Exhibit 10.2

GROUND LEASE

This Ground Lease (“Lease”) is made and entered into as of August 29, 2006, by
and between CARPINTERIA BLUFFS, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company
(“Lessor”) and VENOCO, INC, a Delaware corporation (“Lessee”).

RECITALS

A.                                   Pursuant to that certain Dividend
Distribution Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2006 by and among Timothy M.
Marquez and Bernadette B. Marquez, as trustees of the Marquez Trust, under Trust
Agreement dated February 26, 2002, as amended (“Trust”), Lessor and Lessee 
(“Distribution Agreement”), Lessor has acquired from Lessee and now owns (i) an
undivided one hundred percent (100%) fee interest in that certain real property
improved with oil and gas processing facilities owned by Lessee (“Processing
Facilities”), located in the City of Carpinteria, County of Santa Barbara,
consisting of approximately forty six (46) acres, comprised of five (5) separate
parcels designated with APN(s) 001-170-003, 001-170-004, 001-170-022,
001-170-023, and 001-170-014 (collectively, “Facilities Parcels”), and (ii) an
undivided fifty percent (50%) fee interest (“Venoco Parking Parcel Interest”) in
that certain real property improved with parking and access facilities for the
Casitas pier (“Casitas Pier”), located in the City of Carpinteria, County of
Santa Barbara, consisting of approximately ten (10) acres, comprised of one (1)
parcel designated with APN 001-170-021 (“Parking Parcel”).  As used in this
Agreement the term “Premises” (i) shall refer collectively to the Facilities
Parcels and the Venoco Parking Parcel Interest, and (ii) shall not include any
of the improvements, Processing Facilities (such improvements and Processing
Facilities collectively, the “Reserved Improvements”), oil and gas leases, or
mineral interests located on, or appurtenant to, or part of, the Facilities
Parcels and the Venoco Parking Parcel Interest.  The Premises is further
described in the attached Exhibit A.  ExxonMobil Corporation owns the other
undivided fifty percent (50%) interest in the Parking Parcel (“Exxon Parking
Parcel Interest”).

B.                                     Lessee is a party to that certain
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of November 4, 1998, by and among Chevron
U.S.A. Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (“CUSA”), Chevron Pipe Line Company, a
Delaware corporation (“CPL” and together with CUSA “Chevron”), Ellwood Pipeline,
Inc., a California corporation (“Ellwood”), and Lessee, as amended by that
certain First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of January 13,
1999, by and among the same parties described in this Recital B (collectively,
“Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which Lessee acquired the Premises from
Chevron.

C.                                     Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, (i)
Chevron and Lessee each have certain environmental clean up and indemnity
obligations with respect to the Premises, (ii) the Premises is subject to a
first priority deed of trust (“Chevron Deed of Trust”) in favor of Chevron
securing the performance of Lessee’s abandonment obligations under the Purchase
Agreement, and (iii) the Premises is subject to certain transfer restrictions
and options to purchase in favor of Chevron.

D.                                    Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement,
Lessor has an option to purchase from Lessee the Exxon Parking Parcel Interest
if such interest is first obtained by Lessee.

 

1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.                                      Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement,
Lessee has reserved from the conveyance of the Premises to Lessor: (i) all
interests in the mineral rights in the Premises owned by Lessee (“Venoco
Minerals”), with the right of surface entry to explore for, remove, extract, or
otherwise exploit such minerals, (ii) all interests in the mineral rights in the
Premises owned by other parties and leased by Lessee (“Leased Minerals”), with
the right of surface entry to explore for, remove, extract, or otherwise exploit
such minerals, (iii) the lessor’s interest in all leases and all income received
by Lessee from any leases, including oil and gas leases, which encumber the
Premises, and (iv) all Reserved Improvements located on or appurtenant to the
Premises (collectively, “Property Reservations”).

F.                                      Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement,
Lessor has accepted the conveyance of the Premises to Lessor subject to the
following, in addition to the Property Reservations:  (i) the Chevron Deed of
Trust, (ii) obligations of Lessee under the Purchase Agreement respecting the
Property, and (iii) any other liens, encumbrances, leases, tenancies or other
rights of possession, oil and gas leases, reservations, exceptions, charges,
easements, rights, rights of way, covenants, conditions, and restrictions which
are (a) currently of record as reflected in the title report for the Premises,
or (b) not of record but existing as encumbrances against the Premises resulting
from Lessee’s use of the Premises (collectively, “Property Encumbrances”).

G.                                     Pursuant to that certain Development
Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2006 by and between Lessor and Lessee
(“Development Agreement”), Lessor may desire for Lessee (i) to relocate and
consolidate the Processing Facilities (“Processing Facilities Relocation”) into
and within an approximate two (2) acre portion of the Premises (“Relocation
Parcel”), (ii) to have the right to use approximately two (2) acres of the
Parking Parcel as a parking and access area for the Casitas Pier (“Access
Parcel”), (iii) to have adequate vehicular and utility rights-of-way, easements
and access to the Relocation Parcel and the Access Parcel (“Access and Utilities
Easements”), and (iv) upon completion of the Processing Facilities Relocation,
to terminate the Lease and enter into a new ground lease for the Relocation
Parcel and the Access Parcel.

