Earl Ofari Hutchinson, a well-known political analyst and author, stands in the backyard of his Windsor Hills home. He blames nearby oil drilling for causing cracks on an exterior wall, which cost him $125,000 to repair. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Gary Gless, who bought his Windsor Hills home 12 years ago, relaxes in his backyard above the oil field operated by the Plains Exploration & Production Co., a Texas firm better known as PXP, which plans to expand. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Residents in Windsor Hill and nearby areas are concerned that drilling will decrease property values and inflict the neighborhoods with noise and fumes. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Homes above La Brea Avenue have a front-row view of the oil rigs. “They stand to profit tremendously at the expense of the community,” a 28-year Windsor Hills resident said. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)