History of Paso Robles, California in Timeline
"Paso Robles, a city in San Luis Obispo County, California, is known for its hot springs, wineries, olive oil production, almond orchards, and the California Mid-State Fair. Situated on the Salinas River, about 30 miles north of San Luis Obispo, the city had a population of 31,490 as of the 2020 census."
1900: Hot Springs Hotel Completion
The large Hot Springs Hotel, which would later become the Paso Robles Inn, was completed in 1900.
1908: Casteel Vineyards Planting
The Casteel Vineyards in the Willow Creek area were planted just before 1908, with the wines being stored and aged in a cave cellar.
January 6, 1913: Record Low Temperature
Paso Robles reached its record low temperature of 0°F on January 6, 1913, making it the lowest elevation in California to reach that temperature.
January 17, 1914: Ignace Paderewski's Visit
On January 17, 1914, renowned pianist and composer Ignace Paderewski arrived at the hotel in Paso Robles to receive treatment for arthritis at the hotel's mineral hot springs.
January 1916: Highest Monthly Precipitation
The highest precipitation recorded in a single month in Paso Robles was in January 1916, with 14.76 inches.
1917: Templeton Winery Establishment
Lorenzo and Rena Nerelli purchased their vineyard at the foot of York Mountain in 1917, with their Templeton Winery becoming the area's first to be bonded following the repeal of Prohibition.
1924: Dusi Vineyard Purchase
Sylvester and Caterina Dusi purchased a vineyard in 1924, the old head-pruned Zinfandel vines now owned and cultivated by their son, Benito.
April 5, 1929: Snowfall
Paso Robles experienced a rare snowfall on April 5, 1929, with 4.0 inches falling.
October 1931: Establishment of Pioneer Day
In October 1931, Pioneer Day was established by Paso Robles' businesspeople to show their appreciation for the local ranchers.
August 13, 1933: Record High Temperature
On August 13, 1933, the all-time record high temperature in Paso Robles was recorded at 117°F at the National Weather Service cooperative city office.
December 1940: El Paso de Robles Hotel Fire
In December 1940, the El Paso de Robles Hotel was completely destroyed in a fire, though guests escaped unharmed. The night clerk who discovered the fire suffered a fatal heart attack after sounding the alarm.
1941: Wettest Year
The wettest year on record for Paso Robles was 1941, with 29.19 inches of precipitation.
February 1942: Paso Robles Inn Opening
In February 1942, construction of the Paso Robles Inn was completed, opening for business as a garden inn-hotel designed for motor vehicle travelers.
1947: Driest Year
In 1947, Paso Robles experienced its driest year with only 4.24 inches of precipitation.
1955: James Dean's Death
In 1955, actor James Dean was pronounced dead in Paso Robles following a tragic car accident east of the city.
July 20, 1960: Record High Temperature Tied at Airport
The Paso Robles Municipal Airport tied its record high temperature of 115°F on July 20, 1960.
June 15, 1961: Record High Temperature at Airport
The Paso Robles Municipal Airport recorded its all-time high temperature on June 15, 1961, reaching 115°F.
December 6, 1966: Maximum 24-Hour Precipitation
Paso Robles received its highest amount of precipitation in a 24-hour period on December 6, 1966, at 5.25 inches.
January 1969: Highest Monthly Precipitation at Airport
The Paso Robles Municipal Airport experienced its wettest month in January 1969, with 12.19 inches of precipitation.
December 15, 1988: Snowfall
On December 15, 1988, Paso Robles received 4.0 inches of snowfall.
December 22, 1990: Record Low Temperature at Airport
The Paso Robles Municipal Airport experienced its record low temperature on December 22, 1990, dropping to 8°F.
1993: Establishment of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, a nonprofit trade organization, was established in 1993 to champion the growth and recognition of the Paso Robles premium wine region through marketing, education, and advocacy.
March 10, 1995: Maximum 24-Hour Precipitation at Airport
The highest 24-hour rainfall recorded at the Paso Robles Municipal Airport was 5.47 inches on March 10, 1995.
