In June, the Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project, which concluded its primary fundraising efforts early this year, has received a generous and unexpected donation from the Capitola Village Business Improvement Association for $6,000.
According to Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project Chairman Gerry Jensen, the community has shown incredible support for this long-awaited project, which was made necessary by the devastating storms of 2023.
“We could not be prouder or more grateful for the groundswell of support our effort received over the past year and a half,” he said. “We not only found a way to add special touches and user-friendly amenities to the wharf for residents and visitors alike, but the effort brought our entire community together, united toward a common purpose of hope and healing. The BIA is the best partner our community could ask for.”
Community members volunteered to create public art for the wharf – a mosaic of kelp.
The city of Capitola has scheduled Sept. 25 for the grand reopening of the wharf with amenities funded by private donations.
That date is ahead of the Capitola Beach Festival Sept. 27-29.
The previously announced date of Aug. 14 was called off as new benches, trashcans, entry gate and art were likely not to arrive or be fully installed by then.
The Wharf House restaurant and the Boat & Bait Shop that graced the wharf are no more – too much damage and hazardous material to be salvageable – but the city has an 16-month agreement with Boat & Bait owner Frank Ealy to reopen in temporary quarters, steel structures to be placed at the head of the wharf for a store, boat rentals, boat hoist and repairs.
The city is paying $32,000 to make this happen, and starting Jan. 1, the owner will pay $2,000 per month rent, expand the moorings from 8 to 60 and start a water taxi service.
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For information about the Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project and how to get involved, contact Gerry Jensen at Gerry4Capitola@gmail.com.
TOP PHOTO: From left: Vicki Guinn, CWEP; Anthony Guajardo, Mijo’s Taqueria; Carin Hannah, The Craft Gallery; and Devon Salter, Capitola Reef—all representing the BIA, Gerry Jensen, Chair, CWEP
