GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXIV, NO. XLI
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
Moreno remains in lead for District 5 County Supervisor race March 5 Primary Election is estimated to be certified around March 27
Paso Robles recognizes 100-year anniversary of the Pittsburgh Pirates in spring training
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
Council approves goals and objectives for upcoming two-year budget cycle By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — Following staff introduction at the start of the Paso Robles City Council on Tuesday, March 19, City Councilmember Chris Bausch issued an apology to city staff. Bausch stated that it came to his attention that some city employees felt uncomfortable by his comments during paid parking discussion when he referred to employees as staff that he was frustrated with. “I truly believe that the City of Paso Robles has the best staff that I have ever worked with in my 12 years of public service,” said Bausch during his apology. “I am very appreciative of their hard work, creativity, dedication, and service. I regret that my words or actions have ever suggested otherwise.” During public comment, District 1 San Luis Obispo County Supervisor John Peschong presented a recent proclamation approved by the Board of Supervisors. This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the Pittsburgh Pirates historic spring training in Paso Robles. To celebrate, the Paso Robles History Museum has unveiled a new exhibit about Paso Robles baseball. Later in the meeting, council discussed the proposed City Council goals for fiscal years 2024-25 and 2025-26. Every two years, the city adopts a set of goals and objectives for the upcoming two-year budget cycle.
(From left) Samantha Roby, Jaxyn Myers, Jaydence Young-Hermosillo, Reese Ponti pose at the Paso Robles High FFA banquet. Photo by Camille DeVaul
Paso Robles High School FFA banquet raises over $200,000 to support program Funds support travel expenses to conferences, competitions, and beyond
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — The community gathered on Saturday, March 9, to support the nearly 500 Paso Robles High School FFA Chapter members. The Estrella Hall building at the Paso Robles Event Center was full of patrons ready to support the program. Agriculture Department Chair Theresa Clark told Paso
The funds will also go towards senior scholarships and more to help the program move forward. Recently, the parent boosters group was able to fund new show equipment for the livestock teams who take their projects to the fair. The chapter continues to rise in FFA excellence as they were named fifth in the state last year. Members have been busy at various competitions while also gearing up for the Salinas Valley Fair in May and the California Mid-State Fair in July — both of which will soon be here for those taking animal and industrial projects. Last weekend, the Chapters
Livestock Judging and Veterinary Science teams attended the Modesto Junior College Field Day. During field days, FFA teams ranging from livestock judging to poultry and horticulture compete against other FFA chapters in the state. At Modesto this year, nearly 2,000 contestants competed in over 20 events. The livestock judging team, including members Briley Bowen, Chandler Shaffer, Lane Gardner, and Dawson Jaureguy, placed 18th overall and ninth in swine judging. The veterinary science team, including Jaxyn Meyers, April CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Judge’s ruling on county overcharge for election recount up for reconsideration
Recount was for the 2022 District 2 San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors election By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — After a judge ruled that San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano overcharged a woman who requested a ballot recount for the 2022 District 2 San Luis Obispo (SLO) County Board of Supervisors election, the In total, staff developed six county submitted a new motion to reconsider the ruling. goal areas: • Transportation and In 2022, Darcia Stebbens Infrastructure requested the ballot recount, • Public Safety Services which named Bruce Gibson • Recreational, Cultural, and the District 2 SLO County CONTINUED ON PAGE A2 Supervisor. Stebbens volun-
AGRICULTURE
Robles Press of the event, “The generosity of our community is amazing and we are thankful for the support they have given these students.” The annual event has gained popularity throughout the last few years. What started as a drive-thru barbecue has evolved into a larger event complete with dinner, drinks, and a live auction. Clark thanks the group of supportive parents and sponsors who help bring the event into fruition each year. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help support the chapter’s travel expenses to FFA conventions, conferences, competitions, and events throughout the year.
LOCAL NEWS
The 2022 District 2 SLO County Supervisor candidates were Bruce Gibson (left) and Bruce Jones. Their election had a recount at the request of a community member. Contributed Photo
teered as the front person for the initiative backed by a community group named the SLO County Citizens Action Team (SLOCCAT). The group comprises local citizen volun-
teers concerned with the integrity of the voting system in California at all levels. Stebbens told Paso Robles Press, “I do not believe that election should have been certi-
fied,” based on documentation received during the recount process. In January 2024, Judge Rita Federman ruled that Cano did
NORTH COUNTY NEWS
SPORTS
WEATHER
CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — With the final stretch of election count upon us, the county is anxiously waiting for official certification of the March 5 primary election. According to the San Luis Obispo County Clerk Recorder’s office, that isn’t expeced to happen until about March 27. Tuesday, March 12, was the final day for vote-by-mail ballots (VBM) postmarked on or before Election Day to arrive at the Elections Office to be counted. By law, the Clerk-Recorder has 30 days from Election Day to certify the election results. Until then, the Clerk-Recorder’s office says they have to complete the following: • Roster scanning and balancing • Forwarding VBM ballots to other counties (and receiving and processing those sent here) • Provisional ballot research and verification • VBM ballot scanning • VBM ballot scanning • Signature curing • VBM ballot processing (removing from envelopes, checking for identifying marks, bundling) • Tabulating • Adjudication • Reporting Results • 1 percent Manual Tally The most recent count of votes shows District 5 County Supervisor candidate Heather Moreno heading further into the lead. She current leads the polls with 54.79 percent of the vote (7,249 votes) against Susan Funk who has the remaining 45.21 percent of the vote (5,982 votes). Over 1,200 votes now separate them. Moreno is currently serving as the Atascadero City Mayor. She is the second mayor in the city’s history. Funk currently serves as an Atascadero City Council member. They both ran to represent District 5 on the Board of Supervisors, currently held by Debbie Arnold, who did not seek re-election. The district represents Atascadero, Cal Poly State University (portion), California Valley, Creston, Garden Farms, Pozo, San Luis Obispo (portion), and Santa Margarita. CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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