Paso Groundwater Basin, Community Garden and More
February 28, 2025
Kris Goes to Council - Issues, Events, Engagement
I’m staying busy with meetings with staff on Economic Development and roads, coffee with community members (thank you for coming!), connecting with community organizations/events (Welcome the Mexican Consul) and more!
Tomorrow (March 1) we’re reviving the Community Garden at Uptown Park at 10am - please come! If you’re downtown, consider updating your Library Card when you’re there (it only takes 5 minutes). Read More
Paso Basin, Sunrise Villas Ribbon Cutting, and Coffee
February 17, 2025
Kris Goes to Council - Issues, Events, Engagement
A lot of my time is spent researching issues, connecting with staff, formal briefings, and responding to constituents. But I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can be effective to elevate the issues I campaigned on — affordable housing, diverse economic base and jobs, and places and spaces for our youth. Read More
Water, Housing, Coffee & MLK
January 31, 2025
Kris Goes to Council - Issues, Events, Engagement
My onboarding process continues, and I’m starting to find a rhythm with my different responsibilities. Here are a few updates on issues and ways to engage. Feel free to reach out to me at kbeal@prcity.com with questions. Emails are great because I’m able to loop in staff and we can get a sense of what the pressing questions are. I also highly recommend subscribing to the biweekly CITY NEWSLETTER to get a great overview of all of the city’s work.. Read More
Paso Robles Councilmember Kris Beal Announces Office Hours
January 13 | pricity.com
Paso Robles, CA – Councilmember Kris Beal is inviting Paso Robles residents to join her for an informal community meeting series, “Coffee with Kris.” These Saturday morning gatherings provide an opportunity to meet Councilmember Beal, ask questions, share ideas, and discuss topics that matter most to the community. Read More
Swearing In & My First Month
January 12, 2025
Kris Goes to Council - Issues, Events, Engagement
Now for the work. It’s been a busy first month, and the staff and council are gracious in my onboarding process. There are many opportunities for you to engage with local issues - below are some items on how you can get involved in this important work. Read More
New city council members sworn in at Tuesday night’s meeting
December 19 | Paso Robles Daily News
The Paso Robles City Council declared and certified the results of the Nov. 5 Consolidated General Election, officially recognizing the winners for city treasurer and council members for Districts 1, 3, and 4…. The council also appointed members to various bodies….
1500 Door milestone
Paso Robles Daily News
October 25, 2024
City council candidate Kris Beal announces her campaign has knocked on over 1,500 doors
Kris Beal, a candidate for Paso Robles City Council District 1, has reached a milestone in her grassroots campaign, having knocked on over 1,500 doors since August, she says. Beal’s campaign is using direct engagement with residents to understand their concerns and priorities for the city, she says.
“When we set out to knock on 1,000 doors across the district, I knew it would be a challenge,” Beals says. “Reaching 1,500 homes is a tremendous achievement, and I couldn’t have done it without our amazing volunteers. These folks have been out there with me, walking the neighborhoods week after week since August, and I’m so thankful for their time, energy and enthusiasm, and we’re still going. Our team is committed to connecting with voters and answering any questions they might have about voting or the election,” she said.
Beal’s campaign message is rooted in improving the quality of life for all residents, focusing on affordable/workforce housing, job opportunities, and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, she is committed to finding solutions for Paso Robles’ youth, ensuring they have spaces and opportunities to thrive.
The Paso Robles native believes speaking directly with residents is critical, particularly for those who may not be able to attend city meetings.
“Not everyone in Paso Robles can make it to council or committee meetings, so meeting people at their doorsteps is key to understanding what really matters to them,” Beal said. “It’s especially important to connect with neighbors outside our usual circles because if we don’t, we risk missing the concerns of those with different experiences.”
Letter to the Editor
Paso Robles Daily News
October 8, 2024
My name is Kris Beal and I’m running to represent District 1 on the City Council
At one of my first meet-and-greet events, one neighbor asked, “Why’s a nice girl like you running for city council?” We both laughed.
I did not enter this race lightly or to fulfill personal ambition. When the seat opened up after Mayor Martin’s passing, I considered applying for the appointment to be selected by the Council. I sought advice from trusted friends and community leaders. I researched and learned about the city demographics and items before the council. The more I reflected, the more I realized that my skills, experience, and community connections would be an asset to the council.
After not being appointed and further research and reflection, I decided to run and let the voters of District 1 decide. My conviction has only strengthened after knocking on a LOT of doors in every neighborhood in the district.
I know my path is not typical, but it is exactly for this reason that I am the best candidate at this moment. My value to the Council lies in the fact that I am different and will bring a different perspective and a new voice to our city’s business.
