2018 December Colony Magazine

Winter Wonderland.19 

Charley Carlin.14 

SLO Stringer.13 

COLONYMAGAZINE.COM

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2 | colonymagazine.com COLONY Magazine, December 2018

YO U R H EARING H EAL T H 

Is time running out on 

your deductible? 

Most medical deductibles reset at the beginning of the year. 

Now may be the best time to have your hearing tested! 

The end of the year marks many occasions... 

The end of the holiday season, the beginning of a new year and the sense of renewal 

that it brings, and for most people the best time to use your health insurance benefits. 

Deductibles typically renew on January 1st. Whether your health insurance is through a 

group or individual, the end of the year can be the best time to schedule appointments 

and save money on healthcare. 

Have you had your hearing tested in 2018? 

For most Americans over age 50, hearing testing is recommended as a part of their annual 

healthcare routine. However, most will wait until difficulty with hearing becomes 

apparent before scheduling an appointment. 

Hearing impairment is very common. In fact, today, 1 out of every 6 baby boomers (ages 

53-71) currently has a hearing loss. Luckily, early detection, prevention, and treatment is 

better than ever with modern technology! 

Peter Lucier has served San Luis Obispo County for nearly 20 years. While things have 

changed quite a bit over the years — especially hearing aid technology — our approach 

has remained the same, which is that of a small, family-owned business that treats its 

patients like it would its own family members. 

Symptoms of 

Hearing Loss 

• Requiring frequent repetition. 

• 

conversations involving more 

than 2 people. 

• Thinking that other people 

mumbling. 

• Frustration and exhaustion 

from conversation while 

straining to understand 

speech. 

• 

environments like crowded 

rooms, shopping malls, etc. 

• Long term exposure to loud 

noises or environments 

• Reading lips or relying on 

reading lips for comprehension 

• Turning up the volume on the 

television or telephone 

Call us today to schedule your hearing appointment 

and make the most of your healthcare benefit! 

Learn more about hearing health at 

www.slocountyhearingaids.com 

HEARING AID SPECIALISTS OF THE 

CENTRAL COASTS INC. 

7070 Morro Road Suite D 

Atascadero, CA 93422 

805-460-7385 

www.slocountyhearingaids.com

FEATURES 

contents 

DECEMBER 2018, Issue 6 

16 19 

JUST SKATING BY 

KEVIN CAMPION LEADS ATASCADERO’S A-TOWN SKATE PARK WITH PASSION AND A 

DEDICATION TO HELPING THE CITY’S YOUNGSTERS 

WINTER WONDERLAND 

MULTIPLE HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS COMING 

TO ATASCADERO THIS MONTH 

DEPARTMENTS 

14 28 30 

SOMETHING WORTH READING 

06 Publisher’s Letter 

ROUND TOWN 

08 Colony Buzz: The Russian Connection 

10 ärt/ Presents: Both Sides of the Big Pond 

12 Pope X 3: Gifts From the Heart 

COLONY PEOPLE 

13 SLO Stringer Honored with US 101 Naming 

14 Charlie Carlin Becomes Santa Claus 

TENT CITY 

22 History: Original Design for the Civic Center 

23 Education: Not Your Parents’ Career Tech Ed 

by County Superintendent Jim Brescia 

24 Nonprofit Spotlight: Brunch On The Bluffs at 

Piedras Blancas Light Station 

25 Spiritual: Awakening Ways 

26 Education: Dr. Stearns, Cuesta’s Promise 

27 Health: Helping Women & Girls ... Period 

COLONY TASTE 

28 Taste of Americana: The Colony Cookbook 

29 Spice of Life: No Boundaries with Ginger 

EVENTS 

30 North SLO County Holiday Event Guide 

31 North SLO County Activity & Event Guide 

LAST WORD 

34 

ON THE COVER 

Homespun Holiday Cheer 

Photo by Hayley Mattson 


CENTRAL COAST MEDICAL AESTHETICS 

Dr. Alex Lechtman 

Central Coast Medical Aesthetics 

of Paso Robles is owned and 

managed by a board certified 

plastic surgeon, and 2 aesthetic 

nurses. Together they have over 40 

Years of aesthetic experience. 

In an industry where many 

med spas offer only one brand of 

neurotoxin and filler so that they 

may achieve a top tier to reduce 

their costs, Central Coast Medical 

Aesthetics provide client-specific 

treatment options. 

The spa uses 3 different types of 

neurotoxins, several different fillers 

such as Radiesse, Belotero, Voluma, 

Juvederm XC, Volbella and Vollure 

along with Restylane/Sculptra in 

the face. The staff is trained on 

injecting Sculptra in various areas 

of the body such as the buttocks - 

also known as the Brazilian Butt Lift. 

They are the first to offer this in the 

valley and Central Coast! 

Cutting-Edge Treatment 

In addition to their widespread 

variety of options in fillers and 

neurotoxins, CCMA also maintains 

the latest cutting-edge lasers. 

Instead of utilizing a standard 

laser for it’s few modalities, 

the spa considers the type of 

treatment and the biology/desires 

of the client then selects the most 

appropriate of a wide collection of 

lasers. For instance, the Candela 

Gentlemax- Pro may be selected 

for hyperpigmentation aka sun 

damage, tightening and IPL’s. The 

Syneron Co2re will most likely be 

used for resurfacing the skin to treat 

fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, 

and deeper pigmentation 

issues. The Candela 

Gentlemax-Pro is also 

utilized to treat vascular 

issues and Laser Hair 

Removal. Microneedling 

is the go-to treatment 

for shrinking pore size. 

The Co2re Intima is 

used for women’s health 

issues such as vaginal 

rejuvenation/urinary 

incontinence. 

Vampire Procedures 

Interested in learning more about 

the infamous vampire procedures? 

No problem! Central Coast Medical 

Aesthetics is certified in vampire 

procedures such as the O-shot, the 

Vampire face lift and the vampire facial. 

In fact, one of the spa’s latest laser 

purchases is the Syneron Profound. 

This is the only FDA device that 

makes your body produce it’s own 

elastin and hyaluronic acid. If you want 

the next best thing to a facelift without 

surgery the Profound is exactly what 

you are looking for. It amazingly lifts 

and tightens the face and neck as well 

as treats the body for tightening and 

significant cellulite reduction! 

Coolsculpting 

Coolsculpting is another service 

offered by the spa. In fact, they were 

one of the first centers to bring the 

procedure to the Paso Robles area. 

Since healthy, youthful and 

radiant looking skin is a desire 

of most women, the facility 

also provides many other spa 

services such as massage, eyelash 

extensions, waxing, microblading 

and body wraps. CCMA has 3 

amazing estetician’s and sells a 

wide range of Obagi, skin cueticals 

and Image products which satisfy 

each clients needs. The spa also 

offers, infrared services such as the 

Fit Wrap — which helps with pain, 

healing and the loss of inches — and 

acne treatments using the Celluma. 

Rachelle Osterbauer and Brianne Simoes 

With so many options in terms 

of product and services, it is easy 

to see why Central Coast Medical 

Aesthetics is so highly regarded 

within the industry. The spas 

owners are inspired and motivated 

by the knowledge that their work 

increases the confidence levels of 

the beautiful people that trust them 

in their cosmetic journey. 

2120 Golden Hill Rd Ste. 201 

Paso Robles, CA 93446 

805-238-6330 

centralcoastmedicalaesthetics.com 

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“A Dream You Dream Alone Is Only A 

Dream. A Dream You Dream Together 

Is Reality.” 

— John Lennon/Yoko Ono” 

“If humanity does not opt for integrity 

we are through completely. It is 

absolutely touch and go. Each one of us 

could make the difference.” 

— R. Buckminster Fuller 

Season’s Greetings, one and all! We 

have so much to be thankful for, 

and so much we are blessed with. 

Our neighbors to the north and south 

have suffered so much these past few 

years. When I read that the Camp fire was headed toward Paradise, I 

called my sister. Formerly, she was a teacher at Paradise Middle School, 

and now teaches high school math in Chico. By the time I called her, 

she was already evacuated to Oroville with her husband and five kids. 

They spent 10 days in Oroville as her former stomping grounds burned 

to the ground. Luckily, her neighbor plowed a firebreak which probably 

saved her home and many others as the fire enveloped the area. It came 

within 1,000 feet of her home, but last week the mandatory evacuation 

was lifted and they were welcomed back home. But it will not feel the 

same for some considerable time. 

On Thanksgiving, we received long-awaited rain, and Chico was 

provided its fair share. That will go a long way toward bringing serenity 

and life back to the area. At the same time, rain can be its own hazard 

after devastating fire, providing the ingredients for mudslides. 

Passing through Thanksgiving week as these fires were put down, we 

can be especially thankful for the highly-trained emergency responders 

and firefighters who do all they can to prevent the spread of destruction 

from these not-so-natural disasters. THANK YOU!!! 

Despite the apocalyptic scenes painted as the end of times, it is of 

due note that while fire is a natural element, the causes of the two devastating 

fires are attributed to power lines owned by power companies, 

north and south, and the Tubbs and Thomas fires were also suspected to 

be caused by power lines, privately and corporately owned, respectively. 

The fires, the mudslides, and the death and destruction associated 

with them are not natural disasters, but our own making. We should not 

be surprised, that as we increase the population the planet and enjoy the 

benefits of that growth, disasters like these will become more tragic. 

We cherish our families, our friends, and our loved ones who make 

life worth living and sharing. Without them, we would all have less 

of the best things in life. This season, treasure them all the more, and 

please be careful, and watchful, in regards to all of our safety and 

security as we celebrate the merry and bright together during the most 

wonderful time of the year. 

Please enjoy this issue of COLONY Magazine. 

Nicholas Mattson 

805-391-4566 

nic@colonymagazine.com 

Editorial Policy 

Commentary reflects the views of the writers and does not necessarily reflect those of COLONY 

Magazine. COLONY Magazine is delivered free to 15,775 addresses in North San Luis Obispo 

County. Our costs are paid entirely by advertising revenue. Our Local Business section spotlights 

select advertisers, but all other stories are determined solely by our editors. Submit editorial 

ideas, press releases, letters and photos to editorial@colonymagazine.com. 

For advertising inquiries and rates, story ideas and submission of photos, 

letters, press releases, etc., email publisher@COLONYmagazine.com. 

If thou wouldest win Immortality 

of Name, either do things worth 

the writing, or write things 

worth the reading. 

— Thomas Fuller, 1727 


Visit us!! 7450 Morro Road, Atascadero 

Greg Malik was Voted Best of North County Real Estate Agents 

2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 

A+ 

RATING 

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helping me sell my home. He went above and beyond in his duty as a realtor! I 

don't know what I would have done without Greg's kindnesses! He gave me such 

peace of mind while I had to deal with other circumstances. Thank you so much!" 

Karen d’Autremont, Atascadero 

November 2018 

Proudly Helping people buy and sell their North County homes since 1980 

Greg Malik 

Seniors Real Estate Specialist 

DRE# 01460686 

December 2018, COLONY Magazine colonymagazine.com | 7

Symphony of the Vines Presents 

nternationally-traveled, virtuoso trumpet 

player, Paul Merkelo will be featured during 

“The Russian Connection” symphony concert 

on Sunday, January 6, in Atascadero. 

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Greg Magie, 

Conductor of the Symphony of the Vines 

Orchestra. 

Magie and Merkelo were college chums at 

the prestigious Eastman School of Music in 

New York. 

“I met Paul when I was searching for a trumpet 

player for a brass quintet I managed,” Magie 

said. “Paul had just transferred from the University 

of Illinois and I invited him to join.” Over 

the next three years, the two horn players (Magie 

plays French horn) spent countless hours in 

rehearsal, performance, and competitions. 

“He always impressed me with his tone, 

technique, and musicianship,” Magie remembers. 

“We all took our studies and craft seriously, 

but we could also relax and have fun as a 

group. Paul quickly excelled to the top ranks 

of the trumpet studio, and it was clear that he 

had a great future ahead of him in music.” 

Paul Merkelo has been the Solo Trumpet of 

the Montreal Symphony Orchestra since 1995. 

He has played with orchestras throughout the 

United States, and extensively toured North and 

South America, Europe, Russia and Asia. He 

made his New York debut at Lincoln Center 

with the New World Symphony and Michael 

Tilson in 1998. 

Paul Merkelo believes that his skills are earned 

not gifted. “When I was young, there were many 

things I was no good at, but I felt there was a bit 

of hope for playing the trumpet,” he explained. 

“I was never the most naturally gifted trumpet 

player, but I knew that was what I wanted to do 

as a career.” 

Magie and Merkelo reconnected during the 

summer a couple of years back in Santa Barbara 

and began planning a concert with North County’s 

orchestra, Symphony of the Vines. “When 

we talked about repertoire, he suggested the 

Shostakovich Trumpet Concerto because he is 

going to Moscow later in January 2019 to record 

it with the Moscow Philharmonic,” Magie 

said. “Once we decided on a work by the Russian 

composer, Dmitri Shostakovich, I built a program 

around it.” The concert’s music focuses on 

the artists Shostakovich knew and studied with 

at the St. Petersburg Conservatory; his teacher, 

Alexander Glazounov, and colleague, Sergei 

Prokofiev. That is why the concert is called “The 

Russian Connection.” 

