CFROG is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year! As part of our ongoing celebration, we’ll be sharing stories from 10 Wins across 10 Years! Stay tuned for more history from the long fight against fossil fuels in Ventura County.
As CFROG celebrates its 10th-year anniversary, we reflect on the pivotal moments that have brought us here and defined our journey—a journey marked by resilience, determination, and a relentless commitment to environmental advocacy. Among these moments stands the campaign against the Cabrillo Oil Field expansion—a battle that united our community, reaffirmed our belief in the power of collective action, and encapsulated our unwavering commitment to protecting our communities and our environment.
The story begins in 2017, when concerns were raised about the proposed expansion of the Cabrillo Oil Field, nestled in the heart of South Oxnard. On September 7, 2017, the Ventura County Planning Commission accepted the Planning Division staff’s recommendation to allow the expanded project under an Addendum of a 1986 Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The proposed expansion was seeking a thirty-year extension of the initial land-use permit, and granted Renaissance Petroleum permission to drill 4 new wells on the Naumann drill pad, resulting in a total of 5 wells, and an oil processing facility capable of servicing 35 more wells in the future. Situated amidst sprawling communities and fertile farmlands, the expansion posed a grave threat to both public health and environmental integrity, with the potential to exacerbate existing environmental hazards and injustices. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, CFROG sprang into action, mobilizing grassroots support and initiating a multifaceted campaign to challenge the expansion.
Check out this July 2017 LTE from Karina Kaye, previous CFROG Board Member
Through grassroots outreach efforts, community meetings, and strategic partnerships with local organizations like Food & Water Watch, CFROG raised awareness about the potential impacts of the expansion, generating support from residents, environmental advocates, and allies. Central to our campaign was the steadfast advocacy of the residents of South Oxnard, who bore the brunt of environmental injustices and whose voices served as a powerful force for change. Surrounded by an oil field, pesticides, and heavy truck traffic, CFROG stood in solidarity with these communities, amplifying their voices and providing a platform for their concerns to be heard and considered in decision making processes.
As the campaign progressed, CFROG, in collaboration with our partners at Food & Water Watch, pursued legal avenues to challenge the expansion. Through meticulous research and legal expertise, we crafted a compelling case that highlighted the environmental risks posed by the expansion and the inadequacies of regulatory oversight. CFROG and Food & Water Watch filed an appeal before the Planning Commission that underscored four key areas of concern: environmental justice, human health, cumulative effects, and aesthetics. Together, we made it clear that the health and safety of our communities were not negotiable.
The culmination of our efforts came in November 2019, when CFROG and South Oxnard residents achieved a landmark victory, successfully blocking the expansion of the Cabrillo Oil Field. The ruling was a testament to the power of community mobilization, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships in effecting meaningful change. It was a moment of triumph, a validation of our collective efforts, and a reminder that when we come together, we can achieve the seemingly impossible.
As we celebrate our 10th-year anniversary, the victory against the Cabrillo Oil Field expansion holds special significance. It not only reaffirms CFROG’s dedication to defending our environment and advocating for environmental justice but also underscores the resilience and strength of our community-driven approach. Our partnership with Food & Water Watch was instrumental in achieving this victory, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and solidarity in the fight for environmental protection. Together, we stood united in our commitment to safeguarding our communities and our planet for future generations.
Looking ahead to the next decade and beyond, CFROG remains committed to our mission of championing environmental justice, empowering communities, and holding polluters accountable. The victory against the Cabrillo Oil Field expansion serves as a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together in pursuit of a common goal. Together, we will continue to fight for a future where every individual can thrive in a healthy, sustainable environment.
