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SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXI, NO. L
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025
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Community mourns the loss of Norma Moye
A fourth-generation Roblan and founding force behind the Downtown Main Street Association, Moye’s lifelong devotion shaped the heart, history, and spirit of Paso Robles for generations By HAYLEY MATTSON Publisher, Editor in Chief
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ith profound sadness, Paso Robles bids farewell to one of its most cherished community icons, Norma Moye, who passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 15, surrounded by her loving family. She was 92 years old. For generations of Roblans, Norma was more than a civic leader — she was the heartbeat of downtown, a tireless cheerleader for small businesses, a guardian of history, and a woman whose singular goal was simple and unwavering: to bring people together. Those who knew Norma knew she would be the first to insist that no fuss be made over her, no long tributes be written, no spotlight be shone too brightly in her direction. She preferred to redirect praise toward her volunteers, her board members, her merchants, and her beloved downtown. And yet, it is impossible to tell the story of Paso Robles without telling the story of Norma Moye. A fourth-generation Paso Roblan, Norma was born and raised in the city she would spend her entire life loving, protecting, and nurturing. Her roots ran as deep as the bricks that line the downtown streets she worked so passionately to preserve. A descendant of Italian immigrants, she carried forward a legacy of hard work, resilience, and community-mindedness — values that Norma Moye enjoying one of her favorite events during her favorite time of the year last year at the Lights of Hope Downtown Paso Robles Tree Light-
shaped both her life and her leadership. “I have not known anyone who worked harder for the town they loved,” said Paso Robles History Museum Board Director Grace Pucci. “Downtown Paso Robles is the success it is today due to Norma’s dedication and commitment to its ongoing success.” Norma was a founding member of the Paso Robles Downtown Main Street Association, established in 1988, and served as its executive director from 1992 until her passing. Under her steady guidance, the organization became a nationally accredited Main Street America program, recognized for excellence in preservation-based economic development and community revitalization. That distinction was more than an honor; it was a reflection of Norma’s vision for a downtown that could evolve without losing its soul. “Norma Moye’s life’s work was developing Paso Robles Main Street into the premier Main Street organization in America,” John Peschong, San Luis Obispo County District 1 Supervisor, shared. “She will be remembered for her vision and strength of spirit. I will miss her kindness, warmth, and drive.” To Norma, Main Street was not simply a commercial district — it was a family. She believed deeply that small businesses were the backbone of the community and that history, charm, and human connection mattered just as much as progress. She understood instinctively how to market a town without turning it into something unrecognizable, how to welcome visitors while still honoring the people who called Paso Robles home. “Norma Moye was the heart and soul of downtown Paso Robles — a visionary leader whose love for this community reshaped our city’s very identity,” said Robert Covarrubias, interim CEO CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
ing. Photo by Camille DeVaul/ATN
AUSD trustees Winter Wonderland brings snowy holiday magic back to Atascadero get updates on More than 70 tons Beyond the snow, the event featured a variety of attracbudget, state of snow, a towering tions including Joe’s Little Kiwanis-built Train, bounce houses, obstaDashboard slide, and festive cle courses, a gladiator joust, performances drew numbers and a bungy jump provided In last 2025 meeting, interim budgets shows district operating at a projected deficit for next three years By MIKE CHALDU michael@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — In its final meeting of the 2025 calendar year, the Atascadero Unified School District Board of Trustees received updates on the district’s interim 2025-26 budget and progress of the district’s California School Dashboard accountability. In the first of four study session topics, AUSD Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, Kendyl Darnell introduced the interim budget as a “financial checkup.” It’s prepared based on information and figures from the district through Oct. 31, 2025. Darnell said the budget is exploring three areas: how it is doing, and informing what the year’s projection looks like; making sure the district can pay CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
families to Sunken Gardens
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — Downtown Atascadero continued the holiday season as Winter Wonderland returned Friday, Dec. 12, transforming Sunken Gardens into a festive winter playground complete with more than 70 tons of snow. The annual celebration drew families from across North County for an evening filled with snow play, live entertainment, and shopping. At the heart of the event was the towering snow slide and play area, a longtime crowd favorite built and managed by the Atascadero Kiwanis Club in partnership with local businesses and volunteers. “It takes over 55 tons of snow for the snow slide and 286 bales of straw. It takes another 15-20 tons of snow for the two snow piles, so a little over 70 tons of snow,” said Director of Community Services & Promotions Terrie
COMMUNITY
A local choir performs for the crowd Dec. 12 during the Winter Wonderland event at the Sunken Gardens in Atascadero. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN
Banish. “The city funds a little over half the cost of the snow, and the remaining cost is offset with the event’s sponsorship program.” For more than two decades, Kiwanis had overseen construction of the snow attractions, which began taking shape early in the morning and continued late into the night. This year, the project was led by Dave Wesolowski, owner of Sprinkler King Inc. and a Kiwanis member, who stepped into the role. The process began with Atascadero Hay & Feed deliv-
CRIME
ering hay bales that Kiwanis volunteers stacked to form the foundation. Cuesta Springs Ice Company then blew ice to create the snow, which Kiwanis members molded into smooth runs for sledding. Throughout the evening, Kiwanis volunteers were joined by students from Atascadero High School’s Key Club and boys and girls basketball teams, who helped manage lines and ensure safety. Atascadero Kiwanis stated that they would not be able to pull off the event without financial support from
NONPROFIT
the Atascadero Rotary Club. Additional help to make the event happen came from AJay Excavating, Frank Sommers and volunteers from the AHS Athletics Department and Atascadero Mutual Water Company. W i n t e r Wo n d e r l a n d offcially kicked off when Santa Claus took the ceremonial first ride down the snow slide. Afterward, Santa and his elves greeted families at Historic City Hall until 8 p.m., with access through the “North Pole” entrance on the West Mall side.
by Bubble Fun 101. The California Mid-State Fair Queen’s Court also made special appearances throughout the evening. Holiday shopping was another highlight, with downtown businesses staying open late and more than 50 craft and food vendors lining the streets. Live performances at Historic City Hall provided a festive soundtrack with the Atascadero High School Cheer Team, followed by choirs and dance groups, and culminating with holiday music by Medina Light Show Design from 7 to 9 p.m. Winter Wonderland was free to attend, though visitors were encouraged to support local businesses and vendors. Seasonal celebrations continued beyond the event with the 2nd Annual “Garden Lights & Winter Nights” display in Sunken Gardens, which run through Jan. 11, 2026. For more information on upcoming events, residents were directed to visit atascaderonews.com
WEATHER
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