Atascadero News • February 19, 2026

District educators and supporters advocate for COLA increase and protection from ICE

By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com By MIKE CHALDU

NORTH COUNTY — Love was in the air across North County this Valentine’s weekend, as communities came together for celebrations ranging from sweet treats and family fun to downtown shopping and local traditions. Festivities kicked off Friday, Feb. 13, with the Sweetheart Stroll in downtown

Atascadero, hosted by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, and continued through Valentine’s Day itself.

Popular Paso Robles bakery Just Baked joined the holiday fun with a wide array of festive treats, drawing both longtime patrons and new visitors. Owner Libby Ryan said Valentine’s Day is one of the shop’s favorite times of year.

“Valentine’s Day is always such a treat at the shop. We love seeing our past couples come back celebrating their anniversaries in Paso, reminiscing on their wedding days,” Ryan said.

The bakery decorated for the holiday with pink, hearts, and festive displays,

making each visit feel special. Tiramisu and chocolate-covered strawberries proved to be top sellers, reflecting the community’s sweet tooth for the holiday.

“It’s also just a great time with everyone grabbing treats for those they love, and we try to make everything look extra special and cute for this holiday,” Ryan added. “One of my favorite things, though, about the holiday is being tagged in everyone’s Kissing Booth photos. We try each holiday to make sure that you can leave the shop with some sort of ‘takeaway’ experience. I hope everyone felt ‘the love’ from our fun photo op.”

Just Baked also shared treats with

neighboring businesses like General Store Paso Robles, spreading Valentine’s cheer beyond the bakery’s walls.

Families found a different kind of Valentine’s celebration at the Central Coast Zoo in Atascadero, where the children’s water fountain, “Leo the Lion,” made its long-awaited return. Though unconfirmed, it is suspected that “Leo” is from the 1960s. The unveiling coincided with the debut of the zoo’s inaugural Valentine-themed event, “Woo at the Zoo,” and began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local families.

Zoo Director Dr. Cynthia String-

— For the second straight meeting, this one on Feb. 17, the Atascadero Unified School District Board of Trustees and Superintendent Dr. Tom Bennett, heard from teachers, parents, and students concerning the district, chief among them negotiations on teachers’ pay, and assurances that AUSD students would be protected from any actions from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As in the previous meeting, speakers criticized the lack of a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which AUSD teachers say is actually a pay cut. At that meeting, Atascadero District Teachers Association President Andrew Weatherly, who was not present at the latest meeting, said most of the other districts in the county have gotten the full COLA. Several teachers and parents came up to the podium to ask

CONTINUED ON PAGE A2

By CAMILLE

NORTH COUNTY — A late-winter storm system is sweeping across the Central Coast this week, bringing gusty winds, periods of heavy rain, and the potential for flooding.

The National Weather Service has issued both a Wind Advisory and a Flood Watch for the region, warning of strong winds, possible flash flooding, and hazardous travel.

Thunder and lightning hit North County starting in the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 17.

The National Weather Service issued both a Wind Advisory and a Flood Watch for portions of southwest California through early Wednesday morning. Southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, were expected from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m., which proved to be pretty accurate.

The storm’s impacts were seen early on Tuesday in San Luis Obispo. A portion of Monterey Street in downtown San Luis Obispo was temporarily closed Tuesday morning after a basketball-sized piece of decorative molding fell from

above the historic Fremont Theater sign around 7:15 a.m., according to the San Luis Obispo City Fire Department. No injuries were reported, and the sidewalk below was taped off as a precaution while city building inspectors assess the façade and structural safety of the sign.

As a result of the incident, Tuesday night’s concert has been relocated to SLO Brew Rock, and it remains unclear whether additional shows will be moved. Monterey Street between Osos and Santa Rosa streets is closed to vehicle traf-

fic, though businesses remain accessible to pedestrians. As of the publishing of this article, a reopening timeline has not yet been announced. According to PG&E on Wednesday morning, an unplanned power outage is currently affecting 371 customers across San Luis Obispo County. The majority of impacted customers are in San Luis Obispo (236), followed by unincorporated areas of the county (90) and Atascadero (40). Smaller outages have also been reported in Grover Beach (4) and Oceano (1).

During the heaviest part of the storm, over 1,200 residents were without power, with a goodmajority of those being along North and South River Road in Paso Robles.

Over the past 24 hours, Paso Robles recorded 1.26 inches of rain, bringing its seasonal total to 14.45 inches. In Atascadero, 1.71 inches fell during the same period, according to RainDrop.com, as the county’s website was down. Templeton measured 1.39 inches in the last 24 hours, also reported by RainDrop.com due to the

Paso Robles Main Street enters year of transition following Norma Moye’s passing Interim leaders Jeffry Wiesinger and Margaret Heely-Holstine pledge steady guidance

PASO ROBLES —The Paso Robles Main Street Association is entering a year of transition following the passing of longtime Executive Director Norma Moye, whose decades of leadership helped shape downtown Paso Robles into a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.

The organization’s board of directors has appointed Jeffry Wiesinger as interim executive director and Margaret Heely-Holstine as interim board president. Together, they will guide Main Street

through 2026 with a focus on stability, continuity, and honoring Moye’s enduring legacy.

