Mine owner should provide for flora, fauna

Regarding the Pacific Rock Mine ex­pansion approval by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 20, Pacific Rock Mine is owned by Tom Staben. His construction company is TA Staben. The Board of Supervisors’ approval for a major 60-year expansion gives Pacific Rock permission to extend ex­cavation of the mountainside. During the Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Jeff Gorell stated, “the owners (sic Pacific Rock) could create conservation protections.” Could is the operative word. To use Gorell’s phrase, wave a magic wand! In a magical world it could hap­pen, but realistically, will it? If wishes could come true, Pacific Rock Mine would create conservation protections for flora and fauna for the next 60 years. They would ensure that the Center for Biological Diversity, Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, wildlife and the public would continue to enjoy the serenity of our scenic envi­ronment. Tom Staben, you have the ability to make our wishes come true. I hope that it happens.

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