Months after reopening the Capitola Wharf from storm repairs, city leaders are asking residents what its future should hold. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local)

“We’re trying to make it as comprehensive as possible,” Courtney Christiansen said of the options and survey. Christiansen, a project manager with Fuse Architects that devised the options, is also a Capitola planning commissioner. More than 800 people responded to the survey as of Thursday, she said. 

Plans were presented this week at a community meeting at New Brighton Middle School and at a Financial Advisory Committee meeting at city hall. Christiansen said most attendees supported options 6 and 7. A Commission on the Environment meeting to discuss environmental considerations of the potential upgrades is set for May 28 at city hall.

“I’d love to see it back in its glory days with the full restaurant and everything,” said Capitola resident and frequent wharf visitor Rob Traughber. “I don’t know we’re going to get that, but that’s what I’m voting for.” 

He said he liked seeing bands perform on the wharf in the summer.

Some city leaders and Capitola residents have questioned the financial feasibility of maintaining the wharf given the increasing severity of some storms.

Heavy winter storms in January 2023 uprooted pilings and ripped off part of the wharf’s deck. Another storm in December 2023 partially collapsed a bait shop and restaurant, and both buildings were demolished in February 2024. The wharf reopened with a wider deck and new pilings in September 2024. 

A fishing concession and a new bathroom is common to all seven options, but the most expensive “permanent structure” option would bring a restaurant to the wharf again. This, and live music on the wharf, is something many Capitola residents remember fondly.

The Capitola Wharf reopened from repairs in 2024. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local)

Richard Castillo, a sports coach and Capitola resident since 1960, said he visits the end of the wharf often. The wharf’s biggest need is a bathroom, he said. 

“You have to walk at least three blocks and a half to go to the restroom. By the time you get back, now you’ve got to go again,” Castillo said.

James Williams’ family owns the only business on the wharf, a boat rental and fishing concession. He said he wants Option 6 or Option 7, which include the most development and would increase foot traffic.

“At the end of the day, the only thing I care about is that this stays a fishing wharf,” said Williams, 26. Williams said his business closes the gate to the end of the wharf at night to prevent theft. This leaves the end of the wharf inaccessible to visitors. He said this could be solved with a new building to house the boat rentals.

Option 1 adds a public bathroom, stage, benches and picnic tables to the wharf. (Fuse Architects)

 Option 2 includes mobile vendors. (Fuse Architects)

The fewest amenities and lowest costs are in Option 3. It adds a bathroom. (Fuse Architects)

Option 4 includes a lifeguard station and larger fishing and boat business. (Fuse Architects)

Option 5 includes permanent buildings and mobile vendors. (Fuse Architects)

Option 6 includes a market mezzanine. (Fuse Architects)

The most amenities and highest costs are in Option 7. (Fuse Architects)

Capitola Boat & Bait is the only business as of May. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local)

Bathrooms are expected in every version of the Capitola Wharf upgrades. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local)

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