Naomi Kruh
Staff Writer
On Tuesday, both Manhattan and Hermosa Beach residents will be given the opportunity to vote on local matters.
In Hermosa Beach, the focus of the election will be concentrated on Measure O. Measure O proposes lifting the ban on oil drilling in Hermosa Beach, allowing the E&B Natural Resources Management Corportation to build a pipeline at 6th Street and Valley Drive.
“There are so many reasons to vote no on Measure O,” Keep Hermosa Hermosa committee member Kevin Sousa said. “The project will increase noise, light, air and water pollution and impact aesthetics.”
In 2013, Hermosa Beach residents created an organization called Keep Hermosa Hermosa, which raises awareness about the potential detrimental effects of the oil drilling. According to Sousa, Keep Hermosa Hermosa is a group of citizens who do not feel a major oil and gas drilling operation should be located in a densely-populated area due to the potential safety issues.
“I am voting against the oil because I do not want Hermosa to turn into an oil town,” senior Peter Yaskowitz said.
E&B oil claims that by voting “yes” on Measure O, the city of Hermosa Beach will receive up to $519 million in revenue.
“I’m voting in favor of the oil drilling,” senior Mac Power said. “I’ve done my research on the issue and when you look at the facts, you realize that a lot of the main points from those opposed to the project aren’t issues caused by the project.”
Due to the controversy regarding Measure O, the President of E&B, Steve Layton, requested that the Hermosa Beach City Council remain neutral until after the election. The City Council agreed not to influence any residents and to supply citizens with unbiased information about the measure.
“I am against the oil drilling, but it’s great knowing that the city isn’t trying to sway my opinion,” Hermosa Beach resident Janice Bardeau said.
Students can vote in the upcoming election if they turned 18 before Feb. 16. Students can register to vote at lavote.net.
“I think it’s important for people in our generation to get involved in politics at an early age,” Power said. “Today’s decisions are going to play a direct role in our futures, so we should have a say in what in those decisions are.”
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