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Board approves revisions in harbor ordinances
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More from Breaking NewsThe Ventura County Board of Supervisors today approved an update to the rules governing Channel Islands Harbor, including a ban on lightweight foam containers such as the Styrofoam brand.
Most of the harbor ordinance consists of routine updates to keep the rules consistent with state laws, county policies and new developments at the harbor. The board approved it in a 5-0 vote, but it won't take effect until it is presented once more to the board.
The new ordinance clarifies the rules governing when people holding events in the harbor must obtain permits. The criteria are meant to cover groups that set up equipment, bring many boats together in the water, or otherwise get in the way of the rest of the harbor guests, Harbor Director Lyn Krieger said.
"A family reunion picnic with 15 people would not need a permit, but a birthday party with 15 people where they bring a bounce house would require a permit," Krieger said. "Generally, people are pretty good about coming to us and asking what they need to do to have their event."
One harbor boater, Preston Davis, said he was concerned that the new rules could pave the way for Harbor Patrol officers to carry weapons and become full-fledged police officers. Krieger told the board that the harbor ordinance does not allow them to carry weapons.
"I want to stay as far away from that as possible," she said. "We get excellent backup from the Oxnard Police and the Sheriff's Department, and we think that's more than adequate."
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