2018 November PASO Magazine

PASOMAGAZINE.COM

2 | pasomagazine.com PASO Magazine, November 2018

FEATURES 

contents 

November 2018, Issue 211 

18 PASO ROBLES CITY 

COUNCIL CANDIDATES 

20 PADEREWSKI FESTIVAL: 

THE HISTORY OF THE MAN OF HONOR 

24 NEXT TO NORMAL: 

PULITZER AND TONY AWARD WINNING 

MUSICAL COMES TO PASO 

26 H.M. HOLLOWAY: 

GOOD EARTH FOR GROWING AG 

28 THE GREAT AGVENTURE 

4TH GRADE TAKES OVER PASO ROBLES 

EVENT CENTER 

29 THE PASO MAGAZINE 

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 

32 MISSING WAR 

MEMORIAL PLAQUES: 

WHERE ARE THEY? 

34 CIVIL WAR ARTIFACTS 

ON DISPLAY AT PIONEER MUSEUM 

DEPARTMENTS 

22 

26 56 

12 48 54 

PUBLISHER’S LETTER 

8 Something Worth Reading 

ROUND TOWN 

9 City of Paso Robles: Recreation Activities 

10 Main Street: Holiday Event Preview 

12 Brickyard: Jeffry’s BBQ Lights Up Norma’s Way 

14 San Miguel Reflections, 

A column by Lynne Schmitz 

16 Hoofbeat & Hoofbeat Calendar 

A column by Bec Braitling 

LOCAL BUSINESS 

36 Business Spotlight: AM Sun Solar 

38 Maureeni Stanislaus, OBGYN 

40 Kaitilin Riley, DDS 

41 Local Goods Report: Unplug for the Holidays 

OAK LEAF 

42 Community: Neighbors In Need 

45 Health: Natural Alternative 

46 Education: SLO County Schools 

A column by Dr. Jame Brescia, Ed.D. 

TASTE OF PASO 

48 entrée: A PASO Dining Experience at 

Vic’s Café with Thanksgiving for Paso Robles 

50 Celebrate Cinnamon 

A column by Lori Foster of Spice of Life 

EVENTS 

52 North SLO County Activity and Event Guide 

53 Thanksgiving for Paso Robles 

54 Veteran’s Day Services in Paso Robles 

56 NCDPAF Presents The Nutcracker Ballet 

57 Adelaide Inn Worship Directory 

LAST WORD 

58 Boy Scouts Honor Steve Von Dohlen 

ON THE COVER 

The Young Ignacy Jan Paderewski 

Artistic Design by Nicholas Mattson 


Something Worth Reading 

(805) 239-1533 

PASOMAGAZINE.COM 

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Paso Robles, CA 93447 

OFFICE: 1244 Pine St. Suite 204 

Paso Robles, CA 93446 

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 

Nicholas Mattson 

publisher@pasomagazine.com 

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR 

Hayley Mattson 

LEAD AD DESIGN 

Denise McLean 

LEAD LAYOUT DESIGN 

Travis Ruppe 

EDITOR, LAYOUT, DESIGN 

Luke Phillips 

ART PRODUCTION 

Sue Dill 

ONLINE EDITOR & WRITER 

Meagan Friberg 

WINE EDITOR 

Mira Honeycutt 

WRITER 

Melissa Chavez 

WRITER 

Heather Young 

COLUMNIST 

Sarah Pope 

COLUMNIST 

Bec Braitling 

COLUMNIST 

Lynne Schmitz 

VOLUME 18 | NUMBER 7 

AD CONSULTANT & WRITER 

Millie Drum 

AD CONSULTANT 

Pam Osborn 

AD CONSULTANT 

Jamie Self 

AD CONSULTANT 

Karli Twisselman 

AD CONSULTANT 

Carmen Kessler 

PASO Magazine ©2018 

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31,000 Printed | 26,700 Mailed 

PASO Magazine is published monthly and distributed FREE to every residence and 

business in Paso Robles 93446, Templeton 93465, Shandon 93461, Bradley 93426, 

and San Miguel 93451 zip codes. Postage paid at Paso Robles, CA 93446. 

4,300 Dropped at High Traffic Locations in SLO County 

PASO Magazine is also available for our visitors at wineries, Chamber of Commerce, 

North County Transportation Center, local motels, hotels, vacation homes, B&Bs, the 

airport, doctor’s offices, restaurants, and other high-traffic hotspots. 

I HEAR AMERICA SINGING 

I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear, 

Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and 

strong, The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam, 

The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off 

work, The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand 

singing on the steamboat deck, 

The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as 

he stands, 

The wood-cutter’s song, the ploughboy’s on his way in the morning, 

or at noon intermission or at sundown, 

The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or 

of the girl sewing or washing, 

Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else, 

The day what belongs to the day—at night the party of young 

fellows, robust, friendly, 

Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs. 

Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! It is a favorite of mine, and it was 

an honor to enjoy breakfast with David Kudija and Elizabeth 

Schumann, board members of Thanksgiving for Paso Robles — 

now entering its 34th year, it serves a free Thanksgiving meal to nearly 

1,000 people including deliveries — breaking “giving season” wide open. 

Giving, sharing, and preparing for the coldest and darkest time of 

the year was a way of life, and an important means of survival in many 

communities around the world through the previous millennia. We are 

now in an age of fiber optics, Amazon retail, and artificial moons, but 

our important festivals from ages past — making their way through a 

few costume changes along the way — still remind us how much we 

need each other and give us the opportunity to share and share alike. 

We share a special community. Our October parades and festivals are 

a showcase of what makes our home unique — Pioneer Day in Paso 

Robles, and Colony Days in Atascadero. As with all homes, it is more 

precious when they are shared with friends and family. As we wind 

down the year and think about all the people who made a difference in 

our lives, planning the purchase or creation of gifts and meals, remember 

to also protect and serve our home by participating in democracy, 

charitable work, and donating to worthy causes. 

Shopping local is also a powerful way to keep our community strong. 

When you shop local, including advertising in locally-owned publications, 

around 30 percent more of your money stays in the community. 

That is a big bonus at the end of the year! Check out our Holiday Gift 

Guide before you make that Amazon purchase! At the end of the day, 

the more we share locally, the more wealthy we become as a community. 

That means more to share with our favorite local nonprofit or house 

of worship! Imagine 30 percent more food at Loaves & Fishes, or 30 

percent more Toys for Tots and Coats for Kids! What goes around ... 

Any way you slice it, every month of the year, when you buy local, 

or pay your local bills, remember that it means more for your home 

community and that is a gift that keeps on giving all year long! 

Please enjoy this issue of PASO Magazine. 

Nicholas Mattson 

805-239-1533 

nic@pasomagazine.com 

Subscriptions 

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mailed to areas beyond the described distribution areas, are available for $26.99 per 

year (no international mailing). Subscribe online at PASOmagazine.com. 

For advertising inquiries and rates, story ideas and submission of photos, letters, 

press releases, etc., email publisher@PASOmagazine.com. 

If thou wouldest win Immortality 

of Name, either do things worth 

the writing, or write things 

worth the reading. 

— Thomas Fuller, 1727 


ROUND TOWN 

WHAT ’S HAPPENING 

ON MAIN STREET ? 

By Millie Drum 

Paso is Cool! 

Everything that makes a small town great is 

happening on Main Street! In case you haven’t 

heard, Paso Robles was named one of the 

Coolest Towns in California by the travel website 

Matador Network. We ranked #13 out of 

#25. Pretty good for a small town that stacked 

up against so many more. It’s Where Everyone 

Comes Together. Mark your calendar for the 

holiday season events. 

November 10 

Elegant Evening Downtown 

The downtown businesses wish to thank 

you, the community, for your loyal patronage 

throughout the year and especially during the 

holiday season. On Saturday, November 10, 

our downtown becomes an evening of hospitality. 

Look closely for the whimsical live mannequins 

in the store windows compliments of 

the North County Dance and Performing Arts 

Studio. Enjoy the Christmas lights, tinsel and 

trim…. rejoice in the season! 

The evening ends with the much-anticipated 

drawing for art by John Partridge and Anne 

Laddon. Prior to and on Elegant Evening, visit 

participating businesses to enter the drawing. 

The winners will be announced at Studios on 

the Park, 1130 Pine Street. 


Holiday Craft Bazaar 

The day after Thanksgiving kicks-off the holiday 

gift shopping season! Crafters and artists 

will create a holiday handmade marketplace of 

handmade items in the Downtown City Park 

from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Return the next day for 

Shop Small Saturday and support our small 

businesses before Cyber Monday! 


Light the Town for Santa’s Arrival! 

It’s the 32nd year of “The Downtown Lighting 

Ceremony” in the City Park at 5:30 with candlelight 

caroling and cookies! Master of Ceremonies, 

Chad Stevens, leads the caroling with the 

Snow King and Queen and Santa’s elves joining 

in! At 6:00 sharp, Mrs. Claus flips the giant light 

switch to light the trees to welcome Santa Claus’ 

arrival at the Christmas Light Parade on Satur- 

day, Dec. 1. The Main Street Association also 

partners with Cancer Support Community with 

the Paso’s Lights of Hope ceremony that honors 

cancer survivors and those we’ve lost. Visit pasorobleslightsofhope.org. 

December 1 

A “Cowboy Christmas” Parade! 

The 57th annual Holiday Light Parade has a 

western, hometown theme. Shine you boots 

and kick up your heels on the parade route that 

starts at 7 p.m. at 9th and Spring streets. The 

judges will rank entries for cash awards. Parade 

entry forms available at Main Street office or 

online pasoroblesdowntown.org. 

For information on events and the 

Main Street program, visit 

pasoroblesdowntown.org. 


ROUND TOWN 

| THROUGH THE BRICKYARD 

Jeffry's Wine Country BBQ 

There’s a new destination in downtown 

Paso and the tucked away lo- 

"I love seeing the expression on 

leen, of Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ, 

cation may surprise some people. people’s faces when they find us 

In the alley known as Norma’s Way for the first time. They tell me that 

(between Pine and Park), there’s a they feel like they've found a hidden 

bustling courtyard, the wonderful gem and they love the food." Jeffry’s 

aroma of wood burning smokers menu includes hometown faves as 

that make trekking through the the Paso Mac & CheeseSteak and a 

alley worth it: 

smoked Tri-Tip Sandwich. They are 

Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ, open daily except Wednesdays. 

Indigene Cellars and The Wearhouse “I’m just happy to be a part of 

share the courtyard, which they reference 

simply as “#inthealley.” Raymond Smith, owner and wine- 

Paso’s progressive new vision,” says 

The courtyard, a brick extension maker at Indigene Cellars. Known 

of the Wearhouse building on 12th for noteworthy varietals and old 

Street, offers the kind of unpretentious, 

warm and inviting spot room offers a low-key, charming 

world blends, Raymond’s tasting 

that feels authentically Paso. Being tasting experience Wednesday 

a little off the beaten path is not a through Saturday 1 to 9 and Sundays 

12 to 6. 

problem for these business owners 

- they embrace it. Says Jeffry For the Wearhouse, one Paso’s 

Wiesinger, owner, with wife Kath- 

most popular beauty salons, their 

courtyard space is an extension of 

the upstairs salon that faces 12th 

Street. Owner Jullie Hammer will 

celebrate five years at her downtown 

location this month. “The 

courtyard space will give us a dedicated 

spot for bridal parties, and we 

plan to make the room available for 

pop-ups and other functions.” 

Photos by Millie Drum 

Clockwise from top left: Dining at the Brickyard on the alley, The Wearhouse 

above the courtyard, Indigene cellars, Jeffry and staff welcome you! 

Follow the businesses on 

Facebook or Instagram to 

learn about upcoming events, 

nightly specials and more 

@jeffryswinecountrybbq, 

@indigenecellars, and 

@thewearhouse_hammersalon. 


ROUND TOWN 

| SAN MIGUEL 

reflections 

By Lynne Schmitz 

he Estella Adobe Church that stands on 

Airport Road just north of the airport was 

built circa 1878 by pioneers of the Estrella Plains 

as the first Protestant church in northern San 

Luis Obispo County. It prospered for a few years 

but by 1886 was no longer used and fell into 

disrepair, disintegrating over the years. 

The church was restored by the Historical 

Committee of the Paso Robles Women’s Club 

and rededicated in 1952. The restoration was 

done by French-Swiss adobe expert Jess Crettol, 

who moved his family from Wasco to San Miguel 

in 1934 to restore Mission San Miguel. Orphaned 

at 12, he left home and traveled through 

Europe before coming to America in the early 

1900s. While in Spain, he learned to make and 

build with adobe. 

To help rebuild the Estrella church, young 

men from the California Youth Authority facility 

(popularly called the “Boys’ School”), just a 

couple miles south of the church, were recruited. 

The adobe bricks were made in a corner of the 

school property and trundled to the church by 

the crews on foot. 

Crew Supervisor James White from San Miguel 

hand-wrote an account of the experience. 

Here are excerpts from his account: 

“We then cleaned the debris from inside and 

next to the outside. This was placed in several 

piles and used to make mortar for binding the 

bricks. This mortar was from the original fallen 

and disentergated (sic) bricks. Mr. Crettol then 

selected two or three boys to be his bricklaying 

apprentices. The rest of us made mortar, hauled 

bricks to the layers and generally did the roustabout 

duties. When the window frames were 

placed the bricks were snugly and closely to the 

frames. When the mortar dried, long strong nails 

were pounded through the frame into the dried 

mortar. The door was similarly done and both had 

railroad ties over the top of each. When proper 

height was reached the 9-inch bricks were split 

lengthwise, then laid to the edge of the 12-inch 

bricks. Then strands of barbed wire were twisted 

together, attached either end to railroad ties that 

were used to provide a basis for the rafters. The 

barbed wire was covered with mortar. Any heavy 

wire or metal rods would have sufficed, but the 

barbed wire was discarded and handy. We also put 

a cement skirt around the base of the church to 

prevent water from doing damage, also the roof 

eaves are pretty far out. I think I remember that 

the walls were set on a foundation of rocks the 

size of baseballs and cemented with mud mortar 

similar to some of the San Miguel Mission.” He 

concluded with, “This is all I can recall at this time, 

50 years ago seems long but seems to my mind 

that it was only a few years ago. The boys and I 

know what we contributed to the restoration will 

last long after we have passed away.” 

SAN MIGUEL STORY IDEAS? Contact 

Lynne Schmitz at lynne@pasomagazine.com 


ROUND TOWN 

| HOOFBEAT 

By Bec Braitling 

a very successful games, snagging 

12 medals in total, including an 

unbelievable nail-biting win for 

the Showjumping Team, a repeat 

win by the dominating Reining 

Team and Team Driving gold led 

by four time WEG competitor 

Chester Webber. 

and make some kids’ Christmas a 

little better. Follow them on Facebook 

or atascaderohorsemensclub. 

com for more details about this super 

group of devoted riders. 

