GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXV, NO. XXXVII
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025
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City Council reviews tourism impact and interim city manager agreement Study highlights $20.9 million in tax revenue from tourism in 2023 By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
This group of Cal Poly students were just part of the over 200 who contributed to organizing and executing the Western Bonanza, the largest jackpot livestock show in California, on Feb. 15. Contributed Photo
Western Bonanza breaks records at 40th annual livestock show The event began in 1985 as a senior project featuring only a steer show By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — The Western Bonanza Junior Livestock Show, Cal Poly’s renowned student-run event held on February 13-16 at the Paso Robles Event Center, marked its 40th anniversary with record-breaking participation. The event, which began in 1985 as a senior project featuring only a steer show, has grown into the largest student-run jackpot livestock show in the country. Kaylen Jaime, a third-year agricultural communi-
cation student at Cal Poly, served as the marketing manager for this year’s milestone event. She played a key role in branding, merchandise, and media marketing to enhance the public image of Western Bonanza’s 40th anniversary. “This is not like a traditional county fair show where the animals go to auction,” Jaime explained. “These animals stay with the exhibitors and travel throughout the state and country competing.” Western Bonanza, which started as a steers-only show, now includes shows for cattle, steer, hogs, sheep, and goats, attracting exhibitors from across California and beyond. This year’s event saw over 900 exhibitors, 2,000 animals, and 6,000 entries, cementing its place
as the largest jackpot show in California. Western Bonanza operates as a jackpot event with exhibitors paying entry fees to compete; winners receive monetary prizes rather than auctioning their animals. The event is entirely funded by sponsorships, ensuring that all exhibitor fees go directly into the prize pool. “Western Bonanza has only grown since I have been a part of it, which has been super fun to see,” said Jaime. Jaime herself has been involved with Western Bonanza since her freshman year, working her way up from an awards committee member to a leadership position. She takes pride in the impact students CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles City Council received an updated report on Travel Paso as well as a Tourism Impact Study report from staff during the Tuesday, Feb. 18, meeting. According to Stacie Jacob, president and CEO of Solterra Strategies and on the Travel Paso team, that while post-pandemic revenue is higher than in 2019, the occupancy rate trended lower in 2026 by 5 to 6 percent. “Overall we have started to see a slightly lower trend in occupancy compared to where we were in 2019 but overall dollars are up, thats good news,” explained Jacob. “That means people are coming to Paso Robles, spending a little bit more money in those heads and beds.” CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
One of SLO Goats & Sheep’s teams grazes at Pine Mountain Cemetery. Photo provided by SLO Goats & Sheep
Stacie Jacob (third from right) and her team cheers at the 14th Annual Sweet Art Fundraiser. Photo Courtesy of Studios on the Park
SLO Goats & Sheep performs weed abatement and more for Atascadero Cemetery District
Studios on the Park celebrates Stacie Jacob at Sweet Art Fundraiser
The cleanup is part of the cemetery’s upcoming expansion
Advocate honored for playing key role in branding Paso Robles as a wine and tourism hub
By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — For the past 14 years, Studios on the Park has brought the community together to
celebrate the arts and honor outstanding local leaders. This year, the annual Sweet Art Fundraiser highlighted Stacie Jacob, a well-known advocate for Paso Robles’ tourism and wine industries.
“O ur Sweet Art 2025 Fundraiser celebrated local community leader Stacie Jacob and her passion for Paso,” said Anne Laddon, founder of Studios on the Park.
Studios on the Park, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to making art accessible to all through education and interactive experiences. The organization provides
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By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
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NORTH COUNTY — For almost the entire month of January, local business SLO Goats & Sheep was instrumental in helping the Atascadero Cemetery District (Pine Moun-
tain Cemetery) clear weeds and reduce unwanted vegetation on the premises with sustainable grazing. “We installed a team on Dec. 29, 2024, and they completed their work on Jan. 26, 2025,” stated Cindy Findley of SLO Goats & Sheep. “Winter was ideal because toxic plants like poison oak are dormant, making the clearing CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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