GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXV, NO. XLIII
THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2025
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Paso Robles city leaders, along with members of the Paso Robles Pickleball community, gathered on Wednesday, March 26 to celebrate the start of construction on major improvements at Sherwood Park. Pictured from left are Reilly Newman (Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee/PRAC), Daniel Rodriguez (Senior Citizen Advisory Committee), Craig Lea (Paso Robles Pickleball Club), Chris Huot (Paso Robles Interim City Manager), Larry Werner (Paso Robles Pickleball Ambassador), City Councilmember Fred Strong, Paso Robles Mayor John Hamon, City Councilmember Kris Beal, Diane Zannotti (PRAC and Congressional Aide to Congressman Jimmy Panetta), Bill Saylor (PRAC), Community Services Director Angelica Fortin, and City Councilmember Steve Gregory. Photo by Heather Stephenson
Paso Robles breaks ground on Sherwood Park upgrades, including new pickleball courts Community members celebrate the start of construction pickleball complex, set to open in 2026 By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — On Wednesday, March 26, Paso Robles Mayor John Hamon, along with City Councilmembers Fred Strong, Steve Gregory, and Kris Beal, joined representatives from
the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Body, the pickleball community, and city staff to celebrate the start of construction on improvements at Sherwood Park. City Manager Chris Huot, Hamon, and Paso Robles Pickleball Ambassador Larry Werner shared messages about the significance of the project before
grabbing ceremonial gold shovels and breaking ground on the much-anticipated improvements. Adding to the celebration, Diane Zannotti presented a proclamation to Hamon on behalf of Congressman Jimmy Panetta, recognizing the project’s impact on the community. Once complete, Sherwood Park
will boast seven new lighted pickleball courts, a picnic and shade area with barbecues, new restrooms, and a large parking lot. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026. Community members gathered to view the Sherwood Park improvement plan during the groundbreaking cere-
mony on Wednesday, March 26. The event highlighted the collaborative efforts of city officials and local residents in shaping the project.The new developments, including the much-anticipated pickleball courts, are set to enhance recreational opportunities in Paso Robles. CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Paso Robles City Council appoints JPA representatives water was a very controversial Mayor Hamon and subject during the March 4 City Councilmember Council meeting, where the Paso Beal named to Joint Robles City Council voted 4-1 Powers Agreement to join a Joint Powers Agreement ( JPA) to manage the Paso Board as first meeting set for April 7 Robles Groundwater Sub-BaBy CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
ORIGIN Training Center coaches from left Nate Ybarra, Joe Belmonte, Jayson Davidson, and Mitch Monteiro. Photos provided by ORIGINS Training Center
North County wrestling unites: ORIGIN Training Center opens in Paso Robles
Merger of two local wrestling clubs to form OTC, a premier training hub for young wrestlers in North County By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — Youth wrestling in North County is getting a little bigger after the recent launch of ORIGIN Training Center (OTC), a new club born from
the merger of Paso Robles’ Smash Mouth Wrestling Club and Atascadero’s Mad Dog Wrestling Club. Led by experienced coaches with deep local ties, OTC is set to revolutionize wrestling training in the region, offering athletes an opportunity to elevate their skills in a premier facility.
The unification of these two rival clubs marks a pivotal moment for youth wrestling in the area. Coaches Mitch Monteiro, Nate Ybarra, Jayson Davidson, and Joe Belmonte bring a wealth of experience to the program, including collegiate-level CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles City Council has taken another step into managing the region’s groundwater by approving the appointment of Mayor John Hamon to the JPA Board and Councilmember Kris Beal as an alternate. They also agreed to authorize the County to handle administrative tasks and call the first JPA meeting until staff is appointed. During the Tuesday, April 1 City Council meeting, Councilmember Chris Bausch was absent, allowing for four councilmembers to unanimously approve the next step in managing the city’s groundwater. Managing the City’s ground-
sin Groundwater Sustainability Plan. Despite significant public opposition, the council authorized Interim City Manager Chris Huot to sign one of two JPA versions, which the San Miguel Community Services District declined to join. The JPA would create the Paso Robles Area Groundwater Authority, a legal entity overseeing groundwater management under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Bausch opposed the agreement, advocating for a city-managed authority and expressing concerns that the JPA would unfairly burden small farmers while large water users went unchecked. He suggested alternative solutions, such as capturing stormwater and CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Atascadero Printery Foundation advances restoration
Community support and fundraising drive efforts for a revitalized arts hub By HAYLEY MATTSON and CAMILLE DEVAUL
ATASCADERO — The historic Atascadero Printery received a significant boost during its most recent workday, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Grizzly Youth Academy cadets. The monthly event, which gathers board members and volunteers to maintain the
site, saw an exceptional turnout as the cadets teamed up with the foundation for the first time. “This was a major cleanup,” said Karen McNamara, president of the Printery Foundation. “With the help of all the Grizzly cadets, we were able to clear out construction debris from recent wall work and remnants from previous demolition projects.”
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The extensive work included removing plaster bags from upstairs walls, constructing a chute to efficiently dispose of debris, and organizing waste management to donate a dumpster to facilitate the cleanup. The cadets also took on landscaping tasks, cutting weeds and tidying both the interior and exterior of the building. Atascadero Mayor Charles Bourbeau (right) helped out with the landscaping during the most recent work day at the Printery CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
building. Photo by Rick Evans/PRP
SPORTS
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