GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXIV, NO. X
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2023
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
MEMORIAM
Community mourns the passing of Paso Robles Mayor Steve W. Martin Mayor Martin passed away on Monday, Aug. 14, after a hard-fought illness By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — The community of Paso Robles is in mourning after the City of Paso Robles announced the passing of Mayor Steve W. Martin. Mayor Martin passed away on Monday, Aug. 14, after a hard-fought illness. On Thursday morning, March 2, the City of Paso Robles released an update on Martin to address rumors surrounding his absences from two recent city council meetings — Dec. 20, 2022, and the Jan. 31, 2023, meeting. It was said by city staff that Martin was receiving treatment for a serious health concern. The mayor took a step back from his duties serving the city to focus on his health, treatment, recovery, and family. Since March, Martin has participated in City Council meetings remotely when he was available to. During his absence, Mayor Pro Tempore John Hamon filled in. Martin’s passing leaves a void throughout the community, as he leaves behind a legacy of over two decades of tireless public service and unwavering commitment to the betterment of Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo County. Martin was first elected mayor of Paso Robles in 2014. He was elected in 2012 as a councilmember and was again elected as mayor in 2018, and again for a third term in November 2022, which would have run through 2026. He also previously served on the Paso Robles City Council from
In 1987, Steve Martin assumed his initial position on the Paso Robles City Council, eventually winning elections for both council and mayoral positions. He passed on Aug. 14. The accompanying image captures him on Nov. 12, 1987. Contributed Photo
1987 to 1996 and was selected by his peers to be mayor of Paso Robles from 1988 to 1990. Martin was a lifelong resident of the North County, growing up in Atascadero and living in Paso Robles from 1973 until his passing. “Steve was a trusted colleague, a good friend, a thoughtful leader, and the ultimate public servant,” Hamon said. “It has been an honor to serve with him these many years. His
passing is a great loss for the City Council, our community, and most especially his family. Our prayers are with his wife Jennifer, daughters, grandchildren, and extended family.” Martin’s visionary approach and dedication to the community’s welfare earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues, constituents, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. During his time on
the City Council and as mayor, Martin was a strong advocate for economic development and quality of life in Paso Robles. He was instrumental in the development of the city’s downtown area and the creation of the Paso Robles Wine Festival. He was also a strong supporter of the city’s schools and parks. Atascadero City Mayor Heather Moreno shared, “Steve and I were friends; he was talented and humble,
FUNDRAISER
and I loved his sense of humor. He always had a strong desire to not let our differences divide us, but to work together as a community. I will miss him.” San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Debbie Arnold (District 5) said of the mayor’s passing to Paso Robles Press, “San Luis Obispo lost a great community member with the passing of Mayor Steve Martin.
GOVERNMENT
mayor’s 24th Annual Rotary Winemakers’ Cook-Off After passing, showcases the best in Paso food and drink city council
Twenty-some booths were helmed by chefs, winemakers, and brew masters By MIRA HONEYCUTT Guest Contributor
PASO ROBLES — Paso Robles Event Center was abuzz on Saturday, Aug. 12, with locals and visitors lined up to indulge in an evening of gluttony at the 24th Annual Paso Robles Rotary Winemakers’ CookOff, a “must-attend” event for foodies. Some 900 people filled the Event Center. The air was filled with heady aromas. Grills were fired up. Some held tuna steaks while others sizzled with tri-tip and pork butts. Twenty-some
COMMUNITY
booths were helmed by chefs, winemakers and brew masters. The seared, oak-charred meats and seafood this year were served in creative offerings: atop a mini tostada or crispy won-ton, on a bed of crispy noodles or a bowl of mac n’ cheese, or tucked in bread rolls. Yet it was Hope Family Wines’ simplicity of lettuce wrap that nabbed the Judges’ Choice first prize in the professional chef category. Judges’ Choice Award: professional chef category First Place: Hope Family Wines’ chef Chuck Doherty crafted “Thai Tip” Lettuce Wrap. A nod to East Meets West, juicy tri-tip cradled in lettuce wrap offered a range of enticing flavors, paired with Austin Hope
NEWS
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2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. Second Place: Eberle Winery’s Under the Sea creation took on a mermaid theme with chef Justin Monson’s bite-sized tostada topped with oak-charred shrimp and octopus escabeche served with slices of jalapeño. Winemaker Chris Eberle (no relation to winery owner Gary Eberle) suggested a choice of both red and white wines, a 2022 Viognier and a 2021 Côtes du Rôbles Rhône blend. Third Place: Ancient Peaks’ chef Jacob Lovejoy’s creation of Kalbi-style Short Ribs (marinated for 36 hours) was served on a bed of crispy fried Sai Fun noodles topped with a tangy cucumber salad. “I love Asian flavors,” declared Lovejoy. Ancient Peaks’ 2021 Oyster Ridge
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
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SPORTS
convenes for meeting
A statement written by Mayor Steve Martin was read prior to the meeting By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — The community mourned together at the Tuesday night Paso Robles City Council meeting after learning the news of Mayor Steve Martin’s passing on Monday night, Aug. 14. Prior to the meeting coming to order, longtime friend and
former Atascadero Mayor Tom O’Malley read a statement Martin wrote prior to his death. Martin and O’Malley worked together for 10 years while Martin was the executive director of the Atascadero Main Street Association. Later the two would work alongside as mayors and develop the cohesive relationship that exists today between the cities. O’Malley read the statement, which began by addressing the mayor’s illness. In March of this year, the City of Paso Robles released a notice that Martin would be taking a step back from council to seek treatment for an illness. “For months, you have noticed my absence at meetings and public functions. As I prepared CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
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