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SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXI, NO. XXXIX
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025
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Board of Supervisors give second approval to Housing Element implementation items Supervisors vote to drop minimum density requirement and add annual review; Regional Housing Incentives for Land Use ordinance also passes By MIKE CHALDU michael@atascaderonews.com
More than 200 people who took part in the 14th annual ECHO Long Walk Home pose in front of the Atascadero Administration building during the event Sept. 20. Photo by Rick Evans /ATN
ECHO’s Long Walk Home through town raises over $70,000 for homeless services
14th annual fundraiser in Atascadero unites more than 200 community members in support of shelter, meals, and resources for unhoused individuals and families on the Central Coast By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — More than 200 community members gathered on Saturday, Sept. 20, for the 14th Annual Long Walk Home, a fundraising event benefiting El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) and its mission to provide shelter, services, and support for individ-
uals and families experiencing homelessness on the Central Coast. The walk began at ECHO’s Atascadero campus, located at 6370 Atascadero Ave., where participants checked in before setting out on a symbolic journey through downtown. The annual walk highlights the challenges of homelessness and serves as a reminder that the road back to stability
is often long and difficult. “The Long Walk Home Fundraiser is more than just a walk — it’s a powerful statement about the journey out of homelessness. Each step represents the long and challenging road that individuals and families must take to return to safe, stable housing,” ECHO Development Manager Stephanie Potter told Atascadero News. “We walk together as
a united community: ECHO staff, board members, volunteers, donors, sponsors, current residents, and program graduates. Side by side, we symbolize the collective support it takes — compassion, resources, and encouragement — for people to rebuild their lives and succeed. This event raises vital awareness about the complexity of homelessness CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors revisited amendments to the county Housing Element implementation items, eventually approving them with a couple more changes, during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The board also OK’d a Regional Housing Incentive policy to give developers a little flexibility on their structures. The Housing Element items were discussed and given a first approval during a previous supervisors meeting on Aug. 19. The item stemmed from an effort that started March 12, 2024, when the board directed the county’s Department of Planning and Building to prioritize nine key Housing CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Templeton running back Tyler Cunningham gains some yards against Atascadero during the Eagles’ 31-20 win on Friday, Sept. 26. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN
Eagles keep hot streak alive with Greyhounds win Balanced scoring and timely turnovers lift Eagles to fourth consecutive win, 31-20 By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
NORTH COUNTY — The Templeton Eagles kept their hot streak alive Friday night, defeating the Atascadero Greyhounds 31-20 in a non-league matchup that carried plenty of local rivalry weight. The win marked Templeton’s fourth straight and served as payback for last year’s 10-7 Greyhounds victory, reaffirming the Eagles’ growing dominance in recent
matchups between the two teams. Templeton wasted little time establishing control. Midway through the first quarter, the Eagles struck with a 28-yard touchdown pass, quickly setting the tone for what would be a high-energy, balanced offensive performance. Less than a minute before the quarter ended, running back Tyler Cunningham powered through the Greyhounds’ defensive line for a rushing touchdown, giving Templeton a 14-0 lead. The Eagles’ defense helped maintain the momentum, intercepting a pass in the opening frame to halt an Atascadero
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drive and setting up another scoring opportunity. In the second quarter, Templeton continued to apply pressure, converting turnovers on downs into points with a rushing touchdown, then capping the half with a late passing score to extend the lead to 28-0. Atascadero finally found the end zone in the closing seconds of the half with a passing touchdown, reducing the deficit to 28-7 at intermission. Templeton’s offensive attack was led by Tyler Cunningham, who rushed for 159 yards — his best ground performance CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
CRIME
(From left) Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, Candice Galli, and Traci Hollinger were honored at the Women of Influence North County (wINC) Luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 11, in Atascadero. Photo courtesy of Atascadero Chamber of Commerce
Women of Influence Luncheon honors three North County leaders Sold-out event celebrates Candice Galli for being named 2025 Woman of the Year By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
NORTH COUNTY — The sold-out Women of Influence North County (wINC) Luncheon brought together more than 200 community members on Thursday, Sept. 11, at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Atascadero to honor three women shaping the future of North County. Hosted by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the American Association of University Women (AAUW)
BUSINESS
Atascadero chapter, the event highlighted resilience, leadership, and the power of community. Guests were treated to a program that blended inspiration and celebration. The afternoon began with a special performance by acclaimed local singer-songwriter Jade Jackson, who debuted a new song written for the occasion. Attendees also enjoyed a lively pop-up market featuring 10 women-owned businesses. The 2025 honorees — Amanda WittstromHiggins, Candice Galli, and Traci Hollinger CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
WEATHER
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