By Jondi Gumz
On Aug. 24, a partnership to raise $250,000 in private donations to enhance the Capitola Wharf experience got unanimous 4-0 support from the City Council.
In favor: Council members Joe Clarke, Yvette Brooks, Alex Pedersen and Mayor Margaux Keiser. Vice Mayor Kristen Petersen was absent.
In January, city residents were devastated to see their Wharf, which goes back to 1857, chopped in half by an epic rainstorm and ocean swells.
City officials had planned repairs to the aging wharf, work that has expanded to replace decking, railing and pylons due to the damages. The work is scheduled to begin in September, according to Public Works Director Jessica Kahn, with hopes to reopen in summer 2024.
Gayle Ortiz
Supporters of the Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project, who sought the partnership, have already raised more than $125,000, Gayle Ortiz, co-owner of Gayle’s Bakery and a member of CWEP, told the City Council.
Former City Councilman Dennis Norton, who was in the audience, offered to pay for a new fish cleaning station on the wharf — price tag $7,000.
The fish cleaning station is one of the amenities on the CWEP fundraising list, which totals $233,500.
The city-funded repairs include some replacement lighting standards and benches, and Ortiz asked the city to replace all the benches and lighting standards — rather than have a mix of old and new so the new improved wharf would be something everyone can take pride in.
CWEP had projected benches at $46,500 and lighting standards, $25,500.
Other components on CWEP’s list: Mosaic art, $30,000, tables with shades, $30,000, donor recognition art, $25,000, trash receptacles, $22,500, sightseeing binoculars free to the public at viewing stations, $20,000, entry gate, $8,000, water filling station with foot wash, $7,000, decorative art, embedding bronze fish on the wharf deck to create a scavenger hunt, $6,000, historic sign, $6,000.
Not on the list: A shower, $300,000, lifeguard Jet Ski storage, $100,000, Wharf Road entry pillar and paver improvements, $25,000, entrance pavers and medallions, $12,000, additional bike racks, $10,000, and kiosks for interpretive panels, $6,000.
Ortiz said if fundraising generates more than expected, which happened on the Capitola Library project she worked on — $550,000 when the goal was $350,000 — funding could into unfunded projects.
If funding falls short, CWEP and the city will talk about how to make cuts.
Presenting CWEP’s findings to the Council, Christine McBroom pointed out 1,039 people participated in a survey on what they would like to see at the wharf.
The wharf is iconic in Capitola, she said.
She got married there.
In June, the city of Capitola made an agreement with the nonprofit Wharf to Wharf Race on wharf fundraising, which makes all donations to the Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project tax-deductible.
Donors contributing $1,000 or more will be recognized as part of an artistic element on the Wharf. Major sponsors could earn the honor of having their names on any of the four viewing stations or 10 lighting standards.
“With $125,000 of our $250,000 target secured, we are thrilled to initiate the concluding phase of the campaign,” Ortiz said. “It is essential for us all to recognize that every contribution matters, whether it’s 25 cents or $25,000. Our community understands the value of this project—a generational opportunity to forge a legacy.”
The City Council also approved a special event permit for Oktoberfest Oct. 14 on the Esplanade, organized by the Capitola Wharf and Village Business Improvement Association as a fundraiser for the Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project.
The event, a beer garden and music, is expected to draw 2,000 to 3,000 people.
Council member Brooks suggested waiving fees, about $400, for the fundraiser as the money will go to a city project, but City Manager Jamie Goldstein said that could encourage other requests for fee waivers.
Oktoberfest organizers will pay the fees.
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For information or to contribute, see https://capitolavillage.com/wharf/
Graphics rendered by RRM Design Group