GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXV, NO. XLII
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
PRJUSD approves new campus plan for Georgia Brown
Weekly Wrapup: Heartbreak and heroism From the tragic loss of José Gutiérrez to the sudden death of Dr. Justin Davis and a tense standoff in Templeton, the community is grappling with devastating events
Board unanimously votes for Option 6 despite staff preference for Option 1 By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
By HAYLEY MATTSON
Bail hearing canceled for suspect in Atascadero hit-andrun case A scheduled bail hearing for Zachary Bernal, the man accused in the deadly hit-and-run that took the life of 11-year-old José Gutiérrez, was removed from the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court calendar on Monday. As a result, Bernal will remain in custody with bail set at $1 million, an amount previously determined by a different judge. The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the decision ensures Bernal remains behind bars. The next step in the legal process will be a pre-preliminary hearing for Bernal, though a date has yet to be confirmed. Bernal, 31, faces multiple charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, felony hit-and-run, and a misdemeanor charge for possession of fentanyl. He is accused of driving under the influence and fatally striking José while the boy was walking home from school along El Camino Real in Atascadero earlier this month. The tragic incident occurred in the 10800 block of El Camino Real, where witnesses reported seeing a gray Dodge Ram hit José before fleeing the scene. Following an extensive investigation, authorities identified Bernal as the registered owner of the vehicle. The suspected truck, a 2003 Ford F-150, was later discovered abandoned behind an apartment complex near the crash site. Bernal was subsequently arrested and has been in custody since. Bernal appeared in court on March 19 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Emotions ran high in the courtroom as José’s grieving family members attended the proceedings, with some needing to be restrained as they confronted the suspect. José’s mother, Maria Orozco, spoke about her son’s kind and caring nature. “José was a very good boy, very noble, who liked to help others,” she said. “He always made sure his friends had what they needed, and he CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
CRIME
The latest SLO County Cattlemen spring meeting saw recently retired SLO County Supervisor Debbie Arnold getting a congressional award, presented by U.S. District 19 Rep. Jimmy Panetta for her efforts in the industry. Photo by Camille DeVaul/PRP
SLO County Cattlemen gather for 81st annual spring meeting
Debbie Arnold honored with congressional award and beef trade and tariff impacts discussed By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — Cattlemen and women from across San Luis Obispo County came together on Thursday, March 20, for the 81st annual San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen’s Association Spring meeting at the Paso Robles Event Center. The meeting discussed not only the issues facing the industry but also their successes.
Recently retired SLO County Supervisor Debbie Arnold was even honored with a congressional award for her efforts in the industry. United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-19) presented Arnold with the award at the meeting. “One of the few perks that we have at this job is that we get to recognize people who’ve done a lot for our community, recognize those public servants who have contributed basically
their heart and soul into their job,” said Panetta. Arnold retired in December 2024 after serving 12 years as an SLO County supervisor. Taken by surprise by the award, Arnold was full of sentimental emotion. “Mrs. Arnold’s actions were guided by principal and integrity, giving her the courage to advocate for constituents even when faced with adversity. Supervisor Arnold’s records shows her to be an exemplary
champion for local farmers, ranchers and local business owners,” Panetta continued. “The people of her community in California’s 19th Congressional District thank her for her work. Her impact will be felt in San Luis Obispo County for countless generations.” The SLO County Cattlemen’s Association is a nonprofit organization representing ranchers and beef CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Atascadero’s Central Coast Craft Beer Festival brings community and brewers together Over 60 craft breweries, ciders, and wineries gathered at Sunken Gardens for a day of local flavors By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
NORTH COUNTY — The Central Coast Craft Beer Festival hosted over 60 independently owned craft breweries, ciders, seltzers, and wineries on Saturday, March 22, at the Sunken Gardens in Atascadero. Hosted by the Central Coast Brewers Guild and presented by Visit Atascadero, the Central Coast Craft Beer Festival has become one of the best craft beer festivals on the Central Coast. Michael Hughs, a wholesaler for Colony Mash Brewing Co., said of the festival, “It has been absolutely amazing today. Everybody’s been so wonderful
COMMUNITY
Two attendees sample some beverages at the Central Coast Craft Beer Festival in Atascadero. Photo by Rick Evans/PRP
and friendly and I just love seeing our awesome community from all [over].” The theme for this year’s event, “Support the Craft Beer Revolution,” was a present reminder to guests and the
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
public to continue to support local craft breweries. This year was an invitational aspect, and Central Coast Brewers Guild members were able to invite other independently owned craft breweries from outside the tri-counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. Some of those breweries include Green Cheek Beer Co. (Orange); Los Molinos Beer Co. (San Clemente); Pizza Port Brewing Co. (San Diego); Crow and Wolf Brewing (Clovis); and Ballast Point (San Diego). Entertainment at the festival included the 90s Babiez out of Ventura, local reggae band Resination, and DJ Manuel Barbara from Traffic Records, along with plenty of great merchandise and food options, and everyone always must try Mega-Sized Beer Pong. Enjoying the sunny day, Sunken Gardens was packed with not only guests
SPORTS
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PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) is moving forward with a new campus plan for Georgia Brown Dual Immersion School. The campus, located at 900 Creston Road, is estimated to begin remodel construction early next year. Many parents came out to speak during the Tuesday, March 25, PRJUSD meeting in support of Option 6, though staff recommended Option 1 due to it having a favored TK-8 campus flow. With an estimated cost of $6,038,301, Option 1 presents creates a secure TK/K complex, provides a modernized science lab for seventh and eighth grade, and establishes a dedicated sixth-grade science lab. The design also enhances campus flow from lower to higher grades and includes a designated TK/K drop-off area. However, it does require the relocation of existing science facilities. The proposed timeline would begin with DSA submittal on July 28, and DSA approval (estimated) on Jan. 30, 2026. Construction is set to commence on March 30, 2026, with completion expected by Dec. 4, 2026. The scope includes remodeling Rooms 103-104 into three rooms, updating Rooms 105, 106, and 107, adding restrooms to each classroom, and improving hardscape, ramps, stairs, and fencing. Additionally, Room 607 will be remodeled into a science room, Room 611 (dry lab room) will be purchased and installed, and a new TK/Kinder play structure will be added. Option 6, with an estimated cost of $6,443,777, proposes the addition of new relocatable classrooms with interior restrooms, fencing around the TK/K complex perimeter, hardscape/turf improvements, and a new TK/K play structure. The project is expected to follow a timeline beginning with submission to DSA by June 30, estimated approval by Dec. 29, and construction CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
WEATHER
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