GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXIV, NO. II
THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
CITY
JUNETEENTH
Juneteenth Jubilee in Paso Robles: a celebration of freedom and unity President Joe Biden made the longcelebrated holiday a federal one in 2021
City Council rejects proposed Statement of Equity for Paso Basin GSP
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — On Saturday, June 17, Downtown Paso Robles was abuzz with activity as hundreds of residents and visitors gathered for the Juneteenth Jubilee. Observed on June 19, President Joe Biden made the long celebrated holiday a federal one in 2021. This annual event holds great significance as it commemorates the historic moment when Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to announce the emancipation of all slaves. The Juneteenth Committee of Paso Robles, started with long-time residents Juanetta Perkins, Lovella Walker, and Sondra Williams. “I chose to get involved because I knew the power of Paso Robles and I thought that we could do better representing all of its residents,” said Williams, who is serving
Council members raise concerns over equity concept, oppose document’s consideration in the GSP update By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
Local youth do a dance performance June 17 during the Juneteenth Jubilee in Downtown Paso Robles. Contributed Photo
her first year as a trustee on the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Board. “I knew that if we wanted our children and neighbors to be educated, to be accepting and loving and welcoming, it would have to happen in small circles and with us. I knew I couldn’t sit around and dream of cultural events in our park. I would
have to plan them. I knew I couldn’t wish people loved each other. I had to model it. I became involved because it was evident change started with me.” Planning this year’s event started immediately after the success of last year’s jubilee in the park. The committee works with the city and local
businesses and community members to bring the celebration to life. Their goal extended beyond planning a single day of festivities: It aimed to showcase the strength of unity in Paso Robles. “It took until 2021 for Juneteenth to be federally recognized,” Williams elaborates on why Juneteenth is important to
MEMORIAL
her. “Unfortunately, there are daily reminders that if it were not illegal slavery and the hate that it bares to fully oppress another human, would still be alive today.” The Juneteenth Jubilee featured several attractions, and attendees reveled in the vibrant atmosphere. From inspirational CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
PASO ROBLES — The City Council rejected a proposed Statement of Equity for the Paso Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) during the Tuesday, June 20, meeting. Following the meeting’s opening presentations, council convened as the City of Paso Robles Groundwater Sustainability Agency Board to receive a “proposed Statement of CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
POWER & ENERGY
Transmission Line Proposal: What is it and why are residents fighting against it?
The honor guard unfolds and refolds the American flag in honor of Charles Capper during Capper’s funeral in Atascadero. Photo by Christianna Marks/ATN
Charles ‘Cap’ Capper’s life celebrated with military honors memorial
ATASCADERO — At Atascadero Cemetery on Saturday, June 17, at 11 a.m., Charles “Cap” Capper received full military honors. His four
surviving grandchildren and six surviving great-grandchildren were in attendance as well as a group of his neighbors and friends from the community. Capper was born in Illinois on Sept. 2, 1922, and passed away 100 and a half years later on March 6, 2023. Capper, a staple in the Atascadero community for the last 51 years, devoted his life to the
city and his friends and family here. “Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow soldiers and I are here to render final military honors to the following comrade. Military honors will consist of the playing of taps, unfolding/ refolding, and presentation of the flag,” said the the sergeant of the guard after the Invocation
NEWS
CITY
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
Capper was over 100 years old at the time of his passing By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@pasoroblespress.com
CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
Issues cited include aesthetics, harm to business and property values, and increased fire risk
The honor guard unfolds and refolds the American flag in honor of Charles Capper during Capper’s funeral in Atascadero. Contributed Photo
PASO ROBLES — A proposed power transmission line in Paso Robles has sparked strong opposition from residents in North County. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is seeking approval to construct a new 70 kV transmission line and substation, but local residents are voicing concerns about its potential impact on the community. The project, known as the Estrella Substation and Paso
Robles Reinforcement Project, aims to enhance power reliability for residents from Paso Robles to Santa Margarita. It includes upgrades to the existing Estrella Substation and the connection of various transmission lines. According to Transformers Magazine, the project would also involve upgrading a portion of the San MiguelPaso Robles 70 kV transmission line and making reliability upgrades to the Templeton, San Miguel, and Paso Robles substations. However, many residents are
EVENTS
SECTION
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
opposing the proposed project due to its potential implications for the community. One of the major concerns is the visual impact of the transmission lines, which would reach heights of up to 90 feet. The prospect of power lines running directly through the city raises worries about the negative effects on the city’s aesthetics, potential harm to businesses and property values, and increased risk of fire hazard. Residents and business owners have formed an organization, CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
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SUPERVISORS PROCLAIM ROUNDABOUT June as LGBTQ+ Pride Now Open at Golden Hill Month | A3 and Union | A4
BEER RUN to Support Templeton REC | B1
SUMMER Happenings this Month | B8
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