GOOD NEWS REAL NEWS HOMETOWN NEWS
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXVI, NO. XVI
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
Board of Supervisors give second approval to Housing Element implementation items Supervisors vote to drop minimum density requirement and add annual review; Regional Housing Incentives for Land Use ordinance also passes By MIKE CHALDU michael@atascaderonews.com
The Barbary Coast Girls were among the crowd that came to the Pioneer Day Kick Off Party on Sept. 27 at the Estrella Warbirds Museum. Photos by Derek Luff/PRP
Annual Kick Off Party begins Pioneer Day with sold-out celebration
Event at Estrella Warbirds Museum draws community together with food, dancing, and fundraising ahead of the 95th Pioneer Day Parade By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — The countdown to one of Paso Robles’ most beloved traditions officially began on Saturday, Sept. 27, with the annual Pioneer Day Kick Off Party at the Estrella Warbirds Museum. The sold-out evening drew locals eager
to enjoy food, dancing, and community, all while raising essential funds to keep Pioneer Day celebrations alive and thriving. The Kick Off Party offered guests a lively schedule packed with entertainment. The night opened with cocktail hour and the always-competitive dessert auction, followed by a hearty sit-down barbecue dinner. Later in
the evening, DJ Andy Morris kept the dance floor alive while guests enjoyed casino games and cocktails. Paso Robles Pioneer Day Chairman Lori Woods said the night was one of the most fun and community-oriented events of the season. “It was great,” Woods told Paso Robles Press of the fundraiser. “We had a sold-out event, which is awesome.
We always have a packed house, but this is probably one of the first years [that was sold out] ... this is one of those years that lots of family came out for the royalty. And then we have our usual suspects who just love Pioneer Day, and want to come out and have a good, clean, fun night celebrating history and family and community, all CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors revisited amendments to the county Housing Element implementation items, eventually approving them with a couple more changes, during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The board also OK’d a Regional Housing Incentive policy to give developers a little flexibility on their structures. The Housing Element items were discussed and given a first approval during a previous supervisors meeting on Aug. 19. The item stemmed from an effort that started March 12, 2024, when the board directed the county’s Department of Planning and Building to prioritize nine key Housing CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Templeton running back Tyler Cunningham gains some yards against Atascadero during the Eagles’ 31-20 win on Friday, Sept. 26. Photo by Rick Evans /PRP
Eagles keep hot streak alive with Greyhounds win Balanced scoring and timely turnovers lift Eagles to fourth consecutive win, 31-20 By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
NORTH COUNTY — The Templeton Eagles kept their hot streak alive Friday night, defeating the Atascadero Greyhounds 31-20 in a non-league matchup that carried plenty of local rivalry weight. The win marked Templeton’s fourth straight and served as payback for last year’s 10-7 Greyhounds victory, reaffirming the Eagles’ growing dominance in recent matchups
between the two teams. Templeton wasted little time establishing control. Midway through the first quarter, the Eagles struck with a 28-yard touchdown pass, quickly setting the tone for what would be a high-energy, balanced offensive performance. Less than a minute before the quarter ended, running back Tyler Cunningham powered through the Greyhounds’ defensive line for a rushing touchdown, giving Templeton a 14-0 lead. The Eagles’ defense helped maintain the momentum, intercepting a pass in the opening frame to halt an Atascadero drive and setting up another scoring opportunity.
NEWS
In the second quarter, Templeton continued to apply pressure, converting turnovers on downs into points with a rushing touchdown, then capping the half with a late passing score to extend the lead to 28-0. Atascadero finally found the end zone in the closing seconds of the half with a passing touchdown, reducing the deficit to 28-7 at intermission. Templeton’s offensive attack was led by Tyler Cunningham, who rushed for 159 yards — his best ground performance since October 2024 — while adding 35 receiving yards and a touchdown. Colby Sims emerged as another key contributor, hauling in 108 CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
CRIME
(From left) Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, Candice Galli, and Traci Hollinger were honored at the Women of Influence North County (wINC) Luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 11, in Atascadero. Photo courtesy of Atascadero Chamber of Commerce
Women of Influence Luncheon honors three North County leaders Sold-out event celebrates Candice Galli for being named 2025 Woman of the Year By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
NORTH COUNTY — The sold-out Women of Influence North County (wINC) Luncheon brought together more than 200 community members on Thursday, Sept. 11, at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Atascadero to honor three women shaping the future of North County. Hosted by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the American Association of University Women (AAUW)
BUSINESS
Atascadero chapter, the event highlighted resilience, leadership, and the power of community. Guests were treated to a program that blended inspiration and celebration. The afternoon began with a special performance by acclaimed local singer-songwriter Jade Jackson, who debuted a new song written for the occasion. Attendees also enjoyed a lively pop-up market featuring 10 women-owned businesses. The 2025 honorees — Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, Candice Galli, and Traci CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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