Atascadero, California is a city within San Luis Obispo County that lies almost exactly halfway between Los Angeles and San Jose. Atascadero boasts a healthy population of around 29,000 and is divided by U.S. Route 101. The city’s name is a Spanish word that loosely translated means “bog.” Because it lies further inland than the other cities within San Luis Obispo County, Atascadero enjoys warmer, drier summers and cooler winters. The city is less than 20 miles from the beach and the Pacific Ocean.
The government of Atascadero is comprised of five members. The mayor and four council members, all elected at-large by the city’s residents, act as the policy-making body and are charged with acting upon all legislative matters within the city. The City Council meets regularly on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Atascadero City Hall is located at 6500 Palma Avenue. The San Luis Obispo Superior Court acts as Atascadero’s municipal court, and is located at 1050 Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo.
Residents and visitors of Atascadero enjoy many community events throughout the year. In spring, the Wildflower Bike Ride and Sweetheart Stroll through downtown draw people outside to enjoy the Southern California sunshine. Summer festivals include the Atascadero Wine & Golf Festival, the Great American Holiday, Ice Cream Zoofari at the Charles Paddock Zoo, and weekly concerts in the park. Fall and winter in Atascadero bring the Sunken Gardens Flea Market, Halloween ZooBoo at the zoo, and the Downtown Winter Wonderland festival.
