Fireworks may not return to the Capitola Wharf this fall because of a new permit required by the California Coastal Commission. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local)

The Rudolph Monte Foundation has supported a fireworks show from the wharf in recent years and from Seacliff State Beach from 1996 to 2012. 

Because a five-year California Coastal Commission permit expired in 2024 and new permit rules are more stringent, the city council now must consider whether to continue to allow the Monte Foundation to run the event. City leaders also could run it, fireworks could be replaced with a drone light show, or the event could be canceled.

“The event has become a Capitola tradition,” Capitola Police Chief Sarah Ryan wrote in a city staff report. “Concerns have been raised about the event’s impact on surrounding neighborhoods, particularly regarding noise and environmental factors,” Ryan wrote.

The event has drawn about 10,000 people to Capitola and its shops and restaurants in recent years. Many Capitola businesses have sponsored the event and given money toward the McGregor skate park and bike pump track, the children’s wing of the Capitola Branch Library and tennis court upgrades at Jade Street Park, Ryan wrote. When the event was at Seacliff, tickets were sold and food sales helped raise money for youth projects.

The Monte Foundation — run by the family that owns Deluxe Foods of Aptos — has said it pays roughly $30,000 for fireworks.  

If Capitola leaders seek a new permit from the Coastal Commission, the commission prefers that a public agency like the City of Capitola hold the permit rather than a private group like the Monte Foundation, Ryan wrote. The applicant also is supposed to describe the level of community support, offer alternative locations, and address wildlife impacts, noise levels, and more environmentally friendly alternatives to fireworks. 

“Based on the event coordinator’s prior experience with drone shows, the Monte Foundation does not believe that this is a feasible option due to the possibility of high winds, among other factors,” Ryan wrote. 

The event is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 12. 

Mayor’s replacement to be discussed

Separately at Thursday’s council meeting, leaders will discuss whether to hold a special election or appoint a Capitola resident to replace Mayor Yvette Brooks. 

Brooks said she will step down from the post this month to become the CEO of United Way of Santa Cruz County. 

If the council appoints a replacement, that person will serve Brooks’ term through December 2026, according to a city staff report.

The Capitola City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 at 420 Capitola Ave. The meeting will also be on Zoom and Spectrum Cable Channel 8.

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