Atascadero News Magazine

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

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.

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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.

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.

09/01/2025

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 — Tickets are now available for the 12th Annual Brew at the Zoo, happening Saturday, Sept. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Central Coast Zoo. The fundraiser will feature craft beer, wine, cider, seltzer, and spirits from more than 20 local and regional producers, plus live music by Amar Singh Sohi, the Andrew Sedley Jazz Trio, and The Vibe Setters. Guests can enjoy food vendors, games, contests, and more — all while supporting wildlife conservation.

Tickets are $40 in advance ($50 at the gate) and $15 for designated drivers. This 21-and-over event is closed to the public and proceeds benefit the Zoo’s education and conservation programs.

For tickets and details, visit VisitAtascadero.com/BrewattheZoo

https://atascaderonews.com/news/city-of-atascadero/charles-paddock-zoo/tickets-on-sale-for-12th-annual-brew-at-the-zoo/

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

08/29/2025

ATASCADERO — The Central Coast Zoo has a new star resident. Born on July 4, baby mongoose lemur Koba is now venturing into the habitat and is visible to zoo visitors.

Koba is named after a traditional peanut dessert from Madagascar, the species’ native home. The baby’s s*x has not yet been determined, but zookeepers will know soon — male mongoose lemurs grow reddish-orange beards, while females remain white. At around five weeks old, young lemurs begin sampling solid foods such as fruit, flowers, and leaves. Koba is expected to be fully weaned by five to six months of age.

Read more at atascaderonews.com

https://atascaderonews.com/news/city-of-atascadero/charles-paddock-zoo/baby-mongoose-lemur-makes-public-debut-at-central-coast-zoo/

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

08/28/2025

ATASCADERO — The seventh annual Central Coast Cider Festival transformed Atascadero’s Sunken Gardens into a lively celebration of craft, flavor, and community on Saturday, Aug. 23. Drawing cider enthusiasts from across California, the festival once again highlighted the growing presence of cider culture on the Central Coast while cementing its reputation as one of the state’s premier niche beverage events.

Read more at atascaderonews.com

https://atascaderonews.com/lifestyle/events/cider-culture-shines-at-seventh-annual-central-coast-cider-festival/

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

08/28/2025

Over the past several weeks, I’ve been candid with you about the crossroads we’re facing in local news. The landscape of newspapers is in flux, and I’ve been weighing whether or not to continue the print editions of our papers. It’s not a decision I take lightly, and the outpouring of support from the Atascadero community has reminded me just how deeply this publication matters.

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

08/28/2025

NORTH COUNTY — High school sports are back in full swing across the North County, and fans have plenty to cheer for as local teams launch their 2025 seasons. In Paso Robles, the Bearcats are set to light up War Memorial Stadium while also celebrating the debut of their first-ever girls flag football team. Templeton’s Eagles are fighting to prove themselves after a hard-fought opener under veteran head coach Don Crow, and Atascadero’s Greyhounds have already hit the ground running with a dominant start in girls volleyball. From the gridiron to the court, this fall promises spirited competition and community pride throughout the region.

Read more at atascaderonews.com

https://atascaderonews.com/news/sports/north-county-teams-launch-fall-sports-seasons/

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

08/28/2025

Doug Mitchell 1944-2025

Doug Mitchell made his way to heaven on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the age of 81.

As a young teen, Doug migrated from his birthplace of Portsmouth, Virginia, to San Diego County. In his early twenties, he began a long career with Caltrans, District 11. As a resident of Escondido for several years, he and his first wife, MaryAnne, became parents to two boys. Brian, age 60, resides in Carlsbad with his wife, SueAnn, along with their daughter, Summer, age 22. Doug’s youngest son, Bob, age 57, resides in Escondido with his mother, MaryAnne Miller.

Read full obituary at Atascaderonews.com

https://atascaderonews.com/record/obituaries/doug-mitchell-1944-2025/

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

08/25/2025

ATASCADERO — Registration is now open for the City of Atascadero’s Winter Youth Basketball program, welcoming players from kindergarten through 12th grade of all skill levels. The recreational league emphasizes skill development, teamwork, positive attitudes, and fun in a non-competitive setting.

Skills clinics and player assessments for grades K–8 will be held Saturday, October 4, and Saturday, November 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at drop-in times. Practices start the week of December 1, with games running on Saturdays from January 10 through March 7, 2026.

The cost is $118 for Atascadero residents and $129 for non-residents. Registration closes October 24. Volunteer coaches and program sponsors are also needed.

For more details, or to sign up as a coach or sponsor, contact the Recreation Team at 805-470-3360 or email [email protected]

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