Sending Out an S.O.S.

Part 3 in a series about the proposed closure of La Purisima State Historic Park.


A docent demonstrates blacksmithing skills at "Purísima's Peoples Days" at La Purísima Mission (Lompoc, Santa Barbara Co., California). Photographed by Elizabeth O'Neal, March 1, 2008.

Imagine that you turn on the TV news one night to find that a wildfire is burning its way through the hills towards your home (those of us in California won’t have to imagine too hard).

Your first thought is to get your loved ones and pets out of the house, right? But what other items will you load into your car? What will you choose to save?

You will choose to save those items that are irreplaceable.

Photos, souvenirs, mementos of family members who have passed on. Items you were safeguarding, probably to give to your own children someday, so that your family’s history will not be forgotten.

This is particularly true if you are the family genealogist. There is no way you would ever leave these items behind.

Unfortunately, the Governor’s proposed budget will leave some of California’s valuable historic treasures “behind,” one of which is our own La Purísima Mission State Historic Park.


Why Should I Care if La Purísima Mission is Closed?

La Purísima Mission is the most fully restored of all the California missions.

The mission’s linear design is unique among all the California missions.

Docents regularly dress in period costumes and demonstrate arts and crafts, as well as everyday life in the 1820’s.

California mission history is a required part of the California 4th grade curriculum. Thousands of students come to La Purísima each year to learn about mission life firsthand.

The mission is situated on a 1,800-acre preserve. Hikers, runners, botanists, equestrians, and photographers come from all over to walk the miles of trails in this state park.

If the park is closed, will there be enough security to protect the mission’s historic treasures?


How You Can Help

Write a letter to Governor Schwarzenegger.

Write a letter to your local lawmakers.

Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.

Blog about this issue. (Even if you don’t live in California, you will still be affected if you decide to visit a California park or beach and find it closed one day!)

Visit some of the parks on the closure list.

Participate in the Mission Possible Rally on Saturday, March 29. Meet at River Park in Lompoc at 10:00 a.m. for a one-mile walk to the mission. Or just show up at the Mission for the rally at 11:00 a.m.

Participate in Park Advocacy Day on April 7 in Sacramento.

Spread the word that the parks need support!


For More Information

Governor Schwarzenegger’s Proposed 2008-2009 Budget
Map of Proposed Park Closures
SOS – Save our State Parks
SOS – Save our State Parks on MySpace
California State Parks Foundation
La Purísima Mission
La Purísima Mission – Volunteer Opportunities

Copyright © 2008 by Elizabeth O'Neal