GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXVI, NO. XXXV
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026
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City honors Public Works Director Freda Berman Trader Joe’s construction underway at the Golden Hills plaza By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — During the Tuesday, Feb. 3, City Council meeting, Paso Robles City Council recognized Public Works Director Freda Berman ahead of her upcoming retirement on Feb. 14, marking the end of a 22-year career of service to the community. Berman began her tenure with the City of Paso Robles on May 14, 2004, as parks supervisor, later advancing to maintenance services superintendent in September 2013. She was appointed public works director on Aug. 7, 2022, where she provided leadership and oversight for department operations, personnel, and major capital improvement projects. “I have been immensely grateful for your leadership ... everything you have been involved has in my opinion enhanced and changed the fabric of this community in such a positive way,” City Manager Chris Huot shared about Berman. “I would like to say thank you to Freda for all the work she has
The adobe facade is all that remains of the orginal Templeton Feed and Grain property after a July 4 fire destroyed the landmarked granury. Photo by Hayley Mattson\PRP
Six months later: Templeton Feed and Grain looks ahead with gratitude, grit, and resolve
Demolition to begin on remainder of adobe building while family looks forward to next steps of rebuilding By HAYLEY MATTSON and CAMILLE DEVAUL
TEMPLETON — By any measure, the loss of the Templeton Feed and Grain silos was more than the loss of a building. It was the loss of a landmark, a livelihood, and a piece of Templeton’s collective identity. Six months after the devastating July fire that brought down the iconic silos, the Jermin family are still navigating the aftermath — step by step — while holding fast to the community, history, and purpose that have defined their family business for nearly eight decades. We sat down with Rick and Stacey Jermin at Vina Robles, just down the street from their temporary home at 1650 Ramada Drive, where Templeton
Feed and Grain is now operating out of a 10,000-square-foot warehouse. It was important to them, they said, to share an update with the community that has surrounded them with unwavering support since the fire. “It’s incredibly humbling,” Rick shared. “You think you’re just running a family business — something your grandfather started — and then something like this happens. And suddenly you realize how many people care, how many people are invested in this place.” On the night of July 4, flames erupted at Templeton Feed and Grain, ultimately consuming the silos that had stood tall along Main Street for generations. Built in the 1950s after Rick’s grandfather purchased the original feed store, the
towering structures became synonymous with Templeton’s skyline. For nearly 80 years, the granary stood as both a working facility and a symbol — of agriculture, of perseverance, and of small-town pride. Founded in 1946 by Tom Jermin Sr., the business evolved as the community evolved. The silos were built from 2x6 Douglas fir laid flat and held together with an astonishing 50 tons of nails. Inside those walls, Templeton Feed and Grain produced custom feed blends — formulas created by Rick’s grandfather — that became renowned well beyond San Luis Obispo County. At one point, overseas buyers were calling to purchase what many consider some of the highest-quality rabbit feed available.
“Showing rabbits is a really big deal,” Rick shared with a smile. “And our feed was producing some of the best rabbits out there.” “Locals come in and share stories of the countless prize-winning animals raised on Templeton feed,” Stacey added. But since the fire, what once stood as a 100-foot-tall landmark is now a cleared dirt lot, surrounded by chain-link fencing. The adobe façade that remained standing after the blaze has become a silent marker of what was — and what might have been. “This was a tremendous loss to our family and the community,” Rick explained. “Templeton Feed and Grain has always been about being there for
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By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com Barbie Butz (in chair) is shown with family and friends during her 90th birthday party at the Atascadero Printery building on Feb. 1. Photo by Rick Evans/PRP
Atascadero honors icon Barbie Butz on her 90th birthday
Community gathers at Printery building to celebrate lifetime of volunteerism, announce a new junior award, and name future theater stage for her By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
ATASCADERO — The community came out to sing happy birthday to one of its most cherished members. Atascadero’s own Barbie Butz turned 90 years old on Sunday, Feb. 1, and celebrated alongside family and friends at the Atascadero Printery building. “Thank you so much for coming here. It’s a testament to what she brings, and what you guys have brought to her,” Barbie’s son Dan Butz said to a full room ready to celebrate his mom. “I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
NEWS
Barbie is known for many things in North County — her recipes shared in Atascadero News Magazine, a supportive mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother — but most of all for her philanthropic work in the community. Barbie’s volunteer work began nearly from the day she was born. Moving to Southern California from Oklahoma when she was less than a year old, Barbie began volunteering as a child with her parents: Her father, who was a Lions Club president, and her mother, who was president of the Leonas, the CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
The Paso Robles High Bearcast competition cheer squad is in Orlando for a national competition. The Bearcats recently finished second in the CIF Central Section, its highest sectional finish ever. Contributed photo
Paso Robles High competition cheer team heads to nationals Bearcats bound for Orlando after CIF runner-up finish By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles High School Competition Cheer team is packing its bags and setting its sights on the national stage, traveling to Orlando, Florida, this week to compete in a national competition at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Disney property. The team will depart on Feb. 4, before taking the floor against top programs from across the country this weekend. In January, the Bearcats competed in
CRIME
the CIF Central Section Championships, against seven other schools, and secured second place — the highest finish the program has ever achieved at that competition. Cheer coach Codie Wilshusen said the accomplishment reflects the growth and dedication of the program. “[That was a] tremendous accomplishment for our program, that’s the highest we’ve ever placed at that particular competition. So we are feeling pretty good,” Wilshusen said. The team recently showcased its routine during a school sendoff event, which has evolved over the years from a simple
SPORTS
performance into a full celebration of the cheer program. Wilshusen explained that the showcase now highlights not only the competition team but also junior varsity and non-competition squads, giving younger athletes valuable experience and exposure. Senior Taylor Gignoux said cheerleading has shaped her high school experience in ways she never expected. “I started cheer my freshman year,” Gignoux said. “I did cheer for a way to meet new people and get new friends, and it turned out to be something I really enjoyed and something I fell in love with super fast.” As she prepares for her final competitions CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
WEATHER
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