Michael Tripp has been named as the new Channel Islands Harbor Director. The appointment was made by County Executive Officer Mike Powers and follows a nationwide recruitment.

“As Director, Michael will be working with his talented team at the Harbor to collaborate with our business partners to create a robust harbor economy, work with the residents and community to enhance the Harbor’s recreational value, and champion enrichment projects to keep the Harbor vibrant and flourishing,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “The Harbor provides jobs and revenue, brings in tourism dollars and serves as a destination for people looking for restaurants, hotels, activities and events. Recently retired Harbor Director Mark Sandoval did an excellent job in positioning the harbor for success with the recent cooperation agreement and visioning process. We look forward to having Michael continue the momentum on this path.”

Michael most recently served as the Planning Division Chief for the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors. In this role, he interacted closely with developers, lessees, non-government organizations, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, and other stakeholders on a multitude of issues on behalf of the department.

“For the past 20 years, I’ve been working for Los Angeles County improving the coastal areas.  Ten of those years were spent working for the Department of Beaches and Harbors, overseeing 24 miles of beautiful beaches, and redeveloping Marina del Rey Harbor,” said Michael Tripp. “I’m really looking forward to engaging with the local community, expanding on the great work that is underway and bringing what I’ve learned to the Channel Islands Harbor.  I see an incredible opportunity in this position to help make Channel Islands Harbor a vibrant destination that will be a draw to tourists, locals, boaters and fisherman.”

In Marina del Rey, Michael developed a strong working relationship with the harbor’s customer base, while preparing the major amendment to the Marina del Rey Local Coastal Program.  Michael met with residents, business owners, environmental groups and boaters to ensure that Los Angeles County could bring a document to the Coastal Commission that was well vetted, and that the County could be proud of.  He also oversaw the capital projects section of his department which manages construction projects on Los Angeles County beaches and in the Marina del Rey Harbor. His work included all aspects of the planning process from initial concept design to project management.

In May 2021, The County Board of Supervisors and City of Oxnard Councilmembers both unanimously approved a cooperation agreement for major improvements in the Channel Islands Harbor agreeing to areas of land use and shared cost of maintenance and infrastructure.

Managed by the Ventura County Harbor Department on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, the Channel Islands Harbor is comprised of 310 acres of land and water area, more than 2,000 boat slips and a wide variety of marina facilities, restaurants, sportfishing facilities and shops.

Michael will begin his new duties on Monday October 4^th.

Editor’s Note: this story was published on Sept. 15, 2021.