Community Columns & Blogs

Can we solve tough issues together? Our survival depends on it

Columnist Phil Dirkx of Paso Robles says that our ability to survive as a human race depends on our ability to tackle tough issues together worldwide.

About the Colony

Atascadero’s world-champion robotics team needs your help

Atascadero High School’s robotics team needs to raise money to defend its world championship in Houston next year. Here’s how you can help.

Community Columns & Blogs

Meal program, Sheriff’s Youth Camp wrap up at San Miguel school

School’s out at Lillian Larsen Elementary in San Miguel, but the campus is still busy with a summer meal program and a Sheriff’s Youth Camp.

Over the Hill

Memories of my wife ‘comfort and encourage me and ... break my heart’

Mamie Woods Dirkx, wife of Tribune columnist and Paso Roblan Phil Dirkx, died July 4th. Among her jobs: The Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce.

About the Colony

Why Atascadero lost its fireworks show at the lake after more than 30 years

For more than 30 years, Atascadero had a Fourth of July fireworks show at the lake, but huge crowds, drinking and even a big fight one year eventually put a stop to the event.

About the Colony

How to have a 'Safe and Sane' July Fourth — but still have fireworks

Tribune reporter Gabby Ferreira finds out how to stay safe while setting off fireworks from Five Cities Fire Authority Chief Steve Lieberman. They set off an assortment of "Safe and Sane" fireworks for the Fourth of July holiday.

Community Columns & Blogs

San Miguel one of the few county spots that allow safe and sane fireworks

Safe and sane fireworks are on sale at two San Miguel locations. The town is one of the few places in the county where the fireworks are allowed.

Over the Hill

The Mid-State Fair banned smoking. But with marijuana on the rise, will that rule last?

Smoking and vaping are now banned at the Mid-State Fair, but Phil Dirkx wonders if marijuana legalization might compel future leaders to reverse that decision one day.

About the Colony

What parent lets their kid play on the phone during the national anthem at Arlington?

Too many people are consumed with their cellphones. A girl caught on video tapping away behind President Trump during an Arlington National Cemetery ceremony is only one example.

Community Columns & Blogs

Why Mission San Miguel chopped down some olive trees

Olive trees were recently removed from the parking lot at Mission San Miguel because they have long been a hazard to cars backing out.

Over the Hill

RVs are in for some rough driving if roads around proposed Paso resort aren’t fixed

Who will care for the roads around the proposed 290-space Cabernet Links RV Resort in Paso Robles, asks columnist Phil Dirkx.

About the Colony

He rode in WWII-era Higgins boats in the Navy. Now he’s building a model of one

D-Day’s 73rd anniversary on June 6, 2017, reminds a Navy veteran of his experiences with Higgins boats, the landing craft used in the invasion.

Community Columns & Blogs

San Miguel welcomes a new church to town

A new church, Fuente de Agua Viva (Fountain of Living Water), has opened in the historic church at the corner of L and 13th streets in San Miguel.

Over the Hill

Memorial Day reminds us that we must stop wars — and learn to get along

Memorial Day reminds us that wars kill people. We humans must try harder to get along with each other. But that keeps getting more difficult to do.

About the Colony

For Navy veteran who served during Vietnam, Memorial Day is a moment of pride

With Memorial Day next week, Lon Allan recalls his service in the Navy during the Vietnam War and is proud of how San Luis Obispo County honors its veterans.

Community Columns & Blogs

Cruise Night and Car Show coming to San Miguel

Memorial Day weekend will bring the Cruise Night and Car Show to San Miguel, the Advisory Council needs new members, and a historian will speak at the Adobe.

Over the Hill

I drive this deadly stretch of Hwy. 101 every day. Every day, it’s a gamble.

The deadly 7-mile non-freeway stretch of Highway 101 north of Paso Robles claimed another life in April 2017, but when will the state do something to improve the road?

About the Colony

Historic golf ball sign comes down as Atascadero motel changes its name

The large golf ball sign atop the Rancho Tee Motel in Atascadero was taken down recently when the motel changed its name to Vino Inn and Suites.

Community Columns & Blogs

San Miguel celebrates Sagebrush Days with a spirited parade

San Miguel celebrated its annual Sagebrush Days on Saturday, April 29, 2017. Other events coming up include a visit from San Luis Obispo County Supervisor John Peschong, a Cinco de Mayo dinner fundraiser and the Walk 4 Autism in San Luis Obispo, writes columnist Lynne Schmitz.

Over the Hill

With the nuclear genie out of the bottle, the next disaster is only a matter of time

The nuclear genie was released with the use of the atomic bomb during World War II, but he’s an even greater threat today as tensions rise with North Korea and spent radioactive fuel piles up at plants like Diablo Canyon in San Luis Obispo County.