Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXV, NO. XLIV
THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2025
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
Paso Robles pushes forward with infrastructure upgrades
Crews work on Creston Road, which is in Phase I of improvements. Paso Robles city staff provided updates to the City Council, on multiple road projects during the Tuesday, April 8, council meeting. Photo by Camille DeVaul/PRP
City Council reviews progress on Creston Road reconstruction, pedestrian improvements, and new public safety facilities Nancy Ulloa (center), founder of Ulloa Cellars in Paso Robles, accepts the North County Latino Business of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce Award Gala. Joining her on stage are (from left) Andrea Chmelik, district director for Assemblymember Dawn Addis; Atascadero City Councilmember Susan Funk, SLO County Supervisor Heather Moreno, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, Atascadero Mayor Charles Bourbeau, and Atascadero Mayor Pro Tem Mark Dariz. Photo by Hayley Mattson/PRP
Atascadero Chamber of Commerce honors local leaders at 102nd Annual Awards Gala Masquerade ball celebrates business success, community spirit, and the impact of local entrepreneurs By HAYLEY MATTSON
NORTH COUNTY — The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 102nd Annual Awards Gala with a vibrant theme, “Unmasking Business Success,” featuring a masquerade ball on Saturday, April 5, at Rava Wines in Paso Robles. The event honored local businesses and leaders, fostering community spirit. Hosted by Master of Ceremonies Jim Dantona, president and CEO of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, the evening was filled with entertainment, recognition, and opportunities to support the Chamber’s mission. The gala began with an inspiring youth
dance performance by the Main Street Dance Company, setting the tone for the night. Attendees also enjoyed a musical performance by Gary Borjan, whose melodies provided the perfect backdrop. The event space was beautifully decorated with floral arrangements from Bees Blossoms and The Floral Parlor. Gina Fitzpatrick, president and CEO of the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, joined Auctioneer Pete Melero to lead a lively auction that raised thousands of dollars. The funds will support the Atascadero Chamber’s initiatives, particularly the Jr. CEO Program, which received overwhelming support from attendees. The auction underscored the community’s commitment to empowering the next generation of local leaders. During the evening, Chamber leaders highlighted the organization’s recent accom-
plishments and ongoing efforts. Dantona shared updates on the Chamber’s economic development impact, particularly the success of programs like“Shop Local” and “Get Your Business Online.”These initiatives have been instrumental in helping local businesses grow, hire new employees, and adapt to the digital age, contributing to a vibrant and resilient Atascadero economy. As the evening continued, past Board Chair Rachelle Bowlay of the SLO County Office of Education introduced Joey Ferrell from Premier Valley Bank as the new Chair. Ferrell addressed the crowd with excitement about the expressing gratitude for the community’s support. He outlined plans for continued growth and engagement, including new programs and collaborations aimed at strengthening local businesses. Ferrell also introduced the 2025 Board of Directors: CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — The City of Paso Robles is making steady progress on a range of infrastructure projects aimed at improving roadways, pedestrian access, and public facilities. During the April 1 City Council meeting, city staff provided updates on several ongoing and upcoming developments, including major improvements to Creston Road, enhancements near the Paso Robles Event Center, and new construction at the Public Training Facility. On Creston Road, the project remains in Phase 1, with progress being made on the roads and sidewalks. Creston Road will be reconstructed in two phases. Phase 1, from South River to Orchard, began in late 2023 and includes sewer upgrades, new fire hydrants, a conduit for future fiber, a traffic signal at Walnut/Bolen, improved pedestrian crossings, upgraded curb ramps, enhanced bike lanes, and full road resurfacing. Construction is expected to take 12 to 18 months. Phase 2, from Orchard to Niblick, will begin after Phase 1 ends and as weather allows. It will include similar upgrades along with a new roundabout at Rolling Hills Road. The City has nearly completed the design for Phase 2 of the Creston Road improvements. Capital Projects Engineer Ditas Esperanza explained, “We’re still on the sidewalk concrete stage for another 3-4 weeks, and then after that, you will see the traffic signal being installed, and then there will be the big push for the final phase which will be the paving part of the project.” Fixing Creston Road has been a long-awaited project for CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
PRJUSD approves salary increases and digital marquees
Board unanimously greenlights 2% raise for management staff and $350K for new school marquees to boost communication By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees approved a 2% salary increase for Confidential and Management employees, retroactive to July 1, 2024. The approval was made during the Tuesday, April 8, PRJUSD meeting. This increase aligns with previously approved agreements for other bargaining units and will cost
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the district $255,248, which staff says was already budgeted. “I understand the challenges of providing salary increases at this particular time, but this is something that has been budgeted,” said Assistant Superintendent Business Services Brad Pawlowski. The salary adjustment affects multiple schedules, inc luding Confidential, Certificated Management, Classified Management, and Superintendent roles. The recommendation supports fair and competitive compensation, aiding recruitment and retention. Additionally, the district plans to implement a classification study to ensure job descriptions and salary CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
COMMUNITY
Atascadero Mayor Charles Bourbeau (in green shirt) and SLO County Supervisor (and former Atascadero Mayor) Heather Moreno, join City Councilmembers, city officials and zoo staff to celebrate Charles Paddock Zoo getting AZA accreditation. Contributed Photo
Charles Paddock Zoo achieves AZA accreditation
After a rigorous evaluation process, the Atascadero zoo celebrates its commitment to animal care, conservation, and community education and Aquariums (AZA), a distinction conservation, and education. that places the zoo among the top 10% Dan Ashe, the president and CEO of ATASCADERO — On March 26, of zoological institutions worldwide. The AZA, expressed his congratulations to the Charles Paddock Zoo was granted achievement marks a significant milestone the zoo’s leadership and staff, emphasizing accreditation by the Association of Zoos in the zoo’s commitment to animal care, CONTINUED ON PAGE A2 By HAYLEY MATTSON AND CAMILLE DEVAUL
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