Occidental Drilling Project

“Elitists” in the Oxy case are not Pacific Palisades families, or millions of Californians trying to save the beautiful coastline from industrial oil drilling, but an oil tycoon and two mayors, who sold their soul to the Almighty Dollar.

“Elitist” Chief Executive Armand Hammer, a multibillionaire, would devastate the people’s beachfront with Oxy’s blasted rig.

Oxy’s rig is an industrial eyesore. Westside homes have already been ruined by the Pariah help of oil pipelines. Thousands of feet are hauled up from the wells and stacked daily alongside Oxy’s unsightly rig.

From morning, noon to night, Oxy’s rig works repeatedly over 56 oil and gas wells. Even on Saturdays and during families’ dinner hour, this steel monstrosity towers above our roofs, destroying residents’ right to quiet enjoyment of our homes.

Unlike a drilling derrick that is supposed to be removed from the site after the wells are drilled, a rig remains for the lifetime of the wells. This industrial intrusion has not only made our families life hell on earth, but it will depress the neighborhood for the next 99 years, haunting our grandchildren and their children. As in the Palisades case, Oxy made no mention of this constant harassment.

Whoa! Leave something for future generations. Oxy’s already taken over our residential neighborhood, now Hammer wants our recreational areas. Save the Palisades so that when the racket from Oxy’s rig becomes unbearable, families have a retreat.

It’s up to the People to fight City Hall and Occidental Petroleum--who are often one in the same--and to keep the Palisades free from industrial intrusion. Protect and preserve the magnificent beachfront for future generations to enjoy.

ELIZABETH MORTIMER

Los Angeles