GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CX, NO. XIX
THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025
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Council, residents discuss concerns over ECHO expansion plans Speakers generally support group’s mission, but worry over meal distribution to those not in its programs By MIKE CHALDU michael@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — The expansion plans for the El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) in Atascadero was a hot topic for the Atascadero City Council during its regular meeting Tuesday, May 13. The council heard a report on the nonprofit’s community outreach to its neighbors concerning its plans to expand its Atascadero facility, which include an increase in beds, as well as an increase in its meal The California Questers, along with their local Agua Caliente chapter, have been a very large and dedicated supporter in restoring the Printery, and were present at the May 10 Mother’s Day Fundraiser. program. The council asked questions Photo by Rick Evans/ATN and aired concerns about the groups plans in its efforts to help out and eventually house and get jobs for participants in its progams. Speakers during Community Forum, many of whom lived near the ECHO Take-home pasta dinner raises funds for historic landmark’s restoration, thanks to donors, community support shelter and food distribution to transform the historic structure into a community this nice meal for mom,” said Karen McNamara, the By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com center for arts, education, culture, and local events. facility, also expressed concerns, Foundation’s president. “People literally just drove up. mainly with the food program Each meal package served four and included a We put it in the back seat of their car so there was no that gives daily meals to those ATASCADERO — In celebration of Mother’s Day, homemade pasta meal with a choice of meat sauce human contact, and they drove off with their food.” However, now that the pandemic is long over and not enrolled in ECHO’s place- the Atascadero Printery Foundation (Foundation) or a vegetarian option, Brian’s Bread, a crisp green ment programs, along with those invited the community to honor mothers and mother salad, and dessert. The meals were prepared for easy the city is bustling with activities and restaurants, the receiving the group’s services. figures through a take-home meal fundraiser that also baking at home, offering families a meaningful and Foundation is ready to shift to a different type of On Nov. 12, 2024, the City supported the restoration of one of Atascadero’s most convenient way to celebrate the holiday together. Mother’s Day fundraiser. The community can look Council reviewed and approved cherished historic landmarks. The fundraiser began during the COVID pandemic forward to those details at a later date. amendments to the operations On Saturday, May 10, the Foundation hosted as a way the Foundation could raise money without But thanks to a wonderful donor who wishes to and Management plan for the a Mother’s Day Pasta Dinner Fundraiser, with all breaking any protocols. remain anonymous, the Mother’s Day fundraiser El Camino Homeless Shelter proceeds benefiting the ongoing rehabilitation of “We came up with this idea because the restaurants cost is all paid for making the event a 100% profit CONTINUED ON PAGE A2 CONTINUED ON PAGE A2 the Atascadero Printery. The Foundation is striving were all closed. We would do this; everybody order
Mother’s Day Fundraiser brings new life to Atascadero Printery
Paso Robles 4th Annual Olive and Lavender Festival
Mother-and-daughter duo Karen (left) and Jennifer Tallent were back at the 4th Annual Olive and Lavender Festival, selling their olive oil products at Downtown City Park. Photo by Derek Luff
Downtown celebration of locals and visitors eager to draws record crowds to celebrate two of the Central honor local agriculture, Coast’s most beloved agricultural products. artisan goods, and This year marked a notable community spirit
The Atascadero Police Foundation Charity Golf Tournament scholarship recipient poses with the ceremonial check. From left: Atascadero Police Officer Tyler Smith, Atascadero Police Foundation Board President and retired Corporal Scott Pipan, Samantha Hixenbaugh’s parents, scholarship recipient Samantha Hixenbaugh, and her brother. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN
Community tees off for a cause at 14th annual APF Golf Tournament
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
and supporters for a day of spirited competition and fundraising. Rainy skies couldn’t keep the over 30 competitors away from the greens. The event was more than just a day on the green — it was a celebration of community involvement and support for local public safety initiatives. The tournament kicked off with check-in
NORTH COUNTY — On Saturday, May 10, the heart of Downtown Paso Robles came alive with the soothing scent of lavender and the rich aroma of olives as the Paso Robles Main Street Association hosted its 4th Annual Joint Olive and Lavender Festival in Downtown City Park. The event attracted crowds
Despite rainy weather, locals turn out in force to support youth programs, honor fallen officers, and raise funds for public safety at Atascadero’s signature golf event By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Police Foundation hosted its 14th Annual Charity Golf Tournament and Silent Auction on Saturday, April 26, drawing a large crowd of golfers, community members,
COMMUNITY
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
refreshments provided by SLO DO CO donuts and Joe Bella Coffee, setting a festive tone for the day. Atascadero Police Foundation Board President and retired Atascadero Police Corporal Scott Pipan told The Atascadero News, “Our big fundraiser every year is the CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
SPORTS
milestone for both featured events: the Paso Robles Olive Festival celebrated its 21st year, while the Lavender Festival, now in its 17th year, continued to flourish under the joint banner it adopted four years ago. The free festival honored the region’s long-standing traditions in olive and lavender cultivation, offering a day filled with artisan goods and educational experiences. Olive and Lavender Festival CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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