Paso Robles Press • April 16, 2026 by 13 Stars Media

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SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXVI, NO. XV

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Planning Commission approves new downtown bar Commissioners unaniUpdated food truck mously approved the projregulations move ect with no objections or forward to City Council comments. for final approval The second public hearing By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com

PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles P lanning Commission came together on Tuesday, April 14, to consider two items. During the meeting, commissioners held public hearings on a proposed new downtown bar and a citywide update to food truck regulations. The first item centered on a request from local business owner Jeff Root to establish “Jan’s Place,” a bar planned for an existing tenant space in located at 842 Norma’s Alley. Root owns his first location of Jan’s Place in San Luis Obispo and is hoping to open his second location in Norma’s Alley. Jan’s Place is an intimate, vinyl-focused bar and listening lounge. Root shared with commissioners, “Business has been going very well and this opportunity presented itself in Downtown Paso and we’re just super excited to try this up here.”

focused on a broader policy discussion: updating the city’s zoning code for food trucks. In October 2024, the Paso Robles City Council approved updates to the city’s zoning code, including regulations governing food trucks. These rules formalized policies that had been in place since 2019, outlining permitting requirements and operational standards for food trucks operating within city limits. All food trucks are required to maintain a valid city business license and a San Luis Obispo Count y Environmental Health Permit. Additionally, vendors operating at a single location for more than seven days per year must obtain a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) and meet specific approval Officers Stephen Lugo with Griff (left) and Bryce Gingery with Ikon (right) pose in downtown Paso Robles City Park — their K-9 partners serving as trusted teammates, criteria. In August 2025, the City protectors, and constant companions. Photo by Kelcy Rourke Council revisited these regulations, citing challenges with enforcement and unclear language in the code. An ad hoc committee was formed Handlers and their canine That duality defines the Paso Robles dogs are — and how controlled they are.” to gather public input and Police Department’s K-9 Unit, where That experience led him to pursue a partners train relentlessly develop recommendations. partnership is central to the job. For Offi- handler position. After being selected, to protect the community, cers Stephen Lugo and Bryce Gingery, Lugo completed an intensive six-week CONTINUED ON PAGE A2 combining discipline, trust, their canine partners are more than tools training program and was paired with — they are teammates, protectors, and Griff, a German Shepherd imported from and instinct on every call constant companions. Serbia. Griff was just over a year old when By HAYLEY MATTSON Lugo’s path to becoming a handler he entered the program, already demonhayley@pasoroblespress.com began with curiosity and a willingness to strating the drive and instincts required funds from HUD are available PASO ROBLES — In the front seat of take on one of the most demanding roles for police work. to serve the community. The a patrol car, a German Shepherd rests his in K-9 training: serving as a decoy. WearTraining, however, is continuous. City of Grover Beach is not head gently on his handler’s shoulder as ing a protective bite suit, he participated K-9 teams undergo annual certification part of the Urban County and they move through the streets. The moment in controlled scenarios that simulate real- through rigorous testing and participate in competes separately for HUD is quiet, almost tender. Seconds later, the world threats, helping train police dogs weekly sessions — often lasting full days funding at the State level, and same dog can shift into a highly trained to respond with discipline and precision. — to maintain and sharpen their skills. HUD allocations are omitted officer — focused, alert, and ready to track, “You’re putting yourself out there,” Lugo “In K-9 work, you’re never done for the City of Atascadero, detect, and protect. said. “You learn quickly how smart these CONTINUED ON PAGE A2 which has requested specific project-level adjustments. County Social Services Program Manager Marge Castle presented the item to the board and identified the allocations to county organizations and services aimed at assisting the homeless or housing-challenged, funded by Community Development Block Grants (CDBG; $1,365,067 available after administration costs), the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG; $135,681) and HOME Investments Partnership Program (HOME; $869,961). Among the North County recipients were the CAPSLO Adult Day Center in Paso Robles ($19,483), Atascadero and Paso Robles shelter services through the El Camino Homeless Orga- (From left) San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Heather Moreno, Undersheriff Chad Nicholson, and Sheriff Ian Parkinson were among the “celebrity servers” to take nization (ECHO; $64,284), part in the ECHO Empty Bowls fundraiser April 8 in Atascadero. Photo by Rick Evans/PRP Atascadero youth scholarships ($15,000), and additional funds for ECHO facilities in More than 250 attend Atascadero event as community rallies to fund shelter services Atascadero and Paso Robles totaling $155,858. Organization (ECHO), with organiz- surpassing last year’s totals. By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com The funds for the Adult ers reporting record ticket sales and a “We actually ended up selling more Day Center in Paso Robles, growing base of supporters committed tickets than we did last year … it’s always which provides adult day care PASO ROBLES — On Wednesday, to addressing homelessness across San a good thing to be able to know that for seniors with Alzheimer’s April 8, the Empty Bowls fundraiser in Luis Obispo County. you’re improving,” Potter said. “I think and other forms of dementia Atascadero brought together more than According to ECHO Development that word of mouth is great … it becomes and respite for their family 250 attendees in a show of commu- Manager Stephanie Potter, the event little traditions for people to do it every nity support for El Camino Homeless exceeded expectations, with ticket sales CONTINUED ON PAGE A2 CONTINUED ON PAGE A2

Paso Robles Police Department K-9 Unit blends precision and partnership

County approves Action Plan, HUD-funded projects Adult Day Center in Paso Robles, Atascadero youth scholarship, and homeless services among the recommended recipients By MIKE CHALDU michael@pasoroblespress.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — In its Tuesday, April 7, regular meeting, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors moved forward staff recommendations to the 2026 Action Plan and federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded projects. Among those receiving funds in the latest plans include the county’s Adult Day Center in Paso Robles, Atascadero youth scholarships, and other countywide services for the homeless. The Action Plan describes the specific activities planned for the upcoming program year funded by HUD grant funds provided to the Urban County of San Luis Obispo to achieve goals outlined in the Consolidated Plan, which contains the San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027. The Urban County refers to six cities (Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo) and the County of San Luis Obispo partnering to meet population thresholds to ensure annual entitlement

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Empty Bowls fundraiser supports ECHO

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