I was the Executive Director for the Vineyard Team, a non-profit dedicated to sustainable farming practices. I have 23 years experience in government relations, managing budgets, programs, and stakeholder processes. I served on the Paso Groundwater Basin Committee. I worked on the County Master Water Plan. I have served our Latino community through education, outreach and scholarships. My executive leadership is strongly aligned with the needs and interests of our City.
I have a long history of community service: participating in community and school related committee meetings, conducting wellness programs at substance abuse treatment facilities, serving food or cleaning up tables and chairs at community events or fundraisers, donating photography to non-profit and community events, organizing civics education meetings, and more.
Volunteerism matters. My long-term service to our community shows that my care is matched with actions. It also demonstrates my connections to different segments of our community. It’s one thing to live here, but it’s another thing to have a history of service.
My endorsements are unique, broad, and pertinent to my qualifications: friends who have known me for 50 years, parents who have seen me advocate for children and schools, former colleagues who have known my work here in the community. These people know my work ethic, my values, and my strengths.
Local government matters. It affects our lives on a daily basis. This election, District 1 voters have a choice with a clear contrast between the candidates.
The above spells out my qualifications and readiness to serve in a new way, in addition to the contrast with my opponents.
As for the original question: Why’s a nice girl like you running for city council?
At my core, I believe that we deserve a choice in who represents us. Historically, many of the council contests go unopposed. I also see a large segment of our city lacks intentional representation even though 60% of our residents are younger than 50. Our working families and young people deserve a voice on the council, and balancing the perspectives on the council will benefit our town in the long run. I want the town we are passing off to our children and grandchildren to offer the same opportunities I had to create a better life in the town I love.
And I’m not alone with these values. That’s why I’m running for city council.
Ballots are arriving, feel free to reach out to me at krisbealforcitycouncil@gmail.com
I respectfully ask for your vote.
Kris Beal, M.S.
Letter to the Editor
Paso Robles Daily News
October 16, 2024
Linda Midkiff - Letter of Support
“Those who are not familiar with the works of the Vineyard Team may not realize what a gem Kris is. She is excellent at building coalitions among various groups. She is persuasive without being pushy…. I really can’t praise Kris Beal enough! Her work ethic is admirable, but her ability to move the needle in areas of concern cannot be overestimated. For those of you in her district who have not gotten to know her, I hope you will take the opportunity to do so. She deserves your support.….”
Read More
Letter to the Editor
Paso Robles Daily News
October 8, 2024
Steve Baker - Letter of Support
“I worked on multiple City Council campaigns for Steve Martin in the past because I believed there was no one in our community who cared more for Paso Robles than him of which he demonstrated time and again. I know that Kris has that same kind of devotion to our town and has the experience to do the right thing….”
Read More
Chamber Candidate Forum
September 26, 2024
Paso Robles and Templeton Chamber of Commerce hosted the Paso Robles City Council Candidate Forum.
Kris Note: There is a clear contrast between the candidates in terms of professional experience, community service, and vision. Even though the D1 candidates all discussed workforce housing & families, none of Kris’ opponents address this on their websites. Kris is the only candidate running specifically on elevating the needs of our workers, families and the next generation.
View Video
Tribune Endorses Beal
September 25, 2024
OUR ENDORSEMENTS Given the challenges Paso Robles faces, we believe Beal is the best choice for District 1. Her work in the nonprofit sector has given her a knack for diplomacy, she analyzes issues before reaching a decision and she stresses putting the people of Paso Robles first. “I’m working to be a new voice to make sure the families, the next generation and the workers of our town have a voice,” she told the editorial board.
Another plus: Beal has a master’s degree in agriculture from Cal Poly and is well versed in water management. She served on a Paso Robles Groundwater Basin committee, taught irrigation at Cal Poly and worked on the county’s water master plan.
The Tribune strongly endorses Kris Beal for Paso Robles City Council.
Read Article
KPRL Sound Off
September 19, 2024
Karen Velie hosts “Sound Off” with Paso Robles City Council candidates for District 1: Sharon Roden, Linda George & Kris Beal.
Listen
Council candidate announces endorsements
September 12 | Paso Robles Daily News
Kris Beal, candidate for Paso Robles City Council District 1, has received endorsements from a diverse group of community members since announcing her candidacy in June. Her supporters include educators, parents, students, retirees, and business owners.
“This amazing support of everyday people affirms my aim to engage the community to improve the quality of life of our residents and make our city more resilient in the long term,” Beal said. “It is important that the city lend more time and attention to the needs of our workforce and working families, as they are essential to the current and future success of our community.”
Beal is committed to developing workforce housing and diversifying career opportunities, as well as ensuring spaces for youth in Paso Robles.
