Nearly a year after a Navy jet crashed into several homes in the town of Imperial, residents are deeply disappointed to find that the military is offering them just a fraction of what they say it would take to replace their damaged property.
Imperial residents Jesus and Shady Valenzuela say they lost everything in their home including furniture, a refrigerator, clothes, a washer and dryer, her wedding dress and his military and work uniforms.
At the request of the Navy, they itemized their belongings and their worth. They found the total value was around $115,000.
Yet, the military is proposing a settlement of $4,460, according to an April 16 letter, and the Valenzuelas feel that the amount is a slap in the face.
"You guys were the ones who created all this for us. We were happy before the crash," Jesus said. "Now we just want you guys to make it right."
An AV-8B Harrier jet crashed into several Imperial homes on June 4. No one was killed. Imperial is just north of El Centro in Imperial County.
Residents like the Valenzuelas were displaced, and three homes were entirely destroyed.
The couple was leasing the home from Marty Coyne when the crash occurred. Coyne said he also received a proposed settlement on the home, and it was for less than 50 percent of "what we feel it will take to put the house back to its original condition."
The Navy said it couldn't address specific cases due to privacy issues. But Navy officials did note it has received 17 claims totaling about $1.5 million from the Imperial jet crash.
"The Department of the Navy is committed to resolving all claims related to the AV-8B Harrier jet crash in Imperial, California in a fair and timely manner," wrote Navy Public Affairs Officer Jennifer Zeldis in an email. "The Department of the Navy takes this matter seriously and will continue to monitor the progress of these claims."
Neighbors also affected by the crash said they are still waiting on proposed settlements.
Full story: Navy's offer a 'disgrace' to Imperial jet crash victims
