20256
! r a e Y New
GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXI, NO. LII
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2026
A year that brought us together
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Atascadero Mayor’s Vision for 2026 By CHARLES BOURBEAU Atascadero Mayor
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s I think about what 2026 holds for Atascadero, I’d like to say a few things about the year soon to be ending. 2025 was an especially good year with many accomplishments and positive changes that have set the stage for what I expect to see in 2026. Most noteworthy and noticeable to our residents and visitors alike is the completion of the downtown enhancement project, which we marked with a celebratory block party in June. I am pleased that even many skeptics of the project now acknowledge to me how attractive the area is and how they appreciate the additional free parking and the inviting feeling the downtown presents. In 2026, I expect to see our downtown improvements encourage further private sector investments that will bring more new businesses and make our downtown more thriving than ever. In 2025, we embarked on our biggest public safety project ever: The city signed a $30 million contract to replace the 70-yearold Fire Station #1 and update the nearly 40-year-old Police Station and Fire Station #2. In 2026, the crews manning FS1 will move to temporary quarters at the rear of the National Guard armory while the old station is torn down to make way for a new and larger facility. While we are only leasing the armory grounds at this time, the state legislature passed and the governor signed a bill in October that will give the city the opportunity to purchase the armory property permanently for city use. We hope to accomplish this transaction during 2026. To fund the public safety project, bonds were issued that will be paid back using a portion of the revenue from the one-cent sales tax voters approved in 2020. CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
(Top left) Atascadero Chamber Awards, honoring Rick Evans as Citizen of the Year. (Top right) Templeton Feed and Grain engulfed in flames on the Fourth of July.(Bottom left) Remembering Norma Moye. (Bottom right) Atascadero Police honor the life of 11-year-old José Gutiérrez, tragically killed in a hit-and-run. File photos
From celebration and tradition to resilience and renewal, 12 months of moments that shaped North County and strengthened the bonds of community By THE ATASCADERO NEWS EDITORIAL BOARD
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rom moments of celebration beneath fireworks and holiday lights to times of grief, resilience, and necessary reflection, this year told the story of a community deeply connected to one another. Across North County, residents showed up — in City Council chambers, school gyms, downtown streets, vineyards, parks, and places of remembrance — proving again and again that community is not just where we live, but how we respond. Leadership evolved, traditions endured, new milestones were reached, and difficult conversations unfolded alongside acts of generosity, service, and unity. Month by month, the year revealed a region willing to celebrate loudly, mourn collectively, speak up thoughtfully, and move forward together. What follows is a look back at the moments that shaped the year — a testament to resilience, compassion, and the enduring spirit of North County.
January
The year opened with firelight and fellowship as thousands gathered in Paso Robles City Park for the Third Annual New Year’s Eve Bonfire, setting an early tone of togetherness and celebration. January quickly unfolded as a month grounded in civic engagement, resilience, and generosity. Leadership transitions marked the start of a new chapter in local governance, with former Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno’s being sworn in as District 5 San Luis Obispo County Supervisor. Community spirit was visible everywhere — from runners circling Santa Margar-
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ita Lake during the Seventh Annual Running Chicken Fun Run, to volunteers rallying supplies and support amid San Luis Obispo County’s response to the Los Angeles fires. Public safety and preparedness were front and center as the Atascadero Police Department reintroduced its Special Enforcement Team, while emergency responders demonstrated readiness during Winter Field Day with the Paso Robles Amateur Radio Club and CERT. The month also celebrated legacy and longevity. Rosemary Dexter’s 100th birthday fundraiser for ALF Food Pantry became a powerful reminder of generosity, while Paso Robles’ Martin Luther King Jr. Unity March and Celebration honored Dr. King’s legacy. Arts and culture thrived through the inaugural Art for Paws fundraiser, the opening of the Cerrado Aviaries Exhibit at the Charles Paddock Zoo, and the launch of Atascadero’s Silent Book Club. January closed with forward-looking conversations around growth and development through the Del Rio Ranch Project City Council meeting, reinforcing a sense of momentum as the year began.
February
February balanced joy and challenge, blending long-standing traditions with pivotal moments of change. Families filled dance floors at the sold-out First Mother and Son Dance and the milestone 20th Anniversary Father and Daughter Sweetheart Dance, creating memories across generations. Athletic achievement took center stage as Atascadero High School’s Katie Strohl signed with UC Merced, making school history.
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At the same time, difficult decisions surfaced. Community concern followed news related to Trump’s immigration deportation executive order, while civic leadership changes were addressed during the City Council settlement with the former city manager. Education remained a focal point as Paso Robles Joint Unified School District approved staff reductions, prompting strong public response. Celebration remained a constant. The wine and agricultural community gathered for the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Gala honoring Randy and Jenny Heinzen, alongside recognition of the Dusi family’s 100 years of farming. Youth agriculture shined at the 40th Annual Western Bonanza Junior Livestock Show, while history and preservation were celebrated with the reopening of Victory Hall at Camp Roberts. February closed with optimism through the Atascadero City Council’s approval of $1 million in improvements for the Charles Paddock Zoo.
March
March arrived with energy and emotion. Community fundraising filled event halls during the Cioppino & Vino Fundraiser for the Paso Robles Children’s Museum, while young athletes were celebrated at the Paso Robles Youth Baseball Opening Ceremony. Civic engagement remained strong as educators rallied during local protests against potential dismantling of the Department of Education, and community voices filled school board meetings amid the Atascadero Unified School District superintendent search. CONTINUED ON PAGE A3
Top Highlights
of 2025
Atascadero celebrated major milestones, community achievements, and meaningful events in 2025. Here are the most impactful stories that shaped the year. Templeton Feed and Grain Burns:Published July 10, A devastating fire destroyed the iconic Templeton Feed and Grain, but community resilience and resolve stood strong. Paso Robles Mourns Norma Moye:Published Dec. 18; The passing of Norma Moye marked the loss of a tireless advocate for downtown Paso Robles and community unity. Zoo Rebrands as Central Coast Zoo:Published June 12, The Charles Paddock Zoo unveiled its new name and brand, marking 70 years of wildlife education and inspiration. Father-Daughter Sweetheart Dance Turns 20:Published Feb. 13, Celebrating its 20th year, Atascadero’s beloved Father and Daughter Sweetheart Dance once again sold out, continuing a treasured family tradition. Remembering Dan “The Barber” Phillips:Published Feb. 13, The passing of Dan “The Barber” Phillips marked the loss of a true Atascadero fixture whose warmth and service shaped generations. North County Christian School Renamed:Published Feb. 13, Plans were announced to rename North County Christian School as Brookside Christian Academy, signaling growth and expansion for the faith-based institution. Community Mourns José Gutiérrez:Published March 20, The death of 11-year-old José Gutiérrez in a hit-and-run left the community grieving as authorities arrested a suspect. AUSD Names New Superintendent:Published April 3, After a sudden pivot, the Atascadero Unified School District selected Dr. Tom Bennett to lead the district following Superintendent Tom Butler’s retirement. Zoo Earns Prestigious AZA Accreditation:Published April 10, The Charles Paddock Zoo achieved a major milestone. Farron Elizabeth Celebrates 10 Years:Published May 1, A decade after opening her boutique, Farron Elizabeth Walker. Tom Butler Retires After 36 Years:Published May 29, Superintendent Tom Butler closed a remarkable chapter in education after decades of leadership and service. Stacey Phillips Retires from Education:Published June 5, Executive Assistant Stacey Phillips stepped into retirement after 31 years supporting local education. Historic Printery Opens Doors Published Nov. 13, For the first time in over 20 years.
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CONTINUED Year in Review | A3
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