GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXVI, NO. XVI
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2025
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
Spring Street revamp and food truck rules take center stage at City Council Council approves mixed-use project at 2508 Spring St., forms ad hoc committee to clarify mobile vendor regulations after spike in service calls and community concerns By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
(Back row, from left) County Supervisor John Peschong, City Planner Darren Nash, Community Services Director Angelica Fortin, Councilmember Chris Bausch, Danny Ray Edwards of the Viñedo development team (cutting the ribbon), Paso Robles Mayor John Hamon, Community Development Director Warren Frace, City Manager Chris Huot, and Councilmembers Kris Beal and Fred Strong were joined by several enthusiastic children at the Royal Oak Meadows Park ribbon-cuting. Photo by Heather Stephenson
Royal Oak Meadows Park reopens with upgraded play areas, paths, and picnic spaces
day, July 30. Improvements to the neigh- vated park has made a big difference in vation, there really wasn’t a reason for us Community members, to be here on this side of the park. Now, officials, and families gather borhood park, located at 1750 Airport their neighborhood. Road, included the construction of a “Before, there really wasn’t anything this place has an age-appropriate play to mark the transformation full basketball court and a parking lot, a that was age-appropriate for kids, and area for my 2-year-old. To have someof park into a vibrant, new playground to replace the tot lot, a this area just wasn’t well discovered. thing that’s age-appropriate for everyshaded picnic area, and enhancements There was no real community hub, and body is great.” family-friendly destination
to the park’s walking path and turf areas. Neighborhood resident, Owen Thomas, joined the celebration with PASO ROBLES — Paso Robles his two young children, who arrived residents celebrated the reopening of with dad in a wagon. Owen, a landRoyal Oak Meadows Park on Wednes- scape architect, shared that the renoBy CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
now with this park and the new equipment, it’s just a new place for kids to enjoy and play. Considering what was here before, this is a big improvement,” said Thomas, who lives about five minutes from the park. “Before the reno-
With the basketball courts across the park from the play area, Thomas adds that he sees the park as “a place the boys will grow up enjoying. I hope they’ll remember their neighborhood park for CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
PASO ROBLES — A public hearing was held during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 5, to discuss some potential improvements coming to a property on Spring Street. At the end of the hearing, the council approved the project that will convert the existing building located at 2508 Spring St. into a mixed‑use destination. The applicant, Veraison Wine Country Properties, LLC, is seeking to transform the 0.5‑acre site into a hub that would feature wine and beer tasting kiosks, specialty retail, a market and deli, and private meeting space. During the July 8 Planning Commission meeting, a public hearing was held for the proposal at which time commissioners approved to CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Specs by Kyla named one of ‘America’s Finest Optical Retailers’ Local shop celebrates four years and earns national recognition for independent style and community connection By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
ATASCADERO — Beloved local optical boutique Specs by Kyla not only celebrated its fouryear anniversary in July, but has also been named one of America’s Finest Optical Retailers for 2025 by INVISION, a national magazine serving eyecare professionals. The recognition honors independent eyewear shops for excellence in design, community involvement, and dedication to the optical craft. Owner Kyla Skinner learned about the award the day before the Atown Getdown Block Party and was overwhelmed by the news. “The magazine called me the afternoon before the Atown Getdown Block Party,” said Skinner. “I was stunned and just overwhelmed. I slept about two hours that night, I just couldn’t relax my brain. My employee sent me home to take a nap the next day!” Now in its 12th year, the America’s Finest contest cele-
Kyla Skinner, owner of optical boutique Specs by Kyla, blows out a candle on her cake celebrating four years in business. Skinner’s shop was just honored by a national magazine serving eyecare professionals. Contributed photo
brates standout independent optical shops across the U.S. Crystal Bergman (left), founder of Atascadero Vintage Market, and assistant manager Cheri Pehrson (right) stand at the entrance of their vibrant, community-focused and Canada. A panel of industry shop in downtown Atascadero. Photo by Hayley Mattson/PRP experts scores entries on everything from interior and exterior design to individuality, brand curation, and online presence. INVISION’s Editor-in-Chief Deirdre Carroll praised Skinner’s Blending nostalgia, creativity, with her assistant manager Cheri Pehrson, going upgrades, including new parking and blend of style and service: “As one and community, the new Bergman is filling a gap in the local retail street improvements, enhancing the area’s of our industry judges said, Kyla scene by offering a curated space that blends appeal. The historic building housing the market offers curated vintage is a ‘champion of independence’ affordability, creativity, and a touch of nostal- market adds a unique charm, making it a ... The charm and hospitality of finds, local vendor support, gia. “dreamy, fun venture” for Bergman. her business, coupled with her and a welcoming space Bergman’s decision to open the Atascadero The market fills a niche in Atascadero’s personal touch, complements her Vintage Market was fueled by a combination retail landscape. While thrift shops and By HAYLEY MATTSON masterfully curated collection of of opportunity and passion. “Atascadero has a consignment stores exist, Bergman saw an hayley@pasoroblespress.com independent brands and delivmomentum right now,” she explains, noting opportunity to create something distinct. ers that rare blend of authenticity, ATASCADERO — Crystal Berg- that the affordability of brick-and-mortar “We wanted to bring a different flavor,” optical expertise, and boutique man, the founder and owner of Atascadero rentals compared to neighboring areas like she says, emphasizing a “hip” and modern elegance.” Vintage Market, is bringing a fresh vision Paso Robles, Morro Bay, or San Luis Obispo aesthetic that appeals to a broad demoFor Skinner, the recognition is to downtown Atascadero with a vibrant, made it an ideal location. The timing was graphic, particularly those aged 25 to 45. CONTINUED ON PAGE A2 community-driven vintage market. Together perfect, with downtown Atascadero underCONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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Atascadero Vintage Market: Local charm with unique finds
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