There’s nothing I enjoy more 

than wonderful pictures of my 

horses competing, and there’s no 

denying the impact social media 

has had on the equine industry, 

both professionally and personally. 

Whether it’s horse trainers 

promoting sales or recreational 

riders seeking out the best pictures 

possible of their favorite equine 

friends, pictures can speak louder 

than words. Horse show photography 

has evolved so much over 

It’s been a huge month for 

equestrian sports in the United 

States as we hosted the FEI 

World Equestrian Games in 

Tryon, North Carolina. Sadly the 

event was plagued by dark clouds 

throughout the two week long 

event (literally and figuratively) 

as Hurricane Florence threatened 

to derail competitions, the wonderful 

equestrian venue was sadly 

unfinished at the time of the show 

and unfortunately remained that 

way throughout. Adding to the 

drama of the slowly encroaching 

storm, the kick off event, Endurance, 

was a bumbling mess and 

resulted in cancelation as riders 

neared the end of a grueling day. 

Nevertheless, the U.S. riders had 

Load up the horses and toys 

and head to the Atascadero Water 

Company on Sunday November 

18th to enjoy a leisurely ride to 

the Home Depot Arena to benefit 

the Marine Corps Toy Drive, 

those that wish to ride further to 

Templeton are welcome to, the 

trail will be marked with pink ribbons. 

Come before 9 a.m. to enjoy 

refreshments (bagels, fruit and 

breakfast burritos) or enjoy some 

downtime afterwards. Please leave 

your dogs in the trailers; the ride 

will happen rain or shine. If you 

can’t make it for the ride, please 

stop by and donate toys instead 


the years I’ve been competing and 

the central coast is home to a very 

talented family of photographers 

taking the horse show world by 

storm. Marcus Greene, his wife 

Kelly and their kids Taylor and Jacob 

are MGO Photography. Marcus, 

a retired Firefighter, met Kelly 

while they both attended Cal Poly 

and upon graduating decided to 

make a permanent home on the 

central coast. While Marcus was 

cheering their kids on at various 

sporting events, he began taking 

pictures, which piqued the attention 

of other parents who in turn 

asked him to take pictures of their 

kids. He worked to hone his skills 

with the help of YouTube tutorials 

and quickly became a self-taught 

professional. Taylor’s affinity with 

showjumping opened the door 

into the wide world of professional 

horse show photography, 

initially shooting classes at some 

Santa Barbara shows. That quickly 

led into the world of Three Day 

Eventing, starting with Shepherd 

Ranch in Santa Ynez, followed by 

Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles. 

Before they knew it, they became 

the show photographers for the 

Paso Robles Horse Park, Woodside 

Eventing, Fresno Horse Trials 

and Galway Downs in Temecula. 

Kelly recently retired to edit pictures 

full time to keep up with the 

ongoing demand. Often there’s 

tens of thousands of pictures to 

sort through after a weekend of 

showing. You’ll more than likely 

find Marcus out on his quad scoping 

out the best shooting spots, 

with Kelly in the trailer on vendor 

row that’s now set up with a bank 

of computers so riders can instantly 

view and choose which pictures 

they’ll post to Facebook or Instagram 

before the competition even 

ends. Tragedy struck the family 

in October while Kelly and Marcus 

were shooting at Woodside 

International Horse, Jacob had a 

bad MX accident while training 

and was hospitalized in Visalia 

with a suspected head injury. 

Please keep this wonderful family 

in your thoughts. Visit their 

website marcusgreeneoutdoorphotography.com 

or the Facebook 

page MGO Photography 

for details on joining the team 

as a shooter, ordering pictures or 

follow Jacob’s updates. 

November 1-4: Dude Ranch 

Weekend, V6 Ranch, contact 

John Varian at 805 441 3507 or 

email v6ranch@gmail.com to enjoy 

a “ranch getaway” experience at 

Parkfield Lodge. 

November 2-3: Rick Machado 

Livestock Invitational Ranch, Rope 

and Performance Horse Auction. 

Paso Robles Event Centre, visit rmlivestock.com 

for more information 

November 3: 3rd Annual Fall Tack 

Swap, Premier Ag 1041 Paso Roble 

St, Paso Robles. Grab some 

great deals on western tack from 

9am- 2pm, call the store to sign 

up (805) 239 4297 or email info 

@premierag.net 

November 3-4: Second Annual 

Chasing Dreams, Finding Cures. 

A St Jude Fundraiser Barrel 

Race. Helping to raise funds for 

pediatric cancer research. King 

City Fairgrounds, 625 Division 

St, King City. Check westcoast 

barrelracing.com for more details 

or their Facebook page. 

November 3-4: Cal Poly Western 

Team travels to compete at UC 

Davis Western Show, 1 Equestrian 

Lane, Davis CA check UC Davis 

website for more details. 

November 10-11: USPA Middle 

School Tournament, Central Coast 

Polo Club, 2320 Clark Valley Rd, 

Los Osos. Email megan@centralcoastpolo.com 


November 18: Atascadero Horsemen’s 

Club “Toys for Tots” trail 

ride, Atascadero Water Company, 

Water Co Rd, Atascadero. Contact 

Bill Obermeyer obie66@comcast 

.net or follow them on Facebook 

for updates. 

November 23-24: 15th Annual 

Cowgirl Christmas held at the 

Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 

Riverside Ave, Paso Robles. Over 

150 vendors, 2 buildings and an 

outdoor marketplace. Visit cowgirltradeshows.com 


or find them on Facebook 

November 22-25: Turkey Trot & 

Jump “B” rated show at the Paso 

Robles Horse Park. They will also 

be hosting the 2018 PRHP & 

Green Rider Medal Finals. Check 

the website pasorobleshorsepark 

.com for online entries and venue 

information. 

November 2018, PASO Magazine pasomagazine.com | 17

CANDIDATES MAKE THEIR CASE AT Q&A FORUM 

TWO MAYORAL AND FOUR COUNCIL HOPEFULS TALK PASO ROBLES ISSUES 

On Thursday, Oct. 4 the two mayoral candidates, along with the four Council 

candidates gathered for a question-and-answer forum at the Paso Robles 

Elks Lodge, introducing themselves before fielding questions from the 

moderator, Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Chris Williams, along 

with questions from the public. Below, we will give you each candidate’s 

response to five of the big-ticket items addressed at the forum. 

By Luke Phillips 

Publisher’s Note: Due to space and time constraints, the full 

text of our report was posted online at pasomagazine.com/ 

election2018 on Monday, October 22. We hope you were 

able to meet the candidates, research the issues, and make 

it to the polls 

Martin used his introduction to tout his accomplishments 

during his past four years as Mayor 

of Paso Robles and saying that his term has been 

“invigorating.” 

“We worked on ways to make more affordable 

housing, we’ve worked on financial budgets that 

have provided a fiscally responsible city with healthy 

reserves and we’re all very pleased with that.” 

Turning toward the future, Martin said he would 

like to accelerate repairs to streets over the next year 

STEVE and work closely with economic development partners 

to accelerate plans for updates to public safety. 

MARTIN 

“Those will be my primary areas of focus next year 

because those are the things that you said you want us to focus on,” Martin said. 

In your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing Paso Robles and what is 

your solution? 

Martin said that he believes the biggest problems facing Paso Robles are 

those identified by the citizens in a recent survey: public safety, economic 

development and street repairs. 

“Those are going to be the biggest problems for us over the next three 

years,” he said. “They are high-ticket items and we’re going to have to work 

really hard to make that happen.” 

Martin also mentioned the unfunded liability of the CAL-PERS retirement 

program as another big problem but said that the city has already 

taken strides toward addressing the issue. 

“The City of Paso Robles has made great strides over the last four 

years including tiered hiring practices, extraordinary contributions to pay 

down that debt and other strategies including teaming with our employee 

groups to approach Sacramento about reforming CAL-PERS rules.” 

JIM 

REED 

During his introduction, Reed said that although 

he’s been a Council member for four years, “There’s 

still a long way to go.” 

“I just feel that I still have a lot left to offer the 

city,” he said. “I have a lot of fight left in me, a lot 

of kick left in me and I still have some good ideas 

that I’d like to see come to fruition. I believe that 

from the mayor’s standpoint, from the pedestal, I 

would have more success and more luck and a little 

better feel on how things work and I would be able 

to accomplish more for the city.” 

In your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing 

Paso Robles and what is your solution? 

With the recent boom of development and tourism 

in Paso Robles, Reed said that managing growth will be the biggest 

problem facing Paso Robles in the near future. 

“We’ve got a lot of growth coming,” he said. “People are concerned about 

it. The roads are congested already. We need to really be looking at how 

we’re going to manage this future growth to where we keep our city the city 

we all love to live here... How do we keep this place, this Paso Robles that 

we all live here, we all love? That’s going to be a real challenge. I wish I could 

say I had a real definitive answer but it’s going to be chipping at it piece-bypiece 

and starting now, starting early and when the real problem gets here 

we’ll be more suited to handle it.” 

MARIA ELENA 

GARCIA 

Garcia has worked as a pharmacy technician at 

the local Walmart since transferring to the area 

12 years ago. She said she quickly fell in love with 

the small town feel and the beautiful surroundings 

and soon became involved in her son’s school and 

her church. She went on to serve as one of the 

founding members of the Hispanic Business Association, 

a business networking organization with 

63 members and she currently serves on the Paso 

Robles Library board of trustees. 

“Over the years I have seen our community 

grown and evolve,” Garcia said. “It’s something 

that we’re very supportive of. But on the other 

hand, I want to make sure that our quality of life will be supported with 

thoughtful public policy, which I want to make sure I’m a part of.” 



Garcia said that her number one priority since beginning her campaign is 

public safety. She said that through her job at the pharmacy, she’s seen the 

opioid epidemic first-hand along with drug trafficking along Highway 101. 

“We need more police officers,” she said. “We need more cameras in the 

community. If we can’t get police officers right away, we need to get more 

community patrol cars. If people will see more community patrol cars out 

there in the community maybe it will deter some of the things that are 

happening out there.” 

Garcia also recounted finding dirty needles in the parking lot of the 

Walmart where she works. 

“And I have to go inside and get gloves and get a hazardous material and 

walk outside and that is so shameful,” she said. “And I see it every day, people 

getting addicted and people having problems with it. We need to find resources 

to help them.” 

JOHN 

HAMON 

Local business owner John Hamon, the owner 

of Hamon Overhead Door Co., has served on 

the City Council for the past 12 years and hadn’t 

planned on running again, but “there’s a lot of 

things I don’t have a good feeling about walking 

away from,” he said, including water and infrastructure 

projects and overseeing the spending of 

the proceeds from the city’s half-cent sales tax. 

“Every cent of it needs to go back into our 

streets and I’m going to be committed along with 

other Council members to doing that — holding 

our City officials accountable, living within our 

means. We only have so much money and how we 

spend it is very, very important.” 




Hamon also called for an increase in resources for public safety agencies 

and recalled that the City had to cut those resources drastically during the 

recession years with the programs never fully recovering since then. 

“Luckily we’re in an area where we don’t have a whole lot of crime and 

folks that do us harm, however it’s not just police that we’re talking about 

here, it’s also fire,” he said. “Our emergency services, our fire guys are 

strapped. So we’re making some improvements.” 

Hamon pointed to the addition of a new squad truck to the fire department 

as the most recent progress and called for more. 

“Now that things are going I think it’s time to increase and as far as a 

priority, I think I would say that and our infrastructure as a second.” 

ANDY 

PEKEME 

Pekeme is a King City native who recently relocated 

to Paso Robles after attending college at 

California State University, Long Beach and working 

as an engineer in the Los Angeles aerospace 

and automotive industries. Pekeme said that he’s 

running for City Council in order to fix the traffic 

problems and roads in Paso Robles. 

“We don’t like driving on bumpy roads,” he said. 

“I think we all know the issues around town. I’m 

not claiming to be a miracle worker but I will work 

hard and listen to everyone.” 

In your opinion, what is the biggest problem facing 


Of the many issues he’d like to address if elected, Pekeme said that roads are 

the most important. 

“I think that our roads have clearly been neglected for a very, very long 

time and I want that to end,” he said. “I think that we shouldn’t really 

have to keep doing special taxes to fix our roads. I think we need to make 

it more of a priority within our general fund and I know that’s going to be 

hard. There’s going to be difficult decisions to be made, but we have to do it. 

The conditions of our roads is rough but we also have what are called traffic 

bottlenecks around. I moved here to get away from traffic but I find myself 

sitting in traffic all the time still and I get very, very frustrated. So, I will make 

a lot of effort to identify these traffic bottlenecks and try to improve them. 

MICHAEL 

RIVERA 

Rivera is a business owner, an Uber and Lyft 

driver and a former resident of Santa Maria where 

he served for 26 years as a parks commissioner and 

planning commissioner. He said that he relocated 

to Paso Robles to escape the high crime in Santa 

Maria and wants to prevent the same thing from 

happening here. 

“We’re at a crossroads in this city,” he said. “I lived 

what not to do and I want to let you all know that 

I will fight for this City.” 

In your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing 


Rivera said that the public safety being one of 

the City’s biggest issues is “a given,” added that he would also like to focus 

on managing the City’s growth, especially in the tourism industry, and said 

that the City should “soft-pedal a bit” in regards to tourism. 

“We’ve got to understand that we’ve got a huge, upwardly ticking tourism 

industry,” he said. “It isn’t going to slow down, it’s going to increase incredibly. 

So what we need to do is soft-pedal for awhile. We haven’t revisited our general 

plan in total since 2004... What we need to do is start thinking about priorities, 

and priorities are public safety, our roads, our infrastructure — they're not very 

sexy, it's not like talking about the latest entertainment coming to the Vina 

Robles Amphitheatre, which is a lot of fun — but the bottom line is we need to 

start thinking in an adult way about how we're going to go forward.” 


Celebrates Polish 

Republic’s Centennial 

By Melissa Chavez 

The most famous man ever to live 

in Paso Robles was Polish composer 

and pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski. 

He rose to fame as a classical musician, 

but went on to distinguish 

himself as a renowned winemaker, 

freedom fighter, statesman and, ultimately, 

the first prime minister of a 

newly independent Poland. 

Today, his legacy includes the 

annual Paderewski Festival in Paso 

Robles – a series of musical performances 

throughout North San Luis 

Obispo County – and a sister city 

relationship between Paso Robles 

and Tarnów, Poland, that is realized 

through a nonprofit program that 

promotes cultural exchange and enhances 

international diplomacy. 

