Which Way, L.A.?
Public Lands and Private Oil Wells
In 1992, Los Angeles County voters approved Proposition A, providing money to preserve open space. Two years later, the County used Prop A funds to buy seven acres for parkland in the Whittier Hills. But in 2008, the City of Whittier leased it to the Matrix Oil Company, which says oil drilling will provide thousands of jobs and big money.
By Warren Olney • • 1 min readIn 1992, Los Angeles County voters approved Proposition A, providing money to preserve open space. Two years later, the County used Prop A funds to buy seven acres for parkland in the Whittier Hills. But in 2008, the City of Whittier leased it to the Matrix Oil Company, which says oil drilling will provide thousands of jobs and big money. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy joined a lawsuit against the project, but settled for a share of the profits. Last week, the County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to oppose the plan. But Matrix and the City of Whittier say the County has no jurisdiction.
