Project Updates
Casa Sirena Project Update
Casa Sirena & Lobster Trap
Last Updated 8/15/2025
The scheduled demolition of the Casa Sirena & Lobster Trap property began in December 2021 and was completed in June 2022.
From January 2023 to May 2023, a construction project to replace the revetment surrounding a portion of the Harbor's peninsula took place.
The completion of the revetment project now cleared the way for Brighton Management to begin the construction process to build a Hyatt House, which will feature 210 rooms in a 55-foot structure and occupy approximately 203,000 square feet along the Channel Islands Harbor waterfront.
In December 2024, construction crews graded the property.
In January 2025, construction crews started the process of installing concrete pilings. Concrete pilings are long, cylindrical columns of concrete that are driven into the ground to support the foundation of a structure.
Currently, the developer is updating its building plans and is securing funding for the project.
The original Casa Sirena hotel, constructed in 1972, had 197 rooms with additional space for meetings. The proposed development of the site will include a new Hyatt House Hotel and a restaurant of up to 5,000 square feet, similar to, but not smaller than, the former Lobster Trap Restaurant which was located nearby.
Harbor Department Headquarters Redevelopment
Last Updated 12/04/2025
The Ventura County Harbor Department is moving forward with a multi-phase project to redevelop its headquarters site, which will house administrative and patrol staff, and will include a hearing/community room. The building will be located at 3900 Pelican Way in Oxnard, on the site of the former headquarters.
The original Harbor Department headquarters, constructed in 1968 and vacated in 2018, remained in disrepair after hazardous materials abatement. After the abatement in 2018, administrative and patrol staff moved into portable trailers nearby.
This redevelopment effort modernizes essential Harbor operations and prepares the site for a new facility to better serve the public.
Phase 1: Demolition
Phase 1 includes demolition of the Harbor Department headquarters, parking lot, utilities, hardscape, fencing, walkways, and landscaping.
Work began on November 3, 2025, and was completed on December 1, 2025, clearing the site for marine construction activities in Phase 2.
Phase 2: Marine Work
Phase 2 focuses on critical shoreline and Harbor Patrol infrastructure improvements needed to support construction of the new headquarters building. This phase includes:
- Replacing the Harbor Patrol gangway and concrete landing
- Installing 265 feet of steel sheet pile wall at the top of the slope for seismic lateral-spread protection
- Reconstructing the revetment along the property to restore its original profile
Plans and specifications for this phase were prepared by a licensed engineering consultant and publicly advertised for bid. All County Building and Safety approvals and required regulatory permits for Phase 2 have been secured, and a construction permit is ready for issuance to the contractor.
Completion of this marine work will allow the Harbor Department to move directly into the final phase of redevelopment.
Phase 3: New Harbor Department Headquarters
Phase 3 involves construction of a new two-story Harbor Department headquarters and associated site improvements. This phase is currently in plan check and is anticipated to be advertised for bids in early 2026.
Harbor View Park Playground
Harbor View Park Playground
Last Updated 8/1/2025
The Ventura County Harbor Department is developing a new playground at Harbor View Park.
The California Coastal Commission approved the project in May 2025, and following Board of Supervisors authorization on June 24, 2025, construction plans and specifications are being finalized.
The maritime-themed play area will include sensory play elements, inclusive swings, shaded seating, a drinking fountain, and accessible pathways. Low-toxicity surfacing materials, such as poured-in-place cork and recycled-rubber interlocking tiles, have been selected as safer, more sustainable alternatives to conventional poured-in-place rubber.
Construction is anticipated to start in 2026.
Bahia Yacht Marina Replacement Project
Bahia Yacht Marina Replacement Project Underway
Last Updated 8/1/2025
Suntex Marinas has begun the process of replacing its Bahia Yacht Marina. Located on the southwest side of the harbor, Bahia Yacht Marina is the closest marina to the harbor entrance, making this upgrade an exciting development for the area.
Bahia Yacht Marina construction officially kicked off the last week of February 2025, with crews beginning the process of pulling pilings from the water. The project includes replacing the existing 84 slips with 91 new ones, ranging from 38 to 131 feet in length. The new docks will feature a floating concrete system, along with updated infrastructure and enhanced marine utilities. The project will be completed by December 2025 or January 2026, weather permitting.
The plans for the project were approved by the California Coastal Commission at its January 5, 2009 meeting. Please visit this link to review the agenda item: https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/reports/2009/1/W18a-1-2009.pdf
Marina Construction Projects in the Harbor
Bahia Yacht Marina is one of several anchorage replacement projects that are scheduled to be completed within the next five years. Following the Bahia project, Suntex plans to replace the Peninsula Yacht Anchorage, along with LM 1,2, and 3 slips located along the peninsula in the eastern channel. Replacement of docks at Safe Harbor Anacapa Isle Marina, which started in late 2023, will be completed this year. Lastly, Vintage Marina is currently in the planning stages of a project to rebuild their docks and is planning to begin construction in 2026.
The Harbor Department is grateful for these partnerships that are resulting in millions of dollars being invested to improve the harbor’s boating facilities.
