By Karen Robes Meeks
Celina Zacarias, senior director of Community and Government Relations for California State University, Channel Islands and chair of the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce, is the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners’ newest member. The board appointed Zacarias earlier this month to fill the position left vacant by the late Dr. Manuel Lopez.
“I would like to thank the Oxnard Harbor Board of Commissioners for appointing me to the recent vacancy left by the passing of the Honorable Dr. Manuel Lopez,” she said. “It is an honor to be selected to serve with such a hardworking and distinguished Board of Commissioners. I have always respected the Harbor District for the vital role they play in our local economy, and I consider it a privilege to serve and work alongside them. Finally, I hope to serve the remaining term with the same honor and dignity as Dr. Lopez.”
Zacarias will serve a 10-month term expiring on Jan. 4, 2021.
Showing posts with label Oxnard Harbor District. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oxnard Harbor District. Show all posts
Friday, February 21, 2020
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Contract Extended Between Chiquita and Hueneme
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Hueneme and longtime produce shipper Chiquita have extended their relationship with a new long-term contract. Chiquita, which began operating at the port in 2004, is a major importer of bananas, which get sent to a distribution facility in downtown Oxnard before making their way to 13 Western states.
“Our company provides direct jobs to the City of Oxnard, in addition to the hundreds of related and induced jobs which include: truck drivers, longshoremen, freight forwarders, stevedores, managers, expeditors, retailers and Ag inspectors,” said Chiquita Oxnard Facility Manager Nives de Luca. “We congratulate the Port of Hueneme on their investments to upgrade the Port’s infrastructure and equipment, allowing the Port to increase productivity and efficiency to better service the growing container trade through this niche port and community.”
Oxnard Harbor District President Mary Anne Rooney echoed those sentiments.
“We are proud to have Chiquita continue to call Port of Hueneme home again as a customer for another eleven years,” she said. “Their investment in our community strengthens the economic opportunity provided to our residents. When they succeed, we all succeed!”
The Port of Hueneme and longtime produce shipper Chiquita have extended their relationship with a new long-term contract. Chiquita, which began operating at the port in 2004, is a major importer of bananas, which get sent to a distribution facility in downtown Oxnard before making their way to 13 Western states.
“Our company provides direct jobs to the City of Oxnard, in addition to the hundreds of related and induced jobs which include: truck drivers, longshoremen, freight forwarders, stevedores, managers, expeditors, retailers and Ag inspectors,” said Chiquita Oxnard Facility Manager Nives de Luca. “We congratulate the Port of Hueneme on their investments to upgrade the Port’s infrastructure and equipment, allowing the Port to increase productivity and efficiency to better service the growing container trade through this niche port and community.”
Oxnard Harbor District President Mary Anne Rooney echoed those sentiments.
“We are proud to have Chiquita continue to call Port of Hueneme home again as a customer for another eleven years,” she said. “Their investment in our community strengthens the economic opportunity provided to our residents. When they succeed, we all succeed!”
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Hueneme Helps Habitat for Humanity
By Karen Robes Meeks
Port of Hueneme employees and Habitat for Humanity recently joined forces to construct six new homes in the La Colonia community of Oxnard, California.
“It is the port’s honor to be able to partner with such a compassionate organization to effect positive change in our community,” said Oxnard Harbor District Board President Mary Anne Rooney. “It is our top priority to serve the local constituents of our District, and I am grateful we were able to do so in this unique way.”
The Ventura County Habitat for Humanity chapter has completed 70 homes so far.
“It’s a great day when we can connect with our community,” CEO and Port Director Kristin Decas said. “Building these houses will impact the lives of these families for generations to come, and I commend the Port team for their part in this positive story.”
Those receiving new houses help by putting in the sweat equity on their own and other Habitat homes, as well as working in Habitat for Humanity ReStores.
Port of Hueneme employees and Habitat for Humanity recently joined forces to construct six new homes in the La Colonia community of Oxnard, California.
“It is the port’s honor to be able to partner with such a compassionate organization to effect positive change in our community,” said Oxnard Harbor District Board President Mary Anne Rooney. “It is our top priority to serve the local constituents of our District, and I am grateful we were able to do so in this unique way.”
The Ventura County Habitat for Humanity chapter has completed 70 homes so far.
“It’s a great day when we can connect with our community,” CEO and Port Director Kristin Decas said. “Building these houses will impact the lives of these families for generations to come, and I commend the Port team for their part in this positive story.”