Wiesinger, who has served as board president for the past five years and owns Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ in downtown Paso Robles, said stepping into the interim executive role is rooted in service and community commitment.

“Norma’s impact on this community is immeasurable,” Wiesinger said. “While no one person can fill her shoes, we are committed to carrying forward the spirit of volun -

field described the restoration as a long but rewarding process.

“The fountain was taken out in October of 2024 while we looked for a place to have it restored to get the cost estimate, and then find funding — this took much longer than I anticipated,” she explained. “I could

not find anyone locally to do the refurbishment, but thankfully finally found a specialist, Avalon Studios, in Minnesota — much to my surprise, they specialize in these fountains, restoring them as well as making new ones. It needed extensive restoration we were not even aware of under the paint, then it was re-painted as the new ones look, and it also received new plumbing, so it’s

like brand new now.”

Visitors enjoyed heartthemed activities, keeper talks about animal mating habits, and enrichment sessions for the animals. A social media promotion encouraged guests to share past and present photos with Leo for a chance to win Valentine-themed prizes.

Dr. Stringfield said the community’s reaction to the

fountain’s return was overwhelmingly positive, “The community was very excited and we have received a lot of positive comments, in person and on social media. I was relieved and happy to have this project done, and done well — he looks fantastic and I’m so glad for the community that he is back.”

The restoration was made

of the students.”

the district to give the teachers the 2% COLA raise the ADTA requested in negotiations.

“The living wage in California for a single person with no dependents is $62,000; AUSD teachers make $56,000, which means our teachers live below poverty line. Asking for a meager 2-percent raise, if we got that, we would still be $4,000 below the line,” Atascadero resident Allison Kastenholz said. “These teacher could be teaching a future nurse at the hospital, the mechanic who works on your car, the middle school principal or board members. No raise would be a self-inflicted wound.”

Tara Patterson, a social

county site outage, while Santa Margarita received the highest total, with 1.85 inches of rainfall.

sciences and psychology teacher at Atascadero High School, used her own experience to illustrate the need to retain teachers.

“My first day at AHS was as a TA, and they had teachers who had taught at Atascadero longer than I’ve been alive, and they had multiple kids go through the school system,” she said. “Five years later, I’m a teacher still working at the high school, and there are only 30% of the teachers at AHS who were there before I started; massive turnover.

“With high turnover like that, students experience less consistency, and we are constantly rebuilding culture rather than strengthening and honing what we do best. We need to retain high-quality instructors.”

An anonymous letter was

read by San Gabriel Elementary kindergarten teacher

Sarah Holland. The author, written by a “dedicated AUSD staff member” who feared retaliation, criticized recent spending by the board.

“I implore the board to address the unchecked spending since July of 2025,” the letter said. The author also criticized Bennett and his “cabinet” for using the AUSD budget as “their own personal checking account,” hiring consultants to help find a candidate for an upcoming staff vacancy, hiring “friends” for positions and speaking engagements, approving extra hours for retired staff members.

“It is time to audit this spending; the board should be asking why we are prioritizing the comfort of the superintendent and his cabinets over the needs

Traffic storm damage on Tuesday night included a limb blocking the lanes at State Route 41 and San Gabriel Road in Atascadero. In Paso Robles, several problems were being reported: mud and shrubs were blocking the eastbound lane at Peachy Canyon Road and Pacific Avenue; CRG 14 and Chimney Rock Road had mud, dirt, and rocks on the roadway; and South River Road at Santa Ysabel Avenue experienced roadway flooding.

downtown businesses and the broader community remains strong.

Beginning Thursday, both Atascadero and Paso Robles will experience a cool and unsettled pattern, with periods of rain, breezy conditions, and daytime highs in the low to mid-50s through Friday. Overnight lows will be chilly, dipping into the 30s in Atascadero and the upper 20s

Also on the minds of some speakers was concern about ICE agents coming to Atascadero schools. That issue came to a head at the Feb. 3 meeting when Atascadero Middle School teacher Jahan Merzai proposed a statement assuring students’ protection from ICE agents, and announced he was leaving the job when that proposal was rejected.

Aaron Cotton, a parent of an AMS student, said students and parents are both worried about ICE.

“A teacher shouldn’t have to risk his position to ask to have students protected,” Cotton said, referring to Marzai’s stand. “The school is required to have new procedures in place by March 1. We want to know: What is

to 30s in Paso Robles. Conditions will begin to improve on Friday, butremain cool and mostly cloudy. A gradual warming trend develops over the weekend, bringing a mix of sun and clouds and highs climbing into the low to mid-60s by Sunday. Another round of showers is possible next Monday and Tuesday,

been built.”

teerism, collaboration, and civic pride she inspired in so many of us.”

Heely-Holstine brings more than 30 years of involvement with Main Street and extensive civic leadership experience, including service on the Paso Robles Planning Commission and multiple terms in executive board roles. She said her dedication to

“I’ve known Norma for more than 50 years,” Heely-Holstine said. “I believe deeply in our downtown and in our city. We will support our businesses as we move forward, and together we will make Norma proud.”

