Dear Editor, 

My name is Sally Bishop Smith and “Chuck” Charles Paddock was my stepfather. I moved into  the Ranger house at age 11 and lived primarily with Chuck, Charlie, and Mike for about a year.  My mother then married Chuck and we became a blended family with my brother Cliff and  sister Cathy. The Ranger house was a home of safety, protection and love, a home of wonder. 

Our family has already endured a heartbreaking loss. Chuck’s son Mike — who lived at the Zoo and was my brother — was killed in action in Vietnam on June 28, 1969, at just 20 years old. His death left a deep wound in the family. Chuck was devastated, and his son Charlie was never the same. Not long after, Charlie disappeared, and we never heard from him again. What this family gave — to this city, and to this country — is more than most are ever asked to give. 

Chuck was a man of strict rules and high expectations. He often told us, “Don’t do anything that  will tarnish my name — your behavior reflects on me.” His reputation, his name, was of paramount importance to him. He expected us to interact with people properly and to behave in public accordingly. He helped many young men become Eagle Scouts, worked with Girl Scouts earning their badges, encouraged community involvement by kids of all ages, and expected each young person he interacted with to hold themselves to the same high standards he held himself. 

Recently, the City of Atascadero published defamatory information about Chuck on its website.  They released a letter without first conducting a thorough investigation into the accusations— an act that was grossly irresponsible. Four letters about the zoo name change are published on the city’s website. Three include the author’s name, but the one accusing Chuck of vile acts has been redacted — despite no public record of those allegations or any formal investigation. 

The June 26 article states New Times did not locate any SLO County court documents of allegations against Paddock: newtimesslo.com/news/atascaderos-charles paddock-zoo-is-now-the-central-coast-zoo-but-some-residents-arent-thrilled-about-the-idea 16881850 

At the City Council meeting on June 24, Atascadero resident Luke Phillips — previously a vocal opponent of the name change — spoke during the public comment period. He had written a Letter to the Editor (published June 19 in the Atascadero News) and started an online petition. Phillips announced he was withdrawing his opposition to the change and had closed the petition, stating: 

“I took the position to preserve the Charles Paddock name to protect the legacy of a man who was widely admired and respected in the community,” he said. “However, I am here tonight to say I no longer support that effort. My decision comes after Mayor Bourbeau shared with me yesterday some very serious allegations about Mr. Paddock, that came out in the past, that were unknown to me and the public at large. That new context fundamentally changes my feelings about fighting for Mr. Paddock’s legacy.” He notes that they are “fairly serious allegations”, that  “seem to come from legitimate sources and be fairly clear.” 

Evidently, Mayor Bourbeau felt it necessary to draw Mr. Phillips’ attention to the accusations, to unrecorded allegations, and Mr. Phillips chose to publicly defame Charles Paddock’s name. It is beyond understanding. 

It was evident that other speakers felt the cost of rebranding and the perceived lack of public input regarding the name change were their concerns, and several came to the defense of Chuck following Mr. Phillips’ slanderous comments.

The letter with redacted signature claims, “It appeared he could not face the pending accusations,” as the reason Chuck took his own life. But it wasn’t the accusations he couldn’t face — it was the disgrace of them. He didn’t die because he was guilty; he ended his life rather than live to see his name unjustly destroyed. And now, 45 years later, the city chose to let those unfounded defamatory accusations be published on its website. 

Terrie Banish, Director of Community Services and Promotion, gave an excellent presentation explaining the Zoo’s name change and the planning behind it. The announcement was made on June 7, 2025. Before receiving and publishing the letter on the website on June 19, 2025. I  believe the team explored all aspects of the name change process, the need for the change, and the reasons why it was best for future sustainability and potential for greater growth. 

Director Banish noted that Paddock’s legacy will still be front and center at the Zoo, as the entrance to the establishment was renamed Charles Paddock Plaza, where his statue still stands.  “With that, we feel the story of Charles Paddock will have a greater impact”, noting his story is incorporated into the new kids’ activity book, available at the Zoo, and with that, he “will  receive even more recognition”. I appreciate the presentation that was given by Director Banish and the acknowledgement of Charles Paddock’s community contribution. 

I’m disappointed that Mayor Bourbeau and the City of Atascadero chose unsubstantiated defaming information to attempt to dishonor Charles Paddock’s legacy. The citizens of Atascadero should be aware of the actions of Mayor Bourbeau and the Council at large for their part in publishing such defamatory information. 

Thank you, 

Sally Bishop Smith

Michigan