You can experience world-renowned trumpet 

player, Paul Merkelo, and the Symphony of the 

Vines Orchestra on Sunday, January 6, 3 pm, 

at the Atascadero Methodist Church, 11605 

El Camino Real, Atascadero. Tickets are $15 - 

$30, and children K-12 are free with a paid adult 

thanks to a sponsorship from Jim and Carolyn 

Brescia. Tickets are available at the door or online 

at symphonyofthevines.org. 

2018 Business of the Year 

Reliable Power. 

Performance you can trust! 

805-466-2218 5025 El Camino Real www.glennsrepair.com 


Handmade & Home-made Items 

Friday, Nov. 30 

9am to 5pm 

Saturday, Dec. 1 

9am to 2pm 

St. Luke’s 

Episcopal Church 

5318 Palma Avenue, Atascadero 


ROUND TOWN 

ärt/ 

Both Sides of the Pond 

By Marie Ramey 

Since the beginning, Mother Earth has offered her beauty and bounty for all. We are not always good stewards of Earth. 

This is an issue shared across our globe. Climate change, pollution, careless industry practices, and more pose a serious 

threat to Earth’s water supplies, ecosystems, and oceans. 

ärt/ in Atascadero is proud to present Both Sides of the Big Pond: Sharing Common Ground, an exhibit joining together 

the vision of two photographers who live an ocean apart. Marty Cullen from Dugannon, Northern Ireland, in County Tyrone 

and Michael V. Messina from Atascadero. Each photographer has responded to his own vision to express Earth’s irreplaceable 

beauty with the knowledge that as nature’s balance is destroyed, nothing will ever be the same. 

DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER, BY MARTY CULLEN 

Marty Cullen is a fine art photographer, 

artist, and sculptor who is a 

graduate of law and political philosophy 

from Ruskin College, Oxford and 

the University of Warwick. 

The Sperrin Mountains, Ireland’s 

largest mountain range encompasses 

a quarter of the landmass of Northern 

Ireland. “The People in this rural area 

of the Sperrins have a long history of 

struggle and a determination not often 

found in the towns and cities.” With 

his love of the Sperrins and his personal 

involvement with people native 

MARTY CULLEN 

to the land who have formed a grassroots opposition against proposals 

currently underway to intensively mine for gold in this sacred place, Marty 

brings to us their struggle to maintain their way of life which will disappear 

as hundreds of tons of ore waste, along with the chemicals such as 

cadmium, mercury, arsenic, zinc, and sodium cyanide are generated in the 

process of gold mining destroying this mystical place. 

Marty’s photography for Both Sides of the Pond depicts his visual concept 

constructed around isolation and loss. His imagery is produced in 

monotones and slight hints of duotone and influenced by eastern and 

northern European photo realists. The mountains are laid bare for the 

viewer to see that the story of the Sperrins is also a shared story of America…loss 

of our natural heritage through the destructive footprint of humanity. 

Marty will join us through photographs and a video presentation. 

FLIGHT OF THE PELICAN, BY MICHAEL MESSINA 

Michael V. Messina is an educator 

and fine art portrait, wedding, and 

travel photographer. He studied 

photography at the San Francisco 

Academy of Art where he developed 

a painterly style that captures 

a range of creative themes inspired 

by the Renaissance, Baroque, and 

Pre-Raphaelite masters. 

Traveling by kayak, Michael found 

himself not only drawn to the beauty 

of the Morro Bay Estuary, but ongoing 

concern for the vitality of this 

critical wildlife transition from land 

MICHAEL V. MESSINA 

to sea. This nursery of the sea protects thousands of species that include 

migratory birds, mammals, fish, and other wildlife that spend some period 

of their developmental lifecycle in the estuary. Human threats to 

the native estuary include fertilizers, pet waste, untreated human sewage 

from failing septic tanks, industrial discharges, storm water runoff, and 

sediment from construction sites. 

Michael’s vision began to take place when exploring the estuary by 

kayak photographing vegetation, mammals, and migratory birds. In 

early morning treks, he began to sense the spirit of the Chumash people 

who are an integral part of the estuary and its history as a sacred place. 

The estuary and the Chumash Spirit are one. He has woven organic 

and textured images captured from an eye-level perspective as seen from 

his kayak. 

Exhibit to be held at ärt/ — 5806 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA — runs through January 26, 2019 

Because of organizations such as the Morro Bay National Estuary Program, the estuary maintains its vitality. Natural habitats are repaired and 

the health of the estuary is continually monitored. Visitors and residents are educated about the critical balance of nature’s nursery. Marty 

and Michael would like us to know that the balance of Nature as we know it is within our grasp if we feel the heartbeat of Mother Earth. 


Sun-Thu: 4-9p / Fri-Sat: 4-11p 

Inside the Historic Carlton Hotel 

Join us for our 

Holiday Parties! 

Christmas Eve & Christimas Day 

Special Christmas Offerings 

New Year’s Eve 

Reserve a Setting for Two 

• Live Music & Festivities during Holidays 

See: nauticalcowboy.com for special menus 

from your 

805-461-5100 nauticalcowboy.com 

6005 El Camino Real, Atascadero 

Now Taking Reservations 

Take Out: Call to Order 

Email: nauticalcowboy@the-carlton.com 


ROUND TOWN 

The PERFECT GIFT starts with 

Love & Thought 

the most wonderful time 

of the year!” There’s nothing 

like chilly night parades “It’s 

with hot cocoa in hand, picking 

out the perfect Christmas tree as 

a family and anticipating your first 

visit from that silly elf! 

The minute that Target Holiday 

Catalog hits the mailbox (before 

Halloween) the boys start clipping 

and pasting their Christmas wishes 

for Santa and are eager to get 

the Christmas lights hung. I just 

love these traditions we have created 

as a family and look forward 

to them each year. 

One tradition we have continued 

is making the majority of our 

gifts at home. Coming up with 

something unique and meaningful 

each year is so much fun. Teaching 

the kids that giving is just as 

fun as getting is important. And 

seeing the looks of excitement as 

their grandma opens something 

that they had worked so hard on 

is priceless. 

One year we poured paint colors 

into the inside of clear Christmas 

tree bulbs and personalized each 

and every one with sticker monograms. 

They came out amazing! Or 

the cool mosaic stepping stones 

we made with chipped dishes and 

outdoor pots that were a hit! My 

oldest son’s preschool teacher still 

proudly has hers displayed right 

outside her classroom door. But 

I’m pretty sure the snow globes 

we made out of salt and pepper 

shakers were number one! 

Gifts made with love and 

thought mean more than any 

pair of slippers or collared shirt… 

guaranteed! This year is all about 

pampering and self care, because 

everyone loves to feel their best. To 

By Sarah Pope 

add a holiday feel to our gifts we 

decided to go with a peppermint 

scent for our Lip Balm and Sugar 

Scrub. So far, my (11, 9 and 3 year 

old) helpers haven’t lost interest! 

WHIPPED PEPPERMINT 

SUGAR SCRUB 

• ½ cup coconut oil 

• ¼ cup sugar 

• ¼ cup pink sugar (sugar + 1 drop 

of red food coloring) 

• 6 drops peppermint essential oil 

• Air-tight jars (Amazon.com) 

DIRECTIONS 

1. Mix sugar and one drop of red 

food coloring to make pink sugar 

(set aside). 

2. Combine white sugar and coconut 

oil. Beat together until it 

becomes light and fluffy. 

3. Mix in pink sugar. 

4. Scoop into jars. 

PEPPERMINT LIP BALM 

1 ½ tbsp natural beeswax 

1 tbsp coconut oil 

1 tbsp shea butter 

2 tbsp sweet almond oil (or olive 

oil) 

20 drops peppermint essential oil 

Tins with lids (Amazon.com) 

DIRECTIONS 

1. Boil water 

2. In a separate glass measuring 

cup mix beeswax, shea butter, coconut 

oil and sweet almond oil. 

3. Place glass inside pot of boiling 

water and melt ingredients while 

stirring. 

4. Remove from heat and add 20 

drops of peppermint essential oil 

and stir. 

5. Pour into tins right away. 

Super easy, right? Now add your 

own personal touch with a label or 

some colored twine and a candy 

cane! Ta-Da! Christmas shopping 

DONE! Be sure to make a little 

extra to pamper yourself during 

the chilly holiday season. Have 

the happiest of holidays. 

A reverse mortgage 

loan could help you 

live more comfortably. 

Call today to learn more about this HECM loan 

program* for accessing your home’s equity. 

Bob Gayle Reverse 

Mortgage 

Specialist 

805/772-3658 

Real Estate Broker, California Bureau of Real Estate, 

License 00466813 • NMLS License. 582948 

Division of 

Aegean Financial, 

CA BRE #01478751, 

NMLS #157935 

Owner must be 62, maintain 

property as primary residence 

and must also remain current 

on property taxes, any fees 

and homeowners insurance. 

Other conditions may apply. 

*THIS PRODUCT OR SERVICE HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR 

ENDORSED BY ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY AND THIS OFFER 

IS NOT BEING MADE BY AN AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT. 17-013 


Remembering SLO Stringer 

By Melissa Chavez 

Highway memorial sign honors photojournalist Matthew Frank 

When Matthew Frank 

died in a car accident 

on his way to a twoalarm 

fire during the wee hours of 

March 21, 2017, it seemed as if all 

of San Luis Obispo County reeled 

at the news. As more information 

became known about the anonymous 

local photojournalist known 

as SLOStringer, the loss became 

even more inconceivable. He had 

just turned 30. How could someone 

so young, vibrant, and integral to 

the daily lives of so many people be 

gone so soon? 

SLOStringer was esteemed by 

citizens and first responders alike for 

accurate, time-sensitive reporting of 

traffic accidents, fires and other incidents. 

Hundreds attended his funeral. 

To this day, people who have 

never met Matthew still mention on 

social media the loss of his presence. 

On November 2, a ceremony was 

held to dedicate a stretch of Highway 

101 between Avila Beach Drive 

and Spyglass Drive as Matthew 

“SLOStringer” Frank Memorial 

Highway. The proposal, introduced 

by 35th District Assemblyman Jordan 

Cunningham, was made official 

last August. Flanked by fire trucks 

and rescue units, a large crowd witnessed 

the ribbon-cutting at Madonna 

Meadow, approximately ten 

miles from where Matthew died. 

A VIBRANT 

YOUNG MAN 

Mila Vujovich-LaBarre, one of 

Matthew’s teachers at San Luis 

Obispo High School, remembers 

him well. Matthew also babysat for 

her daughters, Danica and Jorja. 

“He was enthusiastic, smart, 

compassionate and had a sense of 

humor,” Mila said. “Matt dutifully 

transported my precious daughters 

to and from school and helped 

with other daily chores of running 

a household. Matt was a champion 

in that he was always upbeat around 

the children and had high standards 

for their behavior. My children 

would always share Matt’s ‘Lesson 

of the Day’ at our dinner table about 

road safety or life in general. I can 

see the future SLOStringer’s smiling 

face and hear his charming voice 

like it was yesterday. His early passing 

was so very tragic. He served our 

community well with such a humble 

demeanor. My prayers and good 

thoughts are with his family and 

close friends. May he rest in peace.” 

A CONTINUAL 

OUTPOURING 

The day after Matthew died, 

Coast 104.5 FM radio produced a 

tribute to him in the form of a compilation 

of music and statements by 

the community who shared stories 

of the direct impact that he had 

on their lives. 

One man described his encounter 

with Matthew after learning 

that his father committed suicide. 

When he saw inquiries about police 

and coroner activity posted on 

the SLOStringer Facebook page, he 

contacted Matthew with a request 

to keep details of his father’s death 

private as he returned to the Central 

Coast. Matthew honored his request, 

replied with condolences, and 

gave him his phone number. When 

they met over coffee three days later, 

Matthew presented him flowers for 

the man’s mother. 

“The respect that he had and the 

integrity that he had was something 

that had out-matured his age,” the 

man said.. “I’ll always remember 

meeting him… he wasn’t doing 

anything for pride, for ego boost 

or for money; he was just doing it 

because it was the right thing to do. 

He was doing it out of the kindness 

of his heart.” 

From August 13 to September 

6, 2016, Matthew provided roundthe-clock 

coverage of the 46,344- 

acre Chimney Fire stretching from 

Lake Nacimiento to Ft. Hunter 

Liggett in San Luis Obispo and 

Monterey counties. One woman’s 

family in Bryson was evacuated for 

ten days. When she realized that 

Matthew was reporting near her 

home, she asked if he could check 

on the chickens and cats on her 

property. When Matthew complied 

and contacted her the following 

day, she was amazed. Not only 

did Matthew send photos, he even 

fed her animals. 

Along with the public, firefighters’ 

family members expressed thanks 

on Matthew’s Facebook page for 

his posts, photos and video reports, 

which often surpassed those of the 

area’s most sophisticated media 

outlets, and for providing real-time 

information about the record-breaking 

inferno that destroyed 70 homes 

and structures. 

One woman, who preferred not 

to be named, saw Matthew almost 

daily when she worked nights as 

a Chimney Fire command post 

volunteer with the San Luis Obispo 

County Sheriff ’s Search and 

Rescue Unit. 