Fisherman's Wharf Project Update
Fisherman's Wharf
Update posted 8/14/2025
The Ventura County Harbor Department is pleased to announce that the California Coastal Commission has approved the Karls project at Fisherman’s Wharf at Channel Islands Harbor. This milestone marks a major step forward in transforming the aging property into a vibrant, family-friendly destination for Ventura County residents and visitors.
The Coastal Commission’s approval at its August 14, 2025 meeting grants Karls the land use entitlements necessary to move forward with its plans to redevelop Fisherman’s Wharf into a waterfront attraction modeled after its popular German destinations. The project will follow Karls’ signature village model, blending playful design with engaging experiences, and will be tailored to include nautical features that reflect the Harbor’s coastal identity. Planned elements include a market style building, restaurants, family entertainment areas, a café and bakery, and recreational amenities that celebrate the region’s maritime and agricultural culture.
Next steps for the project include securing building permits through the City of Oxnard and beginning pre-construction work. The Harbor Department and Karls will continue engaging with the community as the project moves forward.
Karls plans to begin construction in 2026 and is targeting a grand opening in Spring 2028.
"This is a pivotal moment for our community and Harbor," said Michael Tripp, Ventura County Harbor Department Director. “Three years ago, we launched a public process to solicit proposals for Fisherman’s Wharf. Karls’ proposal stood out for its creativity, family orientation, and commitment to enhancing public access. Since then, we’ve held numerous public outreach meetings and worked closely with interested stakeholders, community groups, and regulatory agencies. The Coastal Commission’s approval is a testament to that collaboration. I’m very excited to be working at the harbor during this time.”
Robert Dahl, owner of Karls, expressed enthusiasm about bringing the company’s first U.S. location to Ventura County.
"To finally get the green light for our first Karls in the U.S. is a fantastic feeling. We "fell in love" with this location in Oxnard because it feels just right. Our goal here has always been to build a real community 'focal point,' a place where local families can come together, a place that creates good jobs, and a place that celebrates the wonderful maritime and agricultural culture of the area,” Dahl said. “It will be a true Karls’ experience, filled with our rustic, creative charm and the same focus on handcrafted goods and authentic storytelling that has made us successful in Germany. We want to show people the joy of a simple, fun, and natural experience. This is a big step for us, but it's a decision we've made with our hearts and minds, focusing on a long-term partnership with the Oxnard community. We can't wait to get started on this new chapter."
The Karls project is expected to create hundreds of construction and permanent jobs, stimulate local economic activity, and enhance public enjoyment and access to the harbor.
Fisherman’s Wharf Project Timeline
May 2022: The Harbor Department released a Request for Proposals for the Fisherman’s Wharf parcel. Four proposals were reviewed by Harbor Department staff, and the Harbor Advisory Committee.
September 2022: A public meeting was held on three proposals for the Fisherman’s Wharf parcel.
November 2022: The Harbor Department announces its intent to enter into an Exclusive Right to Negotiate (ERN) with Karls.
February 2023: Due to some public opposition to the project, 12 community workshops were held to give the public a better understanding of what was being proposed by the Karls group.
April 2023: Harbor Department enters into an Exclusive Right to Negotiate with Karls.
January 2024: An additional 10 community workshops were held to give the public an opportunity to provide feedback on a revised project by Karls.
May 2024: The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves a lease option agreement and lease for the Karls project at Fisherman’s Wharf
February 2025: Karls submitted its application to the California Coastal Commission. After review by Coastal Commission staff, a hearing date for the project will be set.
April 2025: The Ventura County Harbor Department submitted a Notice of Impending Development to the California Coastal Commission.
August 2025: The California Coastal Commission approved the project at its August 14, 2025 meeting.
Whale's Tail Project Update
Whale's Tail
Update posted 5/1/2025
The Ventura County Harbor Department is seeking a developer to redevelop the parcel where the Whale's Tail restaurant formerly operated. Interested parties should contact Harbor Department Lease Manager Jeff Arnold at 805-973-5955 or via email at Jeff.Arnold@ventura.org
Dredging at the Channel Islands Harbor
Dredging at the Channel Islands Harbor (2025)
Update posted 9/21/2025
Editor’s Note: this information was provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in a press release.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District, in coordination with the County of Ventura, is returning to complete the maintenance dredging at Channel Islands Harbor. USACE has conducted routine maintenance dredging of Channel Islands Harbor since the 1960s.
Manson Construction of Seattle, USACE’s contractor, will be completing the work.
During the winter 2025 dredge cycle, Manson Construction was able to dredge about 900,000 cubic yards out of 1.6 million cubic yards. USACE plans to dredge the remaining quantities and increase the total cumulative dredge amount to between 2.2 and 2.5 million cubic yards. Dredged material is hydraulically pumped from Channel Islands and transported about one mile south, where it is placed onto Hueneme Beach. The placement of beach-quality material provides shoreline protection to downcoast beaches.
Dredging operations are scheduled to begin in early October and may extend through February 2026. The project is a 24/7 operation; however, the use of heavy equipment on Silver Strand Beach is restricted to between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The contractor may shut down dredging operations during the following holiday breaks: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. During that time, a portable generator will be used to maintain continuous power to critical systems, and a small crew will remain on staff to monitor the equipment.
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