Those receiving new houses help by putting in the sweat equity on their own and other Habitat homes, as well as working in Habitat for Humanity ReStores.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Port of Hueneme Birthday
By Karen Robes Meeks
This year, the Port of Hueneme celebrates 80 years as “the port that farmers built.”
The central California port started many years earlier with farmers determined to create a harbor for shipping their agricultural products by sea.
Richard Bard, known as the "Father of the Port of Hueneme," continued his father’s efforts of turning the Oxnard-based land into a deep-water commercial port.
When the PWA rejected their loan proposal, Bard and local farmers decided to build Port Hueneme themselves. The community created the Oxnard Harbor District on April 29, 1937. The district’s commissioners proposed a $1.75 million bond to fund the building of the port, which was done without federal funding. State lawmakers would help kick-start port construction that year.
Ironically, federal funding would come in the 1940s when the US government temporarily turned the port into a naval base. More than $6 million was spent on 5,205 lineal feet of wharfage, 550,000 yards of dredging, 1,200,000 square feet of building, and 36 miles of railroad.
By the time the war ended, Hueneme was moving 150,000 tons of cargo monthly.
Business would boom with the arrival of autos to the port in the 1970s.
Today, Hueneme is a niche market port for cars, fresh produce, fish, bulk liquids and general cargo and moves about $8 billion in goods. The port also generates $1.1 billion in economic activity and 10,226 trade-related jobs.
This year, the Port of Hueneme celebrates 80 years as “the port that farmers built.”
The central California port started many years earlier with farmers determined to create a harbor for shipping their agricultural products by sea.
Richard Bard, known as the "Father of the Port of Hueneme," continued his father’s efforts of turning the Oxnard-based land into a deep-water commercial port.
When the PWA rejected their loan proposal, Bard and local farmers decided to build Port Hueneme themselves. The community created the Oxnard Harbor District on April 29, 1937. The district’s commissioners proposed a $1.75 million bond to fund the building of the port, which was done without federal funding. State lawmakers would help kick-start port construction that year.
Ironically, federal funding would come in the 1940s when the US government temporarily turned the port into a naval base. More than $6 million was spent on 5,205 lineal feet of wharfage, 550,000 yards of dredging, 1,200,000 square feet of building, and 36 miles of railroad.
By the time the war ended, Hueneme was moving 150,000 tons of cargo monthly.
Business would boom with the arrival of autos to the port in the 1970s.
Today, Hueneme is a niche market port for cars, fresh produce, fish, bulk liquids and general cargo and moves about $8 billion in goods. The port also generates $1.1 billion in economic activity and 10,226 trade-related jobs.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Port of Hueneme Gets $3 Million in Federal Funds
By Mark Edward Nero
The Port of Hueneme will receive more than $3 million in
federal grant funding for the purpose of infrastructure improvements and air
emission reductions, the port revealed Dec. 26.
“This program will bring nearly $3 million of added funding,
underscoring our significant role within our community and California’s
economy,” Board of Harbor Commissioners President Jason Hodge said.
Most of the funding, which comes from a branch of the US
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, is expected to go
toward the port’s development of state mandated shoreside power at terminals.
The shoreside power project, which would allow ships to cut
their engines while at dock, is expected to cut diesel particulate matter by 92
percent, nitrous oxide by 98 percent, and carbon dioxide by 55 percent,
according to the port.
The Port of Hueneme, which is run by the Oxnard Harbor
District, is located in Ventura County, California, about 80 miles north of Los
Angeles. It moves about $7 billion in goods annually.
In addition to the shoreside power project, funding from the
grant is earmarked for support of a nonprofit project called FOOD Share, which
has a goal of bringing millions of pounds of fresh, healthy and affordable food
to underserved areas in Ventura County.
Friday, September 13, 2013
City Files $8 Million Claim Against Port of Hueneme
The Oxnard Harbor District, which oversees the Port of
Hueneme, has had a claim filed against it by the City of Port Hueneme alleging
that the port owes millions of dollars in back payments.
The city, according to an article in the Sept. 12 edition of the weekly Ventura
County Reporter newspaper, has filed a petition against the port claiming that
the city is owed $8 million in back payments for use of city-owned land and
services over the past 30 years.
The issue is regarding what is included in the gross annual
income numbers, and whether certain aspects were being calculated correctly. The
city contends that the port hasn’t calculated payments correctly.
“The city’s position is that the city has been collecting
revenues not based on the gross operating revenues until relatively recently,”
City Attorney Mark Hensley told the news weekly.
Port of Hueneme Executive Director Kristin Decas told the
newspaper she believes the claims are unsubstantiated and that an independent
study conducted in 2012 found nothing noteworthy regarding the port’s payments.
