Atascadero News

09/05/2025

ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Unified School District Board of Trustees took a step to neutralize a potential scheduling snafu that emerged at Atascadero High School by recognizing a second program, called the Early College Program, for students taking college-level classes.

The Atascadero News is your daily online news source and the only printed newspaper dedicated to Atascadero, since 1916.

09/05/2025

ATASCADERO — This summer, Chalk Mountain Golf Course unveiled its newly improved driving range, honoring one of its most influential figures: Rudy Duran, a coach whose impact on the game of golf reaches far beyond Atascadero.

The Atascadero News is your daily online news source and the only printed newspaper dedicated to Atascadero, since 1916.

09/05/2025

ARROYO GRANDE — Detectives with the Arroyo Grande Police Department arrested Jeffrey Bennett Bowers, 33, on Thursday, Sept. 4, following an investigation into a sexual assault allegation.

Bowers, owner of SLO Massage Therapy in Arroyo Grande, was taken into custody at his business on Traffic Way in Arroyo Grande after detectives served a search warrant for evidence. He was booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail on a felony charge of sexual pe*******on with a foreign object under California Penal Code 289(a)(1).

His bail was set at $100,000. Authorities say Bowers has operated as a massage therapist in the Five Cities area for 14 years and believe additional victims may exist.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Anthony Estrada at (805) 473-5127 or via email at [email protected], or Detective J. Castillo at [email protected]

The Atascadero News is your daily online news source and the only printed newspaper dedicated to Atascadero, since 1916.

09/05/2025

Owning a business is one of the most rewarding journeys a person can take, but it is not without its challenges. Anyone who has walked this path knows it can feel overwhelming and, at times, very lonely. Business owners carry a unique weight — the responsibility of making decisions, providing for employees and their families, and showing up every single day with energy, creativity, and resilience, even when life feels heavy. There are moments of great joy, moments of exhaustion, and always a sense of deep responsibility for something bigger than yourself.

Last year, my husband stepped away from our publishing business to begin a new adventure. While I could not be prouder of him, the transition has reminded me how closely business and family life intertwine. Raising a family while building a company has never been easy, but I look back on those early years with gratitude. Our boys spent their preschool and elementary years at Children’s House Montessori, a school that shaped not only their education but also aligned with our family’s values. The teachers and families we met there became part of our community. They were a source of encouragement and support during the busiest seasons of parenting and running a business. To this day, I carry with me a deep appreciation for the kindness and dedication of the people we met there.

Read more at:

The Atascadero News is your daily online news source and the only printed newspaper dedicated to Atascadero, since 1916.

09/05/2025

Dear Editor,

As President of the Friends of the Charles Paddock Zoo, I wanted to clarify some information included in a recent letter to the editor from Rolfe Nelson regarding the zoo’s name change. While we understand that people may feel strongly about this topic, I’d like to note that the Friends organization is not involved in the actions or positions described in that letter.

Specifically, the Friends of the Charles Paddock Zoo is not part of any campaign with the Bishop Family, is not seeking a ballot measure, and does not endorse or oppose city council or mayoral candidates. We are also not considering “legal or other steps” as mentioned.

In fact, our board has voted to change our own organization’s name to the Central Coast Zoo Foundation in support of the zoo’s transition to the Central Coast Zoo, as I shared our position at the City Council meeting on June 24.

We remain focused on our mission: supporting and growing our community’s zoo and its animals. We appreciate all who share a passion for the zoo, and we look forward to continuing to build broad community support as we enter this exciting new chapter.

Angela Cisneros
President, Friends of the Charles Paddock Zoo

The Atascadero News is your daily online news source and the only printed newspaper dedicated to Atascadero, since 1916.

09/05/2025

Dear Editor,

You would think that after multiple emails to both the Atascadero Police Department and the City Manager about illegal parking in bike lanes, there would be some action. Still, every day, my wife and I have to dodge speeding cars on Traffic Way just so some business that has a history of clogging city roads with overfill from its lot can park on designated bike lanes. These are not shared . They are designated . However, I suspect the city will acquiesce to business over citizen safety.

