A new Atascadero dessert shop on Traffic Way is the first enterprise to take advantage of the city’s stimulus program that provides taxpayers’ money to help offset the upfront costs to new business owners. Punky’s Italian Ice, specializing in the frozen, non-dairy dessert similar to a sorbet, will open at noon on Saturday at 5870 Traffic Way.Owner Stephanie Gee used city funds to offset the cost of an interior remodel, installation of a new sign and a new coat of paint for the outside of the building.

More...