self Storage 39 

Adrienne Hagan 16 

Advanced Concrete 47 

Amdal In Home Care 36 

Applied Telecom Technology 37 

Arlynes Flowers 43 

Artworks 42 

Associated Traffic Safety 46 

Austin, Mary Ann 44 

Awakening Ways 48 

Berry Hill Bistro 25 

Biodynamics 45 

Blake’s True Value 15 

Blenders 48 

Bob Sprain’s Draperies 42 

Body Basics 47 

Bridge Sportsmen Center 46 

Cal Paso Solar 23 

California MidState Fair 11 

Cassidy and Smith Families 21 

Chains Required 05 

Chalekson, Dr. Charles 38 

Child Evangelism Fellowship 17 

Cider Creek Bakery 15 

City of Paso Robles-REC 12 

Connect Home Loans 05 

Cotton and Rust 14 

Di Raimondo’s Italian Market 21 

Edward Jones - Jim Moffatt 20 

Equine Experience 46 

Estrella Warbirds 08 

European Car Specialists 43 

Frontier Floors 45 

Gallagher Video Services 44 

General Store Paso Robles 34 

DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS 

Golden Collar 05 

Golden Oaks Grill 32 

Golden Reverse Mortgage 09 

Good Times 30 

GRL Computer Consulting 44 

Hamon Overhead Door 14 

Healthy Inspirations 48 

Hearing Aid Specialists 03 

Hearing Solutions 43 

Heart to Heart Non-profits 51 

Heart to Heart RE 17 

HFG- Coastal Insurance 

Service 35 

Hoyt Family Vineyards 31 

Hunter Ranch 35 

Klockenteger, Lisa 21 

Lansford Dental 07 

Las Tablas Animal Hosp 22 

Lube N Go 22 

Main Street Small 

Animal Hospital 39 

Mode Communication 25 

Natural Alternative 35 

New with Tags 15 

North County Pilates 48 

Nose to Tail 38 

Oddette’s Creole Kitchen 30 

Odyssey World Cafe 31 

Paradigm Advisors 23 

Paso Chevrolet 52 

Paso PetCare 19 

Paso Robles Handyman 44 

Perfect Air 45 

Photo Stop 42 

Placer Title 05 

PR Casino 28 

PR Chamber of Commerce 10 

PR District Cemetery 36 

PR Door & Trim 38 

PR Insurance 22 

PR Safe & Lock 17 

PR Waste 41 

PW Construction 16 

Red Scooter Deli 28 

Reneau, J Scott - Ins 32 

Riley, Dr. Kaitilin 39 

Robin Sackett 34 

Scoles, Law Office of Patricia 37 

Senor Sanchos 24 

SESLOC Fed Credit Union 19 

Solaralos 37 

Sousa and Company, David 18 

Spice of Life 21 

Ted Hamm Ins. 37 

Teresa Rhyne Law Group 19 

The Harley Group 32 

The Loft 36 

The Tea Trolley 17 

Thomas Hill Organics 29 

Touch of Paso 29 

Twin Cities Hospital 02 

Vic’s Cafe 20 

Western Janitor Supply 36 

Whitehorse 46 

Wighton’s 13 

Wine Country Theatre 04 

Worship Directory 49 

Writing Support Group 

- Alexander, Patricia 18 

Wyatt Wicks 42 


We give half of every commission 

we earn to the nonprofit 

or charity of your choice. 

For 4 years, we’ve made giving easy! 

Heart to Heart Real Estate is changing our community. These nonprofits and many 

more throughout SLO County have received donations through the support and 

generosity of our clients and the completion of a real estate transaction. 

CUSTOM VIEW ESTATE 

mustcharities.org 805-226-5788 

Situated on a 2+/- acre private knoll with 360 degree 

views. The 2,704 sf main residence offers 3 BD/2BA with 

exquisite wood beam & rock accents, full length view 

windows, gourmet kitchen with premium appliances, 

enclosed 840 sf sunroom with hidden lap pool. The 971 

sf guest residence offers 1BD/1BA & large kitchen. 

FOR CAR ENTHUSIASTS AND HOBBYISTS! 

Enjoy the 2,000 sf multi-vehicle/RV garage w/two, 16ft roll-up doors, 30-amp 

power. Plus 2 workshops, each 560 sf with 220v and additional roll-up door. 

Contact Jennifer Young, Bre # 01773813 

jenn@hearttoheartrealestate.com, 805-391-0512 

Visit: http://www.tourfactory.com/1814631 

Volunteers keep 

CASA growing in North County! 

CASA volunteers are everyday people 

appointed by a judge to speak up for 

abused and neglected children. Learn 

about becoming a CASA volunteer 

advocate or mentor today! 

slocasa.org 

805-541-6542 

The end of life 

deserves the same 

respect as its 

beginning. 

Grief Counseling Services 

For anyone coping with a 

death or life-limiting illness: 

Care Managment, Respite 

Care, End of Life Doula 

Services. Confidential & 

professional. Free of charge. 

hospiceslo.org 805-544-2266 

So That No One Faces 

Cancer Alone 

cscslo.org 805-238-4411 

Offers free social and emotional 

support to anyone impacted by 

cancer regardless of age, stage or 

diagnosis. We have groups, 

education, restorative fitness and 

more. 

CANCER EDUCATION SERIES 

With Dr. James Longo 

January 17, 12:00 to 1:30 pm 

New Insight and Update on 

Radiation Treatment 

Mark, Christie, 

Jennifer & Liz 

Bre #01254588 

Bre #02020576 

Bre #01773813 

Bre #01469523 

Need a “Heart to Heart” talk 

about Real Estate? 

Call 805-226-LOVE (5683) 

Owners/Brokers Mark McConnell & Liz Lee 

Realtor ® Associates Christie Giaquinto, & Jennifer Young 

Web: hearttoheartrealestate.com 

Email: hello@hearttoheartrealestate.com 

1226 Park St., Suite “D”, Downtown Paso Robles 

Corp. Bre Lic #01932429

2018 January PASO Magazine #201

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