At long last Mission San Miguel is showing visible signs of progress on the church sanctuary! Scaffolding went up around the 40 foot high sacristy that has been closed since the earthquake in late 2003. Workers have removed the exterior white plaster to start the repair process to the adobe walls.
The renovated gift shop welcomes visitors to see a posted story board of photos showing the restoration progress. The gift shop includes a wonderful selection of books, collectibles, music and gifts that benefit the Mission. See hours of operation by visiting the Churches page.

Steve Kalar was awarded the "Outstanding Citizen" Award by the San Miguel Teachers Association. The awards dinner was held at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. Steve was recognized for his tireless work for the community of San Miguel, and more specifically, the students in the San Miguel Joint Union School District.
  Steve spends time living and painting in both Italy and in San Miguel as a renowned artist. Some of  his artwork is on display in the Museum of the House of Dante.  As you might imagine, Steve is an incredibly busy man.  Besides his art, Steve lectures in European Universities, specializing in Renaissance art.
When Steve is here at home in San Miguel he makes time to be the chairman of  The San Miguel Resource Connection, and The Masters at Their Trade program. Though these two organizations, Steve gives back to his community.  Through his efforts and organization, students experience “the Arts” above and beyond the classroom instruction.  Students participate in piano keyboarding, choral music- “The Melodies,"  and a beginning and advanced ASL (American Sign Language) class called “Cantemanos” or the singing hands.  Students also have instruction in guitars and drums, and poetry writing. - submitted by Ann Granados

Camp Roberts celebrated 67 years of dedicated service by hosting an Open House on Saturday, May 3rd. The Camp Roberts Museum and newly rennovated annex welcomed guests. Attendees enjoyed the hands on weapons simulator and soldiers manned displays of military vehicles. Bounce houses were bustling with children, information booths encircled the main field, live music played by Joshua's Shadow Band and the emcee duties were handled by local radio personality, Jeff Bradley.
Students from the "Melodies" and "Cantamanos" classes of Lillian Larsen School performed patriotic songs for the soldiers. The Central Coast Dancers performed several acts including a special number dedicated to the soldiers called, "The Battle." The dancing group is going to a national competition with that special choreography.
The Native Sons of the Golden West cooked top sirloin over the oak wood BBQs and served up a delicious dinner under the direction of Brian Arthurs as a fundraiser for the San Miguel Resource Connection. Industrious young men from the Grizzly Academy served food and worked alongside the soldiers to set-up and clean-up for the event. The Native Daughters of the Golden West provided many helping hands for selling tickets and serving food and ice cream. The Midland Pacific Foundation funded a large portion of the food costs for the BBQ.
Generous donors provided numerous prizes for the Mega Draw. CHP officer, Bill Irons won the hot air balloon ride which he said will be a gift for his mother just in time for Mothers Day!
The Open House ended with singing and birthday cake for Colonel John Smith, Commander Camp Roberts. Thank you to all the personnel from Camp Roberts who provided all the tents, tables, chairs, portable toilets and wash stations for the participating non-profits with the utmost courtesy and military precision.
Proceeds from the BBQ and Mega Draw benefit the San Miguel Resource Connection's music and art program for local kids and downtown economic development projects. Read more about SMRC Masters At Their Trade arts programs or non-profit activities on the About Us page.