The operators of the Inglewood Oil Field this morning only momentarily stunned organized protestors due to storm Council Chambers this evening.

Sentinel Peak Resources caught almost everyone off-guard by abruptly withdrawing its intention of trying to delay release of the oil field’s latest draft environmental impact report.

This act drains the entirety of the long-promised drama of organized, raucous and repetitious protest.

Sounding disgusted Councilman Jim Clarke no doubt was speaking for three of his four colleagues this morning when he said, with deep disappointment, “we are going to have a big crowd for nothing.”

Not incidentally, the pullback obviates the need for this evening’s special 7 o’clock City Council meeting, which may draw a turnaway crowd of well-prepared protestors.

Legally, however, a Council meeting may not be cancelled on the same day.

As tightly scripted, closely rehearsed political protestors have taught America the last six months, they will not be deterred for any logical reason.

A slice, roughly 78 acres of the oil field, are in Culver City.

After a series of accidental gas release and odor events 12 years ago, City Hall decided to establish regulations for oil and gas production activities.

Three years ago City Hall started  drawing up documents.

Last January, Sentinel Peak Resources took over operation of the oil field from Freeport McMoran Oil and Gas.

City Hall intended to release the draft EIR four months ago.

Sentinel sought a delay, and in the final hour relented.

See http://www.culvercity.org/how-do-i-/learn/inglewood-oil-field.