Senator Boxer: Protecting Mission San Miguel   

Tuesday, July 3, 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,

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer