Why Did The Hermosa Beach City Council Not Read the Mock Jury Trial Transcript Before The Settlement?

A former City Council member’s opinion

Councilman Kit Bobko has repeatedly told the public that the results of the “mock jury’s” trials conducted by the city’s attorneys, Bird & Marella, were the basis for his decision to agree to a settlement with Macpherson Oil. He told us the mock juries came back with bad news, finding hundreds of millions of damages for Macpherson Oil. Bobko fails to point out that the city’s attorneys specifically told the City Council that this was an exercise to prepare for trial. It was in no way to be used as the cornerstone of a settlement.

Mr. Bobko distorts the truth to make himself look better. He says the city was going bankrupt. This is not true. The City Council only explored conversations with bankruptcy attorneys to assist in the settlement negotiations; we never retained a bankruptcy law firm in a meaningful way except to inform the City Council on the rules and parameters of such an action. The City Council never reviewed the detailed mock jury information because our trial attorneys told us it was not a tool for settlement, merely an exercise for their preparation for the trial. Mr. Bobko said the city was “locked in the embrace of death” by Macpherson. That was in his mind; this was not ever discussed in open or closed session of the City Council. Residents should remember that Bobko’s settlement agreement will cost the city millions even if the citizens approve oil drilling.

Michael Keegan, Hermosa Beach

  

NoBPinHB apologizes for making a mistake & falsely accusing E&B of being involved in the Huntington Beach oil rig accident

NoBPinHB would like to apologize for making a mistake & falsely accusing E&B Natural Resources of being involved in the oil derrick accident dated October 14, 2013.  We have retracted the article headlined "E&B Natural Resources Huntington Beach Oil Rig Collapses" and regret any misinformation reported.  We made this error reviewing public legal documents associated with South Coast Oil Corp and E&B.  It was an honest mistake! 

NoBPinHB always strives to ensure that all of the information presented on this web site is accurate.  Should there be any other errors or inaccuracies please contact us directly to ensure immediate correction.  

An oil derrick in Huntington Beach buckled and was tipping over Monday afternoon, prompting evacuations in an apartment building and a home, authorities said. The derrick was threatening homes near 1st Street and Pacific Coast Highway. It was reported about 1:30 p.m., said Huntington Beach Fire Capt. Bob Culhane. The derrick reportedly began buckling during routine maintenance. Officials were using a crane to stabilize the derrick. Additional details were not immediately released. This story is developing. Refresh this page for updates.