“They’ve been reviewed by several different auditors,” Decas
said of the payments. “It is the auditor’s calculation of gross revenue what we
pay the city, and up until this time it has not been challenged.”
The city’s legal action indicates that it wants to take the
matter to arbitration, but the city has also said that if a deal can’t be
reached, it could file a lawsuit against the port.
The Port of Hueneme has in recent years operated at a net
loss of income. After losing about $916,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $2.6
million in FY 2011, it dropped $1.8 million last year, and is projected to lose
another $1.7 million this year, according to its latest budget
projection.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Port of Hueneme COO Application Deadline Nears
May 22 is the deadline to apply for the open Chief Operating
Officer position within the Oxnard Harbor District, which owns and operates
Port of Hueneme.
The Chief Operations Officer oversees the Harbor District’s
Maritime Operations Division and is responsible for managing the day to day
activities of the maritime interests of the District and providing feed back to
the CEO and Port Director regarding operations and management of the marine
terminal systems, operations and facilities.
The COO’s responsibilities also include management of the
marine terminal operations, services and contracts for the accommodation and
promotion of commerce, navigation, or fishery in the Harbor District. The COO’s
focus is on strategic, tactical, and short-term operations management. The
person chosen for the position will be responsible for the design, operation,
and improvement of the marine terminal systems and facilities that support the Harbor
District’s maritime customers and users.
The annual salary range is between roughly $106,700 and
$169,000. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume and provide five
references. Applications can be dropped off in person or sent via email, fax or
the US Postal Service.
More information on the position and how to apply can be
found on the port’s website at http://www.portofhueneme.org/connect_with_us/employment_opportunities.php.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Port of Hueneme Back in the Black
After years of losses, the
Port of Hueneme reached a milestone during its most recent fiscal year by recording
over $12 million in revenues, according to new documents recently presented by the
port’s finance director.
During the Oct. 8 meeting
of the port’s Board of Directors, chief administrative and finance officer Andrew
Palomares revealed that revenue was $12.2 million for the 2011-2012 fiscal year,
which ended June 30.
The port, which operated
in the red the past three years, saw a significant recovery in fiscal year 2012,
having its fourth best year in volume and highest year in revenue since its 1937
inception, according to a draft financial
audit report presented during the meeting. According to the audit report,
the growth stems from economic rebound as the country climbs out of the recession
coupled with diversification of cargo.
“Many port customers via
innovative and creative strategies increased their cargo activity,” the report states
in part.” Auto carriers realized increases in project cargo and high and heavy equipment
activity. Chiquita’s shift to containers brought increased export trade to the Port.
Del Monte’s recent deployment of dual use ships with ro/ro capabilities allowed
for cargo diversification.”
Revenues from auto cargo
rose nearly 18 percent to $6.6 million, while revenues for fresh produce were up
7.4 percent to $2.9 million and property management activities rose about 17 percent,
with revenues of $1.4 million, according to the data.
The port’s net income was
$221,300 during the fiscal year, reflecting a turnaround from an almost $2 million
net loss in fiscal year 2011.
The three years of losses
have been due to various factors at the port, including a decline in vehicle imports
as well as a drop in income from interest on port investments.
But regarding the 2012-2013
fiscal year budget adopted June 26, Palomares has said that a combination of reduced
spending and improved cargo numbers have helped the Oxnard Harbor District, which
runs the port, arrive at the determination that the port is back on solid footing.
In its 2012-2013 budget,
the port anticipates a net income loss, but only of $99,000.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Port of Hueneme Adopts Balanced Budget
For the first time since fiscal year 2009, the Port of Hueneme has adopted a nearly-balanced budget.
The port is projecting that it will have about $11.77 million in total operating revenue for the fiscal year, which would be the first time in three years the port hasn’t operated in the red. The port had a negative net income of $1.3 million during the 2009-2010 fiscal year, negative $690,000 the following year and minus $1.9 million so far during 2011-2012. Hueneme’s current fiscal year ends June 30.
For 2012-2013, the port still anticipates a net income loss, but only of $99,000.
The years of losses have been due to various factors at the port, including a decline in vehicle imports as well as a drop in income from interest on port investments.
But regarding the budget adopted June 26, Andrew Palomares, the port’s chief administration officer, said that a combination of reduced spending and improved cargo numbers have helped the Oxnard Harbor District, which runs the port, arrive at the determination that the port is back on solid footing.
