GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXII, NO. XVII
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026
atascaderonews.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
City Council looks at potential zoning changes Members discuss what will be allowable uses in multiple commercial areas in the city By MIKE CHALDU michale@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — The Atascadero City Council tackled more city General Plan issues during its Tuesday, April 28, meeting, more specifically, potential zoning changes put forth by staff in the city’s commercial zoning districts. City Councilmember Heather Newsom was absent for the meeting. The only scheduled item of the meeting, Zoning Code Update – Commercial Zones and Uses, dealing with four zones: Commercial, Commercial Services, Commercial Innovation, and Industrial. The new General Plan includes five commercial placetypes (land use districts) which would be implemented by multiple zoning districts. These include the following Placetypes: Mixed Use, Downtown Mixed Use, Commercial, Industrial and Innovation Flex. The March 10 and March 24, discussions with
the City Council focused on the two Mixed Use placetypes. This discussion focuses on the remaining three commercial Placetypes, primarily focusing on what is allowed in each district and suggested refinements to the land use definitions. This discussion will also cover non-conforming land uses in the Downtown Commercial District, such as medical offices, ground floor residential uses, fuel stations, and storage uses. The item was split into three parts, with Public Comment periods provided for each. Community Development Director Phil Dunsmore, Planning Manager Kelly Gleason, and, remotely, Genevieve Sharrow of the MIG consulting firm A band plays at the Sunken Gardens during the Central Coast Cider Festival on Saturday, April 25. The festival featured more than 20 cider producers, local busipresented options for each part. nesses and hundreds of attendees for an afternoon celebrating one of California’s fastest-growing craft beverages. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN The first part of the item was determining nonconforming businesses in the Downtown Commercial area, which the city has been trying to promote as a one of California’s fastest-growing craft “This year felt like one of the strongest “pedestrain-driven, with active Expanded lineup and new beverages. community-supported festivals we have had ground-floor uses,” area, accordApril date bring fresh energy Now in its second year at the downtown so far,” said Jeremy Fleming, co-founder of ing to Dunsmore. to downtown Atascadero venue, the festival continues to evolve — SLO Cider and president of the Central “It’s really about the restauwith organizers shifting the event to April Coast Cider Association. “Although the rants, the entertainment, and By CAMILLE DEVAUL in 2026 to accommodate more cider makers weather took an unexpected turn and we having nightlife,” he explained. camille@atascaderonews.com and expand the overall experience. Through- had a bit of rain, guests didn’t seem bothered Dunsmore said staff was lookCONTINUED ON PAGE A2 ATASCADERO — The 8th annual out the day, guests sampled a wide range of at all. In fact, the energy stayed incredibly Central Coast Cider Festival returned to ciders while enjoying live music, food and positive throughout the event. We received the Sunken Gardens on Saturday, April all that downtown Atascadero has to offer. feedback from several people who said they Despite a stretch of rainy weather, turn- had a great time despite the weather, and 25, bringing together more than 20 cider producers, local businesses and hundreds out remained strong and spirits stayed high some even told us it was one of their favorite of attendees for an afternoon celebrating throughout the day. CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Central Coast Cider Festival draws crowds despite spring showers
Tess Davis Cheek (right) and ECHO hosted the Empty Bowl event on April 22 in Paso Robles. Photo by Camille DeVaul/ATN
Empty Bowls serves up support for ECHO Annual fundraiser brings in nearly $100,000 for shelters, outreach, and prevention programs By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
NORTH COUNT Y— Community members gathered in Paso Robles on Wednesday, April 22, for ECHO’s annual Empty Bowls fundraiser, raising nearly $100,000 to support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Hosted at Studios on the Park, the sold-out event provided critical funding for El Camino Homeless Organization’s (ECHO) programs, including its 130-bed, 90-day emergency shelter, outreach efforts and homelessness prevention services. “It’s the third time we’ve had [Empty Bowls] here in Paso Robles, and we’re at the most
beautiful venue, Studios on the Park,” Wendy Lewis, CEO of ECHO, told Atascadero News at the event. “They donate the space and help the event be successful. We’re raising funds to provide the critical resources that the group does, those resources that really change lives for the better, and help people on a pathway back into housing.” So far in 2026, ECHO has helped more than 100 individuals and families secure and maintain stable housing. Through comprehensive services such as case management, financial literacy, workforce training, and individualized support, the organization works to address the root causes of homelessness. ECHO currently operates two shelters — a 70-bed facility in Paso Robles and a 60-bed shelter in Atascadero — and is in the process of expanding services with a new family wing in Atascadero that will add 30 CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
COMMUNITY
Participants at Shale Oak Winery during Wine 4 Paws 2026 pose for a group photo. Photo courtesy of Wine 4 Paws
Wine 4 Paws uncorks community support across San Luis Obispo County More than 75 businesses join forces to support Woods Humane Society during peak puppy and kitten season By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
NORTH COUNTY — Lovers of wine and animals across San Luis Obispo County came together April 25-26 for the annual Wine 4 Paws fundraiser, transforming a weekend of wine tasting and local shopping into meaningful support for animals in need.
SPORTS
Now in its 18th year, Wine 4 Paws has grown into a countywide tradition, with more than 75 wineries, olive oil producers, restaurants, and retail shops participating. Each pledged to donate 10 percent of their weekend sales, turning everyday purchases into contributions that directly support homeless dogs and cats. Since its founding in 2009, the event has raised
BUSINESS
more than $750,000 for the nonprofit. Despite less-than-ideal weather, this year’s turnout remained strong. Event organizer and founder Sarah Tomasetti shared with Atascadero News “We had a great turnout this year despite the weather, with the wineries reporting very successful weekends. We were once again
encouraged by all the locals who come out year after year, as well as people from out of town who plan their Wine 4 Paws Weekend visit each year.” Beyond standard tastings, many businesses offered special experiences to engage attendees and enhance fundraising efforts. Activities ranged from winepaired dinners and vineyard dog CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
WEATHER
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