H.                                    Pursuant to the Development Agreement, if
Lessee fails to complete the Processing Facilities Relocation within the time
frames described in the Development Agreement, the rent payable to Lessor
pursuant to this Lease shall be adjusted to the fair rental value of the
Premises (“Rent Adjustment”).

I.                                         Pursuant to the Distribution
Agreement, Lessor and Lessee have agreed to enter into this Lease.

NOW, THEREFORE, for the reasons set forth herein above, and in consideration of
the obligations of the parties under the Distribution Agreement and the mutual
promises and agreements of Lessor and Lessee hereinafter set forth, the receipt
and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Lessor and Lessee agree as
follows:

I.                                         LEASE; ADDITION TO PREMISES

Lessor does hereby lease and grant the Premises to Lessee, for the term provided
herein and on the terms and conditions provided herein, and Lessee does hereby
accept and hire the Premises

 

2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

from Lessor for the term provided herein and on the terms and conditions
provided herein.  The Premises shall include the Exxon Parking Parcel Interest,
if Lessor acquires such interest prior to the completion of the Processing
Facilities Relocation.

II.                                     IMPROVEMENTS

Lessee is the owner of the Reserved Improvements which shall be referred to also
as “Improvements” in this Lease.

III.                                 TERM

The term of this Lease (“Term”) is twenty (20) years, commencing on the Close of
Escrow as defined in the Distribution Agreement (“Commencement Date”), unless
otherwise modified pursuant to the Development Agreement; provided that, unless
otherwise agreed upon by Lessor and Lessee or unless the Lease is otherwise
terminated as provided herein, the Term shall continue until the termination of
the Transfer Restrictions as defined in Section 2(a) of the Distribution
Agreement; provide further that under no circumstance shall the term of this
Lease be more than ninety nine (99) years from the Commencement Date.

IV.                                 USE

Lessee may use the Premises as (i) for the use, operation, maintenance, repair,
improvement, and replacement from time to time of the Processing Facilities, and
(ii) for drilling and similar activities necessary or desirable in connection
with the exploration, evaluation, removal, and processing of the Venoco Minerals
and the Leased Minerals, (iii) for parking and access, and (iv) for such other
and additional similar uses as are necessary or desirable in connection with the
foregoing uses or incidental thereto.

The parties acknowledge that in order for Lessee to carry out its intended use
of the Premises, it may be necessary or desirable to obtain use, zoning, or
other land use permits or approvals relating to the Premises.  Lessor agrees,
from time to time on the reasonable request of Lessee and at Lessee’s sole cost
and expense, to execute such documents, petitions, and authorizations as may be
necessary or appropriate in order to obtain such subdivisions, zoning changes,
land use permits and approvals.

V.                                     RENT

Lessee shall pay, without abatement, deduction, or offset, as annual rent,
beginning on the commencement date and continuing throughout the term of this
Lease, the sum of One Dollar ($1.00) per year, payable in advance on the first
day of each lease year, unless otherwise modified by the Rent Adjustment
pursuant to Section 4(a) of the Development Agreement.

VI.                                 TAXES

Lessee shall pay, without abatement, deduction, or offset, all real and personal
property taxes, general and special assessments, and other charges of every
description levied on or assessed against the Premises, Improvements, personal
property located on or in the Premises or

 

3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Improvements, the leasehold estate, or any subleasehold estate, to the full
extent of installments falling due during the term, whether belonging to or
chargeable against Lessor or Lessee. Lessor and Lessee shall mutually cooperate
in order to notify the taxing authority to directly bill Lessee for all such
payments.  Lessee shall make all such payments directly to the taxing authority
before delinquency and before any fine, interest, or penalty shall become due or
be imposed by operation of law for their nonpayment.  If, however, applicable
law permits the payment of any or all of the above items in installments
(whether or not interest accrues on the unpaid balance), Lessee may, at Lessee’s
election, utilize the permitted installment method, but shall pay each
installment with any interest before delinquency.  All payments of taxes or
assessments or both, including permitted installment payments, shall be prorated
for the tax or assessment year in which the Lease commences and terminates.

Lessee may contest the legal validity or amount of any taxes, assessments, or
charges for which Lessee is responsible under this Lease, and may institute such
proceedings as Lessee considers necessary.  If Lessee contests any such tax,
assessment or charge, Lessee may withhold or defer payment or pay under protest,
but shall protect Lessor and the Premises from any lien created by such
withholding, deferment or protest by providing Lessor an adequate surety bond or
other appropriate security.

Lessor appoints Lessee as Lessor’s attorney-in-fact for the purpose of making
all payments to any taxing authorities and for the purpose of contesting any
taxes, assessments, or charges, conditioned on Lessee’s preventing any liens
from being levied on the premises or on Lessor (other than the statutory lien of
California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 2187).

Lessee’s obligation to pay taxes or assessments levied or charged against the
Premises or Improvements or against specified personal property shall not
include the following, whatever they may be called:  business, income, or
profits taxes levied or assessed against Lessor by federal, state or other
governmental agency; estate, succession, inheritance, or transfer taxes of
Lessor; or corporation, franchise or profits taxes imposed on the corporate
owner of the fee title of the Premises.  If, however, during the term of this
Lease, taxes are imposed, assessed or levied on the rent derived from the
Premises in lieu of all or any part of real property taxes, personal property
taxes or real and personal property taxes that Lessee would have been obligated
to pay under the foregoing provisions, and the purpose of the new taxes is more
closely akin to that of an ad valorem or use tax than to an income or franchise
tax on Lessor’s income, Lessee shall pay the taxes as provided above for
property taxes and assessments.