The 2018 Paderewski Festival 

celebrates the centennial of Poland’s 

regained independence after World 

War I with a variety of concerts and 

other public events held throughout 

Paso Robles November 1-4. This 

year’s highlights include performances 

by Cultural Exchange Program 

students from Poland and Ukraine 

and a Master Class with Kate Liu, 

Third Prize Winner of the 2015 

Chopin Competition in Warsaw. 

Ms. Liu will also be featured in the 

November 3 Gala Recital at the Paso 

Robles Inn Ballroom, performing 

works by Chopin, Paderewski, Beethoven, 

and Prokofiev. 


Ignacy Jan Paderewski was 

born on November 6, 1860. As 

an infant, he lost his mother. At 

age four, his father, Jan, was imprisoned 

by the invading army 

of the Russian Empire. This early 

traumatic experience seared 

into the boy a deep connection 

with his Polish heritage. 

Paderewski was a musical prodigy 

who by age 12 travelled from the 

far-away Province of Podolia to enroll 

at the Warsaw Conservatory. He 

later studied in Berlin and Vienna, 

launching his worldwide career after 

a spectacularly successful debut 

in Paris in 1888. 

At the height of Paderewski mania, 

his mass appeal elicited adoration 

and worldwide fame, and his 

breakneck performance and railway 

travel schedule foreshadowed today’s 

jet-setting concert tours. 

During his first U.S. tour (1891- 

1892), Paderewski played 107 concerts 

in 117 days, netting $160,000— 

well over $4 million in today’s 

dollars. Overall, he made twenty 

tours of North America, his last in 

1939, when he was 79. 

PADEREWSKI IN PASO ROBLES 

During his 1913-1914 tour, Paderewski’s 

nagging neuritis drew him 

to Paso Robles to seek out the restorative 

waters of the area’s mineral 

springs. He resided at the El Paso 

de Robles Hotel (rebuilt in 1942 as 

the Paso Robles Inn), in an elegant 

second-floor suite. Dr. Frank Sawyer, 

who worked as a hotel manager, 

physician and realtor, sold Paderewski 

on the idea of purchasing 

land in Paso Robles, and over the 

next three years, the pianist acquired 

2,864 acres of rancho properties on 

which he established vineyards and 

almond orchards. 

Paderewski worked with pioneering 

viticulturist and enologist Frederic 

T. Bioletti. He also hired a Polish farm 

manager, Jan “Gunnysack” Gnieciak, 

who worked a local almond legend, 

William “Daddy” Hemphill. Armed 

with their expertise, Paderewski developed 

a vineyard and produced wine 

at York Mountain Winery. With time, 

Paderewski’s zinfandel became one of 

America’s favorite varietals. Between 

1914 and 1939, Paderewski stopped 

for a few weeks of rest in Paso Robles 

during his American tours. 

Paderewski at Grunwald Monument in Krakow, Poland on July 15, 1910 

THE CAUSE OF DEMOCRACY 

After the outbreak of World War 

I, Paderewski leveraged his fame 

to aid his homeland. In 1915, he 

founded the Polish Victims Relief 

Fund, a War Victims Assistance 

Committee in Poland that received 

significant political and financial 

support from American Poles. Mobilizing 

a diaspora of four million Polish 

immigrants, Paderewski served 

as a Polish National Committee delegate 

to Washington. His unprecedented 

political achievements were 

recognized with awarded honorary 

doctorate degrees from Yale, Oxford, 

Columbia, Cambridge, and 

University of Southern California. 

Fluent in seven languages and 

buoyed by good fortune, Paderewski 

lavished his generosity on both individuals 

and causes. In America, he 

cultivated friendships with President 

Woodrow Wilson, high-level government 

officials, and social elites. 

He funded scholarships for young 

American composers, supported 

WW I veterans, and in 1932 donated 

$37,000 to unemployed musicians 

in America. Monuments that 

Paderewski financed in Europe and 

America include a statue to commemorate 

the Battle of Grunwald, 

memorials to Debussy, Chopin, Liszt 

and Beethoven, and the Washington 

Square Arch in New York City, an 

1892 landmark that still stands. 

POLISH SOVEREIGNTY 

AND LEGACY 

In January of 1919, Paderewski 

represented Poland as its delegate 

at the Paris Peace Conference in 

Versailles that reshaped European 

boundaries and systems of governance. 

Paderewski, the son of an 

estate administrator and President 

Woodrow Wilson, the son of a 

Presbyterian preacher, shared a 

strong belief in democratic forms 


The world premiere of Three Paderewskis, 

a musical authored by a 

creative team from Southern California, 

will be staged at Park Ballroom 

on November 2, and winners of the 

Youth Piano Competition will be presented 

in a free concert at the PR Inn 

Ballroom on November 3. 

The 2018 celebration also marks 

a decade of sister city status between 

Paso Robles and Tarnów, Poland, a 

relationship signed by former Paso 

Robles mayor Frank Mecham at Paderewski’s 

estate in Poland. Over the 

last ten years, Central Coast sponsors, 

the Consulate General of Poland in 

Los Angeles, and various partners in 

Poland have generously supported this 

Cultural Exchange Program. It provides 

cultural, educational, business, 

and youth development opportunities 

and creating lasting bonds between 

people throughout the world. 

For more details and ticket 

information, visit 

PaderewskiFest.com 

of government. It was Paderewski’s 

memorandum to Wilson in 1917 

that supported Polish independence 

as the thirteenth of Wilson’s 

Fourteen Points: 

“An independent Polish state 

should be erected which should 

include the territories inhabited by 

indisputably Polish populations, 

which should be assured a free 

and secure access to the sea, and 

whose political and economic independence 

and territorial integrity 

should be guaranteed by international 

covenant.” 

In December of 1918, British 

Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour 

urged Paderewski to undertake the 

daunting task of uniting a liberated 

Polish nation as its first Prime 

Minister. Paderewski agreed and 

quickly drew the support of the 

allied United States, Great Britain, 

France and Italy. Within a year, 

Paderewski restored democratic 

elections to Poland and established 

a Polish national army. 

The reinstatement of the Republic 

of Poland after 123 years of 

partitions was a brief but a pivotal 

moment in the hearts of the Polish 

people. A country long torn by 

tyranny suffered again in 1939 

when Nazi Germany invaded Poland 

to initiate World War II. Paderewski 

responded by creating the 

Paderewski Testimonial Fund for 

Polish Relief. 

Please see Paderewski on page 22 


Paderewski from page 21 

In 1940, Paderewski arrived in 

America for his final visit, warning 

the U.S. politicians and the nation 

about the danger of Hitler’s Germany. 

His last speech to WWI veterans 

was on June 22, 1941. A week later, 

Paderewski died in New York City of 

pneumonia. A friend to all U.S. Presidents, 

from McKinley to FDR, and 

a champion of the common man, 

Paderewski was revered throughout 

America not only for his musical 

talents but also admired as a statesman, 

philanthropist, and advocate 

for a free Poland. 

Left: A postcard of Paderewski and 

then-president Woodrow Wilson. 

Credit: Polish Music Center, USC 

Thornton School of Music 

On the tenth anniversary of Poland’s 

independence in 1928, President 

Wilson’s widow, Edith, wrote of 

Paderewski: 

“This inspired patriot became the 

servant of his people, lighting the 

torch at the altar of sacrifice, where its 

steady flame will burn forever to the 

glory of his beloved Poland, and lend 

new luster to his name written deep 

within the hearts of all men.” 

A century later, Ignacy Jan Paderewski’s 

bronze likeness gazes 

across City Park from Carnegie Library, 

directly across the street 

from where he practiced the 

piano at the Paso Robles Inn. 

The Paderewski Festival in Paso 

Robles continues to honor the musician, 

statesman, philanthropist, and 

freedom fighter, who called Paso Robles 

his California home. 

Like this article? Send Melissa Chavez 

a note, melissa@pasomagazine.com 

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winecountrytheatre.com 

Wine Country Theatre presents 

the musical Next to Normal 

November 16 – December 2 at the 

Park Ballroom in Paso Robles. An 

emotional powerhouse of a musical, 

Next to Normal features a compelling 

Tony Award-winning pop rock 

score that shatters through the façade 

of a suburban family dealing with the 

traumatic effects of mental illness. 

Winner of three Tony Awards and 

the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, 

this intense, emotional, yet ultimately 

hopeful musical makes a direct grab 

for the heart with a story that takes 

us inside the lives of a typical American 

family that’s anything but typical. 

The New York Times said “NEXT 

TO NORMAL is a brave, breathtaking 

musical... It is something 

much more than a feel-good musical. 

It is a feel-everything musical.” 

This pop-rock musical by Tom 

Kitt and Brian Yorkey investigates 

the effects of mental illness and 

trauma on a family that’s desperately 

trying to keep it together. The 

driving music, comedy and typical 

family moments reveal a deeper understanding, 

and empathy for, those 

who have lived with mental illness. 

Directed by Gregg Wolff, with 

Music Direction by Mark Robertshaw, 

the show features a cast of six 

outstanding local performers. Veronica 

Surber plays Diana Goodman, 

the mother, who has suffered 

from bipolar disorder. She tries desperately 

to balance sanity, happiness 

and her commitments to her family. 

Her disorder takes a turn for the 

worst and her long-suffering husband, 

played by Gary Borjon-Hernandez, 

can no longer pretend that 

all is well. Her daughter, played by 

Julia Seibert copes with her family 

life by being a perfectionist, and the 

son, played by Elliot Peters hangs 

on to his mother no matter what the 

cost. Ritchie Bermudez plays several 

doctors who treat Diana and Phineas 

Elliot plays the loveable, slacker 

boyfriend. Each character is integral 

to the story and fully developed. 

“Next to Normal bravely and 

artistically explores the topic of 

bipolar disorder, and through this 

examination of a very human experience, 

the show is powerful, 

touching and emotional. It is highly 

entertaining and we are proud to 

be the first theatre in our area to 

present it”, states Cynthia Anthony, 

Executive Director. “No family 

is perfect, but every family can be 

unified by support and love. The 

writers, Kitt and Yorkey, once said 

that the challenge was to strike a 

balance between telling a truthful, 

emotional story but also creating 

a positive experience in the theater. 

And, as their Pulitzer Prize 

attests do, they have done just that.” 

PERFORMANCES 

November 16 through December 2 

at 7:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, 

with a 2 p.m. matinee every 

Sunday. Tickets are $25 for adults 

and $15 for students. Groups of 8 or 

more are $20 each. Contains strong 

language and themes. 

For more informations and 

to purchase tickets for Wine 

Country Theatres’ production 

of Next to Normal visit 

winecountrytheatre.com. 



Holloway Ag has the Dirt Game in the Bag 

By Nicholas Mattson 

It was the dawn of the great depression 

when Harvey Holloway 

stood as a night watchmen 

for Richfield Oil Corporation in 

Lost Hills. On his tours of the region, 

he saw local farmers haul off 

wagon loads of a white, reflective 

mineral — calcium sulfate dihydrate, 

also known as gypsum. 

Approaching 90 years later, the 

mine on CA 46 in Lost Hills is 

still producing mountains of agriculture 

supplements that improve 

soil — adding calcium, neutralizing 

salts, and improving water 

penetration. 

More than 500 companies trust 

Holloway products and services. 

Beginning with high-quality gypsum, 

the Holloway Group has 

grown to add lime, sulfur, humic 

acid, compost and micronutrients 

to its list of products, and delivery, 

spreading, agronomy and custom 

blends to its services. 

With almost a century of success 

behind him, CEO and Managing 

Director Brian Maxted has 

eyes on the future of the company. 

Along with his wife Joanna, and 

two daughters, Evelyn, 4, and Lauren, 

3, they moved from Washington 

D.C. to Paso Robles last year. 

The move makes the trip out 

to the site much more pleasant, 

and from on top of Mount Allen, 

visible from CA 46, the expanse 

can be viewed. The 40-acre site sits 

between a farm on the west side 

and oil on the east, with piles of 

minerals in the middle. 

“Each one of those piles is about 

27,000 tons of gypsum,” Maxted 

pointed out. “Because this is an 

ancient lakebed — once a calcium-rich 

lake which dried up 

and connected with the sulfur to 

make gypsum — it is a very soft, 

plant-available gypsum.” 

Holloway mills the gypsum to 

about a 55 percent purity, and also 

imports higher purity gypsum to 

make custom blends from 75 to 95 

percent, providing for a variety of 

applications. 

The Maxted Family, Brian, Joanna, 

Evelyn, and Lauren. Contributed photo 

“Our gypsum has been used 

here in the valley for more than 

eight decades, and has been very 

successful,” Maxted said. “All 

farms use gypsum, as one of the 

essential elements of plants. It 

is a fantastic way to get calcium 

and sulfur into your plants 

because each of those have a 

different pH level — calcium 

is very high in pH and sulfur 

is very low. It is a way to get 

both those things into the soil 

with a neutral balance.” 

As a steward of the earth 

and ag, Holloway has also 

made use of their own impact 

on the environment. As 

Holloway mines the minerals 

from the earth, the gaping 

caverns become convenient 

depositories for waste products 

from all over. An average 

of 1,000 tons of waste gets 

deposited every day. 

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“It is a great place to have an 

environmental site because of the 

natural geology, and that is located 

right off the 5 and 46,” Maxted 

explained. 

Moving earth by the ton is a 

massive logistical challenge, but 

grabbing five gallons of gypsum 

and loading it in the back of Brian’s 

truck was fairly simple … although 

a small bag of gypsum is heavier 

than it looks. 

Since moving to Paso Robles, 

the Maxted family has become a 

strong supporter of the community, 

with Holloway sponsoring the 

recent Cioppino & Vino event to 

raise money for the Paso Robles 

Children’s Museum — of which 

Joanna is a board member — and 

Brian sitting on the board of the 

Paso Robles Rotary Club. 

Welcome to Paso Robles Maxted 

family! We are glad you are here. 

Find out more about Holloway 

at hollowayag.com 

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AG ADVENTURE 

AT THE EVENT CENTER 

O 

ur little hamlet of El Paso de Robles has 

something for everyone. Wouldn’t you 

agree with that? In the middle of last month 

and just for the school district’s 4th graders, 

it was time to get their turn to receive all 

the attention … just for them! Bussed in from 

all over, the Paso Robles Event Center was 

the perfect venue for this yearly event. Man, 

aren’t we lucky to have such a great place for 

so many things in town! 

