GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXII, NO. XIII
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026
atascaderonews.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
County supervisors reject temporary roundabout on Templeton intersection Residents come out to oppose Vineyard Drive proposal, which one supervisor calls a ‘solution in search of a problem’ By MIKE CHALDU michael@atascaderonews.com
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Voices from Templeton were heard during the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, March 24, as the board rejected a proposal for a “temporary” roundabout to be built on a rural intersection in Templeton. The creation and funding of a temporary demonstration roundabout at the intersection of Vineyard Drive and Bethel Road in Templeton was put on the Consent Agenda. The purpose of the project was to measure safety performance and operations of a roundabout at the location between Vineyard Elementary School and Highway 101. The intersection, a four-way stop surrounded on all corners by private residential properties, was identified for improvements by the 2017 Templeton Circulation Study, and as a part of the 2023 Vineyard Drive Corridor Plan and identified for intersection improvements of either traffic signals or a roundabout. The Vineyard Corridor from Main Street to Highway 46 was identified as a regional safety priority location through the SLOCOG 2025 Regional Road Safety Action Plan. The item required a 4/5ths vote to pass rather than a simple majority. The project would have recorded and monitored collisions, injuries, traffic benefits, lessons learned, or recommendations related to future projects or strategies for improving the intersection. The “demonstration roundabout” was meant to be temporary in nature and was required to be removed after the conclusion of the project assessment, which was planned for 12 months. The item (No. 24) was one of 34 placed on the Consent Agenda of items that are usually approved with a minimum of discussion or opposition. However, during Public Comment for the Consent Agenda, 10 speakers came out against the proposal, including a couple whose property sits at a corner of the intersection, and two members of the Templeton Unified School District board, speaking as nearby residents.
Protesters gather along El Camino Real in front of the Sunken Garden in Atascadero during latest “No Kings” protest on Saturday, March 28. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN
Hundreds gather in Atascadero for ‘No Kings’ protest, part of nationwide movement on Saturday Peaceful march, rally, and community gathering reflect growing civic engagement across North County By HAYLEY MATTSON Publisher, Editor in Chief
ATASCADERO — Hundreds of residents took to the streets of downtown Atascadero on Saturday, March 28, joining thousands across the Central Coast and millions nationwide in the latest
wave of “No Kings” protests — a coordinated series of demonstrations aimed at voicing concerns over federal policies and the direction of the country. The local event, organized in part by the Atascadero Democratic Club and other grassroots groups, began at 10 a.m. at the busy intersection of El Camino Real and Morro Road — often referred to as the city’s “Four Corners.” From there, participants engaged in a car rally and sidewalk demonstration before marching through downtown and concluding with a community gathering at Sunken Gardens.
Organizers described the event as peaceful, family-friendly, and rooted in nonviolent civic engagement — a tone that was reflected throughout the morning as attendees of all ages carried signs, waved flags, and joined in chants and songs. “This is about showing up and being part of democracy,” one participant said during the gathering. “It’s about making sure our voices are heard.” Saturday’s demonstration was part of what organizers called “No Kings 3,” the largest coordinated protest effort of 2026 so far. The broader movement, which
began in 2025, has mobilized demonstrators across the country under the slogan “No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.” Organizers say the protests are intended to oppose what they view as authoritarian tendencies in government, including concerns about executive power, immigration enforcement policies, and foreign conflicts. While large metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles saw more intense activity, including some clashes and arrests, events throughout San Luis Obispo County remained peaceful and orderly, with no CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
North County celebrates Easter with community and connection
Families, local businesses, and volunteers come together to enjoy beloved Easter traditions
host a family service and breakfast at the Atascadero High School Stadium, and Atascadero United Methodist Church will welcome early risers for a sunrise service followed by breakfast, traditional services, and an egg hunt. Together, these events reflect a shared commitment across North County to create spaces where families can celebrate, reflect, and enjoy time together.
By HAYLEY MATTSON Publisher, Editor in Chief
ATASCADERO — Across North San Luis Obispo County, families, local businesses, and volunteers came together this spring to celebrate Easter with a renewed sense of connection, tradition, and community spirit. From a cheerful gathering at the Atascadero Police Station to the revival of a beloved downtown Paso Robles event, the season brought moments of joy that highlighted the strength and unity of the region. In Atascadero, families gathered on Sunday, March 29, for a festive afternoon of free photos with the Easter Bunny at the Atascadero Police Station. Held from noon to 2 p.m. at the El Camino Real location, the event created a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere where children could meet the Easter Bunny while parents captured special holiday memories. The event also served a deeper purpose — building relationships between local law enforcement and the community. Officers greeted families, inter-
Atascadero Police Department’s “Photos with the Easter Bunny” event was captured by Photo Booth Caper, owned by father-daughter team Manuel and Q Medina. Photo courtesy of Photo Booth Caper
acted with children, and helped create a safe, approachable environment filled with laughter and springtime excitement. Photos from the day were provided by Photo Booth Caper, owned by father-daughter team Manuel and Q Medina, who helped families take home lasting keepsakes. Their contribution added a personal, local touch that reflected the collaborative
EDUCATION
spirit behind the event. The strong turnout underscored the importance of accessible, family-friendly gatherings in Atascadero. Events like these not only celebrate the season but also reinforce community bonds and provide opportunities for residents to connect with one another in meaningful ways. The Easter festivities continue this weekend in Atascadero, with
SPORTS
several churches and community organizations hosting services and celebrations. Awakening Ways CSL will hold an Easter Celebration Service at the Pavilion on the Lake, complete with an egg hunt and family activities. Grace Central Coast is offering multiple services along with egg hunts for children from infants through fifth grade. Meanwhile, Atascadero Bible Church will
COMMUNITY
‘Hop To It’ Easter event brings community together A beloved Easter tradition returned to downtown Paso Robles last Saturday, as families gathered at City Park for the “Hop To It” event, a festive celebration that blended nostalgia, community spirit, and a renewed sense of togetherness. Hosted by the Paso Robles Downtown Main Street Association in partnership with Paso Robles Press/Paso Robles Magazine (sister publications to Atascadero News), the event featured an Easter egg hunt, photos with the Easter Bunny, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Held at the park’s Holiday House, the celebration marked the first egg hunt in City Park in more than a decade. Despite being organized in less than three weeks, the event drew hundreds of children and CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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WEATHER
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TEMPLETON Campus Swap | A3
SCHEDULE North County | A7
EASTER VBC Paso | A8
High 69° | Low 36°
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