Lessee shall furnish to Lessor, at least 10 days before the date when any tax,
assessment or charge would become delinquent, receipts or other appropriate
evidence establishing their payment. Lessee may comply with this requirement by
retaining a tax service to notify Lessor whether the taxes have been paid.

VII.                             RIGHT OF ENTRY

Lessor shall have the right to enter the Premises in order to inspect the
Premises or to show the Premises to prospective purchasers or lenders.  Lessor
shall give Lessee reasonable prior notice of such entry, and except in the case
of an emergency, Lessor shall be accompanied by a representative of Lessee.

 

4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VIII.                         REMOVAL OF IMPROVEMENTS

 

At the expiration or sooner termination of the term of this Lease, Lessee shall
remove the Improvements and all personal property located on the Premises and
shall restore the Premises in the manner contemplated by the Purchase
Agreement.  Any and all Improvements remaining on the Premises after (i) the
completion of the Processing Facilities Relocation on such portion of the
Premises and (ii) transfer of the operation and control of such portion of the
Premises to Lessor, shall be deemed transferred by Lessee to Lessor if Lessor
retains such Improvements.

IX.                                COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

Lessee shall comply, and shall ensure that all of its officers, directors,
shareholders, employees, agents, representatives, suppliers, contractors and
subcontractors comply, with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, orders and
regulations in the conduct of any activity related to Lessee’s use and operation
of the Premises.

X.                                    REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

Throughout the term, Lessee shall, at Lessee’s sole cost and expense, maintain
the Premises and all Improvements in good condition and repair, ordinary wear
and tear excepted, and in accordance with all applicable laws, rules,
ordinances, orders and regulations of (i) federal, state, county, municipal, and
other governmental agencies and bodies having or claiming jurisdiction and all
their respective departments, bureaus, and officials; (ii) the insurance
underwriting board or insurance inspection bureau having or claiming
jurisdiction; and (iii) all insurance companies insuring all or any part of the
Premises or Improvements or both.

Nothing in this provision defining the duty of maintenance shall be construed as
limiting any right given elsewhere in this Lease to alter, modify, demolish,
remove, or replace any improvement, or as limiting provisions relating to
condemnation.

XI.                                ALTERATIONS.

Lessee shall have the right to make all repairs, alterations, additions or
reconstructions of the Improvements on the Premises without the prior approval
of Lessor.  Lessee shall provide three (3) months prior notice to Lessor of (i)
material additions of Improvements or (ii) material alterations to Improvements.

XII.                            ENCUMBRANCES.

A.                                                      Condition of
Encumbrances.  The Lessee may, at any time, or from time to time, during the
term hereof mortgage or otherwise encumber its interest in this Lease and in the
leasehold estate created hereunder and/or the Improvements upon and subject to
the following conditions:

1.                                      No deed of trust, mortgage or other
encumbering instrument (hereinafter referred to as “Leasehold Mortgage”) shall
extend to or otherwise affect the fee, rever­sionary

 

5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

interest or estate of Lessor in and to the Premises and the Leasehold Mortgage
and all rights acquired under it shall be subject to each and all of the
covenants, condi­tions and restrictions stated in this Lease and to all rights
and interests of Lessor, except as otherwise provided in this Lease. Should
there be any conflict between the provisions of the Lease, and of any Leasehold
Mortgage executed by Lessee, the provisions of this Lease shall control.

 

2.                                      Either prior to or concurrent with the
recordation of the Leasehold Mortgage, Lessee shall cause a fully conformed copy
thereof and of the note secured thereby to be delivered to Lessor together with
a written notice contain­ing the name and post office address of the mortgagee,
trustee, beneficiary or other holder of the beneficial interest in the Leasehold
Mortgage (hereinafter referred to as “Leasehold Mortgagee”).

3.                                      Lessor agrees that it will not terminate
this Lease because of any default or breach hereunder on the part of the Lessee
if the Leasehold Mortgagee, or the trustee under such Leasehold Mortgage, within
thirty (30) days after service of written notice on the Leasehold Mortgagee by
Lessor of Lessor’s intention to terminate this Lease for such breach or default,
shall:

(a)                                    Cure such breach or default if the same
can be cured by the payment or expenditure of money provided to be paid under
the terms of this Lease, or if such default or breach is not so curable,
commence, and thereafter pursue to completion, the steps and proceedings for
foreclosure by sale, or by exercise of power of sale pursuant to and under the
Leasehold Mortgage, of the leasehold estate hereunder; and

(b)                                   Keep and perform all of the covenants and
conditions of this Lease requiring the payment or expenditure of money by Lessee
until such time as the leasehold estate created hereunder shall be sold upon
foreclosure, or by the exercise of a power of sale, or shall be released or
reconveyed under the Lease­hold Mortgage; provided, however, that if the
Leasehold Mortgagee shall fail or refuse to comply with the conditions of this
Section XII, then and thereupon Lessor shall be released from the covenants of
forbearance herein contained with respect to such breach or default.

4.                                      Lessor shall not be obligated to
subordinate its interest in the Premises to any Leasehold Mortgagee.