No rocket science or advanced degree is 

needed to remind us every day that we are in an 

Agricultural area. Not just any old Agricultural 

area but one that covers the gamut of hundreds 

of acres of carrots to the world’s best wine. From 

every four-legged farm animal to winged fowl 

and furry things that hop — they’re here in 

Paso. From little tractors to massive harvesting 

machines; from the dairy at Cal Poly to horse 

events on a monthly basis at the Event Center 

… and list goes on. If you want Ag, it’s here and 

it isn’t hard to find. You might even be enjoying 

a locally produced red or white Ag beverage 

By Chuck Desmond 

as you read this. Sometimes I do that while I 

write these articles! Local FFA and 4H keep 

the spirit alive and in association with teachers 

and dedicated volunteers, they pass down our 

legacy and make Agriculture come alive. 

So there they were, all over the place; 

Emmett Dobreth learning how 

to rope from Ryan Philbrick of 

the Philbrick Ranch in Pozzo. 

Claire Johnson, 

Templeton, and her 

short horse, Punkin. 

4th graders by the hundreds … or so it seemed. 

They came in groups and each group stayed 

about an hour or so to get the feel of a few 

things Ag related. Teachers and their aides, 

volunteers and older students were on hand to 

provide a very interesting, productive, learning-experience 

kind of day for these youngsters. 

There were roping demonstrations, a 40s 

Farmall H tractor, honey displays and a 

really great relay race to “sorta demonstrate’’ 

how the worker bees take care of the queen. 

Naturally in the mix were were the worlds’ most 

expensive yard ornaments — horses! 

To all who volunteered and demonstrated, a 

big THANK YOU. It may not seem like a big 

deal but, it really is! 

Paso FFA members Audra Cole, 

MJ Solorino, Trew Mitchell in 

roping display area. 


Unique Boutiques & Great Gift Ideas 

Shop local this holiday season, and get what you need right here at home. Our Holiday Gift Guide businesses want to see you soon! 

815 12th St., Paso 

(805) 296 3833 

Chic Boutique for Babes and Babies Women’s & Baby Clothing, Jewelry, Home Decor 

f a r r o n e l i z a b e t h 

FINE JEWELRY 

5955 Entrada Ave. 

(805) 464-7977 

Atascadero, CA 93422 farronelizabeth.com 

1224 Pine Street, Paso Robles • (805)238-2231 

Hope 

Chest 

Emporium 

Old Ranch, 

Antique & 

Local Goods 

Finer Home Decor & Year Round Holidays 

831 13th Street, Paso Robles 805-369-2829 

Our community is filled with 

Unique Boutique shops with Great Gift Ideas. 

Our locally-owned shops are ready to make your holidays the best 

ever with hometown love and warmth. 

Read more about our Holiday Gift Guide shops on the next page. 

CONTEST: Collect a business card from each shop, take a picture of all 9 cards 

together by Nov. 20 and email to publisher@pasomagazine.com, or post to our 

Facebook Page for a chance to win a $200 Gift Card to the shop of your choice! 


Bijou on the Park — Paso Robles 

815 12th St. Paso Robles, CA 93446 

(805) 296-3833 • bijouonthepark.com 

• The woman who wants to look like herself 

and not the masses 

• Explore swoon-worthy clothing, ridiculously 

cute baby items and chic home accessories 

• Get lost in our store, soak in the beautifully 

curated merchandise 

• Mention this ad for 15% off one item! 

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10am - 6pm | Friday-Saturday 10am - 7pm 

Bella Jule — Paso Robles 

1224 Pine St, Paso Robles, CA 93446 

(805) 238-2231 • bellajule.com 

• Cutting edge software to design 

your special piece of jewelry 

• Use gems of your own or a piece with a 

Bella Jule Designs diamond or gemstone 

• Custom, tailored designs 

• Friendly, comfortable atmosphere 

• Stop by and meet the Bella Jule designers! 

Hours: Tu-Th 10am - 5:30pm | Fri 10am - 6pm | Sat 10am - 3pm 

Hope Chest Emporium — Atascadero 

5800 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422 

FB & Insta: @TheHopeChestEmporium 

(805) 440-9703 

• A unique blend of locally-made, restored 

or repurposed furniture, decor, candles, 

garden items, and so much more. 

• Items to use in your home and garden or 

give as a wonderful gift 

• New items arrive daily — come by anytime and browse! 

Hours: Open Daily from 10am - 5:30pm 

Sixteen Twenty — Paso Robles 

831 13th Street, Paso Robles, 93446 

(805) 369-2829 

(805) 610-1828 for a private shopping appt. 

Offering a trip through history with our 

finer home goods, gifts, decor, and yearround 

holidays. Come see our reproduction painted primitive 

furniture, vintage Christmas and much more! 

We even have a room dedicated to men! They deserve to have fun too! 

Hours: M-T-Th-F-Sat-Sun 10:30am - 5:30pm | Closed on Wednesday 

Thank you for shopping local, and enjoying our Unique Boutique 

shops with Great Gift Ideas Holiday Gift Guide. If you haven’t 

stopped in to say hi to new and longtime local business, please do 

and tell them PASO & COLONY Magazine sent you! 

Our locally-owned shops are ready to make your holidays the best 

ever with hometown love and warmth. 

CONTEST: Collect a business card from each shop, take 

a picture of all 9 cards together by Nov. 20 and email to 

publisher@pasomagazine.com, or post to our Facebook Page 

for a chance to win a $200 Gift Card to the shop of your choice! 

anna & mom — Atascadero 

5945 Entrada Ave. Atascadero, CA 93422 

(805) 464-2922 • annaandmom.com 

clothing & gifts for children & the people who love them. 

• Clothing & Accessories for women, girls, 

boys, baby & maternity 

• Home Accents 

• Toys & books & gifts 

• anna & mom offer something for everyone 

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am - 5pm | or by appointment 

Farron Elizabeth — Atascadero 

5955 Entrada Ave. Atascadero, CA 93422 

(805) 464-7977 • farronelizabeth.com 

• Fun women’s boutique located in the heart of 

Downtown Atascadero 

• Wide variety of clothing, jewelry & accessories 

• Well made products at an affordable price 

• Tons of new inventory every week 

• Come let one of our friendly staff members 

put together an entire outfit for under $100! 

Hours: M-Th 10:30am - 6pm | Fri 10:30am - 7pm | Sat. 11am - 6pm 

Funky Wonderland Vintage — Paso Robles 

829 10th Street, Paso Robles, California 93446 

(805) 369-2781 • funkywonderland.com 

Now open in Paso Robles, featuring a fun collection of vintage 

apparel, collectibles, Hollywood memorabilia and art! 

We love providing visitors with unique and fun items that they 

won’t find elsewhere. Come take a peek at our inventory, and 

a step back in time, and enjoy the obnoxious and alluring 

collection that is none other than Funky Wonderland Vintage. 

Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm | Sun 11am-5am | Closed Monday 

Holiday Craft Boutique — Templeton 

American Legion Hall 

805 S. Main St. Templeton, CA 93465 

• A fall classic for more than 30 years! 

• More than 25 handmade vendors 

• Knitters, crocheters, jewelry makers, 

soap and lotion makers, soy candle 

manufacturers, plus a craft-welder 

and fabric fabricator 

TempletonHolidayCraftBoutique@gmail.com 

Hours: Saturday, Nov. 3 — 9am - 5pm | Sunday, Nov. 4 — 10am - 3pm 

Park Street Gallery — Paso Robles 

1320 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 

(805) 286-4430 • parkstreetgallery.com 

• Paso Robles’ Finest Art Gallery 

• Featuring unique and one-of-a-kind gifts 

• Finely created by prominent Central 

Coast Artists 

• Join us for “Art After Dark” every first 

Saturday of the month from 6-9pm and meet the artists! 

Hours: Sun-Th 11am - 6pm | Fri -Sat Noon - 7pm | Closed Tuesday 

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Where are the 

Paso Robles Memorial Plaques 

for Those Who Gave All? 

his topic has been debated and discussed 

for a very long time. With some urging from 

local resident and history buff, Karl Von Dollen, 

we decided to use this important month of 

military recognition to bring the subject to you, 

the residents of El Paso De Robles and see if 

there is any more light that can be shed on the 

subject. At the same time, perhaps provide a 

slice of Paso history. 

Like all towns and cities across America, 

when war begins, patriots go off to serve. Men 

and women from our community gave their 

lives for the sake of protecting our freedom in 

all wars but here, I’ll focus primarily on WWII. 

Just as it always happened some gave all since 

Sept. 1, 1939, the day the war started, right to 

the very day you are reading this. WWII ended 

Sept. 2, 1945. So, wouldn’t you think that that 

there’d be a memorial-honor roll someplace 

here in town to eternally recognize them? Well, 

as a matter of fact there are several of them but 

two have been missing for about 50 years! 

Karl has spent scores of hours in putting together 

everything he could find on the subject. 

The earliest piece he found dates to November 

1943. With the war still ongoing and an end not 

yet in sight, the plan was to build a granite obelisk 

in City Park with the names of fallen soldiers 

on parchment and replace it with a permanent 

plaque after the war ended. That never happened. 

Over the next couple years, the emphasis was 

on improving the high school stadium which is 

now Flamson Middle School. In the Spring of 

1948, the Lions Club presented a flagpole and 

plaque to the school in memory of the fallen 

men and women. The stadium was named War 

Memorial Stadium in the same way that the old 

hospital, on the top of 15th Street, was named 

Paso Robles War Memorial Hospital. The pole and 

plaque at Flamson are long gone. Does anyone 

have any idea of what happened to them? 


Meanwhile, another plaque was presented to 

the High School by the students from the class 

of 1945 to memorialize students and staff specifically 

from the school who served and died 

in WWII. That plaque somehow found its way 

to Pioneer Museum and hangs in the Museum’s 

Military Display area. 

In May 1945, a 

Roll Of Honor was 

made and installed at 

the North entrance 

of City Park. Then, in 

1950, a nearby Pioneer 

Drinking Fountain 

was constructed. That 

Roll of Honor tribute 

which supposedly 

had as many as 1300 

names on it and the fountain seem to have 

stayed there until about 1967. The fountain was 

taken down and the Roll of Honor disappeared. 

There is no conclusive answer as to what the 

Roll of Honor actually was made of or, what 

happened to it. It’s reported to have been about 

a 4 x 8 foot sign or billboard with glass over it. 

There is a blurry newspaper photo still existing 

but nary a clue as to the Roll’s location or demise. 

Do you have any information about this one? 

In 1947, The Lions Club built yet another 

drinking fountain, The War Heroes Drinking 

Fountain on the Spring St side of City Park. It 

too had (and still does) have a plaque honoring 

the fallen. 

In 1967, a project was started by the Paso 

Robles Veterans Council to build a new monument 

in the park with a new plaque. That monument 

is gone too but the plaque was saved and 

now is at the bottom of the flagpole in front of 

The Carnegie Library (home of Paso’s Historical 

Society which contains the “paper trail” of 

Paso’s history). 

At Pioneer Museum, 

outside by 

the schoolhouse, 

is a flagpole and 

the entire 15- 

ton concrete base 

that were moved 

there by the Lions 

Service Club in 1977. It came from the War 

Memorial Hospital grounds. In its time, Hospital 

District was much larger than the city limits 

of Paso itself...perhaps reaching as far as Shandon! 

On the plaque, donated by the American 

Legion, are the names of fallen soldiers from the 

Hospital District. 

The Military is an important part of Paso’s 

history and remains a vibrant part of our local 

economy captained by Camp Roberts just up 

the highway. The museum at Camp Roberts 

is just phenomenal and under the direction of 

Gary McMaster, it is a destination you should 

absolutely put on your list of local things to 

see. The Camp Roberts Museum’s collection of 

artifacts begin with WWII and continues 

through all of America’s wars. The thousands 

of artifacts are so very interesting while being a 

constant reminder of the cost 

of wars. Pioneer Museum on 

Riverside has a unique 

collection of Paso-related 

and relevant military 

items. An entire display 

area is devoted to just 

those items. 

Okay gentle readers, I’ve covered a lot of 

years and subjects and just a wee bit of 

history. Perhaps it raised some questions or 

conversations with you. By our count, there are 

four remaining plaques and two missing ones. 

We’d love to have more information from you 

and certainly old artifacts, photos and press 

clippings that you’d care to share for all to to 

see … well, they are most welcome. Contact me 

or anyone at Pioneer Museum if you can help or 

share information. 

As a last personal thought, it seems past time 

to honor those who served and died in Korea, 

Viet Nam and the Middle East. 

(805) 550-9891 

snslaundromat@gmail.com 



CIVIL WAR 

ARTIFACTS 

In Paso? 


The American Civil War lasted 

four years and four weeks 

from 1861 to 1865. In that 

period, 655,000 soldiers were killed 

plus an additional 50,000 civilians 

and 80,000 slaves. While the War 

remains the most written about of 

all U.S. Wars, I’d guess that with 

each passing decade, it boils down 

to five well-known topics: Slavery, 

Lincoln, Booth, families torn apart, 

and a massive loss of life. 

It’s even difficult to enumerate 

which states were on which side. 

Recently I watched a comedian 

talking about her home-state of 

Missouri and she wasn’t even sure 

if Missouri (by way of its location) 

ever even entered the War. Records 

are getting murky — which brings 

me to El Paso de Robles. 

While not a student of the War, 

I suspect that few, if any from our 

area, went off to fight. It wasn’t until 

1867 that there was a stagecoach 

stop for mail here and in 1868, 

Hot Springs changed its name to 

El Paso de Robles. These events 

were 2-3 years after the war ended. 

There couldn’t have been more than 

a couple hundred people living in 

our berg during the Civil War. 

So, could there be local artifacts 

in Paso that came from the Civil 

War? How would they have gotten 

Pipe inscribed June 28, 1865 

here? Who would have 

brought them? Where 

are they? Great questions 

indeed, and I have 

a tiny sliver of an answer. 

I know where two are! 

In the October issue 

of your Paso Magazine, 

there was an article 

about the Central Coast 

Woodworkers. About 

eight years ago, they 

were given a donated 

wagon to rebuild. It was, 

for all practical purposes, 

an old farm wagon that 

was no longer needed 

and was donated to Pioneer 

Museum and Pioneer 

Day Committee. 

There wasn’t really any 

information about it as 

the donor just wanted to 

get rid of it. The woodworkers 

dug in and the first thing 

to do was get back to basic wood 

and see if it was any good. As they 

scraped away, the letters “US” began 

to appear across the front. With its 

rather unusual size and shape, research 

began and it didn’t take too 

long to realize that what they were 

working on was a Civil Way Troop 

Transport wagon! 

Military Transport Wagon 

With tall steel-rimed wheels and 

a not-so-deep box, it was perfect 

for carrying soldiers. On the two 

outside sides would have been 

angled trays that held backpacks, 

provisions and rifles. Where the 

wagon came from and how the 

heck it got to Paso … well, that’s a 

mystery, but the thing is beautifully 

preserved. 


