Palo Alto Investors, LLC Voices Support for New Appointees to Board of Directors for Toreador Resources

Palo Alto Investors, LLC, a leading Silicon Valley asset management firm, announced today its support for the appointments of Julien Balkany, Dr. Peter Hill, and Craig McKenzie to the Board of Directors of Toreador Resources Corporation ("Toreador”) (NASDAQ: TRGL).

"Palo Alto Investors, LLC, as a significant shareholder of Toreador Resources, is pleased to note the changes announced today by the Board of Directors of Toreador Resources and the addition of new Directors Mr. Craig McKenzie, Dr. Peter Hill, and Mr. Julien Balkany,” said David Anderson, head of Energy Research and a Partner at Palo Alto Investors. "The new Directors exhibit the kind of corporate governance and international oil and gas experience that will be crucial to the Board as it pursues the creation of shareholder value and the optimization of the assets the company holds now or may pursue in the future. Today’s announcement looks to be a strong first step to creating a decisive and action-oriented Board and we look forward to evaluating the company’s ongoing progress and the impact of the new Directors.”

Mr. Anderson continued, "We are also pleased to see the company make progress in addressing some of the issues brought to light by us and other large shareholders.” Mr. Anderson also thanked the outgoing directors and CEO Nigel Lovett for their efforts on Toreador’s behalf.

About Palo Alto Investors

Since its inception in 1989, Palo Alto Investors, LLC ("PAI”) has focused exclusively on overlooked, misunderstood and undervalued segments of the equity markets. PAI is committed to providing world class money management services to high net worth and institutional investors. Located in Palo Alto, Calif., PAI employs 22 professionals and manages over $1 billion in assets. The firm is independently owned with significant Partner ownership interest.