City honors Public Works Director Freda Berman

By Camille DeVaul · Wed Feb 04 2026

Trader Joe’s construction underway at the Golden Hills plaza

PASO ROBLES — During the Tuesday, Feb. 3 City Council meeting, Paso Robles City Council recognized Public Works Director Freda Berman ahead of her upcoming retirement on Feb. 14, marking the end of a 22-year career of service to the community. Berman began her tenure with the City of Paso Robles on May 14, 2004, as parks supervisor, later advancing to maintenance services superintendent in September 2013. She was appointed public works director on Aug. 7, 2022, where she provided leadership and oversight for department operations, personnel, and major capital improvement projects.

"I have been immensely grateful for your leadership ... everything you have been involved has in my opinion enhanced and changed the fabric of this community in such a positive way," City Manager Chris Huot shared about Berman.

"I would like to say thank you to Freda for all the work she has done for us," Councilmember Steve Gregory added.

Throughout her career, Berman played a key role in the planning and completion of a number of city projects, including Uptown Family Park, the Barney Schwartz Park Pump Track, Sherwood Forest construction, the Sherwood Park Pickleball Complex, the City Corporation Yard design, Centennial and Municipal Pool rehabilitation, Larry Moore Park design, Fire Station 3, the Public Safety Training Center, and the recent City Hall remodel. She was also instrumental in continuing the city’s Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve celebrations and brought year-round and holiday lighting to City Park.

"It doesn't feel like 22 years," Berman said, thanking everyone she has worked with at the city. "It's easy to have ideas ... but it takes a skilled team to really execute them, and public works staff is in the background 24 hours a day, seven days a week, completing work that allows other city staff to do their jobs and allows the citizens of Paso Robles to go about their daily lives."

During the Economic Development update, Paul Sloan, Economic Development Manager, confirmed the rumors are true — a Trader Joe's is coming to Paso Robles.

A Trader Joe's is currently under construction at the Golden Hills plaza to the east of T.J. Maxx.

"This project was several years in the making and we're thrilled to have it now under construction," Sloan said.

Staff conducted a study on the economic impact tourism has on the city. Sloan says that the study showed tourists spend over $450 million in the city. He added that without tourism, each Paso Robles household would have to pay an additional $1,800 more per year in taxes to have the same level of city services.

Sloan informed the council that some new street signs and banners will begin appearing around the downtown area. The banners will be refreshed with local images showcasing Paso Robles amenities.

A project that is coming closer to fruition, Sloan said is The Landing located at the former Boys School (Estrella Correctional Facility). The 140-acre project will include warehousing, hotel, event center, restaurants, retail, manufacturing, and more. Sloan says the project will support over 2,600 jobs and provide an estimated $11,000 in tax revenue to the city.

"We look forward to seeing this exciting project come to fruition," Sloan said.

For more information on economic development in the city, visit pickpaso.com

The next Paso Robles City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. in the Norris Room at Centennial Park.