Pioneer Museum recently received 

a donation of a tobacco-smoking 

pipe also from the Civil War. Made 

from Walnut, this pipe has about 

20 micro-inscriptions carved into it 

which represent various battles of the 

War that the carver, General Benjamin 

Davis, fought in. He was born 

in January 1806 and died in January 

1890. Flags, battle names and the 

date, June 28, 1865 (11 days after Lee 

surrendered) are among the tiny but 

visible carvings. It remained in the 

Davis family and was handed down 

one generation after another until it 

landed with Margie Danley in Paso. 

It was she who decided that there 

were so many generations back, she 

wasn’t clear how many “Grands” were 

in front of the word “father.” Not only 

that but she’s not sure which side he 

fought on or where he was from … 

maybe a relative of the comedian 

in Missouri? When she donated it, 

Margie said that it rightfully belonged 

where many could see it and 

it’s heritage. 

Anyway, I’m out of space but if 

you’d like to see these items, come on 

down to Pioneer Museum on Riverside 

Ave. On November 15 from 5 to 

7 p.m., there will be a larger tribute 

to local military men and women 

who served. Admission is free. 

Grieving? 

Know someone who is? 

When you are grieving a loved 

one’s death, the holiday season 

can be especially painful. Our 

Surviving the Holidays seminar 

helps participants prepare for 

the holidays and even discover 

hope for the future. 

www.griefshare.org/holidays 

Saturday, November 3 • 10am-Noon 

805-238-3702 x205 

Trinity Lutheran Church 

940 Creston Rd., Paso Robles 



Kevin Kennedy 

with A.M. Sun 

Solar panel 

Sun Solar, located 

at 410 Sher- 

A.M. wood Drive in 

Paso Robles, is among the top 

three fastest growing businesses 

in San Luis Obispo County. The 

company provides renewable energy 

design and installation for 

homes and businesses. 

“People always ask when the 

best time is to go solar,” said Director 

of Marketing Brian Potter. 

“The answer is 10 years ago, but 

the next best time is today because 

PG&E hasn’t lowered their rates 

on electricity. 

In fact, in May 2018, the California 

Energy Commission mandated, 

with few exceptions, that 

new all new homes built, starting 

in 2020, must be solar-outfitted." 

Residential 

and Commercial Use 

“Virtually all of our customers 

are residential, but we’re experiencing 

growth in commercial applications,” 

Brian said. “At Kennedy 

Club Fitness in Paso Robles, 

we installed 953 solar panels. 

Their investment is offsetting 

nearly 100 percent of their usage 

— that’s a 338.3-kilowatt project 

that produces nearly 520,000 

kWh a year to power their pool, 

A/C, and appliances.” 

The commercial trend is growing. 

Just across the street, Woodland 

Chevron on Niblick Road 

is also installing solar panels to 

power its gas station, mini-market 

and car wash. 

'Growing communities 

with the power of the sun' 

Everyone Can Benefit 

Brian emphasized that anyone 

can take part in a cleaner, more 

sustainable community. Renters 

can refer their landlords and 

property managers to find out if 

going solar will work for them. 

A.M. Sun Solar even offers $500 

to those who refer future clients. 

Another way to benefit 

is through a Kennedy Club 

Fitness membership. 

“We’re ‘growing communities 

with the power of the sun,’” Brian 

said. “That’s our mission. For Kennedy 

Club members, A.M. Sun 

Solar will pay 12 months of club 

membership fees for their clients 

who purchase a clean, renewable 

solar energy system. These are just 

some of the incentives we provide 

toward preserving the beauty of 

our Central Coast.” 

Service Above Sales 

“All solar companies essentially 


do the same thing,” Brian said. 

“Our difference is that we have a 

20 percent longer workmanship 

warranty, more dedicated service, 

and we’re highest rated for customer 

service. 

“We plan to be on the Central 

Coast for a long time and you’re 

not going to find better customer 

service throughout the Central 

Coast. Our dedicated staff helps 

our clients understand the solar 

process — and we stay in touch 

with them from start to finish and 

beyond,” Brian emphasized. “For 

those considering switching to solar, 

let’s talk and see if it’s a good 

fit; it doesn’t cost anything to get 

a quote. We love educating people 

and helping customers to get the 

right system. If solar isn’t the right 

option for their situation, we aren’t 

going to sell it to them!” 

Call 805-772-6786 or visit 

amsunsolar.com for more information. 




Dr. Mareeni Stanislaus, 

Integrative Wellness Center 


he beauty about close-knit 

communities is how they can 

be more conducive to cultivating 

relationships among people from 

all walks of life. Dr. Mareeni Stanislaus, 

MD, is among those in our 

Central Coast neighborhood who 

takes a personal, caring, and holistic 

approach to patients in her practice 

of obstetrics, gynecology and aesthetic 

medicine. 

“My goal is to provide women 

on the Central Coast with integrative 

wellness - a place where their 

reproductive health needs are met 

with state-of-the-art techniques, 

but where they can also take a 

break from their hectic lives with a 

therapeutic massage or facial or enjoy 

advanced aesthetics treatments 

not offered elsewhere in a 200-mile 

radius,” said Dr. Stanislaus. 

Dr. Stanislaus, one of the first 

female OB-GYNs on the Central 

Coast, earned dual undergrad 

degrees from Stanford University 

and attended medical school at 

UC San Diego before completing 

her internship and residency 

at University of Pennsylvania. She 

has hospital privileges throughout 

San Luis Obispo County, in Santa 

Maria, and in King City. 

I’ve invested in equipment, staff and extensive 

training so that I can offer a full array of treatments 

for every body part and every skin type. 

A relocation in 2017 to her own 

office in Suite 201 at 350 Posada 

Lane in Templeton allows Dr. 

Stanislaus to provide a full array of 

advanced services that complement 

her mission of providing quality 

healthcare. In addition to delivering 

babies and providing reproductive 

health, she offers state-of-the-art 

advances that address other gynecological 

issues in ways that minimize 

discomfort and facilitates patients 

with busy schedules. 

“As a female surgeon, I realized 

that many women cannot take the 

time to surgically correct their intimate 

concerns. Radio frequency and 

laser technologies have been a game 

changer. They offer solutions to gynecological 

health issues without 

job or income loss associated with 

recovery time,” said Dr. Stanislaus. 

“We offer laser, radio frequency, and 

injectable skin treatments including 

body sculpting, vaginal revitalization, 

hair removal, anti-aging and 

even tattoo removal for women (and 

men!) in every stage of life.” 

Another service that Dr. Stanislaus 

offers is a medical treatment 

Dr. Mareeni Stanislaus 

offers a complete 

array of OB-GYN 

and aesthetic services 

for her patients. 

that lightens unwanted pigment and 

stimulates new production of collagen 

and elastin to reveal brighter, 

younger looking skin. 

“I’ve invested in equipment, staff 

and extensive training so that I 

can offer a full array of treatments 

for every body part and every skin 


I’ve reached a point 

in my career where I’m 

delivering babies of babies 

I delivered when I first 

started practicing on 

the Central Coast. 

Happy Thanksgiving 

type. PicoSure technology is one 

example of this. It’s an innovative 

pressure wave technology that 

addresses skin problems without 

heat. This allows inclusivity for 

different ethnicities, as darker or 

tanned skin burns with other skin 

treatments,” said Dr. Stanislaus. 

Throughout 22 years of medical 

practice, a deep connection 

between Dr. Stanislaus and her 

patients is among what she finds 

most rewarding. 

“I’ve reached a point in my 

career where I’m delivering babies 

of babies I delivered when 

I first started practicing on the 

Central Coast,” said Dr. Stanislaus. 

“When women approach 

me at the fair and hug me for 

relieving their pain, I feel blessed 

to be so ingrained in this community 

I love.” 



Dr. Kaitilin Riley, DDS 

‘Big-city smiles with small-town comfort’ 

‘Chance favors only the 

mind which is prepared.’ 

Louis Pasteur 

hen Kaitilin Riley, DDS, 

worked as a Silicon Valley 

software engineer, the University 

of Pennsylvania grad discovered 

that something was missing in her 

tech-industry career. 

“I felt out of touch with people 

and their stories,” said Dr. Riley. “I 

missed working directly with people.” 

A sense of service and compassion 

and a naturally scientific 

mind is what drew her to the medical 

field. After much soul-searching, 

she wanted “to do something 

greater.” Dr. Riley returned to college, 

first at San Francisco State 

University and then University 

of the Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugo- 


ni School of Dentistry, where she 

was mentored by the Bay Area’s 

top practitioners. 

Dr. Riley opened her first practice 

in St. Helena. But when she 

later learned that longtime dentist 

and fellow Dugoni School alumnus 

Dr. E.J. Casper was seeking a 

successor to take over his practice 

in Paso Robles, she remembered 

“the physical beauty and warm and 

wonderful people” she had encountered 

as a teen on visits throughout 

San Luis Obispo County and 

made the move. 

“Louis Pasteur said, ‘Chance only 

favors the mind which is prepared.’ 

It was a coincidence that I sold my 

practice right when Dr. Casper 

needed to take a medical leave. A 

little luck plus a more matured self 

has helped me become ready for 

this time in my life,” said Dr. Riley. 

Photo by Dina Mande 

Dr. Kaitilin Riley, DDS 

“It was an incredibly smooth 

transition. Some of them have 

worked here for 20 years!” said Dr. 

Riley of her supportive staff. “I like 

working directly with people. My 

patients and I agree together their 

course of action because I support 

their autonomy.” 

Among her practice philosophies, 

Dr. Riley takes a conservative 

approach of taking no action until 

necessary to help maintain the natural 

integrity of her patients’ teeth. 

“We take into consideration 

many factors that affect teeth,” 

said Dr. Riley. They include overall 

health, medications, wear patterns, 

dental surgery, bleaching (better 

than abrasives), and more.” Wine, 

sodas, and even the acidity found 

in some brands of bottled water 

can soften receding root structures, 

which are more delicate than superficial 

enamel surfaces. Re-mineralizing 

teeth and empowering 

her patients with improved hygiene 

techniques, she said, can help 

offset some of these effects. 

Dr. Riley’s continuing professional 

education and networking 

with her colleagues help both her 

staff and patients stay current of 

the latest dental advances, “even 

if that means referring patients to 

peers who specialize in an area of 

expertise,” she said. 

“Minimally invasive dentistry 

and patient education is the best 

prevention for future problems,” 

said Dr. Riley. “My mission is to 

help patients attain their best oral 

health possible.” 

Dr. Kaitlin Riley, DDS, is located at 

336 12th Street in Paso Robles. 

Call 805-238-3880 or visit 

kkrdds.com for more information. 

Caring for Pets and their People! 

Dr. Ann, Debbie, Dr. Bob, Dr. Carol, Dr. Allyson, 

Michelle, Nancy, Marie, Ryan, Kelli, Emma, Lynsey and Allison 

820 6th Street / Paso Robles / Next to the Post Office 


LOCAL GOODS REPORT 

from General Store Paso Robles 

Unplug for a 

Calmer and More 

Joyful Holiday 

For some of us, the holidays are just popcorn 

balls of joy. For others, they’re stress and 

too many obligations and things to check off 

the list. We plan all year to make the holidays, 

well, fun for our customers. We make special playlists, design our own 

Joy Paso tea towels, and taste chocolate and mixers and malt balls and 

cider. (We know. It’s hard.) We firmly believe that the holidays do not 

have to be full of angst and rushing. We’d love to get you through the 

season with a little more peace and a slightly slower pace. 

DO A PUZZLE Working on jigsaw puzzles can me more like meditation, 

bringing calmness and peace of mind. They work both sides of 

your brain, making your memory sharper. We’ve got puzzles from half 

a dozen different companies…. from Piatnik, who’s been making cards 

and puzzles since the 1700s to Eeboo, a woman-owned company we 

love working with. They use super bright colors and patterns that 

appeal to kids and grown-ups alike. 

“We’d love to get you through the season with a little 

more peace and a slightly slower pace.” 

TOAST & TEA Morning Glory Farms’ Spiced Persimmon may be 

their very best jam ever. Spread it on toast with a sip of tea for an 

afternoon pick-me-up. We also carry Tea Drops, organic pressed teas 

that dissolve in your cup without the need of a tea bag and producing 

20% less waste! Makes a good cup of tea at work or school a cinch. 

LET US WRAP IT We offer gift wrapping at General Store when you 

buy the gift from us. Whether it’s a gift basket or a bag with one of our 

custom stickers and ribbon, it’s one less thing you have to do! 

BLISS OUT Dop a Life Elements Bliss Ball into a bath and turn it 

into your own personal masseuse. Skin-softening and aromatic, a 20 

minute soak soothes sore muscles, aches and pains. 

We’re open 7 days a week at General Store. We’re biased, but we 

think we are a lot more fun than just clicking on a website.. 

We’ve got this Paso! We are so thankful for this community! 

- The Team at General Store and Notable Goods. 

805-238-4144 

Weekdays 7am - 6pm, Weekends 7am - 3pm 


OAK LEAF | COMMUNITY 

his holiday season, may we all take time 

to remember those among us seeking 

help, understanding, and compassion in their 

time of need. Whether you need help, or you 

want to volunteer to help others, opportunities 

are plentiful in our community. 

Thanksgiving for Paso Robles 

2018 

By Meagan Friberg 

Free transportation to the event or delivery 

of meals is available. Call David Kudija 805- 

239-4137 and leave a clear message including 

phone number, or send an e-mail to Tg4Paso 

@gmail.com no later than November 15 to 

make arrangements. 

“When we give cheerfully and accept 

gratefully, everyone is blessed.” 

Maya Angelou 

Day of Giving 

The 24th annual Day of Giving 

happens at the Paso Robles Event 

Center on Saturday, December 15. This event 

provides toys, coats, and a holiday meal to 500- 

600 local families with approximately 1,500 

children from Paso Robles, San Miguel, Bradley, 

Shandon, and Heritage Ranch. 

Donations of nearly $50,000 in cash, toys, and 

food, along with nearly 10,000 volunteer hours, 

make this possible. Partnering together, the Toy 

Bank of Greater Paso Robles, Coats for Kids, 

Salvation Army, and the community at large ensure 

a happy holiday season for local families. 

All families MUST pre-register! Bring identification, 

proof of income and residence, and 

birth certificate for each child up to age 16. 

Register at Plymouth Congregational Church, 

1301 Oak St. in Paso Robles: 3-7 p.m. on Nov. 

14, 15, 16, 29, 30 or from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 

Nov. 17. Additional registration opportunities: 

Lillian Larson School in San Miguel, 3-7 p.m. 

on Nov. 13. Shandon Middle School on Nov. 20 

from 3-7 p.m. 

