For the Castillo family, life is full, busy, and deeply grounded in connection. At the heart of it all is a household that brings together love, resilience, and plenty of lively conversation. “We’re a blended family,” Leo shares. “I had three children from my first marriage, twins Lainey, who is 15, and Logan, who would be 15, and then Noah, who is 13.” After remarrying, their family grew again. “My wife brought her son Fin, who is also 15, and together we have Delilah, who is 6.” Their story also carries profound loss. “Tragically, after my divorce, we lost our son Logan to cancer.” His memory remains an important part of the family’s life. “Everyone who knew Logan would want him here experiencing life to its fullest.” Despite the challenges, the household is filled with energy. “Three teenagers and a little one definitely make for interesting dinner conversations,” they say with a laugh. Between sibling banter and everyday debates over chores, life is anything but quiet. “All in all, these four kids keep us very busy.”

The family has lived in the neighborhood for over a decade. “I’d say about 12 or 13 years,” they note. Their move to the area was tied to military service. “I was stationed here after transferring from San Diego.” Their wife, meanwhile, has deep roots nearby. “She’s from San Luis Obispo and has been in the Paso Robles area for about 20 years.”

Service has been a defining thread throughout his life. “I served in the Army for 22 years,” he explain, with experience spanning multiple roles, from infantry and missile defense to recruiting and HR. He was deployed twice before eventually being stationed on the Central Coast in 2013. Today, he continues that work locally. “I work at Camp Roberts as a logistics specialist, but my true passion is community and supporting local organizations.” That passion shows in his extensive involvement. He currently serves as Post Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Paso Robles and is a trustee for the Paso Robles School Board, representing District 6. His past roles include board president of Paso Robles Youth Arts, board member of the Boys & Girls Club, and city planning commissioner. “I couldn’t have done any of this without my family’s support,” he emphasizes. “It’s important to me that my kids see the value of volunteering and giving back.”

One of their most meaningful family traditions began after their divorce: “etiquette night.” “I wanted to make sure my kids enjoyed food at both homes,” Leo explains, inspired in part by his ex-wife’s cooking. Once a month, we would dress up and visit a locally owned restaurant. “It was about more than just eating out,” he says. “I wanted them to learn how to order, understand manners, try new foods, and appreciate the service industry.” The kids even calculated tips themselves. “They were responsible for figuring out what 20% looked like.” While life with six family members has made the tradition harder to maintain, the spirit continues. “Now we do more one-on-one breakfasts, lunches, or dinners,” they say, keeping those lessons alive in a new way.

Life in their cul-de-sac is a big part of what makes this community special. “We’re all very close,” he shares. From outdoor movie nights to Halloween parties, neighbors regularly come together. Their favorite memory captures that spirit perfectly. “One year, I created a Christmas scavenger hunt,” he recalls. "Each neighbor held a hidden gift, and the kids had to follow clues to find them. Watching them run from house to house, and seeing our neighbors support it, made my day.”

That sense of belonging is why they’ve stayed. “I’ve turned down jobs to avoid leaving this neighborhood,” he admits. “Our neighbors are more like family.” Through service, tradition, and a strong sense of community, this Paso Robles family is filled with laughter, purpose, and connection.