The board has been meeting weekly to ensure operational continuity and thoughtful planning during the transition. Leaders emphasized

that all major annual events will continue in 2026, including Taste of Downtown, the Olive and Lavender Festival, the Downtown Lighting Ceremony, and the Vintage Sidecar Rendezvous.

“Our events are the heartbeat of downtown,” Wiesinger said. “This will be a transition year focused on steady leadership and careful growth. We want to lead with confidence while honoring the strong foundation that has already

Main Street’s work extends beyond event production. The organization serves as a hub for downtown promotion, tourism support, and economic vitality. Leaders credited longtime Executive Assistant Susanne Anshen, who has served the organization for 26 years, with providing invaluable institutional knowledge during this period of change.

Both interim leaders underscored that the future of Main

Week of

possible through the support of H&R Block of SLO County and the Lions Clubs of San Miguel and Templeton.

The Sweetheart Stroll also brought a lively crowd to downtown Atascadero, where guests enjoyed the Sip & Shop event presented by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce. More than 15 local businesses participated, offering wine, beer, coffee,

policy if ICE officers come to campus?”

Selby Price, an eighthgrader at AMS, also spoke out.

“We fear for the safety of our immigrant friends,” they said. “This is about fear-mongering and bigotry. Please set a policy for immigrant enforcement proactively, so students don’t have to live in fear.”

After the public comment, Bennett used his Superintendent’s Report time to address the comments just heard, and assured everyone he and the AUSD staff and board were willing to work toward an agreement.

“I want you to know that your concerns are valid, and I hear and understand what you’re saying,” he said. Bennett said as far as

keeping temperatures near 60 degrees before skies clear again by midweek, returning to mostly sunny conditions.

Overall, residents can expect cool nights, mild afternoons, and periodic chances of rain.

Helpful links to reference:

• California Highway Patrol (CHP) Traffic Incidents: cad.chp.ca.gov/Traffic.aspx

Street depends on community involvement.

“The strength of this organization has always come from volunteers, business owners, and residents who care deeply about Paso Robles,” Wiesinger said. “We invite the next generation to step forward and be part of that continued legacy.”

and treats as shoppers explored the area. Shops stayed open late for the large turnout, and Historic City Hall welcomed visitors for complimentary tours.

From sweet treats at local bakeries to family fun at the zoo and vibrant downtown events, Valentine’s Day in North County offered something for everyone.

teachers’ pay and the COLA increase, the district is trying to work within its budget.

“Tonight we had a second round of the Budget Task Force,” he said. “And what I’ve been trying to do since I got here is get a grasp of where we are with the budget.”

The superintendent said they would all need to work together to come to a beneficial solution.

“We are identifying the problem; we need to look for a solution,” Bennett said. “A partnership is what I want, with openness and transparency. We need to figure how we make best use of the resources to serve our students and family.”

The Board of Trustees will next meet on Tuesday, March 3, at 7 p.m.

• PG&E Power Outage & Alerts: pgealerts.alerts.pge. com/

• San Luis Obispo County Water Resources: wr.slocountywater.org/

As officials assess saf ety concerns and cre ws monitor roads and waterways, forecasters say a gradual warming trend is expected by the weekend.

Heely-Holstine echoed that sentiment, describing Main Street as “a beautiful organization that means so much to this community.”

As the organization looks ahead, leadership remains focused on preserving downtown’s historic charm while fostering growth and opportunity.

“Main Street remains committed,” Wiesinger said. “Events will continue, businesses will be supported, and the work of promoting downtown Paso Robles carries on — grounded in legacy and sustained by community.”

PASO ROBLES

Must! Charities announces 2026 board officers, welcomes new executive member

Must! Charities has announced its 2026 board officers and welcomed a new Executive Board member as the nonprofit marks 14 years of service in San Luis Obispo County.

Serving as 2026 officers are Chairman Lori Bickel, Vice Chairman Lynn Gray, Treasurer Andy Niner, and Secretary Doug Kruse. Additional board members include Oliver Esparham, Maeve Pesquera, and Justin Smith.

Kelly Pope joins the organization as its newest Executive Board member. Pope relocated to San Luis Obispo from Silicon Valley in 2019 and was introduced to Must! Charities while seeking ways to give back locally. She also serves on the board of SV2 (Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund), a collaborative philanthropic organization focused on equity-centered social impact.

CEO Becky Gray said Pope’s experience and understanding of trust-based philanthropy made her a natural fit for the board.

Founded in 2012, Must! Charities supports local nonprofit programs that strengthen families, improve wellbeing, and build a healthier community. The organization operates on a model in which 100% of community donations go directly to supported causes, with operational costs covered through a separate funding source.

Hope Family Wines unveils solar array

Hope Family Wines has launched a new rooftop solar array that will offset approximately 60 percent of the energy used to power its wine production facility, administrative offices and warehouse operations.

Owner-Winemaker Austin Hope said the project allows the winery to bottle much of its wine using renewable energy generated on-site.

