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AJ Agazarm, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and operator of Gracie Barra Atascadero, has his hand raised in victory after a match at the Asian Championships in Japan. Photo courtesy of AJ Agazarm
AJ Agazarm finds purpose through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Conversation about competing in Japan becomes an emotional tribute to the community of Gracie Barra By HAYLEY MATTSON hayley@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — When you step into Gracie Barra Atascadero, there’s a palpable energy — something between focus and joy, discipline and community. It’s the kind of atmosphere that comes not just from a sport, but from a lifelong calling. At the center of it all is AJ Agazarm, a seasoned
competitor, professor, and passionate advocate for Brazilian A group of city and county leaders cheer and toast as Atascadero Mayor Charles Bourbeau cuts the ribbon for the soon-to-be-completed El Camino Real Downtown Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), who has brought Safety and Parking Enhancement Project, during a block party Friday, June 27, on Atascadero’s main road. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN more than two decades of experience and heart to San Luis Obispo County. “I’ve lived in SLO for just about a year now,” Agazarm says, sitting casually after a El Camino Real Project marks $12 million milestone in city’s vision for safety, sustainability, training session. “It’ll be a year and community connection on July 1.” Originally from By HAYLEY MATTSON Florida, Agazarm began his ment Project with a festive block party on media tour led by City Manager Jim Lewis and CAMI MARTIN journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Friday, June 27. The long-anticipated cele- and Deputy Director of Economic Devel2005, training under Eduardo bration marked a major milestone in a $12 opment Loreli Cappel, offering a behindde Lima, Master Carlos Gracie ATASCADERO — After nearly a year of million infrastructure investment aimed at the-scenes look at the improvements and Jr.’s first black belt to open a construction and years of planning, the City reshaping the heart of the city to better serve the vision guiding them. That was followed Gracie Barra academy in the of Atascadero celebrated the near comple- pedestrians, cyclists, businesses, and visitors by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, a United States. tion of its transformative El Camino Real alike. car show, food vendors, and dancing that CONTINUED ON PAGE A2 Downtown Safety and Parking EnhanceThe celebration kicked off with a VIP CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Atascadero unveils revitalized downtown with block party
New transitional housing site opens in Paso Robles
Members of Lumina Alliance, as well as many city, county, and state representatives, attending the ribbon-cutting for the organization’s new transitional housing site on Wednesday, June 25. Photo courtesy of Lumina Alliance
Lumina Alliance, community partners celebrate milestone moment for safe housing on the Central Coast By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com (From left) Estrella Berrelleza, JoDee Jones, Skye Davis, Sydney Jo Zandt, Ashlyn Daugherty, Morgan Ruiz, Emily Joy McNeal, Neelan Adams, and Amelia Olivo are the nine hopefuls this year for the California Mid-State Fair Queen crown. Photo by Kellee Jean Photography
Meet the contestants competing for 2025 Miss California Mid-State Fair
Nine local young women showcase talent and leadership at scholarship pageant By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
NORTH COUNTY — Mark your calendars for a sparkling evening of talent and poise at the 2025 Miss California Mid-State Fair Scholarship Pageant, happening Wednesday, July 16, at 6 p.m. on the Frontier Stage. Free with paid Fair admission, this annual tradi-
tion crowns the next Miss CMSF Queen and Court, honoring local young women who demonstrate leadership and excellence. Winners will receive scholarship awards, with the Queen earning $2,500 and additional prizes recognizing congeniality, talent, and more. Meet some of this year’s 2025 Miss California Mid-State Fair Scholarship Pageant contestants:
NEWS BRIEFS
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
Neelan Adams Neelan Adams, 18, from Paso Robles, is a licensed cosmetologist and a sophomore at Cuesta College, returning for her second year competing in the Miss California Mid-State Fair Pageant. A creative and hands-on individual, she enjoys crocheting, sewing, working on her car, baking, and drumming. Neelan is active in Creston 4-H CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
EDUCATION
PASO ROBLES — A bright day in Paso Robles, Wednesday, June 25, set the scene for a milestone celebration as Lumina Alliance (Lumina), in partnership with community leaders and supporters, marked the official opening of its new transitional housing site for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. The property, donated in 2020 by longtime community advocates Tom and Noreen Martin, has already served as a shelter for 24 years — offering refuge to nearly 800 individuals. Now, thanks to a transformational investment from MUST! Charities, the space has
been thoughtfully remodeled to support even more survivors and their families on their path toward stability and healing. Transitional Housing Manager Leydi Rios oversees Lumina’s three properties located in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, and Grover Beach. She started at the nonprofit three years ago as their transitional housing advocate. “It’s been a very eye-opening experience working with Lumina Alliance, especially since I’ve been able to practice more case management with clients. Obviously, we do deal with very difficult or very, traumatic stories that we hear from our clients,” Rios shared. “But, overall, I think it’s such a CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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