FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

On Thursday, July 2nd, 2026, before a small crowd, Heather Schmidt for Oxnard Harbor District – Board of Harbor Commissioners signed the Climate Hawk’s pledge to reject funding from the fossil fuel industry.

The Climate Hawk’s pledge asks candidates to commit to no more than $200 in donations from individuals associated with oil, gas, or coal industries. The representative from Climate Hawk stated that small donations were allowable from individuals working at locations associated with the industries (for example, gas station attendants); however, Heather chose in the moment to reduce the allowable amount to zero – stating that people working lower wage, working class jobs such as those described should not be asked to donate anyway, and could support her campaign in alternative ways.

“One of my core values as a policy advisor is that policy should be for the people. Policy choices should not be influenced by executives, lobbyists, or PACs that do not have the best interests of our community in mind. The future of Oxnard plains is depending on us and our leaders to make responsible climate choices and take bold, innovative action for an environmentally sustainable future.” 

The Port of Hueneme – which the Oxnard Harbor District governs – contributes to roughly 4% of Ventura County’s regional GDP, and employs around 6% of workers living in the community.