![One of the many "Vote NO on [Measure] J" lawn signs that can be found in neighborhoods around Carpinteria. On June 8, residents will vote on the proposal, which will determine whether Denver-based Venoco Inc. can expand its oil operations in the Santa Barbara Channel. Coming on the heels of the BP oil rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, it's bad political timing in a small California town that boasts "the world's safest beach."](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ecfce6c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/600x400+0+0/resize/600x400!/format/webp/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2F27%2F9e0d9ec33b828490bd5bd22c8cf6%2Fla-me-carpinteria-oil01-l2l215nc)
Lisa Rivas, a Venoco spokeswoman, shows the location where a new oil pump disguised as a lighthouse would be built if Measure J is approved by voters. She blames an “anti-oil” minority for exaggerating the projects potential environmental hazards. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
On 55 acres that command a stunning ocean view, Venoco runs an operation that treats oil and natural gas delivered by pipeline from offshore platforms. Other pipelines transport the de-watered oil and compressed natural gas to refineries in the Los Angeles area. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Seals bask at the base of Venoco’s bluff. Carpinteria’s weekly newspaper, the Coastal View News, runs a regular feature titled “Whats New at the Harbor Seal Rookery?” (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
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A woman visits the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary. “This is a fabulous little town that depends on tourism and pristine beaches,” said Donna Jordan, a former Carpinteria mayor who served on the City Council for 16 years.”Why would we gamble with those things?” (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