WANT TO HELP? 

The 34th annual Thanksgiving for 

Paso Robles brings the community together 

as a family to enjoy a traditional 

meal on Thanksgiving Day, November 22. The 

free feast, prepared by volunteers and made possible 

by donations, will be served from noon to 

2 p.m. at the Centennial Park Activity Center, 

located at 600 Nickerson Drive. 

Savor all of the traditional fixings — ovenroasted 

turkey, country ham, mashed potatoes 

• Send tax-deductible monetary donations 

to: Thanksgiving for Paso Robles, 

P.O. Box 662, Paso Robles, CA 93447. This 

event thrives year after year thanks to the generous 

donations of community members! 

• Volunteer! Volunteers are needed two days 

prior to and the day of the event — volunteers 

MUST pre-register; no walk-in volunteers 

please and ages 13 years or older only; must 

be 16 years or older to work in the kitchen. 

and gravy, candied yams, green beans, Click the “volunteer” button at thanksgiving 

cranberry sauce, pies and more. Meals will be 

plated up and served to guests seated at decorated 

tables. 

forpasorobles.com for a list of opportunities; 

email tg4paso@gmail, or call 805-239-4137 

before November 9. 

Please see NEIGHBORS page 44 


Hearingsolutions4u.com 

Hear what people are 

saying... 

Excellent service and fantastic caring people. Wonderful 

experience. 

Pam D. 

Sandy is awesome in meeting the needs of her clients! Her 

expertise is invaluable and when coupled with her kindness and 

insight, really brings the best possible result for those who 

experience challenges in hearing. 

Lorraine J. 

Sandra Souza, BC-HIS, ACA 

Ashley Cansler, HIS 

1704 Spring St., Suite101 • Paso Robles • 805-237-8000 

3830-5 Broad St., • San Luis Obispo • 805-547-9500 

SERVICING: NuEar • Widex • Starkey • Phonak • Resound • Oticon • Beltone 


OAK LEAF | COMMUNITY 

NEIGHBORS from page 42 

WANT TO HELP? 

• Click on the “donations” link at prtoybank.com 

for a list of Toy Bank donation 

box locations. Place new, unwrapped toys and 

art supplies for infants and children through age 

12 in the boxes. Send tax-deductible monetary 

donations to: Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles, 

P.O. Box 2801, Paso Robles, CA 93447; include 

memo “Day of Giving.” 

• Coats, jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts are 

collected to distribute on the Day of Giving. 

Take gently-used coats to Plaza Cleaners in the 

Albertson’s Shopping Center or Paso Robles 

Cleaners on 13th Street. Take new and clean 

coats to KPRL, Idler’s, Farm Supply, Strawberry 

Blonde Salon, El Paso Self Storage, The Blenders, 

and North County Copy & Parcel. Or send a 

check payable to the Toy Bank, memo “Coats for 

Kids”, to the Toy Bank address above. For info, 

call Barbie Butz at 805-461-1234. 

• Click on the “volunteer” button at prtoybank. 

com to help register recipient families or assist 

with the preparation of rooms for Day of Giving. 

• Help purchase gift cards for teens (ages 13-16) 

by sending monetary donations to the Salvation 

Army, P.O. Box 2654, Paso Robles, CA 93447; 

include memo “Day of Giving.” Extra funds allow 

for the purchase of food gift cards that allow 

families to enjoy a holiday meal. 

Ring Those Bells 

The Salvation Army’s holiday kettle 

campaign generates funds to carry the organization 

through the entire fiscal year. With additional 

costs for the Day of Giving, and continued 

assistance with utility bills, food distribution, 

and other services to local families, there is a dire 

need for donations. 

The Salvation Army also creates toy-giving 

opportunities for families NOT participating 

in the Day of Giving with its Angel Tree, Toy 

Shop, and Emergency Toy Giveaway. Want to 

help with donations of toys, become an “angel,” 

or need assistance? Call 805-238-9591 or stop 

by the Salvation Army Center at 711 Paso Robles 

St. Tuesday or Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

WANT TO HELP? 

• Be a Bell Ringer! Individuals, families, and 

groups are needed to help ring bells and collect 

funds at kettles in four separate Paso Robles locations 

Nov. 19 to Dec. 23. Volunteer for two-hour 

shifts; call 805-975-5632 to schedule a time slot. 

• Place donations in the paper kettles at check-out 

lines in Food-4-Less or send a monetary donation 

to P.O. Box 2654, Paso Robles, CA 93447. 

Music for the Soul 

The 9th annual Music for the Soul fundraiser 

brings classical pianist Corey Jordan to Studios 

on the Park, 1130 Pine St., on Sunday, Nov. 11 

from 5 to 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit ECHO Shelter 

and St. James Episcopal Church Outreach. 

A wine and hors d’oeuvres hour kicks off the 

evening and, following the concert, optional 

multi-course dinners at Il Cortile, Catch Seafood 

Bar & Grill or Paso Terra are available. 

The $125 all-inclusive ticket includes concert, 

meal, and wine pairings; tax and gratuity not 

included. Tickets are $50 for the concert only. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, 

contact St. James Church at 805-238-0819 or 

Pacifica Realty at 805-237-4040. 

Donate to Loaves and Fishes 

Help feed those in need locally 

by sending monetary donations to Loaves 

and Fishes, P.O. Box 1720, Paso Robles CA 

93447 or via the PayPal link at loavesandfishespaso.org. 

Bring commercially produced 

and sealed food donations or fresh produce 

from your garden to the back-alley entrance 

of 2650 Spring St. (entrance through 

26th Street) from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday, 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or 5:30- 

7 p.m. on Thursday only; phone 805-238-4742. 

“Unless someone like you cares a 

whole awful lot, nothing is going 

to get better. It’s not.” ~ Dr. Seuss 

From all of us at PASO Magazine, 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 


THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE 

NUTRITION CENTER 

FEELING THE BURN? 

Are you suffering from heartburn and reaching 

for an over-the-counter antacid or prescription 

acid blocker on a daily basis? Gastroesophageal 

reflux disease (GERD), otherwise 

known as heartburn, is typically treated with 

a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors 

(PPIs) or over-the-counter medications known 

as “antacids.” So, what’s wrong with that? 

Too little stomach acid? It is reported that over 90 percent of people 

with “acid indigestion” are not making too much stomach acid but too 

little stomach acid, i.e. hypochlorhydria. Symptoms include bloating, 

belching, gas, indigestion, diarrhea or constipation. Not pleasant! Stomach 

acid not only plays a critical role in digestion but also helps to protect 

you from food poisoning, H. pylori and many other infections. In addition, 

in a Dutch study of more than 300,000 patients, it was found that 

users of heartburn and ulcer drugs such as Nexium, Pepcid and Prilosec 

faced almost double the risk of developing pneumonia after nearly three 

years of use. As stomach acid (HCL) is needed to not only break down 

proteins, but also absorb nutrients (especially calcium, iron, zinc, B12), 

taking PPIs long-term is linked to osteoporosis, anemia, increased risk 

of fracture, kidney problems and dementia. A study published in JAMA 

Neurology reported that the reduction of B12 caused by these drugs 

leaves the brain vulnerable to damage. 

A Better Way: Enhance digestion, don’t disable it! If you suffer from 

occasional heartburn and acid indigestion, I would first advise discussing 

this with your healthcare professional. If digestive enzymes are recommended, 

let us help you choose a formula that is best suited for you. 

Herbs such as marshmallow (not the candy), slippery elm and aloe have 

soothing properties, while either plant-based enzymes or HCL may assist 

with the efficient digestion of protein, fats and carbohydrates. Support 

the body’s natural processes rather than suppress enzyme activity. Your 

gut will thank you for it! 

An 80-year-old customer of ours was suffering from acid indigestion 

and refusing to take PPIs, knowing the side effects. After discussing her 

dilemma with Nick (favorite team member) she chose Acid Ease and 

DGL to support her digestion. She returned four days later to give Nick 

a big hug and thank him as her digestive problems completely resolved! 

Stop by The Natural Alternative and let our friendly staff assist you in 

finding the right digestive support for you. Find out “what better feels like!” 

Bobbi Conner, CNC, ACN, MH 

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. 

PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER IF HEALTH CHALLENGES EXIST. 


OAK LEAF 

| EDUCATION 

Serving The Educational Community 

James J. Brescia Ed.D 

SLO County 

Office of Education 

Superintendent 

San Luis Obispo County 

school districts and Cuesta 

College recently celebrated 

the success of many talented 

educators and support staff at the 

Fall Employee of the Year Gala. 

Central Coast schools employ a 

well-trained, dedicated and inspiring 

educational workforce. 

With all of the challenges our 

educational organizations face, 

opportunity and promise still 

abound in our local schools. Celebrations 

such as our “Employees 

of the Year,” serve as brief 

moments to acknowledge how 

valuable our employees are, and 

how they impact generations of 

students. We invite you to view 

these celebrations at the San Luis 

Obispo County Office of Education 

YouTube site or the two 

COE-TV channels (Charter 2 

and 19) that provide educational 

public access programming. 

Almost all of us have experienced 

first-hand the transformative 

power of effective school 

employees. Over my 30-plus 

years serving in the field, I have 

encountered many exceptional 

teaching and non-teaching 

school employees. These support 

staff members and educators 

possess a passion 

for their service and 

demonstrate genuine 

care for the students 

in their charge. 

Dedicated professionals 

inspire us to 

explore ideas, think 

deeply, accept the 

challenge, and embrace 

rigor. Hollywood 

films portray 

some of our colleagues such as 

Anne Sullivan, Jaime Escalante, 

and Erin Gruwell on a grand 

scale of the big screen. However, 

thousands of our support staff 

and faculty are truly unsung heroes 

who faithfully serve on a 

daily basis. I encourage everyone 

reading this article to take time 

and thank those who serve the 

35,000 students enrolled in our 

schools throughout San Luis 

Obispo County. 

Educators can bring about 

extraordinary transformation in 

our society. Educators are role 

models; their actions convey 

more than mere words, and our 

students learn from all of those in 

the educational community. Everyone 

who works in our schools 

can positively contribute to the 

lives of our students, especially in 

their formative years. 

Previous generations viewed 

educators as dispensers of information 

to the empty vessels 

who walked the school hallways. 

Today’s teachers, custodians, bus 

drivers, clerks, administrators, 

assistants, and all other educational 

employees hold immense 

potential in their hands to bring 

about positive change in our society 

by demonstrating a duty of 

care. Join me in celebrating these 

wonderful individuals who embody 

the essential elements of 

educational excellence. 


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Call (805)469-5609 for Tickets! 

:: SPONSORS :: 

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INCLUDES ONE 

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featuring 

Story and photos by Meagan Friberg 

:: GUEST LIST :: 

Meagan Friberg 

PASO Magazine Writer 

Nic Mattson 

PASO Magazine Publisher 

Hayley Mattson 

PASO Magazine Publisher 

:: SPECIAL GUESTS :: 

Larry Eastwood 

Vic’s Café Owner 

David Kudija 


board member 

Elizabeth Schumann 


board member 

T 

he choice for our entrée meal 

this month was unanimous… 

Vic’s Café for a hearty breakfast 

with Owner Larry Eastwood. Two 

of Paso’s finest citizens – David 

Kudija and Elizabeth Schumann, 

board members of Thanksgiving for 

Paso Robles – joined us. 

Hayley and Nic Mattson, Elizabeth 

Schumann, Larry Eastman, David 

Kudija and Meagan Friberg 

The conversation flowed easily as 

we chatted about all things Paso Robles, 

including the many volunteers 

and community members dedicated 

to making the many events in our 

town possible year after year. 

One of those events – Thanksgiving 

for Paso Robles – takes place 

this year on Nov. 22. David, the 

current board chairman, has been 

involved with the event for 25 years. 

Elizabeth serves as secretary for the 

non-profit, and has been helping 

with the annual event since 2004. 

Larry and his crew prepared 

hearty portions of breakfast 

offerings for us, and everything 

about our time together 

– from the food to the company – 

was a fabulous start to our day! 

Meagan’s Favorite: California 

Omelet – three eggs, tomato, black 

olives, bacon, cheddar cheese, topped 

with sour cream and guacamole. 

Served with hash browns or home 

fries, and choice of toast, biscuit, or 

homemade muffins. I requested avocado 

and substituted seasonal fruit 

instead of potatoes. “I love omelets 

and this has a delicious blend of ingredients. 

It’s packed with flavor and 

way too big for me to eat alone – hello, 

take-home container! The fresh fruit is 

a perfect balance to the omelet. This is 

truly one of the most satisfying breakfasts 

I’ve had in years!” 

David’s Favorite: Chili Relleno 

Omelet – three eggs, Ortega chiles, 

green onions, enchilada sauce, 

and Monterey Jack cheese. Served 

with hash browns or home fries, and 

choice of toast, biscuit, or homemade 

muffins. “One of my favorite Mexican 

dishes is a Chili Relleno. I have never 

had it as an omelet so I was intrigued. 

It’s very tasty, not too spicy, yet it has a 

zing to it and is quite satisfying.” 

Hayley’s Favorite: Breakfast 

Burrito – scrambled eggs, cheddar 

cheese, onions, hash browns, choice 

of ham, bacon, sausage or chorizo. 

Hayley opted for a no-meat version, 

and requested avocado. “The tortillas 

are what makes a breakfast burrito 

for me and these are really fresh. The 

potatoes are a nice addition, the avocado 

added flavor, and the salsa really 

hit the spot. Very, very good!” 

Elizabeth’s Favorite: Egg Vic 

Muffin – grilled English Muffin, 

one egg, American cheese, choice 

of bacon, ham or sausage. Served 

with hash browns or home fries. 

Elizabeth substituted seasonal fruit 

instead of potatoes. “This was prepared 

perfectly; the egg was cooked just 

the way I like it – all the way done. 

It is very tasty with ham, and I was 

being health conscious by requesting 

fruit. Everything is wonderful!” 

Nic’s Favorite: Everything! Nic 

decided on a variety of breakfast 

offerings – the Cinnamon Swirl 

French Toast, Two Eggs Scrambled, 

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait. “I love a 

big breakfast to start my day and I like 

variety. The French toast is perfectly- 

prepared and the cinnamon gives a special 

punch. The eggs are fresh and delicious, 

and the yogurt and fruit parfait 

satisfies my sweet yet healthy cravings. 

I can’t wait to come back!” 

And the Vic’s Cafe coffee – perfect! 

Elizabeth said, “As a black coffee 

drinker, I prefer a softer roast. Vic’s coffee 

is really good; a nice soft roast with a lot 

of flavor.” We agree! 

