Joe Clarke, current member of the Capitola City Council and former Mayor, recently announced he will seek a second term representing the City of Capitola. Clarke was first elected to the City Council in 2022.
Joe Clarke
Before retiring, Clarke worked for the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as a K-9 deputy, search-and-rescue unit manager, SWAT team member, and hostage negotiator. He went on to serve as vice mayor in 2025 before being appointed mayor later that year, leading the council through key decisions on housing, infrastructure, and community development.
“I’m running again because the job isn’t done yet,” Clarke said. “We’ve made real progress over the last term, but there’s more work ahead — on responsible development, public safety, and keeping Capitola the kind of place people are proud to call home. I believe the experience I’ve gained on the council, and throughout my career in public service, puts me in a strong position to help guide the decisions that will best serve this community going forward.”
During his time on the council, Clarke has been involved in discussions on the Coastal Rail Trail, the Capitola Mall redevelopment, and the city’s response to state housing mandates, among other priorities.
Clarke lists key accomplishments in his first four years of service as rebuilding the Capitola Wharf, reopening the Rispin Mansion Park, and the upcoming opening of Treasure Cove, the universally accessible playground at Jade Street Park.