5.                                      No Leasehold Mortgage shall limit the
ability of Lessor and Lessee to modify the term of this Lease pursuant to the
Development Agreement.

B.                                                        Condition of
Financing.

As to any Leasehold Mortgage, Lessor consents to a provision therein, at the
option of the Leasehold Mort­gagee, (1) for an assignment of Lessee’s share of
the net proceeds from any award or other compensation resulting from a total or
partial (other than temporary) taking of the Premises by condemnation, (2) for
the entry of the Leasehold Mortgagee upon the Premises during business hours,
without notice to Lessor or Lessee, to view the state of the Premises, (3) that
a default by Lessee under this Lease shall constitute a default under the
Leasehold Mortgage, (4) for an assignment of Lessee’s right, if any, to
terminate, cancel, modify, change, supple­ment, alter or amend this Lease, (5)
for an assignment of any sublease to which the Leasehold Mortgage is

 

6

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

subordinated, and (6) effective upon any default in any such Leasehold Mortgage,
(i) for the foreclosure of the Leasehold Mortgage pursuant to a power of sale,
by judicial proceedings or other lawful means and the subsequent sale of the
leasehold estate to the purchaser at the foreclosure sale and a sale by such
purchaser if the purchaser is the Leasehold Mortgagee (ii) for the appointment
of a receiver, irrespective of whether the Leasehold Mortgagee accelerates the
maturity of all indebted­ness secured by the Leasehold Mortgage, (iii) for the
right of the Leasehold Mortgagee or the receiver to enter and take possession of
the Premises as a lessee pursuant to the Lessee’s leasehold interest in the
Premises in order to manage and operate the Premises and to collect the
subrentals, issues and profits therefrom and to cure any default under the
Leasehold Mortgage or any default by Lessee under this Lease, and (iv) for an
assignment of Lessee’s right, title and interest in and to any deposit of cash,
securities or other property which may be held to secure the performance of
covenants, conditions and agreements con­tained in this Lease, the premiums for
or dividends upon any insurance provided for the benefit of any Leasehold
Mortgagee or required by the terms of this Lease, as well as in all refunds or
rebates of taxes or assessments upon or other charges against the Premises,
whether paid or to be paid.

C.                                                        No Surrender of
Leasehold.

For the benefit of the holder of any Leasehold Mortgage, Lessor agrees not to
accept a voluntary surrender of this Lease at any time while such Leasehold
Mortgage shall remain a lien on said leasehold; and Lessor and Lessee further
agree for the benefit of any such Leasehold Mortgagee that, so long as any such
Leasehold Mortgage shall remain a lien on said leasehold, Lessor and Lessee will
not subordinate or subject this Lease to any mortgage that may hereafter be
placed on the fee or amend or alter any terms or provisions of this Lease or
consent to any prepayment of any minimum rental without securing the prior
written consent of such Leasehold Mortgagee.

D.                                                       Notices.

Lessor shall send by certified or registered mail to any Leasehold Mortgagee, a
notice of any default by Lessee under this Lease at the same time as and
whenever any such notice of default shall be given by Lessor to Lessee,
addressed to such Leasehold Mortgagee at the address last furnished to Lessor.
No notice by Lessor shall be deemed to have been given unless and until a copy
thereof shall have been so given to such Leasehold Mortgagee. Lessee irrevocably
directs that Lessor accept, and Lessor agrees to accept, per­formance and
compliance by any such Leasehold Mortgagee of and with any term, covenant,
agreement, provisions, condition or limitation on Lessee’s part to be kept,
observed or performed hereunder with the same force and effect as though kept,
ob­served or performed by Lessee.

E.                                                         Transfer of
Leasehold.

The prior written consent of Lessor shall not be required:

1.                                      To a transfer of this Lease at
fore­closure sale under the Leasehold Mortgage, under judicial foreclosure or by
an assignment in lieu of foreclosure; or

 

7

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.                                      To the transfer of the Lease and the
leasehold estate under this Lease by the Leasehold Mortgagee if the Leasehold
Mortgagee has purchased the same at such foreclosure sale;

provided that in either such event the Leasehold Mortgagee forthwith gives
notice to Lessor in writing of any such transfer, setting forth the name and
address of the transferee, the effective date of such transfer and including the
express agreement of the transferee assuming and agreeing to perform all of the
obligations of this Lease, together with a copy of the document by which such
transfer was made.  Any such transferee under subparagraph 1 above shall be
liable to perform the obligations of Lessee under this Lease only so long as
such transferee holds title to the leasehold, provided that upon any conveyance
of title, such transferee’s transferee expressly assumes and agrees to perform
all of the obligations of this Lease. Any subsequent transfer of the leasehold
shall be subject to the conditions relating to assignment as set forth in this
Lease.

F.                                                         Request for Notice.

Upon and immediately after the recording of the Leasehold Mortgage, Lessee, at
Lessee’s expense, shall cause to be recorded in the office of the Santa Barbara
County Recorder, a written request duly executed and acknowledged by Lessor for
a copy of any notice of default and of any notice of sale under the Leasehold
Mortgage.

G.                                                        No Merger.

In the event that the title to Lessor’s estate and to Lessee’s estate shall be
acquired by the same person, firm or entity, other than as a result of
termination of this Lease, no merger shall occur if the effect of such merger
would impair the lien of any Leasehold Mortgage.