“We can now proudly say that the majority of our wine is bottled using the same sunshine that makes the Paso Robles region so special,” said Owner-Winemaker Austin Hope. “Paso Robles averages nearly 300 sunny days per year. It’s an abundant resource that allows us to grow world-class Bordeaux, Rhône and other varieties—and that now provides our winery with a significant amount of renewable energy.”

The new 875-kilowatt system includes 1,500 panels installed atop the winery’s warehouse and bottling facility, which opened in early 2025. The project was developed over nearly three years by the winery’s leadership team in collaboration with Bahama Solar and Pacific Gas & Electric Company.

The solar installation marks the latest sustainability milestone for the winery. In 2024, Hope Family Wines reported that 99.9 percent of its fruit sourced from more than 50 grower partners comes from sustainably farmed vineyards. The winery has also begun converting its estate vineyard and its recently acquired 328-acre Tufera Farms property to regenerative organic farming practices.

Hope said the investment reflects a broader commitment to resource stewardship, water conservation, air quality and biodiversity across the Paso Robles region.

California Mid-State Fair announces 2026 Commercial Competitions

The California Mid-State Fair has announced the return of its 2026 Commercial Competitions, including the Central Coast Olive Oil Competition, Central Coast Wine Competition and Central Coast Craft Spirits Competition.

Each event features blind judging conducted by independent panels of industry experts and highlights the growers and producers who help define the Central Coast’s agricultural and craft beverage industries.

“The Central Coast competitions have become benchmarks for quality within their industries,” said CEO Colleen Borjorquez. “Producing them is an extension of the Fair’s legacy of supporting agriculture, elevating producers, and providing professional platforms where excellence is evaluated and celebrated.”

Registration for all three competitions opens Feb. 3. Key deadlines range from late March for olive oil entries to late May for wine and craft spirits. Judging will take place in April and June, with results announced shortly after.

Top honors — including Winery of

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the Year, Olive Oil Producer of the Year and Craft Distillery of the Year — will be recognized during the Fair and featured on billboards along the Cuesta Grade for one month following the event.

The 2026 Fair runs July 15–26 in Paso Robles with the theme “Back to the ’80s!”

ATASCADERO

Atascadero Library announces March Programs for kids and adults

The Atascadero Library is offering a variety of children’s and adult programs throughout March 2026 at 6555 Capistrano Avenue.

Children’s Programs

• Storytime: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.; Bilingual Storytime: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (Ages 5 & under)

Peeps Diorama Contest: Create a diorama inspired by a book, fairy tale, or poem. Drop off entries starting March 3; winners announced April 3.

(All ages)

• Family Maker Day: Tinker, play, and create on Saturday, March 7, 2–4 p.m. (All ages)

LEGO Club: Build Lego creations on Saturday, March 21 at 2 p.m. (Ages 5–12; registration required) Adult Programs

• TMHA Library Outreach: Wednesdays, 12:30–2:00 p.m. Connect with resources for healthcare, recovery, shelter, and more. No appointment needed.

Between the Lines Book Group:

Discuss Sacrament by Susan Straight on Saturday, March 21 at 10:30 a.m.

• Memory Lab Orientation: Learn to digitally archive home media including VHS, photos, audio, and film. Saturday, March 14 at 10:30 a.m. & Tuesday, March 24 at 4 p.m. (Registration required)

For more information, call Sally LaPorte at 805-461-6163 for children’s programs or Melanie Bales at 805-461-6162 for adult programs.

Lighthouse Atascadero hosts Life-Saving Reality Tour for local youth

Lighthouse Atascadero is inviting youth ages 12–18 and their parents or guardians to attend its Reality Tour, an immersive drug prevention and awareness program designed to educate, empower, and protect local youth.

The program will take place on February 23 and March 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Atascadero Lake Pavilion. The free event requires registration and includes interactive stations, real-world scenarios, and tools to help participants make healthier choices.

Offered in both English and Spanish, the Reality Tour addresses peer pressure, substance use, and mental health challenges, creating authentic conversations that go beyond traditional “just say no” programs.

Attendees will also enjoy free pizza from Bravo Pizza Plus, and Lighthouse Coffee Company will provide coffee and hot chocolate while sharing their student-led entrepreneurship initiatives.

Lighthouse Atascadero, founded by the Atascadero Greyhound Foundation, unites educators, law enforcement, fire personnel, volunteers, parents, and students to promote prevention and early intervention in the community.

Registration is available online at lighthouseatascadero.org/reality-tour

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Central Coast Dance Community to host ‘Come Dance with Us’ on Feb. 28

The Central Coast Dance Community will present “Come Dance with Us” on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Morro Bay Veterans’ Hall.

The evening begins with a dance lesson from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. led by instructor Linda Drake. Live music will follow from 6:15 to 8 p.m. by the Dylan Johnson Quartet. Johnson, a faculty member at Cuesta College and director of the Cuesta Jazz Combos, is a local bassist whose quartet specializes in music for the ballroom dance community.

In celebration of February, guests are encouraged to wear red. Admission is $10 and includes both the lesson

and live performance.

