GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXV, NO. XXVI
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
San Luis Obispo County certifies 2024 election
Paso Robles reviews downtown parking program
A new chapter of leadership and community engagement
Questions arise over parking lot ownership as city considers ending employee permit program in January
By HAYLEY MATTSON and CAMILLE DEVAUL
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles City Council is reevaluating the Downtown Employee Parking Lot Program and looking for local downtown business owners to share their opinions on it. During the Tuesday, Dec. 3, City Council meeting, the first reading was given, providing some options on the program — Thanksgiving for Paso Robles committee board members celebrate another successful holiday dinner at the Centennial Park Activity Center. however, some questions were Photo provided by Thanksgiving for Paso Robles also raised on some of the parking lot ownership and authority. In 2018, the city created Thanksgiving for Paso by over 200 volunteers, and this Paso Robles was born. It all candied yams, cranberry sauce, the Downtown Employee year was no different. started with a small holiday rolls, and house-baked pies. Robles celebrates 40 Permit Parking Pilot Program All were welcome to enjoy dinner at the Paso Robles Senior Event Chairman David a traditional Thanksgiving Center for 80 people who had Kudija told Paso Robles Press to provide a low-cost parking years and thousands option for downtown business of served meals sit-down meal of oven-roasted nowhere to spend the holiday. that inflation the past year has owners and employees. turkey, ham, mashed pota- The event has now grown into not made funding the event By CAMILLE DEVAUL The 98 parking spaces reside toes and gravy, dressing, mixed a true community effort serv- easy. However, organizers were camille@pasoroblespress.com in the employee permit parking vegetables, salad, candied yams, ing over 1,000 men, women, thankful to receive a large dairy lots located at Spring Street and PASO ROBLES — Thanks- cranberry sauce, rolls, and house- and children at the Centennial donation from Producers Dairy 12th Street; 12th Street, adja- giving for Paso Robles cele- baked pies at no cost. Started by Park Activity Center. Each year as well as all of their produce cent to Marv’s Pizza; Alley brated 40 years of giving thanks Mildred Wilkins, an aspiring the center is transformed into a donated by Cookie Crock between Pine Street and Rail- by continuing the tradition of a restauranteur, this gathering is large restaurant for a single day. Market in Cambria. “[Those donations] help a lot. road Street; 13th Street and free community feast on Thurs- made possible by the generous The entirely home-cooked menu 12th Street; and 12th Street day, Nov. 28, at the Centennial contributions of many organiza- includes oven-roasted turkey, But, of course, the cost is in the and Railroad Street. Initially, the Park Activity Center. Last year, tions, businesses, and individuals. ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, meat, the ham, the turkey, and CONTINUED ON PAGE A2 In 1984, Thanksgiving for dressing, mixed vegetables, salad, CONTINUED ON PAGE A2 almost 1,500 meals were served
Paso Robles tradition feeds 1,000+ on 40th Thanksgiving
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder has officially certified the results of the 2024 election, marking a pivotal moment of transition in both local and national leadership. As of Dec. 3, the certified results reflect significant changes across city councils, school boards, and local measures, underscoring a democratic process that has embraced fresh perspectives and new voices. With 182,606 registered voters and 153,432 ballots cast, the county achieved voter turnout of 84.02%, demonstrating a strong commitment to civic engagement and active participation in shaping the region’s future. In North County, the 2024 election results mark a significant shift in leadership, with several long-held seats transitioning to first-time officeholders. These changes embody the spirit of democracy, fostering broader representation and bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront. Many of the newly elected officials come CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Paso Robles lights up the holidays in spectacular downtown display Thousands gather for the 38th Annual Light Up Downtown and Lights of Hope fundraiser supporting cancer care By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — Paso Robles City Park has once again been transformed into a dazzling display of lights. On Friday, Nov. 29, thousands of people filled the park for the 38th Annual Light up Downtown and 13th annual Lights of Hope fundraiser supporting the Cancer Support Community California Central Coast (CSC-CCC). Once again, the City of Paso Robles joined to bring in additional lights full of color, snowflakes, and icicles to create a winter wonderland in the heart of downtown. “When the city first installed the holiday lights in 2023, the goal was to create a magical holiday space for bothresidents and visitors to enjoy,” Public Works Director Freda Berman told Paso Robles Press.
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Paso Robles High School wrestling team gets together for the 19th Annual Turkey Trot in Paso Robles on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 28. The 5K and 10K fun run raised money for the PRHS wrestling program. Photo by Camille DeVaul
Paso Turkey Trot benefits PRHS wrestlers
A huge crowd sings Christmas carols below the newly lit trees at Paso Robles City Park during the 38th Annual Light Up Downtown and 13th Annual Lights of Hope fundraiser. Photo by Camille DeVaul
The evening began with a countdown led by Mrs. Claus in the park gazebo. At 6 p.m., Mrs. Claus flipped the switch, and suddenly, the park was lit with thousands of lights in hues of white, red, blue, and green. Last year, the City of Paso Robles stepped in to add to the magic of the long-standing city tradition. Hiring a Christmas Light installation company, the park was transformed with
new lights for the holidays. The lights were such a hit with the community the city brought them to the park permanently with year-round lights. “This year, we aimed to up the magic by adding six new trees, adding lights to the 2023 trees, lighting the Carnegie Library, installing 12-foot reindeer on the City Park entry monuments, reindeer on the restroom roof, and including entry arches
at the four corners of the park,” explained Berman. The city opened the Paso Lights up to the community for sponsorships. Twenty-two community members contributed a total of $4,850 to go toward the cost of the light installation. At the Glow Level, Weyrick Lumber Company provided valuable support. At the Sparkle Level, Mayor John
COMMUNITY
NORTH COUNTY NEWS
SPORTS
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El Camino Homeless Organization raises over $100,000 during Atascadero Trot By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — Before the turkey, sweet potatoes, and pie, over 100 runners came out to burn some calories for a cause. Runners and trotters alike all met bright and early Thursday morning, Nov. 28, to participate in the 19th Annual Turkey Trot 5K and 10K family fun run supporting the Paso Robles High School wrestling team. Wrestling Head Coach Nate
Ybarra told Paso Robles Press, “There were over a hundred runners this year. All proceeds will go to help the [Paso Robles] High School wrestling program to compete at the highest levels in the state.” The Turkey Trot is the team’s largest fundraiser of the year. It typically costs between $10,000 to $15,000 each year to pay for the costs like hotel stays for tournaments and entry fees. “It was a really beautiful morning and so great that the community comes out each year to exercise and support our wrestling program,” Ybarra said. “We live in such a CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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FUNDRAISING Bob Jones Trail | A3
NOMINATIONS Roblan of the Year | A4
LIBRARY December Events | B1
TEMPLETON Cross Country | B8
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