“While the District is not completely out of the woods and still faces an uncertain future, staff is cautiously optimistic,” according to a budget summary presented to the port’s harbor commission June 26. “The controlling of its costs and increases in revenue since 2009 makes it confident in the marketplace as supported by the anticipated strong second half finish of FY 2012.”
The port is projecting that it will have about $11.77 million in total operating revenue for the fiscal year, which would be the first time in three years the port hasn’t operated in the red. The port had a negative net income of $1.3 million during the 2009-2010 fiscal year, negative $690,000 the following year and minus $1.9 million so far during 2011-2012. Hueneme’s current fiscal year ends June 30.
For 2012-2013, the port still anticipates a net income loss, but only of $99,000.
The years of losses have been due to various factors at the port, including a decline in vehicle imports as well as a drop in income from interest on port investments.
But regarding the budget adopted June 26, Andrew Palomares, the port’s chief administration officer, said that a combination of reduced spending and improved cargo numbers have helped the Oxnard Harbor District, which runs the port, arrive at the determination that the port is back on solid footing.
“While the District is not completely out of the woods and still faces an uncertain future, staff is cautiously optimistic,” according to a budget summary presented to the port’s harbor commission June 26. “The controlling of its costs and increases in revenue since 2009 makes it confident in the marketplace as supported by the anticipated strong second half finish of FY 2012.”
Friday, March 2, 2012
Port of Hueneme Tenants Pursued for Back Taxes
Ventura County, California’s treasurer and tax collector says he’s going after multiple tenant businesses at the Port of Hueneme who collectively owe more than a million dollars in back property taxes.
Treasurer-tax collector Steve Hintz told the Ventura County Star newspaper this week that his office is targeting high value, multiple year delinquencies.
In all, Hintz said, about $1.3 million in back taxes is owed by businesses operating at the port. The largest such debt by far, according to Hintz, is owed by Longview, Wash.-based Brusco Tug & Barge Co., which is delinquent on about $842,800 in unsecured property taxes, which are assessed against the value of assets not secured to the land, such as boats and equipment.
Brusco Tug hasn’t paid the taxes since 2002, Hintz told the newspaper.
Owner Bo Brusco, however, has said there’s a long-standing disagreement with county officials regarding whether two of the company’s tugs are exempt from property taxes. He said an escrow account has been set up to cover the debt, pending an appeal regarding the tax status of the boats.
Under California law, users of port property in California are all subject to the same taxes. Some counties, however, differ on tax law interpretation. This typically results in differences in tax assessment amounts among ports throughout the state.
Treasurer-tax collector Steve Hintz told the Ventura County Star newspaper this week that his office is targeting high value, multiple year delinquencies.
In all, Hintz said, about $1.3 million in back taxes is owed by businesses operating at the port. The largest such debt by far, according to Hintz, is owed by Longview, Wash.-based Brusco Tug & Barge Co., which is delinquent on about $842,800 in unsecured property taxes, which are assessed against the value of assets not secured to the land, such as boats and equipment.
Brusco Tug hasn’t paid the taxes since 2002, Hintz told the newspaper.
Owner Bo Brusco, however, has said there’s a long-standing disagreement with county officials regarding whether two of the company’s tugs are exempt from property taxes. He said an escrow account has been set up to cover the debt, pending an appeal regarding the tax status of the boats.
Under California law, users of port property in California are all subject to the same taxes. Some counties, however, differ on tax law interpretation. This typically results in differences in tax assessment amounts among ports throughout the state.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Port of Hueneme Tenants Pursued for Back Taxes
Ventura County, California’s treasurer and tax collector says he’s going after multiple tenant businesses at the Port of Hueneme who collectively owe more than a million dollars in back property taxes.
Treasurer-tax collector Steve Hintz told the Ventura County Star newspaper this week that his office is targeting high value, multiple year delinquencies.
In all, Hintz said, about $1.3 million in back taxes is owed by businesses operating at the port. The largest such debt by far, according to Hintz, is owed by Longview, Wash.-based Brusco Tug & Barge Co., which is delinquent on about $842,800 in unsecured property taxes, which are assessed against the value of assets not secured to the land, such as boats and equipment.
Brusco Tug hasn’t paid the taxes since 2002, Hintz told the newspaper.
Owner Bo Brusco, however, has said there’s a long-standing disagreement with county officials regarding whether two of the company’s tugs are exempt from property taxes. He said an escrow account has been set up to cover the debt, pending an appeal regarding the tax status of the boats.
Under California law, users of port property in California are all subject to the same taxes. Some counties, however, differ on tax law interpretation. This typically results in differences in tax assessment amounts among ports throughout the state.
