A big thank you to the 22 people from Culver City who were among the 80-plus who attended yesterday’s County Board of Supervisors hearing downtown on the motion to re-open the public debate over regulations for drilling in the Baldwin Hills oil field.
It was good to see Culver Crest Neighborhood Assn. CCNA Board members Howard, Antoine and Mark, as well as City Attorney Carol Schwab, and City Council members Gary Silbiger and Scott Malsin.
Supervisor MarkRidley-Thomas proved himself a savvy leader.
He had every base covered very well, so that getting yesterday's unanimous vote was impeccable.
I am sure that the other Supervisors were impressed to see the powerful show of force when all 80 of us stood up during Sally Hampton's testimony on the need for the County to investigate whether oil field toxins are leaking into water table.
Culver City can be proud of the testimonies given by the following residents:
Angus Alexander, L.A. County Captain of Life Guards and County head of the Tsunami Task Force, said there were probably more holes in the EIR/CSD than in the oil field itself.
He gave outstanding testimony on the seismicity of this field and the need for preparation for possible effects of a 7.4 triggering a tsunami here.
Grace Elliot gave personal testimony and reported the high incidences of miscarriages in healthy, younger women in Culver City who live near the Baldwin Hills.
Dr. Khin Gyi, MD, a neurologist, also gave data to support the need for an epidemiological survey to determine cause.
Knowing our new Supervisor's style of Community Empowerment through engagement and education, I am sure there will be transparency and opportunities for real community involvement throughout the revision process.
And now the work begins!
Dr. De Benedittis may be contacted at debenedittis@sbcglobal.net
