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SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXI, NO. XLIII
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025
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City Council starts discussion on General Plan 2045 Councilmembers focus on zoning proposals, especially in north El Camino Real area By MIKE CHALDU michael@atascaderonews.com
SLO County Sheriff Ian Parkinson (center right) and County Fire Chief John Owens (center left) hold up the big scissors after cutting the ribbon on the new Public Safety Communications Center on Oct. 27 in Templeton. Contributed photo
New Public Safety Communications Center opens in Templeton San Luis Obispo County opens modern $39.9 million hub uniting fire and law enforcement dispatch under one roof By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
TEMPLETON — The County of San Luis Obispo officially unveiled its new Public Safety Communications Center on Monday, Oct. 27, at 352 North Main St. in Templeton, in what has been a major milestone in the county’s efforts to improve emergency response and interagency coordination. The state-of-the-art facility, jointly
operated by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff ’s Office and CAL FIRE/SLO County Fire, replaces two outdated and overcrowded dispatch centers that had long served county’s emergency needs. The new center brings both agencies under one roof, enhancing collaboration and efficiency during critical incidents such as wildfires, earthquakes, and floods. “This new center represents a significant step forward in how our agencies
work together to serve the community,” said Sheriff Ian Parkinson during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It is a testament to the dedication of our dispatchers and public safety personnel, and the importance of strong teamwork in keeping our county safe.” The 20,193-square-foot, two-story facility includes a 140-foot communications tower, advanced dispatch technology, and expanded capacity for future growth. The project, valued at
$39.9 million, was developed through a design-build process managed by the county’s Public Works Department. The collaboration brought together numerous local and regional partners, including IBI Group (architect), Diani Building Corp. (design-builder), T & S Structural (structural), Above Grade Engineering (civil), 3C Engineering (MEP), Mid-Coast Geotechnical, and Oasis Associates (landscape). CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
ATASCADERO — The Atascadero City Council began its look into the future makeup of the city during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28, as staff introduced the draft of its General Plan 2045, which Community Development Director Phil Dunsmore called “Authentic Atascadero.” The item, which was under Management Report, and discussion took up most of the three-and-a-half-hour meeting, including questions and comments from councilmembers, and six speakers from public comment. The city began the fivephased General Plan Update process in July 2021. At the City Council’s November 2024 meeting, the city e n d o r s e d a “p re f e r re d alternative” land use map and corresponding growth assumptions, completing Phase 3 of the project. At that time the City Council weighed in on key policy CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Many groups in the Oct. 26 Walk for Cancer event embraced the walk’s theme by wearing bright pink and creative costumes. Photos by Rick Evans/ATN
North County rallies for annual ‘Walk for Cancer’
Event draws record crowd; raises $40,000 to support cancer patients and families By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
NORTH COUNTY — The community came together on Sunday, Oct. 26, for the fourth annual “Walk for Cancer” hosted by Ancient Peaks Winery at Santa Margarita Ranch. The 2-mile vineyard walk drew approximately 500 participants, the event’s largest turnout yet, to raise funds and awareness for Cancer Support Community Central Coast (CSC-CC). Participants of all ages strolled through the Margarita Vineyard to show solidarity in the fight against cancer. The
morning began with registration at 9 a.m. at the Ancient Peaks Barn, followed by the walk at 10 a.m. The event concluded with food trucks, a live DJ, and a complimentary glass of wine. Cindy Wittstrom, partner at Ancient Peaks Winery and a cancer survivor herself, shared heartfelt words about the meaning behind the annual event. “When they say, ‘Enjoy each day,’ it is very true — no one knows that better than a cancer survivor,” said Wittstrom, a cancer survivor herself who notes that several CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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Local kids, including this skeleton and pirate, put on their costumes and enjoyed the Halloween festivities at the “Zoo Boo” last weekend at the Central Coast Zoo Atascadero. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN
Zoo Boo kicks off Spooky Season in Atascadero
Central Coast Zoo’s event sees increase in attendance and more Halloween events happening downtown By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@atascaderonews.com
ATASCADERO — The Central Coast Zoo’s annual “Zoo Boo” event brought out record crowds and big smiles last weekend, starting the Halloween celebration early with more events happening this weekend. According to Zoo Director Dr. Cynthia Stringfield, attendance for the two-night event was up 17% compared to last year.
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“We had a fantastic turnout both nights without it being too crowded,” she said. “It was perfect this year.” Families came dressed in their best costumes to enjoy the zoo’s festive transformation. The event featured entertainment, education, and classic Halloween fun. Among the most popular attractions were interactive games with candy prizes, educational encounters with local wildlife experts, and hands-on learning opportunities with
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some of the zoo’s lesser-known residents. Stringfield said that guests enjoyed, “Fun games with candy prizes for playing, learning from the Master Gardeners about spiders and other local creatures, and getting up close with snakes, cockroaches, and other critters are very popular, and of course seeing and watching our zoo animals.” The event’s success comes as part of the zoo’s broader effort to connect the CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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