Yebri Demands Answers On Oil Spill at Pico And Doheny
- December 13, 2021
Lack of information and government response underscores Yebri’s demand for greater accountability of oil sites in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, upon the news that an oil spill occurred at a drill site in the Pico Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles on Saturday, December 11, at approximately 8pm, workers’ rights attorney Sam Yebri, candidate for LA City Council District 5, issued the following statement and demanded transparency and accountability from City Hall. Yebri has long been a vocal critic of City Hall’s failure to adequately inspect and maintain the safety of oil sites in Los Angeles.
“For years, I have been demanding that the City honor its 2001 settlement agreement with the residents of CD5 to conduct robust annual inspections of these dangerous and decrepit oil wells,” said Yebri. “And for years, the City has failed to do this and has even waived environmental reviews at this very site. It’s long past time for City Hall to do its job – to protect our neighborhoods, our families, and our planet.””
On Saturday, December 11th, community residents noticed petroleum odors at approximately 8 p.m. and found oil in alleyways near Pacific Coast Energy Company’s (PCEC) West Pico drill site at 9101 W. Pico Blvd in Los Angeles. Patriot Environmental Services, a private contractor, was sent to clean up the spill, but inconsistencies with the report filed with the State Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) leave more questions than answers about the extent and location of damages.
Individuals who have any further information should immediately contact SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District, closed Sundays and Mondays) by calling 909-396-2000 or 800-CUT-SMOG. If you are unable to reach them, please contact LAFD CUPA (Certified Unified Program Agency) at (213) 978-3680.
***
Sam Yebri is an advocate, small business owner, attorney, husband, and father of four young children. Nearly 40 years ago, Sam and his family came to Los Angeles as refugees from Iran and moved to Westwood, where they experienced firsthand the promise of Los Angeles. He attended public schools in the 5th District and went on to earn degrees from Yale and USC Law School. Sam built a successful law firm in the District, working to provide effective representation in a broad range of issues, including civil rights. He has used his expertise to advise startups and small businesses and litigate on behalf of workers, tenants, and refugees. Committed to public service and championing the promise of Los Angeles, Sam formerly served as a Commissioner on the Los Angeles Civil Service Commission and currently serves as a board member of the Friends of Westwood Library. He has also served the Los Angeles community as a board member of numerous non-profits, including the Anti-Defamation League, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, the Jewish Community Foundation, and ETTA, which provides services and housing for developmentally disabled adults.
Los Angeles’ 5th City Council District is being vacated by Councilmember Paul Koretz due to term limits. The Fifth District now encompasses the neighborhoods and communities of Bel-Air, Benedict Canyon, Beverly Crest, Beverly Fairfax, Beverly Glen, Beverly Grove, Beverlywood, Carthay, Century City, Cheviot Hills, Comstock Hills, Fairfax, Hancock Park, Melrose, Mid-City West, Miracle Mile, Palms, Park La Brea, Pico-Robertson, Rancho Park, South Robertson, Sycamore Square, Westwood, and Windsor Village.
