GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXV, NO. XLVII
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
Del Rio Road project advances, with hopes to boost local economy Valley Fresh Market and Central Coast Distillery are confirmed to open in early summer By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
ATA S C A D E R O — Construction is moving forward on the Del Rio Road Commercial Area, a long-anticipated development designed to bring new businesses, jobs, and services to the community. With five buildings currently under construction out of a total of 10 planned, city officials say the project is on track and already attracting notable tenants. The development includes a mix of retail, office, and light industrial spaces, as well as potential housing. Currently under construction are five buildings: a 32,000-square-foot space for Valley Fresh Market, a 9,000-square-foot retail building, two three-story buildings sized at 10,000 and 8,600 square feet for office and mixed-use, and a 4,500-square-foot retail structure. Two major tenants — Valley Fresh Market and Central Coast Distillery — are confirmed to open in early summer, with doors expected to open in June and July. “This location has been planned for commercial development for CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
For the third year, an Empty Bowls event was held at Studios in the Park in Paso Robles on April 24, raising funds for the El Camino Homeless Organization. Photo by Camille DeVaul/PRP
Empty Bowls fills hearts and plates in support of ECHO in Paso Robles Community gathers for a night of soup, art, and generosity, benefitting local homelessness services By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
NORTH COUNTY — One of North County’s most cherished community events, Empty Bowls, returned to Paso Robles on Thursday, April 24, at Studios on the Park, uniting food lovers, artists, and advocates in support of local homelessness services. Hosted by ECHO (El Camino Homeless Organiza-
tion), the annual event raised crucial funds and awareness for individuals and families working toward stable housing. ECHO has been hosting its Empty Bowls fundraiser for 10 years in Atascadero; this was the third year a second Empty Bowls event was held in Paso Robles at Studios on the Park located on Pine Street. The event featured savory soup tastings, wine pairings, charcuterie boards, desserts, and live entertainment, all set among local artwork. Guests took home a one-of-akind artisan bowl, a special tradition for the fundraiser. According to ECHO President and CEO Wendy Lewis, the event exceeded expectations.
“We started bringing Empty Bowls to Paso [Robles] three years ago to help fundraise and provide funds to support Echo Paso Robles but also to get the community up here involved as we established our facility here and are doing work here. And it’s been an amazing event,” she said. “There are about 150 people here and just laughter and joy.” Funds raised at Empty Bowls supported ECHO’s operations in Atascadero and Paso Robles, funding housing services, meals, job readiness training, and the organization’s impactful 90-day shelter program. In 2024, ECHO recorded its most successful year to CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Wine 4 Paws returns with record community support
Wine 4 Paws organizer Sarah Tomasetti (left) and Hayseed and Housdon owner Ted Ross are shown at this year’s Wine 4 Paws event April 25 at Hayseed and Housdon. Photo courtesy of Wine 4 Paws
Over 80 wineries and hundreds of animal lovers joined forces in SLO County to raise life-saving funds for Woods Humane Society
Farron Elizabeth Walker is shown during the 10th anniversary open house for Walker’s boutique, Farron Elizabeth. Photo by Hayley Mattson/PRP
Rooted in resilience: Farron Elizabeth’s journey of growth, grit, and giving back after 10 years
By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
From navigating challenges to nurturing community, owner’s entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication continue to shape the heart of downtown Atascadero By HAYLEY MATTSON Publisher, Editor-in-Chief
NORTHCOUNTY — It’s been a decade since Farron Elizabeth Walker opened the doors of her boutique in the heart of Atascadero, and what a journey it’s been. Celebrating her 10th anniversary, Farron reflects on the immense support
COUNTY
from the community that has been the backbone of her success. The anniversary open house last Friday was a heartfelt celebration not just of her store, but of the loyal customers, friends, and partners who have helped her build a thriving business. “I didn’t really know what to expect, especially with the construction happening
NORTH COUNTY LIFE
around us,” Farron admits. “But the turnout was amazing. It wasn’t about celebrating me; it was about celebrating the community. They’re the reason I’ve been able to stay in business this long.” Her openness and gratitude toward the people who have supported her over the years are palpable. CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
SPORTS
NORTH COUNTY — More than 80 wineries, businesses, and hundreds of pet lovers came together April 26–27 to celebrate the return of Wine 4 Paws, a beloved tradition that pairs wine tasting with fundraising to support the life-saving work of Woods Humane Society. Now in its 16th year, Wine 4 Paws transformed San Luis Obispo County’s wine country into a hub of community giving and four-legged fun. The weekend offered wine enthusiasts and animal advocates the chance to sip, shop, and socialize — all while raising critical funds for homeless pets. CEO of Woods Humane Society Emily L’Heureux CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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