Happy Holidays from all of us at Atascadero News Magazine
By Hayley Mattson · Thu Dec 11 2025
As we enter the final month of the year, it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on the journey we have traveled together. December always brings a rare pause—a chance to look back at the stories we’ve shared, the events we’ve highlighted, and the issues we’ve crafted with care. Each page published this year has captured the heart and soul of our community in print, preserving the moments, milestones, and memories that make our North County communities so special.
Looking back on 2025, one thing rises above everything else: my incredible team. Every year has its chapters of change, but this one brought more than most. And yet, through every deadline and every unexpected twist, each member of our team stood by me with unwavering commitment. I am so grateful that Dana, Cami, Jen, and Camille have each been with me for six years—six incredible years of growth, creativity, and collaboration. Right behind them are Neil and Mike, now celebrating four years, followed by Christie with three years (with us), and Anthony with two. Their dedication forms the backbone of everything we do. This year, we are also featuring our longtime local photographers, Rick and Derrek, whose images bring to life the everyday beauty of our communities—capturing smiles at local events, telling stories through light and color, and preserving the spirit of North County with an authenticity we deeply value. Week after week, their work allows us to tell stories that words alone could never fully express.
The dedication, loyalty, and heart each member of our team brings is something truly special. I get emotional when I think about them. They care so deeply—about our publications, our mission, and you the people we serve. They give you our readers the very best in storytelling, advertising, photography, and design, and I am endlessly grateful for the passion they pour into their work. They make me a better person every single day. They are the ones who help us “Make Communities Better Through Print.” And this year, we asked them to share what they love most about working at 13 Stars Media—and the moments from 2025 that meant the most to them. Here’s what they had to say.
Q&A
- What is your favorite part of your job?
- What was your favorite memory from 2025?
Dana McGraw
Hire Date: September 2019
Position: Advertising & Marketing
- My favorite part of my job is working with local small businesses. I love getting to know the owners, hearing their stories, and helping them get their name out there. It feels good to know I’m part of their growth and overall success!
- It’s hard to pick just one favorite memory from 2025. I loved spending time with my kids and making new memories with them, getting to know new friends, and visiting both my favorite local spots and some new businesses around town. It’s been a year full of little moments that really mean a lot.
Christie Coyes
Hire Date: February 2022
Position: Advertising & Marketing
- The people I meet and the relationships that have been formed.
- My husband and I were invited to play parts in a “murder mystery” birthday party on a train one night. Everyone was given a character to portray. Everyone came dressed as their part. Keeping in character, we had to determine who we thought was the killer. In the end, the murder mystery was solved. Best birthday party ever!
Camille DeVaul
Hire Date: December 2019
Position: Content Editor
- I’m always grateful for the opportunity to share the stories from our community.
- I have so many wonderful memories from this year. I turned thirty, my best friend got married, my other best friend had her first baby, my brother got engaged, it was a great year!
Anthony Atkins
Hire Date: January 2023
Position: Graphic Designer
- My favorite part of my job is working with my boss, Hayley Mattson. She’s an inspiring leader, a solid project wrangler, and sometimes our unofficial therapist. Our office doesn’t hurt either, exposed brick, old hardwood floors, and a really good vibe.
- Halloween at Poison Apple — costume contest, ridiculous outfits, and the kind of energy that kept me out way later than planned.
Jen Rodman
Hire Date: December 2019
Position: Ad Designer
- Ad designing for our many publications gives me daily creative growth, working with a wonderful crew and amazing clients in our communities!
- I have many memories this year of accomplished projects, love and support of wonderful friends, family and good health. Living here gives me a beautiful place to live, raise my family and I feel blessed to call the Central Coast my home.
Cami Martin
Hire Date: October 2019
Position: Company Administrator / Ad Coordinator
I didn’t realize how much this year would mean until I saw how big a part my friends played in it. Through every change and challenge, they made the moments brighter and the tough times easier. This year taught me that true treasure is found in the friends who stand by you.
There’s something special about being the friendly face at the office of a local paper/magazine; you get to see the town’s stories unfold firsthand.
Neil Schumaker
Hire Date: December 2021
Position: Layout Designer
My favorite memory from 2025 so far has to be watching the Dodgers win the World Series. I’m not the biggest baseball fan, but it was just such an exciting series. I loved watching every game!
I think it’s cool to run into people who you have done designs for in the magazines. Everybody is aways so appreciative and thankful!
Mike Chaldu
Hire Date: January 2022
Position: Copy Editor
Covering the local high school graduations in June, seeing these 17- and 18-year-olds who’ve grown up in their small town, get ready to chart their own path in life.
Just going out into the community and seeing how they get together and organize wonderful events, and being in a community where you can just, as an example, bump into the mayor or a City Councilmember and have a chat.
Rick Evans
Freelancer Emeritus
Position: Photographer
Maybe not my favorite, but one that stands out the most in my mind, covering the Templeton Feed & Grain fire for five days.
Being out and about, seeing friends and making new friends, and of course ... the reason I’m out and about, shooting photos.
Derek Luff
Freelancer 2023
Position: Photographer
Looking back at 2025, there were so many meaningful moments. Photographing Rick Evans as Citizen of the Year was a privilege, but capturing the Gary Eberly cover shoot felt like preserving a significant piece of Paso Robles history. The Winemakers BBQ was an absolute blast, yet the moment that stayed with me most was the Templeton Feed & Grain fundraiser dinner, where I donated a large tower image and photographed some remarkable people during an emotional and important community event that made the night truly unforgettable.
My favorite part of photographing for 13 Stars Media is capturing meaningful moments at special events, fundraisers, and unique cover shoots of images that carry the right vibe and energy to preserve today’s stories for tomorrow.
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