As we begin 2026, I want to take a moment to highlight what has been a landmark year for Channel Islands Harbor. Celebrating the Harbor’s 60th anniversary in 2025 reminded us just how deeply this place is woven into the fabric of Ventura County and how much our community values opportunities to gather, celebrate, and connect on the waterfront.

One of the most rewarding outcomes of the 60th anniversary celebration was the introduction and return of events that brought fresh energy and excitement to the Harbor.

From the debut of Concert on the Sea to the enthusiastic participation in our new holiday paddles, these events exceeded expectations and demonstrated the community’s strong desire for unique experiences on the water. We were also thrilled to see the return of Chowderfest, hosted by the Channel Islands Maritime Museum. The event’s success reaffirmed its place as a beloved Harbor tradition, and we are pleased to support Chowderfest as a recurring, signature event moving forward. Because of the success of these events, the Harbor Department is happy to host Concert on the Sea, along with both holiday paddles, as ongoing Harbor traditions that celebrate our maritime culture and strengthen community connections.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without the dedication and professionalism of the Ventura County Harbor Department staff. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our maintenance crews, who work extremely hard behind the scenes to keep Harbor facilities safe, clean, and operational; our harbor patrol officers, who ensure the safety and security of the waterways every day; and our administrative team, whose coordination, planning, and customer service keep the Harbor running smoothly. Their commitment and teamwork were especially evident throughout the 60th anniversary celebrations and continue to be the foundation of everything we do.

Project Updates

While we celebrate these accomplishments, we are also looking ahead to an exciting period of progress and transformation continuing in 2026. Several major development projects will move from planning to reality, helping ensure the Harbor remains vibrant, functional, and welcoming for decades to come.

The Bahia Marina project is expected to conclude in early 2026. Following completion, Suntex, owner of the marina, will shift its focus to the next major phase of improvement by replacing Peninsula Yacht Marina, further modernizing Harbor infrastructure.

In addition, the Harbor Department will move forward with the long-anticipated replacement of its headquarters building. The former headquarters, which was last occupied in 2017, was demolished in late 2025 and groundwork for the new building is scheduled to begin early 2026.  Construction of the new facility will be starting later in the year. The new Harbor Department headquarters is anticipated to open in 2028 and will provide a modern, efficient space to better serve residents, visitors, and the broader community.

We are also excited to see progress at Fisherman’s Wharf, where the Karls team will begin demolishing existing buildings in preparation for Karls Village. This thoughtfully designed, family-friendly destination is planned to open in 2028 and will add new dining, retail, and gathering spaces that enhance the Harbor experience.

Finally, the developer of the Peninsula property continues to make progress securing the necessary building permits and financing for the planned Hyatt House hotel, which will expand overnight accommodations and further support Harbor-based tourism.

Together, these projects represent a significant investment in the future of Channel Islands Harbor. As always, the Harbor Department remains committed to thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and maintaining the balance between recreation, business, and environmental stewardship that makes this Harbor so special.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to another productive and exciting year ahead.

Michael Tripp, Director
Ventura County Harbor Department