“He had more information than 

we had, but we gave him burritos,” 

the volunteer said. “Our job was to 

keep the generator going and the 

radios up. National media outlets 

were at the fairgrounds with Cal 

Fire. Where was Matthew? At the 

fire. It became erratic at one point, 

but he was the direct line to all of us. 

Matthew was there to help, not hinder, 

and he did so in more ways than 

people ever could. From the frontline, 

his information was invaluable. 

Matthew respected, honored, 

and helped us do our job as a third 

responder. He was truly respected 

and earned the trust of everybody, 

including kids. At the memorial last 

month, this little gal named Mercy 

carried a flag in her hand. Before he 

died, she’d told her mom that she 

was going to marry SLOStringer. 

“While Matthew’s mother spoke 

at the podium, CHP helicopter H70 

had to respond to a call,” said the 

volunteer. “As it flew up, the crowd 

was awestruck as it hovered there for 

a moment before it took off. I like to 

think that was to honor Matthew. 

He’s such a loss. There’s never going 

to be another SLOStringer. I’ve 

never met somebody who had so 

much compassion for our community. 

He truly was an amazing angel 

and we were gifted by him.” 


COLONY PEOPLE 

Becoming Santa 

Charley Carlin’s Saint Nick is a year-round commitment 

As his wife whips up a 

latte in the kitchen, 

Charley Carlin uses 

the opportunity to 

hand his guest a business card. 

“I carry these with me all the 

time, year round,” he says. 

Instead of the usual name, title 

and place of business, this 4-by-6 

card features a painted image of 

Santa Claus modeled after Carlin, 

a longtime Atascadero resident. 

“The directions are on the 

back,” he says. 

A flip of the card reveals a simple 

message: “Be good!” 

Not surprisingly, Carlin hands 

out more of these cards after 

Thanksgiving – when he dons 

his red hat for the first time in 

his official capacity as North 

County Santa. But with his thick 

white beard, rounded belly and 

approachable smile, he is “recognized” 

year-round. No matter 

where he travels, he gets the celebrity 

treatment, even if no one 

knows his actual name. 

Instead, he’s Pape Noel in Chile, 

Jólasveinn in Iceland or, most 

often, just Santa. 

“I get recognized no matter 

where I am,” said Carlin, who 

recently spent 40 days traveling 

the Baltics – with a Santa-esque 

pass over the Arctic Circle – with 

his wife, Anet. 

And, of course, he doesn’t try to 

avoid the attention. 

“I wear a lot of things that 

are red anyway,” he says, wearing 

a shirt featuring dozens of 

red chili peppers. 

Carlin will take up his usual 

Santa duties in Paso Robles this 

year, appearing at the Vine Street 

Victorian Christmas Showcase, 

the Christmas Light Parade and 

his temporary house in City Park. 

In photos from the 70s, Carlin 

looked like he could pass for a 

member of a Laurel Canyon rock 

band. But his hair began to turn 

white at 40, and -- like Tim Allen 

in “The Santa Clause” -- he 

has seemingly morphed into the 

jolly elf. Given his striking similarity 

to Saint Nick, about 15 years 

ago, Anet first offered his services 

as Santa to the holiday parade in 

By Patrick Pemberton 

San Luis Obispo. 

The two met decades ago, when 

Anet, a relocated Texan, taught 

theatre in San Luis Obispo. 

“He was my student at Cuesta 

College and hit on me,” 

she remembers. “I said, ‘I am 

your teacher!’” 

Ten years later, she 

finally relented. 

“Please don’t represent me as a 

cradle robber,” she pleads, to which 

Charley quickly responds with a 

smile: “Or me as a grave robber.” 

Charley, who went on to earn 

a degree in computer science and 

mathematics from Cal Poly, became 

a computer expert, working 

for many years as a senior computer 

support staffer at PG&E. Anet 

was a player in the local arts scene, 

becoming instrumental in the formation 

of the popular PCPA theatre 

program in Solvang and the 

Great American Melodrama and 

Vaudeville in Oceano. For a few 

years, the two even hosted regular 

theatre performances in their 

backyard. The Brickyard Theatre, 

with 12 performances a year, raised 

money for local non-profits, including 

Hospice of SLO. 

Of course, it makes sense that 

they’d be giving – this is Santa 

Claus, after all. And, for Santa, 

charity isn’t just local. The Carlins 

have also raised tens of thousands 

of dollars to build a Tibetan school 

for girls in Northern India. 

“I’m out to make the world a 

better place,” says Charley, 68, just 

like a Santa character in a Hallmark 

Channel movie. 

Luckily, he married someone 

with a similar sentiment. Anet, 

who became a Buddhist in 1963, 

speaks fondly of helping girls in 

India get an education. 

“The idea of doing something to 

help children that far away is like a 

dream of mine,” Anet says. 

The school is located amid rugged 

terrain – and often snowed 

in. Yet, the couple still plans 

to visit sometime within the 

year, even if that requires some 

physical exertion. 

“I hiked the Himalayas when 

I was 50,” Anet says. “And 

I’m 78 now.” 

A look at their home reveals 

that this is a couple that values 

travel – and art. And, of course, 

some of that art includes depictions 

of Santa. No matter where 

they go – be it Russia, Sweden, 

Greenland or Germany – they try 

to pick up Santa mementos. 

It’s sort of like research. 

“We’ve been checking to see 

how Santa is portrayed across the 

world,” Charley says. 

But for now, they’re sticking to 

North County for the holidays. 

And once Charley dons his official 

Santa digs, he’ll get mobbed 

by little kids, whether it’s at the 

popular Vine Street event or the 

local grocery store. 

“In December, it might take an 

hour to get a loaf of bread,” he said. 


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snslaundromat@gmail.com 


JUST 

SKATING BY 

Kevin Campion 

is a champion 

of SLO County’s 

skater culture 

By Patrick Pemberton 

In Atascadero, Kevin Campion 

is known for his contributions 

to the skateboard 

and scooter community. But as a 

kid, he spent much more time in 

water than on wheels. 

“I started swimming competitively 

when I was 5 years old,” 

he said. 

For 22 years, he competed 

through college at Humboldt 

State. But eventually the overtraining 

caught up with him. 

“Sometimes we were doing 

four or five hours a day in the 

water,” he said. 

Today, the surfer spends more 

time in salt water than chlorinated 

water. And while he no longer 

coaches fellow swimmers like he 

once did, he still provides mentorship 

to kids through the Atown 

Park, which he has run, through 

a contract with the city, for 

the past decade. 

“I think we’re making a contribution,” 

he said. 

In between swimming, Campion 

found time as a youth to surf 

and skate in the Bay Area, where 

he grew up. And in 1984, Campion 

opened his first surf shop, 

Marin Surf Sport. The business 

was so successful that he eventually 

sold it and moved on to other 

ventures. One of those, as part 

owner of Poor Boy surf brand, 

brought him to Atascadero. That 

too was popular enough to sell, 

eventually leading to two visible 

local endeavors, both associated 

with skateboarding: The Atown 

Park and the 805 Boardshop are 

both off of Traffic Way, within 

skating distance of each other. 

“For the record, 805 Boardshop 

has been around longer than 805 

beer,” Campion said, referring to 

the popular Firestone Walker beer 

brand. “Everybody keeps saying, 

‘Can I get a beer here?’ No.” 

San Luis Obispo County, 

boasting several skateparks, has 

some pretty serious skateboard 

cred. Stacy Peralta, a legendary 

past skate champion and director 

of acclaimed skater biopic “Dogtown 

and Z-Boys,” lives in Cayucos, 

just a few miles north of the 

Morro Bay Skateboard Museum. 

Campion’s shop is a bit of a museum 

itself, with boards on display 

that date back to the 50s. 

When he’s not selling skater 

shoes, shirts or decks, he can be 

seen at the nearby Atown Park, 

an indoor skatepark that recently 

added an 8-foot tall half-pipe. 

While there are other skateparks 

in the county, this is the only indoor 

one. And it has a staff that 

provides supervision, making all 

visitors feel welcome and safe. 

There are strict rules at Atown 

Park, Campion said, which require 

patrons to respect one another. 

“We’ll get 40-year-old skateboarders 

riding with 8-year-old 

scooter riders, and everybody is 

getting along,” he said. 

The park’s positive reputation 

has drawn support from organizations 

such as the Rotary Club 

of Atascadero and Home Depot, 

which recently donated money 

and volunteer time for the 

new half-pipe. 

Campion will continue to 

champion the cause of skaters in 

Atascadero. But while he still surfs 

regularly, Campion has scaled 

back his skateboarding, which 

began back when wheels were 

made of clay. 

“I’m 62 years old,” he said. “I 

don’t want to fall anymore.” 

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Unique Boutiques & Great Gift Ideas 

Shop local this holiday season, and get what you need right here at home. Our Holiday Gift Guide businesses want to see you soon! 

815 12th St., Paso 

(805) 296 3833 

Chic Boutique for Babes and Babies Women’s & Baby Clothing, Jewelry, Home Decor 

f a r r o n e l i z a b e t h 

FINE JEWELRY 

5955 Entrada Ave. 

(805) 464-7977 

Atascadero, CA 93422 farronelizabeth.com 

1224 Pine Street, Paso Robles • (805)238-2231 

Hope 

Chest 

Emporium 

Old Ranch, 

Antique & 

Local Goods 

Finer Home Decor & Year Round Holidays 

831 13th Street, Paso Robles 805-369-2829 

Our community is filled with 

Unique Boutique shops with Great Gift Ideas. 

Our locally-owned shops are ready to make your holidays the best 

ever with hometown love and warmth. 

Read more about our Holiday Gift Guide shops on the next page. 

CONTEST: Collect a business card from each shop, take a picture of all 9 cards 

together by Dec. 15 and email to publisher@pasomagazine.com, or post to our 

Facebook Page for a chance to win a $200 Gift Card to the shop of your choice! 

Happy Holidays 

From all of us at COLONY Magazine!

Bijou on the Park — Paso Robles 

815 12th St. Paso Robles, CA 93446 

(805) 296-3833 • bijouonthepark.com 

• The woman who wants to look like herself 

and not the masses 

• Explore swoon-worthy clothing, ridiculously 

cute baby items and chic home accessories 

• Get lost in our store, soak in the beautifully 

curated merchandise 

• Mention this ad for 15% off one item! 

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10am - 6pm | Friday-Saturday 10am - 7pm 

anna & mom — Atascadero 

5945 Entrada Ave. Atascadero, CA 93422 

(805) 464-2922 • annaandmom.com 

clothing & gifts for children & the people who love them. 

• Clothing & Accessories for women, girls, 

boys, baby & maternity 

• Home Accents 

• Toys & books & gifts 

• anna & mom offer something for everyone 

Hours: Mo, Tu, Wed, Th, Sat 10am - 5pm | Friday 10-7 | Sunday 11-4 

Bella Jule — Paso Robles 

1224 Pine St, Paso Robles, CA 93446 

(805) 238-2231 • bellajule.com 

Farron Elizabeth — Atascadero 

5955 Entrada Ave. Atascadero, CA 93422 

(805) 464-7977 • farronelizabeth.com 

• Cutting edge software to design 

your special piece of jewelry 

• Use gems of your own or a piece with a 

Bella Jule Designs diamond or gemstone 

• Custom, tailored designs 

• Friendly, comfortable atmosphere 

• Stop by and meet the Bella Jule designers! 

Hours: Tu-Th 10am - 5:30pm | Fri 10am - 6pm | Sat 10am - 3pm 

• Fun women’s boutique located in the heart of 

Downtown Atascadero 

• Wide variety of clothing, jewelry & accessories 

• Well made products at an affordable price 

• Tons of new inventory every week 

• Come let one of our friendly staff members put together an 

entire outfit for under $100! 

Hours: M-Th 10:30am - 6pm | Fri 10:30am - 7pm | Sat. 11am - 6pm 

Hope Chest Emporium — Atascadero 

5800 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422 

FB & Insta: @TheHopeChestEmporium 

(805) 440-9703 

• A unique blend of locally-made, restored 

or repurposed furniture, decor, candles, 

garden items, and so much more. 

• Items to use in your home and garden or 

give as a wonderful gift 

• New items arrive daily — come by anytime and browse! 

Hours: Open Daily from 10am - 5:30pm 

Funky Wonderland Vintage — Paso Robles 

829 10th Street, Paso Robles, California 93446 

(805) 369-2781 • funkywonderland.com 

Now open in Paso Robles, featuring a fun collection of vintage 

apparel, collectibles, Hollywood memorabilia and art! 

We love providing visitors with unique and fun items 

that they won’t find elsewhere. Come take a peek at our 

inventory, and a step back in time, and enjoy the obnoxious 

and alluring collection that is none other than 

Funky Wonderland Vintage. 

Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm | Sun 11am-5am | Closed Mondays 

Sixteen Twenty — Paso Robles 

831 13th Street, Paso Robles, 93446 

(805) 369-2829 

(805) 610-1828 for a private shopping appt. 

Offering a trip through history with our finer home goods, gifts, 

decor, and year-round holidays. Come see our reproduction 

painted primitive furniture, vintage Christmas and much more! 

We even have a room dedicated to men! They deserve to have fun too! 

