Latest news with #PasoRobles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery Awards $350,000 to Nonprofits and Classrooms
Annual Community Grants Program Has Funded More Than $2 Million in Vital Nonprofit Services and Education Across Paso Robles PASO ROBLES, Calif., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery has awarded $350,000 to support nonprofit organizations and educators in North San Luis Obispo County through its 2025 Community Grants program. This year, $300,000 has been distributed to local nonprofits to strengthen services in healthcare, education, youth development, senior support, and environmental stewardship, with an additional $50,000 going to classroom grants, helping teachers fund classroom supplies, field trips, and other enrichment activities that foster student-centered learning. Since its inception in 2013, the JUSTIN Community Grants Program has provided more than $2.1 million in funding to local nonprofits and classrooms. 'Paso Robles is more than just the place we work. It's home to our employees, their families, and so many who make this region special,' said Molly Scott, senior director of grower and community relations at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. 'We're proud to invest in local organizations that uplift and strengthen our community. Their work ensures Paso Robles continues to be a vibrant and supportive place for all.' Some of this year's funding will directly support: Community Health Centers of the Central Coast (CHCCC) – Expanding access to healthcare through mobile medical units serving low-income patients. Tolosa Children's Dental – Upgrading IT systems at two pediatric clinics to continue providing critical dental care to underserved children. One Cool Earth – Supporting garden-based education for 4,500 students at Title I Elementary and Middle schools. Senior Volunteer Services – Enhancing safety and accessibility for over 3,000 seniors and visitors annually at the Paso Robles Senior Center. Paso Robles Youth Art Center – Equipping the new JUSTIN Culinary Teaching Kitchen to provide culinary education to 640 low-income youth each year. 'Thanks to the support of JUSTIN, we can continue bringing essential health services directly into the communities that need them most,' said Ronald Castle, chief executive officer, Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, Inc. 'This funding allows us to expand access and improve outcomes for individuals and families across the region.' The full list of 2025 JUSTIN Community Grants recipients includes: Central Coast State Parks Association; Community Health Centers of the Central Coast; Creston Activities Town Center (CATCH); El Paso de Robles Pioneer Museum Foundation; Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo; One Cool Earth; Paso Robles Joint Unified School District; Paso Robles Library Foundation; Paso Robles Youth Arts Center; Senior Citizens United; Senior Volunteer Services; Studios on the Park; Templeton Community Library Association; Templeton Instrumental Music Boosters Association; Templeton Performing Arts Center Foundation; and Tolosa Children's Dental. Grant recipients are selected by a committee of JUSTIN employees who review applications for local projects that provide tangible benefits to the greater Paso Robles community. Applications open annually in January. For more information and updates about the Community Grants program, visit To learn more about The Wonderful Company's broader corporate social responsibility efforts, visit About JUSTIN Vineyards & WineryThe pioneer of Paso Robles, CA, JUSTIN® Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1981 and is known for crafting world-class wines using Bordeaux grape varieties, including the iconic ISOSCELES® blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The Vineyard Estate features a Tasting Room, luxury five-star accommodations at the JUST INN®, and a Restaurant – making it one of the only wineries on the Central Coast to offer all three amenities. The JUSTIN tasting room offers lunch, while The Restaurant at JUSTIN offers a MICHELIN-Starred, multi-course fine dining experience Thursday through Sunday. JUSTIN also has a second tasting room conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Paso Robles. In addition to its stellar hospitality, JUSTIN consistently receives top honors around the world, establishing itself as a leader in New World Bordeaux-style winemaking. JUSTIN wines are available through fine wine retailers and restaurants throughout the United States, or directly from the Winery via JUSTIN's Tasting Rooms, online store, or to members of the exclusive JUSTIN Wine Society wine club. To discover more about JUSTIN, visit To learn more about our corporate social responsibility work, visit Media Contactjustinpr@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery Awards $350,000 to Nonprofits and Classrooms