The Central Coast Dance Community is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing live music and dance opportunities in Morro Bay. In addition to monthly Saturday dances, the group also hosts gatherings every third Wednesday at the Morro Bay Community Center, beginning with a noon potluck followed by dancing until 3 p.m.

For more information, visit morrobay dances.com

75 wineries to support pets in need during Wine 4 Paws Weekend

More than 75 wineries and local businesses will raise a glass for animals in need during Wine 4 Paws on April 25–26, benefiting Woods Humane Society.

Participating wine, olive oil, dining and retail businesses across San Luis Obispo County will donate 10 percent of their weekend sales to support homeless dogs and cats. Since its founding in 2009, the countywide fundraiser has generated more than $750,000 for the nonprofit shelter.

In addition to donating a portion of proceeds, some businesses will host special events and promotions, including online wine sales, wine-paired dinners, paintyour-pet parties, vineyard dog walks and wine-blending seminars.

Woods Humane Society CEO Emily L’Heureux said the fundraiser provides critical support as the shelter prepares for “baby season,” when puppies and kittens begin arriving in greater numbers. Funds raised during the weekend help provide food, shelter and medical care for more than 3,000 animals served annually.

Event details and a list of participating businesses can be found at Wine4Paws.com

Woods Humane Society operates shelters in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero and is open daily from noon to 5 p.m., with adoptions available from noon to 4 p.m.

San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office announces six arrests during anti-trafficking operation

District Attorney Dan Dow announced that six individuals were arrested and three victims rescued during Operation Reclaim and Rebuild, a statewide anti-human trafficking enforcement effort conducted Jan. 25–31.

The operation was carried out locally by the San Luis Obispo County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force in partnership with agencies in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Statewide, the effort was led by the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force and included more than 80 participating agencies, resulting in 611 arrests and 170 victims rescued, including 14 juveniles.

Locally, Esteban Ceja, 30, was arrested and charged with multiple felony offenses, including human trafficking, pimping and pandering. He is scheduled to appear for a pre-preliminary hearing Feb. 24 in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court.

Five additional individuals were arrested in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties for allegedly communicating with or arranging to meet a minor for sexual purposes.

Three female trafficking victims — two adults and one juvenile — were rescued during the operation.

Dow emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

San Luis Obispo County Airport opens new premium parking lot

The San Luis Obispo County Airport (SBP) will open a new Premium Parking Lot on February 9, providing travelers with 60 spaces located adjacent to the terminal for quicker access.

The Premium Lot is priced at $35 per day, while the airport’s four existing lots remain available at the standard $25 daily rate. The lot occupies the former Rental Car Ready Return area and is designed to meet growing passenger demand.

Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg highlighted the added convenience for travelers, while Airport Director Courtney Johnson noted that the new lot expands access while maintaining a variety of parking options for the broader community.

The opening underscores SBP’s commitment to enhancing the traveler experience with thoughtful, forward-looking investments. More information is available at sloairport.com

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

TEMPLETON HILLS SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

God is love. We exist to know and share that love in practical ways. Join us for worship Saturdays at 11am. 930 Templeton Hills Rd, Templeton. For more info: https://templetonhills.adventistfaith.org/

FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH

9925 Morro Road, Atascadero; “The Church on the Hill”; An independent church committed to the teaching of God’s Word.; Praise and Prayer–10 a.m.; Morning Worship–11 a.m.; Evening Worship–6 p.m.; Wednesday Prayer–6:30 p.m.; Nursery care and children’s classes provided.; Pastor Jorge Guerrero; (805) 461-9197. COMMUNITY CHURCH OF ATASCADERO, UCC

5850 Rosario Ave. Service 10 am. (in person and on Zoom) Pastor Heather Branton (805) 466-9108 atascaderoucc.org

ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH

820 Creston Road., Paso Robles; (805) 238-2218- Parish Office open Mon-Fri 1 pm.-5 pm.; website: saintrosechurch.org; Mass times; Daily Mass- 8:30 am.; Saturday 8 am.; Tues. 7 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass 5 pm.; Sunday 8 am. & 10 am.; Spanish Mass at 1 pm. & 6 pm. Father Rodolfo Contreras.

SANTA MARGARITA DE CORTONA CATHOLIC CHURCH

22515 “H” St, Santa Margarita (805)438-5383 Parish Office hours:WedThur 9am-12pm Mass Times: Saturday Vigil Mass:5pm Sunday:10am Wed-Fri 10am Adoration Wed following Mass Confessions: Saturday 4pm and Sunday 9am

RESURRECTION ECUMENICAL MINISTRY

offers an interdenominational communion service each Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm, beginning January 22. Please join us at 9005 Santa Lucia in Atascadero. For more information call or text Rev. Dr. Cynthia Gaw at (828) 406-7253.