Hours: M-T-Th-F-Sat-Sun 10:30am - 5:30pm | Closed Wednesdays 

SHOPPING CONTEST — WIN $200! 

Thank you for shopping local, and enjoying our Unique Boutique 

shops with Great Gift Ideas Holiday Gift Guide. If you haven’t 

stopped in to say hi to new and longtime local business, please do 

and tell them PASO & COLONY Magazine sent you! 

Our locally-owned shops are ready to make your holidays the best 

ever with hometown love and warmth. 

CONTEST: Collect a business card from each shop, take 

a picture of all 9 cards together by Dec. 15 and email to 

publisher@pasomagazine.com, or post to our Facebook Page 

for a chance to win a $200 Gift Card to the shop of your choice! 


Winter 

Wonderland 

Get into the Christmas spirit with events around Atascadero 

By Heather Young 

Downtown Atascadero comes alive 

with the Christmas spirit at Winter 

Wonderland on Friday, Dec. 7 

from 5 to 9 p.m. The event centers around 

Sunken Gardens and pours into the downtown 

streets. The event is free and has something 

for people of all ages. 

“Due to living on the Central Coast, it 

never snows,” Atascadero resident Amy 

Foster said. “It is always such a joy to 

watch our boys share in a snowball fight. 

My husband and I even join in on the 

snowy fun too.” 

Foster’s children also chimed in with 

their favorite things at the event. 

“My favorite part is going around and 

checking out all the booths,” said Riley, 6. 

His brother, Kyle, said his favorite part of 

the event is “getting to throw the snowballs.” 

Deputy City Manager Terrie Banish said 

that more than 53 tons of snow is brought 

in for the event, making it “the only winter 

wonderland event of its kind in the 

county.” The Kiwanis Club of Atascadero 

creates a massive snow slide on Palma Avenue 

at Traffic Way. There are also two snow 

piles: one for children under 12 and one 

older than 12. 

“My daughter looks forward to playing 

in real snow,” Atascadero resident Michele 

Coombs said. “Sometimes it is the only time 

she sees snow all year. It really gets us in the 

Christmas spirit.” 

Around Sunken Gardens and throughout 

the downtown, more than 50 food, craft 

and nonprofit groups will have booths. Banish 

also said there will be obstacle courses, 

bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, 

Santa & Mrs. Claus, Atown Park Scooter 

Demonstrations, Joe’s Little Train by the 

Elks, Atascadero elementary and high 

school show choirs, and music by Medina 

Light Show and Designs. 

Atascadero resident Sydney Drexler, 9, 

said her favorite part of Winter Wonderland 

is “running around having fun and 

throwing snowballs.” 

This event is presented by the City of 

Atascadero and its many sponsors. Go to 

VisitAtascadero.com or call 805-470-3360 

for more information. 

WINTER WONDERLAND ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP: 

5-5:35 p.m.: Motion Academy of Dance 

5:40-6 p.m.: Atascadero Fine Arts Academy Dance Group 

6-6:40 p.m.: Atascadero elementary choir 

6:40-7:15 p.m.: Atascadero High School Concert & Show Choir 

7:15-9 p.m.: Live D.J. music 

* Times are approximate. Entertainment will take place on the steps of 

the City Administration Building. The North Pole location for Santa 

and Mrs. Claus will be on the Atascadero Junior High School side of 

City Hall. 

SEE PAGE 20 FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS! 


MORE UPCOMING 

HOLIDAY EVENTS 

Holiday Magic at 

Charles Paddock Zoo 

Zoo Holiday Magic at 

Charles Paddock Zoo 

in Atascadero will take 

place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

on Saturday, Dec. 15. 

The annual event offers a chance 

to deliver special gifts to animal 

friends. For more info, go to 

Atascadero.org or call the zoo at 

805-461-5080. 

Musical Holiday 

Walk Around 

Atascadero Lake 


The 20th annual Musical Holiday 

Walk Around the Lake at 

Atascadero Lake will take place 

from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, 

Dec. 1. Hot cider, popcorn 

IN ATASCADERO 

and other refreshments will be 

available as attendees walk around 

the lake. There will be free entry 

into Charles Paddock Zoo from 

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

If there is steady rain prior to 

or during the event, some of the 

street activities may be cancelled. 

Bring a flashlight and a warm 

coat. For more information, go to 

AtascaderoLake.net or call 805- 

550-3147. 

Atascadero Light Up 

the Downtown 

Holiday Celebration 

The lighting ceremony 

will take place Friday, Nov. 30. 

The Atascadero Art & Wine 

Tour will take place from 5:30 

to 8:30 p.m. Tickets for the tour 

will be for sale the night of the 

A crowd gathers for the Light Up Downtown celebration. 

Photo By Rick Evans 

event at City Hall or at Grape 

Encounters Wine Empourium 

for $20 per person. At 6 p.m., everyone 

will gather in front of City 

Hall for the lighting of Sunken 

Gardens and historic City Hall. 

Santa will arrive at 6:10 p.m. The 

Atascadero Fine Arts Academy 

Honor Choir will perform on 

the steps of City Hall. Free docent-led 

tours of City Hall will 

take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. 

along with free horse-drawn 

hayrides and Model-A fire truck 

rides and a visit with Santa and 

Mrs. Claus. For more information, 

go to VisitAtascadero.com. 

Visit AtascaderoChamber.org to 

purchase Art & Wine Tour tickets 

or call 805-466-2044. 


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Happy 

Holidays 

From Our Family 

To Yours! 


TENT CITY 

THE BIRTH OF ATASCADERO 

The Original Design for the Civic Center 

Once E.G. Lewis, a major 

magazine publisher 

from St. Louis (actually 

University City, Mo.) purchased 

the 23,000-acre Atascadero 

Rancho from Jason Henry in 

1913, and almost before starting 

to plan what he would do 

with the property, E.G. decided 

to start advertising the concept 

of Atascadero in a series 

of bulletins. Ultimately, there 

were nine Atascadero Bulletins 

published. The writers of 

this column will use and reference 

those bulletins in some of 

our columns published here in 

COLONY Magazine. Unfortunately, 

the Atascadero Historical 

Society does not have 

copies of all of the bulletins 

but we are currently working 

on a project to scan those we 

have and make them available 

on our website, as they make 

fascinating reading. 

This column will focus on 

E.G. Lewis’ initial design for 

the Atascadero Civic Center. 

Below is the perspective sketch 

of the planned Atascadero 

Civic Center, as well as a caption 

with a description of it, all 

appearing in Atascadero Bulletin 

#3, dated June 1913. (In 

the drawing’s title, notice the 

reference to “the Woman’s Republic,” 

indicating the role of a 

By The Atascadero Historical Society 

national organization Mr. and 

Mrs. Lewis had created in the 

very early 1900s, to promote 

the role of women in government.) 

More specifics about 

this connection will be presented 

in a later column. 

Some of the buildings in this 

sketch were built, but many were 

not. However, this sketch does 

show the early vision E.G. Lewis 

had for the city. His main collaborator 

was Walter Bliss, a San 

Francisco architect who was a 

member of the governing board 

of the Colony Holding Corporation. 

The Bliss firm, because of its 

knowledge of the most modern 

seismic design practices learned 

from their work in rebuilding 

San Francisco, after the 1906 

earthquake, was a great choice 

in designing the Civic Center of 

Atascadero. We think you will 

be impressed by the details of 

these buildings from the actual 

caption and some insights from 

our discussion which we hope 

you find informative. 

Notice the orientation of the 

Civic Center and the buildings 

that were planned. From this 

sketch, only the Administration 

Building was built as indicated, 

giving it the distinction of being 

the only building that was not 

significantly modified throughout 

the planning process. 

One eventual change from the 

diagram was to move the Administration 

Building and the 

current Sunken Gardens one 

block east of the State Highway, 

currently El Camino Real 

(the caption describes the State 

Highway between the Administration 

Building and the current 

Sunken Gardens.) The caption 

also identifies “a central plaza 

and beautiful gardens” as a key 

feature behind the Administration 

Building. These were to be 

what we call Sunken Gardens 

and was originally intended to 

be where the current middle 

school is located. 

In keeping with the grand 

plan, an Opera House, a University 

and office buildings were 

all in the core of the planned 

city. The grand department store 

called La Plaza or the Mercantile, 

was the only other building 

described in the caption, that 

was built. This building, which 

had been converted into a hotel, 

known as the Atascadero Inn, 

burned to the ground in a fire 

in 1935. 

Until next time… 

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Not Your Parents’ CAREER and 

TECHNICAL EDUCATION 

By James J. Brescia Ed.D 

SLO County Office of 

Education Superintendent 

Career Technical Education 

(CTE) in each of our 

school districts provides 

North County students of all ages 

with the training, academic skills, 

and technical knowledge necessary 

to succeed in future careers. Our 

schools not only promote “Future 

Careers, Locally Grown” they support 

lifelong learning. Across the 

United States, nearly 12.5 million 

high school and college students 

are enrolled in CTE courses. CTE 

prepares these learners for the 

world of work by providing academic 

content, introducing workplace 

competencies, and exposing 

students to providing a hands-on 

context. The current 

high school graduation 

rate for CTE 

concentrators is about 

90 percent, which is 

nearly 15 percentage points higher 

than the national average. 

The San Luis Obispo County 

Office of Education established 

SLO Partners in 2014 to address 

college and career readiness among 

the county’s student 

population. SLO 

Partners’ mission is 

to engage business 

partners and educators 

in aligning 

workforce needs 

with career and college 

pathways and 

provide work experience 

opportunities 

to ensure that stu- 

“A dream doesn’t become a reality 

through magic; it takes sweat, 

determination, and hard work.” 

~Colin Powell 

dents have the skills and knowledge 

necessary for success in the 

workplace and businesses have the 

skilled workers required for a sound 

growing economy. SLO Partners is 

committed to collaborating with 

local businesses and education for 

pathways to opportunity 

and skilled 

local talent. 

Templeton High 

School is one such 

example of a blossoming 

CTE program 

in our county 

that has built up 

their program pathways. 

Energy and 

Power Technology, 

taught by Jason Diodati, is one 

of the school’s most robust CTE 

programs. This pathway includes 

engineering, manufacturing and 

energy. Many CTE courses are 

dual-enrolled with Cuesta College, 

allowing high school students to 

earn college credit through their 

high school courses. The program 

fosters local participation 

with large businesses such as 

PG&E and smaller businesses 

such as Dale Evers Arts Studio. 

Programs originated through local 

efforts of the school districts, the 

San Luis Obispo County Office of 

Education and legislators. 

“The price of success is hard work, 

dedication to the job at hand, and the 

determination that whether we win 

or lose, we have applied the best of 

ourselves to the task at hand.” 

~Vince Lombardi 


TENT CITY 

Brunch on the Bluffs 

Atascadero Greyhound Foundation Serves a Dish of Piedras Blancas 

Recently, I stopped by 

the Atascadero Unified 

School District office and 

found some original pamphlets of 

the Atascadero Greyhound Athletic 

Foundation, which proudly 

stated a goal “To Build A Better 

Greyhound Future.” 

If you are unfamiliar with the 

foundation, it is worth review because 

over nearly a quarter century, 

it has done just that. With an initial 

purpose of raising money to build an 

all-weather track for the Atascadero 

High School, the foundation began 

with a big focus on the Greyhound 

athlete. Since then, it dropped the 

“Athletic” part of its name to open 

the focus on all Greyhounds — including 

past, present and future. 

In 2012, the foundation formed 

the LIGHTHOUSE committee 

to address devastating drug-related 

issues affecting our community, specifically 

designed to help high school 

students struggling with addiction. 

In the past few years, LIGHT- 

HOUSE expanded its scope and 

continues to grow. In 2017, it raised 

more than $50,000 to seed a high 

school mentorship program pairing 

seniors at AHS with sixth-graders 

at Atascadero Middle School. Currently, 

a couple dozen pairs of mentor-mentees 

are participating for the 

2018-19 school year. 

LIGHTHOUSE has grown, 

and is not done building “A Better 

Greyhound Future.” There is still 

lots to do for the organization “developed 

because … major improvements 

in our [high school] facilities 

were only going to happen through 

community involvement.” 

A History of 

Atascadero Pride 

You might have heard that the 

boys water polo team were practicing 

in wetsuits during the fall season 

because the AHS swimming 

By Nicholas Mattson 

Donn Clickard thanks Diana and Wayne Cooper for catering. 

Photo by Nicholas Mattson 

pool heater had finally given up the 

ghost. Coincidentally, the Atascadero 

Greyhound Foundation pamphlet 

described “a long history of volunteer 

community pride” in Atascadero that 

included a 1960s effort of “extensive 

fundraising and mobilized corps of 

volunteers to build the pool at little 

cost to the school district.” With a 

price tag of multi-millions to build 

a proper aquatics center for the high 

school, it is not likely that will come 

at “little cost to the school district” 

this time around, but it will still take 

a community effort. 

AHS coach and middle school 

teacher Jon Conrad, along with former 

water polo player and local developer 

Max Zappas, approached the 

Atascadero Greyhound Foundation 

in their current campaign to kickstart 

new pool construction. Conrad and 

Zappas are currently looking for support 

in the initial stages of research 

and development as they work to 

provide the kids a place to swim. 

