Tragedy Avoided: Orinda’s Historic Joaquin Moraga Adobe to Become a Taco Bell

Anticipation grows for grand opening of new Taco Bell in the Joaquin Moraga Adobe

Orinda, CA: In a surprising development for historical conservation, the Joaquin Moraga adobe in Orinda, California, is set to be transformed into the city's first Taco Bell. This move is particularly notable given the building's historical significance and location near Miramonte High School, sparking excitement and controversy among local residents.

The Joaquin Moraga adobe is steeped in California history. Built in 1841 by Joaquin Moraga, grandson of the notable Spanish explorer Joseph Joaquin Moraga, the adobe initially served as a family home on a sprawling land grant. This grant included what are now parts of Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, and Canyon. Over the years, the adobe has stood as a silent witness to the evolving history and development of the area.

The decision to convert this historic site into a Taco Bell has been met with enthusiasm from local students. Topher McDaniel, an incoming senior at Miramonte High School, expressed his excitement, noting the community felt a significant loss when Jack in the Box closed. "To think that some old building made of mud could be turned into something as valuable as a Taco Bell. I want this to be the first place I drive when I get my license," said Ben Whitfield, age 15, anticipating his first solo drive-thru experience once he gets his driver's license.

However, not everyone shares this sentiment. Some community members, including incoming freshman Catherine Sewell, question the cultural and nutritional value of the new establishment. "I feel that Taco Bell caters to the lowest common denominator. The same meat-like substance extruded into a pretend taco shell. We could do better as a community. Is a bean burrito a plant-based alternative?" she critiqued.

The city had considered donating the building to the Friends of Joaquin Moraga Adobe. Still, the group could have done a better job articulating how their plan for the building would enhance lunch and after-school snack options for Miramonte High School students. To some, the group seemed too focused on "historical preservation" versus the community's need for low-priced fast food. “Why was this even an option? Who would want to go there after a Lacross game?" stated Topher McDaniel.(2) "I can imagine the poor kids that would have had to visit this place as part of their 4th-grade mission project. I thank City leadership for making the tough decision," stated McDaniel.

As the transformation of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe into a Taco Bell progresses, the community of Orinda remains divided. While some see it as a boon for local convenience and youth culture, others worry about the preservation of historical integrity and the health implications of fast food. The debate continues as the adobe's future as a fast-food restaurant becomes a reality, marking a new chapter in its long and storied past.

Footnote:

1) This article was written to attract Taco Bell as an advertiser. If we are not contacted within a week of its publication, we will issue a strong retraction and suggest there was some graft involved in the decision to award the site to Yum Inc., Taco Bell’s patent company. The private equity firm that owns us, Vista Equity Partners, is concerned about our revenue model and is thinking of more aggressively controlling costs. This is not the time to be out looking for a job.

2) Topher’s mother, Carol McDaniel, is a local real estate agent. Her family has lived in Orinda for over 100 years. Her great-father, Titus McDaniel, was a dishwasher at Casa Orinda and used to drink the half-finished drinks the busboys brought back. Carol tries to bring a little bit of Titus to any deal she is involved in. If she ever wants a publication to advertise in, we would be perfect for the business and yours!