As we transition into our busy season, I’d like to take a moment to update you on some exciting developments at the Channel Islands Harbor as we prepare for summer.

Seasonal Lifeguards & Jr. Lifeguard Program

With the summer just ahead, we’re gearing up to hire seasonal lifeguards to ensure safety along Silver Strand, Hollywood, and Kiddie beaches. The seasonal lifeguard program will run from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. We will be opening the application process soon. Additionally, we’ll soon be accepting applications for the Jr. Lifeguard Program, which continues to provide invaluable experiences for young participants. Interested parties should keep an eye out for the application details in the coming weeks.

26th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival

We are excited to announce that the 26th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival will take place on Sunday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This long-standing community event will feature chalk art, music, vendor booths, a community art project led by the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation non-profit, a children’s fun zone, farmers market, and exciting activities at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum. We invite all to join us for this special celebration of marine life and our local environment.

Harbor Dredging

On the infrastructure front, I’m pleased to report that the bi-annual dredging of the harbor entrance was successfully completed. This important project ensures safe navigation for all boaters and prepares us for the busy months ahead.

Fisherman’s Wharf

The Karls’ development team submitted its draft proposal to the California Coastal Commission last month. In preparation for the final submittal, the Ventura County Harbor Department will seek to correct some historical inaccuracies that are included in our Public Works Plan (PWP) through an amendment. This amendment would enable the redevelopment of Fisherman’s Wharf by correcting the historical inaccuracies that do not reflect the current site conditions. The Harbor Department will be bringing this item to the Board of Supervisors at its March 11, 2025 meeting. Interested parties can view the public hearing notice and draft PWP at https://www.channelislandsharbor.org/reports-publications/

Marina Replacement Project

We are also excited to see the progress of a marina replacement project at Bahia Yacht Marina, owned by Suntex Marinas. The project has started with crews pulling pilings from the water in the last week of February 2025. Located on the southwest side of the harbor, Bahia Yacht Marina is the closest marina to the harbor entrance. The project includes replacing 84 existing slips with 91 new slips, ranging in size from 38 to 131 feet. The new docks will feature a floating concrete system, new infrastructure, and upgraded marine utilities. We anticipate the project will be completed by December 2025/January 2026, weather permitting.

As always, we are committed to enhancing the harbor and providing an exceptional experience for our community and visitors. If you have any questions or would like more information about any of these updates, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Michael Tripp, Director
Ventura County Harbor Department

Editor’s Note: this message was published on February 28, 2025.