Treasurer-tax collector Steve Hintz told the Ventura County Star newspaper this week that his office is targeting high value, multiple year delinquencies.
In all, Hintz said, about $1.3 million in back taxes is owed by businesses operating at the port. The largest such debt by far, according to Hintz, is owed by Longview, Wash.-based Brusco Tug & Barge Co., which is delinquent on about $842,800 in unsecured property taxes, which are assessed against the value of assets not secured to the land, such as boats and equipment.
Brusco Tug hasn’t paid the taxes since 2002, Hintz told the newspaper.
Owner Bo Brusco, however, has said there’s a long-standing disagreement with county officials regarding whether two of the company’s tugs are exempt from property taxes. He said an escrow account has been set up to cover the debt, pending an appeal regarding the tax status of the boats.
Under California law, users of port property in California are all subject to the same taxes. Some counties, however, differ on tax law interpretation. This typically results in differences in tax assessment amounts among ports throughout the state.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Oxnard Harbor District President Announces Congressional Run
Jess Herrera, a five-term member of the Oxnard Harbor District, the entity that runs the Port of Hueneme, has announced that he’s running for a newly created Congressional District seat in Ventura County.
Herrera, 63, is a longshoreman by trade and works as a marine clerk at the Port of Hueneme, where he helps coordinate the flow of ships and cargo. He says he’s running for the newly drawn 26th District seat in the California House of Representatives because he wants to bring jobs to the area. The new seat includes most of Ventura County, with the exception of Simi Valley.
Herrera says he has no plans to step down from the five-member commission, to which he was first elected in 1994, where he currently serves as president.
He’s the fifth person so far to enter the race. Under new California election primary rules, the top two vote getters in a June ballot go on to face off on a November ballot, regardless of party affiliation. Herrera and the other announced candidates are all Democrats.
Herrera, 63, is a longshoreman by trade and works as a marine clerk at the Port of Hueneme, where he helps coordinate the flow of ships and cargo. He says he’s running for the newly drawn 26th District seat in the California House of Representatives because he wants to bring jobs to the area. The new seat includes most of Ventura County, with the exception of Simi Valley.
Herrera says he has no plans to step down from the five-member commission, to which he was first elected in 1994, where he currently serves as president.
He’s the fifth person so far to enter the race. Under new California election primary rules, the top two vote getters in a June ballot go on to face off on a November ballot, regardless of party affiliation. Herrera and the other announced candidates are all Democrats.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Hueneme Port Exec. Dir. Taormina Steps Down
Oxnard Harbor District Executive Director Anthony Taormina, who oversaw the day-to-daybusiness operations of the Port of Hueneme, officially stepped down Monday after nearly five years at the helm.
Taormina, who also served as executive director from 1985 to 1996, will maintain a two-month consulting contract with the port worth up to $35,000.
Commissioner Mary Ann Rooney raised concerns about the lack of language in the consulting contract requiring Taormina to disclose other firms he is consulting for while under the port contract.
Taormina, who announced his decision to retire in April, said he would disclose the other businesses he is working for.
The board voted 4-1 in favor of the contract, with Rooney the only "nay."
In a separate action, the five-member Oxnard Harbor District board also unanimously approved the appointment of Deputy Executive Director Pete Wallace to serve as interim executive director. The board approved a temporary salary increase for Wallace from his current $152,625 to $188,370 while he fills the position. The district plans to conduct a search to permanently fill the executive director position.
Hueneme is the only deep-water harbor between the Long Beach/Los Angeles port complex and the San Francisco Bay area. A niche port specializing in automobiles, fresh fruit and produce, Hueneme is the US Port of Entry for California's central coast region.
Taormina, who also served as executive director from 1985 to 1996, will maintain a two-month consulting contract with the port worth up to $35,000.
Commissioner Mary Ann Rooney raised concerns about the lack of language in the consulting contract requiring Taormina to disclose other firms he is consulting for while under the port contract.
Taormina, who announced his decision to retire in April, said he would disclose the other businesses he is working for.
The board voted 4-1 in favor of the contract, with Rooney the only "nay."
In a separate action, the five-member Oxnard Harbor District board also unanimously approved the appointment of Deputy Executive Director Pete Wallace to serve as interim executive director. The board approved a temporary salary increase for Wallace from his current $152,625 to $188,370 while he fills the position. The district plans to conduct a search to permanently fill the executive director position.
Hueneme is the only deep-water harbor between the Long Beach/Los Angeles port complex and the San Francisco Bay area. A niche port specializing in automobiles, fresh fruit and produce, Hueneme is the US Port of Entry for California's central coast region.
