HAPPY HOLIDAYS!  What a wonderful time of year to be in the Harbor and on the waterfront.  It is great to see all of the Holiday lights and decorations on the boats in the Harbor and on the homes and businesses surrounding the Harbor.  The water adds a dimension with the reflection, which doubles the joyful effect.

I hope that you have a chance to participate in, or at least attend the myriad of events this month.  The Holiday season starts with a bang as the Oxnard Holiday Parade and Tamale Fest kicks off the season on Saturday, December 7.  That same weekend is the Santa by the Sea Event which occurs on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8.  This event includes a number of running/walking races on Sunday, and also includes a festival on Saturday and Sunday.  This organization started in 2003, and has provided grants and donations to many, many organizations and individuals in need over the years.

The next Saturday, December 14, is a big Holiday day on the water.  The evening starts with a Holiday Mast lighting at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum.  Festivities begin at 5 p.m.  Then, at 7 p.m., the Harbor’s 54^th Annual Parade of Lights begins on the waters of the Harbor.  The theme this year is “Musical Notes and Holiday Floats.”  We are currently taking entrants for the parade.  No motorized vessel is too small or large, so bring out the decorations and good cheer and participate in the parade.  If you cannot be on the water, definitely plan to view the parade from any shore in the Harbor and get into the Holiday spirit.

As we head into the Holiday Season, I believe it is important to remember the why of the Season.  While I am a Christian and celebrate the birth of Jesus, I am certain that whatever supreme being you honor holds as a tenet peace on Earth and goodwill towards our fellow men/women.  It is especially important this season to recognize that we are all in this together, and if we treat our fellow man/woman as we want to be treated, the world will be a much better place.

Planning and Development in the Harbor

While formal activities normally slow during this period, the projects we are working on continue to move forward.  The Hyatt Hotel developer is working on the re-design to meet the new Building Code, and we are finalizing the lease and accompanying agreements for the hotel and other Peninsula projects.  In addition, we are discussing options with the developer of the Fisherman’s Wharf project, to determine the best course of action for that development.  I remain confident that we can find a path forward for development of this important entryway to the Harbor.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa or Happy Holidays, and as always, live every day to the fullest.

Mark Sandoval, Harbor Director

Editor’s Note: this was message was published on Nov. 29, 2019.