GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXVI, NO. XLIV
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
Mayor John Hamon announces he will not seek reelection
Woman ordered to stand trial in election fraud case Self-represented candidate Gaea Powell faces nine charges tied to disputed residency and voting in 2022 and 2024 mayoral races
New candidates begin to emerge for November 2026 city election By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — An Arroyo Grande woman accused of multiple election-related offenses has been ordered to stand trial following a preliminary hearing in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court. Gaea Edde Powell, 62, represented herself during the multi-day preliminary hearing, which concluded Thursday, April 2, before Judge Timothy S. Covello. At the conclusion of the hearing, Covello ruled there was sufficient evidence to uphold the charges and allow the case to proceed. Powell faces nine criminal counts stemming from alleged conduct during the 2022 and 2024 Arroyo Grande mayoral election cycles, in which she was a candidate. The charges include voter registration fraud, filing a false declaration of candidacy, fraudulent voting, failure to file campaign finance reports, and perjury by declaration. Of the nine charges, eight are felonies and one is a misdemeanor. The case was filed by the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office in June 2025. District Attorney Dan Dow previously stated the charges reflect the office’s commitment to protecting the integrity of local elections. The witnesses During the preliminary hearing, multiple witnesses testified for both the prosecution and the defense. Testifying for the prosecution were Jessica Matson, a clerk for the City of Arroyo Grande; Carolyn Moffatt, identified as the landlord of Powell’s residence outside Arroyo Grande city limits; David Marquis, Powell’s prior employer who owned the residence where she registered to vote; and Fred Pflum, a senior district attorney investigator. The prosecution’s case focused heavily on Powell’s residency. Moffatt testified that Powell had lived continuously since 2018 at a rural Heritage Lane property outside city limits. Moffatt said she had no reason to believe Powell lived elsewhere and recalled raising concerns in both 2022 and 2024 about Powell running for mayor while residing outside the city. According to Moffatt, Powell responded that she had received legal advice confirming her eligibility. CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
The Paso Robles Police Department team celebrates in Las Vegas after earning an eighth-place finish in their division in the Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay. The relay is the largest law enforcement race in the world, drawing more than 300 teams from across the United States and internationally. Photo courtesy of the Paso Robles Police Department
Paso Robles Police Department competes in Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay Smallest agency in the race places eighth in division for grueling 120-mile desert challenge
PASO ROBLES — At the end of March, the Paso Robles Police Department (PRPD) took on one of the most demanding endurance events in law enforcement: the Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay, spanning 120 miles from Baker to Las Vegas, Nevada. Now in its 40th year, the relay has grown into the largest law enforcement race in the world, drawing more than 300 teams from across the United States and internationally, including agencies from countries like
Germany and Australia. What began in 1985 with just 19 teams has evolved into a celebrated tradition that highlights camaraderie and fitness among officers. This year, PRPD stood out in a big way. Led by Team Captain Corporal Elizabeth Place and Sergeant Tyler Pierce, a team of 20 sworn officers trained for months to prepare for the desert course. Competing in the “99 category,” which includes agencies with fewer than 99 sworn officers, PRPD entered the race as the smallest department in the entire field. Despite that, they delivered a great performance, finishing eighth in their division. “You have to have that teamwork in it, to be able to complete it, because one person won’t be able to win the whole relay,” Place told Paso Robles Press. “Our division this year was actually larger than last year.”
