Atascadero

San Luis Obispo County

Atascadero

Where Colony Days Meet Wine Country Magic

Population: 32,000
202 local businesses9 upcoming events

About Atascadero

Atascadero wraps you in small-town charm where historic Colony architecture lines Traffic Way and the intoxicating scent of oak trees mingles with fresh pastries from local bakeries. This hidden gem pulses with authentic Central Coast energy—from the Saturday farmers market bursting with Paso Robles wine country bounty to the stunning lake reflecting ancient oaks. You'll discover why locals call it 'A-town' as you sip craft beer at Tent City Brewing while golden hour paints the rolling hills that cradle this perfectly imperfect slice of California paradise.

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Latest News in Atascadero

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Autumn Arts Annual 2026Atascadero
New Times SLO (Atascadero)· Sep 24, 2026

Autumn Arts Annual 2026

Summer's still lingering here in Atascadero, but the calendar says fall, and New Times SLO (Atascadero) has rolled out its Autumn Arts Annual 2026 to prove it. If you've been waiting for an excuse to get out of the house and into something creative, this is your sign — exhibitions, performances, and all the seasonal happenings landing across the Central Coast. There's something special about autumn around here. The crowds thin out, the light turns golden over the North County, and our local galleries and venues finally get room to breathe. Whether you're a longtime Atascadero arts supporter or just curious about what's happening down the road, this roundup is worth a look. So grab a jacket — eventually — and go support the makers and organizers who keep our corner of the 805 interesting. Full details are over at New Times SLO.

Atascadero council race draws four candidates for two seatsAtascadero
New Times SLO (Atascadero)· Sep 24, 2026

Atascadero council race draws four candidates for two seats

Atascadero folks, we've got a real race on our hands this November. Four candidates — incumbent Susan Funk, Emily Baranek, Mike Avila, and self-described outsider Ian Denchasy — are competing for two seats on the City Council, with Councilmember Heather Newsom stepping away. That's a big shift for a council that's been fairly steady in recent years. Housing and jobs are the headline issues, which won't surprise anyone who's watched rents climb and young families struggle to stay in North County. These are the decisions that shape what gets built, what gets approved, and what our town looks like a decade from now. Meanwhile, Mayor Charles Bourbeau runs unopposed for another two-year term. New Times SLO has the full candidate rundown, so do your homework before ballots arrive. Local elections are where your vote counts the most — this one's worth showing up for.

SLO City Council refines confidentiality policy for elected officialsAtascadero
New Times SLO (Atascadero)· Sep 17, 2026

SLO City Council refines confidentiality policy for elected officials

Our neighbors in SLO just tightened up the rules on keeping city business confidential, and it's worth a nod from those of us up here in Atascadero. The City Council unanimously adopted a resolution at its Sept. 15 meeting revising its policies and procedures manual, adding two specific guidelines on handling confidential information. This comes after Mayor Erica Stewart shared a confidential SLO County grand jury report—a reminder that even well-meaning officials can slip up. Why does it matter to us? Because transparency and trust in local government aren't just SLO issues. Every city on the Central Coast, including ours, benefits when elected leaders set clear expectations. It's a quiet but meaningful step toward accountability. New Times SLO (Atascadero) reported the story, and it's a good conversation starter for our own council. Small procedural changes can prevent big headaches down the road.

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