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SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXV, NO. XL
THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025
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Reflecting on the pandemic On March 15, 2020, the world changed; f ive years later, we reflect on resilience By HAYLEY MATTSON
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ive years ago, on March 15, 2020, the world as we knew it came to an abrupt standstill. What was initially promised as “two weeks to slow the spread” quickly transformed into an unimaginable global crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped every facet of our lives — introducing social distancing, widespread testing, mandatory quarantines, and an intense race to develop and distribute vaccines. What followed was an era marked by uncertainty, fear, and, for many, profound loss. We watched as the numbers — daily, weekly, and sometimes hourly — updates on case counts and death tolls became a constant in our lives. Hospitals were overwhelmed, and families were torn apart by the heartbreaking inability to be with loved ones during their final moments. Communities, cities, and entire nations faced unprecedented challenges, pushing our collective resilience to its breaking point. When the Omicron variant emerged, public health officials scrambled to manage the escalating crisis. At one point, San Luis Obispo County reported over CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Past Roblans of the Year pose on stage at the annual Paso Robles & Templeton Chamber of Commerce Gala. From left: Sharon Ross (2016), Dick Woodland (2023), Vicki Silva (2003), Gary Eberle (2024), Marjorie Hamon (2015), Tom Madden (2018), John Hamon (2015), Dale Gomer (2008), and Mark Perry (2019). Photo by Hayley Mattson/PRP
Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Gala honors local community leaders Gary Eberle named 2024 Roblan of the Year, Boys & Girls Club honored with Beautification Award By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — Community members, business owners, and families dressed in their finest gathered at Rava Wines on Saturday, March 8, to celebrate the 2024 Paso Robles & Templeton Chamber of Commerce awardees. The event honored Gary Eberle as the 2024 Roblan of the Year and recognized the Tom Maas Clubhouse Boys & Girls Club of Mid Central Coast with the Beautification Award.
While reflecting on the accomplishments of 2024, Paso Robles & Templeton Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Gina Fitzpatrick also looked forward to the future, which will include the official opening of the new visitor center on 13th and Spring Street, which is now home to both the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA) and chamber. Additionally, Fitzpatrick announced that the Templeton office of the Chamber is also moving into a new home on Main Street. The new office will be located at 524 S. Main St. in Templeton and will be open-
ing later this month. The new 2025 Board of Directors was ushered in as well. They include Robert Covarrubias, Rich Clayton, Steven Herring, Jennifer Acevedo, Jakee Arellano, James Brescia, Tim Brehmer, Lisa Colwell, John Donaldson, Willey, Isiah Gomer, Melanie Greer, Meghan Harris, Kristin Kearns, Kathy Kelly, Dixon Mann, Sarah Martin, Marci Miller, Julie Richardson, Maria Madrid Sabi, and Alison Venn. The Paso Robles & Templeton Chamber of Commerce has awarded the 2024
Beautification of the Year Award to the Boys & Girls Club of Mid Central Coast Tom Maas Clubhouse. This award honors projects that enhance the community through new construction or historic renovation. “Witnessing the incredible work the Boys and Girls Club does for the countless kids they serve through this vital program in our community — it’s easy to acknowledge the true gift that has positively impacted so many local families,” Fitzpatrick said. “The Tom Mass
PRJUSD sells surplus land At Her Table’s ‘Untamed’ Dinner wraps up Women’s Week with parcel Trustees debated necessity of oncampus ATM before unanimously approving lease agreement with EECU By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
a Culinary Celebration at Bamboo Nursery
Event caps 10 days of festivities, featuring top local chefs, women-owned wineries, and a vision for future growth By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — One of two parcels of surplus land was sold to one lucky bidder during the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) board meeting on Tuesday, March 11. While one parcel was sold, another is still available and will be up for auction again at a later date. On Feb. 11, PRJUSD approved its intent to sell surplus property, inviting sealed bids. District staff then moved forward to solicit offers for two parcels of land: the first being
NORTH COUNTY — To close the end of a week celebrating women, At Her Table’s “Untamed” Dinner took place on Sunday, March 9, at the Bamboo Nursery in Paso Robles. At Her Table is a movement dedicated to elevating awareness, support, and connection among entrepreneurs in the food, beverage, and lodging industry along the Central Coast. Its mission is to celebrate diverse achievements, with a special focus on highlighting women’s contributions during Women’s History Month and beyond. Throughout the past 10 days, the community enjoyed over 30 offerings with over 200 participating businesses to celebrate Women’s History Month.
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Feature chefs from the At Her Table Untamed Dinner on Sunday, March 9 (from left): Chef Marleigh Dunlap, Chef Dominique Benavidez, and Chef Karen Hutchison speaks to the crowd about her dish and being a part of the event. Photo by Camille DeVaul/PRP
Many of the events that spanned the Central Coast quickly sold out and concluded with the At Her Table Women’s Week Festival at the Sunken Gardens in Atascadero. The free-to-thepublic festival featured over 70 vendors on a sunny day with live music, delicious
NORTH COUNTY NEWS
foods, and refreshing drinks. Founded in 2021 by Michelle Barrera during the COVID-19 pandemic, At Her Table was inspired by the success of the Re:Her movement in Los Angeles. Barrera sought to create a similar initiative in the Central Coast, empower-
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ing women in hospitality. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and what started as a small festival rapidly grew into a network of over 300 members by 2023. At Her Table has been instrumental in supporting women entrepreneurs and continues to expand its reach. In January 2025, Chef Candice Custodio took over as executive director for At Her Table. Custodio, a renowned chef and founder of the Central Coast’s first Latin-inspired supper club, Club SupSup, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for fostering community. Under her leadership, At Her Table plans to expand its programming, mentorship opportunities, and annual events to further support women in hospitality. “We work to empower women in food, lodging, hospitality, and beverage,” Custodio said. “This year we expanded a little bit to include makers as well. Normally we have one weeklong festivity with our members. They put up events and we just kind of help foster ticket sales and people CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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