GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CIX, NO. VIII
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024
atascaderonews.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero is bringing drug awareness with Reality Tour once again
Atascadero’s first mayor has died Robert ‘Bob’ Wilkins Jr. was a devoted civic leader and family man By Hayley Mattson
A
tascadero’s first mayor, Robert “Bob” James Wilkins Jr., passed away on Sunday, Feb. 25, surrounded by his family. A pivotal figure in Atascadero’s 1979 incorporation, Wilkins was not only a civic leader but also a devoted family and businessman. He owned Wilkins Creative Printing, a business with roots dating back to 1946 and sold in 2010. Wilkins’ love for photography was well admired; he continued to share his passion with the community years after he sold (From left) Rolfe Nelson, Ron Johansen, APD Officer Perkins, APD Det. Rodriguez, Dr. Libby Madding, Joe Allen, Lori Bagby, AFD Paramedic Gentilly and APD Sgt. Taylor his business. were just a handful of the people who helped put LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero Reality Tour together. Photo by Christianna Marks/ATN Actively engaged in the Atascadero Historical Soci- The community can members and their kids came ence how the drugs are being actually are doing the drugs.” Eisner also said that she was out to the Pavilion on the Lake sold to the youth of Atascadero ety and various organizations, catch the second to learn how drugs are impact- mainly through phone apps surprised at how prevalent Wilkins received special recoging Atascadero and the people like Snapchat and WhatsApp, drugs are in Atascadero. nition from the Eagle Scouts night of Reality Tour in October 2023, being named on Monday, March 11 living here. though all forms of social media Another workshop was led by Honorary Scoutmaster for BSA “I think it’s a really good can be used. Dr. Libby Manning, the prinBy CHRISTIANNA MARKS Atascadero Historical Troop 51. christianna@atascaderonews.com program to really show the Local mother Melanie cipal of Paloma Creek High Wilkins’ dedication to scouting youth of our community what Graham said that she was grate- School. Her main focus was began in his youth, culminating ATASCADERO — For over really happens with the drugs ful to learn more about the local giving parents tools on how to in achieving the prestigious Eagle a decade, LIGHTHOUSE and the consequences. They drug scene and how drugs are have challenging discussions Scout rank. A 17-year service in Atascadero has been collaborat- really focus on that,” said parent getting into local teens’ hands with their kids about drugs and the United States Naval Reserves ing with Reality Tour, created by Janel Eisner of Reality Tour. to better prepare her own kids drug use. She covered everyduring the Korean War high- Candle, Inc., to bring interactive Every participant was a part for what to look out for. thing from why people want to lighted his commitment to duty. drug awareness and prevention of three workshops during the “I didn’t go to school here, alter their consciousness to how Elected as Atascadero’s inaugu- measures to local teens and their tour. Atascadero Police Det. so I don’t know all those nooks to ingrain tools that youth in ral mayor, he earned the moni- parents with the help of local Rodriguez gave a presentation and crannies and stuff, so that the area can use to get themker “Mr. Atascadero,” showcasing educators and law enforcement. on all drug-related substances, was really helpful,” added selves out of sticky situations, how scouting experiences shaped Atascadero News attended the from marijuana to cocaine, and Graham. including finding their flow his leadership. first night of Reality Tour on focused largely on fentanyl, “It’s crazy what drugs can through mastery, autonomy, No further information regard- Monday, Feb. 26, and partici- which is one of the area’s most actually do,” continued Isabella and purpose. ing his death or memorial services pated in the educational night. significant drug problems Graham, Melanie’s daughter. “ I learned different has been reported at this time. Approximately 60 community currently. He also told the audi- “Being aware of people who CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
City Council approves Community Development Block Grant Funding Recommendations for 2024 Public addresses council on use of motorcycles in the riverbed By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — The Atascadero City Council met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. The hybrid meeting was held in the City Council Chambers. Councilmember Mark Dariz was absent from the meeting. Before the official start of the meeting, Mayor Heather Moreno asked for a moment of silence in the council chambers for Atascadero’s first mayor, Robert “Bob” Wilkins, who passed away on Sunday, Feb. 25. “I just wanted to give a moment of honor and reflection. Many of you may know that the first Mayor of Atascadero, Mr. Bob Wilkins, passed away just the other day,” Moreno stated. “He was a significant part of the incorporating of our city to have local control, particularly over emergency services. So, if we look at the last 45 years, we have him and obviously some others to CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
Local ‘Leapling’ celebrates 40th birthday
Cal Poly College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences students who put on the annual Western Bonanza Jr. Livestock Show gather for a group photo. Photo courtesy of Western Bonanza Jr. Livestock Show
Over 800 exhibitors show at 39th annual Western Bonanza Jr. Livestock Show Youth competitors from across the state showed goats, beef, sheep, and hogs
Paso Robles Event Center for the 39th annual Western Bonanza Jr. Livestock Show in February. Put on by Cal Poly students from all departments of the College of Agriculture, By CAMILLE DEVAUL Food, and Environmental camille@atascaderonews.com Sciences, Western Bonanza is N O R T H C O U N T Y the longest-running jackpot — Over 800 competitors from show in California. From Feb. 14-18, exhibitors across the state gathered at the
NEWS
from ages 5 to 21 competed with their livestock in market, breed, and showmanship classes. Animals shown this year included 450 head of cattle, 215 goats, 495 sheep, and hogs at 565. Jackpot shows are open to all youth showmen, including 4-H and FFA members. It can be a beneficial way for members
CRIME
Chris Wesney of Templeton holds up a 1992 newspaper clipping of a story about him and another person born on Feb. 29. Wesney was about to turn 8 at the time. Photo provided by Chris Wesney
to prepare their animals for Thursday, Feb. 29, is a upcoming county fairs or for Leap Day, which occurs up-and-coming members who are not old enough for 4-H to every four years get some experience. By CAMILLE DEVAUL Bradley resident Scarcamille@atascaderonews.com lett Hermosillo, 6, showed her goat Strawberry at the NORTH COUNT Y Western Bonanza. This was — Today, Feb. 29, we are Hermosillo’s first year show- receiving an additional day in CONTINUED ON PAGE A7 our yearly calendar — yes, it
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
is Leap Day. Every four years in the Gregorian calendar, a 29th day is added to February to account for the Earth taking 365.2421 days to orbit the sun and not a flat 365. According to the History Channel, there are about 5 million people worldwide who have a Leap Day birth-
CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
WEATHER
atascaderonews.com X.com/ @AtascaderoNews facebook.com/ @AtascaderoNews
WORKFORCE Support Hired at Chamber | A3
BURGLARY SUSPECTS Arrested on Highway 101 | A4
WILLY WONKA Atascadero High School | B1
High 58° | Low 49°
5
67808 24135
7