Paso Robles News|Wednesday, April 15, 2026
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    Letter: Steve Gregory’s leadership brings community together in times of need 

    letter to the editor

    – A city councilman’s passion and commitment to Paso Robles can be shown by their actions, though most go without public knowledge.

    A few years ago, the city’s budget could not afford to host the annual 4th of July picnic and fireworks at Barney Schwartz Park that are loved by so many! Steve Gregory personally contacted local business owners to collect large donations to cover hard costs, including expensive fireworks. Steve obtained in-kind donations of needed services from trash to transportation to signage and more! Steve made calls, organized, picked up, and made that day happen at no cost to the city, all for the benefit of the citizens of Paso Robles. He continued to actively organize this event until the city could afford to take over.

    Post-recession survival caused the closure of Centennial Pool. Five years later, the city was short approximately $100,000 for deferred maintenance and costly ADA state-mandated upgrades. Steve went to work coordinating a one-day fundraiser dinner with an auction and activities, obtaining cash donations, supply donations, auction donations, advertising, and so much more! Through calls, communication, organization, and hours of extra work, Steve created a successful one-day event, generating over $75,000 toward the $100,000 needed.

    Steve continued to work until all funds were obtained and Centennial Pool reopened in 2016. When Denise Kudla, a 59-year-old Roblan, was killed by a drunk driver, leaving behind a grief-stricken, severely injured husband and their children, Steve rallied to assist her grieving family. He helped to coordinate their medical needs and to organize a beautiful memorial in her honor, gathering donations for their medical expenses and memorial services, including food and beverages for over 1,600 attendees.

    Steve Gregory has put his relentless time and energy into numerous other events and causes! Passion for the citizens of Paso Robles! Personal generosity of time, energy, and money. These are examples of a commitment to make the lives of Roblans better. Steve is a true Roblan!

    There are no easy solutions for the much-needed road repairs or for creating workforce housing opportunities for our community. We believe Steve’s personal construction and development experience combined with his education and knowledge of our city’s operations make him the most qualified to solve these problems. We need Steve’s balanced approach, common-sense decisions, and practical policies. I encourage everyone in District 3 to vote for Steve Gregory for council!

    Sincerely,
    Tom & Gwen Erskine, Paso Robles

     


    Editor’s note: Opinion pieces and letters to the editor are the personal opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Paso Robles Daily News or its staff. We welcome letters from local residents regarding relevant local topics. To submit one, click here.

     

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    Larry Werner

    I could not agree more in the support for Steve Gregory for City Council. He is one of the most dedicated and modest people I have ever met. He gets things done!
    I believe that there is a need to continue his leadership and I encourage people to vote for Steve Gregory.

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    Larry Werner

    I could not agree more in the support for Steve Gregory for City Council. He is one of the most dedicated and modest people I have ever met. He gets things done!
    I believe that there is a need to continue his leadership and I encourage people to vote for Steve Gregory.

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