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SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXI, NO. XLII
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025
‘First step’: AUSD talks about student test scores
atascaderonews.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
‘Flat’ CAASPP results brings discussions about how district plans to help students improve scores By MIKE CHALDU michael@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — For its regular meeting on Oct. 21, the Atascadero Unified School District Board of Trustees devoted most of its time to recently released CAASPP test scores and plans to improve strategies to get those scores raised. Being that it was the second meeting of the month, the board followed a new policy instituted by Superintendent Dr. Tom Bennett to have “Study Sessions,” where the trustees and staff members leave the dais and set up at tables on the floor in a conference-style format. “When I started here, I shared importance of us taking a deep look of where we are and how are we doing academically,” said Bennett, who is in his first year as AUSD superintendent. “Today is our first big step.” Bennett also added that this would be a “high-level conversation” about the district as a whole, rather than specific campuses. With that, Bennett turned it over to Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Former Atascadero High student athletes and new Annual Greyhound Foundation Athletic Hall of Fame inductees (from left) David Mauer, Devon Gavreau, Ali (Jensen) Adams, Taylor Degnan, Brandon Roberts, and Ryan Overland display their Hall of Fame plaques at the Oct. 11 induction event. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN
Atascadero High inducts seven into Athletic Hall of Fame Greyhound Foundation celebrates decades of sports at 19th annual ceremony honoring standout athletes By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Pavilion on the Lake buzzed with excitement on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 11, as Atascadero High School (AHS) sports fans, alumni, family members, and past Hall of Fame inductees gathered to celebrate the 19th Annual Greyhound Foundation Athletic Hall of Fame. The
event honored seven standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on AHS sports history. Guests enjoyed the chance to reconnect with old teammates and coaches. A delicious dinner was served, followed by the induction ceremony recognizing the accomplishments of the newest Hall of Fame members. Each inductee’s athletic career was celebrated with stories, accolades, and video highlights,
paying tribute to their dedication, skill, and contributions to Atascadero High School’s storied sports legacy. Ali ( Jensen) Adams, a 1991 graduate, was recognized for her outstanding multi-sport career. Adams earned nine varsity letters — three each in volleyball, basketball, and softball — and was a seven-time all-league selection. She played a pivotal role on the 1989 CIF runner-up basketball team that advanced
to the state playoffs and was named basketball Most Valuable Player during her senior year. Adams also received the Ruth Doser All-Tournament recognition in 1990–91 and was honored as Atascadero High’s Female Athlete of the Year. She went on to play softball at Cuesta College in 1992. Ryan Overland, class of 2004, was celebrated for his baseball prowess. Overland CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
The Templeton 4-H was one of several 4-H groups to man tables and sell their homemade honey at the Golden Oak Honey & Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 18 at Paso Robles City Park. Photo by Camille DeVaul/ATN
Downtown hums with Honey & Pumpkin Festival Paso Robles High students, faculty, and alumni had a hand in creating the return of “Ghost Stories: A Haunted Maze,” which will run Oct. 29-31 in the PRHS student parking lot. Photo by Camille DeVaul/ATN
Paso Robles High students bring La Llorona to life in Haunted Maze ‘Ghost Stories’ returns Oct. 29–31, offering hands-on learning for students while supporting local youth By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
PASO ROBLES — Paso Robles High School is turning up the fright factor this Halloween season with the return of“Ghost Stories: A Haunted Maze” (Ghost Stories), an immersive student-led event inspired by the legend of La Llorona. The maze, open Oct. 29 through 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Paso Robles High School (PRHS) student
NEWS
parking lot, is the result of a collaboration between the Paso Robles Lions Club, Paso Robles Main Street Association, and several of the school’s clubs, including Drama, Leadership, Business, and Art. This year’s maze will again tell the haunting story of La Llorona, beginning with a peaceful setting that slowly descends into darkness. Last year was the first time PRHS theater students collaborated with the Paso Robles Lions Club to build a haunted maze
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from scratch. Atascadero News was invited to take a look at this year’s construction progress. “It follows the story starting off kind of nice and peaceful, and then it starts getting darker and darker,” explained Adelaide (Addie) Coelho, a 2025 PRHS graduate who returned to help lead the project. Coelho, now an art major at Cuesta College, says she was eager to continue CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
BUSINESS
Over 70 vendors fill City Park as families and local 4-H beekeepers celebrate honey and pumpkins By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
PASO ROBLES — Downtown Paso Robles buzzed with excitement on Saturday, Oct. 18, as crowds gathered in City Park for the annual Golden Oak Honey & Pumpkin Festival. The free community event brought together families, beekeepers, crafters, and
fall enthusiasts to celebrate all things honey and pumpkin. Presented by the Paso Robles Main Street Association, with more than 70 vendors filling the park at 11th and Spring streets, festivalgoers had plenty to explore. Booths showcased everything from handmade jewelry and garden art to local honey and home décor, giving shoppers the perfect opportunity to find unique treasures just in time for the holidays. Children enjoyed the popular Kids’ Flea Market, while families sampled sweet treats and took CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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