Senator Boxer: Protecting Mission San Miguel

July 03 , 2007

California’s 21 missions are integral to our state identity. They are wonderful places to visit to learn about California’s early history, and an essential part of the curriculum for all fourth-grade students in our state. They are also an economic boon, drawing nearly 6 million visitors every year, and they are a valuable resource to researchers and historians. It is critically important that we protect them from damage and disrepair, so that future generations can experience the wonder and excitement that they bring.

Sadly, Mission San Miguel, in San Luis Obispo County, was severely damaged by the San Simeon earthquake in December of 2003. Although Mission San Miguel was covered by earthquake insurance, and filed a claim immediately after the earthquake, the Mission’s insurers have yet to issue a fair claim.

I have been working on this issue since I visited Mission San Miguel last year. I am outraged that the insurers have continued, for the last three and a half years, to delay any progress to arrive at a fair conclusion. Last week, I sent the insurers a letter encouraging them to reach a fair conclusion that takes into account the national historical significance of Mission San Miguel. Below, please find the body of my letter to the insurers.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

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The text of Senator Boxer’s letter appears here:

I am writing in regard to your letter dated May 3, 2007, concerning Mission San Miguel’s insurance claim stemming from the 2003 San Simeon earthquake and the damage the mission sustained during this event.

I am appalled that the insurance companies involved have not, to date, offered any genuine solutions to solve this critical situation, even though the mission was covered for those kinds of losses. As the insurance companies continue to stonewall any progress toward a fair solution, Mission San Miguel remains in a state of structural uncertainty, vulnerable to damage from the next impending earthquake.

The Monterey Diocese has continued to work in good faith to find a fair resolution to no avail. Again, I strongly urge the insurance companies to work toward a fair and long overdue conclusion with the Monterey Diocese that takes into account the national historical significance of Mission San Miguel, as well as your firms’ responsibility to do the right thing. I look forward to your prompt response about this matter and I can assure you that there will be outrage in California and across the nation if justice is not done.

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