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SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CIX, NO. XLVIII
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024
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San Luis Obispo County certifies 2024 election A new chapter of leadership and community engagement begins
Thanksgiving for Paso Robles volunteers prepare meals on Thursday, Nov. 28. Photo by Camille DeVaul/ATN
By HAYLEY MATTSON AND CAMILLE DEVAUL
Tradition feeds over a thousand in 40th Paso Thanksgiving feast Thanksgiving for Paso Robles celebrates 40 years and thousands of served meals By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
NORTH COUNTY — Thanksgiving for Paso Robles celebrated 40 years of giving thanks by continuing the tradition of a free community feast on Thursday, Nov. 28, at the Centennial Park Activity Center. Last year, almost 1,500 meals were served by over 200 volunteers, and this year was no different. All were welcome to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving sit-down meal of oven-roasted turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, mixed vegetables, salad, candied yams, cranberry sauce, rolls, and housebaked pies at no cost. Started by Mildred Wilkins, an aspiring restauranteur, this gathering is made possible by the generous contributions of many organizations, businesses, and individuals. In 1984, Thanksgiving for Paso CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
“Christmas at the Ranch” features a nearly 2-mile train ride immerses passengers in a dazzling holiday display, complete with twinkling lights and life-sized decorations. Photo by Slava Narozhnyi
Christmas at the Ranch: All aboard for holiday magic Festive trains, Santa’s Village, and family fun await at Santa Margarita Ranch By HAYLEY MATTSON
SANTA MARGARITA— The historic Santa Margarita Ranch has once again transformed into a holiday wonderland for its second annual “Christmas at the Ranch,” welcoming visitors with twinkling lights, festive sights, delicious food, music, and the magic of the season. From the warmth of fire pits and the aroma of holiday treats to the joy of meeting Santa Claus himself, this cherished Central
Steve and Shelly Rossi co-founders of “Christmas at the Ranch,” are happy to offer additional train rides and an expanded selection of food trucks for the Santa Margarita Ranch event this year. Photo by Hayley Mattson/ATN
Coast event has something for everyone. Opening night set the tone for the season, drawing crowds of all ages to celebrate the kick-
off of Christmas in a setting that embodies western hospitality. Attendees began their journey aboard the trains of the Pacific Coast Railroad,
boarding one of two authentic steam locomotives. One train features open-air cars, while the other pulls historic cars, including one restored to its original 1955 Disneyland condition after an 11-month refurbishment. “Attendees will get to see what the train car looked like when it was new on Disneyland’s opening day,” said Steve Rossi, co-founder of “Christmas at the Ranch.” “We’ve put in so much more effort this year, starting in February, to create Santa’s Village and expand on the magic we introduced last year.” The nearly 2-mile train ride immerses passengers in a CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
El Camino Homeless Organization raises over $100,000 during 6th Annual Turkey Trot The Thanksgiving run brought over 1,000 people to the Atascadero Lake Park By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — This year, more participants showed up, and more money was raised than ever before at El Camino Homeless Organization’s (ECHO) 6th Annual Turkey Trot. Over 1,000 people gathered at Atascadero Lake Park on the brisk Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 28) morning, with the 5k/fun run/walk bringing the community out to start their holiday fun off by raising over $100,000 for ECHO while having a blast doing it with their family, neighbors, and friends. “One of the best parts is this is a suggested donation event, so really, it is people giving what they can. We had people that came and gave $100. We had people that came and gave $20. We had people that came and gave $1,” said ECHO’s Director of Development Austin
Over 1,000 community members showed up for ECHO’s 6th Annual Turkey Trot. Photo by Rick Evans./ATN
Solheim. “It’s just an incredible event for so many members of the community to be able to come out and participate in a Thanksgiving trot [tradition].” One of the many reasons ECHO was able to raise over
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$100,000 this year during the Turkey Trot was because they had incredible community members, Michael and Lori Bickel, who matched every donation made by the community during the 5k.
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“It was just incredible to have a member of our community, just to see that, and to share that impact with everyone there was absolutely incredible,” added Solheim on being able to tell the fun run’s participants.
NORTH COUNTY NEWS
Like in years before, the Turkey Trot also provided enjoyment in the form of the race’s Thanksgiving-themed costume contests, and boy did the participants deliver. “It was actually the most difficult year to choose winners. We had a group of volunteers that we had deciding who was going to win the costume contest, and we had four winners this year,” Solheim stated. “We had a best individual costume, a best group costume, a best kids costume, and a best dog costume. We had four winners. It was incredible.” He went on to say that one of the highlights for him was the individual winner, who showed up in an inflatable turkey costume. Not as an alive turkey, but one you would find in the middle of your Thanksgiving table. “He actually ran the entire 5K in that inflatable turkey costume,” continued Solheim. This year, the Turkey Trot had six winners in three different divisions: the top two adult males, the top two adult females,
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder has officially certified the results of the 2024 election, marking a pivotal moment of transition in both local and national leadership. As of Dec. 3, the certified results reflect significant changes across city councils, school boards, and local measures, underscoring a democratic process that has embraced fresh perspectives and new voices. With 182,606 registered voters and 153,432 ballots cast, the county achieved voter turnout of 84.02%, demonstrating a strong commitment to civic engagement and active participation in shaping the region’s future. In North County, the 2024 election results mark a significant shift in leadership, with several long-held seats transitioning to first-time officeholders. These changes embody the spirit of democracy, fostering broader representation and bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront. Many of the newly elected officials come from non-political backgrounds, challenging the traditional concept of “career politicians” and offering fresh, innovative approaches to governance. Their unique experiences are expected to bring adaptability and creativity to local decision-making. With voter turnout surpassing 80 percent in many areas, the election underscores the region’s strong commitment to civic engagement and active participation in shaping its future. At the same time, some candidates ran on well-defined political platforms and extensive experience, showcasing the diverse motivations and expertise among those seeking public office. This mix of seasoned leaders and new voices highlights North County’s dedication to balancing continuity with progress. As these officials begin their terms, the months ahead will reveal how these varied approaches will shape policies, community growth, and the future of San Luis Obispo County. ATASCADERO City Council and Mayoral Race In Atascadero, voter turnout reached 83.25% of registered voters, reflecting the community’s strong engagement. With two council seats up for grabs, Seth Peek claimed the top spot with 35.32% (7,835 votes), followed closely by Mark Dariz at 33.96% (7,535 votes). Tori Keen fell short at 30.72% (6,816 votes). In the mayoral race, Charles Bourbeau, running unopposed, secured his seat with 62% (10,550 votes) of the total ballots cast.
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FUNDRAISING Bob Jones Trail | A3
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