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THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025
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Paso Wine Fest 2025 toasts to style with Strauss sponsorship
Judges Choice winner Justin Munson (right) is shown with son Beau (left) and Kelly Toft at Paired Paso Friday night event during the Paso Wine Fest. Photo by Mira Honeycutt/ATN
Four days of top-tier wine, Peterson added that Strauss CAPS committee members pose for a photo with distinguished guests at the event on Sunday. (Back row, from left to right) Incoming Superintendent Tom Bennett, has sponsored other well- AUSD Board Member Vy Pierce, CAPS Secretary Felisha Imhoff, CAPS President Carrie White, CAPS Committee Volunteer Matt Pennon, CAPS Treasurer Roni DeCoster, culinary pairings, and known brands, such as the Councilmember Susan Funk, AUSD Board Member Tracy Ellis-Weit, and AUSD Superintendent Tom Butler. (Front row) Former Mayor and SLO County Supervisor Heather vibrant lounges mark a 2024 World Series and the Moreno, and Atascadero Mayor Charles Bourbeau. Not pictured: CAPS Chair Nicole Hider. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN stylish new era for Paso’s Kansas City Chiefs with logos on the teams’ uniforms. And, signature event By MIRA HONEYCUTT
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA) scored big this year by corralling sponsorship from Strauss, Europe’s leading workwear company based in Germany. “It’s a pretty sizable sponsor,” said Joel Peterson, executive director of PRWCA. “We have a one-year deal but it can be a three-year deal if we want to. They love Paso Robles; they love the brand and we’re excited to deal with them.”
yes, PRWCA members get a 20% discount on purchases of Strauss workwear. This year, the Paso Wine Fest kicked off, spotlighting Central Coast culinary masters. The Friday night Paired Paso celebration held at the Paso Robles Event Center brought together nine chefs who paired their cuisine with nine local winemakers. From the looks and taste of the spread, they were all top-notch. The four-day extravaganza, PRWCA’s annual signature event, was held from May 15 CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
CAPS reconnects with community through fun-filled bingo fundraiser
Spring event surpasses auction goals, raises funds for classroom grants, and builds momentum for future By HAYLEY MATTSON hayley@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — After a six-year hiatus, the CAPS (Community Action Partnership for Schools) in-person fundraiser made a triumphant return with a fun-filled, family-friendly event at the Charles Paddock Zoo — and despite a modest turnout, the day was a roaring success. “We had more of a modest turnout than we were hoping for, but everybody who was there had a great time,” said CAPS Event
Chair Nicole Hider. “It was a great way to reintroduce ourselves to the community because it was so fun — and that word-ofmouth is just going to build.” Held in late spring — a notoriously busy time of year for families with end-ofschool-year activities, sports, and fundraisers — the event still drew enthusiastic community participation and strong support from across the Atascadero Unified School District and beyond. “All things considered, we were really pleased with the turnout and the backing we received from the district, all
the school sites, and the larger community,” Hider shared. “The weather couldn’t have been more perfect.” The event featured a delightful buffet lunch and shave ice provided by Paradise Shave Ice, beverages donated by Ancient Peaks Winery and Firestone Walker Brewing Company, and, of course, the main attraction — bingo. The CAPS team designed a robust bingo setup with five cards per player, each featuring three games, totaling 15 rounds. But it CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
School board honors AUSD retirees at meeting
Superintendent Tom Butler among those departing from district at the end of the school year By MIKE CHALDU michael@atascaderonews.com
Competitors in the calf-roping event are shown during the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Rodeo in Paso Robles last weekend. Photo by Chuck & Vikki Houck
SLO Sheriff’s Rodeo ropes record crowd and praise
Fourth annual event draws over 13,000, adds concert, honors legacy, and raises record funds for law enforcement By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
PASO ROBLES — The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff ’s Rodeo returned bigger and better than ever this year, drawing more than 13,000 attendees over the weekend and cementing its reputation as one of the Central Coast’s favorite rodeos. Now in its fourth year, the event saw record-breaking attendance, an expanded schedule, and an impressive lineup of events, including everything from breakaway roping and team sorting to mutton bustin’ and bull riding. Hosted at the Paso Robles Event Center, the rodeo celebrated Western culture, community spirit, and law enforcement appreciation.
“This year was huge and probably the best rodeo we’ve had yet,” said Rodeo President and San Luis Obispo County Undersheriff Chad Nicholson. A key new addition this year was a Friday night kickoff concert featuring country music star Easton Corbin, which drew approximately 4,000 attendees. Nicholson credited the success of the concert to early planning and a partnership with local promoter Todd Newman of Good Medicine Presents. “He [Corbin] played a concert on Friday night to get the weekend started ... And that was great — it was a success for our first year standalone concert,” Nicholson said. The rodeo itself saw a crowd of more than 8,000 on Saturday night. Professional
COMMUNITY
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
competitors — some with national titles under their belts — praised the event’s organization, payouts, and overall experience. Each year since its inception, the rodeo has increased in size and attendance, bringing families and competitors back year after year. When asked if he ever thought the rodeo would have this reaction from the community, Nicholson said, “I hoped we would, but I didn’t think we would have it this fast, to be honest with you. The way the community has embraced it and I owe so much credit to all of our committee because they work so hard ... I didn’t think in four years, it would be of this magnitude.” Among the highlights of the weekend were events sponsored by local businesses, CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
SPORTS
ATASCADERO — As the end of the school year came closer, the Atascadero Unified School District Board of Trustees took the opportunity to recognize and thank the group of teachers, administrators, and classified employees who are retiring at the end of the year during its Tuesday, May 20, meeting. Sixteen people over 10 campuses and departments of AUSD were honored at the beginning of the meeting, with many introduced and praised by their respective principals or supervisors. Nine of those have been with the district for 25 years or more. Board President Denise McGrew-Kane expressed the district’s gratitude toward the service of those leaving. “To all our retirees, thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your service and the countless ways you’ve helped our district flourish,” she said. “You have left a legacy of compassion, excellence, and commitment. You will always be a part of the story of our district.” Atascadero High School
Principal Nikki Baca introduced five departing teachers during her time at the podium, including Peter Smith, who has been at AHS for 35 years. “Peter is nothing short of a legend at Atascadero High School,” Baca said as Smith stood beside her at the podium. “He has worn many hats over the years, teaching everything from U.S. history to banking and financial services, running the Career Center, serving as vice principal, and supporting students in independent study. And through it all he has remained deeply committed to the success of every student who has crossed his path.” Also honored were Bonnie Zebe of the Atascadero Choices in Education (ACE) alternative high school, and Kayleen West, a teacher at Monterey Road Elementary School. Both had, at 37 years each, the longest tenures of the group of retirees. At the end of the presentation, Superintendent Tom Butler, who is leaving after 10 years in the position, and Stacey Phillips, who has been the executive assistant to the superintendent for 31 years presented each other. “One of the nicest people CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
WEATHER
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STATEMENT District Attorney | A3
CMSF Red Clay Strays | B1
AHS TENNIS CIF Runner-Up | B8 High 81° | Low 46°
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