New Capitola Jetty is Worth a Visit; Library Nearing Completion
By Yvette Brooks, Mayor of Capitola
As we move toward the end of the pandemic, and healing, it is crucial that we stay optimistic and strategically plan for whatever the future holds for our wonderful City of Capitola.
Through strategic planning we can lay a strong foundation to ensure we can continue to provide essential services to our entire community.
The Capitola City Council just completed a training workshop, where Council reviewed our newest policies, Code of Conduct and governance laws and requirements.
In addition, the Council directed staff to update all administrative policies and bring back options for additional training on implicit bias.
At the Jan. 28 meeting, City Council was scheduled to review a recommendation from a subcommittee, in which I sit upon, regarding the limited federal COVID-19 related relief funding.
Previously the subcommittee said they would recommend using these dollars to support economic development and early childhood and youth programs.
Staying healthy both physically and mentally during the shelter–in-place is extremely important.
I encourage our community members to visit our newly refurbished jetty at the Capitola Beach.
The Capitola jetty was originally built in the spring of 1970 after several years of working with the Army Corps of Engineers on a design, lining up state and federal assistance with funding, and getting permission for the project from the County and other agencies. The rock for the original jetty was a very hard sandstone from a quarry in the hills behind Davenport.
Just last month the City completed a $130,000 project to restore the jetty. The restoration project involved the installation of new rocks so it will last another 50 years. The additional rock used is a granite-like stone from the Wilson Quarry in Aromas.
The jetty is important in protecting our beach and I hope you will find time to come visit soon.
The City of Capitola was also awarded a California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant of $21,036 to support education, enforcement, and training. The City will partner with Soquel Union School district in an effort to advocate against the use of flavored tobaccos. The City banned flavored tobacco and menthol tobacco products last year.
In addition, Capitola is nearing the completion of our Library. Installation of the art at the library has begun. That artwork includes a network of metal “leaves” that hang over the children’s wing. In addition, one of the design elements of the new library I personally look forward to seeing (and using with my young daughter!) are the cozy reading nooks that will be integrated into the south wall of the children’s wing.
Lastly, it is with great honor that I can share the announcement of the recipient of the 2020 Herb Ross Award, an annual award that is given to the “Officer-of-the-Year” for the Capitola police department.
Please join me in congratulating Detective Brantly Sandretti as the 2020 recipient of the Herb Ross Award. The award is named in honor of Sgt. Herb Ross, who served the City from 1973 until 2001.
Detective Sandretti will be officially recognized during our Feb. 11 City Council meeting.
I am also happy to announce the first of a series of Capitola Town Hall meetings. The first meeting will be held Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. For more information please visit our website at www.cityofcapitola.org.
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As always if you have any questions or concerns feel free to email me at: brooksforcitycouncil@gmail.com or visit my website yvettebrooks.com.
Photos Credit: City of Capitola