The school year’s in full swing, leaves are falling, and temperatures continue dipping as we embrace the transition from summer to fall. Fall is harvest season, a reminder that hard work bears good fruit, and I’d like my neighbors to join me in celebration and thankfulness for this beautiful place we call home!
Fall is time for sipping warm drinks, indulging in delicious treats, and drawing nearer to dear friends and family. As you make your autumnal plans, I encourage us all to savor our Downtown by patronizing and supporting your favorite local business. Without local support, our businesses can’t thrive, and that special Downtown spot you love so much might struggle to stay open for another season.
As you may have heard, the City is excited to step into the next phase of our Downtown Infrastructure Enhancement Project, which will bring much-needed improvements to our Downtown core, but may understandably frustrate some folks during the construction process. We at the City continue working diligently in good faith with Downtown businesses to make sure we’re working in tandem to secure the best possible future for Atascadero. As our local businesses continue working hard to provide quality goods and services to our community, we must remember to do our part and support them as much as we can.
Remember: Downtown businesses are OPEN during construction, so be sure to order that amazing pie and grab a scoop of ice cream, visit our retailers for unique fall fashion items, grab a craft beer or local wine, or relish in our many excellent culinary options. There is always plenty to do in Downtown Atascadero, from catching a movie to playing a round of mini golf, or even throwing an ax!
If you have any questions about events or activities happening with the City, or questions about any other topic related to the City of Atascadero, feel free to email me at jlewis@atascadero.org. Happy harvest season to all!
City Manager, Jim R. Lewis
Jim Lewis was appointed City Manager of the City of Atascadero in July 2023. Jim has proudly called Atascadero home for more than 20 years. Jim holds a Bachelor’s in Public Policy and Management from the University of Southern California as well as a Master’s of Public Administration in Public Finance and Management from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School. Prior to his appointment as Atascadero’s City Manager, Jim served as Pismo Beach’s City Manager for the last 10 years, and before that served Atascadero as Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Director for eight years. Jim is deeply experienced in municipal management: he currently serves on the League of California Cities Board of Directors, representing the City Managers of California, and serves on the California City Management Foundation Board of Trustees. He is a longtime member of Atascadero Kiwanis, Atascadero Bible Church, and volunteers in Pack 51 Cub Scouts as Den Leader. Jim and his wife love living in Atascadero, and their two kids are students in the Atascadero Unified School District. If you see Jim out and about, say hello!