Conrad coaches high school water 

polo, as well as age-group water polo 

which serves kids from 5- to 18-years 

old. Zappas pointed out that the pool 

is something the community uses for 

a variety of purposes from exercise 

and sports for people of all ages. 

While the Atascadero Greyhound 

Foundation held emotional interest 

in supporting the cause for a new 

pool, there remains a large volume 

of research needed to get the effort 

going the right direction, and Conrad 

and Zappas could use all the help 

they can get in the early stages. If you 

are interested in helping, please contact 

Conrad at 310-985-3692. 

LIGHTHOUSE 

Benefit Brunch 

The AGF is charging forward 

with a head of steam in fundraising 

for LIGHTHOUSE, its current 

flagship cause. Once again taking 

a place among the stars with a spot 

in the 2019 Atascadero Dancing 

With Our Stars program. In 2017, 

the foundation hit a home run with 

a new event — a LIGHTHOUSE 

Benefit Brunch at the scenic Piedras 

Blancas Light Station in San 

Simeon. The PBLS is open to the 

public for tours, but they are scheduled, 

guided tours so any access to 

the historic property is a commodity. 

On Sunday, January 27, the AGF 

will be busing 180 lucky folks on 

three charter buses to and from the 

event, serving a Stein’s Catering 

brunch on the bluffs of San Simeon 

overlooking the panoramic view of 

the Pacific Ocean. 

The event will feature a live auction, 

with exclusive guided visits to 

the top of the historic Piedras Blancas 

Light Station, and a wine walk 

along the bluffs after brunch — 

featuring St. Hillaire, Starr Ranch, 

Seven Angels’ Pear Valley, Paso 

Port, Guest House Grill and Eberle 

Winery. Along the path of the wine 

walk, you can stop and learn about 

the history of the historic landmark 

and if you are lucky enough, you 

might find a knowledgable docent 

to provide a guided tour. 

Martin Paris and Debbie White 

will serenade the event, and Joebella 

Roasters signature LIGHT- 

HOUSE Coffee will be available all 

day long, just in case the off shore 

winds are blowing cold. 

As you explore the multiple 

walking paths where silent auction 

items await, you’ll also be treated 

to the majestic scenery and numerous 

marine animals. California sea 

lions and harbor seals hang out on 

the offshore rocks to rest. Elephant 

seals utilize nearby beaches. Gray 

whales, humpback whales, and bottlenose 

dolphins can often be seen 

on the open waters, and sea otters 

forage along Point Piedras Blancas 

and wrap themselves in kelp to rest. 

The afternoon will be capped 

off with a preview dance from the 


Community Dancer Tom Butler 

(Atascadero Unified School District 

Superintendent, and his Choreographer 

Kara Frenzel. 

All proceeds from this amazing 

event will support the Lighthouse 

Education Programs. The Greyhound 

Foundation has committed 

themselves to raise the funds needed 

for continued support of the 

LIGHTHOUSE Coffee Company, 

Mentoring and Counseling 

programs, Reality Tour, Wellness 

Center, After School program and 

Resource Center now located at the 

Atascadero Chamber of Commerce. 

Tickets to the Piedras Blancas 

brunch are now available. Call AGF 

Executive Director Donn Clickard 

at 805-712-6356 or email donn@ 

atascaderogreyhoundfoundation.org 

to RSVP and get your spot on the bus. 

Tickets will not be available on the 

day of the event. 


Awakening Ways Spiritual Community 

is Committed to Being of Service in the County 

e may work and live in Atascadero,” 

said Rev. Dr. Terry zumMallen, “but we 

believe in the oneness we have with the whole 

community. That’s why we have always reached 

out to be a positive influence in the county.” 

Rev. Dr. Terry and her husband, Rev. Dr. Frank 

zumMallen, are the much-beloved spiritual 

leaders of Awakening Ways Spiritual Community, 

which has been meeting in Atascadero for 

ten years. It is a New Thought community in the 

tradition of Religious Science that attracts 

people throughout the entire county to its 

Sunday gathering at Atascadero’s Pavilion on 

the Lake. 

Rev. Dr. Terry 

zumMallen 

Rev. Dr. Frank 

zumMallen 

By Patricia Alexander 

“We appreciate this area so much,” said 

Dr. Frank. “It is important to us to reach out 

beyond ourselves. That’s why we are active 

supporters of RISE here in Paso, which offers 

crisis intervention and treatment services 

to survivors of sexual and intimate partner 

violence. We also donate to Woods Humane 

Society and Friends of Atascadero Lake and 

have a special volunteer crew that works 

on the Highway Cleanup between Del Rio 

Road and San Ramon Road. AWSC has 

been longtime participants in serving meals 

and raising money for the El Camino 

Homeless Organization (ECHO) and are 

weekly contributors of food to Loaves & 

Fishes, as well as clothes to NCI Thrift Shops. 

We’re committed!” 

Awakening Ways embraces the 

belief that there are many roads 

that lead to the divine... 

Awakening Ways embraces the belief that there 

are many roads that lead to the divine, that 

there is a Oneness that connects us all, and that 

TENT CITY 

all life is interdependent. They offer a meditation 

time prior to their 10 a.m. gathering 

each Sunday, a special children’s group, and 

many classes and social opportunities to 

inspire personal growth and connection. They 

are also offering an unusual world peace meditation 

from 4 to 5 a.m. on the morning on 

December 31 at AW’s Atascadero offices at 

7350 El Camino Real, Suite 101. This is a very 

special meditation that happens at the same 

time every year all over the world. 

“Over the ten years of our existence, we’ve 

noticed that about half of the people who attend 

our gatherings are from Paso Robles,” said 

Rev. Terry. “We’re pleased that our teachings 

and welcoming community have attracted so 

many Paso residents. We look forward to welcoming 

more Paso people in the upcoming year 

and continuing our service to the county where 

we all live.” 

To learn more about Awakening Ways 

Spiritual Community, visit their website 

at AwakeningWays.org or call 

805-460-0762. 

Join Us 

for a 

LIGHTHOUSE BENEFIT 

PIEDRAS BLANCAS SUNDAY BRUNCH 

ENJOY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COASTLINE IN THE WORLD WITH US! 

Featuring Music by: Marty Paris & Debbie White 

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS: 

Donn Clickard: 805.712.6356 

www.AtascaderoGreyhoundFoundation.org 

Atascadero Greyound Foundation 

is a Non-Profit 501 (c)3 Organization 

SUPPORT 

Tom Butler and Kara Frenzel 

DANCING WITH OUR STARS 

$ 

125 

per person 

Sunday, January 27, 2019 

10:00 AM Departure 

from Sunken Gardens in 

Atascadero aboard 

AMERICAN STAR CHARTER BUS 

A LIGHTHOUSE SPONSOR 

Please RSVP by 

January 15, 2019 

LIMITED TICKETS 

STEIN’S CATERING 

SILENT & LIVE 

AUCTIONS 

WINE WALK 


TENT CITY 

Dr. Jill Stearns: Leading Cuesta’s Promise 

New Leader Brings New 

Vision, New Programs, 

and New Cougar Spirit 

By Nicholas Mattson 

Facing the retirement of former president 

Gil Stork, Cuesta College conducted a 

nationwide search to find the right person 

to fill the shoes of the 50-year Cuesta veteran who 

fulfilled a personal goal with the establishment of 

a second year of the Promise Scholarship — the 

last item his bucket list — before retiring in June. 

On July 11, Dr. Jill Stearns was sworn in as 

Cuesta College’s seventh Superintendent/ 

President, bringing a complementary history 

of experience and success to the Central Coast’s 

premiere community college. 

Dr. Stearns had served as president of 

Modesto Junior College since 2012, where she 

left a legacy of improving accreditation compliance 

and decreasing disparity. 

“When I arrived at MJC, the college had been 

placed on sanction and probation in terms of its 

accreditation,” Stearns 

said, “there were 

some very serious issues 

to be addressed.” 

Sterns spent the 

first couple years focused 

on aligning the 

practices with the 

standards, and for the 

last four years my focus 

was moving the needle on the area of student 

success in terms of student outcomes. 

“We were a very diverse campus,” Stearns said, 

“with around 50 percent hispanics and many 

other backgrounds and cultures on the campus. 

There was considerable disparity between the 

highest performing groups and others. So we focused 

on raising the completion rates overall to 

close that gap.” 

Stearns’ success at MJC garnered attention 

and the college was selected to apply for the 

Aspen Price, was one of 15 schools accredited 

to award baccalaureate degrees, and was selected 

as one of 20 demonstration colleges for Guided 

Pathways: “a student-centered approach that 

can dramatically increase the number of students 

earning community college credentials, while 

closing equity gaps.” 

“It is a framework for reimagining and redefining 

student experience on campus,” Stearns 

said, “and moving away from what had become 

a ‘cafeteria-style’ approach to providing students 

incredible opportunity to explore, but without 

providing clear direction on the quickest 

path to completion.” 

Leveraging her previous experience, Stearns 

and the faculty and staff at Cuesta College is 

getting ready for improving student experience. 

“We have already started that process,” Stearns 

said, “and I’ve had and opportunity to review 

a 60-page report based on 15 focus groups held 

at Cuesta last spring. We are capturing the voice 

and experience of the student and using that to 

frame our work for redesign.” 

PASO Magazine welcomes Dr. Stearns warmly, 

and we will continue to deliver information about 

the progress at Cuesta College and deliver information 

throughout 2019 to help new and returning 

students get the most of our local college. Stay tuned 

for monthly installments. 

CLASSES START JANUARY 22 

PROSPECTIVE STUDENT 

WORKSHOPS 

Need help getting started? 

Workshops are available just for you! 

Call 805.546.3952 for dates and time. 


“The daily lives of homeless women and girls 

are fraught with enough uncertainties. The 

question of what to do when the next period 

comes around shouldn’t be one of them.” 

Helping Women and Girls … 

Commission of the 

Status of Women 

collect feminine 

hygiene products 

for the underserved 

PERIOD 

A special to COLONY Magazine 

The Commission on the 

Status of Women takes 

an unabashed approach 

to a social issue that gets far too 

little attention. 

At COLONY Magazine, this 

issue was a bit uncomfortable for us 

and we thought it might be uncomfortable 

for our readers. That factor 

served to impress us further that these 

underserved members of our communities 

are further underserved by a 

lack of attention and dialogue. So we 

leave you with this information. 

The Commission on the Status 

of Women is helping homeless 

women and girls throughout San 

Luis Obispo County by hosting a 

“drive by” feminine hygiene product 

drive for those in need. On 

December 4 from 4 to 7 p.m., 

in front of the County Government 

Building Center located at 

1055 Monterey Street in San Luis 

To add insult to injury, menstruation is a taboo 

topic; people who are able to help often 

aren’t even aware that such a vast need exists. 

Obispo, donators can drive by and 

drop off sealed boxes of tampons 

or pads. Locally, donations can be 

dropped off at ECHO homeless 

services, located at 6370 Atascadero 

Avenue in Atascadero. 

Feminine hygiene products are 

some of the most-needed items at 

shelters, yet they are also some of 

the least donated. To add insult 

to injury, menstruation is a taboo 

topic; people who are able to help 

often aren’t even aware that such a 

vast need exists. 

The daily lives of homeless 

women and girls are fraught with 

enough uncertainties. The question 

of what to do when the next 

period comes around shouldn’t be 

one of them. 

Even for those who earn a little 

money, tampons and pads are frequently 

classified as non-essential 

luxury items. They’re not covered 

by government assistance programs 

and are taxed in 40 states, 

including California, putting 

them out of reach for women with 

limited funds. 

Despite the fact that menstruation 

is an unavoidable, biological 

reality for half the population, 

these products aren’t seen for what 

they are: a necessity. 


of Women is sounding the call to 

action to help women and girls in 

need of access to feminine hygiene 

products. Something as small as a 

tampon can make the difference. 

All donations will benefit El 

Camino Homeless Organization 

(ECHO) a homeless services 

organization. ECHO empowers 

people throughout San Luis 

Obispo County to make positive 

change by providing food, shelter, 

and support services. 


of Women has been an official 

advisory group to the San Luis 

Obispo County Board of Supervisors 

since 1975. The commission 

identifies issues of concern to the 

women of San Luis Obispo County 

and reports those findings in an 

annual report. To take the annual 

survey, go to slowomen.org. 

805-391-4566 ads@colonymagazine.com 


COLONY TASTE 

Americana 

TASTE OF 

THE COLONY COOKBOOK 

By Barbie Butz 

Americana Woman 

What could be more “Americana” 

than a holiday recipe using 

cranberries? I found this one, titled, 

“Cranberry Upside-Down 

Cake with Orange Custard 

Sauce,” in a cookbook compiled 

by Assistance League of the Bay 

Area, Houston, Texas. The book is 

titled, “Settings on the Dock of the 

Bay” and was published in 1999. 

I have a deep appreciation for 

cookbooks compiled by Assistance 

League and Junior League 

chapters. The books are beautiful 

to begin with and the recipes are 

outstanding. The proceeds from 

the sale of these books always go 

to philanthropic projects in the 

communities where the organizations 

exist. I like that my purchase 

helps make a difference in someone’s 

life. 