The motto of Homestyle Meals Done 

Right says it all – Vic’s Café has been 

serving quality food to the Paso Robles 

community since 1942. Featuring 

classic home-style cooking, the crew 

strives to make every guest feel like 

family. The successful eatery, previously 

owned by Vic Buckley, was sold to 

Larry and Jan Eastwood in 1973. 

Larry started in the food business 

while still in high school. A 1961 

graduate of Paso High, he attended 

Alan Hancock College before 

transferring to culinary school in 

Phoenix. After being drafted into 

the U.S. Army during the Vietnam 

War era, he made his way back into 

the restaurant business. 

What, according to Larry, makes 

Vic’s a success? “The staff and the 

food,” he said. “We are a down-home 

restaurant and are cordial to everyone.” 

Larry pointed to Vic’s dedicated 

and hard-working staff as the secret to 

the restaurant’s longevity; many have 

been part of the crew for decades. “I 

am the main chef, and my wife Jan 

makes the pies and baked goods. Everyone 

helps out, from our line cooks 

to our servers and dishwashers, and 

makes this a special place.” 

And the secret to the food at Vic’s 

Cafe? “Keep it simple,” Larry said. 

Our special thanks to Larry and 

our server, Hope, and the entire 

team at Vic’s Café! 

Stop by and see Larry and the 

team at Vic’s Cafe 

and tell them you saw their story 

in PASO Magazine! 

841 13 th St. in Paso Robles 

805-238-3988 


805-238-5554 

Locally Owned Since 1974 

538 12 TH St. 

PASO ROBLES 

blenders2@sbcglobal.net 


Cinnamon 


CELEBRATING 


By Lori Foster of Spice of Life 

What gets us more in the mood for 

fall and awakens our senses? Think 

warm, sweet flavors dancing on our 

tongue, soothing aroma floating through the air, 

memories of friends and family gatherings. No 

other spice says fall than the rich and captivating 

appearance of cinnamon. 

Cinnamon can be as simple or complex as you 

want it to be, and can be by our side whichever 

direction we choose. Keeping traditions alive 

through our foods, cinnamon stands high on 

the list of spices our ancestors used. From sweet 

desserts to savory dishes, adaptable in all sorts 

of global cuisines from Peruvian to Moroccan, 

curries to apple pie. Cinnamon has played a role 

in our everyday lives and has become our friend 

of comfort and adventure. Let’s discover more 

about this exciting and powerful aromatic! 

The history of cinnamon is almost as rich as 

its taste, reaching as far back as biblical times 

and traveled many routes along the spice trade. 

Various species of cinnamon have been intermingled 

throughout history and confusion has 

followed this exotic spice. Even today the name 

“cinnamon” refers to several different varieties 

with much hesitation on which one to choose. 

Cinnamon (cinnamomum verum) is indigenous 

to Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) 

and is the inner bark of an evergreen tree in the 

Laurel family. “True Cinnamon”, Ceylon cinnamon, 

exposes its sweet, woody aroma with a 

smooth and delicate flavor, yet intense. “Saigon” 

cinnamon, grown in Vietnam, is rich in volatile 

oils and is a close relative to Ceylon cinnamon. 

It has a more pronounced and complex flavor. 

“Cassia”, often referred to as cinnamon, is in 

the same family but offers a much more pungent 

and astringent edge compared to Ceylon 

cinnamon. Cinnamon sticks, also called quills, 

are typically Cassia and are thicker and more 

difficult to grind than the thinner Saigon chips 

or sticks. Depending on what flavor profile you 

are looking for and how you are using it can help 

decide which variety you choose. Which one you 

use is simply a matter of personal preference. 

Now let’s have some fun! Bananas fried in 

butter and flavored with cinnamon, baked 

apples dusted with cinnamon, mulled wine 

infused with cinnamon and orange, hot chocolate 

layered with chili and cinnamon, eggnog 

commingling with nutmeg and cinnamon, 

adventurous Indian curries, Moroccan tagine 

lamb and chicken dishes. I could go on and on. 

I’m sure you have your treasured recipes or 

new creations that have delighted your taste 

buds. 

A few companion spices that compliment cinnamon 

include clove, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, 

vanilla, mace, turmeric, tamarind, star anise, 

cardamom, chili, coriander, cumin. The combinations 

are endless and there are plenty of 

opportunities to play around with and explore. 

What would chai tea be without the intimate 

relationship with cinnamon. Ginger, black 

pepper, allspice, cardamom, clove and black 

tea are some of the typical spices blended with 

cinnamon to create classic chai with lots of wiggle 

room for variations. 

Storing spices correctly and choosing the best 

quality herbs is paramount to the end results. It 

can be the defining moment where your meal 

will be remembered or forgotten. The best way 

to store spices is in airtight glass jars and kept 

away from heat and moisture. 

Be careful not to shake your spice jar over a 

pot where the steam will works its way into the 

jar or storing your spices next to a hot stove or 

oven. Typically ground spices last one year and 

whole spices 3-5 years. Some prefer to store their 

spices in the refrigerator or freezer. I would just 

caution to be careful of condensation that can 

build up because of temperature change bringing 

them in and out when using. 

Being mindful of the quality you choose plays 

a big part in the flavors as well as your health. 

Look for the freshest spices possible, vibrant 

in taste and color and should be free of added 

ingredients such as anti-caking agents and 

preservatives. Choose spices and herbs that are 

“non-irradiated”. This is where the spices have 

gone through a process of ionized radiation in 

order to increase the shelf life and kill possible 

bacteria on the spices. 

Research has shown that not only is cinnamon 

a powerhouse for flavor but the health 

benefits are worthy of attention. This warming 

spice may be useful in treating digestive issues, 

help fight colds and flu, high blood pressure, 

relieve nausea, stimulate appetite, and boost 

our immune system. The nutritional profile of 

cinnamon contains essential oils, tannins, coumarin, 

calcium, iron and vitamin K. Those with 

arthritis may benefit from its anti inflammatory 

properties as well. 

Cinnamon has been woven into our daily lives 

and has captivated our senses. It is one of the 

most commonly used spices today yet so much 

curiosity and wonder surrounds its personality. 

I encourage you to become close friends with 

this fascinating ingredient, think outside the box 

in your kitchen, and most of all, have fun creating 

recipes that will give birth to new holiday 

memories. 

Lori is a spice purveyor and owns Spice of Life in 

downtown Paso Robles. Exploring spices, herbs and 

teas has been a long time passion. 


434-2828 

C h a r les C h alek s o n , M D 

Board Certi ed, American Board of Plastic Surgery 

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons 

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1310 Las Tablas Road Suite 202 • Templeton 


EVENTS 

Special Events 

November 2 — Open to Interpretation, the Opening Reception for a Collaborative 

Art Show with Page Graeber and Janice Pluma. Held at 3:30-5:00 

p.m. at Castoro Cellars Winery, 1315 North Bethel Road, Templeton. This is an 

Abstract and Contemporary Art Exhibition that continues through Nov. 30. Call 

888-DAM-FINE for information. 

November 3 — Autumn Wine Stroll with Downtown Paso Robles Wineries. 

Sip and nibble gourmet goodies at 18 different tasting rooms, all within walking 

distance. Enjoy award-winning wines paired with gourmet bites and open-arm 

hospitality. For tickets, visit travelpaso.com. Starts at 6 p.m. 

November 10 — The Charles Paddock Zoo invites all Active Duty Armed 

Forces men, women and their immediate families (spouses and children) to 

receive free admission to the Zoo. Please bring your valid military ID. We are 

grateful for this opportunity to say ‘THANK YOU’ to the men and women serving 

here and abroad! 

November 11 — Veterans Day Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at the Atascadero 

Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial to honor those who served their country 

past and present. The Veterans Memorial Foundation will be hosting the ceremony. 

Music and a community BBQ hosted by Kiwanis will follow the ceremony. 

November 17 — Fourth Annual Taco Day on Traffic Way takes place from 

1 to 4 p.m. on Traffic Way in downtown Atascadero. This family friendly event 

will have tickets available soon. Go to visitatascadero.com for more information. 

November 23 — Holiday Craft Bazaar features arts, crafts and handmade 

goods from local vendors. Located in Paso Robles Downtown City Park at 10 

a.m. will help you get in the holiday spirit. Admission is free. 

November 23 — The Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony will illuminate 

the way to this year’s holiday festivities in City Park in Paso Robles at 5:30 p.m. 

Mrs. Claus will arrive and light the downtown, inviting all to share in the holiday 

joy. Free admission for all will include live music, speeches, candlelight caroling, 

free cookies and hot chocolate. 

November 30 — The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce invites you to 

join the annual “Light Up the Downtown” in Atascadero. From 5 to 8 p.m., this 

family friendly event is open to the public. Invite your family and friends to join 

on a tour of the Historic City Hall and meet Santa. 

December 1— The Atascadero Lake Neighborhood Association invites you 

to enjoy he annual Musical Holiday Walk Around the Lake from 5:30 to 9:30 

p.m. The evening will be filled with musical groups, carolers, Santa, community 

singing holiday decorations and more. 

December 1 — The 57th Holiday Light Parade starts at 7 p.m. in Downtown 

Paso Robles. This year’s theme of “Cowboy Christmas” will get you in the holiday 

spirit with an illuminated parade featuring an array of light spectacles from local 

businesses with special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. 

December 7 — Atascadero’s Winter Wonderland is back from 5 to 9 p.m. 

at Sunken Gardens. The entire downtown will be transformed into a magical 

winter landscape for all ages to enjoy, featuring a massive snow slide, snow play 

areas, rock climbing wall, bounce houses, Joe’s Little Train, Santa and Mrs. Claus! 

December 8 — The 32nd Annual Vine Street Victorian Showcase invites you 

to bring the whole family for this community Christmas tradition. This event takes 

place on Vine Street in Paso Robles between 8th and 21st Street from 6 to 9 p.m. 

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By Meagan Friberg 

The 34th annual Thanksgiving for Paso Robles 

will happen on Thursday, Nov. 22 from 

noon to 2 p.m. More than 225 volunteers expect 

to serve about 1,000 people in our community 

a free, traditional Thanksgiving meal. 

The event will once again take place at the 

Centennial Park Activity Center, located at 

600 Nickerson Drive. 

“Our event is not solely for people with a 

financial need,” Board Chairman David Kudija 

said. “Thanksgiving for Paso Robles is also 

for those who have a social need and want 

to gather with others. Our goal is to make everyone 

feel welcome; all are invited, no questions 

asked.” 

Enjoy oven-roasted turkey, country ham, 

mashed potatoes and gravy, candied yams, 

green beans, cranberry sauce, pies, and more. 

For those dining in, meals will be plated up 

and served to guests at decorated tables. Takeout 

and delivery options are available; see sidebar. 

“Many volunteers love being waiters,” Board 

Secretary Elizabeth Schumann said. “Everything 

and everyone is in place to ensure this is 

a nice, sit-down restaurant experience.” 

Stepping Up to Help 

Kudija has been involved with the event for 

25 years and Schumann has volunteered with 

the non-profit since 2004. Additional board 

members include Larry Schiffer, Jim Utter, and 

Jennifer Bravo, along with steering committee 

members Dale Gustin, Brian Stein, Josh Messina, 

and Rachel and Chip Tamagni. 

One job families with small children enjoy 

is delivering meals. That’s how Kudija first got 

involved. 

“Years ago, I would carve turkeys and my 

wife Karen would take our kids with her to 

deliver meals,” he said. “It was fulfilling, so we 

keep coming back.” 

More about the Event 

Kudija shared some background on Thanksgiving 

for Paso Robles: “Mildred Wilkins and 

her husband started this event for the community. 

She brought her pots and pans, and her 

management theory was ‘The Lord will provide!’ 

Community members would bring their 

barbecue grills and start cooking at 4 a.m. More 

people would walk in with cooked turkeys, pies, 

all of the trimmings – just as Mildred expected. 

When she decided to retire, she appealed to the 

community for someone to take over. Two ladies 

who were in town less than one year agreed 

to help – Linda Stermer and Rhonda Evans. 

Rhonda continued for three years, Linda for 10. 

Linda continues to donate to the cause in other 

ways and is one of our greatest supporters.” 

Now held at Centennial Park, the Recreation 

Department of Paso Robles donates the use of 

the facilities, according to Schumann. 

Additional community donations make the 

day special – Jack Creek Farms supplies pumpkins 

and corn stalks for decorations, men from 

Second Baptist Church dress up to serve as 

maître d’s, Cider Creek Bakery supplies food 

and breakfast items to volunteers, and the Diva 

Dog Lady and Girl Scouts feed volunteers 

during prep days. 

“These are just a few – many people step 

up to contribute,” Schumann said. “It’s a true 

community event. Serving a meal to those in 

need is only half of our mission; volunteer opportunities 

are another way of helping people.” 

In order to be a success year after year, 

Thanksgiving for Paso Robles takes months of 

planning, fundraising, and days of preparation. 

“On Tuesday, volunteers sterilize the entire 

kitchen, and families paint banners and thankyou 

signs,” Schumann said. “Wednesday is all 

about prepping – setting up tables, linens, and 

decorations, pre-cooking; some of this is done 

at the Culinary Arts Academy. Thursday is go 

time! Volunteers are in the kitchen early preparing 

food – everything you’d expect as we 

get ready for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner 

cooked up by Chef Brian Stein.” 

Perhaps Schumann sums the annual Thanksgiving 

event up best: 

“Thanksgiving is about being with people. 

We invite everyone to join us.” 

THANKSGIVING FOR PASO ROBLES 

Need assistance? 

Free transportation to and from event 

Free delivery of meals 

• Call 805-239-4137no later than Nov. 15 

• Leave a clear message with phone number 

• Email Tg4Paso@gmail.com 

• Delivery also available to Templeton and 

Atascadero 


EVENTS 

100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY 

Armistice Day 

A PASO MAGAZINE VETERAN'S DAY SALUTE 

Veteran’s Day Services to take place Sunday, November 11 

On the 11th hour of the 

11th day of the 11th 

month — one hundred 

years ago — World War 

I ended with an armistice signing 

between the Allies and Germany. 

It was 20 years later, May 13, 1938, 

that November 11 was anointed as 

Armistice Day and proclaimed as 

“a day to be dedicated to the cause 

of world peace.” 

This November, we remember 

all those who served in “the war to 

end all wars” and every war since. 

Armistice Day was set aside as a 

day to remember the cost of war, 

the treasures of freedom, and the 

purpose of peace. 

Take time to attend one of the 

Veteran’s Day events in remembrance 

of the cost of war, and the 

peaceful purpose of Armistice Day 

these 100 years ago. 

Paso Robles District 

Cemetery 

45 Nacimiento Lake Drive 

November 11 • 11 a.m. 

