By Joe Clarke, Mayor, City of Capitola
Spring is always a season of progress and possibility in Capitola, and this year is no exception.
I’m pleased to share a few important updates from City Hall, including the ongoing transformation of the Rispin Mansion grounds into a public park and our continued commitment to upholding voter-approved initiatives like Measure L and Capitola Municipal Code 8.72.
The Park at Rispin Mansion: Historic Gem with a Bright Future
Many of you are familiar with the Rispin Mansion — an iconic landmark nestled in the heart of Capitola. Built in 1921 by Henry Allen Rispin, this grand structure has long captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. Its distinctive Spanish Eclectic architecture, combining Mission, Mediterranean, and Spanish Colonial elements, reflects our region’s rich history and style.
Over the years, the mansion has lived many lives: A real estate showroom, a convent, and, more recently, a site of local lore — featured just last week on the television show Ghost Adventures. While the building itself is currently secured and entombed to prevent further deterioration, the City has embarked on a transformative project to revitalize the surrounding grounds into a beautiful new public park.
Construction of the Rispin Mansion Park began in spring 2024, with the City awarding the $949,000 contract to Betz Works. This ambitious project faced some weather-related delays as well as unforeseen utility challenges.
To resolve issues with PG&E connections and enhance ADA accessibility, the City approved a $50,000 change order to complete necessary underground utility work and additional paving.
Importantly, these costs will be covered using available funds — specifically, a combination of a $178,000 Proposition 68 grant and $50,000 in Measure Q funding for Fiscal Year 2025–26.
No additional contributions from the General City Fund will be needed.
We’re thrilled that the final phases of construction are now back on track, and we look forward to welcoming the public to Rispin Park by late summer 2025. This project not only honors the historic significance of the site — listed on the National Register of Historic Places — but also brings much-needed green space and community access to our city.
Measure Q: Investing in Parks & Public Spaces
Speaking of funding, I want to thank Capitola voters and our neighbors across the county for their support of Measure Q, passed in November 2024. This voter-approved initiative provides $200,000 annually to the City of Capitola, specifically earmarked for parks, open spaces, and public improvements.
In Fiscal Year 2025–26, after funding several planned projects, staff estimates that approximately $50,000 in Measure Q funds will remain available. We’re putting that remaining amount to good use by applying it to the additional construction costs at Rispin Park.
This is exactly the kind of community investment Measure Q was designed to support — and it demonstrates our commitment to delivering visible, lasting improvements in Capitola.
Upholding the Will of Voters: Measure L & CMC 8.72
Finally, I’d like to address the recent City Council discussions regarding Capitola Municipal Code 8.72, which was enacted following the passage of Measure L in 2018.
As many of you will recall, Measure L was approved by Capitola voters to ensure that the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail would remain within the existing rail corridor and not be rerouted onto local streets.
It was a clear mandate to preserve the historic corridor, maintain the trestle for trail use, and avoid diverting city resources to a street-based alternative.
From the beginning, several members of the City Council — including myself — were firmly committed to respecting this voter decision. We were ready to uphold CMC 8.72 and continue to support a trail alignment that remains true to the original vision.
While it was disappointing that the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) placed Capitola in a position that risked funding if we held firm, we made our intentions clear: Capitola will follow its Municipal Code and stand by the will of its voters.
It was heartening to see such strong community turnout in support of the corridor trail. The message from Capitola and county residents alike was unmistakable — this trail is something we all want, and we want it done right.
My hope is that the RTC can now refocus and move forward with completing a trail that reflects the high-quality vision our community deserves.
Looking Ahead
Capitola continues to grow and evolve, guided by thoughtful planning, community engagement, and the values we all share. Whether it’s restoring a historic landmark, investing in our public spaces, or defending the democratic decisions made at the ballot box, we remain committed to building a city that honors its past while creating a brighter future for all.
Thank you for your continued involvement, your passion for this community, and your support in making Capitola the best it can be.