GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1916 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CVIII, NO. XXXIX
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023
atascaderonews.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
MEMORIAL
Community gathers to honor late Mayor Steve Martin in heartfelt memorial Beloved mayor’s legacy remembered, recalling his dedicated service and lasting impact on Paso Robles
AUSD school board presented with enrollment update
Trustees addressed on district’s cybersecurity
By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com
By BECCA SLIGH Atascadero News Contributor
NORTH COUNTY— If there was a photo in the dictionary next to the word “community,” it would be of the late Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin. The memorial held for Martin took place on Wednesday evening, Sept. 27, in the downtown Paso Robles Park gazebo. With over 200 attendees, some even being community members who brought their own lawn chairs to pay their respects, the almost two-hour memorial was a beautiful tribute to one of Paso’s finest. Also among the crowd of viewers was the Paso Robles Fire Department, which hung a flag off the fire truck ladder. The Estrella Warbirds Museum performed an Honor flyover in tribute for Martin, and Jim Highland sang two original songs written and composed by Martin. “Steve Martin, my old friend, there will never be another one
EDUCATION
Late Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin’s wife and daughters speak during Martin’s memorial at downtown Paso Robles Park on Sept. 27. Photo courtesy of City of Paso Robles
of you,” began John Hamon, current mayor of Paso Robles. Hamon was among a handful of people to give speeches that reflected on Martin’s past, including being the mayor of Paso Robles, a family man, a musical talent, and even a published author. Hamon went on to say, “From my point of view, the essence of Steve Martin’s life, both public
NONPROFIT
and private, was a dedicated service to others.” As a lifelong resident of the Central Coast, Martin had served on the Paso Robles City Council from 1987-96. During that time, Martin was elected mayor and served from 1988-90. Among many other positions within city government and community outreach, Martin lived a life full of passion and
dedication toward the community of Paso Robles. “The importance of building a legacy lies in its enduring ability to shape the future,” said Paso Robles City Manager Ty Lewis. “Mayor Martin didn’t just leave us with a tangible improvement or two or advancements. He left us with the spirit of unity, a blueprint of mutual respect and collaboration between the
community, city staff, and our first responders, who work tirelessly to safeguard our well-being.” While Lewis gave an earnest speech about Martin’s improvement towards the community with policies, initiatives, and camaraderie, he almost certainly remained keen on the theme that Martin’s actions toward city CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Unified School District (AUSD) met for their regularly scheduled trustee meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. Principal Sarah Betz addressed the board with a school presentation on Santa Rosa Academic Academy. She stated that the school year is off to a great start at the school. “Mr. Neff and I just happened to be at Santa Rosa earlier this week, and wow, the campus was spotless,” Superintendant Tom Butler told Betz at the start of his Superintendent’s Report. “Kids were taking great care with their campus but were super focused in their classrooms. Everything you were talking about your culture, your focus on MTSS, supporting good citizenship, it’s all coming to fruition. So, great job for you and your staff. I really thought it was fantastic.” During the trustee board report, multiple trustees congratulated past AHS teacher and trustee board member Donn Clickard on his role as King at CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
EVENT
Atascadero Chamber celebrates local women with first-ever Women of Influence North County event El Camino Homeless Organization CEO Wendy Lewis is the 2023 WINC By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com
(From left) ASH Department of Police Services Officers Kelley Blackshear, Jamie Murray, Jean Wilson, Theresa Allen (wife of Atascadero Iterim Police Chief), Ester Wilson, and Kristin Morgan prepare desserts at Tip-A-Cop. Photo by Christianna Marks.
North County law enforcement comes together for Tip-A-Cop North County Police officers have raised a million dollars for local Special Olympic athletes in 25 years STAFF REPORT
NORTH COUNTY — Law enforcement officers from all over North County came together at the Paso Robles Event Center for Tip-A-Cop on Wednesday, Sept. 27, starting at 5:30 p.m.
GOVERNMENT
The Atascadero Police Department, Paso Robles PD, California Highway Patrol, officers who work at Atascadero State Hospital (ASH), and more exchanged their badges for serving trays and cooking utensils as they raised money for local athletes who participate in the Special Olympics. “It’s a pretty awesome thing to be a part of,” said Kelley BlackCONTINUED ON PAGE A7
CRIME
ATASCADERO — Women from all over the North County (and a few men) showed up to share their support for the incredible women who make our community a better place for everyone. The inaugural Women of Influence North County (WINC) Luncheon, held by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, took place on Thursday, Sept. 28, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Springhill Suites by Marriott in Atascadero. The lunch was filled with a stacked program featuring speeches from women leaders in the community and State Senator John Laird. The WINC event also allowed the community to get to know the 2023 Women of Influ-
ence finalists before the winner was chosen later in the program. “Over the past year, the Chamber was constantly hearing of women forming their own groups and networking, collab-
orating, trying to drive positive change in the business communities in which they live,” said Julie Matthews, Atascadero Chamber Director of Membership, in her speech. “We speak to
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
SPORTS
WEATHER
(From left) Nominees for Woman of Influence Jennifer Adams, Jessica Steely, Lisa Majors, and Wendy Lewis are seen at the WINC Luncheon. Photo by Dawn Smith
all women here today. We heard, we listened, and the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the AAUW, has organized and initiated this CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
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SENATOR FEINSTEIN Passes at the Age of 90 | A3
MAN CONVICTED For Sex Acts Against Children | A4
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