Annual Community Grants Program Has Funded More Than $2 Million in Vital Nonprofit Services and Education Across Paso Robles PASO ROBLES, Calif., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery has awarded $350,000 to support nonprofit organizations and educators in North San Luis Obispo County through its 2025 Community Grants program. This year, $300,000 has been distributed to local nonprofits to strengthen services in healthcare, education, youth development, senior support, and environmental stewardship, with an additional $50,000 going to classroom grants, helping teachers fund classroom supplies, field trips, and other enrichment activities that foster student-centered learning. Since its inception in 2013, the JUSTIN Community Grants Program has provided more than $2.1 million in funding to local nonprofits and classrooms. 'Paso Robles is more than just the place we work. It's home to our employees, their families, and so many who make this region special,' said Molly Scott, senior director of grower and community relations at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. 'We're proud to invest in local organizations that uplift and strengthen our community. Their work ensures Paso Robles continues to be a vibrant and supportive place for all.' Some of this year's funding will directly support: Community Health Centers of the Central Coast (CHCCC) – Expanding access to healthcare through mobile medical units serving low-income patients. Tolosa Children's Dental – Upgrading IT systems at two pediatric clinics to continue providing critical dental care to underserved children. One Cool Earth – Supporting garden-based education for 4,500 students at Title I Elementary and Middle schools. Senior Volunteer Services – Enhancing safety and accessibility for over 3,000 seniors and visitors annually at the Paso Robles Senior Center. Paso Robles Youth Art Center – Equipping the new JUSTIN Culinary Teaching Kitchen to provide culinary education to 640 low-income youth each year. 'Thanks to the support of JUSTIN, we can continue bringing essential health services directly into the communities that need them most,' said Ronald Castle, chief executive officer, Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, Inc. 'This funding allows us to expand access and improve outcomes for individuals and families across the region.' The full list of 2025 JUSTIN Community Grants recipients includes: Central Coast State Parks Association; Community Health Centers of the Central Coast; Creston Activities Town Center (CATCH); El Paso de Robles Pioneer Museum Foundation; Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo; One Cool Earth; Paso Robles Joint Unified School District; Paso Robles Library Foundation; Paso Robles Youth Arts Center; Senior Citizens United; Senior Volunteer Services; Studios on the Park; Templeton Community Library Association; Templeton Instrumental Music Boosters Association; Templeton Performing Arts Center Foundation; and Tolosa Children's Dental. Grant recipients are selected by a committee of JUSTIN employees who review applications for local projects that provide tangible benefits to the greater Paso Robles community. Applications open annually in January. For more information and updates about the Community Grants program, visit To learn more about The Wonderful Company's broader corporate social responsibility efforts, visit About JUSTIN Vineyards & WineryThe pioneer of Paso Robles, CA, JUSTIN® Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1981 and is known for crafting world-class wines using Bordeaux grape varieties, including the iconic ISOSCELES® blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The Vineyard Estate features a Tasting Room, luxury five-star accommodations at the JUST INN®, and a Restaurant – making it one of the only wineries on the Central Coast to offer all three amenities. The JUSTIN tasting room offers lunch, while The Restaurant at JUSTIN offers a MICHELIN-Starred, multi-course fine dining experience Thursday through Sunday. JUSTIN also has a second tasting room conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Paso Robles. In addition to its stellar hospitality, JUSTIN consistently receives top honors around the world, establishing itself as a leader in New World Bordeaux-style winemaking. JUSTIN wines are available through fine wine retailers and restaurants throughout the United States, or directly from the Winery via JUSTIN's Tasting Rooms, online store, or to members of the exclusive JUSTIN Wine Society wine club. To discover more about JUSTIN, visit To learn more about our corporate social responsibility work, visit Media Contactjustinpr@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
Multiple engines respond to residential fire in Paso Robles
A residential fire caused damage to a Paso Robles home on Friday afternoon. The fire, reported around 3:07 p.m., was located in eastern Paso Robles south of Highway 46, according to PulsePoint. Photos shared on X by Cal Fire showed that the fire damaged the left and back sides of the home. The Atascadero, Paso Robles and Templeton fire departments and Cal Fire all responded to the incident, according to a post shared by Cal Fire on X. Smoke was visible on the ALERTCalifornia cameras as of 3:30 p.m. The cause of the fire was under investigation, Cal Fire said on X.
