By Yvette Brooks, Mayor, City of Capitola
Summer is upon us and there is a lot going on in the City of Capitola. As State regulations change and we look to a safer new beginning as we emerge from the pandemic, I am eager and excited to enter the warmer months.
I know safety is a concern for all of us, so please continue to follow CDC guidelines. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Capitola Wharf Coastal Development Permit
The Public Works Department is pleased to announce completion of a milestone for the Capitola Wharf rehabilitation project.
Mayor Yvette Brooks, Councilwoman Kristen Petersen and Councilwoman Margaux Kaiser — the first women majority council in Capitola — pose with artist Brittany Costanzo’s art frame on the wharf. It’s one of five available to visit to make memories in Capitola, thanks to Friends of County Parks’ Art Hike. Details: countyparkfriends.org
The City’s Coastal Development Permit was formally approved at the July 8 Coastal Commission Meeting, almost an entire year after submittal on July 21, 2020. This collaborative effort was headed by the Public Works Department and our engineering consultant Moffatt & Nichol, with support from the Historical Museum and the Planning Department.
Next steps include securing an Army Corps of Engineers permit, updating the Planning Commission, and preparing to bid Phase 1 with Council approval.
Clares Street Public Workshop
The Public Works Department hosted a virtual public workshop for Clares Street on June 30. There was a lot of input and support from the community.
The presentation and a survey is posted on the City website and will be posted on social media to allow for additional participation. Next steps include reviewing and incorporating the comments received with our design team, Kimley Horn, and PS&E development in preparation to bid the project with Council approval this year.
For presentation and the survey visit www.cityofcapitola.org/publicworks/page/clares-street-improvement-project-survey
Capitola Art Hike All Summer
The City of Capitola is happy to be partnered with the County Park Friends, Santa Cruz County Parks, and the other cities in our county for a first-of-its-kind experience of healing and positivity.
You are invited to the Art Walk through beautiful Capitola all summer long! Find all 5 frames, painted by local artists, installed along the path.
The artist-painted frames put the focus on our beautiful parks, places and — you! Come enjoy nature, take a photo, be inspired and Get Outside The Frame!
To learn more and to download the map visit: www.countyparkfriends.org/capoutsidetheframe.html
Summer Events
We are excited to welcome back the community with music and fun for all!
The Twilight Concert Series began Wednesday, July 14, featuring Extra Large. The Twilight Concerts take place weekly on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the Esplanade Bandstand, with the last concert Sept. 1.
The City of Capitola, Art and Cultural Commission, and Recreation Division want to thank our sponsors for making these events possible, especially after the summer 2020 COVID-19 hiatus.
Sunday Art at the Beach
Enjoy an afternoon on the beach with the opportunity to view and purchase quality artwork including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and mixed media by local artists.
Our first Art at the Beach started July 18 from followed by two more shows on Aug 1 and Aug. 15 from 11 am. to 5 p.m. Booths will be set up along the Esplanade.
All Sunday Art events are family-friendly and free for the public to enjoy.
Friday Food Truck Series
Capitola Recreation is launch its Friday Food Truck series in Monterey Park. The first event will be July 30 from 4 to 7 p.m.
The event includes a musical performance by Papiba & Friends and a beer garden hosted by the Junior Guards Parent’s Club. The City will host two more Food Truck Fridays on Aug. 27 and Sept. 24.
Capitola ADU Questionnaire
Under new state laws, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are now allowed in all residential zones within California.
The State has granted the City of Capitola funds to create pre-approved ADU plans available at no charge to Capitola residents, aiming to save applicants a significant amount of time and money in the planning and building permitting process.
The City of Capitola is seeking input from Capitola residents on what they would like to see in terms of size, number of bedrooms, architectural style, and features for the pre-approved ADU designs with a survey: https://tinyurl.com/cap-ADU-questions
New Capitola Museum Curator
The City of Capitola welcomes Deborah Osterberg as our new Capitola Historical Museum Curator.
Deborah’s first experience with a museum collection came as Sequoia National Park organizing materials for their centennial.
Then, she took on her first permanent full-time position with the National Park Service at the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site in Danville. Deborah has finally come back home and we are thrilled to have her.
Outgoing Museum Curator Frank Perry shared in the museum’s Capitola Sunset Newsletter: “I am going to miss the monthly meetings with board members, all of whom I consider friends, and the weekly chats with volunteers. Although I am retiring as curator, I will be continuing to be involved with local history and local museums as a volunteer. No doubt our paths will cross again.”
Congratulations Frank on your retirement!
A Call For Volunteers
The Capitola Historical Museum is now open and looking for volunteers to help during open hours — Thurs-Sun 12-4 p.m.
Whether you have volunteered at the Capitola Historical Museum in the past, have ever thought about volunteering or if this is the first time you considered it, we need your help.
For information call 831-464-0322 or email [email protected]
Employee Highlight
Meet Lorrie Wilson, a bright light for more than 20 years at the City of Capitola as the administrative assistant supporting the Chief of Police.
Capitola Police Chief Terry McManus describes Lorrie as “presenting a professional and loyal demeanor that is reflective of the necessary trust needed and shared between the Chief of Police and his Administrative Assistant. She is passionate about our police department and our continued need to engage with all parts of the Capitola community.”
Police Capt. Andy Dally worked with Lorrie for over 20 years and says, “She is an amazing person who is a true asset to the citizens of Capitola. She is very accommodating, organized, and always willing to help. Lorrie is a modest person and I value her patience and consideration for other people.”
The City of Capitola is indeed lucky to benefit from Lorrie’s many contributions.
Capitola Police Officer Recognized
Officer Tony Mendoza was recognized by CHP and NorCal AAA as a recipient of the annual Auto Theft Award honoring law enforcement officers’ for their expertise related to locating stolen vehicles and conducting thorough investigations that lead to the issuance of criminal charges against offenders.
Please join me in congratulating Officer Mendoza for his receipt of this prestigious award.
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As always should you have any questions feel free to email me at [email protected]. You can also email [email protected] and your note will automatically be sent to all five Councilmembers, the City Clerk, and the City Manager.