Save Conejo Mountain
Stop Expansion of the Rock Quarry on Conejo Mountain.
A proposal to dramatically expand the Pacific Rock Quarry is in appeal. The expansion would push mining operations farther up the mountain, extend quarry activity for another 60 years, expand operations to seven days a week, and add a concrete and asphalt recycling facility. If approved, the project would permanently destroy sensitive habitat, threaten a critical wildlife corridor, and intensify noise, dust, truck traffic, and air pollution for nearby neighborhoods.
Project Approved
On June 18, 2026, the Ventura County Planning Commission approved the project expansion with minor modifications including keeping the current hours of operation unless there is an emergency request and increasing the notice of blasting to no less than 7 days from the current 24 hours.
Appeal Filed
On July 7, 2026, the Center for Biological Diversity filed an appeal of LU10-0003 for the Pacific Rock mine. The appeal is scheduled for October 20th at 10:30am with the Board of Supervisors. The meeting will take place in person in the Board of Supervisors room at 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009.
Please Attend the Appeal!
It is important that people interested in this project attend the hearing to voice their concerns and show support for the appeal. Written comments are due October 13, 2026. For information on attendance, or providing public comment, please see the Clerk of the Board’s website: https://venturacounty.gov/board-of-supervisors/agendas-documents-and-broadcasts/public-comments/
Background
About Conejo Mountain
Regional Location: Conejo Mountain sits west of Thousand Oaks, east of Camarillo, and northwest of Newbury Park. It defines these communities along the north side of the 101 freeway near the Camarillo grade, specifically between Wendy Drive and Camarillo Springs Road.
Natural Significance: As part of the western Santa Monica mountain range, the peak reaches 1,800 feet. It is visible across a broad expanse from Westlake to Oxnard. Both national and local park services have identified this area for potential parkland purchase to protect its natural beauty and diverse local wildlife.
Recreation and History: The landscape provides a habitat for various species and features challenging trails for biking and hiking. These paths offer expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby valleys. Geologically, the mountain is a product of two million years of volcanic activity, which created the distinct rock formations seen today. It acts as a natural sentinel overlooking the Conejo and Camarillo valleys.
Pacific Rock Quarry:
History and Current Permit Update
History: Pacific Rock Quarry, located on Conejo Mountain just south of Camarillo, has operated since 1902. The quarry spans 111 acres and sits adjacent to Conejo Mountain Memorial Park.
Prior Permit and Reclamation Plan: Originally managed by L.S. Hawley Corp, the site was acquired by Pacific Rock Inc. in 2000 and currently operates under a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) first issued in 1980 (CUP-3817-2) and renewed in 1994 (CUP-3817-3). The Reclamatin Plan in the 1994 permit said that the permit "is being renewed to allow the mine to operate through the year 2000. After this date, the mine wither will revert to its end use (open space and wildlife habitat) or another permit will be applied to allow the mine to operate for another 10-20 years." Instead of closing for reclamation in 2000, A..."time extension request, after filed, was subject to a compliance agreement with the County that allowed for them to continue to operate while processing the request", according to the planning commission.
Current Permit Update: Pacific Rock Inc. has submitted a proposal to the Ventura County Planning Commission seeking to significantly expand operations instead. The request includes increasing the mining footprint to 204 acres, extending the CUP for an additional 60 years, operating seven days a week with hours from 4:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and adding a concrete and asphalt recycling facility. The proposal also includes installing a 24-hour security trailer and allowing outdoor equipment storage. As of June 18th, 2026, the planning commission approved the CUP with restrictions on the operating hours keeping the current hours intact.
Environmental Review Complete: The environmental review process began with a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) released in 2020, followed by a recirculated version in 2022 that addressed updated biological resource concerns. In September 2025, the Planning Commission completed its review of the Final EIR and recommended approval of the CUP.
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If you want to make a bigger difference when submitting comments to the Planning Commission, focus your comments on the inadequacy of the mitigation measures identified in the Final Environmental Impact Report
Why the Quarry Expansion Raises Serious Concerns
Local residents have voiced strong concerns about the project. Many fear that increased dust and particulate matter from blasting and truck traffic will worsen air quality and pose health risks. Extended operating hours have raised alarms about noise pollution and disruption to daily life. The anticipated rise in truck volume also presents safety risks on local roads, while the visual impact of the expanded quarry threatens scenic views and property values.
Environmental advocates and wildlife experts warn that the quarry lies within a critical habitat corridor connecting the Santa Monica Mountains to the Sierra Madre range. See MRCA Comment Letter. Expansion could fragment this corridor, impeding the movement of mountain lions, bobcats, and other species. Loss of native vegetation, such as Conejo buckwheat, would further degrade the ecosystem and reduce biodiversity.
Water quality is another major concern. Conejo Mountain feeds into tributaries of Calleguas Creek, which ultimately drains into Mugu Lagoon. Mining activities risk increasing sediment runoff, introducing chemical pollutants from blasting agents, and disrupting groundwater recharge. These impacts could exacerbate existing pollution in Calleguas Creek, which is already listed as impaired for multiple contaminants.
In 2016, the National Park Service completed the Rim of the Valley Corridor Study, recommending expansion of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Conejo Mountain was identified for inclusion due to its ecological significance. Legislation to protect over 118,000 acres—including Conejo Mountain—was reintroduced in Congress this year by Senator Adam Schiff. Extending the CUP could complicate future negotiations for purchase and use of the area.
Photo by NPS
Written and compiled by Tom Pagano, a resident of Dos Vientos in Newbury Park and a resident of Thousand Oaks since 1964
Contact: tspagano3@gmail.com