Community Columns & Blogs

J.R. Reynolds, left, is the fourth head football coach at Paso Robles High School in less than two years.

How long will Paso fans stand for a football team that keeps losing coaches and games?

With the Paso Robles High School football team at 0-3 and on its fourth head coach in two years, perhaps the district should de-emphasize the risky sport.

About the Colony

Newly opened Three Bridges Oak Preserve already a popular hiking spot in Atascadero

The Three Bridges Oak Preserve in Atascadero was dedicated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, September 8, 2017, and is now open to hikers.

Over the Hill

Paso hot spell, Gulf Coast flooding signal climate change

Tribune columnist Phil Dirkx says 10 straight days of 100-plus temperatures in Paso Robles and Gulf Coast floods are evidence that climate change is real.

About the Colony

First step to restoring Atascadero’s Printery is sealing the building

The Atascadero Printery Foundation needs help sealing the historic building from further damage to the interior.

Community Columns & Blogs

Don’t miss the Old Timers Picnic in San Miguel Sunday

The annual Old Timers Picnic in San Miguel starts serving at noon Sunday, Aug. 27, at San Miguel Park.

Over the Hill

When my ‘grandson’ called from a Florida jail, saying he needed $4,000

Beware scam callers who masquerade as family members claiming they need money for an emergency, writes Paso Robles columnist Phil Dirkx.

About the Colony

First memory of North Korea was losing my fifth-grade teacher in the war

North Korea’s threats of nuclear war remind Lon Allan of his fifth-grade teacher, who was killed in the Korean War, and his 1963 visit while serving in the Navy.

Community Columns & Blogs

San Miguel to hold town Neighborhood Watch meeting

Next week, San Miguel will hold a Neighborhood Watch meeting and kids are headed back to school.

Over the Hill

Mid-State fairgoers used to spend weeks in line to buy top show tickets

Before the internet, California Mid-State Fair goers stood in line for days to buy tickets to entertainment acts, says Tribune columnist Phil Dirkx.

About the Colony

Seniors group in Atascadero offers classes, free Wi-Fi, cafe — and more

Senior Citizens United Inc. in Atascadero offers classes, free Wi-Fi, tax prep and lends out items such as wheelchairs. It’s open weekday mornings.

Artist Steve Kalar stands next to a life-size image of Father Reginald McDonough OFM in San Miguel.

Community Columns & Blogs

New life-size image greets visitors near Mission San Miguel

A likeness of Franciscan Father Reginald McDonough OFM greets park visitors next to Mission San Miguel, and a Dollar Store is set to open July 31, 2017.

Over the Hill

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.

Atascadero High School’s Greybots robotics team won its second world championship title in Houston at the FIRST World Championships in Houston in April with its Bloodhound robot.

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.

Mamie Nell Woods Dirkx and Phil Dirkx were married for nearly 64 years before her death on July 4.

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.

Safe and sane fireworks are sold at two locations in San Miguel.

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.