H.                                                       Estoppel Certificates.

Lessor agrees that upon request of the Lease­hold Mortgagee, it will execute and
deliver to any person, firm or entity a certificate stating that this Lease is
in full force and effect and that the documents creating or evidencing said
leasehold estate are true and correct copies and not incomplete, provided that
such be the case.

I.                                                            Insurance
Endorsement.

Lessor agrees that any policy of hazard insur­ance in favor of Lessor shall
contain an endorsement waiving the insurer’s right of subrogation as against the
Leasehold Mortgagee and the Lessee.

J.                                                           Amendments to
Lease.

In the event that in connection with any financing or refinancing of the
leasehold estate by Lessee any Leasehold Mortgagee requests any changes or
additions to this Lease, Lessor and Lessee shall amend this Lease to include
such changes or additions provided that such changes or additions do not impair
Lessor’s rights hereunder, increase Lessor’s obligations hereunder or decrease
the value of this Lease.

 

8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

XIII.                        ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING

 

A.                                                      Assignment.  Subject to
the provisions of Section XII hereof, Lessee shall not assign, transfer, or
encumber this Lease without the prior written consent of Lessor, which shall not
be unreasonably withheld.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee shall have the
absolute right to assign or transfer the Lease to an affiliated successor in
interest, which shall include a corporation that controls or is controlled by
Lessee or to another corporation in connection with a corporate reorganization,
merger or consolidation.

B.                                                        Subletting.  Subject
to the provisions of Section XII hereof, Lessee shall not (i) sublet any portion
of the Premises, or (ii) change the terms of any existing ground lease or
sublease encumbering the Premises, without the prior written consent of Lessor,
which shall not be unreasonably withheld.  Each new sublease shall contain a
provision requiring sublessee to attorn to Lessor or, in the event of any
proceeding to foreclose any leasehold mortgage, to the Leasehold Mortgagee, or
any person designated in a notice from Leasehold Mortgagee, if Lessee defaults
under this Lease and if the sublessee is notified of Lessee’s default and
instructed to make sublessee’s rental payments to Lessor or Leasehold Mortgagee
or designated person as in this paragraph.

XIV.                        INSURANCE

A.                                                      Property Insurance. 
Throughout the term, at Lessee’s sole cost and expense, Lessee shall keep or
cause to be kept insured, for the mutual benefit of Lessor and Lessee, the
Premises and the Improvements against loss or damage by fire and such other
risks as are now or hereafter included in an extended coverage endorsement in
common use for commercial property, including vandalism and malicious mischief. 
The amount of the insurance shall be at least 90% of the then actual replacement
cost (herein “full insurable value”).

B.                                                        Builder’s Risk
Insurance.  Before commencement of any demolition or construction, Lessee shall
procure, and shall maintain in force until completion and acceptance of the
work, “all risks” builder’s risk insurance including vandalism and malicious
mischief, covering Improvements in place and all material and equipment at the
job site furnished under contract, but excluding contractor’s, subcontractor’s,
and construction manager’s tools and equipment and property owned by
contractor’s or subcontractor’s employees, with limits customary at the time for
similar projects for all work at the job site.

C.                                                        Liability Insurance. 
Throughout the term, at Lessee’s sole cost and expense, Lessee shall keep or
cause to be kept in force, for the mutual benefit of Lessor and Lessee,
comprehensive broad form general public liability insurance against claims and
liability for personal injury, death, or property damage arising from the use,
occupancy, disuse, or condition of the Premises, Improvements, or adjoining
areas or ways, providing protection of at least $5,000,000.00 for bodily injury
or death to any one person, at least $10,000,000.00 for any one acci­dent or
occurrence, and at least $10,000,000.00 for property damage.  The minimum
insurance liability limits provided in this Section XIV shall be adjusted upward
or downward as of the Effective Date and every 5 years thereafter (adjustment
date) in accordance with percentage changes from the Effective Date to the
adjustment date in the Los Angeles-Anaheim-Riverside All

 

9

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Items Index for All Urban Consumers (1982-84 = 100) or successor published by
the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

D.                                                       Onshore Terrorism. 
Throughout the term, at Lessee’s sole cost and expense, Lessee shall keep or
cause to be kept in force, for the mutual benefit of Lessor and Lessee, a
comprehensive insurance policy of onshore terrorism in the amount of
$29,950,000.

E.                                                         Insurance Policies. 
All insurance required by express provisions of this Lease shall be carried only
in responsible insurance companies licensed to do business in the state of
Cali­fornia and which have been previously approved by Lessor.  All such
policies shall be nonassessable and shall contain language, to the extent
obtainable, to the effect that: (i) any loss shall be payable notwithstanding
any act or negli­gence of Lessor that might otherwise result in a forfeiture of
the insurance; (ii) the insurer waives the right of subrogation against Lessor
and against Lessor’s agents and representatives; (iii) the policies are primary
and noncontributing with any insur­ance that may be carried by Lessor; and (iv)
the policies cannot be can­celed or materially changed except after 30 days’
notice by the insurer to Lessor or Lessor’s designated representative. Lessee
shall furnish Lessor with copies of all such policies promptly on receipt of
them, or with certificates evidencing the insurance.  Lessee shall provide
Lessor proofs of such policies upon the Commencement Date.  Lessee may effect
for its own account any insurance not required under this Lease. Lessee may
provide any insurance required or permitted under this Lease by blanket
insurance covering the Premises and any other location or locations provided it
is acceptable to any Leasehold Mortgagees.

