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SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXVI, NO. XXXIX
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026
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Paso Robles City Council reviews Public Works projects Ongoing and upcoming road, sidewalk, and utility improvements aim to enhance city infrastructure By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — During the Tuesday, March 3 meeting, the Paso Robles City Council received an update on current and upcoming public works projects throughout the city. Projects include road and sidewalk repairs, sewer and pipeline upgrades, fiberized slurry sealing, parking lot improvements, and the Sherwood Park Pickleball Court Complex. Most projects are expected to start or be completed between December 2025 and August 2026, with some temporary traffic detours and sidewalk closures affecting the public. Capital Projects Engineer Ditas Esperanza provided the monthly status report, starting with active projects. Current public works projects in Paso Robles include the Sherwood Park Pickleball Court Complex, where crews are installing the parking lot, court lighting, curbs, and site furnishings, resulting in a sidewalk closure along CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Norma Moyes’ daughter and sons, along with her grandchildren, pose for a photo (left) with Paso Robles Main Street Interim Executive Director Jeffry Wiesinger, Board Chair Margaret Holstein, and board members Stephanie Villanueva and Bill Reed at her celebration of life. Photo by Camille DeVaul/PRP
Paso Robles celebrates life of Norma Moye From Vine Street Victorian Showcase to Main Street leadership, Moye’s decades of dedication left indelible mark on community she loved By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — On Saturday, Feb. 28, hundreds gathered at the Paso Robles Event Center to celebrate the life and legacy of Norma Moye — Paso Robles’ cheerleader and, to many, its queen. Norma passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 92 years old. Norma played a pivotal role in shaping the warm atmosphere that defines
Paso Robles. She curated events for the community, rallied alongside its small businesses, and, more importantly, got people involved. She created an army of people who now, in the shadow of her legacy, will fight to keep downtown Paso Robles the heart of the community. Held in the Estrella Building at the Paso Robles Event Center, Chad Stevens and Bobby Horn emceed Norma’s celebration. The duo provided comedic relief, sharing intermittent stories of their dear friend. You could almost hear Norma’s laugh in the background throughout the entire afternoon. Longtime friend and neighbor Grace Pucci delivered a heartfelt presentation honoring Norma’s family legacy and recounting her formative years growing up in Paso Robles.
Several tables were set up at the event, showcasing different eras of Norma’s life. To honor Norma, some came dressed as Christmas elves, and the Barbary Coast girls came dressed in their full costumes. Alongside Virginia Peterson, who passed away in 2003 at the age of 90, Norma co-founded the Paso Robles Area Historical Society in 1985. They held their first meeting on Feb. 17, 1985, in the Plymouth Congregational Church, with 35 people in attendance and now call the Carnegie Library in Paso Robles City Park home. Norma’s roots in Paso Robles trace back to 19th-century Italian immigrants who helped shape the region’s agricultural and civic foundations. Her great-grandfather, Carlo Ronconi, arrived from Sesta Godano, Italy, in 1886 and later settled
in San Luis Obispo County, where he operated successful trucking farms. The family purchased land on what is now Paso Robles Street, drilled the Ronconi Wells — still used by the city — and became integral to North County’s early farming industry. Through marriages linking the Ronconi, Richetti and Della Bitta families, the legacy continued. Norma’s father, Fernando Della Bitta, immigrated from Italy in 1920, later operating a grocery and rooming house and eventually opening Ferdi’s restaurant in downtown Paso Robles. Civic involvement ran deep: Her great-uncle Charles Ronconi served as the city’s first fire chief. Raised among cousins in a lively, closeknit family, Norma embraced leadership CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Roblan of the Year Jeff Gallagher (left photo, third from left) and Justin and Julie Fisher (right photo, third and fourth from left), co-owners of 2026 Beautification Award winner Grace & Rose, were honored by civic leaders at the award gala on Feb. 28. Photos by Camille DeVaul/PRP
Gallagher honored as Roblan of the Year; Grace & Rose Restaurant wins Beautification Award Chamber of Commerce celebrates community leaders and local businesses at sold-out ‘Luminaries’ gala By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — Community members, local business owners, and families dressed to the nines gathered at Rava Wines on Saturday, Feb. 28, to celebrate the 2026 Paso Robles & Templeton Chamber of Commerce award recipients. The evening recognized Jeff Gallagher as Roblan of the Year and honored Grace & Rose Restaurant with the
Beautification Award. Interim CEO of the Paso Robles & Templeton Chamber of Commerce Robert Covarrubias encouraged the crowd to get involved with the Chamber, and one of those ways is to become a part of the ambassador group. In October 2025, the Chamber announced a leadership transition following the resignation of President and CEO Gina Fitzpatrick, who stepped down after 10 years of dedicated service to pursue a new career and spend more time with family. The sold-out evening, given the theme “Luminaries: Lighting the Path Ahead,” was to reflect the transitional period the Chamber is entering. The
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night also included a live and silent auction. “I want 500 people in this room every single year,” Covarrubias said. “Every single year, because then that means we can support business, advocate, promote, educate. That’s what the chamber wants to do for you, but it doesn’t come free.” The new 2026 Board of Directors was ushered in as well. They include Dixon Mann, Rich Clayton, Tracy B. Ritchey, Jennifer Acevedo, Jakee Arellano, Henry Elisarraraz, Melanie Greer, Meghan Harris, Marci Miller, Julie Richardson, Maria Madrid-Sabi, Mark Willey, John Donaldson, Kristen Palera, Alison Shannon, Dr. James
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Brescia, Jennifer Loftus, Donica Forensich, Tyson Hayward, Diane Zannotti, and Denise Espinola. A remembrance video was played towards the end of the night to honor the late Norma Moye, who passed away on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Moye was an important figure and leader in small-town business in Paso Robles and served as the executive director of the Paso Robles Main Street Association. Jeff Gallagher has been named the 2026 Roblan of the Year, recognizing decades of dedication to Paso Robles through business, mentorship, and community service. With local roots dating back to the
1970s, Gallagher built his concrete and demolition company in the mid-1990s and has left a visible mark on schools, wineries, breweries, and businesses throughout North County, including his role in building out Cal Coast Beer Company. Beyond his professional work, he founded the Ron Gallagher Memorial Golf Tournament 23 years ago to honor his late father, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Paso Robles High School’s SkillsUSA programs. Now mentoring his son to take over the family business, Gallagher remains committed to strengthening the community he proudly calls home. CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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