Steaming Ex-Mayor Warns Burke ‘There’s a Fire on the Hill’

Dear Supervisor Burke-

I hope you are doing well.

I have been out of town for a few days, and I came home tonight to a phone machine with no recording time left. Even though I am just one of your constituents now and no longer an elected official, I feel I must ask for your help.

The PXP "Hearing" of this weekend was not well received by many in my community whom I consider reasonable.

Forgetting about the fact that the public did not get a chance to be heard until 1:30 p.m. or so, the chair of the meeting announced the hearing would be over by 3 p.m.

If, as I have heard, the chair really did alternate between "pro" and "con," I am concerned.

I have no idea what these terms mean in the context of this matter. I am pro-Community Standards District, but I would like some changes. I heard "pro" and "con" were interpreted to mean that for every member of the public who spoke, a Plains, Exploration & Production Co. employee or leaseholder got to spend 3 minutes expounding the virtues of PXP.

As I understand it, there was a good turnout-350-plus. This turnout alone should send a message of concern to all of us.

We should also be concerned that many left after realizing they would not get a chance to be heard. Many told me we should not hold meetings of a brummagem nature. I am not sure, based on what occurred, we will be able to muster a crowd like that again. I am also not sure what, if anything, can be done at future meetings to correct these missteps.

I am VERY concerned an issue is being made where it need not be.

The environmental impact report has been delayed for months-an extension of only 15 days has been allowed to your constituents.

You know me from our collaboration on the Expo line. I am not one to fly off the handle with wild ideas. Nor am I one to request unwarranted, time-consuming delays. Supervisor, there is a fire brewing on the hill. I believe you need to put it out by granting an extension for public comments.

I certainly understand you wanting to complete the EIR on your watch.

I also know your desire to have one that is fully vetted, protective and easily understood.

Although the purpose of the EIR was to review the CSD, the County's draft of the CSD will not be released until after the EIR comment period has ended.

Please act now, and ask that the EIR be revised, based on the comments that are currently being made, and based on the County's draft of the CSD.

As an example, mentioning the January 2006 odor event in the EIR would go a long way toward making many Culver City people less anxious about items that they feel have been left out.

Then the EIR needs to be recirculated for public comments. During this second comment period, the County should hold a meeting in Culver City to accept public input. We are never again in our lifetimes going to have a chance to influence, with any degree of certainty or force of law, what occurs within the boundaries of the oil field.

We should do everything we can now not to waste this precious period in history.

As you will remember, I have been following the PXP issue for many years.

You and I have conferred in your office and discussed the County EIR with (City Manager) Jerry Fulwood and (City Atty.) Carol Schwab. For months now, some in Culver City have been calling for a City committee to oversee the oil field.

I believe we can ill afford the time and expense needed for such an undertaking at this point when there is a remedy readily available to us.

Please grant a reasonable extension for all concerned. The oil is not going anywhere.

Yours Truly,

Alan Corlin

Culver City