About Citizens Commitee

Against Paredon Initiative

Citizens Committee Against Paredon Initiative (Measure J) 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 was facing a threat that could have changed not only the physical face but also the social fabric of our community. That threat was the Paredon Oil & Gas Development Initiative, later called "Measure J" for the June 8, 2010 ballot.

The purpose of our officially-formed “ballot measure committee” was to stop Venoco, Inc.’s attempt to get a massive, complex and highly risky oil & gas drilling project approved WITHOUT going through review by the agencies responsible for the health and safety of our community.

Residents joined in opposition to Measure J, the Paredon Oil & Gas Development Initiative, for many different reasons. Some felt strongly that drilling for gas and oil next to a residential neighborhood was just too dangerous. Some were concerned with the numerous environmental impacts and others with the possible economic harm to real estate values and visitor serving businesses.  Many simply opposed any private company using its power and money to exempt itself from the community’s long established planning & review process.

As Carpinterians concerned about this proposal’s serious effects on our community, we came up with the campaign motto "Get informed. Get involved."  Luckily, hundreds of Carpinterian did just that.

Donna Jordan
co-chair

Ted Rhodes
Co-chair

Louise Moore
Treasurer