GPR: Can you introduce your family and share a bit about them?

DM: My family is the center of my world! I have two amazing kids: Dylan, who is 18 and just graduated from Paso Robles High School, and my daughter Delaney, who is 14. Dylan is driven and focused, with plans to pursue EMT training and eventually a career with Cal Fire. Delaney is happiest outside with her animals and horses. She is homeschooled so she can dedicate more time to her livestock projects, especially her lambs and pigs, and she is very hands-on with all of it.

We also have a full house of dogs that keep things lively. Dexter is our 175-pound gentle giant, Harley is around 75 pounds and full of personality, and Finn is our tiny 8-pound chaos coordinator who runs the show in his own way.

GPR: How long have you lived in the neighborhood? Where are you and your family originally from, and what brought you here?

DM: I'm originally from Ojai, California. When I was 18, I moved to San Luis Obispo County and quickly fell in love with the area and started building my life here. It's where I raised my children, and I've proudly called it home ever since. I don't plan on leaving anytime soon!

GPR: Tell us about your kids. What educational or extracurricular pursuits are they involved in?

DM: My kids are my absolute favorite people and my biggest reason for everything I do, and why I work so hard! I love watching them chase their passions and become their own people.Delaney (14) is one of the most driven people I know. She spends countless hours at the barn riding horses and showing lambs and pigs, and if she sets a goal, she's going to achieve it, no questions about it! Her determination, work ethic, and love for agriculture make me incredibly proud and remind me of myself as a child. We definitely share that passion! Dylan (18) is my adventure-loving, laid-back guy. He played baseball for years until a serious dirt bike accident changed his path. These days, you'll usually find him riding dirt bikes or out on his Harley. He's happiest outdoors, on two wheels with a little adrenaline. Through it all, he's remained one of the most easygoing and resilient people I know. Most weekends, you'll find me cheering them on, whether at the barn, at livestock shows, or wherever their next adventure takes us. Watching them do what they love is truly my favorite place to be.

GPR: Do you have any pets? Tell us a little bit about them.

DM: Our house wouldn't be complete without our four-legged crew.

Dexter is our 7-year-old Cane Corso who weighs in at about 175 pounds. He sheds, drools, and somehow still thinks he's a lap dog. He's a big softie with his people, but also very much our protector, no one better cross Mom! Harley is our 9-year-old Boxer/Pit Bull mix. He's energetic, playful, always ready for an adventure, and when the day is done, he's the biggest snuggler around. If there's a couch or a blanket, Harley is claiming it right next to one of us. Finn is the baby of the bunch! He's almost a year old and is a Poohuahua (Poodle/Chihuahua mix), although most people are convinced he's a Mini Australian Shepherd mix. He's technically Delaney's dog, but we all happily soak up the endless puppy love, zoomies, and cuddles he brings to the family.

GPR: How do you celebrate holidays or special occasions as a family?

DM: Our favorite holiday traditions are really centered around family and being together, no matter where we are. That said, we do have a few local traditions that we look forward to every year. The Templeton Fourth of July Parade, the Paso Robles Christmas Light Parade, and Pioneer Day are some of our absolute favorites. They've become a big part of how we celebrate and enjoy the seasons as a family.

GPR: What are your favorite places to visit around the community?

DM: This one is hard because there are honestly so many places and events we love around here! Some of our favorite community traditions are Concerts in the Park, the California Mid-State Fair, and the SLO Sheriff's Rodeo. We also love all the live music around town. There's always something going on, and we enjoy those easy nights out with good music and great people. We especially love that so many local spots host fun-themed nights like bingo, line dancing, and trivia. It makes going out always a good time. When it comes to food, we're big fans of Taste, Su Casa, Jack's, and Yanagi's, along with plenty of other local favorites we rotate through depending on what we're in the mood for. One of my personal favorite watering holes is the Elkhorn Bar in San Miguel, the second-oldest bar in California. It's full of character and history, and it's one of those places where everyone knows your name!

For us, it's really about enjoying the mix of good food, live music, fun local events, and the people that make this area what it is.

GPR: How does your family contribute to fostering a sense of community spirit?

DM: Being part of the community for us has mostly meant showing up and supporting our kids and the people around us. A big part of our time has been spent in 4-H with Delaney and her livestock and equestrian projects. It's connected us with a great group of families and has been a really positive part of our lives. We've also spent many years on the sidelines of youth sports, especially football, baseball, and volleyball, cheering both of my kids on. Those seasons were a big part of our routine and created lasting friendships with other families. Being involved, supporting local events, and encouraging our kids and their teammates has always been our favorite way to give back to the community that has given so much to us.