GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXV, NO. XLIX
THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
Paso schools move toward stricter phone policies for campuses District aligns with California’s new law, proposing stricter phone use limits for TK–8 and changes for high schoolers By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — At the Tuesday, May 13, board meeting, the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) Board of Trustees presented an updated mobile communication device policy for first reading, aligning with California’s new “PhoneFree Schools Act” (AB3216), signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September 2024. The law mandates that all school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education adopt policies limiting smartphone use by July 1, 2026. These policies must be developed with stakeholder input and must allow exceptions for emergencies, perceived threats, and accommodations based on educational or medical needs. PRJUSD began its policy revision process in August 2024 with a board presentation and followed up in November with survey results and preliminary recommendations for elementary and high school students. Given the complexity of middle school needs, a committee was formed to address grades 7–8 specifically, which included CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Norma Moye (front center), executive director of the Paso Robles Main Street Association, and other members of the organization man the booth at the 4th Annual Olive and Lavender Festival at Downtown City Park. Photo by Derek Luff
Paso Robles blooms with flavor at 4th Annual Olive and Lavender Festival Downtown celebration draws record crowds to honor local agriculture, artisan goods, and community spirit By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — On Saturday, May 10, the heart of Downtown Paso Robles came alive with the soothing scent of lavender and the rich aroma of olives as the Paso Robles Main Street Association hosted its 4th Annual Joint Olive and Lavender Festival in Down-
town City Park. The event attracted crowds of locals and visitors eager to celebrate two of the Central Coast’s most beloved agricultural products. This year marked a notable milestone for both featured events: the Paso Robles Olive Festival celebrated its 21st year, while the Lavender Festival, now in its 17th year, continued to flourish under the joint banner it adopted four
years ago. The free festival honored the region’s long-standing traditions in olive and lavender cultivation, offering a day filled with artisan goods and educational experiences. Olive and Lavender Festival Chairperson Gina Hambly shared, “The Olive and Lavender Festival is proudly dedicated to showcasing handmade, locally crafted goods, ensuring that every booth
represents the heart and hands behind the product. Visitors had the rare opportunity to meet the farmers, makers, and artisans face-to-face — something that’s become increasingly rare in today’s world of online shopping. The festival fosters those personal connections and supports the livelihoods of our local agricultural and creative communities.” CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Mother’s Day Fundraiser brings new life to Atascadero Printery
The California Questers, along with their local Agua Caliente chapter, have been a very large and dedicated supporter in restoring the Printery, and were present at the May 10 Mother’s Day Fundraiser. Photo by Rick Evans/PRP
The Atascadero Police Foundation Charity Golf Tournament scholarship recipient poses with the ceremonial check. From left: Atascadero Police Officer Tyler Smith, Atascadero Police Foundation Board President and retired Corporal Scott Pipan, Samantha Hixenbaugh’s parents, scholarship recipient Samantha Hixenbaugh, and her brother. Photo by Rick Evans/PRP
Community tees off for a cause at 14th annual APF Golf Tournament
Take-home pasta dinner raises funds for historic landmark’s restoration, thanks to donors, community support
Despite rainy weather, locals turn out in force to support youth programs, honor fallen officers, and raise funds for public safety at Atascadero’s signature golf event
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
NORTH COUNTY — The Atascadero Police Foundation hosted its 14th Annual Charity Golf Tournament and Silent Auction on Saturday, April 26, drawing a large crowd of golfers, community members, and supporters for a day of spirited compe-
tition and fundraising. Rainy skies couldn’t keep the over 30 competitors away from the greens. The event was more than just a day on the green — it was a celebration of community involvement and support for local public safety initiatives. The tournament kicked off with check-in refreshments provided by SLO DO CO
COMMUNITY
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
donuts and Joe Bella Coffee, setting a festive tone for the day. Atascadero Police Foundation Board President and retired Atascadero Police Corporal Scott Pipan told The Paso Robles Press, “Our big fundraiser every year is the golf tournament ... it’s a great event. We fill CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
SPORTS
NORTH COUNTY — In celebration of Mother’s Day, the Atascadero Printery Foundation (Foundation) invited the community to honor mothers and mother figures through a take-home meal fundraiser that also supported the restoration
of one of Atascadero’s most cherished historic landmarks. On Saturday, May 10, the Foundation hosted a Mother’s Day Pasta Dinner Fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting the ongoing rehabilitation of the Atascadero Printery. The Foundation is striving to transform the historic structure into a community center for arts, education, culture, and local events. Each meal package served four and included a homemade pasta meal with a choice CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
WEATHER
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