Travel Daily News
13-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Paso Robles Inn welcomes Chef Michael Freeman as Culinary Director
Paso Robles Inn appoints Chef Michael Freeman as Culinary Director, launching a bold new culinary era focused on local sourcing and seasonal innovation. PASO ROBLES, CA – Paso Robles Inn, a historic downtown landmark and icon of Paso Robles, announce the appointment of Chef Michael Freeman as Culinary Director. His arrival signals a transformative moment for both Paso Robles Inn and its sister property, The Piccolo, as the final step before sweeping culinary updates and a new chapter in hospitality excellence. 'Chef Freeman represents the future of dining at Paso Robles Inn and The Piccolo. His passion for local sourcing, combined with his roots in classical technique and his ability to lead with both creativity and precision, makes him the ideal partner as we reimagine what these properties can offer. We're at the beginning of an exciting journey – one that will unfold in the seasons ahead—but I have no doubt Chef Freeman will set the tone for the new Paso Robles culinary story to come,' says Chef Charlie Palmer. With over two decades of experience in fine dining, banquet operations, and hospitality leadership, Chef Freeman brings a thoughtful and seasoned approach to his new role at the Paso Robles Inn. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef for Charlie Palmer Steak DC. Prior to that, he led culinary teams at The Morrow Hotel and The LINE Hotel in Washington, D.C., as well as Eaton DC, where the hotel's signature restaurant, American Son, retained its Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction under his direction. Earlier in his career, Freeman honed his craft at Chef Charlie Palmer's Michelin-starred Aureole, laying the foundation for his refined, ingredient-driven style. 'We're not just changing menus – we're redefining what it means to dine in Paso Robles,' said Chef Freeman. 'This region has an incredible story to tell through its ingredients, its people, and its traditions. My goal is to craft an experience that's rooted in the land but reaching for something entirely new. This place feels like home in all the best ways. I want guests to feel the spirit of Paso Robles' warm hospitality, incredible products, and a real sense of pride in the land in every dish.' A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando, Chef Freeman blends classical French technique with a modern American sensibility. He is known for building high-performing culinary teams, championing local ingredients, and crafting menus that are both innovative and approachable. 'At the Paso Robles Inn, our focus has always been on creating a warm, memorable experience that reflects the character and charm of this community,' said Erica Fryburger, General Manager of Paso Robles Inn. 'As we evolve, these new culinary offerings will not only deepen our commitment to hospitality but also help shape the Inn and Paso Robles into an epicurean destination – one that enhances every part of the guest experience.' A fresh taste of Paso: Seasonal menus and local sourcing Since joining, Chef Freeman has already begun rolling out new dishes that lean into Paso's agricultural bounty with a bold, meat-forward focus, positioning Paso Robles Inn as one of the only dining destinations in the region boasting a custom dry-aging program in partnership with Allen Brothers. Standouts include a 21-day dry-aged ribeye, prime rib carved in-house, and tri-tip steak frites – a nod to regional traditions. The new bar menu at Cattlemen's Lounge features dishes like Beef Tips with blistered fresno chili, and Chorizo Tots with smoky paprika aioli, offering a hearty, elevated take on local favorites. Additional menu highlights include: A weekly local cattle feature Morro Bay oysters and rotating seafood specials Locally grown mushrooms from Mighty Cap Produce from Seed in a Bucket, Aviation Farms and Sierra Honey Farms Menus can be viewed at along with hours of operation and reservations. Chef Freeman also encourages guests to look for daily specials featuring off-menu items sourced from his evolving roster of farmers, fishers, and ranchers. Additional new lunch and dinner dishes, along with a brand new brunch program will launch later this summer. A new standard for events and banquets In addition to daily dining, Freeman is reinventing banquet service at both properties. The soon-to-launch banquet menu reflects his seasonal, locally sourced ethos, with customizable packages that deliver restaurant-level quality at scale. Guests can expect refined presentations, layered flavor profiles, and thoughtful nods to Central Coast cuisine, whether booking a small wedding or a large corporate retreat. Freeman also leads internal chef training and kitchen culture-building efforts across both hotels, focusing on culinary excellence, respect for the craft and hospitality-driven service. Looking ahead: Charlie Palmer Collective arrives 2025–2026 Upon completion of major renovations in late 2025 and early 2026, the Charlie Palmer Collective will operate all food and beverage outlets at Paso Robles Inn and The Piccolo, including in-room dining and catering. Until then, Chef Freeman's leadership ensures continuity, creativity, and excellence while also helping shape the future vision. He will remain a key part of the culinary leadership team during and beyond the transition. This moment presents an incredible opportunity to join a passionate and growing culinary team. Paso Robles Inn is actively hiring for both front and back-of-house roles as it builds a culture of excellence and creativity in the heart of wine country. Peregrine Hospitality was launched in 2024 as a rebrand of KSL Resorts. Peregrine Hospitality offers a complete range of services, including hotel/resort management, development/project management, and global sales support, from asset management to advisory support. Today, it has 92 properties under direct management, asset management, or participating in the organization's global sales program in markets across the U.S., Fiji, the Maldives, Mauritius and Thailand. The portfolio includes distinctive resorts, boutique hotels, and select-service hotels with a wide range of amenities, including spa, golf, tennis and ski, and food and beverage operations.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Paso Robles releases first batch of Bausch's public records. Here's what they show