Program features an invocation, 

Pledge of Allegiance, welcome, 

guest speaker, patriotic 

songs, fly-over, closing prayer, 

honor guard and Taps. Flags are 

placed at all identified veteran’s 

graves by American Legion Post 

50 and Veterans of Foreign Wars 

Post 10965. If your veteran’s grave 

is missed, flags are available in the 

office. Volunteers needed for set up 

of Avenue of Flags at 7 a.m. and 

removal by 3:30 p.m. Call 805- 

238-4544 to volunteer. The Cemetery 

will provide coffee, hot chocolate 

and cookies. Kuehl-Nicolay 

Funeral Chapel will provide a 

complimentary hot dog lunch. 

Atascadero 

Faces of Freedom 

Veterans Memorial 

8038 Portola Road (at Morro Road). 

November 11 • 11 a.m. 

Marlon Varin will sing National 

Anthem and patriotic songs. 

Chaplain Pastor Steve Shively of 

Refuge Church. Guest Speaker: 

Dan Dow, SLOCo District Attorney. 

Central Coast Quilters 

will give Quilts of Valor to about 

20 local veterans. Taps played by 

County Clerk-Recorder Tommy 

Gong with sons Darin and Derek. 

The Central Coast Pipes and 

Drums will escort the color guard, 

which is being provided by the 

Grizzly Academy. Kiwanis Club 

barbecue to follow. 

Parking available in Atascadero 

Lake parking lot. Handicapped 

parking near the 

Memorial. Call Al Fonzi 

at 805-423-5482. 

Lillian Larsen School 

1601 L Street, San Miguel 

Friday, November 9 • 8:30 a.m. 

The school will honor the active 

and retired military at the Don 

Wolf gymnasium. 

Parking spaces will be reserved 

for honored guests in the front 

parking lot. 

Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 

6 at 805-467-3216. Refreshments 

will be served. 

Other Veteran’s Resources 

Veterans of Foreign Wars 

Post 2814 

VFW was organized in 1899 

when men returning from the 

Spanish-American War (1898) and 

the Philippine Insurrection (1899- 

1902) found they had no benefits, 

rights or services. The VFW mission 

is to “Ensure that veterans are 

respected for their service, always 

receive their earned entitlements, 

and are recognized for the sacrifices 

they and their loved ones have 

made on behalf of this great country.” 

The Paso Robles VFW meets 

on first Wednesdays at the Veterans 

Center, 240 Scott Street, Paso Robles. 

Call 805-239-7370. 

Honor Flight Central Coast 

Honor Flight’s Mission is to 

honor America’s veterans by taking 

them to Washington D.C. on their 

“Tour of Honor” to visit and reflect 

at their memorials which have been 

built to honor their service. 

Local veterans can apply for the 

tour online at honorflightccc.org, 

email info@honorflightccc.org, or 

call 805-610-4012. 



EVENTS 

or some, it’s not Christmastime without 

the Nutcracker, a ballet that was adapted by 

Alexandre Dumas Pére’s of E.T.A. Hoffman’s story 

and set to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovksy. A 

Russian ballet, it premiered in western countries in 

the 1940s and has remained a Christmas tradition. 

North County Dance and Performing Arts 

Foundation will present its annual production of 

the Nutcracker ballet Thursday, Dec. 6 through 

Sunday, Dec. 9 at the Templeton Performing Arts 

Center on the campus of Templeton High School. 

“It’s definitely a family tradition,” Director 

Cheryle Armstrong said. “It’s a heart-warming 

story. We try to keep it traditional, [though] we 

twist it a little.” 

The ballet tells the story of a young girl named 

Clara who gets a nutcracker from her Uncle Drosselmeyer 

on Christmas Eve and is transported to 

another world in her dreams. 

This year’s cast includes Kaela Tran as Clara, 

Jenevieve Crossett as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Billy 

Cusimano as Drosselmeyer and Samuel Fulk, a 

guest artist from Sacramento, as the Cavalier. 

By Heather Young 

“He’s fantastic,” Armstrong said. “He’s very musical 

and fun.” 

The cast for the 2018 season of the Nutcracker 

has a record number of dancers, which come from 

throughout the entire North County. The cast has 

nearly 75 people of all ages, quite a few more than 

past years, North County Dance and Performing 

Arts Foundation Vice President Cali Domenghini 

said. Past years have had 40 to 50 cast members. 

What changed it this year, Domenghini said is that 

the foundation opened up participation to dance students 

around the county. Main Street Dance owner 

Jocelyn Willis is one of the production’s choreographers 

and she has more than 15 dancers in the cast. 

Another change to this production is the addition 

of a new assistant director – Taylor Santero. 

“Taylor is also our jazz company director,” Domenghini 

said. “We’re excited to have her on board.” 

While the rehearsals are held at Class Act Dance 

in Paso Robles, dancers who train anywhere are 

welcome to audition. The only requirement, Armstrong 

said, is that dancers have at least one year of 

training – that includes even the youngest dancers. 

For more information, email 

info@northcountyperformingarts.org 

NUTCRACKER BALLET PERFORMANCE DATES 

• Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. 

(open dress rehearsal and student night) 

• Friday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. 

• Saturday, Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

• Sunday, Dec. 9 at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. 

Tickets are $29 for adults and $24 for children 

12 and younger and seniors 62 and older. 

For the open dress rehearsal, tickets may 

be purchased at NCDPAF.org. 

SUGAR PLUM TEA PARTY 

• Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. at Cantinas on the Park 

General admission is $18, get a VIP upgrade 

with photos for an additional $5 


LAST WORD 

BOY SCOUT TROOP 60 

CHANGING OF THE GUARD 


couting has a long and solid history 

in El Paso de Robles. It was 102 

years ago this month that the 

idea of having Boy Scouts in the area 

was conceived and advertised in the 

local newspaper. In 1948, two surplus 

buildings from Camp San Luis 

Obispo were dismantled and moved to a 

donated parcel at 23rd and Oak. 

Rotary was behind the project then, and to 

this day, they are committed to local scouting’s 

success. 

By the mid-1970s, there were three troops 

in the greater area that for a variety of sound 

reasons were consolidated into Troop 60. Under 

the sequential leaderships of Richard Smithen, 

a few more men, then Dennis Collins and Steve 

Von Dohlen, scouting flourished in Paso. Last 

year, following sustained scouting enrollment, 

the financial foundation that supports Troop 

60 was able to pull together all areas of expertise 

in the community, including an uber-major 

donation by the Viborg Family, and constructed 

a new Scout House on the property. 

Steve Von Dohlen is a dynamic community 

member who has been the Scoutmaster for 

the past 11 years. He became an Eagle Scout in 

1986 in Troop 371 outside San Jose. After graduating 

from Santa Clara University, he went on 

to law school and was admitted to the California 

Bar Association in 1996. Steve became Deputy 

DA in San Luis Obispo in 2000. As hectic 

as his job is, his family always took front seat 

and scouting was the third leg of his chair. Scout 

mentoring began anew for him in 2003 when his 

son joined Cub Scouts; once a Scout, it’s really 

hard to not stay involved. 

Today there are 60 boys in Paso’s program and 

a dozen of them are at the rank of LIFE on their 

own journey to the Eagle award which will take 

up to two more years of committed work. Under 

A Beautiful Face............................. 49 

Adelaide Inn Worship Directory... 57 

Adrienne Hagan............................ 36 

Advanced Concrete 

& Construction............................. 32 

AM Sun Solar................................. 37 

Amdal Transport............................ 51 

Anna & Mom................................. 29 

Awakening Ways........................... 51 

Bella Jule Designs......................... 29 

Bijou............................................... 29 

Blake’s True Value.......................... 49 

Bob Sprain’s Draperies.................. 52 

Boys and Girls Club....................... 13 

Bridge Sportsmen Center............. 17 

Brookdale Senior Living................ 27 

Brookdale Senior Living................ 39 

Brooklin Oaks Pharmacy............... 38 

Cal Paso Solar................................ 33 

Cal Sun Electric & Solar................. 39 

California Holistic Institute............ 27 

California Mid-State Fair................ 59 

Casa Rustica................................... 19 

Dr. Charles Chalekson................... 51 

Cider Creek Bakery........................ 41 

City of Paso Robles........................ 09 

Committee to Re-Elect 

Steve Martin Mayor..................... 21 

Community West Bank................. 15 

Connect Home Loans.................... 39 

Dignity Health Med Plus............... 16 

El Paso de Robles 

Historical Society......................... 38 

Estrella Warbirds........................... 22 

Farron Elizabeth............................. 29 

Foss Electric.................................... 23 

Friends of Library........................... 23 

Funky Wonderland........................ 29 

Gallagher Video Services.............. 42 

Gallegos Garage Door Service...... 25 

General Store Paso Robles............ 40 

General Store Paso Robles............ 41 

Golden Hills Farm......................... 17 

Golden Oaks Grill.......................... 42 

Steve’s leadership, just shy of 40 have 

already achieved that rank in the past 

eleven years. It’s not an easy voyage! 

After countless hours of 

soul-searching with Scouting management, 

his family, the eight assistant 

scoutmasters and the various 

committees and advisers, Mr. Von 

Dohlen decided it was the perfect time 

to step aside and turn over the reins. 

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in October, 

the Scout House was filled with 100 people who 

shared their thanks, offered their memories and 

presented citations and plaques from government 

officials. Folks cheered, applauded and even shed 

a few tears. John Hamon and Kermit Komm, 

two very active members in the Troop, acted as 

the Masters of Ceremonies. One could easily 

tell that Steve is a lot more than a Scoutmaster; 

he is an important part of lives, a true friend, 

a forward thinker, a man of compassion and 

energy. He is a role model and clearly, he is a 

mentor in the lives of many young men who will 

in turn, make great impacts in their communities 

as they move forward. 

Steve Von Dohlen and Eric Anderson 

DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS 

H.M. Holloway............................... 23 

Hamon Overhead Door................ 51 

HDH Construction......................... 56 

Hearing Aid Specialists of the 

Central Coast................................. 03 

Hearing Solutions......................... 43 

Heart to Heart Real Estate............. 25 

Heather Desmond Real Estate...... 07 

HFG Coastal Insurance Service..... 49 

Hope Chest Emporium................. 29 

Hospice of SLO County.................. 49 

John Hamon for 

City Council 2018........................ 27 

Kaitilin Riley, DDS.......................... 44 

Lisa Klockenteger.......................... 23 

Koker’s Tree & Demo Service......... 43 

Lansford Dental............................. 05 

Las Tablas Animal Hosp................. 45 

Lera Butterfield 

Platinum Properties.................... 31 

Lube N Go...................................... 35 

Main Street Small Animal 

Hospital........................................ 24 

Mary Ann Austin............................ 36 

Natural Alternative........................ 45 

New with Tags................................ 52 

North County Dance and 

Performing Arts Foundation........ 55 

Nose to Tail..................................... 54 

Odyssey World Cafe...................... 56 

Optimist Club Bingo..................... 47 

Pacific Trust Mortgage................... 38 

Paderewski Festival....................... 33 

Paradigm Advisors........................ 33 

Park Street Gallery......................... 29 

Paso PetCare.................................. 40 

Perfect Air....................................... 25 

Photo Stop..................................... 23 

Pioneer Day Committee................ 02 

Placer Title...................................... 28 

The current Rotary President, Ms. Gail Tannehill, 

Mayor Steve Martin, District 1 Supervisor 

John Peschong, foundation members and assistant 

Scoutmaster, Dave Kudija, all took their 

turn at the microphone. But, it was Steve’s own 

son Alex who made the presentation of the day. 

With true love, thanks and affection, he thanked 

and hugged his dad for the lessons he was blessed 

to receive. Nary a dry eye in the room! 

Scout Master Von Dohlen then had his turn. 

Reviewing his tenure, offering a thousand thank 

yous and sharing stories, he said that he knew it 

was time because ‘things were going too well.” 

“Why should I have all the fun?” he said. “It’s 

time to share that feeling and let new blood find 

even more ways for improvement. The troop is 

in good shape and we have tremendous leadership 

ready to take over.” 

And indeed, the new Scoutmaster is such a 

person. Dr. Eric Anderson has been an Assistant 

Scoutmaster for the past four years and brings a 

wealth of leadership in his own rite. Beginning 

as a veterinarian, Eric, for the past 18 years, is 

the Animal Services Manager for SLO County. 

He manages a staff of 21 to oversee this agricultural 

county of ours which is three times 

the land size of the state of Rhode Island! His 

passion for Scouting is waaaayyy up there on 

the scale of involvement. He and the team he 

inherited are gonna do just fine! 

The formal day’s event was closed with the retirement 

and presentation of the current Troop 

60 flag to Mr. Von Dohlen in appreciation for a 

job extremely well done! That was really special! 

WANT TO LEARN MORE 

ABOUT LOCAL SCOUTING? 

Attend a Monday meeting 

at 7 p.m. at 2247 Oak St. 

or call 805-239-3494. 

PR Chamber of Commerce........... 43 

PR District Cemetery..................... 19 

PR Golf Club.................................. 55 

PR Handyman............................... 53 

PR Insurance.................................. 51 

PR Main Street Assoc..................... 37 

PR Safe & Lock............................... 35 

PR Waste........................................ 11 

Ranch Wifi..................................... 14 

Red Scooter Deli............................ 43 

J Scott Reneau Insurance.............. 56 

Reverse Mortgage Professionals . 54 

Robert Fry, M.D.............................. 52 

San Joaquin Valley College.......... 31 

San Luis Obispo County 

Office of Education...................... 46 

Senor Sanchos............................... 12 

SESLOC Fed Credit Union............. 60 

Sixteen Twenty............................... 29 

Solarponics.................................... 34 

Spice of Life................................... 55 

Stein’s BBQ.................................... 22 

Susie’s Dog Grooming.................. 37 

Ted Hamm Insurance.................... 44 

Templeton Door & Trim................. 43 

Templeton Holiday Craft Boutique...29 

Teresa Rhyne Law Group............... 55 

The Art Works................................. 37 

The Auto Bahn............................... 47 

The Blenders.................................. 49 

The Carlton Hotel........................... 31 

The Laundromat............................ 32 

The Loft........................................... 41 

Trinity Lutheran Church................. 23 

Trinity Lutheran Church................. 35 

Twin Cities Hospital....................... 04 

Viborg Cart-Away Concrete........... 34 

Vic’s Cafe........................................ 42 

Voice of Paso.................................. 53 

Western Janitor Supply................ 54 

Whit’s Turn Tree Service................. 47 

Whitehorse.................................... 17 

Wighton’s...................................... 26 

Wine Country Theatre................... 10

2018 November PASO Magazine

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