Watch the cookbook shelves in 

your local thrift stores for books by 

these two groups that are so much 

a part of our “American Way.” 

Newer releases can be found at 

® 

large bookstores like Barnes and 

Noble. 

Cranberry 

Upside-Down Cake 

with Orange 

Custard Sauce 

Ingredients: 

9 tablespoons (1 stick plus 1/8 

stick) butter, softened 

1 cup sugar 

1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries 

1 ¼ cups flour 

1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder 

¼ teaspoon salt 

1 egg 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1 teaspoon grated orange zest 

½ cup milk 

1/3 cup currant jelly, melted 

Orange Custard Sauce (below) 

Directions: 

Spread three tablespoons of 

butter on the bottom and side of 

a 9-inch round cake pan. Sprinkle 

a half-cup of the sugar evenly 

in the bottom. Cover with the 

cranberries. Mix the flour, baking 

powder and salt together. Beat the 

remaining six tablespoons of butter 

and remaining half-cup sugar in a 

E85 

Diesel 

Propane 

Car Wash 

Hwy 41 & 101 Exit 219 Atascadero, CA 93422 

mixing bowl until light and fluffy. 

Add the egg, vanilla and orange 

zest and mix well. Add the flour 

mixture alternately with the milk, 

beating constantly at low speed 

until just combined after each 

addition. Pour over the cranberries 

and smooth the top. Bake at 

350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes 

or until brown. Cool in the pan on 

a wire rack for 20 minutes. Invert 

onto a serving plate. Brush with 

melted currant jelly. Serve with 

Orange Custard Sauce. 

Orange 

Custard Sauce 

Ingredients: 

1 cup milk 

1 cup half-and-half 

1 (1-inch) piece vanilla bean 

3 (1/2 x 3½ -inch) pieces orange 

zest 

6 egg yolks 

¼ cup sugar 

2 tablespoons Grand Marnier 

Directions: 

Bring the milk, half-and-half, 

vanilla bean and orange zest to a 

simmer in a small saucepan. Remove 

from the heat and let stand 

for 15 minutes. Strain into a bowl. 

Beat the egg yolks in a mixing 

bowl. Add the sugar. Beat for 

three minutes. Add the strained 

milk mixture and mix well. Pour 

into a saucepan. Cook for seven to 

10 minutes or until thickened over 

low heat, stirring constantly. Remove 

from the heat. Stir in Grand 

Mariner. Let stand until cool. Pour 

into a sauce boat to serve. 

Spiced Cranberry 

Apple Glogg 

This next recipe is for a Glogg, 

an authentic Swedish spiced wine, 

perfect for those cold nights ahead 

here in our North County! And 

guess what — it uses cran-apple 

juice cocktail! 

Ingredients and Directions: 

For this body-warming drink, 

bring 3 cups cran-apple juice 

cocktail, 7 cups dry red wine, ½ 

cup sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 

whole cloves and orange rind 

strips to just below a simmer in a 

large saucepan. Cook for 1 hour. 

Strain and ladle into mugs. Can be 

prepared ahead and served warm. 

Happy Winter Holidays 

Enjoy your turkey, dressing, 

green bean casserole, sweet potato 

casserole, mashed potatoes 

and gravy, cranberry sauce, Waldorf 

salad, relish platter, hot rolls 

(with lots of butter), wine, pumpkin 

pie, pecan pie, mincemeat pie, 

and on and on and on. And yes, 

have a slice of that Cranberry 

Upside-Down Cake with Orange 

Custard Sauce, while you’re at it! 


COLONY TASTE 

NO BOUNDARIES 

with Ginger 

Ginger is a spice that 

knows no boundaries. It 

can jump start your meal 

with an enthusiastic appetizer, add 

zest to your main course, and finish 

with a dessert that lingers on 

the palate. Transforming each dish 

into something completely different 

on the tongue, ginger has a 

magical way of adapting itself and 

delivering a unique quality all its 

own. 

Hot, spicy, energizing, healing... 

The story of ginger spans the 

globe, reaching countless cuisines 

and identifying classic dishes. 

Not only does ginger burst with 

flavor, it also is a powerhouse of 

By Lori Foster of Spice of Life 

healing benefits. 

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is 

native to tropical forests in southeastern 

Asia and is now grown 

widely around the world, from 

Hawaii to Africa, Australia and 

many other countries. Ginger 

grows underground as a horizontal 

stem, or rhizome, with beautiful 

green upright shoots reaching to 

the sun. Close relatives are turmeric 

and galangal which also grow as 

rhizomes. 

Warm, woody, peppery heat 

with tender sweetness jumps out 

at you as ginger mingles with other 

ingredients. Classic Asian dishes, 

Indian curries, Middle Eastern 

and European cuisines all crave 

the boldness of ginger. Complimentary 

flavors that marry well 

with ginger are garlic, lemongrass, 

chili, turmeric, citrus, cinnamon, 

cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and 

saffron to name a few. 

What would the holidays be 

without ginger? Gingerbread 

cookies, ginger snaps, and of 

course, pumpkin spice blends 

with ginger being a key ingredients. 

Try adding molasses to ginger 

cookies which gives a softer 

texture and almost caramel flavor. 

Sauteed, tender carrots with fresh 

shredded ginger and garlic or 

roast winter squash with a dusting 

of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg 

to bring about the warming 

flavors of winter. 

Not only does ginger taste delicious, 

the medicinal benefits are 

pretty impressive as well. 

Ginger is among the healthiest 

spices in the world with countless 

studies and reports throughout 

history showing effective results. 

Ginger’s ability to calm upset 

stomachs and motion sickness has 

been a comfort for many. It can 

also help relieve digestive problems, 

soothe morning sickness 

and nausea. During the cold and 

flu seasons, ginger is the perfect 

spice to keep on hand to combat 

sickness. Strong anti-inflammatory 

properties help with arthritis and 

other conditions while offering a 

wide array of important vitamins 

and minerals. Natural remedies 

like ginger are a great alternative 

to reaching for over-the-counter 

medications for relief. Steeping 

ginger with peppermint and chamomile 

in a cup of hot water makes 

a great tea to help relax, calm and 

soothe the body. 

Visit Lori at Spice of Life at 1306, 

Pine St., Paso Robles, CA 93446 

for more information on seasonal 

spices and healthy recipes. 

Superior 

Customer 

Service 


EVENTS 

Holiday Events in the North County 

Note: Events are chronologically listed. 

Readers are encouraged to call phone numbers 

listed to confirm scheduled events. There 

are many activities to choose from this holiday 

season from holiday boutiques to caroling 

to performances. Take a look to find the 

perfect fit, or fits, for you and your family. 

Cambria Christmas 

Market 

The seventh annual Cambria 

Christmas Market will 

take place through Sunday, 

December 23 on the grounds of 

Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton 

Drive in Cambria, at 5 p.m. every 

night except Nov. 26 and 27 and 

Dec. 3, 4 and 10 when the market 

is closed. The annual market offers a 

winter wonderland of colorful lights 

in addition to food, wine, live music, 

shopping, vendors and Santa’s house. 

Nightly shuttles are available at the 

Brambles in East Village and Coast 

Union High School. The last shuttle 

to the market leaves at 8:15 p.m. The 

cost is $10, $15, $20 or $25 depending 

on the night and children 10 

and younger are free. For more information, 

go to CambriaChristmas 

Market.com or call 805-927-6109. 

Tickets must be purchased in advance 

online. 

Morro Bay Lighted 

Boat Parade 

The 33rd annual Morro Bay 

Lighted Boat Parade will take place 

on Saturday, December 1 at 6 p.m. 

at the waterfront. The procession of 

decorated Christmas skiffs, yachts, 

fishing boats, cutters, sailboats and 

kayaks will begin at 6:30 p.m. Go to 

MorroBay.org for more information. 

Downtown 

Christmas 

Light Parade 

Find out where to see Santa! 

The 55th annual Downtown 

Christmas Light Parade will take 

place in Paso Robles Saturday, December 

1 at 7 p.m. Celebrate the 

holiday season with an array of 

floats, equestrian entries, vehicles 

and marching entries. This year’s 

theme is “Cowboy Christmas.” 

Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be 

in attendance. For more information, 

go to PasoRoblesDowntown.org or 

call 805-238-4103. 

Sugar Plum Tea 

Party 

The North County Dance and 

Performing Arts Foundation will 

present the Sugar Plum Tea Party 

on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 

p.m. at Cantinas on the Park, 1242 

Park St. in Paso Robles. General admission 

is $18, get a VIP upgrade 

with early admission and photos 

for an additional $5. Light lunch 

will be served and it will include 

crafts and dancing with Clara and 

the ballerinas. To buy tickets, go to 

NCDPAF.org. 

Cayucos Christmas 

Tree Lighting 

Cayucos Christmas Tree Lighting 

will take place Sunday, December 

2 at 5 p.m. at the corner of Ocean 

Avenue and D Street. In addition 

to the tree lighting, there will also 

be caroling. For more information, 

call 805-995-1200 or go to Cayucos 

Chamber.com. 


‘Nutcracker’ ballet 

in Templeton 

“The Nutcracker” ballet will take 

place Friday, December 7 at 7 p.m., 

Saturday December 8 at 11 a.m. and 

4 p.m. and Sunday, December 9 at 

12:30 and 5:30 p.m. at the Templeton 

Performing Arts Center. Tickets 

are $29 for adults and $24 for children 

12 and younger and seniors 62 

and older. An open dress rehearsal 

and student night will take place 

Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. The cost 

is $10 and a canned food donation 

for students and $25 for adults. For 

more information, email info@ 

ncdpaf.org or call 805-316-1833. To 

purchase tickets, go to ncdpaf.org. 

Los Osos Christmas 

Parade 

The 31st annual Los Osos Christmas 

Parade will take place Saturday, 

Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. The 

parade will follow Los Osos Valley 

Road from Fairchild Way to the 

park at Palisades Avenue. There will 

be a pre-parade pancake breakfast 

sponsored by the Bay Osos Kiwanis 

at Bay Auto & Tire. For more information, 

go to lobpchamber.org. 

Vine Street 

Victorian Showcase 

The 32nd annual Vine Street Victorian 

Showcase will take place Saturday, 

Dec. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. between 

8th and 21st streets in Paso 

Robles. There will be bands, dancers, 

refreshments, the Grinch, the Snow 

King and Queen, choirs, caroling, 

Santa and Mrs. Claus, illuminated 

floats, entertainers, community 

open houses, free refreshments and 

Ebenezer Scrooge. There are no 

dogs or cars allowed. The event will 

happen even in the rain. For more 

information, go to PasoRoblesDown 

town.org or call 805-238-4103. 


Christmas 

in Cayucos 

The 10th annual Christmas in Cayucos will 

take place Saturday, Dec. 8 at participating merchants 

along Ocean Avenue. It is a merchant 

open house with free horse-drawn carriage rides, 

children’s activities, tree lighting, strolling carolers 

and a visit from Santa. For more information, call 

805-995-1200 or go to CayucosChamber.com. 

Santa Holiday House in 

Paso Robles 

Santa’s Holiday House schedule in downtown 

Paso Robles at the Downtown City Park is Sunday, 

Dec. 9 and 16 from noon to 3 p.m.; Tuesday, 

Dec. 18 through Monday, December 24 through 

Thursday, December 24 from noon to 3 p.m. Call 

805-238-4103 or go to PasoRoblesDowntown. 

org for more information. 

Victorian Teddy Bear Tea 

in Paso Robles 

The 28th annual Victorian Teddy Bear Tea will 

take place in the Paso Robles Park Ballroom, 

1232 Park St. in Paso Robles, from 2 to 4 p.m. 

on Saturday, December 15. Visit the Snow King 

and Queen, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the elves, and 

Victorian friends. Attendees should bring their 

Teddy bears for an afternoon of cookies and juice 

and entertainment. Seating is limited and tickets 

may be pre-purchased at the Paso Robles Main 

Street office at 835 12th St., Ste. D. Tickets are 

EVENTS 

$20 for adults and $8 for children. Call 805-238- 

4103 for more information or go to PasoRobles 

Downtown.org. 

Christmas Parade 

and Craft Faire 

in San Miguel 

San Miguel Christmas Parade and Craft Faire 

will take place Saturday, December 15 at 6 p.m. 

The parade will conclude a full day of fun. The 

children’s carnival and street fair begins at 2 p.m. 

There will also be a chili cook-off, silent auction, 

drawings and other activities. Stop by the fire station 

after the parade to see Santa and enjoy hot 

dogs and refreshments. For more information, call 

Mike Sanders at 805-712-9120 or go to discover 

sanmiguel.com. 

Living Nativity 

in Templeton 

A Living Nativity will take place on the lawn at 

Templeton Presbyterian Church, 610 South Main 

St. in Templeton, Friday, December 14 and Friday, 

December 15 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 

16 at 5:30 and 7 p.m. The entire event is about 30 

minutes long but arrive early as seating is limited 

and dress warmly. Call the church at 805-434- 

1921 with any questions. 

Fundraisers 

Submit listings to events@nosloco.com, and visit nosloco.com for more information on events. 

