Would Black Gold Tarnish a Local Beach Town?

In less than two months, Hermosa Beach will hold an election that could lead to big change on the shores of Santa Monica Bay.  Voters can decide to pay an oil company $17 million. The option is approving 34 new oil wells to be drilled close to surf shops and other local business -- and 98 steps from the home of one lifelong resident.  That's according to Sunday's column by Steve Lopez in the LA Times.