The candidates running for Capitola City Council from left to right: Joe Clarke, Cami Corvin, Tory Del Favero, TJ Welch and Peter Wilk. (Amaya Edwards — Santa Cruz Local/CatchLight Local)

CAPITOLA >> Five candidates are vying for three open seats on the Capitola City Council in the Nov. 3 general election. In Santa Cruz Local’s Election Guide, all five candidates running for office answered questions brought to us by Capitola residents. In August, we surveyed dozens of Capitola residents about what they most want to see addressed in their community by elected officials. We asked what each candidate would do to tackle these issues. 

Residents said they cared most about:

• How candidates will keep Capitola’s charm and architecture amid state housing mandates.
• Priorities regarding the Rail Trail project through Capitola.
• Pedestrian and cyclist safety.
• The Capitola Mall redevelopment. 
• Cliff erosion and climate change. 
• Government transparency.  

Joe Clarke

The incumbent, Clarke, emphasized that he wants to “pump the brakes” and “slow down” on what Capitola is building  to meet state housing mandates. As a former Capitola mayor and retired sergeant with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, he said he wants to continue pushing forward the pedestrian and bicycle path on the Rail Trail, and wants the Capitola Mall redevelopment to be mixed use with amenities for residents, such as a hotel, restaurant and shops. Clarke is endorsed by Santa Cruz County Board Supervisor Manu Koenig and Capitola Vice Mayor Gerry Jensen. 

Cami Corvin

A first-time candidate and long-time Capitola resident, Corvin said she wants to work with developers to ensure that Capitola’s infrastructure can support new housing. Corvin also shared that she supports the building of the Rail Trail and wants to ensure the city complies with Measure L, a 2018 voter-approved initiative that protects the Capitola Trestle and prohibits city money from being used to build the rail trail outside the rail corridor. A longtime paralegal and small business owner, she also stated that the Rail Trail would create safer means of transportation for cyclists and pedestrians throughout the town. Corvin is endorsed by Capitola Mayor Margaux Morgan and Santa Cruz County Board Supervisor Kim De Serpa.   

Tory Del Favero

A former trustee of the Soquel Union Elementary School District, Del Favero said she wants to incorporate resident’s thoughts and concerns when it comes to future housing developments. She also believes that the council needs to wait to receive the Capitola Trestle Assessment before acting, and said she will proceed from there on how to approach the future of the Rail Trail. Regarding transportation and pedestrian safety, Del Favero said she wants to look at the Active Transportation Plan that’s scheduled to be released in January before suggesting major changes. Del Favero is endorsed by former Capitola Mayor Gayle Ortiz and the Santa Cruz County Democratic Party. 

TJ Welch

A current Capitola Planning Commissioner, Welch emphasized that state housing mandates will push Capitola into a deficit, and that the city needs to consider the impacts of new development. The retired Alameda County Fire battalion chief also supports Measure L, and said that the opening of the trail would help create a safe means of transportation for cyclists to go through the Capitola Village. Welch also stated that he plans on looking at recent traffic study reports to help guide how to address traffic safety issues. Welch is endorsed by former Capitola Police Chief Terry McManus and former Capitola Mayor Ed Bottorff. 

Peter Wilk

A former Capitola Planning Commissioner and city treasurer, Wilk said he believes that the city’s housing plan should accommodate every resident, regardless of people’s incomes. He said the Capitola Mall redevelopment is needed in order to meet Capitola’s housing goals and needs. Wilk is also in favor of the Rail Trail being built for both pedestrians and cyclists, and said he wants to move the project forward as quickly as possible. He also said that more traffic calming measures should be implemented, such as raised crosswalks and flashing stop lights, especially on Bay Avenue. Wilk is endorsed by Capitola City Councilmember Melinda Orbach and former Capitola Mayor Kristen Brown.

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