“Our community needs a new perspective, a positive voice,” said Millie Drum, one of Beal’s supporters.
“This town has always been home to me, and I care deeply about our future,” Elena Garcia, Paso Robles High School Class of 2003, said, “As our community evolves, I feel like some voices are being overlooked. I know Kris will bring everyone to the table and ensure we move forward together.”
“Kris has great organization skills and a proven track record of collaboration to solve complex issues,” Steve Peck, a former colleague, added, “She garners goodwill from folks of diverse interests and backgrounds and leads them toward wanting to work together to create a better community.”
“I have observed Kris Beal in action! She is dedicated, organized and, importantly, she cares about our working families and young people,” said Dr. Miriam Lomelino, M.D. “She has years of professional and volunteer experience which has included working with underrepresented individuals of our Spanish-speaking community. She will make sure that every voice is heard. She will be an outstanding city council member, and I hope that you will give her your vote this November! ¡Sí se puede!”
A complete list of Beal’s endorsements is available on her campaign website.
Beal, who has lived in Paso Robles since 1976, is known for bringing together diverse groups to solve problems and foster collaboration among community members, businesses, and government entities. She is a graduate of Paso Robles public schools and Cal Poly SLO. Beal previously taught at Cal Poly and led a local nonprofit for more than two decades.
For more information on Beal’s campaign for District 1, visit www.krisbealforcitycouncil.com. District 1 covers portions of downtown and uptown, as well as River Oaks, Union Road, and the airport area.
Kris Beal launches campaign for Paso Robles City Council
August 6 | Paso Robles Daily News
Kris Beal officially launched her campaign for District 1 of the Paso Robles City Council on Sunday at the Downtown City Park, gathering over 50 supporters. Attendees engaged with Beal, discussing key issues and expressing approval for her vision for Paso Robles. The event featured an ice cream social.
Friends and colleagues, including Steve Peck, Tracy Dauterman, and Monica Barricarte, attended the event and reflected on their decades of working with Beal. They highlighted her track record of creating collaborative relationships with people of different viewpoints, her work ethic, and her concern for improving the quality of life in Paso Robles. The trio then introduced Beal, who shared her motivations for running for council.
“I’m energized and honored by the grassroots support of the community and my long-time friends and colleagues,” Beal said. “I’ve been knocking on a lot of doors and learning what quality of life means to different people. I’m hearing from all age groups in every neighborhood that it’s important to provide a voice for workers, families, and the next generation on the council.”
Beal graduated from Paso Robles public schools and Cal Poly University, San Luis Obispo. She taught at Cal Poly before leading The Vineyard Team, a local nonprofit organization, for 23 years. Beal believes her professional and personal experience as a nonprofit leader, worker, and single mom allows her to connect with and represent the community she hopes to serve.
“Of course, people talk about roads, but they’re also stressing the need for affordable and workforce housing,” said Beal. “Local government touches our lives every day, and Paso Robles is uniquely positioned to improve our residents’ quality of life. Not only does this include a safe place to raise their families and young people to grow, but career paths for our residents – concerns that affect us all.”
“Our hardworking people deserve a voice on the council and I aim to be that voice. I want for our next generation of Paso Roblans to have hope and the same opportunities I had to create a brighter and better future.”
For more information on Kris Beal’s candidacy for the District 1 seat on the Paso Robles City Council, visit www.krisbealforcitycouncil.com. District 1 includes parts of Downtown, Uptown, the River Oaks area, the Airport area, and the Union Road area.
Kris Beal announces run for Paso Robles City Council
May 30 | Paso Robles Daily News
Kris Beal has announced plans to run for Paso Robles City Council District 1 this November. Her official kick-off event will occur in summer.
Beal is a long-term resident of SLO County. A graduate of Paso Robles public schools and Cal Poly SLO, she taught at Cal Poly prior to leading a local non-profit for 23 years. She has a track record for collaborative partnerships among government entities, community members, and businesses — a skill that will serve the council well.
“The city is in a unique position to improve the quality of life of our residents, and my priorities directly align with those people in our district’s distinct neighborhoods,” said Beal, “Affordable housing, expanded youth activities, diversifying employment opportunities, improving westside road conditions, and expanded trails and open space — these are all issues that matter to the residents in our community.”
Beal says she believes supporting working families, young people and local businesses strengthens our community in the short and long term.
“I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities I needed to get ahead — little by little — thanks to a lot of hard work and support from my community,” Beal says. “My decision to run for City Council is rooted in ensuring all residents’ needs are represented and that the next generation has the same opportunities that I did.”
District 1 includes parts of downtown, all of uptown, the River Oaks area, the incorporated airport area, and a Union Road area.
For more information about Beal and her campaign, visit www.krisbealforcitycouncil.com.