Since 2011, I have been at the forefront of efforts to transform the former Halaco Magnesium Plant site in Oxnard, California. Initially burdened with environmental challenges, this site has presented significant opportunities for innovative redevelopment. Over the years, I have led multi-stakeholder collaborations, advocated for adaptive reuse, and engaged with public and private partners to align project goals with regional and national priorities.

My role as coordinator since 2011 has been defined by a commitment to fostering collaboration, adapting to evolving opportunities, and maintaining a vision for sustainable redevelopment. With the renewed focus on energy resilience and national security, the Halaco site stands poised to become a cornerstone of innovation and progress.

In 2011, I was introduced to the Halaco Superfund site and its potential for reclamation and redevelopment. The initial vision included cleaning the land, reclaiming and selling valuable metals, and exploring the construction of a desalination plant to address local water demands. Recognizing the complexity of the project, I convened a diverse coalition of stakeholders to establish a unified approach.

June 2011 Meeting

I brought together representatives from various sectors, including government, environmental organizations, and community groups, to discuss the site’s potential. Attendees included:

• State and Federal Representatives:
• Assemblymember Julia Brownley (represented by Louise Rishof).
• Assemblymember Das Williams (represented by Jeannette Sanchez).
• Congresswoman Lois Capps (represented by Carla Castilla and Rachel V. Kondor).
• Senator Fran Pavley (represented by Kara Seward, via phone).
• Local Officials:
• County Supervisor Kathy Long (represented by Lauren Bianchi).
• Oxnard City Councilwoman Carmen Ramirez.
• Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Irene Pinkard.
• Community and Environmental Advocates:
• Karen Krus (Economic Development Center).
• Kira Redmond (Santa Barbara Channel Keeper).
• Karen Kraus (Environmental Defense Center).
• Beatriz H. Garcia (CAUSE).

Outcomes and Lessons Learned

While the initial project did not yield the desired results, the process laid a strong foundation of collaboration and established key relationships. This effort demonstrated the potential for aligning environmental remediation with innovative economic development.

Building on the groundwork established in 2011, the project has gained new momentum with interest from the U.S. Navy. The Navy envisions the site as a strategic location for developing a lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility. This initiative aims to mitigate electrical grid failures at military bases and data centers, addressing critical national security and energy resilience challenges.

Current Role and Responsibilities

1. Visionary Leadership

• Adapted the project’s scope to align with the Navy’s interests, focusing on cutting-edge energy solutions.
• Advocated for the site’s value as a national asset, emphasizing its potential for advancing energy independence and security.

2. Strategic Coordination

• Maintained long-standing relationships with local, state, and federal representatives, ensuring continuity of support.
• Facilitated dialogue between the Navy, local officials, and community stakeholders to align project goals.

3. Advocacy and Planning

• Authored an executive summary highlighting the strategic importance of the project, including its environmental, economic, and national security benefits.
• Prepared detailed presentations for local, state, and federal representatives to secure necessary approvals and funding.

4. Environmental Stewardship

• Continued focus on land cleanup and sustainable redevelopment practices, ensuring that the project benefits the Oxnard community while addressing broader priorities.

Impact and Future Potential

Through consistent leadership and collaboration, I have positioned the Halaco site as a beacon of innovation and strategic opportunity. The project now holds the potential to:

• Enhance national energy resilience through the development of lithium-ion battery technology.
• Create jobs and drive economic revitalization in Oxnard.
• Serve as a model for repurposing environmentally compromised land for high-impact uses.