GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXIII, NO. XL
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
SMART CASE
Paul Flores Sentenced to 25 Years to Life
Paul Flores during the Kristin Smart Murder Trial in Salinas last July. Flores was found guilty of murder in October 2022 and sentenced this March. Photo by Daniel Dreifuss/MC Weekly
Cal Poly student Kristin Smart was 19 years old when she went missing in 1996. Her remains have yet to be found. Contributed Photo
Smart family presents sentenced to 25 years to life in to register as a sex offender for In October 2022, Ruben was ty community,” said District Office for their tireless effort found not guilty of accessory Attorney Dan Dow on the in building this case. Today state prison. the rest of his life. statements leading On Friday, March 10, Kristin Smart was a Cal Poly after the fact. Ruben was ac- day of Paul’s conviction. “We [March 10], justice delayed is up to sentencing Monterey County Superior freshman when she was report- cused of helping his son hide thank the Smart family and not justice denied.” By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The man who was convicted of murdering 19-year-old Cal Poly student Kristin Smart in 1996 has been
Court Presiding Judge Jennifer O’Keefe sentenced Paul Flores, 46, to serve 25 years to life in state prison after a jury convicted him last October of Kristin’s murder. As part of his sentencing, Paul will have
EDUCATION
ed missing in May 1996. She was last seen walking away from an off-campus party on Crandall Way with Paul. A 25-year investigation ensued, resulting in the 2021 arrest of Paul and his father, Ruben Flores, 81.
Kristin’s remains. However, Paul was found guilty and convicted. “Our criminal and victim justice system has finally delivered justice for Kristin Smart, for the Smart family, and for our San Luis Obispo Coun-
our community for the tremendous trust and patience they placed in the investigation and prosecution of this terrible crime. We recognize the jury for their focused attention to the evidence and the Sheriff ’s
AGRICULTURE
School Board Approves Controversial Chemistry Textbook
Prior to Paul’s final sentencing, the court heard a motion from his defense lawyer Robert Sanger to seek a new trial, dismissal of charges, and acquittal. According to reports, Sanger CONTINUED ON PAGE A6
WEATHER
Atmospheric Rivers Overwhelm North County The first storm struck on Friday, March 10, and was followed by another on Tuesday, March 14
Parent’s concerns with chemistry textbook’s references to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
By CHRISTIANNA MARKS and CAMILLE DEVAUL
By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — Despite challenges from the public, Paso Robles Joint Unified More than 80 members of the Paso Robles FFA came out to help serve dinner and assist in other aspects of the FFA Boosters Dinner on Saturday, March 11. Contributed Photo School District (PRJUSD) trustees approved new textbooks for Advanced Placement Chemistry and Advanced FFA Boosters dinner Boosters Dinner on Saturday, other aspects of the evening. Fundraiser Committee March 11, making it the most Placement Physics at the TuesAhead of the dinner, the Co-Chairs Ron Alves and on March 11 was successful fundraiser to date. floral department at Paso Aimee Richard told Paso day, March 14 board meeting. the most successful Both trustees, Dorian Baker The annual fundraiser was Robles High School (PRHS) Robles Press, “This has been and Laurene McCoy, voted fundraiser to date held at the Paso Robles Event made all of the table center- our largest and most profitagainst the approval, sharing Center, where they served a pieces. There was a live and able fundraiser to date.” By CAMILLE DEVAUL concerns with multiple parents prime rib dinner, grilled vege- silent auction which included The community truly came camille@pasoroblespress.com over content inside the chemtables, baked potatoes, and student-made welding proj- out in full force to support istry textbook. Trustee Sondra PASO ROBLES — About bread. Over 80 FFA members ects. Over 100 items were their local FFA Chapter. Williams was absent from the 500 were in attendance at of the Paso Robles Chapter donated by the community Among the auction and CONTINUED ON PAGE A6 the annual Paso Robles FFA helped serve dinner as well as for the auction. CONTINUED ON PAGE A6
Community Turns out to Support Paso Robles FFA
LOCAL NEWS
COMMUNITY
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
EDUCATION
NORTH COUNTY — Not one but two atmospheric rivers hit the North County in the last week. The first storm touched down on Friday, March 10, and was followed by another on Tuesday, March 14. While the damage was not to the caliber of the storms seen in January, they certainly did not go unnoticed. As a precaution for the storm that started on Friday, March 10, schools all over the county canceled classes. Paso Robles Joint Unified, Templeton CONTINUED ON PAGE A6
WEATHER
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WINE COUNTRY Virtual Auction Returns this March | A2
FISHING DERBY Paso Robles PAL Back for 5th Year | A4
PET OF THE WEEK Meet Energetic Six-YearOld Oso | B1
SUPPORT 4H Back in the Saddle Open Horse Show | B8
High 64° | Low 41°
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