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SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CIX, NO. XXIV
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024
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The El Camino Real Downtown Safety and Parking Enhancements Project is underway
A mock-up of the El Camino Real Downtown Safety and Parking Enhancements Project is shown. Provided by Atascadero City.
It’s estimated to be completed next spring By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — As of Monday, June 10, the El Camino Real Downtown Safety and Parking Enhancements Project (ECR Project) is officially off the ground. The project has been in the works for the last seven years. “This project specifically was initiated in 2017,” said Project Manager and Public Works Deputy Director Ryan Hayes. “Then there was some initial work to get a consultant on board to do some preliminary ideas for concept designs and then an extensive public outreach process that was just coming to a close; we were coming into our last round of meetings for public outreach to get public comment and input when COVID hit in March of 2020. So it put it on a little bit
of a pause because we couldn’t have public meetings.” In 2021, the city brought the ECR Project back to look at the initial design and do another round of public outreach. There, they looked at different alternatives and worked to find the preferred alternative for the plan. At the Tuesday, May 28, City Council meeting, the council approved the construction awards to Filippin Engineering, Inc. and Souza Construction. The project will be largely funded by state and federal transportation dollars, as well as infrastructure dollars that came out of the COVID American Rescue Act. “This is a lot of outside money coming in. So that’s a win for our community,” stated Atascadero City Manager Jim Lewis. “We can use these state and federal dollars for a local project. That’s a win.” The base construction budget that was awarded to the city’s CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
. Atascadero Police Chief Daniel Suttles (right) and his new officer Jeremy Queen. Photo courtesy of Allan Hancock College
North County law enforcement agencies welcome three new officers Recruits graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy on June 5
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
NORTH COUNTY — Our police departments in North County have gained three more officers this month following their graduation on Wednesday, June 5, from the Allan Hancock College’s Basic Law Enforcement
Academy in Lompoc. The graduating Class #24-127 included recruits from law enforcement agencies from San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County. They successfully completed 871 training hours required to graduate from the academy and enter careers as peace officers. Two of those recruits were hired by the Paso Robles Police Department and one by the Atascadero Police Department. “You should be proud of
what you’ve accomplished so far,” Atascadero Police Chief Dan Suttles told the graduates at the ceremony. “You’re just starting your careers and are already well-accomplished.” To graduate, the recruits were required to pass H a n c o c k’s B a s i c L a w E n f o rc e m e n t Ac ad e m y successfully. During the academy’s 871 hours of instruction, the recruits received training in community policing, search and seizure, firearms, ethics, investigation
procedures, patrol techniques, arrest and control, physical training, CPR/First Aid, emergency vehicle operations, and other important skills. “We have grown together not just as individuals, but a team that’s ready to protect and serve our communities with honor and integrity,” said academy graduate, class valedictorian, and newly minted San Luis Obispo Police Department Officer Forrest Brumley. “I am confident that we will go on to have CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Paul Flores ordered to pay over $346,000 in restitution to Smart family Kristin Smart’s murderer appears in court via Zoom as her family testifies on financial impact By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
for the hearing. Kristin went missing on Memorial Day weekend in May of 1996 after attending an off-campus party. She was last seen walking back to her dorm with Flores. Since her disappearance, Flores has been the center of police investigations, and in 2021, he was arrested for the murder and disappearance of Kristin alongside his father, who was accused of helping his son hide her body. In October 2022, Flores was found guilty of Kristin’s murder, while his father,
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The convicted killer of Kristin Smart has been ordered to pay more than Senior Citizens United’s Senior Center has been at its current location at 5905 East Mall in Atascadero since the Fall of 1976. $346,000 in restitution to the Senior Citizens United is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Photo by Lon Allan Smart family. Paul Flores, 47, appeared in Monterey County Superior Court via formed in the summer of 1973 property tax postponement, and Zoom on Monday, June 17, Atascadero’s Senior and incorporated the next year simple state and federal income Citizens United marks — 1974. The purpose of the tax preparation. 50 years group was to provide certain Initially the newly formed necessary services to the elderly nonprofit operated out of a By L.W. ALLAN Guest Contributor residents of not only Atascadero, small office on Traffic Way, but but those residing in Garden briefly occupied an empty fast- Board celebrates Assistant ATASCADERO — Fifty Farms, Santa Margarita, and food restaurant on El Camino Superintendent of Human years is a significant measure Templeton. Membership was Real for a brief period until Resources Dan Neff on final of time. That is true whether a whopping $4 a year. another drive-in wanted the board meeting day In that first year, the organi- facility. it is a business, a service club’s presence in the community, a zation was serving 25 people The search for a permanent By CHRISTIANNA MARKS marriage, and more. a week at a local restaurant as home resulted in the modest christianna@atascaderonews.com An organization aimed at well as delivering 70 meals, all single-family residence at 5905 support for senior citizens is delivered by volunteers using East Mall in the Fall of 1976. ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Unified celebrating a half-century of their own vehicles. There was a It would eventually be the Ed School District (AUSD) Board of Trustees met success here in Atascadero, still federal grant available in those Hagen Center. The name is still for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, headquartered on the bank of early days to pay a site manager. on a bronze plaque on the wall June 11, at 4 p.m. Trustee Denise McGrewAtascadero Creek in the heart It wasn’t long before the orga- near the door. Kane was absent from the meeting. “Thanks for a great year, everyone. I wanted of downtown. nization was providing renters There was no Atascadero City Senior Citizens United was and homeowners assistance, CONTINUED ON PAGE A2 to share how much I enjoyed it, and I’m sure
Celebrating half a century of senior support
Ruben, was found not guilty of helping his son. Flores was sentenced to serve 25 years to life in prison in March 2023. To this day, the whereabouts of Kristin’s remains are unknown. The hearing began last week with Smart’s family in attendance to testify about the financial impact they have faced due to Kristin’s disappearance. This included travel expenses for searches and court appearances, hiring a private investigator, and more. According to reports, on Monday, the judge ordered CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
School board moves forward with next steps toward a multi-purpose facility at AHS
AGRICULTURE
NORTH COUNTY NEWS
EVENTS
we’ll hear comments from the crew; the graduations were so good this year, both at Atascadero High School and Paloma Creek High School and ACE, our independent studies program,” said Superintendent Tom Butler at the top of his report. “Student speakers were outstanding, parents and families were super supportive, and there was a really positive spirit among the students. The promotions were also really well done at the Fine Arts Academy and Atascadero Middle School.” He also called attention to the fact that the first day of school when it returns will be Wednesday, Aug. 14. CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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