GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXII, NO. I
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
atascaderonews.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
New laws coming to California in 2026
Consumer protections, housing, employment, health, education, safety, and even tortillas addressed By JUDY ABEL Special to Atascadero News
CALIFORNIA — Californians will ring in 2026 under a wide-ranging slate of new state laws that affect daily life in both visible and subtle ways — from how food is delivered and tenants are protected, to insulin prices, labor enforcement, public safety, and even what qualifies as a reusable grocery bag. Passed during the 2025 legislative session, the laws reflect ongoing efforts to address affordability, consumer protections, housing shortages, and health disparities. One of the most notable changes is already taking place at grocery stores. California’s long-running effort to reduce plastic waste will take another step forward with Senate Bill 1053, which closes a loophole that allowed thicker plastic bags to be labeled “reusable” at checkout. Those bags will no longer be permitted, effectively eliminating plastic bags altogether in most retail settings. Environmental advocates argue the thicker bags were often discarded after a single CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Atascadero Mayor Charles Bourbeau (in blue) and City Councilmember Heather Newsom (far left) conduct the ribbon cutting Dec. 31 for the new Wild Journeys Play Zoo during the Noon Year’s Eve event at Central Coast Zoo Atascadero.Photo courtesy of Central Coast Zoo
Central Coast Zoo debuts play zoo at Noon Year’s event Families ring in New Year early with new nature-based play space focused on creativity, empathy, and conservation By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — The Central Coast Zoo rang in the new year with its inaugural Noon Year’s Eve event on Wednesday, Dec. 31. The event began with a ribbon cutting for their new Wild Journeys Play Zoo, a nature-based play space designed for young
children that emphasizes creativity, empathy, and hands-on learning through outdoor exploration. Despite some rain throughout the day, tons of families came out for the ribbon cutting and stayed to joyfully celebrate the New Year a little early with a countdown and sparkling cider toast at 12 p.m. “We just opened [the play zoo] this morning,
that kicked off our New Year’s Eve event,” Zoo Director Dr. Cynthia Stringfield told Atascadero News at the event. “Even though it’s raining, we’ve had a great turnout. Kids don’t care if it’s raining.” The new play area features interactive elements such as sandboxes for digging like a meerkat, a CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
The crowd watches as the bonfire goes up Dec. 31 during the Paso Robles Bonfire New Year’s Eve event at Downtown City Park. Photos by Brittany App
Community turns out in the rain for New Year’s Eve
Despite wet weather, families filled Downtown City Park for live music, local food, and an early countdown to 2026 By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com Shandon country music artist Callie Twisselman performs Dec. 27 during her Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville, Tennessee. Photos courtesy of Callie Twisselman
Shandon’s Callie Twisselman makes Grand Ole Opry debut
Local country artist marks major milestone in rising career By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
NORTH COUNTY — On Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, Shandon local Callie Twisselman stepped onto one of country music’s most respected stages, making her official debut at the Grand Ole Opry. “I feel like I couldn’t have asked for it to go any better,” Twisselman told Atascadero News of her debut. “I was pretty happy.” Celebrating 100 years since its first broadcast on Nov. 28, 1925, membership at the Opry is one of country music’s crown-
NEWS
ing achievements, and making a debut on the stage is one of those moments that tells artists like Twisselman that they are on the right track. Some of the Opry’s most well-known and classic members include Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson — but there are over 200 current members in the Opry. The Opry is the longest-running radio broadcast in the country. Performances include a number of subgenres including bluegrass, Americana, folk, gospel, and even more recently comedy. Artists making their Opry debut are given the opportunity to perform two songs, and Twisselman chose selections that reflect
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SPORTS
PASO ROBLES — Despite steady rain throughout the evening, hundreds of residents gathered in Downtown City Park on Wednesday, Dec. 31, to celebrate the Paso Robles Bonfire New Year’s Eve event, ringing in 2026 with live music and a roaring fire. The free, rain-or-shine celebration ran from 7 to 11 p.m. and featured live music by the Lucky Devils Band, foodtruck offerings and a selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and sparkling wine from area
vendors. Family-friendly activities included face painting and glitter tattoos, as well as the Dragon Knights stilt walkers, who moved through the crowd during the night. At the heart of the event was the towering bonfire, carefully constructed and managed by the Paso Robles Fire Department. Administrative Fire Captain Paramedic Ross Porter said the department used approximately 400 wooden pallets, each cut in half to allow for better placement and control. CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
WEATHER
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CAL POLY Rose Parade | A3
ARRESTS Red Light Roundup | A6
SCHEDULE North County | A7
High 54° | Low 28°
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