1995: New Library Building Dedication
In 1995, a new library building combined with city hall was completed, with acclaimed novelist Ray Bradbury speaking at the dedication.
1995: Wettest Year at Airport
The highest yearly precipitation recorded at the Paso Robles Municipal Airport was 25.56 inches in 1995.
2000: Census Data for Paso Robles
The 2000 census recorded demographic data in Paso Robles, noting 24,297 residents, with racial demographics including 75.70% White, 3.32% African American, 1.30% Native American, 1.89% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 13.68% from other races, and 3.97% from two or more races. Additionally, Hispanics or Latinos of any race constituted 27.72% of the population.
April 2002: Renovation of Sherwood Park's Little League Field
As part of an effort to improve youth sports facilities, Sherwood Park in Paso Robles underwent renovations in April 2002, including a complete overhaul of its Little League field.
December 22, 2003: San Simeon Earthquake
On December 22, 2003, at 11:15 am PST, the 6.6 magnitude San Simeon earthquake struck about 25 miles northwest of Paso Robles, causing two deaths when the roof of the downtown clock tower building slid off.
2007: American Community Survey Update for Paso Robles
In 2007, the American Community Survey (ACS) provided updated demographic information for Paso Robles, estimating a population of 27,868 with an average age of 33.2 years old. The racial composition showed 82.0% White, 2.8% Black or African American, 1.1% Native American, 2.0% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 12.1% from other races, and 3.5% from two or more races, with Hispanic or Latino of any race making up 32.9% of the population.
2007: Driest Year at Airport
The driest year on record for the Paso Robles Municipal Airport was 2007, with only 4.20 inches of precipitation.
2008: Inaugural Wine Vine Run Takes Place in Paso Robles
The first annual Wine Vine Run, a half marathon and 5k race, was held in Paso Robles in 2008, aiming to support Paso Robles High School's youth sports programs.
2009: Paso Robles Hosts AMGEN Tour of California Stage Finish
The city of Paso Robles served as the finish line for Stage 5 of the AMGEN Tour of California in 2009, marking a significant event for cycling enthusiasts in the region.
December 2010: Sinkhole Repair and New Clock Tower
In December 2010, the sinkhole created by the 2003 earthquake was filled, the parking lot resurfaced, and a new clock tower was dedicated to the memory of the two women who died in the earthquake.
2010: 2010 United States Census
The 2010 United States Census reported that Paso Robles had a population of 29,793 and a population density of 1,533.7 inhabitants per square mile.
2011: Paso Robles Welcomes AMGEN Tour of California Stage Finish
Paso Robles once again hosted the AMGEN Tour of California in 2011, with the city serving as the finish line for Stage 5 of the prestigious cycling race.
November 2012: LaGuardia's Italian Deli Opens at Paso Robles Municipal Airport
LaGuardia's Italian Deli began operations at the Paso Robles Municipal Airport terminal in November 2012, marking the arrival of the first and only dining establishment within the airport.
2012: Transition to a Four-Year Mayoral Term in Paso Robles
In 2012, voters in Paso Robles approved a change to the city's mayoral term, extending it from a two-year to a four-year term.
September 6, 2020: Record High Temperature Tied
On September 6, 2020, Paso Robles tied the all-time record high temperature of 117°F.
2020: 2020 United States Census
According to the 2020 United States Census, Paso Robles had a population of 31,490, with 12,005 households, and a population density of 1,602.5 inhabitants per square mile.
2020: 2020 United States Census
The 2020 United States Census recorded Paso Robles' population at 31,490.
2022: Redistricting Places Paso Robles in California's 19th Congressional District
Following the 2022 redistricting, Paso Robles was placed within California's 19th congressional district, now represented by Democrat Jimmy Panetta. Prior to this change, the city was part of California's 24th congressional district.
February 24, 2023: Snowfall
Paso Robles experienced snowfall on February 24, 2023.
2023: Paso Robles City Council Approves Recycled Water Pipeline Project
To promote water conservation, the Paso Robles City Council, in 2023, approved the construction of a 4.5-mile pipeline. This pipeline will transport purified recycled water to vineyards and parks east of the city, reducing reliance on groundwater.