
‘North County Has Talent’ shines for a cause
Fourth annual showcase draws crowd, awards top local performers, and raises over $2,500 for Atascadero Printery restoration ATASCADERO — On Friday, Aug. 8, the Atascadero Printery Foundation hosted the fourth annual “North County Has Talent” showcase, bringing...

From the Publisher: August 14
The state of business in North County has been slow this year — slower than any of us on the Paso Robles Main Street board can remember. I sit at that table alongside fellow business owners, and we’re all feeling it. Our own business, the Atascadero News and Paso...

Letter: Charles Paddock and Zoo Renaming
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...

Red Light Roundup 08/04/2025 – 08/10/2025
Crime data listed below is for information purposes only and subject to change upon the receipt of updated information. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The data listed below is subject to change each week. Paso Robles Police...

Looking Ahead Together: My Vision for the 2025–26 School Year
By Tom Bennett, Superintendent Atascadero Unified School District As the new superintendent of Atascadero Unified School District, and on behalf of our Board of Trustees and dedicated staff, it is my distinct honor and pleasure to welcome you to the 2025-26 school...

City Council discusses Llano Fire, evacuation strategies
Councilmembers also adopt resolution confirming cost of vegetation, rubbish abatement ATASCADERO — The recent Llano Fire and the planning for and mitigation against future similar emergencies dominated the agenda at the lastest Atascadero City Council meeting on...

Gifford Fire expands to 122,065 acres; Containment holds at 33%
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The Gifford Fire, burning in the Garcia Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, has grown to 122,065 acres and remains 33% contained. The wildfire, which began August 1 and remains under investigation, is located approximately 15 miles...

SLO County seeks poll workers for possible November special election
SAN LUIS OBISPO — The San Luis Obispo County Elections Office joins the U.S. Election Assistance Commission in observing National Poll Worker Recruitment Day on August 12. This nationwide effort encourages community members to volunteer as poll workers, essential to...

Gifford Fire grows to 119,214 acres – 33% contained; New evacuation orders in place
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The Gifford Fire, burning in the rugged Garcia Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, has now consumed 119,214 acres and is 33% contained. The wildfire, which began August 1 and remains under investigation, is located approximately 15 miles...

Atascadero Library announces September programs
ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Library has released its September schedule, offering a variety of programs for children, teens, and adults at 6555 Capistrano Avenue. Children’s activities include weekly Storytime (Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.), Read to a Dog...