The city of Paso Robles released the first batch of public records from Councilmember Chris Bausch's personal devices Friday night, the first step in fulfilling a court order filed in The Tribune's lawsuit against the city and councilman. In total, The Tribune received 142 documents from the city — 109 emails and 33 emailed attachments — dating back two years. Bausch said he submitted more than 5,000 emails and texts for the city's review. So this represents only a fraction — about 3% — of the total that Bausch turned over to the city. The emails — which Bausch delayed turning over for months despite numerous public records requests — overwhelmingly center around the community's disdain for the now-repealed paid parking program in downtown Paso Robles. Notable communications show Bausch fielding public comments for City Council meetings, communicating with Cal Coast News reporter Karen Velie, and contributing to a cease-and-desist letter served to the city amid the parking controversy. None of the documents confirm or deny any of the allegations laid out in former city manager Ty Lewis' claim filed against the city — which alleged Bausch harassed him, spread rumors about him and led a concerted effort to oust him from his job — but the documents do shed light into volatility within the city that contributed to the eventual dispute between Lewis and Bausch. Several show outright disdain for the city manager, who left his position with the city on Jan. 26 after accepting a $365,000 settlement. The records received by The Tribune on Friday are the first batch to be released by the city after The Tribune filed its lawsuit in March. The lawsuit was propelled by a string of public records requests that went unfulfilled for months after Bausch 'explicitly refused' to follow the law, according to the city. The requests covered texts and emails stored on Bausch's personal devices, including conversations leading up to City Council meetings for the last two years, conversations between Bausch and members of the group that allegedly conspired to oust Lewis and conversations referring to Lewis. The Tribune made the requests in an effort to better understand the circumstances that led to Lewis' claim against the city. Bausch searched his devices and turned the records over to the city on May 16, following a court order issued by Judge Michael Kelley. Kelley then ordered the city to provide an initial drop of documents to The Tribune by Friday. He also submitted a signed declaration on May 30 attesting to the thoroughness of his search. The city noted it did not withhold any records among the batch it released on Friday. That leaves. more than 4,800 records for the city's lawyers to review, including texts off Bausch's personal phone. They are set to be delivered by June 16. The majority of emails provided Friday refer to the city's now-repealed paid parking program. Paid parking was introduced in Paso Robles in 2019, but it grew into a major trigger point after the City Council voted in November 2023 to change the parking rates. While drivers previously got a free two hours of parking before being charged, the 2023 decision would have charged drivers $1 per hour from the time of their arrival, The Tribune reported at the time. The outrage over the paid parking program ultimately led Templeton resident Gary Lehrer to send a cease-and-desist letter to the city, alleging the council violated the Brown Act when it voted to approve the rate changes. The cease-and-desist letter resulted in a temporary pause on the parking program, and the council subsequently voted in May 2024 to repeal the program entirely, The Tribune reported. While it was no secret that Bausch supported the push to do away with paid parking, emails provided Friday show he had a hand in writing the letter submitted by Lehrer, and helped review citizens' public comments before they were read into the record at council meetings. The emails also revealed frustration among Paso Robles residents at the time and a sense of distrust in their elected officials — including Lewis. A thread from December 2023 showed Lehrer and Bausch in the initial stages of planning a legal challenge to the city's parking program. On Dec. 12, Lehrer emailed Bausch what appeared to be a transcript of the meeting at which the parking rate decision was made. 'I hope what you are looking for is in here,' Lehrer wrote. Bausch responded: '95% sure, want to take another look at it. I also like the part where it is clarified that this motion only provides direction to staff. This is an AMAZING start. Thank you. It is proof we are on the right track. If we are serious about mounting a challenge to parking, I'd recommend pursuing a court worthy version of a transcript. Thoughts?' Lehrer responded that he would look into getting a transcript ready for court and planned to speak at the next council meeting. Bausch then gave Lehrer directions on what to do with the transcript, and mentioned Lewis and Paso Robles Mayor John Hamon. 