As we usher in the new year, I am proud to reflect on the successes and progress the Ventura County Harbor Department has achieved throughout the past year and share exciting updates for the months ahead.

First and foremost, the 58th Annual Parade of Lights Boat Parade in December 2024 was a success! As the oldest holiday boat parade in Ventura County, this beloved tradition once again brought our community together for a great evening of festive lights, creativity, and joy. We are thankful for the participation of the boating community and the enthusiastic crowd of residents and visitors who make this event such a memorable highlight of the season. I’d like to give a special thank you to Visit Oxnard and the Port of Hueneme for sponsoring some of our landside activities.

Dredging at the Channel Islands Harbor

Another key development for Channel Islands Harbor is the commencement of the bi-annual dredging project, where staging began in December 2024. Staging sets the stage for dredging in January 2025 through February 2025. This critical project will move an estimated 1.6 million cubic yards of sand from the Harbor entrance, which will then be pumped down to the beaches of Port Hueneme to help counteract erosion. This effort is vital for maintaining safe navigation and protecting our coastline, ensuring that Channel Islands Harbor remains a thriving, accessible location for boaters, commercial traffic, and recreational visitors alike.

Parking Lot Projects Continue

Looking to the future, we are also preparing to start on an exciting infrastructure improvement project: the replacement of the parking lots on the west side of the Harbor, specifically from the Channel Islands Yacht Club north to Marine Emporium Landing. This renovation will enhance the visitor experience, improve accessibility, and help maintain the vibrancy of the Harbor for years to come. We look forward to sharing more details as this project progresses.

As always, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated Ventura County Harbor Department employees, including staff from administration, our dedicated maintenance team, and Harbor Patrol. Their unwavering commitment and hard work are the foundation of everything we do, and I could not be prouder of their efforts to keep the Harbor safe, clean, and welcoming.

Finally, thank you to our incredible community and visitors. Your support, engagement, and love for the Channel Islands Harbor continue to inspire us. We are excited for what 2025 holds, and we look forward to another year of success and collaboration with all of you.

Wishing you a healthy, prosperous, and enjoyable New Year!

Michael Tripp, Director
Ventura County Harbor Department