December 1 — Friends of the Santa Margarita Library Craft Faire, 9 a.m. to 3 December 31 — Atascadero Firefighters Association invites you to the New 

p.m. at the Community Center in Santa Margarita, 22501 I St., Santa Margarita. Year’s Eve Bash. This event will be hosted at the Pavilion on the Lake from 7 

p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Plan to ring in the new year while benefitting local charities. 

Arts & Culture 

Art After Dark Paso — first Saturday, wine tasting, 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Paso, 

hosted by Studios on the Park. 

Business 

December 6 — Opening reception for solo art exhibit, “Artistic Journeys with 

Janice Pluma”, 5 to 6 p.m. at the Atascadero Library, 6555 Capistrano Ave. 

Atascadero. Exhibit continues through February. Open to the public during 

library hour. 

Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce 

pasorobleschamber.com • 805-238- 

0506 

1225 Park St, Paso Robles, CA 93446 

Office Hours with District Supervisor 

John Peschong — third Thursday, 9 

to 11 a.m., Paso Robles Chamber of 

Commerce Conference Room. Contact 

Vicki Janssen for appointment, 

vjanssen@co.clo.ca.us, 805-781-4491 

Office Hours with Field Representative 

for Senator Bill Monning — third 

Thursday, 2 to 4 p.m., Paso Robles 

Chamber of Commerce Conference 

Room. Contact Hunter Snider for appointment, 

805-549-3784 

Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce 

Restaurant of the Month Appreciation 

— first Tuesday, time/location 

TBA, pasorobleschamber.com 

December 12 — Membership Mixer, 

5:30 to 7 p.m., Hosted by Community 

West Bank, 541 Spring St., Paso 

Robles. 

Atascadero Chamber of Commerce 

atascaderochamber.org • 805-466- 

2044 

6907 El Camino Real, Suite A, 


December 6 — Women in Business: 

Holiday Fashion Show, 11:30 a.m. to 

1 p.m. at SpringHill Suites by Marriott, 

900 El Camino Real, Atascadero. 

Register at atascaderochamber.org 

December 20 — Business Mixer: Pacific 

Premier Bank, 5:30 to 7 p.m., 

7480 El Camino Real, Atascadero. 

Templeton Chamber of Commerce 

templetonchamber.com • 805- 434- 

1789 

321 S. Main Street #C, Templeton, 

CA 93465 

Chamber Board of Directors Meeting 

— 4 to 5:30 p.m., every 2nd Wednesday 

of the month. Pacific Premier 

Bank Conference Room on Las Tablas 

Blvd. 

December 8 — “A Night in Narnia” 

Christmas Tree Auction and Dinner, 

5:30 to 10 p.m., BarrelHouse 

Brewing Company, 3055 Limestone 

Way, Paso Robles. Templeton 

non-profits invite you to this black 

tie gala to advance their mission 

through donations raising awareness 

for their causes. Registration 

required for this event through 

templetonchamber.com. 


EVENTS 

At the Library 

Atascadero Library 

6555 Capistrano, Atascadero • 805- 461-6161 

Tuesday & Wednesday — 10:30 a.m., Preschool 

Story time for 1-5 year olds 

Friday — 10:30 a.m., Toddler Story time for 1-3 

year olds 

Special Events 

December 1 — Family Movie, 2 to 4 p.m., Lego 

DC Comics Super Heroes: Aquaman: Rage of 

Atlantis 

December 4 — Gems in the Stacks Book Discussion, 

11 a.m. to 12 p.m., open to adults 

December 5 — Craft Club, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., 

open to 6 to 12 year olds 

December 7 — Teen A-Town Create Space, 2 to 

4:30 p.m., open to teens 

December 8 — Prince and Princess Tea Party, 

10:30 to 11:30 a.m., open to 4 to 10 year olds 

December 12 — Teen Manga Art, 3:30 to 4:30 

p.m, open to 10 to 17 year olds 

December 14 — Folksongs of the Winter Holidays, 

4 to 5 p.m., open to all ages 

December 15 — Lego Club, 2 to 3 p.m., open 

to ages 5 to12, registration required 

December 19 — Cardmaking with Suzy McBride, 

3:30 to 4:30 p.m., open to 10 to 17 year olds 

December 20 — Mixed Minds Book Club, 2:30 

Service Organizations 

American Legion Post 50 

• 240 Scott St., Paso Robles • 805-239-7370 

Commander John Irwin, 805-286-6187. 

Hamburger Lunch — Thursdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $5 

Pancake Breakfast — third Saturday, 8-11 a.m., $6 

Post Meeting — fourth Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. 

American Legion Post 220 

• 805 Main Street, Templeton • 805-610-2708 

Post Meeting — second and fourth Wednesday, 

6 p.m. 

Elks Lodge 

Atascadero Lodge 2733 • 1516 El Camino Real • 

805-466-3557 

Lodge Meeting — second and fourth Thursdays 

Paso Robles Lodge 2364 • 1420 Park Street • 

805-239-1411 

Lodge Meeting — first and third Wednesdays 

El Paso de Robles Grange #555 

• 627 Creston Rd. • 805-239-4100 

Zumba — Tuesday and Thursday, 8:45 a.m. 

Do Paso Square Dancers — second Thursday, 7-9 

p.m. 

Pancake Breakfast — second Sunday, 7:30-11 a.m., 

December 9 — Grange Meeting, 12 to 1 p.m. 

Taking Care of Business 

North County Toast ‘N Talk Toastmasters — every 

Monday, 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. 1101 Riverside Dr, 

Paso, 805-464-9229 

Early But Worth It Chapter — Business Networking 

International — every Tuesday, 7 to 8:30 a.m., 

Culinary Arts Academy, Paso, Visitors welcome, 

bniccc.com 

Business Networking International — every 

Wednesday, 7 to 8:30 a.m., Cricket’s, 9700 El 

to 3:30 p.m., open to adults 

December 21 — Teen A-Town Create Space, 2 

to 4:30 p.m., open to teens 

December 28 — Teen A-Town Create Space, 2 

to 4:30 p.m., open to teens 

January 4 — Teen A-Town Create Space, 2 to 

4:30 p.m., open to teens 

Paso Robles Library 

1000 Spring St., Paso Robles • 805- 237-3870 

Monday & Friday — 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., 

Preschool Story time for 1-3 year olds 

Wednesday — 2:30 p.m., Grandparents & Books 

for kids of all ages 

Thursday — 10:30 a.m., Mother Goose on the 

Loose for ages 0-18 months 

Fridays — eBook Clinic with Patrick McCoy, 2 

p.m., 2:20 p.m. and 2:40 p.m., open to 16 and 

over. See Library Events Calendar for more 

information. 

Special Events 

December 12 — Lego Build, 4 to 5 p.m., open 

to children 

Creston Library 

6290 Adams, Creston • 805- 237-3010 

No events for December 

Kiwanis International 

Atascadero — 7848 Pismo Ave. • 805-610-7229 

Key Club — every Wednesday, 11:55 a.m. 

Kiwanis Club — every Thursday, 7 a.m. 

Paso Robles — 1900 Golden Hill Rd. (Culinary Arts 

Academy) 

Kiwanis Club — every Tuesday, 12 p.m. 

Board Members — first Tuesday, 1 p.m. 

Night Meeting — third Wednesday, 6 p.m., Su Casa 

Restaurant (2927 Spring St.) 

Lions Club 

Atascadero Club #2385 • 5035 Palma Ave. 

Meeting — second and fourth Wednesday, 7 p.m. 

Paso Robles Club 2407 • 1420 Park St. 

Meeting — second and fourth Tuesday, 7 p.m. 

San Miguel Club 2413 • 256 13th St. 

Meeting — first and third Tuesday, 7 p.m. 

Santa Margarita Club 2418 • 9610 Murphy St. 

Meeting — second and fourth Monday, 7:30 p.m. 

Shandon Valley Club • 630-571-5466 

Templeton Club 2427 • 601 Main St. • 805-434-1071 

Meeting — first and third Thursday, 7 p.m. 

Loyal Order of Moose 

Atascadero #2067 • 8507 El Camino Real • 805- 

466-5121 

Camino Real, #104, Atascadero. Visitors welcome, 

bniccc.com 

Above the Grade Advanced Toastmasters — first 

Thursday, 7 to 9 p.m. Kennedy Club Fitness, Paso, 

805-238-0524, 930206.toastmastersclubs.org 

Partners in $uccess — Business Networking International 

—every Thursday, 7 to 8:30 a.m., Paso 

Robles Assn. of Realtors, 1101 Riverside Ave. 

Visitors welcome, bniccc.com 

San Miguel Library 

254 13th St, San Miguel • 805- 467-3224 

December 4 — Crafty Wednesdays – Winter 

Holidays, 1 to 4 p.m., open to all ages 





Santa Margarita Library 

9630 Murphy Ave, Santa Margarita • 805- 438- 

5622 

December 1 — Young People’s Reading Round 

Table, 4 to 5:30 p.m., open to 12 to 16 year olds 

December 4 — E-help at the Library, 1 to 3 p.m., 

open to all ages 

December 12 — Holiday Story Time and Craft, 

10:30 to 11:30 a.m., open to preschool age 

children 

January 5 — Young People’s Reading Round 

Table, 4 to 5:30 p.m., open to 12 to 16 year olds 

Shandon Library 

195 N 2nd St, Shandon • 805- 237-3009 

No events in December 

Meeting — first and third Thursday, 6 p.m. 

Bingo — first Sunday, 12-2 p.m. 

Queen of Hearts — every Tuesday, 7 p.m. 

Pool League — every Wednesday 

Paso Robles #243 • 2548 Spring St. • 805-239-0503 

Visit mooseintl.org for more information 

Optimist Club 

Atascadero — dinner meetings second and fourth 

Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Outlaws Bar & Grill, 9850 E. 

Front Rd. or call 805-712-5090 

Paso Robles — dinner meetings second and fourth 

Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Paso Robles Elks Lodge, 

1420 Park St. 

Rotary International 

Atascadero — 9315 Pismo Ave. 

Meeting — every Wednesday, 12 p.m. at Atascadero 

Lake Pavillion 

Paso Robles — Paso Robles Inn Ballroom 1103 

Spring St., meeting — Thursdays at noon 

Paso Robles Sunrise — 1900 Golden Hill Rd. 

Meeting — Wednesdays, 7 a.m. at Culinary Arts 

Academy 

Templeton — 416 Main St. 

Meeting — first and third Tuesday, 7 a.m. at 

McPhee’s Grill 

Speak Easy Toastmasters Club — every Friday, 

12:10 to 1:15 p.m. Founders Pavilion, Twin Cities 

Community Hospital. 9797.toastmastersclubs. 

org. 805-237-9096 

Coffee at the Carlton — For entrepreneurs and 

business leaders. Wednesdays at 9 am Carlton 

Hotel in Atascadero, for this free, open networking 

group to meet and learn from other business 

members and expand your local network. 


EVENTS 

Clubs & Meetings 

Almond Country Quilters Guild Meeting — Holiday 

General Meeting, December 3, 6:30 p.m., Join us 

for refreshments, a gift exchange (handmade or 

store bought, spending limit of $15) and lots of 

fun for all. Trinity Lutheran Church, 940 Creston 

Rd, Paso Robles. Contact kajquilter@ gmail.com 

or lisajguerrero@msn.com, acqguild.com. 

Coffee with a CHP — second Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., 

Nature’s Touch Nursery & Harvest, 225 Main St., 

Templeton. 

Exchange Club — second Tuesday, 12:15-1:30 

p.m. at McPhee’s, 416 S. Main St., Templeton. 

805-610-8096, exchangeclubofnorthslocounty.org 

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 

465 — second Wednesday, 7 p.m. at Paso Airport 

Terminal, 4900 Wing Way. Getting youth involved 

with aviation, EAA465.org 

North County Multiflora Garden Club — second 

Wednesday, 12 to 3 p.m. at PR Community Church, 

2706 Spring St., Paso Robles, Public is welcome, 

no charge, guests welcome. Call 805-712-7820 

or visit multifloragardenclub.org 

Monthly Dinner at Estrella Warbirds Museum — 

first and third Wednesday, 6 p.m., guest speakers. 

Health & Wellness 

THE WELLNESS KITCHEN 

AND RESOURCE CENTER 

1255 Las Tablas Rd., Templeton. Visit thewkrc.org, 

805-434-1800 for information on Healing and Wellness 

Foods meal programs, volunteer opportunities, 

and classes. 

The Wellness Kitchen suffered a loss when an 

electrical fire damaged the building they leased 

in Templeton. They are moving to a temporary 

location. 

Please check their website for info, and support 

them through this transition with a tax-deductible 

donation! 

theWKRC.org 

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY 

1051 Las Tablas Road, Templeton provides support, 

education and hope. 805-238-4411. Cancer Support 

Helpline, 888-793-9355, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. PST. 

Visit cscslo.org for description of support groups, 

social events, education and kid’s programs. 

The office will be closed from Monday, December 

24, 2018 through Tuesday, January 1, 2019. 

SPECIAL PROGRAMS: 

December 5: Life Beyond Cancer, 11:30 a.m.; Art 

Time with Katie, 1:30 p.m.; 

December 12: Young Survivors Peer Gathering, 6 

p.m. in Templeton; Kids Art Time, 6 p.m.; 

December 13: Advanced Cancer Support Group, 

11 a.m.; 

December 14: Education: Winter Well-Being, 12 

p.m.; 

December 20: Breast Cancer Support Group, 12 

p.m. 