CONGREGATION OHR TZAFON"THE NORTHERN LIGHT"

Located at 2605 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA 93422. Friday Night Service 6:30 pm (805) 466-0329 congregationohrtzafon.org

BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH – ELCA

Welcoming all of God’s beloved. We gather for worship Sunday mornings, 9:30 am at 295 Old County Road Templeton. Sermon podcast is at The Little Brick Church. Sunday School during the sermon. Bible study, Wednesdays at 11 am in the Community Hall. Pastor: Diana Edis. Find out more at blctempleton.org

HIGHLANDS CHURCH

Sunday service at 9am & 10:30am. Monday Young Adults Group at 7pm. Wednesday Youth Group at 6:30pm. We build community so more people know the hope and joy of Jesus. 215 Oak Hill Road, Paso Robles (805) 226-5800 highlandsadventure.org

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

940 Creston Road, Paso Robles; has Sunday worship services at 9:30 am.; For more information, call the church at (805) 238-3702. trinitypaso.com

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA

In-person worship, Sundays, 9 A.M. Streamed on YouTube @Hope Lutheran Church Atascadero. Sunday School follows worship. Women, Wine & The Word, 7 P.M. third Tuesday. Gather Bible Study, 12:30 P.M. third Thursday. Learn more at ourhopelutheran.net. 8005 San Gabriel Rd. Atascadero. 805-461-0430 or office@ourhopelutheran. net. Pastor Aaron Smith We

Be included in the Atascadero News & Paso Robles Press Worship Directory for an entire year at $175

Sell & Loan

Alice Eileen (Righetti) Gouff was born January 16, 1939, to Alfred and Marie Righetti, the youngest of their five children. She was born at Atascadero Hospital shortly after her twin brother, Allen. Because of her small size at birth, it was some time before she was able to go home to the family ranch in Pozo, where she joined her siblings: Emma, Robert, Loretta, and Allen.

Marilyn (Lynn) Ruth Herman, a woman of sharp wit, deep service, and a surprisingly competitive streak, passed away peacefully in Santa Cruz, CA, on January 26, 2026, at the age of 96.

Born on August 14, 1929, in the tiny hamlet of Island Lake, Wisconsin, Lynn’s beginnings were as colorful as her personality. The daughter of Asa “Ace” Willis and Gladys Burpee, she grew up in her parents’ fishing lodge and saloon. Known then as “Babe,” she spent her youth doing chores like milking the cow and rowing local fishermen to secret spots where the

MHCA,

Alice spent her early years on the ranch and spoke often of her wonderful childhood, exploring the land with her brother and their dog, Trouble. Her musical gift was undeniable from the start; at just two years old, she reached up to the piano keys and began playing with both hands. Though it took time for her to grow large enough to reach the full keyboard, she spent the rest of her life entertaining others with her amazing ability to play anything she heard by ear.

She attended Santa Margarita School through 8th grade and graduated from Atascadero Union High School with the class of 1956. During her school years, she showed steers for 4-H, was active in Rainbow Girls, played snare drum in the Santa Margarita Marching Band, and sang in the school choir. She was deeply proud of her family heritage, notably

fish were biting—a foreshadowing of a woman who always knew how to get things done.

Education was a priority early on; she began in a one-room schoolhouse and entered Ripon College at 16, though she told everyone she was 18. She graduated with a BS in Biology and later, in her 40s, proved it is never too late to learn by earning a Master’s in Human Resources from Golden Gate University.

In the late 50s, she and her husband, Jim, who she met in college and who was an aerospace engineer, moved the family to sunny San Diego, until a better job came up in Sunnyvale, where they then set down roots and raised three children. When her husband retired in

family by his side, he was 73. He was born in Atascadero, attended elementary school in Templeton, before his family moved to Atascadero, where he attended Atascadero Junior High and High School. He played football throughout high school, and in his Senior year, he also wrestled. He attended Cuesta College and played football; he loved both sports. He was a fierce competitor.

He loved the outdoors, nature, and traveling. He was an avid runner and cyclist, and competed in Biathlons, Triathlons, and various annual runs. He enjoyed scuba diving, hunt-

Born on June 19, 1927, in Paso Robles, CA, Maggie was the beloved daughter of Frank and Ella Adams, along with her brother Don living in the Parkfield ranching community east of San Miguel. After graduating from Paso Robles High School in 1945, she attended Mercy College in San Diego in pursuit of her Registered Nurse degree. She returned to the Paso Robles area and worked for Dr. Fred Ragsdale, M.D., as a surgical nurse while raising her sons, Greg Claassen and Tim Rohrer. Upon being introduced to Dr. Chet Rice O.D., they eventually married and had a son, Douglas, in 1967. Following Chet’s

RECORD

serving as the Pozo attendant in the Pioneer Day Court.

During her sophomore year, she met Thomas Gouff. By her senior year, they were married. They soon moved to Arroyo Grande and welcomed the first of their three children, Craig Allen, followed by daughters Stacey Jeanine and Vaughn Marie. Alice spent 20 years in Arroyo Grande raising her family and working alongside Tom on several business ventures.

Life was full of adventure; Alice raced karts and even learned to fly airplanes. In 1967, the family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She felt that finding her Savior was the turning point in her life and gave her understanding and purpose. Her testimony of her Savior and her Church never wavered. Alice found great purpose in her faith, serving gladly wher-

the early 80s, they moved into a home in Aptos with an ocean view that drew friends and family for many years. Later, they relocated to Paso Robles to be near family, where she spent 15 happy years. Her last move was in 2020 when she moved to Dominican Oaks in Santa Cruz. She and her dog, Daisy, were very popular, and she enjoyed the food, friends, cards, and all the activities. Whether playing Bridge in Paso Robles or walking her beloved dog, Daisy, at Dominican Oaks, Lynn made friends and left a lasting impression everywhere she lived.

