A Dollar General Store plunked down next to San Miguel Mission, a cultural and historic treasure

Since childhood, I have loved San Miguel Mission. It is the quintessential California mission. Founded in 1797, it is a National Historical Landmark that has been an important part of Central Coast history for over 200 years.

“Mission San Miguel is one of California’s historical and cultural treasures,” as its website states. “The beautiful old adobe building is a precious part of our heritage, with a story that is integral to California’s history. ”

On a road trip this past week, I noticed a Dollar General store, of all places, has been built almost right next to it. Couldn’t the store with its blaring yellow-and-black sign have been put on the other side of town? Excuse me but “Good Lord.”

Author: jeffpelline

Jeff Pelline is a veteran editor and award-winning journalist - in print and online. He is publisher of Sierra FoodWineArt magazine and its website SierraCulture.com. Jeff covered business and technology for The San Francisco Chronicle for 12 years, and he was a founding editor and Editor of CNET News for eight years, among other positions. Jeff has a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley and a master's from Northwestern University. His hobbies include sailing, swimming, and trout fishing in the Sierra. View all posts by jeffpelline