California Heights

February 7, 2011

The Honorable Mayor Bob Foster

333 West Ocean Blvd.

Long Beach, CA  90802

Dear Mayor Foster:

The Wrigley Association formally requests the City of Long Beach immediately cease all seismic vibration testing in Wrigley.  Due to 1) significant variations in Wrigley’s soil composition, 2) the age, variety, and vulnerability of Wrigley’s architecture – historic and otherwise, 3) the significant uncompensated damage Signal Hill Petroleum caused to many Wrigley residences during the 2006 testing we implore you to stop this dangerous, destructive, and costly activity in Wrigley once and for all.

As you will recall, in 2006 Signal Hill Petroleum (SHP) conducted these tests in our neighborhood and many residents reported varying levels of damage to their homes.  Wrigley lies in the traditional flood plane for the LA River and many homes in the area are in excess of eighty years old, which led to greater vibrations and problems in Wrigley than was experienced in other parts of the city.  What was a temporary nuisance in most of the city created a hazardous and destructive situation in Wrigley.  SHP has modified their approach to their testing and has been gracious in answering questions at recent public forums in Wrigley, however, residents are still rightfully concerned about their return to the area to shake our homes and assets.  Their breach of the trust in this neighborhood in 2006 was wide spread and should be very understandable. 

According to the July 7, 2009 City Council meeting, there was to be no seismic testing west of Long Beach Blvd. and “no activity on neighborhood streets.”  However, they did return earlier this year and are planning to return again.  Due to the problems caused in 2006 that were, as far as we know, localized to Wrigley, it would make sense for any testing in Wrigley to be considered separately with separate permits and requirements than what is required in the rest of the city.  We are not suggesting, at this time, that SHP should be prohibited from testing in other areas but they should not be returning to Wrigley.

If SHP is allowed to continue their testing against the wishes and interests of Wrigley residents and homeowners, we ask that SHP pay for the distribution of flyers to all homes within a quarter mile of all planned testing locations which spell out the process for having your home pre-inspected so that any damage caused by the testing can be assessed and accounted for in the aftermath.  These notices must be delivered at least a month ahead of any tests, they can be approved by SHP but final approval and design will be made by the Wrigley Association.

We look forward to your response prior to our March 7^th meeting and we welcome a letter to residents that can be printed in our newsletter should you wish to explain/discuss any of your decisions. The deadline for our next newsletter is February 28^th.   We would also like to extend an invitation for a member of your staff to speak at our meeting. 

Sincerely,

Colleen Mcdonald

President

Cc: Councilman Dee Andrews, Councilman James Johnson