'Any logic in giving Hamon a heads up this is happening?' Bausch wrote. 'As mayor, he should be telling Ty what to do, not the other way around.' Bausch also appeared to give Lehrer advice on a letter to the editor he intended to submit regarding the parking issue. Similarly, other threads showed Bausch apparently giving people feedback on public comments or other communications to the city about parking before they were submitted. In a subsequent email, Lehrer said he wasn't sure about telling Hamon and asked Bausch if he thought the mayor was a strong leader. 'Well, I did at one point but I am beginning to think he needs some strong prompts,' Bausch responded. Another email thread between the two showed that Lehrer sent Bausch a draft of the cease-and-desist letter on January 7, 2024. To that message, Bausch responded, 'Gary, Received. Thank you for drafting this. First read looks good. Will print, reread and edit if-where necessary tomorrow.' On Jan. 8, Lehrer responded, 'Here's the word doc, go ahead and edit it!' Attached to that email was a draft of the cease-and-desist letter that was eventually sent to the city. There did not appear to be a subsequent emails showing any edits made by Bausch in this batch of records. The allegation that the council violated public meeting law when it approved the parking change was also shared with Cal Coast News reporter Karen Velie by Bausch on Dec. 20, 2023. In that email, Bausch said the minutes from the meeting were 'being twisted and reinterpreted to fit a misappropriated narrative.' 'Why should anyone trust what the mayor, the City Council, the city manager or the city attorney tell us?' Bausch asked Velie. A similar comment was made by Bausch in a July 17 email to former City Council candidate Linda George. 'Opportunity awaits,' Bausch wrote, linking a Cal Coast News article on paid parking. 'Just a thought but candidates and their managers might want to comment on why the current council chooses to protect the city manager, legal counsel, and paid parking advisers at the expense of taxpaying voters.' 'Receive and disseminated to the proper parties,' George responded. 'Thank you for that.' Bausch responded: 'Choose your words wisely, sparingly. And please proofread very carefully. Thank you.' Bausch, Velie, Lehrer and George were all accused in Lewis' claim or addendum documents of being involved in the effort to remove him from office. They all denied the allegations, or declined to comment. Other parking-related emails also showed hostility toward Lewis. On March 20, 2024, Park Cinemas owner John Roush — a known opponent to paid parking — forwarded Bausch an email thread between Roush and Lewis. It began with Lewis asking to meet with Roush and another individual named David to discuss issues with the parking referendum. No meeting was ever set in stone, so Lewis detailed what he wanted to discuss in a later email to Roush and Lehrer. He said the city attorney identified potential problems with the referendum, including details that were out of compliance with elections code. 'Although the city is a neutral party in this process and cannot give legal advice, I felt an obligation to reach out and make you aware of potential areas of concern,' Lewis wrote. 'I realize home (sic) much time, effort and money the group is putting into the referendum effort and I don't want you caught flat-footed.' The thread does not show Roush responding to Lewis — but it does show that he forwarded the conversation Bausch. 'FYI ONLY. Don't want him to know I sent to you. Hopefully, he'll bury himself,' Roush wrote. The parking referendum ultimately gained around 2,400 signatures and was submitted to the city in April 2024 in hopes that it would be placed on the November 2024 ballot. Paso Robles rejected the referendum due to mistakes like not including the proper name and ordinance number. The city ultimately rescinded the parking program on its own in response to the backlash. Another notable instance of communication between Velie and Bausch included Velie sending Bausch a list of questions on May 8, 2024 — the day Bausch was set to appear on her KPRL radio show, 'Sound Off,' according to its website. The list included questions about paid parking and the Paso Robles airport, including a few pointed questions at Hamon and Lewis. 'Did Hamon sound irritated?' one of the questions read. 'What did you think of Ty manipulating the council in his response regarding evidence of tickets paid?' said another. 'Why is the city manager not pushing paying back the public?' Velie then transitioned into questions about the Paso Robles airport and, more specifically, Loyd's Aviation. 'Why do you think there is a lack of transparency? Do you know if Ty Lewis is personal friends with the current owner of Lloyds Aviation?' some of the questions read. 'Do you have concerns that Lloyds Aviation is being sold?' The questions about Loyd's Aviation are notable because of an allegation in Lewis' claim that said Bausch accused Lewis of being personal friends with the owner and fixing the applicant process to favor him. Lewis denied the allegation. Instead, the claim said, Bausch was the one who pressured Lewis not to allow the City Council ad hoc committee's recommendation to move forward. Bausch then accused Lewis of 'unethical behavior for personal gain,' the claim said. A similar comment had been made in the media. Because KPRL's audio files are routinely deleted, it's unclear if that rumor was discussed on May 8 after Velie sent Bausch the questions. However, Bausch was scheduled to discuss the paid parking program and the airport that day, according to the website. Additionally, Lewis made mention of the rumor just a few days later, an email previously obtained by The Tribune shows. On May 14, Lewis asked Loyd's Aviation owner Ryan Crowl if his business was being sold, to which Crowl responded with a resounding no. 