Lynn was a woman of many chapters. Her career path was as varied as her zip codes, spanning from the Schlitz Brewing Company in Milwaukee to assisting a famous but arrogant heart surgeon at Mass General while her husband, Jim, attended MIT. She eventually found her professional calling managing the Fairbrae Swim and Tennis Club in Sunnyvale, a role she truly loved for nearly a decade.

However, her true legacy lies in her “life of service.” Lynn was a powerhouse volunteer, serving

ing, camping, rock collecting, and visiting National Parks. He had a love for animals; everyone remembers his dogs Miles and Casey, and his big cat Champ, he loved them all.

Butch was in the construction trade; he was an entrepreneur. He owned Brown’s Roofing and Brown’s Gym in Atascadero during his early days. He also worked as a carpenter for various contractors over the years. His skills were used to bless many family members and friends.

Butch had a passion for life; he loved to laugh and to make others laugh. Butch was very strong-willed and unapologet-

death, Maggie continued living in Atascadero. During her time running the Colony Days parade, she met Mr. Jack Vandergon. They married and traveled by RV all over the U.S. and Mexico.

While always keeping busy, Maggie was the founder of the Colony Days Parade, member of Atascadero Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, held the chairmanship of the Board of Directors of Twin Cities Hospital, ran the first aid tent at the Mid State Fair for 11 years, served on the County Grand Jury, served on the Pioneer Days committee as parade chairman, received Elks’ Citizen of the year

ever needed, though she especially loved playing the organ and teaching children.

In 1976, Tom and Alice returned to the ranch in Pozo. She was overjoyed to be “home,” where her journey began. In the late 80s and early 90s, she shared her talents as a keyboardist in a local band. She often said her happiest years were the decade in which she welcomed 13 grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent watching them grow.

Following a major stroke, Alice resided at Danish Care and then SLO Post Acute Care. Though it was the longest she had ever been away from the ranch, she quickly made friends with the staff and was grateful for their kindness. She was also blessed by the companionship of her roommate, Lucia Fagundes.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and

as President of the El Camino Hospital Auxiliary in Mountain View, where she was honored for more than 5000 hours of service. She was also President of the Sunnyvale Friends of the Library and of the Santa Cruz Friends of Hospice. Always quick to lend a hand, she volunteered endlessly at the church and schools and was often the team mom for sports teams. While Lynn was known for her light easy charm and graciousness, her family knew to watch their backs at the card table. She was a feisty shark who played to win and often did. Proving her mind was as sharp as ever, she managed to beat her family at Wordle twice in her final week of life.

She enjoyed the outdoors, completing the Yosemite Rim Trail in her 60s, participating in numerous Wharf to Wharf races, and taking regular walks on the beach. She loved international travel, road trips, and the family cabin in Lake Tahoe that she cheekily called a chalet. Lynn was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, James (Jim) Jerome Herman; her son

ically opinionated. He loved to read, loved Native American history and artifacts. He was a huge supporter of military Veterans and respected all of those who served to protect this nation and the freedoms we enjoy today. He loved the San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants.

We will miss his spirited debates and thoughts on things, whether you wanted to hear them or not, his brutal honesty, his infectious laugh, perseverance, courage, and the fight he had through life’s challenges. He was an inspiration for us through those trials. Butch was a guy you wanted in the foxhole

award, organized a blood drive every quarter for 20 years at the Elks, Citizen of the year from both Atascadero and Paso Robles, as well as going back to college in her sixties to receive her certificate for completing the Institute for Organization Management at Stanford University and becoming her graduating class valedictorian.

She spent her life devoted to family, career, faith, local community, and was known for her spunk, energy, generosity, and leadership. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who found her greatest joy in raising her children and spending

Marie Righetti; her siblings Emma Nevins, Robert Righetti, Loretta Martin, and Allen Righetti; her husband, Tom Gouff; and her son, Craig Gouff (Jody). She is survived by her daughters Stacey (Jeff) Phillips and Vaughn Marie (Glen) Tagliamonte; 13 grandchildren: Carolyn (Bill) Higuera, Virginia Gouff, Ramona Gouff, John Gouff, Laura Gouff, Justin (Tiffany) Phillips, Jared (Jamie) Phillips, Rebecca Phillips, Rachel (Tom) Ainscough, Ben (Rachel) Russell, Vanessa Russell, Courtnie (Tony) Blessing, and Sam Russell; 21 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and her loyal canine companion, Lolita.

A service in her honor will be held on Friday, February 20, at 4:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2600 Ramona Road, Atascadero. All are welcome.