WEEKLY SCHEDULE: 

MONDAY: Therapeutic Yoga at Dharma Yoga, 11:30 

a.m.; 

805-296-1935 for dinner reservations, ewarbirds. 

org 

Paso Robles Democratic Club — third Wednesday, 

6:30 p.m. at Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson, White 

Oak Room. All meetings are open to the public. 

For further info visit our Facebook page or visit 

pasoroblesdemocrats.org. 

North County Newcomers — Deadline for the 

January 16 evening event at Studios On The Park, 

1130 Pine St. Paso Robles, from 6 to 8 p.m. is 

January 8. Les Beck will be featured entertainment. 

Reservations are required and prepayment 

is encouraged. RSVP and additional info visit northcountynewcomers.org 

Active Senior Club of Templeton — first Friday, 

10:30 a.m. at Templeton Community Center, 601 

S. Main St. 

North County Women’s Connection Luncheon 

— December’s meeting will be held at the Templeton 

Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

and themed, ‘Christmas Lights’. Judee Stapp will 

present on “The Gift That Keeps On Giving”. We 

will fill a tree with socks for the needy at ECHO. The 

cost is $12.00. Call JoAnn Pickering at 239-1096 

TUESDAY: Educational Radio Show, 1:00 p.m.; 

WEDNESDAY: Living with Cancer Support 

Group —Newly Diagnosed/Active Treatment, 

10 a.m.; 

FRIDAY: 12/7 & 12/14-Grupo Fuerza y Esperanza, 

6 p.m. 

Healthy Lifestyle — Navigate with Niki-Thursdays 

by appointment, call 805-238-4411; 

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 

at kathythomas10@hotmail.com or 805-610- 

6486.; Beautification Boutique offers products 

for hair loss and resources for mastectomy 

patients (knittedknockers.org). 

SUPPORT & ENCOURAGEMENT 

Take Off Pounds Sensibly — every Monday, 

6:30 p.m. at Community Church of Atascadero, 

5850 Rosario,, basement room. 805-466-1697 

or visit tops.org 

North County Overeaters Anonymous — every 

Monday, 5:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 

Fireside Room, 940 Creston Rd., Paso, OA.org. 

MOPS — Mothers of Pre-schoolers — first & 

third Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran 

Church, 940 Creston Road, Paso, Ashley Hazell, 

805-459-6049, nocomops@gmail.com. 

Chronic Pain Support Group — CRPS (Chronic 

Regional Pain Syndrome), third Tuesdays, 5 to 

6 p.m. at Rabobank, 1025 Las Tablas Rd, Templeton. 

Contact Suzanne Miller 805-704-5970 

or email suzanne.miller@ymail.com. 

North County Parkinson’s Support Group — 

third Tuesday, 1 p.m. at Templeton Presbyterian 

Church, 610 So. Main St. Info: Rosemary 

Dexter 805-466-7226. 

Overeaters Anonymous Atascadero — every 

Thursday, 6:30 p.m. at California Manor, 

Past the Lobby and follow the signs, 10165 

El Camino Real, Atascadero. Contact Irene 

818-415-0353. 

by December 9th for reservations. 

Active Senior Club of Templeton — first Friday, 

10:30 a.m., Templeton Community Center, 601 

S. Main St. Meetings include a presentation on 

relevant local issues, often followed by a luncheon. 

Membership is $5 per year. Contact Templeton 

Recreation Department with questions. 805-434- 

4909 

North County Wines and Steins — first Friday of 

the month, 6 p.m. at Templeton American Legion 

Hall, 805 Main St. Meetings include wine and beer 

tasting, speaker or program and potluck. Visit 

winesandsteins.org for more information. 

Central Coast Violet Society — second Saturday, 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brookdale Activity Room, 

1919 Creston Road, Paso. Email Znailady1@aol. 

com with any questions. 

Classic Car Cruise Night — second Saturday 

(weather permitting), 5 to 7 p.m. at King Oil Tools, 

2235 Spring St., Paso. Contact Tony Ororato, 805- 

712-0551 with any questions. 

Daughters of the American Revolution — first 

Sunday. For time and place, email dmcpatriotdaughter@gmail.com. 

North County Prostate Cancer Support Group — third 

Thursday, 7 p.m. at Twin Cities Community 

Hospital Pavilion Room. Bill Houston 805-995-2254 

or American Cancer Society 805-473-1748. 

Lupus/Auto Immune Disorder Support Group — fourth 

Saturday, 10:30 a.m. at Nature’s Touch, 225 So. Main 

St., Templeton. 

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS 

Sponsored by Hospice SLO, 805-544-2266, hospiceslo.org 

Bereaved Parents Group — every Tuesday, 5:30 to 

7 p.m. 

Suicide Bereavement Support - fourth Wednesdays, 

3 to 4:30 p.m. 

Meetings at RISE – Visit in person at 1030 Vine St., 

Paso Robles or call 805-226-5400 

General Grief Support — every Wednesday, 5 to 6:30 

p.m. Meeting at 517 13th Street, Paso. No cost, no 

pre-registration. 

GriefShare — every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the 

Fireside Room at Trinity Lutheran Church 940 Creston 

Road, Paso Robles. 

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS 

Paso Robles City Council — first and third Tuesday, 6:30 

p.m. at the City of Paso Robles Library Conference 

Room, 1000 Spring Street 

Planning Commission — second and fourth Tuesday, 

6:30 p.m. at the City of Paso Robles Library Conference 

Room, 1000 Spring Street 

Library Board of Trustees — second Thursday, 9 a.m. 

at City of Paso Robles Library, 1000 Spring Street 

Templeton (Community Service District Board of 

Directors — first and third Tuesday, 7 p.m. at 420 

Crocker Street 

Atascadero Planning Commission — first and third 

Tuesday, 6 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 6500 

Palma Avenue 

City Council — second and fourth Tuesday, 6 p.m. 

at City Hall Council Chambers, 6500 Palma Avenue 


e have a master wood craftsman and 

a kind, thoughtful man in our midst: 

David Bouillez. He is a Key Grip/Gaffer in the 

film business and enjoys creative woodworking 

during his downtime. What makes David’s 

talent even more special is his poignant, tangible 

way of expressing his appreciation and sympathy 

to the families of men and women who 

have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country 

and fellow citizens — The Memory Box. 

The gift of a Memory Box honors 

a life given in service to others; 

allowing parents, relatives and 

friends to treasure the memory 

of those they’ve lost. 

The inspiration for the Memory Box Project 

followed a somber evening TV news report on 

the casualties in the war in Afghanistan. David 

wanted to do something for the grieving 

families. Initially, he was inspired to use his 

woodworking and design talent to create keepsake 

boxes for the families of fallen soldiers.The 

project has since expanded to include firefighters, 

peace officers and first responders who have 

given their lives in service to others. A Memory 

Box is a special gift meant to be passed down 

through the generations. To date, 275 Memory 

Boxes have been shipped nationwide. 

David’s childhood friend, Natalie Probert 

Kurtz says, “David is one of the finest. I’m proud 

of his talent. I’ve sponsored a few Memory Boxes 

and I hope others can find the means to donate 

By Millie Drum 

to this fine cause. It brings some closure to families 

as they go through the healing process.” 

“When I get a call or a thank you note from 

a family, it’s such a great feeling to know I’m 

doing something for someone and that they 

really appreciate it,” says David. 

The demand is exceeding the donations, 

especially as the holiday season approaches. 

To sponsor a Memory Box, donations in any 

amount are appreciated to cover the cost of 

materials, shipping and the growing demand. 

The cherry wood used is salvaged and reclaimed 

whenever possible. 

Every box is handcrafted with tongue and 

groove solid joinery and machine engraved 

with the fallen hero’s name and personal information. 

The brilliant pewter handles are made 

by Notting Hill Decorative Hardware in Wisconsin; 

replicating the Iris flower; symbolizing 

the meeting of heaven and Earth. 

Fallen Soldier Memorabilia Boxes, Inc. is a 

501 (c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation — 

EIN: 46-2166640, that relies on donations from 

individuals, businesses and foundations. As the 

holiday season is particularly poignant for families, 

join David in showing your respect and gratitude 

by donating or fully sponsoring one or more 

Memory Boxes. 

Tax-deductible donations can be mailed 

to Fallen Soldier Memorabilia Boxes, Inc., 

179 Niblick Rd., #439, Paso Robles, CA 93446 or 

online at memoryboxproject.org. Click ‘DONATE’. 

To host a fundraising event or help in any way, 

contact David at 805-221-5087 (Shop) or 415- 

806-9064 (Cell) or Pat at 805-239-1372. Email, 

contact@memoryboxproject.org. 

Honoring a Fallen Soldier 

THE MEMORY BOX POEM 

“How does one choose what it will hold? 

For future stories to be told? 

A letter, a ribbon, a picture or two? 

How do I choose the memory of you? 

You were so brave — right to the end. 

You weren’t just a soldier. 

You were my best friend. 

There’s so much to tell of the life you had. 

Your courage and strength 

— so much could be said. 

To honor your memory is easy to do. 

I place inside here sweet memories of you. 

Your legacy lives on for others to see. 

A medal, a letter? Inside it will be. 

How does one choose what this box will hold 

— for future stories to be told?” 

Written by the proud mother of Fallen Soldier 

SGT Amanda Older-Downing 

May 30, 1986 – January 11, 2011 

76 Gas Station.......................... 28 

A Beautiful Face........................ 21 

American West Tire Pros........... 11 

Anna & Mom............................ 17 

Arlyne’s Flowers....................... 09 


................................................. 25 

Atascadero Pet Hospital........... 21 

Awakening Ways...................... 15 

Baby’s Babble........................... 09 

Bella Jule Designs................... 17 

Bijou......................................... 17 

Bottom Line Bookkeeping....... 27 

Branches of Wellness Acupuncture 

................................................. 21 

Brittni & Brynn Run.................. 35 

CASA......................................... 28 

Cassidy, Diane.......................... 05 

Central Coast Medical Aesthetics 

................................................. 02 

DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS 

Cuesta College......................... 26 

Farron Elizabeth....................... 17 

Five Star Rain Gutters............... 05 

Foss Electric.............................. 16 

Foss Farms................................ 22 

Frontier Floors.......................... 29 

Funky Wonderland.................. 17 

Glenn’s Repair.......................... 08 

Greg Malik RE Group............... 07 

Healthy Inspirations................. 21 

Hearing Aid Specialists of the 

Central Coast............................ 03 

Heather Desmond Real Estate.09 

Hope Chest Emporium............ 17 

John Donovan State Farm Insurance 

and Financial Services..... 20 

Las Tablas Animal Hospital...... 29 

LivHOME.................................. 15 

Lube N Go................................ 21 

Luke’s Episcopal Church........... 09 

Natural Alternative................... 08 

Odyssey World Cafe................. 16 

Reverse Mortgage Pros ........... 12 

Robert Fry, M.D......................... 22 

San Luis Obispo County Office of 

Education................................. 23 

Señor Sanchos......................... 05 

Sixteen Twenty......................... 17 

Solarponics.............................. 07 

Spice of Life.............................. 09 

Sue Hubbard - Farmers Insurance 

................................................. 12 

Templeton Door & Trim............ 09 

The Carlton Hotel..................... 11 

The Laundromat....................... 15 

Triple 7 Motorsports................. 11 

Triple 7 Tractor.......................... 07 

Whit’s Turn Tree Service........... 15 


INAUGURAL 

RACE 

#1 

Brynn & Brittni Frace’s Memorial 

2019 Running Chicken 

10K & Fun Run 

JANUARY 

6 

Fundraiser for 

Scholarships, 

Athletic Equipment 

and Community 

Connectivity 

Run4Bitti&Brynn 

Lake Santa Margarita, SLO County 

Race Starts at 9:00 am 

Sunday, January 6, 2019 

$35 

Brynn & Bitti were sisters, best friends and dedicated runners who ran with passion 

and friends. They were selfless, authentic and full of joy. A Memorial Athletic 

Scholarship as well as an Athletic Shoe Donation program would be just the thing 

they would support. 

Brynn & Bitti wanted everyone to find their Inner Chicken. What does being a 

chicken mean? To them it meant living each day with: Courage, Commitment, 

Loyalty, Dancing, Spontaneity, Acceptance, Fun and Running with Passion. 

INFORMATION & REGISTRATION AT: RUN4BITTIANDBRYNN.ORG

Independent 

locally-owned businesses 

recirculate a far greater 

percentage of revenue locally 

On average 

48% of each purchase at local independent businesses recirculate locally* 

compared to around 13% of purchases at non-local businesses. 

That is almost 4x as much Buying Power, and 

the Gift that Keeps on Giving All Year Long! 

Advertise in LOCAL publications, supporting LOCAL business 

and KEEP YOUR MONEY LOCAL. 

Keeping it local creates 

more local wealth and jobs. 

Plus, no other publications deliver uplifting, quality, 

and supportive content to everyone in the community ... ... period. 

*Source: Civic Economics – Andersonville Study of Retail Economics

2018 December Colony Magazine

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