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Paso Robles Magazine, 945 Spring Street, Suite 11, Paso Robles, CA (2025)

12/09/2025

PASO ROBLES — Chabad of Paso Robles will host a community Hanukkah celebration featuring the lighting of a 9-foot public menorah on Sunday, Dec. 14, the first night of Hanukkah. The free, family-friendly event begins at 4:30 p.m. at Downtown City Park and includes live music, a live painter, crafts and activities for all ages, hot soup, holiday treats, and the popular Gelt Drop courtesy of the Paso Robles Fire Department.

“Hanukkah teaches that even a small light has the power to push away great darkness,” said Rabbi Meir Gordon, director of Chabad of Paso Robles. “This year, many are seeking strength and connection, and the menorah reminds us to bring gratitude to G-d and to illuminate our surroundings with goodness.

The Paso Robles lighting is part of a global Hanukkah campaign launched in 1973 by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, encouraging public menorah displays and Hanukkah observance worldwide. Chabad-Lubavitch will install more than 15,000 public menorahs this year at landmarks including the White House, Eiffel Tower, St. Louis Arch, and Great Wall of China.

“The Rebbe taught that the menorah is a universal symbol of liberty,” added Rabbi Meir. “As America approaches 250 years, the celebration of Hanukkah highlights the G-d-endowed freedom at the heart of our nation’s values.”

Additional North County celebrations include a menorah lighting at Del Mar Park in Morro Bay on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 4:30 p.m.

Paso Robles Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889.

12/09/2025

PASO ROBLES — Paso Robles Joint Unified School District celebrated 30 students who earned perfect scores on the 2024–2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), the state’s annual test for grades 3–8 and 11.

Recognized during the Nov. 18 Board of Trustees meeting, each student received a certificate from Assistant Superintendent Erin Haley and Director of Curriculum and Instruction Maggie Tatman. The achievement reflects mastery of grade-level standards and exceptional academic understanding. Cookies from Brown Butter Cookie Company added a sweet touch to the celebration.

“This level of achievement speaks to the hard work and commitment of our students, as well as the dedication of our teachers and families who support them every day,” said Haley. “We’re incredibly proud of these scholars and the excellence they represent across our district.”

PRJUSD congratulates all 30 students and thanks the teachers and families whose support made this accomplishment possible.

Paso Robles Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889.

12/09/2025

PASO ROBLES — Paso Robles High School senior Sky Dawsey earned second place at the Central Coast Chopped Classic, a regional culinary competition highlighting top student chefs from San Luis Obispo County.

Competing solo under a one-hour time limit, Dawsey prepared a roasted butternut squash soup paired with panko-crusted chicken stuffed with roasted red peppers, spinach, and provolone. Judges praised her technique, creativity, and composure under pressure — especially notable since most competitors worked in teams of three to five.

Her achievement reflects the strength of PRHS’s Culinary Arts Career Technical Education (CTE) program, which gives students hands-on, real-world experience preparing them for college or the workforce. Across PRJUSD, more than a dozen CTE pathways, including Agriculture, Health Science, Digital Media, and Construction, equip students with skills and confidence for professional success.

Hosted at Arroyo Grande High School, the Central Coast Chopped Classic challenges participants in a timed format inspired by the popular television series Chopped. Dawsey’s solo second-place finish is a proud moment for the Bearcat culinary team and a testament to the opportunities CTE provides Paso Robles students.

Paso Robles Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889.

12/09/2025

PASO ROBLES — Willow Creek Distillery is expanding its portfolio of craft spirits with the release of its inaugural dry gin, a small-batch creation distilled from estate-grown wine grapes and infused with a blend of premium botanicals. The new spirit will make its public debut on Saturday, Dec. 13, during the distillery’s Gin & Jingle Holiday Sweater Party from 1 to 5 p.m. Entry to the event is free.

Crafted by Head Distiller Kevin Coulton, the Willow Creek Dry Gin begins with a neutral spirit derived from grapes grown at Opolo Vineyards, the distillery’s sister winery in the Willow Creek District. The spirit is then infused with juniper, coriander, cardamom, lemon peel, cucumber, peppercorn, angelica root, and other botanicals before undergoing a second distillation to capture its aromatics and layered flavors.

The result, Coulton said, is a clean, complex, juniper-forward gin that pays homage to classic dry gin traditions while carving out its own distinct character.

“Our aim was to honor the traditions of classic dry gin while putting our own distinct mark on the style, ultimately creating a gin that stands out from the crowd,” he said. “We wanted something really clean with a vivid pop of juniper and a beautiful nose that evokes natural forest botanicals. This gin is very flavorful and easy to drink.”

Guests attending the Gin & Jingle open house will be the first to taste the new release while enjoying seasonal bites, spirits tastings, specialty cocktails for purchase, and live holiday music from Dave Tate. Festive sweater attire is encouraged.

The celebration will take place at Opolo Vineyards, located at 7110 Vineyard Drive in Paso Robles.

Paso Robles Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889.

12/08/2025

SAN MIGUEL — Hambly Farms is celebrating a major milestone after co-founder and head distiller Milton Hambly earned a Gold Medal at the 10th Annual International Lavender Oil & Culinary Competition for the farm’s Dutch Mill Lavender Essential Oil. The honor marks the farm’s first-ever competition entry, making the recognition especially notable for the family-run operation.

The award-winning oil is produced entirely on the Hambly family’s San Miguel lavender farm, where Milton has spent the past four years refining his steam-distillation techniques. Each batch is crafted using a traditional copper alembic still and begins with fresh-cut Dutch Mill lavender harvested at peak bloom—never stored, outsourced, or diluted.

