Dancing set for library fundraiser in Atascadero

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• Filling a void in Templeton: Push is on to find funds to build library

  Filling a void in Templeton: Push is on to find funds to build library

  Carla Willhoit’s enthusiasm to bring a library to the small community of Templeton is immeasurable, but the sight of boxed books stacked high in her garage paint a picture of her commitment.

  The 89-year-old resident is a founding member of the Templeton Community Library Association and a longtime advocate of the benefits libraries bring to communities.

  Before Templeton’s last library, housed in its volunteer fire department, closed in the 1970s, she remembers one man who spent hours reading and talking to those who came and went.

• Bouquets and Brickbats: Don’t delay library for Templeton

  Bouquets and Brickbats: Don’t delay library for Templeton

  We’re circulating a book bag of bouquets to volunteers in Templeton who have raised $1 million to build a new library. Templeton has been without a permanent library since the 1970s, so this campaign is a huge boon to the community.

  But check this out: The project could be dealt a major setback if construction doesn’t begin by April. That’s because a minor-use building permit from the county is set to expire then. The project has been granted the maximum number of permit extensions, so the Templeton Community Library Association will have to file for a new permit if it doesn’t meet the deadline.

  Ideally, the library association will be able to raise the $427,000 it needs to start construction by April. If not, we would urge the county to either make an exception for a worthy, nonprofit project and grant another extension, or expedite the granting of a new permit.

• Letters to the Editor 10/17

  Letters to the Editor 10/17

  Working toward safety

  One year ago, mother and psychiatric technician Donna Gross was murdered on the job at Napa State Hospital. On Sunday, Oct. 23, workers at Atascadero State Hospital will hold a vigil honoring her and commemorating the first anniversary of her death. Members of the community are invited to attend this event, taking place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the hospital’s entrance. Simultaneous vigils will occur at all state hospitals and developmental centers across the state.

  Donna’s murder sparked a statewide movement for improved living and working conditions for patients and staff at California’s state hospitals — the Safety Now Coalition. A recent study based on Department of Mental Health and Cal-OSHA records shows that assaults on psychiatric technicians rose by 30 percent and on registered nurses by 52 percent between 2005 and 2009. In the past five years, attacks on staff have doubled at ASH.

• Charles Paddock Zoo showing its age

  Charles Paddock Zoo showing its age

  The zoo's aging infrastructure has put its accreditation at risk and could mean the loss of animals.

• Funding deadline for new library nearing

  Funding deadline for new library nearing

  A front-and-center issue at some recent Cambria meetings has been how local citizens can raise $450,000 in 11 months to complete a deal with the county for the town’s new library and community hub.

  The issue’s to be on the table again Wednesday, Feb. 15, as Supervisor Bruce Gibson and others continue to make their case once again before the North Coast Advisory Council (6:30 p.m., Rabobank, 1070 Main St.).

  Greg Fitzgerald, chief fundraiser for Friends of the Cambria Library, is to explain how Cambria’s new library eventually will differ from, and be so much better than, the current facility, especially in terms of technological advances and sheer elbow room.