GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CX, NO. XXXIII
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2025
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Supervisors OK changes in housing strategy County board taking steps to encourage more multi-family dwellings By MIKE CHALDU michael@atascaderonews.com
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors took a step toward its effort to reach its state affordable housing requirement by forwarding, with some modifications, an Ad Hoc Committee’s and the county Planning Commission’s recommendations at its Tuesday, Aug. 19, regular meeting. The item stemmed from an effort that started March 12, 2024, when the board directed the county’s Department of Planning and Building to prioritize nine key Housing Element implementation actions by establishing the 2020-2028 Housing Element Implementation Framework, which contains near-term and longterm actions aimed at achieving the state-mandated Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for the unincorporated county. On Sept. 10, 2024, the board formed an Ad Hoc 2020-2028 Housing Element Implementation Steering Committee, led by Supervisors
Dawn Ortiz-Legg and Jimmy Paulding, to provide guidance on stakeholder engagement and key implementation decision points relating to the Implementation Framework. Other members include representatives from the home builder industry and nonprofit affordable housing builders. The main focus of the Aug. 19 meeting was giving first approval on the staff and committee’s Implementation Action 01, which was to Encourage Multi-Family Dwelling Development (like apartment buildings and mixed-use complexes) and Implementation Action 02, which established a Regional Housing Incentive Program. The recommended ordinances and resolutions were proposed to update current regulations for multi-family dwellings to increase flexibility for housing development in the county, while protecting the use and enjoyment of neighboring properties. The item Aug. 19 was for tentative action and authorization of the use of alternative publication procedures for Action 01. A second public hearing for final action is scheduled for the meeting Sept. 23. The staff presentation, given by Cory Hanh and Schani Siong of the County Planning CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
This family’s T-shirts hit the right theme at Atascadero’s seventh annual Central Coast Cider Festival. Photo courtesy of Black Hand Cellars
Seventh annual Central Coast Cider Festival More than 20 cider makers, live music, and a sold-out connoisseur experience brought hundreds to Atascadero’s Sunken Gardens for a cider filled weekend By HAYLEY MATTSON hayley@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — The seventh annual Central Coast Cider Festival transformed Atascadero’s Sunken Gardens into a lively celebration of craft, flavor, and community on Saturday, Aug. 23. Drawing cider enthusiasts from across California, the festival once again highlighted the growing presence of cider culture on the Central Coast while
cementing its reputation as one of the state’s premier niche beverage events. From 4 to 8 p.m., more than 20 cider makers — from as far north as Sebastopol to as far south as Los Angeles — poured their best creations for hundreds of guests eager to explore the evolving world of cider. Attendees sampled everything from traditional dry varieties to inventive fruit-forward blends, often poured directly by the makers themselves.
“It was the highest number of cider producers we’ve seen at the event,” said Andres Nuno, owner of En Fuego Events, which manages the festival on behalf of the Central Coast Cider Association. “For cider enthusiasts, it’s really rare to have this many producers gathered in one place. That’s what makes this festival so unique.” This year introduced the Connoisseur Ticket Experience, an exclusive addition CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
San Miguel Old Timers BBQ carries on tradition of community history
(From left) Paso Robles Pioneer Day Belle Attendants Amelia Peterson, Emma Marquart, and Olivia Anderson, are shown with Pioneer Day Queen Lorraine Cagliero, and her daughter-in-law Sam Cagliero at the San Miguel Old Timers BBQ on Sunday, Aug. 24. Photo by Derek Luff/ATN
Community members, Lions Club volunteers, and Pioneer Day Royalty gather for annual feast By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com The Atascadero High girls volleyball team is shown in action against Santa Maria, whom it swept in three games on Aug. 21. . Photo by Rick Evans/ATN
North County teams launch fall sports seasons Paso Robles celebrates football and girls flag football debuts, Templeton battles in season opener, and Atascadero volleyball dominates early matches By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
NORTH COUNTY — High school sports are back in full swing across the North County, and fans have plenty to cheer for as local teams launch their 2025 seasons. In Paso Robles, the Bearcats are set to light up War Memorial Stadium while also celebrating the debut of their first-ever girls flag football team. Templeton’s Eagles are fighting to prove themselves after a hard-
fought opener under veteran head coach Don Crow, and Atascadero’s Greyhounds have already hit the ground running with a dominant start in girls volleyball. From the gridiron to the court, this fall promises spirited competition and community pride throughout the region. The Templeton High School football team kicked off its 2025 season under the Friday night lights at home, but came up just short against Edison High School, falling after two overtimes 28-20 on Aug. 22.
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The Eagles showed plenty of fight in their opener, keeping the game close thanks to a balanced offensive effort. Quarterback Colter Tannehill led the way, throwing for 196 yards and a touchdown while also scoring once on the ground. Running back Tyler Cunningham added 64 rushing yards and a touchdown to power the ground game. Defensively, Templeton held its own, limiting Edison to just 2.7 yards per carry. Senior linebacker Garret Davis anchored CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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SAN MIGUEL — The spirit of Paso Robles Pioneer Day festivities made its way to San Miguel this past weekend as the community gathered for the beloved Old Timers BBQ. Held on Sunday, Aug. 24, the annual event brought together longtime residents, royalty, and local volunteers to share in food, fellowship, and tradition. The barbecue, hosted by the San Miguel Lions Club, has been a staple of Pioneer Day activities for decades. The Lions have proudly carried on the event since at least 1985, when they first installed the barbecue
pits that are still used today. But the club’s roots in the community run even deeper. Founded in 1949, the San Miguel Lions have worked hand-in-hand with the Paso Robles Pioneer Day Committee, ensuring that the picnic and its traditions remain strong year after year. “It’s been tradition. The whole idea of the picnic is giving back to the community,” said Lion member Mary Scantlin, secretary of the San Miguel Lions. “If you’re 80 and older, you get a free meal. And the San Miguel Lions, that’s what they’ve always done, and giving it back to our community to help all the pioneers because we’re all farmers and ranchers.” This year’s barbecue was made possible thanks to an extra effort from the Lions. With several members deployed to help battle the massive Gifford Fire, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
WEATHER
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