'I made this pretty clear in public comment at the second Ad Hoc committee meeting. Our company is NOT for sale. We are not and have never actively tried to sell it nor have we expressed a desire to anyone. I cannot say this more emphatically,' he wrote. Lewis responded: 'I appreciate the clarification and transparency. The city is doing its best to maintain a level playing field. There is much misinformation circulating in the community and hearing it straight from the source is appreciated. I am confident Mr. Bausch and the other council members will accurately convey this to constituents during their future discussions.' The email also included a post-script: 'PS - The other rumor circulating is that somehow we know each other and I am steering this process in your favor.' Another pattern visible in the documents provided Friday was Bausch's habit of forwarding emails from his city account to his personal email address. Several emails between Bausch and Velie or Lehrer were also titled 'private, confidential,' despite having no legal grounds for confidentiality, and then being shared by Bausch himself in response to the Public Records Act. Some of the emails Bausch forwarded to himself were meeting minutes or agendas. Several show him forwarding city emails to his personal account, then using his personal account to share and discuss the forwarded message with someone else. For example, on March 7, 2024, Bausch forwarded an email from Ray Katz to Lehrer asking if Katz should be added to the parking referendum committee, to which Lehrer responded 'had really bad experiences with Ray' and 'he just really irritates me.' Bausch also forwarded the same email to Jan Albin, an opponent of paid parking. The email sent by Ray was the same email that prompted the March 8, 2024, Angela's Pastries meeting, records show, which Bausch recorded but refused to disclose despite The Tribune's Public Records Act request until Velie leaked the recording on her website. In a Nov. 29, 2023, exchange, Bausch forwarded a conversation between his city email and Lewis to his personal account where he and Lewis discussed whether a parking marketing campaign was approved in a motion. Bausch used his personal account to send the conversation to Lehrer and wrote, 'This might be interesting to discuss with Karen's guest tomorrow,' and wrote at the top of the message 'private, confidential.' Clive Pinder, host of KVEC's 'Cease Fire' radio show, was also a recipient of several of Bausch's communications. Pinder, who appeared to support the parking referendum in his communications with Bausch, later authored multiple columns in the Paso Robles Daily News hashing out Lewis' claim against the city and the ensuing drama. The columns received criticism from Velie, Lehrer, George and others named in Lewis' claim documents. The columns were quietly retracted in January after the news site received legal threats on behalf of Velie, Pinder told The Tribune at the time. On Jan. 29, 2024, Bausch forwarded a conversation about parking between him and Lewis from the city server to his personal email, and then shared that thread with Pinder, saying 'FYI.' On Jan. 30, 2024, Pinder forwarded an email exchange between him, then-assistant city manager Chris Huot and Lewis to Bausch. In the thread, Huot and Lewis both attempted to clear up misinformation about the paid parking program to the limit they were allowed, since the complaints about the program were still under review at the time. The thread shows that on Jan. 26, Huot denied the allegation that the city violated the Brown Act when it approved the parking changes, but said the inquiries were under review. Pinder then sent Huot a series of clarifying questions, asking whether or not the city planned to suspend the parking program during the review, and if residents would receive refunds for the fees paid out if the program was indeed approved outside of the law. Huot responded that he couldn't speculate to answer the questions due to the ongoing review. Pinder pushed Huot on the questions, to which Lewis took over the conversation and responded to several of Pinder's questions. Lewis added: 'I understand, support and appreciate the need for transparency. With that said, the city needs to understand the legal landscape before responding to the various legal opinions offered by various opponents and news agencies. ... If the city erred, rest assured we will do the right thing and correct any missteps. Alternatively, if there were no errs, we will provide the legal basis for actions to date.' Pinder forwarded the conversation to Bausch, who made a snarky response. 'What is an 'err'?' the Councilman wrote. 'Tomorrow, let us also discuss Ty's hypocrisy as to the Building & Planning Depts. (Could be your next story).' Another thread shows the same email chain forwarded by Pinder, but Lehrer is also included. In that thread, Bausch provided answers to the questions Pinder asked of the city, citing 'a very credible source.' In his answers, Bausch said the decision about refunding fines was unknown at the time, but then asserted that the city wouldn't provide refunds unless ordered to do so by a court. Bausch then forwarded the exchange to Lehrer, who made comments about the city's chosen parking vendor. Bausch responded that the city and city attorney failed to hold its parking vendor to reasonable standards. Bausch added: 'Let the chips now fall where they may. May retribution be swift and sure.'
