The full video transcript of the hearing can be found at Resource Management Agency Planning Commission Hearing - June 18, 2026
The hearing starts at 3hrs:18 minutes with public input starting at 3hrs:48 minutes
The meeting started with a presentation by Planning commission staff John Novi summarizing the history of the mine, permits, violations, and overall changes proposed.
The applicant (representing Pacific Rock) was given time to make a statement on the value of the quarry to the county and their efforts to accommodate the neighborhood and the environment.
After this, the public was allowed to speak for 1 minute each. Typically the allotted time is 3 minutes, so this put many in a hurry to express their concerns. The applicant (Pacific Rock) was given almost 30 minutes in their introductory remarks and time for rebuttals.
Tom Pagano, Resident of Dos Vientos shared concerns with the duration of the project, noise, air pollution and the duration of the project. He pointed out the letter from the DV Homeowners Association expressing the CUP extension be denied.
Steve Mora, Managing Partner of the Conejo Mountain Funeral Home. They serve over 100,000 visitors per year. Blasting occurs while people are visiting their loved ones. The narrow roadway frequently has dump trucks interfering with funeral processions.
Elizabeth Reid-Wainscoat, from the Center for Biological Diversity, urged the commission not to certify the EIR and require revision and recirculation. The EIR doubles the permit term, doubling air greenhouse gas emissions and truck trips. CEQA requires this information to be analyzed and made available for public review. The project narrows the wildlife corridor, undermining ongoing efforts by the county to protect linkages. The proposal destroys populations of rare plants and emits greenhouse gasses without mitigating their impact.
Chad Christensen. Deputy Chief of Natural Resources and Planning for the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority said the permit should be denied. He claims that the reduction in wildlife corridor is incorrect. Development of Dos Vientos, Camarillo Springs and CS Channel Islands presents new circumstances from which Pacific Rock Quarry was originally entitled.
Brendon Wills. Conservation Program Coordinator with the California Native Plant Society. Urged not to approve the EIR in current form. In California, a 60 year permit extension is not common. He asked to reject 60 years and require 30 years. The need for 34 biological mitigation measures speaks to the impact. Lack of specific details are in conflict with intent of CEQA.
Ellen Dean, a PhD native plant biologist said the EIR states project will destroy 3 particular native plant species that only exist in the Conejo Formation and nowhere else in the world. The EIR says destroying is fine and they will be relocated. Buckwheat might survive, but the Dudleya is a picky eater and she doubts it will survive. The EIR has a major error.
Tina Dickenson. Resident of DV and on the board of the DV HOA, lives 400 yards from project. Speaking on behalf of HOA, respectfully rejects the expansion project and CUP. The Final EIR would double the permit area and extend hours and air pollution emissions. The project lies in habitat corridor, will decrease property values and increase fire risk.
Commissioner Boysdstun wanted to know more about error in EIR. Dr Dean responded that the rare plant table has an error in that the Chapparal Ragwort very rare plant is listed as unlikely to occur since it needs out-plane habitat, and that is false. Makes you wonder what other errors occur. Has seen it on the mountain and it is likely in the area of the project.
Randy Denning: Homeowner in DV for 25 years. Looks down into the pad onto the quarry. He has seen dust and noise for a number of years. He wanted to say he is personally not in favor. When purchased, he thought it was as bad as it would get but with the changes, he is concerned its getting worse and is concerned about his property values. He talked to a number of homeowners who feel the same.
Commissioner Cushing: Wanted to see reports annually.
Staff John Novi pointed out 24 hour notification is currently required for blasting. Commissioner Boydstun thought that wasn’t much time to reschedule an interment. Asked Conejo Mountain Funeral Home what they would like to see. Sam Azar who works there says they schedule arrangements 2 weeks in advance, sometimes 3 weeks. 24 hours isn’t close. As important is truck traffic. One road.
Sharon Lin: Resident of NP, lives 500 yards from expansion. She had concerns about environmental reports, dust that may exacerbate allergies, noise, enjoyment of her property. Currently a quiet place to live. Before sunup to 10 pm and 60 year agreement, would negatively impact her enjoyment and neighbors.
John Novi clarified: More annual tonnage being moved but not on a single day. Mitigation expressed mitigation that allows for surveys prior to disturbance to search for rare species.
Commissioner Boydstun asked what percentage expansion is the mine asked for, "10%, 6%, 2%, not 50% obviously"? Helps public to get perspective when talking about a project that has been there since the late 1800’s. After calculations were made John Novi said it was an increase of 110 Acres overall and 176% increase of disturbance area. The room was silent. Tom Pagano said in the audience is that 3 dimensions? John shook his head, no.
Commissioner Cushing was not comfortable with expanding to the morning and Sundays. Commissioner Boydstun said holidays neither. Cushing said he wanted to keep current hours. No Sundays. Needed to expand hours to support PCH emergency uses.
Commissioner Kestly was concerned that limiting the hours can introduce prohibitive cost. Commissioner Sandlin suggested to amend to current hours unless federal, county, or state, agency request emergency needs.
In the end, the applicant and commission negotiated advance notice of blasting to 7 days prior, and current hours of operation not including holidays and removed truck use from 4:30 am to 10 pm. Expanded days and hours can be allowed if government agency requests..