April 2022 Director’s Message

April is an exciting time of the year at the Channel Islands Harbor. The weather is warming up, and activity around the Harbor is really starting to pick up.

One of the Harbor Department’s short-term goals this year is to enhance existing events and introduce new experiences for residents and visitors alike. These goals were tested at the end of March with the Celebration of the Whales Festival, an event in its 23rd year, and Fuditown, an event concept that was held for the first time. Both events went very well.

Thousands of people came to the Harbor to enjoy Fuditown, an open-air market that featured food trucks, local vendors selling goods, and a children’s play area. It was great to see so many people enjoy an event this early in the year. Despite the big turnout, the event organizer was able to maintain a safe and friendly environment that didn’t cause traffic or parking issues.

At the Celebration of the Whales Festival, additional children’s activities were introduced, and there was an uptick of chalk artists presenting their work. The young families who attended took advantage of the new amenities at this longtime event. Next year, we will introduce a concert section for visitors to enjoy. I would like to thank the Farmers Market operators and Channel Islands Maritime Museum for their continued partnership to hold the Celebration of Whales Festival.

Looking forward in 2022, there are a variety of activities planned at the Harbor that I hope you will enjoy. Here’s a look ahead at what we have in store: (Keep in mind, this is what’s planned so far. There will be additions to the event schedule).

Fairy Tales in the Park May 8, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4
Father’s Day Car Show June 19
4th of July Family Parade/Electric Boat Parade July 4
Channel Islands Fine Arts Festival July 9, 10
Concerts by the Sea Summer Series July 9, 16, 23, 30
Concerts by the Sea Summer Series August 6, 13, 20, 27
Central Coast British Car Club Show October 2
Ponies by the Sea Car Show October 9
Farmers Market Pumpkin Fun Day October 30
56th Annual Parade of Lights December 10

 

Casa Sirena Demolition

Scheduled demolition of the vacant Casa Sirena is ongoing. Nearly all the structures on the property have been taken down. In March, workers on the site took down the former Lobster Trap Restaurant. This stirred up mixed emotions with some of the residents, but most understood the building had to be razed for the next chapter on this beautiful property to move forward. After the removal of the structures, the Harbor Department will hire a contractor to reconstruct the revetment around the Harbor peninsula. The revetment work should be complete in early 2023, opening the door to construction of the new hotel.

Michael Tripp, Director
Ventura County Harbor Department

Editor's Note: this story was published on April 1, 2022.