If Lessee fails or refuses to procure or to maintain insurance as required by
this Lease or fails or refuses to furnish Lessor with required proof that the
insurance has been procured and is in force and paid for, Lessor shall have the
right, at Lessor’s election and without notice, to procure and maintain such
insurance. The premiums paid by Lessor shall be treated as added rent due from
Lessee with interest at the maximum rate allowed by law, to be paid on the first
day of the month following the date on which the premiums were paid. Lessor
shall give prompt notice of the payment of such premiums, stating the amounts
paid and the names of the insurer or insurers, and interest shall run from the
date of the notice.

F.                                                         Indemnity.  Lessee
shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Lessor and Lessor’s employees, agents
and representatives from any loss, damage, claim, cost, lien, action, suit,
liability, or judgment (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and
costs) arising from, resulting from, or in any way related to the Lessee’s use
of the Premises.  This indemnity shall survive the termination of this Lease.

XV.                            DAMAGE AND DESTRUCTION

Lessee is responsible for all costs associated with the repair or replacement of
any and all Improvements.

 

10

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

XVI.                        CONDEMNATION

 

A.                                                      Definitions.  The
following definitions apply in construing provisions of this Lease relating to a
taking to all or any part of the Premises or Improvements by eminent domain or
inverse condemnation:

1.                                      Taking means the taking of fee title, by
eminent domain for any public or quasi-public use under any statute.  The
transfer of title may be either a transfer resulting from the recording of a
final order in condemnation or a voluntary transfer or conveyance to the
condemning agency or entity under threat of condemnation, in avoidance of an
exercise of eminent domain, or while condemnation proceedings are pending. The
taking shall be considered to take place as of the later of (i) the date actual
physical possession is taken by the condemnor or (ii) the date on which the
right to compensation and damages accrues under the law applicable to the
Premises.

2.                                      Total taking means the taking of the fee
title to all the Premises and the Improvements, which shall be considered to
include any offsite improvements effected by Lessee to serve the Premises or the
Improvements on the Premises.

3.                                      Substantial taking means the taking of
so much of the Premises or Improvements or both that the following conditions
result:

(a)                                  The remaining Premises would not be
economically and feasibly used by Lessee; and

(b)                                 A reasonable amount of reconstruction would
not make the remaining Premises and Improvements reasonably suited for Lessee’s
continued occupancy and use pursuant to Section IV.

4.                                      Partial taking means any taking of the
fee title that is not either a total or a substantial taking.

5.                                      Notice of intended taking means a notice
or notification expressing an existing intention of taking as distinguished from
a mere preliminary inquiry or proposal. It includes but is not limited to the
service of a condemnation summons and complaint on a party to this Lease.  The
notice is considered to have been received when a party to this Lease receives
from the condemning agency or entity a notice of intended taking, in writing,
containing a description or map of the taking reasonably defining the extent of
the taking.

6.                                      Award means compensation paid for the
taking whether pursuant to judgment or by agreement or otherwise.

B.                                                        Condemnation Notices.

The party receiving any notice of the kinds specified below shall promptly give
the other party notice of the receipt, contents, and date of the notice
received:

1.                                      Notice of intended taking;

 

11

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.                                      Service of any legal process relating to
condemnation of the Premises or Improvements;

3.                                      Notice in connection with any
proceedings or negotiations with respect to such a taking; or

4.                                      Notice of intent or willingness to make
or negotiate a private purchase, sale, or transfer in lieu of condemnation.

C.                                                        Condemnation
Proceedings.

Lessor, Lessee, and all persons and entities holding under Lessee shall each
have the right to represent its respective interest in each proceeding or
negotiation with respect to a taking or intended taking and to make full proof
of its claims.  No agreement, settlement, sale, or transfer to or with the
condemning authority shall be made without the consent of Lessor and Lessee.
Lessor and Lessee each agrees to execute and deliver to the other any
instruments that may be required to effectuate or facilitate the provisions of
this Lease relating to condemnation.

D.                                                       Effect of Taking.

On a total taking, Lessee’s obligation to pay rent shall terminate on, and
Lessee’s interest in the leasehold shall continue until, the date of taking.

If a taking is so substantial that it is a substantial taking, Lessee may, by
notice to Lessor given within 30 days after Lessee receives notice of intended
taking, elect to treat the taking as a substantial taking. If Lessee does not so
notify Lessor, the taking shall be deemed a partial taking.  If Lessee gives
such notice and Lessor gives Lessee notice dis­puting Lessee’s contention within
15 days following Lessee’s notice, the dispute shall be promptly determined by
arbitration. If Lessor gives no such notice, the taking shall be considered a
substantial taking. A substantial taking shall be treated as a total taking if
(1) Lessee delivers possession to Lessor within 30 days after determination that
the taking was a sub­stantial taking, and (2) Lessee is not in default under the
Lease and has complied with all Lease provisions concerning appor­tionment of
the award. If these conditions are not met, the taking shall be treated as a
partial taking.

