The 2000 film “Erin Brockovich” was a triumphant David versus Goliath story. A single mother of three took on PG&E for contaminating drinking water in Hinkley, California, and emerged victorious, suing and winning $333 million from the utility giant. But whatever became of the real-life town of Hinkley?
For the roughly 600 residents who received part of that payout, the ending wasn’t all happy. Residents who lived there in the ‘90s, such as Roberta Walker, say they suffer from residual health problems. And while they can’t disclose how much money they received from the lawsuit, they say it wasn’t enough to keep them afloat for long. Now, 21 years after the lawsuit, it seems the same public health hazard continues to affect the welfare of Hinkley residents.
A film by Débora Silva.