Hi All,

Here's a news story about the sad state of affairs concerning Mission San Miguel, which lies 23 miles west of Parkfield.

On our last trip to Parkfield nearly two years ago Don and I took some time to visit the church and grounds of this mission and can tell you, the history of earthquakes are in the walls of this mission.

Out in the side courtyard lies a grave marker which used to have a tall post attached to the top, but during another earthquake, the post became detached and landed top first into the ground where it remains today.

San Miguel is an economically stresed community. There are few residents and barely any business community tax base to afford the essentials, let alone taking care of an aging mission. It has been in a horrid state for years and unless the other missions support it, I think the San Simeon earthquake may have delivered the final blow to something so worth saving.

Petra

• Press Democrat/Mission San Miguel Story