As we approach the end of the year, I wanted to take a moment to share some updates on our ongoing projects that will enhance and refurbish our beautiful Channel Islands Harbor.

Hyatt Hotel on the Harbor Peninsula

The process to begin the construction of a new Hyatt House Hotel is continuing to move forward.

As you may recall, demolition of the old Casa Sirena Hotel was completed in June 2022 and the much-needed rock revetment replacement project surrounding the property was completed in May 2023. The site of the new Hyatt Hotel was handed back to the developer, Brighton Management, in July 2023. The developer continues to pursue the necessary permits to get the construction process started. The first visible signs of construction will be the grading of the property, which will likely take place in December 2023 or January 2024.

Harbor Parking Lot Upgrades

I’m thrilled to share with you the Kiddie Beach parking lot is scheduled to be replaced prior to summer 2024. This is a project Harbor Department staff has been diligently working on for several months. We’ve received bids and plan to recommend a construction company to the Board of Supervisors in December 2023.

Following the Kiddie Beach parking lot project, the Harbor Department plans to replace the parking lots at Harbor View Park – in between Marine Emporium Landing and the Channel Islands Boating Center – and the parking lots near the Channel Islands Yacht Club. My goal is to have these parking lots replaced by the end of 2024.

The Harbor Department understands the importance of accessible and safe parking. The new parking lots will not only improve convenience but also contribute to the overall appeal of the Harbor.

Karl’s Village at Fisherman’s Wharf

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, in April 2023, unanimously approved and authorized the Harbor Department to enter an Exclusive Right to Negotiate (ERN) with Robert Dahl, a German-based strawberry farmer and entrepreneur. The 12-month ERN allows Dahl’s development team to form its ownership entity, and begin design and construction analysis, among other items.

Robert Dahl and his team visited the Fisherman’s Wharf site earlier this year as part of their design and construction analysis. They are currently in the process of designing and finalizing a concept they plan to share with the community in early 2024. As you may recall, plans for Karl’s Adventure Village include refurbishing existing buildings and creating new structures that would include restaurants, a specialty market, gift shops, toy and book shops, a coffee shop, public promenades, playgrounds, park areas, small children’s rides, as well as a potential boutique hotel. Robert Dahl is excited about the opportunity to reimagine the wharf and bring some much-needed visitor-serving amenities.

These projects represent our dedication to enhancing the Channel Islands Harbor experience. As we move forward into the new year, we will continue to prioritize transparency and engagement with our community. Your support and enthusiasm for these initiatives inspire the Harbor Department, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact they will have on our Harbor.

Thank you for being an integral part of our thriving community.

Michael Tripp, Director
Ventura County Harbor Department

Editor’s Note: this message was published on Dec. 1, 2023.