"Surf Art Show" Draws Hundreds of Residents and Supporters

For Immediate Release

Carpinteria's No on Measure J "Surf Art Show" - Featuring Surfing Legend Shaun Tomson and 11 Local Artists - Draw Hundreds of Residents and Supporters

CARPINTERIA, Calif. - May 23, 2010 -  Three hundred surf lovers and art fans rallied around surfing legend and local resident Shaun Tomson and 11 Carpinterian artists at the "Surf Art Show," an event benefiting the grassroots, volunteer organization Citizens CAP (Citizens Committee Against Paredon Initiative) which opposes Venoco Inc.'s [NYSE:VQ] proposed Measure J. 

Shaun Tomson signs Rick Sharp's Art work

Tomson signed posters of new artwork unveiled at the "Surf Art Show" on Sunday, May 23 at the Arts Center in downtown Carpinteria. Created by Carpinterian and noted artist Rick Sharp, the new artwork, titled "Shaun and the Rincon Dolphins," captures the moment Sharp witnessed dolphins joining Tomson riding a Rincon wave.   

To be voted on in the June 8 primary, Venoco-backed Measure J, aka the 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.    

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper and Surfrider Foundation, Santa Barbara Chapter showed their support for the No on Measure J campaign at the event. To date, Measure J has been publicly opposed by more than 1,000 local residents and 16 community organizations.

"The town of Carpinteria, its beautiful beaches and its famous surf break 'Rincon' is at risk of having a giant oil well installed on the beach. In response to this proposed atrocity, I gathered the finest surf and seascape painters in my town to show support and raise money to benefit the No on Measure J campaign," said artist Rick Sharp, a vocal opponent of Measure J.

Joining Sharp were 10 additional renowned surf artists: Ron Anderson, Ben Anderson, Sean Anderson, Carrie Reynolds, Matt Moore, Ryan Moore, Aubrey Falk, Arturo Tello, Peggy Oki, and Thomas Van Stein. Music was provided by Carpinteria-based Dylan Schmidt and The Rhythm Souls and folk musician Jackie Morris. A coloring contest for kids was a highlight for attending families.

"We're grateful for these talented artists and musicians coming forward to support the No on Measure J effort," said Ted Rhodes, co-chair for the grassroots organization Citizens Committee Against Paredon. "The No on Measure J campaign resonates with diverse group of people united by an appreciation for Carpinteria's special qualities and desire to preserve our town as the safe, quaint beach town it is today."

For photos from the event and more information on Measure J, visit www.citizensagainstparedon.org.

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.

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Media Contacts:

Carrie Reynolds, carrieraven@gmail.com, 206.390.4236 

Kerstine Johnson, Harmony Communications & Consulting, Inc., kerstine@harmonyccinc.com, 310.795.2578