Fireworks by the Sea celebration canceled as Channel Islands Harbor braces for downturn

Unlike so many other community events that are being canceled, the Fourth of July fireworks display at Channel Islands Harbor won't be happening for a different reason.

Lack of funding is to blame for the cancellation of this year's Fireworks by the Sea, an annual tradition that includes a daytime parade. In a last-ditch effort, an online fundraiser was started at the end of February with the goal of raising $42,500. Less than $5,000 was raised.

Ventura County Harbor Director Mark Sandoval said the fundraising efforts didn't take off because the community was focused on the March elections and then dealing with the impacts of the coronavirus.

"There was never a time," Sandoval said.

In years past, the city of Oxnard split the cost of the fireworks show with the county. But due to budget constraints last year, the city could no longer put in its share. The show was at risk of being canceled last year, but Port Hueneme cannabis businesses donated $30,000 and the county increased its contributions.

This year however, the cannabis funding isn't available and of the total costs, the county can't pay more than half, which is about $42,500.

More:Oxnard council halts Fisherman's Wharf project; city-county stalemate likely to continue

With these funding woes, it remains to be seen if the celebration will return next year.

"I would say, knowing the struggle we went through, it's probably fifty-fifty," Sandoval said. "Once it goes away, it’s going to be hard."

The cancellation of the show underscores the challenges ahead for a harbor already struggling with vacancies. The impacts of the coronavirus pandemic will likely magnify those struggles.

Last week, the harbor department closed off the parks, beach parking lots and public boat launch ramp. Some restaurants and a small market are open along with businesses that deal with boat safety. Commercial fishing is still operating. But traffic from recreational boating, offices and a health club have all gone away. 

Next week, Sandoval said, he will seek approval from the Board of Supervisors to defer rent payments from the 32 lessees of the harbor. Some of the lessees sublease the property to other businesses.

Rent payments go toward the operating costs of the harbor department, which oversees the upkeep of public spaces. That revenue stream will be significantly impacted. Rent at the harbor is tied to the revenue generated by businesses.

Efforts to revitalize the harbor and generate more revenue have long been planned, but they won't be realized for years. A new hotel has been approved for the harbor but that is not expected to open for at least two and a half years.

Plans to redevelop Fisherman's Wharf failed to get approval from the city of Oxnard. Developers and the county plan to appeal the city's denial to the California Coastal Commission, but Sandoval said there is interest in gathering all parties together to revise the project proposal.

Those who donated to the fundraiser and would like a refund should email Steve Kinney of the Channel Islands Harbor Lessees Association at slkinney@ceoexpress.com. Other funds raised will be donated to the Channel Islands Harbor Foundation, which offers grants to youth organizations to introduce underprivileged youth to recreation opportunities at the harbor. 

Wendy Leung is a staff writer for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at wendy.leung@vcstar.com or 805-437-0339. You can also find her on Twitter @Leung__Wendy.