“Winning gold on our very first entry feels like validation for the way we’ve always done things,” said Milton Hambly, co-founder and distiller. “We’re hands-on from the moment the plants go into the ground to the moment the bottle goes to our customers. This award tells us that dedication matters.”

Hambly Farms grows its lavender pesticide-free and hand-harvests each crop before distilling and bottling 100 percent pure essential oil on-site, ensuring quality and traceability. The Dutch Mill variety has become a favorite among farm visitors for its balanced floral aroma and soothing aromatherapy properties.

“This award shines a light on Milton’s craft and the integrity behind every product we make,” said Gina Hambly, co-founder. “Our essential oil isn’t just lavender—it’s our land, our family, and our commitment to creating calm in an honest, hands-on way.”

The gold-medal Dutch Mill Lavender Essential Oil is available online and at the farm while supplies last.

Paso Robles Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889.

12/08/2025

PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles High School Music Department will present its annual Winter Concert on Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Templeton Performing Arts Center (TPAC), with performances at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at TempletonPAC.org/events

This year marks PRHS’s first performance at TPAC, a premier North County venue known for its acoustics and spacious stage, providing an ideal setting for the school’s growing ensembles. The concert will feature the Forte Choir, Jazz and Concert Bands, Crimson Collective Singers, and special guest Bold as Brass quintet.

Directed by Gaylene Ewing (choir) and Humberto Cera (band), students will perform a festive program blending holiday favorites and popular selections, including Winter Wonderland, Carol of the Bells, California Dreamin’, White Winter Hymnal, and a lively Pop Sing-Along.

The PRHS Jazz and Concert Bands showcase musicians from grades 9–12 across a range of experience levels. The Forte Choir is the school’s audition-based performance choir, while the Crimson Collective Singers is an advanced ensemble known for precision and expressive style.

For more information on PRHS music programs and events, visit:

PRHS Band & Color Guard (sites.google.com/pasoschools.org/prhs-band-color-guard/home)

PRHS Choir Forte (sites.google.com/pasoschools.org/prhschoir/voice-courses/forte)

https://pasoroblespress.com/news/education/prjusd-school-board/prhs-ensembles-set-for-winter-concert-at-templeton-performing-arts-center/

Paso Robles Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889.

12/08/2025

PASO ROBLES — Paso Robles High School Theatre Company will present Shakespeare in Love (High School Edition) on December 12–14 at the PRHS Performing Arts Center.

The production, adapted from the Academy Award-winning film, follows a young Will Shakespeare as he struggles with writer’s block until he meets Viola de Lesseps, a noblewoman who dreams of acting — a forbidden pursuit for women in Elizabethan England. The play blends humor, romance, and the creative spark behind one of Shakespeare’s greatest works.

Directed by Marcy Keyser-Goodnow, the student cast brings energy and charm to the story, balancing classical language with a modern rhythm that makes the performance both accessible and entertaining.

“It’s a play about creativity, courage, and falling in love with the art of storytelling,” said Keyser-Goodnow. “Our students have embraced the challenge of balancing comedy, drama, and Shakespearean flair—it’s been inspiring to watch, and we can’t wait to share this story with our community.”

Tickets are available at sites.google.com/pasoschools.org/phtc

https://pasoroblespress.com/news/education/prjusd-school-board/prhs-theatre-company-presents-shakespeare-in-love/

Paso Robles Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889.

12/04/2025

TEMPLETON — In it’s first bid for a CIF Central Section Division IV title, the top-seeded Templeton High football team built a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of support going into its championship game on Friday, Nov. 28, at Templeton’s field.

However, it wasn’t enough for the home team as another batch of Eagles, those from second-seeded Immanuel High, came down and posted a 48-7 victory to claim the Division IV crown, and a spot in a state semifinal playoff game.

It was the first CIF section title game for THS since they were in the CIF’s Southern Section and lost to Morro Bay in the 1995 Division XI game. The Eagles were looking for their first section title since beating Hamilton High of Hemet for the Division XI title in 1992.

Read more at pasoroblespress.com

https://pasoroblespress.com/news/sports/templetons-eagles-fall-short-in-bid-for-central-section-football-title/

Paso Robles Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889.

12/04/2025

PASO ROBLES — Now in its 41st year, Thanksgiving for Paso Robles continued its mission of bringing the community together for a free, home-cooked holiday meal served with kindness, dignity, and fellowship. More than 1,500 residents took a plate during this year’s celebration, held Thursday, Nov. 27, at the Centennial Park Activity Center.

Read more at pasoroblespress.com

https://pasoroblespress.com/news/41st-annual-thanksgiving-for-paso-robles-serves-neighbors/

Paso Robles Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889.

12/04/2025

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 Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889.

12/04/2025

PASO ROBLES — City Council received an update on current and future capital projects from Capital Projects Engineer Ditas Esperanza during the Tuesday, Dec. 2 City Council meeting.

Read more at pasoroblespress.com

https://pasoroblespress.com/news/government/city-of-paso-robles/city-receives-update-on-capital-projects/

Paso Robles Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889.

12/04/2025

PASO ROBLES — A 63-year-old Paso Robles man was killed early Thursday morning following a rear-end collision at the intersection of Golden Hill Road and State Route 46.

Paso Robles police and paramedics responded at about 5:30 a.m. on Dec. 4 to a crash involving a white four-door Lexus and a 2017 green and white Freightliner box truck. According to police, the Lexus had been stopped at a red light on westbound SR-46 when the westbound Freightliner approached the intersection and failed to slow, striking the Lexus from behind.

The Lexus driver, a man of Paso Robles, died from injuries sustained in the impact. The driver of the Freightliner, identified as 25-year-old Gean Marco HuamanCastro of Bakersfield, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail.

Police say the investigation is ongoing, though drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the collision.

Paso Robles Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889.

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