Hi All,

The latest edition of VIA Magazine which is published by AAA carried a great story about the California Missions including the state of Mission San Miguel which is 23 miles west of Parkfield. It is in dire straights and it looks like we were going to lose one of the best missions in the California chain. It needs 20 million to be repaired, but it is tied up in the courts over the Church and State issued. It is now surrounded by wire gates and no one can enter the rectory which is still housing last years Christmas decorations.

It is truly an incredible work of art and has a few Mundas murals which were not part of every mission.

So before anyone says it again that there was no damage from the Parkfield earthquake, let us not forget that what was once a proud history of California is about to receive the final death blow; money which cannot be received.

Of course aside from this mission I know of at least one home in Parkfield that had at least $10,000 in damages when the fireplace collapsed into the living and the whole place looked like an explosion occurred. I hope they had earthquake insurance.

Now I'm going off topic, so if you don't want to read this part...close your eyes. In Northern California on November 19th, 300 participating Albertson's grocery stores in union with local Kiwanis Clubs will continue their buy one turkey, get one free event. The Kiwanis Clubs are asking people to donate their free turkey to those less fortunate through local food banks. If you live in Northern California, please be generous this holiday season. Thanks. I've be at the Petaluma North Store all day helping.

Petra