This is the second year PRPD has participated in the relay race. They were also the only agency from San Luis Obispo County in this year’s race. The Baker to Vegas relay is uniquely structured to challenge every participant. Each of the 20 runners completes a leg of the course, with distances ranging from approximately five miles to more than 10 miles. The terrain varies, including steep uphill climbs, rolling hills, and downhill stretches, ensuring that no two legs are alike. This year’s race was even more challenging with higher temperatures, something the officers weren’t used to training in on the Central Coast. Despite these challenges, every PRPD runner successfully completed their leg. “It takes a lot of [work] just being able
ELAINA CANO
GAEA POWELL
VANESSA ROZO
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Clerk-Recorder candidates address election integrity, modernization, and trust at forum
League of Women Voters event at Ludwick Community Center highlights contrasts on elections, transparency ahead of 2026 race By HAYLEY MATTSON Publisher, Editor in Chief
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Three candidates for San Luis Obispo County clerk-recorder outlined differing views on election integrity, modernization, and public trust during a candidate forum hosted April 7 by the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County. The forum, held at the Ludwick Community Center and streamed online via SLO-SPAN and YouTube, brought together candidates Gaea Powell, Elaina Cano, and Vanessa Rozo for a wide-ranging discussion on elections, property records, and voter access. The event was moderated in partnership with AAUW Atascadero and AAUW Five Cities–Pismo Beach.
COMMUNITY
Each candidate opened with remarks highlighting their experience and priorities heading into the 2026 election. Gaea Powell, a business consultant, framed her campaign around election reform and accountability, describing herself as a “constitutional candidate.” She said she supports voter identification requirements, proof of citizenship, and improved voter roll maintenance as measures to strengthen public confidence in elections. “My leadership philosophy is rooted in constitutional governance, measured performance, and principled public service,” Powell said. Powell, who has been accused of multiple election-related offenses, appeared in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court
NEWS
on April 2 for a preliminary hearing. Representing herself, she was ordered to stand trial on charges of voter registration fraud related to the 2022 and 2024 Arroyo Grande mayoral elections. The case is expected to proceed in the coming months. At this time, the charges do not disqualify Powell from running for San Luis Obispo County clerk-recorder. Read the full story on A1. Cano, the incumbent clerk-recorder, emphasized her experience in the role and the importance of maintaining trust and accuracy in administering elections and safeguarding public records. “The county clerk-recorder’s office and my job specifically is built on public trust and transparency, accuracy, and, of course, most importantly, expe-
BUSINESS
rience,” Cano said. Rozo, a paralegal and small business owner, focused on restoring public confidence through community engagement, noting she has spent months listening to residents’ concerns. “The biggest thing … is the word ‘trust,’” Rozo said. “I have been out listening to the community.” One of the first questions addressed the validity of the 2020 presidential election, a topic that has remained a point of contention nationwide. Cano responded unequivocally, citing extensive safeguards within California’s election system. “Yes, they are valid,” she said. “There are so many checks and balances … I 100% agree that the 2020 elections were accurate and CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
WEATHER
PASO ROBLES — Mayor John Hamon announced during the Tuesday, April 7, Paso Robles City Council meeting that he will not seek reelection this fall, marking the end of more than four decades of public service. Hamon made the announcement at the close of the meeting, stating that when his term concludes in December, he plans to spend more time with family, travel, and pursue new business interests. “After careful thought and discussion with my family, I have decided that I am not going to be seeking reelection to the Paso Robles City Council this next year,” Hamon shared. “Public service has always been one of the greatest honors of my life.” Hamon’s tenure in public service began in the mid-1980s as a volunteer fire captain. He later served on the city’s Planning Commission for four years before joining the Paso Robles City Council, where he has served for 20 years, including the last three as mayor following the passing of former Mayor Steve Martin. During his time in office, Hamon emphasized thoughtful growth while preserving the city’s character. He highlighted accomplishments in public safety, infrastructure, housing, economic development, and overall quality of life. “I believe I have honored my oath of office that I have taken many times over the years by working to leave our city in a better place than I found it,” Hamon said. “It’s been a great honor and privilege to work alongside my fellow colleagues on council, professional city staff ... the many dedicated community partners, and the volunteers that we have that help us do what we do.” Hamon added that a part of leadership is knowing when it’s time to pass the torch and allow new voices and perspectives to step forward. “Paso Robles has a strong future ahead, and I am confident that the next generation of leaders will continue to build on the foundation we have been working on,” Hamon said. The announcement was met with extended applause from those in attendance. “Paso Robles has given my family so much,” Hamon said. “One thing that will never change is my belief in Paso Robles and the Roblans who make this community so special. Serving this city has been one of the greatest opportunities of my CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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