William (Bill) Scarpino

William (Bill) Scarpino – A Pillar of Mandalay Bay William “Bill” Scarpino, loving husband of Diane, a great friend to many, and longtime resident of Mandalay Bay in Oxnard, California, passed away unexpectedly last week, leaving an irreplaceable void in our community.

Bill was more than a neighbor; he was a steadfast advocate, past president of the Channel Islands Waterfront Homeowners Association (CIWHA), and a driving force behind the preservation and repair of our community’s vital 7.8 miles of seawalls.

Bill’s involvement began in the early 2000s, as visible degradation of the seawalls—originally constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s—became apparent and the costs for repairs and dredging were known to be far beyond the amounts collected in assessments, threatening the future of property values, safety, and the unique waterfront lifestyle we all cherish.

He quickly became a vocal resident, engaging persuasively that the City of Oxnard shared responsibility for these essential structures, akin to public streets or infrastructure. His advocacy helped secure critical city funding and surveys, laying the groundwork for collaborative solutions. Serving CIWHA as Secretary, Vice President, President and a founding and forever member of the Seawall Team. He worked tirelessly on the seawall team to coordinate engineering studies (including TranSystems’ recommendations), push for inclusion in the City’s Capital Improvement Program, and negotiate funding agreements. One of his greatest triumphs was helping secure the  50/50 cost-sharing commitment between the City and homeowners for all seawall repairs and maintenance—a major step toward protecting our homes. Bill’s leadership extended to specific projects, including the Kingsbridge Way stabilization and ongoing monitoring by Duncan Engineering. But the West Hemlock Street Seawall Repairs (the “Hemlock Project,” covering the 3966–3900 block) held special significance. Fully approved by the California Coastal Commission, Army Corps of Engineers, and Water Board as early as 2017, the project faced an unexpected halt when a new Public Works Director, Rosemarie Gaglione, took office and required “Value Engineering” due to costs. Bill and the team invested additional time and resources into this review, which ultimately reaffirmed the original design as the best and most effective plan.

Just last week, Bill ensured that affected Hemlock homeowners received their 30-day notices that construction—awarded to Jilk Heavy Construction—would soon begin. He attended and spoke at the CIWHA Annual Meeting on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at PCYC, where the announcement was shared. Those who saw him there recall his quiet satisfaction and pleasure at seeing this long-awaited milestone finally in motion after years of persistence. Bill lived to witness this critical progress, a testament to his unwavering commitment. Had circumstances allowed, he would have been there to see the Hemlock Project through to completion, along with the broader seawall restoration efforts. His work has safeguarded Mandalay Bay for generations to come. Bill was also an active member of the Channel Islands Yacht Club with his wife Diane, where they were beloved for their warmth, commitment and unwavering involvement.   

Bill will be remembered for his integrity, collaborative spirit, and the way he turned complex challenges into actionable victories through, critical thinking, attention to detail, consistent dedication and heart.

Rest in peace, Bill. Your legacy endures in every repaired seawall, every protected waterway, and in the gratitude of the community you served so faithfully. The Hemlock Project and beyond will stand as lasting tributes to your efforts.

Our deep condolences to Diane, family and all who are mourning this tremendous loss!