| San Miguel Reflections
An issue with the railroad was that numerous people were crossing the tracks dangerously at 16th Street (ultimately a safer pedestrian path was built). Over the years, the SMRC made an impact an Miguel is one of the on the town. In youth projoldest towns in the county ects, SMRC board member and its fortunes have risen Steve Kalar, a descendant of and fallen many times over the a pioneer family and internayears. As an unincorporated tionally known artist, created township, San Miguel is under a program for Lillian Larsen the aegis of the County Board School students and partnered of Supervisors which over the with the school. “Masters at years has been both helpful and their Trade” provided profesfrustrating. Ever since settlers sional artists, artisans, musicians, arrived and built a town, through and performers to teach classes. thick and thin, there have been The school provided a classroom groups formed to create a better and SMRC purchased keyboards place to live. And so it continues with earphones for music classes today. which thrived until the sad loss Twenty years ago there were of the very talented teacher. Two grants available to upgrade large murals still gracing school the downtown but no local buildings are the result of the group in town eligible to qualart classes. SMRC secured many ify for them. So an enterprisdonations, including financial, ing group of local residents got equipment and in-kind help together and formed the San which supported the program Miguel Resource Connection, a during its tenure there. SMRC nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status was also instrumental in helpwhich would allow access to the ing the Ag teacher build a school grants. They dedicated the group garden and for a time the chilto partnering with individuals, dren could prepare and taste other nonprofits and businesses their produce on site, thus learnwho were interested in improve- ing about nutrition. Another ment and did extensive studies accomplishment was purchasing on local needs. At that time the a piece of property that adjoined priorities were youth projects, the San Miguel Park which was a local website, and a possible then turned over to the County redevelopment agency. to expand the park.
Lynne Schmitz
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As time went on, a History Group was formed to study, collect and collate stories and pictures of San Miguel’s rich history. After identifying historic buildings and sites, they created a map with a walking tour of historic San Miguel. Plaques were designed and placed on several of the old buildings, telling their stories. They enlisted the help of a local Boy Scout who earned his Eagle badge by building a kiosk where maps and information are displayed in Father Reginald Park next to the Mission. The past few years have seen a decline in
volunteers for many groups including the SMRC. Recently, the Board of Directors met and decided to disband. The San Miguel Resource Connection is a non-profit organization, dedicated to promoting, facilitating, and implementing improved services, communication, and planning for the community of San Miguel by partnering with government, organizations, and individuals.
© Photo by Luke Phillips
14 | pasoroblesmagazine.com
Paso Robles Magazine | April 2020
