San Luis Rey de Francia, "King of Missions," was the eighteenth of the Franciscan establishments in California; and the second founded in what is now the County of San Diego-second therefore on El Camino Real. Many things can be owned - cars, jewelry, clothes, books and baubles. There are exceedingly few things for which you have the opportunity to be a steward rather than an owner.

Stewards do not buy the legacy they shepherd, nor can they sell it. Theirs is a responsibility of conservation, preservation and transmission - but only if they decide to step forward and accept that duty, seeing it for the exceptional opportunity it is.

Today, everyone has that rare opportunity of stewardship. Oceanside's Old Mission San Luis Rey must undergo a state-mandated seismic upgrade or this North County icon, valuable enough to be designated a national landmark, will be lost. By supporting this preservation effort, you are accepting the invitation to safeguard Mission San Luis Rey, an extremely rare local and California legacy.

Mission San Luis Rey is a remarkable and durable cultural icon, and its conservation and perpetuation are worthy of everyone's attention. As with all California missions, this mission became a cornerstone of California heritage. The story of the missions' creation is taught in area schools, with more than 10,000 local fourth-grade children visiting Mission San Luis Rey, learning about the legacy they will someday inherit. This is an irreplaceable experience for our children.

All California missions remain significant reminders of triumphs and tragedies in our historical past, thus continuing their mission of teaching eternally.

Preservation of this cultural touchstone is an invitation for stewardship to every person in Southern California. Historic preservation is a complicated yet fascinating process. How do you do a seismic retrofit on a structure such as Mission San Luis Rey? Extremely carefully.

Because of its national landmark designation, and being part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's "Save America's Treasures" program, work on the mission's structure can only be undertaken by one of four contractors possessing approved, specialized knowledge and proficiency in dealing with historic architecture. This cost of care is an investment in preserving our past and maintaining it as part of our future. Our goals are:

• Preserving the unique, historical Mission artwork and paintings,

• Revitalizing the beautiful gardens and landscaping,

• Renovating the historic archways,

• Obtaining city water for safety and convenience,

• Seismically retrofit the National Historic Landmark buildings,

• Upgrading and expanding the 4th-grade mission experience.

Now it is our turn. Mission San Luis Rey has gloriously stood for more than 200 years. A dedicated group of your friends and neighbors have said "yes" to be stewards, and we are appealing to the community to join us in this vital effort to preserve our cultural heritage.

This seismic retrofit costs $3.1 million. The mission's capital campaign enabling the work to be accomplished is in its final stages; the goal is within reach. But there is an urgent deadline. Crucial funding from America's Treasures grant program could be withdrawn if construction isn't completed by October 2012. Community response in the next 60 days will determine whether or not this is possible.

Success or failure will be decided by how many choose to come forward immediately and accept the invitation to make a generous contribution.