What We Are Doing
Currently there is a proposal to build a gargantuan Super Wal-Mart on the north end of town, grading and paving over 26 acres of hillside. We are working on many fronts to prevent this development from happening.

Learn how you can help.

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Contact Oppose Wal-Mart.

Tom Comar Introduces Himself
A billion dollar corporation like Wal-Mart has millions to spend to sell itself to us. But, I believe that neither money alone nor corporate spin will be enough to undermine the determination of an educated, proud and proactive citizenry in our Wal-Mart rebellion to protect the unique rancho/rural/colony character of Atascadero.

But, it will take all of us, volunteering to do what each of us can, to defeat the Wal-Mart Supercenter.

While the "volunteer" role of spokesperson has fallen on me at this time (I wasn't at the meeting!"), let me introduce myself to those of you who don't know me, (Stop here if you don't care to...otherwise click here to read more).

After birth from a native-born Californian, following the career of her husband, on the other coast, I was able to make my way back in 1986 to Atascadero, the land of my Irish immigrant "forerunners." (I use this term, as I am an 'ultra-runner'). This is the story I grew up with:

After successfully traversing Donner Pass prior to the unsuccessful Donner "party," my great grandfather, Thomas Cashin(my name sake) and later the Cashin boys (Frank Cashin, my grandfather) owned a ranch where Paloma Fields are today. Where many of us have watched or coached youth sports for our children, my grandfather was born.

As the Coast Line Stage route developed between LA and SF, Thomas Cashin, as "Atascadero's" first entrepreneur, (and probably President of the "Chamber of Commerce" if there was one), made that ranch into Cashin's Station and Store for overnight stage coach guests and horse exchanges. This "town" was called Dove and preceded the "mud-hole". The outlaw James Brother, I was told, stayed overnight once!).

The Cashin boys worked the Santa Margarita Ranch. My great Aunt Kate married into the Patrick Murphy family, owners of the Spanish land grant Rancho, which led to frequent visits to the area by my mother when she was growing up.

All family records of births and marriages that were kept at the San Miguel mission were destroyed in the fire set by the four Russian convicts in the late 1800's. Many of my relatives are buried in SLO. My heritage and family roots grow deep in this community. But, the stage coach era ended with the coming of the train and so did Cashin's Station.

Moral of the story:
Change is inevitable. Growth is integral to life itself. But, growth can be good or bad. Cancer is growth: wild, undifferentiated, uncontrolled, unplanned, and unwanted. It destroys the very character of the tissue it infiltrates. Or growth can be natural, sustained, responsible, enhancing the character of a town.

The Annex Project without the Wal-Mart Supercenter could maintain and enhance the unique character of "Atascadero" that I've known through family history and to which I chose to return and raise my family. I have worked as an RN and Family Nurse Practitioner in private practice, County clinics, ECHO and ASH.