Hundreds of Surfers, Kayakers & Ocean-lovers say “NO!” on Measure J at the Paddle Out Against Paredon in Carpinteria

For Immediate Release

Hundreds of Surfers, Kayakers & Ocean-lovers say “NO!” on Measure J at the Paddle Out Against Paredon in Carpinteria

CARPINTERIA, Calif. – May 1, 2010 – Sleepy seaside Carpinteria woke up this morning to more than 500 ocean lovers saying “No on Measure J” at the Paddle Out Against Paredonevent at the city’s beach. Surfers, kayakers, and supporters on the sand symbolized Carpinteria’s strength and sense of community, according to event organizer and surferCarrie Reynolds.  Additionally, the Chumash Maritime Association shared a traditionaltomol (canoe).

To be voted on in the June 8 primary, Venoco Inc.’s [NYSE:VQ] proposed Measure J, akathe Paredon Project, would allow a 140-foot drill rig to dominate the Carpinteria coastline; create risks of blowouts, oil spills, and toxic vapors; generate excessive noise, air and light pollution, and odor; prohibit local regulatory oversight, and endanger pristine beaches, the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve, and a rare Harbor Seal Rookery.  

“The No on Measure J campaign and the success of today’s Paddle Out is a great illustration of Carpinteria’s character and the passion the residents have for protecting their small town, coastline, and quality of life,” said First District Supervisor Salud Carbajal, a vocal opponent of Measure J. “Like many others, I enjoy spending time in Carpinteria. If passed, Measure J would be at the detriment to not only the residents of Carpinteria but also those who cherish the beauty of the South Coast.”

The brainchild of Carpinteria artist and surfer Carrie Reynolds, Paddle Out Against Paredon was designed as a way to raise community-wide awareness of Measure J and its perils. With support from at least 15 organizations, including Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, today’s program included a live ukulele concert by Carl Ray and the Coconuts and a drawing. Additionally, Paddle Out participants picnicked and enjoyed the beach.

Other participants included legendary South African surfer Shaun Thomson, representatives from Patagonia, Environmental Center Defense, Ocean Conservancy, as well as California Assemblyman Pedro Nava, and Das Williams, candidates for 35th California State Assembly District.

“The bottom line is that Venoco is trying to get a giant 14-story high, smelly, noisy oilrig approved for an onshore location right down the beach,” said Ted Rhodes, co-chair for the grassroots Citizens Committee Against Paredon, to the assembled crowd. “Measure J has only one donor – Venoco – who has spent more than $300,000 trying to convince Carpinteria voters just how safe and beneficial drilling for oil would be in our town. It’s hard to imagine after the catastrophic explosion of the Louisiana oil platform in that any town in California would want to approve a ballot measure like this.”

Media Contacts:

Kerstine Johnson, kerstine@harmonyccinc.com; (805) 617-3513

Amy Orozco; orozcoamy@yahoo.com; (805) 284-2622

About Citizens Committee Against Paredon Initiative – Citizens Committee Against Paredon Initiative (Citizens CAP) is a grassroots group of community volunteers deeply concerned about the future of our small town. Made up of Carpinterians from every walk of life and every political persuasion, we have come together because Carpinteria is facing a threat that could change not only the physical face but also the social fabric of our community. That threat is the Paredon Oil & Gas Development Initiative. Citizens Committee Against Paredon Initiative, P.O. Box 895, Carpinteria, CA 93014. www.CitizensAgainstParedon.org.

 Please click here for a PDF version of the press release