GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXIV, NO. XXXVIII
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
Local veteran organizations seek younger members
Maintenance needs highlighted at Paso Robles schools
Discipline and attendance report provided at district meeting
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
(From left) Lydia and Timothy Francis, American Legion Commander Chris Rhorberg, VFW Commander Leo Castillo, Tom Place, and Scott Witt stand in front of the Veterans Memorial Building in Paso Robles. Photo by Camille DeVaul
Veterans Memorial Building home to VFW Post 10965 and American Legion Post 0050 By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — With several military bases in San Luis Obispo County, two of which are in North County,
there are thousands of veterans in our region. However, local VETERANS organizations are seeking more veteran involvement, especially from the younger generations. Both based in the Veterans Memorial Building on Scott Street in Paso Robles, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10965 and American Legion Post 0050 provide support for local veterans. With
the unfortunate loss of older generations from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, there has been a drastic decline in membership for the organizations. “A lot of the younger vets aren’t aware [of VFW] because they aren’t involved yet, but that is something they are trying to change,” explains VFW Post 10965 Commander Leo Castillo.
VFW is a nonprofit organization formed by veterans in 1899 to advocate for rights and benefits. Initially aiding veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection, it now comprises 1.4 million members. The VFW played a key role in establishing the Veterans Administration and advocating for various veterans’ rights, including compenCONTINUED ON PAGE A7
PASO ROBLES — A comprehensive list of maintenance needs was presented to trustees at the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) for the district’s campuses. The Tuesday night meeting on Feb. 27 compiled an evaluation of needs amongst the facilities. The plan covered the Winifred Pifer, Kermit King, Glen Speck, Virginia Peterson, Pat Butler elementary, and Daniel Lewis and Flamson middle school campuses. A plan for the high school campus will be provided by early April. PRJUSD Director of Maintenance Operations and Trans-
portation Kelly Stainbrook created an extensive spreadsheet detailing life expectancy and replacement costs of major components along with budget considerations. It is a live document that is actively updated. Her report showed that many of the carpets at the campuses have never been replaced and, while in decent condition, are past their life expectancy. “We have units that have way outlived their experience, and we have been fortunate,” said Stainbrook. “I would probably say that most of that is due to our maintenance, whether it is preventative or reactive.” Trustee Kenney Enney requested a list from staff of units to prioritize for replacement. A monthly enrollment and discipline report was provided for trustees on Tuesday. The period includes data from Jan. 15 through Feb. 9. According to Director of Student Services Tom Harrington, the attendance rate was 92.98 percent, up from last month, which equaled about $46,000 more this year than the same month last year. Students in the district competed in an attendance competition earlier this year where the students with the highest attendance received movie passes. Along with attendance, a discipline report was given. While suspensions are down, infractions remain steady with other means of correction or CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
Over 800 exhibitors show at 39th annual Western Bonanza Jr. Livestock Show at Event Center
Youth competitors from across the state showed goats, beef, sheep, and hogs By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
This archived Atascadero News held by Chris Wesney, was written about two local “Leaplings,” including an about-to-turn-8 Chris, celebrating their birthdays on Leap Day in 1992. Photo provided by Chris Wesney
Local ‘Leapling’ celebrates 40th birthday Thursday, Feb. 29, is a Leap Day, which occurs every four years By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
NORTH COUNT Y — Today, Feb. 29, we are receiving an additional day in our yearly calendar — yes, it is Leap Day. Every four years in the Gregorian calendar, a
NEWS
29th day is added to February to account for the Earth taking 365.2421 days to orbit the sun and not a flat 365. According to the History Channel, there are about 5 million people worldwide who have a Leap Day birthday. Paso Robles Press found one local “Leapling” (Leap Day baby) who will be celebrating their CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
PARKING
NORTH COUNT Y — Over 800 competitors from across the state gathered at the Paso Robles Event Center for the 39th annual Western Bonanza Jr. Livestock Show in February. Put on by Cal Poly students from all departments of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Western Bonanza is the longest-running jackpot show in California. From Feb. 14-18, exhibitors from ages 5 to 21 competed with their livestock in market, breed, and showmanship classes. Animals shown this year included 450 head of cattle, 215 goats, 495 sheep, and hogs at 565. Jackpot shows are open to all youth showmen, including 4-H and FFA members. It can be a beneficial way for members
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
Scarlett Hermosillo, 6, poses with her goat, Strawberry, and Sheep and Goat judge Travis Hoffman. Photo by Camille DeVaul
to prepare their animals for upcoming county fairs or for up-and-coming members who are not old enough for 4-H to get some experience. Bradley resident Scarlett Hermosillo, 6, showed
her goat Strawberry at the Western Bonanza. This was Hermosillo’s first year showing an animal, and she is looking forward to when she is old enough to join 4-H. Hermosillo showed Straw-
SPORTS
WEATHER
berry in the beginners goat showman class judged by Travis Hoffman from South Dakota. W hen asked what she learned from her first show, CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
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