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SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXV, NO. XLI
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025
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11-year-old José Gutiérrez fatally struck in hit-and-run
A photo of José Gutiérrez is shown placed with a teddy bear at his memorial on El Camino Real in Atascadero. The 11-year-old was fatally struck in a hit-and-run Friday, March 15, at the site. Photo by Rick Evans/PRP
Authorities arrest 31-year-old Zachary Bernal of Atascadero in connection with the collision By HAYLEY MATTSON
ATASCADERO — A tragic hit-and-run incident on Friday afternoon has left the Atascadero community in mourning after an 11-yearold boy was fatally struck by a vehicle. Authorities swiftly launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of 31-year-old Zachary Bernal of Atascadero in connection with the fatal collision. According to the Atascadero Police Department (APD), the accident occurred on March 14, in the 10800 block of El Camino Real. Witnesses reported that a gray Dodge Ram hit the young boy, later identified as José Gutiérrez, and fled the scene. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the child
succumbed to his injuries. Law enforcement officials immediately began searching for the suspect and the vehicle, deploying drones and closing a portion of El Camino Real between El Bordo Avenue and The Knolls at Avenida Maria. Contestants in the blacksmithing competition do their thing during the “Some Like It Hot” event on March 15 at the Templeton Historical Museum. Photo by Camille DeVaul/PRP As of 5 p.m. that evening, APD Chief Daniel Suttles was unable to provide an update on the search. Following an extensive investigation, officers identified Zachary Bernal as the regiswith the California Black- ery blacksmith classes for tered owner and driver of the Templeton Historical benefitting the museum. Teams of professional black- smith Association (CBA). people who have never touched vehicle. Authorities located the Museum hosted its 2003 Ford F-150, believed to smithing artists not only from Thayer noticed the Central it at all to come in and learn be involved, abandoned behind first “Some Like It the county but also from all over Coast was lacking in an event to about it and make something an apartment complex near the Hot” event fundraiser the state came to compete in bring blacksmiths together and the first time,” Thayer explained. crash site. Bernal was taken the event, with their creations thought this would be a good “And then we also teach a full By CAMILLE DEVAUL into custody and now faces auctioned off at the end of opportunity to do just that. curriculum course of blackcamille@pasoroblespress.com the day. Additionally, locals multiple charges, including: As resident blacksmith at the smith education for level one • Vehicular manslaughter TEMPLETON — It competed in a chili cook-off, museum, Thayer is responsible blacksmithing. So you can get while intoxicated (Califor- was hot down in Templeton and the community voted for for taking care of the blacksmith a certificate.” nia Penal Code 191.5(b)) on Saturday, March 15, but their favorite dishes. shop and keeping it active while The museum also had • Felony hit-and-run resulting not because of the weather. The resident blacksmith at also providing blacksmithing their first hand forged sculpin death or injury (California The Templeton Historical the museum, David Thayer, education to the community. ture exhibition and attendees Vehicle Code 20001(a)) Museum hosted its first ‘Some was inspired to create the The museum has partnered with participated in a silent auction • Possession of a controlled Like it Hot’ event — a black- blacksmithing competition in the CBA to be a satellite educa- featuring local treasures and substance (fentanyl) smithing competition and Templeton based on some other tion facility for the association. event artwork. Artists featured “We teach what I call discovCONTINUED ON PAGE A2 chili cook-off with proceeds events in the state involved CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Templeton heats up with blacksmithing and chili cook-off
City Council approves park renamings to honor veterans and clarify locations Oak Creek Park becomes Paso Robles Veterans Park; Turtle Creek Park extension renamed Creekside Park By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
Celebrating a century of farming Zinfandel in Paso Robles: The Dusi family is shown at its home ranch, Benito Dusi Vineyard, planted in 1925. From left are Matt Dusi, Ali Dusi, Dante Dusi, Delaney Dusi (back), Parker Dusi (back), Mike Dusi (front), Joni Dusi (front), Janell Dusi, Michael Dusi, and Billy Grant. Photo provided by Dusi Family
Dusi Family celebrates 100 years of zinfandel farming
The family proudly marks a century of winemaking with a special commemorative release, honoring tradition and embracing a bright future ahead By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
NORTH COUNTY — For a century, the Dusi family has cultivated a deep-rooted legacy in Paso Robles, starting with one of the area’s most iconic and oldest plantings of Zinfandel on Ramada Drive. What began in 1925 with Italian immigrants
Sylvester and Caterina Dusi planting their first vines has flourished into a multi-generational commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. In March, the Dusi family is celebrating 100 years of farming Zinfandel in Paso Robles, releasing their commemorative wine Cent’Anni, a limited production bottled in jugs, paying homage
NEWS
to the first generation and winemaker/owner Janell Dusi’s great-grandparents. “This single bottling of Cent’Anni Zinfandel is a truly special blend,” said Janell. “It’s the first time we’ve combined fruit from all three Dusi vineyards — Benito, Dante, and Paper Street. The resulting wine boasts a dramatic dark plum
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
color and showcases the best of Zinfandel, with ripe fruit flavors, subtle tannins, and a round finish. The blend is anchored by 75% Zinfandel from Benito Dusi Ranch, planted by Sylvester and Caterina Dusi in 1925, and we incorporated 20% from Dante Dusi Vineyard, the home of J Dusi Wines. As a nod to current CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
SPORTS
PASO ROBLES — Coinciding with the 125th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW ), Paso Robles City Council has approved renaming Oak Creek Park to Paso Robles Veterans Park. During the Tuesday, March 18, City Council meeting, council also approved supporting the VFW Post 10965’s efforts to explore the develop a concept for a Veterans Memorial art installation at the park. In a press release following up on the approval, Paso Robles VFW Post 10965 Commander Leo Castillo said, “Paso Robles has a proud history of military service, and our veterans have played a key role in shaping our city’s identity. This renaming is a way to honor their sacrifices and ensure that their contri-
butions are never forgotten.” During the Tuesday night meeting, council approved not only one but two renaming of city parks. In 2020, the City Council approved the Olsen-Chandler Ranch Specific Plan, which included extending Turtle Creek Park. This new section, primarily a passive park, will feature pickleball courts, restrooms, and a picnic area. Located on Parkview Lane, it will connect to Royal Oak Meadows Park and the existing Turtle Creek Park via a pedestrian and bike trail. Since Royal Oak Meadows Park separates the two Turtle Creek Park sections, the name has caused confusion. To address this, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) recommended renaming the park to Creekside Park at its Jan. 13 meeting. CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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