Dozens of people attended a community meeting for the proposed female surfer statue on East Cliff Drive. Many were in support, but took issue with its planned location at the “Dirt Farm”. (Amaya Edwards — Santa Cruz Local/CatchLight Local)

PLEASURE POINT >> A community meeting Thursday brought together residents who proudly claim the east side as their neighborhood. The topic of discussion? A proposed female surfer statue for East Cliff Drive. 

It wouldn’t be the first of its kind — the original, male statue stands 18 feet tall on West Cliff Drive, which will serve as inspiration for its female counterpart. It would be designed by the same artists that created the original on West Cliff and would serve as a celebration of women’s contributions to surfing. While many who attended the meeting were in favor of the proposal, there was no shortage of rebuttals.

Several attendees live across from the proposed location at the Dirt Farm, which overlooks a surf break called Jack’s, or 38th. They said they’re worried the statue would attract more people, meaning less parking and increased safety hazards.

Pleasure Point resident Christa Martin said she’s called the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office multiple times due to safety concerns.

“This can become a gathering place for loud groups, bands, campers, homeless and late night problems — all of which currently exist,” Martin said. 

Kari Lochhead, one of the project leads and a resident of Pleasure Point, said the female surfer statue began as a dream she shared with friends.

“The male surfer statue only tells half the story and this statue is meant to complete it,” Lochhead said.

Kari Lochhead speaks during a community meeting at Simpkins Family Swim Center on March 12. Lochhead is one of the project leads and a resident of Pleasure Point. (Amaya Edwards — Santa Cruz Local/CatchLight Local)

They began a discretionary permit process with the county last month. An advisory committee formed to oversee the project with broader community input had its first meeting on March 11. The county zoning administrator is expected to review the proposal at an April 3 meeting.

Kathy Welch has lived at the Point since 1992. While she isn’t against having a female statue, she doesn’t want it at the Dirt Farm, what she considers a sacred patch of undeveloped open space in a densely suburban neighborhood.

“I walk every day on the Point — nobody that’s a local that I’ve spoken with wants a statue at the Dirt Farm,” Welch said.

East and West 

The blazing sun on a recent Friday was undercut by a cool ocean breeze. East Cliff Drive was bustling with early weekend visitors, and it seemed everyone was enjoying the scenic views. A couple sunbathed in the grass at the Dirt Farm. Three palm trees swayed along the path.

Pleasure Point on March 13. (Amaya Edwards — Santa Cruz Local/CatchLight Local)

Across the cove on Santa Cruz’s west side, the legendary Steamer Lane surf break was also crowded with surfers. Scores of people could be seen along West Cliff Drive walking dogs, cycling by the ocean and enjoying snacks from Steamer Lane Supply. 

Towering over the cliff near Lighthouse Point is Santa Cruz’s surfer statue — a monument installed in 1992 honoring surfers and those throughout history who have loved the ocean. Over the decades, it’s been decorated on Christmas with Santa Claus hats, costumes for Halloween and a surgical mask at the beginning of lockdown in the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s beloved by tourists and locals alike, a recognizable landmark in an iconic part of town.

The statue Lochhead proposed would join the three palm trees on East Cliff to honor the “women of the water.” 

“She stands in front of her long board, checking the surf at the Point, the same as the male statue does at Steamer Lane,” Lochhead said. “Together they will frame Santa Cruz, west and east, Steamer Lane to Pleasure Point, each with its own landmark and each with its own tribute.”

Like its counterpart, Lochhead said the artists would create a composite design from multiple trailblazing women. 

“I would love it to always feel like the reason that [the female statue] is of the same stature and design, all of that, is to make it feel like there was always supposed to be two,” Lochhead said. “She’s not an afterthought.”

Pleasure Point resident Dawn Imbrie hosted the meeting, attended by about 60 people, mostly from the neighborhood.

Many liked the statue in concept, but The Hook, another spot along East Cliff, was suggested as an alternative.

“I still have issues with the scale and size of it, but at The Hook, we are not taking away from our natural open space,” Imbrie said.

People look out at surfers and the water at The Hook on March 13. (Amaya Edwards — Santa Cruz Local/CatchLight Local)

Kaila Pearson, daughter of famed surfboard shaper Bob Pearson of Pearson Arrow Surfboards, said the statue would inspire young girls to get into the ocean. Kaila is a lifeguard and graduate student at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography — a career path she attributes to the confident seafaring women she grew up around. 

That confidence is what Pleasure Point resident Elise Garrett said she hopes the female statue would instill in young girls. Garrett shared how her daughter collected signatures for a similar idea years ago, and said she was happy to see a formal proposal. 

“Having female representation as a normalized thing that everybody sees on a daily basis does normalize that women have a spot in the water,” Garrett said.

Ultimately, surfers off Pleasure Point waiting for that perfect wave are at the core of a “Surf City” identity. It’s clear people will visit the area for one reason or another, statue or not.

Questions or comments? Email [email protected]. Santa Cruz Local is supported by members, major donors, sponsors and grants for the general support of our newsroom. Our news judgments are made independently and not on the basis of donor support. Learn more about Santa Cruz Local and how we are funded.