Lockheed Promises No More Secret Settlements

BURBANK —  Lockheed Martin Corp. has no intention of settling out of court with hundreds of residents who seek compensation for alleged soil and water contamination by the aerospace giant, a Lockheed lawyer told residents Thursday night.

Lockheed’s chief trial lawyer, Pierce O’Donnell, told about 300 people who showed up for a community meeting called by city officials that he wanted to dispel any notion that Lockheed would agree to another confidential mediation or private settlement with them.

The meeting was promised last summer to residents upset at being left out of a confidential $60-million agreement reached out of court by Lockheed and more than 1,300 current or former city residents.

“There will be no secret settlement. There will be no mediation,” O’Donnell said. “But there will be a trial in the full light of day for all to see and for all to form their own opinions.”

But lawyers and residents upset by the earlier confidential agreement remained defiant.

Patrick J. Grannan, lead lawyer in the first of several lawsuits filed by residents, told the crowd he did not fear going to trial.

“When they hire a gun, they hire a good one,” Grennan said, referring to O’Donnell. “We will have the facts on our side.”

Several other speakers warned residents not to trust Lockheed.

“Don’t be snowed by the suits,” said R. C. “Chappy” Czapiewski of North Hollywood. “Don’t trust the bastards. Get a lawyer.”

Thursday night’s meeting followed a City Council meeting in August, when an overflow crowd filled the council chamber to complain about Lockheed’s handling of toxic waste. Many speakers told of relatives and friends who have cancer, breathing problems or other health concerns they think might have been caused by the aerospace giant.

But representatives of Lockheed Martin have said repeatedly that the plant, which closed in 1990, posed no health risks.

A city attorney told the council months ago that the city would have no legal standing to pursue action against Lockheed on behalf of residents. Council members agreed then to try to help residents in any way they could.

City officials said their goal was to provide updates on environmental matters and pending litigation concerning Lockheed.

Several lawsuits have been filed in recent months on behalf of residents left out of the confidential deal.

Maureen Curow, a spokeswoman for Lockheed, said the company remains under a confidentiality agreement regarding the initial settlement.