Lessee may continue to occupy the Premises and Improvements until the condemnor
takes physical possession. However, at any time following notice of intended
total taking, or within the time limit specified for delivering possession in
the provision on substantial taking, Lessee may elect to deliver possession of
the Premises to Lessor before the actual taking.  The election shall be made by
notice declaring the election and covenanting to pay all rents required under
this Lease to the date of taking.  Lessee’s right to apportionment of or
compen­sation from the award pursuant to Section XVI(E) below shall then accrue
as of the date that Lessee goes out of possession.

E.                                                         Apportionment of
Award.

On a total taking or a substantial taking considered as a total taking pursuant
to Section XVI(D), all sums, including damages and interest, awarded for the fee
or the leasehold or

 

12

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

both shall be deposited promptly with a national banking association as escrow
agent and shall be apportioned in the following order of priority:

 

First, all real and personal property taxes constituting a lien on the Premises
or Improvements.

Second, the balance due under any Leasehold Mortgage.

Third, to Lessee an amount which is the sum of the value for the Improvements
then existing on the Premises, the value of Lessee’s leasehold interest in the
Premises, and severance damages less any amounts previously paid for the balance
due under any Leasehold Mortgage.

Fourth, to Lessor the remainder of said award.

F.                                                         Partial Taking.

On a partial taking, this Lease shall remain in full force and effect, covering
the remaining property.

Promptly after a partial taking, at Lessee’s expense and in the manner specified
in provisions of this Lease relating to maintenance, repairs, and alterations,
Lessee shall repair, alter, modify, or reconstruct the Improvements (hereafter
referred to as restoring) so as to make them a practical improvement.

On a partial taking, all sums, including damages and interest, awarded for the
fee title or the leasehold or both, shall be deposited promptly with a national
banking association as escrow agent and shall be distributed and disbursed in
the following order of priority:

First, to the cost of restoring the Improvements, plus any amount assessed,
awarded, paid or incurred to remove or relocate subtenants, plus any amount
awarded for detriment to business.

Second, to Lessee a sum equal to the value of the Premises taken.  Lessee may,
at Lessee’s election, direct disbursement of this portion to any mortgagee under
any note executed by Lessee.

XVII.                    DEFAULT

 

Each of the following events shall be a default by Lessee and a breach of this
Lease:

A.                                                      Vacation or abandonment
of the Premises by Lessee.

B.                                                        Failure by Lessee to
make any payment of rent or any other payment required to be made by Lessee
hereunder within 15 days of receipt of written notice form Lessor specifying
such default.

 

13

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C.                                                        Failure by Lessee to
observe or perform any of the covenants, conditions, or provisions of this Lease
where such failure continues for a period of 30 days after written notice by
Lessor to Lessee; provided, however, that if the nature of Lessee’s default is
such that more than 30 days are reasonably required for its cure, then Lessee
shall not be deemed to be in default if Lessee commences a cure within the
30-day period and thereafter diligently prosecutes the cure to completion.

D.                                                       The subjection of any
right or interest of Lessee to attachment, execution, or other levy, or to
seizure under legal process, if not released within 15 days.

E.                                                         The appointment of a
receiver to take possession of the Premises or Improvements or of Lessee’s
interest in the leasehold estate or of Lessee’s operations on the Premises for
any reason, including but not limited to, assignment for benefit of creditors or
voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy proceedings, which is not discharged within
60 days of appointment.

F.                                                         An assignment by
Lessee for the benefit of creditors or the filing of a voluntary or involuntary
petition by or against Lessee under any law for the purpose of adjudicating
Lessee a bankrupt; or for extending time for payment, adjustment, or
satisfaction of Lessee’s liabilities; or for reorganization dissolution, or
arrangement on account of or to prevent bank­ruptcy or insolvency; unless the
assignment or proceeding, and all consequent orders, adjudications, custodies,
and supervisions are dismissed, vacated, or otherwise permanently stayed or
termi­nated within 60 days after the assignment, filing, or other initial event.

G.                                                        Recordation of a
Notice of Default under any Leasehold Mortgage.

XVIII.                REMEDIES

 

If any default by Lessee shall continue uncured following notice of default as
required by this Lease, for the applicable cure period, Lessor may (i) enforce
all of Landlord’s rights and remedies allowed by law and (ii) exercise the Rent
Adjustment pursuant to Section 4(a) of the Development Agreement if the Rent
Adjustment has not been previously exercised.

XIX.                       GENERAL PROVISIONS

A.                                                      Good Faith.

Whenever in this Lease a party has the right to approve an act of another party,
the former shall exercise such discretion in good faith and according to normal
commercial standards.  Similarly, where a party is required to satisfy a
condition or complete an act in a certain fashion or within a specified time
period, that party shall pursue such objectives in good faith and make all
reasonable efforts to accomplish the same; the other party shall likewise in
good faith cooperate and assist the other party in accomplishing this task.

 

14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B.                                                        Other Instruments.

The parties hereto shall, whenever and as often as reasonably requested to do so
by the other party, execute, acknowledge and deliver or cause to be executed,
acknowledged and delivered any and all documents and instruments as may be
necessary, expedient or proper in the reasonable opinion of the requesting party
to carry out the intent and purpose of this Lease.

