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SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXII, NO. XVI
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026
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Superintendent recognizes high achievers from the district AUSD Board prioritizes Measure B-24projects in study session By MIKE CHALDU michael@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — In its first regular meeting in over a month, the Atascadero Unified School District Board of Trustees set out prioritizing district projects to be paid by Measure B-24 bonds during its latemonth study session on Tuesday, April 21. Before that, though, Superintendent Dr. Thomas Bennett used his report to highlight a number of individuals from Atascadero High School spanning special education, athletics, and agriculture. “The time I have here I want to take in recognition of some of the great things happening in our district,” Bennett said at the start of his report. “It’s the people who are part of this district that are making it happen.” Bennett began by calling up Trisha Lomino of the SLO County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), who announced that 19 employees from AUSD were nominated for the Special Impact Awards, given to instructors and employees who work with special education students. Lomino then announced that a winner of the award was Atascadero Middle School Assistant Principal Melissa Smith, whom she called up to the podium. “Melissa defines the gold standard for special education, with a blend of professionalism,
integrity, and a caring heart,” Lomino said. “Her superhero power is unwavering advocacy for all learners, from her own experience as a parent of a child with a disability.” Next, Atascadero High School FFA instructor Kyle Dadson took the podium to highlight his team’s success in regional and state competitions this year, but singled out one member of his team, Jaycee Salas. “Miss Jaycee Salas is a senior at AHS, and she was recently installed as the 2026-2027 California State FFA president,” Dadson said. “Along with five other members across the state, she will have the opportunity to lead nearly 200,000 FFA members throughout the state. She is essentially the face of California FFA.” After that, Salas, along with fellow AHS members Gabby Ferrie, Bryn Baron, and Karis Dadson, informed the board of their team’s successes in sectional and regional conferences, and qualifying for state in speaking and livestock judging. Finally, AHS wrestling coach Joe Belmonte and Principal Leslie Baca introduced AHS wrestler Emma Garrett, who became the school’s first-ever girls CIF champion, and made it to the state finals and had a career record of 129-46, with 101 of her wins coming by pin. “In four years, I’ve watched Emma grow into one of the CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Atown Skate Park founder Kevin Campion announces the champions at Saturday’s “Scoot Jam,” where local rider Eva Alhadeff took first place in her division. Now in its 11th year and organized under the Scoot USA brand, the competition showcased standout talent, with Alhadeff rising above a male-dominated field after pushing beyond her comfort zone. Photo courtesy of Luana Alhadeff
‘Scoot Jam’ Scooter championship ‘draws regional and local talent to Atown Skate Park Annual event doubles as national qualifier, showcasing youth skill and discipline in Atascadero By HAYLEY MATTSON Publisher, Editor in Chief
ATASCADERO — Riders from across California and beyond gathered at Atown ‘Scoot Jam’ on Saturday, April 18, for the park’s annual scooter championship, an event that continues to grow in both scale and significance. Now in its 11th year, the competition — known as “Scoot Jam” and organized under the Scoot USA brand
— brought together beginners, intermediate riders, and elite competitors for a full day of high-energy runs, technical tricks, and community connection. The event also served as a qualifying stop for a national scooter championship, elevating the level of competition and drawing participants from across the western United States. “This is about more than just a contest,” said park founder Kevin Campion. “It’s about
giving kids a place to learn discipline, perform in front of an audience, and push themselves to improve.” Competitors were given 45-second timed runs to navigate the park’s features, linking together lines of tricks across ramps, rails, and bowls. Judges evaluated each run based on difficulty, execution, and overall use of the course, requiring riders to balance creativity, speed, and consistency under pressure.
Participants traveled from as far as Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and North Carolina, underscoring the event’s growing reputation and the limited number of similar competitions nationwide. According to Campion, only a handful of qualifying events are held each year, making Atascadero’s stop a key opportunity for riders seeking to advance. “ We partnered with a national organization to host CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Specs by Kyla’s visionary move to El Camino Real How Skinner is redefining style, community, and connection in downtown Atascadero By HAYLEY MATTSON Publisher, Editor in Chief
ATASCADERO — On one of the most prominent corners in downtown Atascadero, a fresh energy is taking shape — one defined not just by design, but by vision in every sense of the word. For Kyla Skinner, owner of Specs by Kyla, the move into a new, more expansive space marks both a milestone and the culmination of five years of steady, intentional growth. What began as a modest, word-of-mouth business has evolved into one of the city’s most distinctive retail experiences, rooted in authenticity, creativity, and community connection. Skinner said the decision to relocate was driven by necessity as much as opportunity. “ We were definitel y outgrowing our previous space,” Skinner said. “It felt like an eyewear party at times — fun, but crowded.”
SLO County Supervisor John Peschong (left) and District Attorney Dan Dow are shown at a crime victims advocacy event April 15 at the Katcho Achadjian Government Center In San Luis Obispo. Screenshot
Annual advocacy event calls for stronger voice for crime victims Specs by Kyla owner/operator Kyla Skinner is shown outside her business’ new home at 5915 El Camino Real. Photo by Hayley Mattson/ATN
County leaders and advocates gather to honor That growth did not happen go,” Skinner said. “They’re tion at 5915 El Camino Real, survivors, highlight victims’ rights during Crime Victims’ Rights Awareness Month overnight. Built almost excited to tell people where that vision has come to life. entirely through personal referrals, Specs by Kyla has developed a loyal customer base that values not just the product, but the experience behind it. Clients often leave with more than eyewear — they leave with a sense of individuality that becomes part of their identity. “When someone is wearing really unique eyewear, they get compliments everywhere they
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they got their glasses.” That kind of organic promotion has helped propel the business forward, allowing Skinner to expand thoughtfully while maintaining the core values that define her brand. Rather than rushing growth, she focused on reinvesting in the business, building a stable foundation that could support long-term success. Now, in the new loca-
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The shop itself reflects Skinner’s creative evolution. What was once a stark office space has been transformed into a lightfilled, welcoming retail environment that blends historic character with modern design. “It was a slow build,” Skinner said. “We didn’t know what was behind the walls at first.” As renovations progressed, CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
SPORTS
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Community leaders, advocates, and residents gathered on Wednesday, April 15, at the Katcho Achadjian Government Center to recognize Crime Victims’ Rights Awareness Month during the annual advocacy event hosted
by the District Attorney’s Office Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center. Held in conjunction with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 19-25), the event served as both a tribute to survivors and a call to action, emphasizing this year’s national theme: “Listen. Act. Advocate.” The gathering featured
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