Mark Herman; and her sisters, Barbara and Pat. She loved and was truly loved back by all her family, and she was deeply proud and interested in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter Julie Cross and her husband Chris, son Matthew Herman and his wife, Jennifer, Mark Herman’s widow, Lucy Herman, five grandchildren: Josh Cross (Montse), Trevor Cross (Lisa), Emily Nichols (Demetrick), Holly Herman, Alexander Herman, and seven great-grandchildren: Urban, Ilan, Liam, Easton, Ella, Reese, and Christopher. Lynn lived a full, vibrant life, taking great strength from her faith and her community. She was a lifelong learner who remained informed on the world until the very end, always meeting life with a smile and a sense of humor that made her a joy to be around.

The family will be having a celebration of life at the Paso Robles cemetery on Friday, February 20, at 12:30. Please contact Julie at 805-748-1954 if you’d like to attend.

with you. He always had the backs of those he cared for. We love you, Butch!

Survived by: Mike Brown, Tom Brown, Jim Shannon III (Brothers), Janie Roeder (Rick), Myra Cook (Sisters), and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by: Eleanor Shannon (Mother), Jim Shannon II (Stepfather), Howard Brown (Father), Amelda Brown (Stepmother), Robert Brown, David Brown, Raymond Brown (Brothers), Judy Brown-Trivolli Wolf (Sister)

Celebration of Life will be on June 20, 2026, at Templeton Park from 1 pm to 5 pm.

time with her grandchildren. Those who knew her will remember her infinite energy and countless hours of volunteer work in our communities.

Maggie is survived by her youngest son, Douglas (Lisa) Rice, grandsons Ryan (Stacy) Claassen and Colton (McKenzie) Rice, along with two great-granddaughters, Ella and Sage.

A mass will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:00 am at San Miguel Mission, then immediately following for burial at San Miguel Cemetery. Then a celebration of life reception will follow at Atascadero Elks Lodge from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

FRANK MANUEL RIVAS, age 77, of Paso Robles

FJoyce, 99, of Paso

went to her heavenly home to be with Jesus Christ our Lord on January 29, 2026. She was born on November 18, 1926, in New Underwood, South Dakota. She married Robert Anthony Joyce in 1947 in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

In 1957, the family moved to California, settling in Paso Robles and Templeton. Florence worked as a waitress at Smith’s Restaurant and Vic’s Cafe. She is survived by her five children, Kathryn, Robert (Valorie), Michael (Vicky), Carol (Jim), and Patrick. Six grandchildren, Robby, Jacob, Kami, Jeremy, Joshua, and Samuel. Three great-grandchildren, Riley, Ryan, and Josie.

the

years of

Florence had nine brothers and sisters. She was the last of the ten. She will be missed.

Friends of the Paso Robles Library

Cash donations always welcome!

BOARD MEETINGS: Call (805) 237-3870 for information

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Redwings is seeking men and women of achievement from the local community, who are dedicated to animal welfare, to serve as Board Members for a 2 year term. Prior board experience is preferred, but not required. Board Members are required to attend monthly board meetings, actively engage in fundraising activities and participate in committee work. Expertise in areas such as nonprofit governance, finance, legal, marketing, or community relations is desirable. This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on the rescue

Posting Date February 16, 2026

YOU

FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your bring heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 calendar days after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms

and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles

legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte. ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO:

Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. Case Number (Numero del Caso): 25LCP-0792

The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, Paso Robles Branch 901 Park Street Paso Robles, CA 93446

The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Brandon M. Ormonde (#272069) bmo@tulareesq. com Fax No.: (559) 6861514 ORMONDE RASCON Phone No. (559) 686-3861 791 North Cherry, P.O. Box 29, Tulare, CA 93275

DATE: 8/18/2025 11:09 AM Michael Powell, Executive

1. FOOD & DRINK: What is a bunch of bananas called?

2. MOVIES: Who is Neo’s nemesis in “The Matrix”?

3. MUSIC: The Broadway show “Jersey Boys” is about which music group?

4. TELEVISION: In which U.S. city is the sitcom “New Girl” set?

5. U.S. PRESIDENTS: What is the name of the helicopter that transports U.S. presidents?

6. GEOGRAPHY: The Lake of the Ozarks is in which U.S. state?

7. HISTORY: When did construction begin on the Berlin Wall?

1. FOOD & DRINK: What is a bunch of banan as called?

8. PSYCHOLOGY: What fear is represented in the condition called mageirocophobia?

2. MOVIES: Who is Neo’s nemesis in “The Matrix”?

9. ASTRONOMY: Which planet in our solar system has the Great Red Spot?

10. LITERATURE: Which country is the setting for the novel “The French Lieutenant’s Woman”?

3. MUSIC: The Broadway show “Jersey Boys” is about which music group?

4. TELEVISION: In which U.S. city is the com “New Girl” set?

5. U.S. PRESIDENTS: What is the name of helicopter that transports U.S. presidents?

6. GEOGRAPHY: The Lake of the Ozarks is which U.S. state?

7. HISTORY: When did construction begin the Berlin Wall?

8. PSYCHOLOGY: What fear is represented the condition called mageirocophobia? 9. ASTRONOMY: Which planet in our solar system has the Great Red Spot? 10. LITERATURE: Which country is the set ting for the novel “The French Lieutenant’s Woman”?