C.                                                        Captions, Headings and
Exhibits.

The captions and headings of this Lease are for convenience only and have no
force and effect in the interpretation or construction of this Lease.  All
exhibits attached hereto are by this reference incorporated herein as though
fully set forth in this Lease.

D.                                                       Severability.

If any term, provision, covenant or condition of this Lease shall be or become
illegal, null, void or against public policy, or shall be held by any court of
competent jurisdiction to be illegal, null or void or against public policy, the
remaining provisions of this Lease shall remain in full force and effect and
shall not be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby.  The term, provision,
covenant or condition that is so invalidated, voided or held to be unenforceable
shall be modified or changed by the parties to the extent possible to carry out
the intentions and directives set forth in this Lease.

E.                                                         Counterparts.

This Lease may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be
an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

F.                                                         Successors and
Assigns.

Except as restricted herein, this Lease shall be binding on and shall inure to
the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, legal representatives,
successors and assigns.

G.                                                        Waiver.

The waiver of any breach of any provision hereunder by any party to this Lease
shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding or subsequent breach
hereunder, nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.  No waiver shall
be binding unless executed in writing by the party making the waiver.

H.                                                       Governing Law.

The validity and interpretation of this Lease shall be governed by the laws of
the State of California, with venue for all purposes to be proper only in the
County of Santa Barbara, State of California.

 

15

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I.                                                            Notices.

All notices, approvals, acceptances, demands and other communica­tions required
or permitted hereunder, to be effective, shall be in writing, and shall be
delivered either in person or by mailing the same by United States mail (postage
prepaid, registered or certified, return receipt requested), by Federal Express
or other similar overnight delivery service, or by confirmed facsimile
transmission to the party to whom the notice is directed at the address of such
party as follows:

To Lessor:

Carpinteria Bluffs, LLC

 

 

c/o Venoco, Inc.

 

 

General Counsel

 

 

6267 Carpinteria Avenue Suite 100

 

 

Carpinteria, California 93013

 

 

Phone (805) 745-2253

 

 

Fax (805) 745-1816

 

 

 

 

With copy to:

Davis O’Connor, Esq.

 

 

Holland & Hart LLP

 

 

555 - 17th Street, Suite 3200

 

 

Denver, Colorado 80202-3979

 

 

Phone: 303-295-8081

 

 

Fax: 303-295-8261 or 8204

 

 

 

 

To Lessee:

Venoco, Inc.

 

 

General Counsel

 

 

6267 Carpinteria Avenue Suite 100

 

 

Carpinteria, California 93013

 

 

Phone (805) 745-2253

 

 

Fax (805) 745-1816

 

 

 

 

With copy to:

David W. Van Horne, Esq.

 

 

Price Postel & Parma LLP

 

 

200 East Carrillo Street, Suite 400

 

 

Santa Barbara, California 93101-2190

 

 

Phone: 805-962-0011

 

 

Fax: 805-965-3978

 

 

Any written communications given by mail shall be deemed delivered two business
days after such mailing date and any written communications given by overnight
delivery service shall be deemed delivered one business day after the dispatch
date.  Facsimile transmissions shall be deemed delivered upon receipt by the
receiving number.  A party may change their address by giving the other party
written notice of their new address as herein provided.

 

16

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

J.                                                           Attorneys’ Fees.

If any action at law or equity, including an action for declaratory relief, is
brought to enforce or interpret the provisions of this Lease, the party, if any,
prevailing on the more substantial portion of its claims and defenses shall be
entitled to recover actual attorneys’ fees, which may be determined by the court
in the same action or in a separate action brought for that purpose.  The
attorneys’ fees shall not be computed in accordance with any court schedule but
shall be made as to fully reimburse for all attorneys’ fees, paralegal fees,
costs and expenses actually incurred in good faith.  This Section XIX(J) shall
be applied pursuant to the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1717.

K.                                                       Arbitration.

Any controversy, dispute or claim arising out of, in connection with, or in
relation to the interpretation, performance or breach of this Lease shall be
resolved, at the request of either party, by binding arbitration by a retired
judge mutually agreed upon by the parties and appointed pursuant to the
provisions of California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 638(1) et seq., and
Sections 1281 et seq., with said arbitration to be conducted in accordance with
the above statutory provisions and the California Civil Procedure and Evidence
Codes.  The parties intend this general reference agreement to be specifically
enforceable in accordance with Code of Civil Procedure Section 638(1).  If the
parties cannot agree upon a retired judge, one shall be appointed by the
Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Santa Barbara County, State of
California.

L.                                                         Entire Agreement;
Amendment.

Except as otherwise stated in this Lease, this Lease contains the entire
agreement between the parties hereto with respect to its subject matter.  All
prior agreements, understandings, representations or negotiations are hereby
superseded, terminated and cancelled in their entirety, and are of no further
force or effect.  No promises, representations, warranties or covenants not
included in this Lease, either oral or written, have been or are relied upon by
any party.

(Signature page follows)

 

17

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the following have executed this Lease as of the day and
year first above written.

 

 

LESSOR

 

 

 

 

 

Carpinteria Bluffs, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

/s/ Timothy Marquez

 

 

 

Timothy Marquez

 

 

Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LESSEE

 

 

Venoco, Inc., a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

 

 

By

/s/ William Schneider

 

 

 

William Schneider

 

 

President

 

 

 

18

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------