FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Donna Jordan, Co-Chair Citizens C.A.P.
805.684-0414; b.dbjordan@verizon.net

Citizens Put C.A.P. on Paredon Initiative
Residents prepare for David-Goliath fight against deep-pocketed oil & gas corporation

CARPINTERIA, Calif. - Nov. 23, 2009 - The Citizens Committee Against the Paredon Initiative (Citizens C.A.P.) has become an "official ballot measure committee" recognized by the State of California and ready to go into action announced Donna Jordan, spokesperson for the local organization.

Citizens C.A.P has been created to stop Venoco, Inc.'s [NYSE:VQ] attempt to get a massive onshore oil drilling project, the Paredon Project, within the City of Carpinteria without review by the agencies responsible for the health and safety of the community.

"The grass roots opposition to this project has been overwhelming," said Jordan, a former mayor of Carpinteria and 16 year city council member. "The community is really coming together to say NO to Venoco."

Comprised of a broad spectrum of Carpinterians, including four former mayors, Citizens C.A.P. is the result of an overwhelming response to the known negative impacts of the Paredon Initiative and oil drilling, including excessive noise, odors and visual pollution as well as risks of blowouts, explosions and release of toxic vapors. Additionally, the community is concerned about Venoco's use of the initiative process to advance their corporate plans.

The all-volunteer, grassroots group is ready for their David-Goliath fight against the deep-pocketed oil and gas corporation. The recent launch of their Web site, citizensagainstparedon.org, has been well received locally and already has attracted wide interest. The site has also generated donations and more residents volunteering to keep Carpinteria a safe and desirable place to live.

Many feel strongly that drilling for gas and oil next to a residential neighborhood is too dangerous. Some are concerned with the numerous environmental impacts and others with the possible economic harm to real estate values  and visitor serving businesses. Many simply oppose any private company using its power and money to exempt itself from the community's long established planning and review process.

"All Carpinterians should be concerned about this proposal's effects on our community," urged Jordan. "Please, get informed and get involved."

For more information on Citizens C.A.P., visit: www.CitizensAgainstParedon.org.

About Citizens C.A.P.
Citizens Committee Against Paredon Initiative 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. For more information, please contact: Citizens Committee Against Paredon Initiative, P.O. Box 895, Carpinteria, CA 93014; www.CitizensAgainstParedon.org.