As they have in other times, for instance allowing people to park on corners, despite creating traffic safety conditions, it also reminds me of the hideous treatment of our beautiful walking path on Traffic , or at least it was before I asked it be spared poisoning, but APW poisoned everything and instead of repairing rustic fence they torn it down, it’s now so ugly and ill maintained I prefer biking, which leads me full circle. Maybe, just maybe, the city should sprinkle a little law-abiding in its schedule and clean those damned bike lanes. I bet you the paint over bike lane signs, that’s how they do things. Concerned citizen.

Rick Vagnini, Atascadero

The Atascadero News is your daily online news source and the only printed newspaper dedicated to Atascadero, since 1916.

09/05/2025

NORTH COUNTY — It’s been another busy week for North County high school athletics, with Paso Robles, Atascadero, and Templeton making their mark in early-season games. From standout wins and hard-fought ties to strong individual performances, this week’s sports action has offered plenty to cheer for. This weekly update highlights the latest results, upcoming matchups, and key players to watch as local athletes continue to compete across football, volleyball, water polo, tennis, golf, and cross country.

The Atascadero News is your daily online news source and the only printed newspaper dedicated to Atascadero, since 1916.

09/05/2025

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.

The Atascadero News is your daily online news source and the only printed newspaper dedicated to Atascadero, since 1916.

09/04/2025

Michael S. Virgil 1942-2025

Michael Stanton Virgil, 83, of Atascadero, California, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025.

Mike was born in Los Angeles on April 26, 1942, the second of four children of Thomas and Mae Virgil. He grew up in Pasadena and attended St. Francis High School, where he excelled as an athlete, was named an All-State football player, and served as captain of his team.

Read full obituary at Atascaderonews.com

https://atascaderonews.com/record/obituaries/michael-s-virgil-1942-2025/

The Atascadero News is your daily online news source and the only printed newspaper dedicated to Atascadero, since 1916.

09/03/2025

Only 1.5 Weeks! Lock In Your Spot at thebigmidstateshootout.com

09/01/2025

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Woods Humane Society has opened registration for its 3rd Annual Pets of the Year Calendar Contest, running September 1–30. Entry is free, and pet owners can create a contest page, upload a photo, and collect votes through donations.

The top ten fundraisers will be featured in the 2026 print calendar and receive four complimentary copies, with additional recognition online and in Woods’ communications. All participants raising $25 or more will have their pet included on a collage page and receive a calendar.

Winners will be announced at the Woods Wiggle Waggle Fall Festival on October 25, where the 2026 calendars will go on sale. Proceeds benefit Woods’ efforts to help homeless pets.

For details and contest entry, visit WoodsHumane.org/Contest

https://atascaderonews.com/nonprofit/woods-humane-society-launches-3rd-annual-pets-of-the-year-calendar-contest/

The Atascadero News is your daily online news source and the only printed newspaper dedicated to Atascadero, since 1916.

09/01/2025

ATASCADERO — The City of Atascadero has awarded a contract to Souza Construction for the Santa Lucia Road West Pavement Rehabilitation Project. Work will reconstruct 1.75 miles of roadway between Portola Road and Laurel Road, beginning the week of Sept. 8.

Pre-construction activities are underway through Sept. 5, with full reconstruction expected to take about 3.5 months. Motorists and pedestrians should expect delays of up to 15 minutes during the project. Traffic control and flaggers will be in place, and the City urges drivers to use caution in construction zones.

For project details, visit atascadero.org/project/santa-lucia-road-west-project

https://atascaderonews.com/news/construction-to-begin-on-santa-lucia-road-expect-delays/

The Atascadero News is your daily online news source and the only printed newspaper dedicated to Atascadero, since 1916.