Capitola City Council
Five candidates are vying for three seats on the Capitola City Council. Scroll down to learn about each candidate’s positions on important local issues.
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Meet the candidates • On the issues • About the city council
Meet the candidates
Joe Clarke
(incumbent)
Age: 65.
Occupation: Retired Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sergeant.
Political background: Incumbent Capitola councilmember and former Capitola mayor.
Cami Corvin
Age: 66.
Occupation: Paralegal and owner of Corvin’s Legal Services.
Political background: First-time candidate.
Tory Del Favero
Age: 52.
Occupation: Human resources professional at Beefree.
Political background: Former trustee of the Soquel Union Elementary School District from 2012 to 2016.
TJ Welch
Age: 68.
Occupation: Retired Alameda County Fire battalion chief.
Political background: Capitola Planning Commissioner from 2025 to 2026.
Peter Wilk
Age: 72.
Occupation: Retired engineering manager.
Political background: Former Capitola Planning Commissioner from 2019 to 2024 and city treasurer from 2016 to 2019.
Candidates on the issues
Santa Cruz Local interviewed and surveyed Capitola residents about their priorities for council candidates. The following questions are based on what we heard.
How would you balance the pressure of state housing mandates with the desires of current residents?
Clarke stated that he wants Capitola to be careful when it comes to following the state housing mandates, as it’s been very difficult for the town to grow in the way the state has asked it to. “I think that we need to be careful because the state has made outrageous goals for us to build in Capitola, and we don’t have any land that’s not already being used.”
Clarke said he wants to:
- “Pump the brakes” and “slow down” on what Captiola is building.
Corvin believes that it’s important to work with developers and ensure that the infrastructure can support these new types of developments. “If there’s a property that doesn’t support the infrastructure, meaning the police department, the fire department, the water, all of that stuff. If we can’t support that, then we should not be building in that area.”
Corvin said she wants to:
- Keep Captiola, Capitola, and keep the town’s charm and architectural vibe and design.
Del Favero believes that developments in Capitola should be intentional and consider the public’s thoughts and concerns. “The housing mandate is here, and we need to be incredibly thoughtful about how we work with our housing mandate.”
Del Favero believes:
- The piece missing around the conversation of redevelopment is the aspect of misinformation amongst the city, and wants City Council to sit and discuss with Capitola residents about this topic and define what it really means.
- Redevelopment will be a challenge, but also an opportunity to partner with developers and create housing that serve the people who live in Capitola.
Welch stated that the mandated housing additions will push the town of Capitola into a deficit, and emphasized that he cares about Capitola and the low-income residents who need housing, instead of the developers and realtors who are making a profit. “You look at the state complaining about the federal government trying to overstep and tell the state how to do things, but the state’s doing the same thing to us. It’s going to change the character of our city.”
Welch believes:
- There needs to be more of an emphasis in looking at development projects as a whole.
- That the city has to push back against housing mandates, but not so much they have to go through builders’ remedy, where the state takes over and builds.
Wilk stated that he worked on the housing issue while on the Planning Commission, and that “We worked hard to make sure that it was in compliance with the state requirements, and it made sense for Capitola.”
Wilk believes:
- There should be more developments like the Bluffs at 44th street.
- Capitola’s housing should accommodate everyone, regardless of people’s incomes.
What are your priorities for the rail trail project through Capitola?
Clarke believes that because the train would be too expensive to build, the pedestrian and bicycle trail is a good idea and should move forward. “I think we’re getting to a point where we’re all going to come together and hopefully use the trestle and have that beautiful trail all the way to Aptos, and then hopefully eventually to Watsonville.”
Clarke believes that:
- There could be the possibility of one day an electric train running through the trestle, or even electric buses.
Corvin stated that she supports the building of the trail. “That trail will offer a safe, affordable mode of transportation for folks that are going to be taking their bikes, their e-bikes, and walking their dog, but that’s what we need to do.”
Corvin emphasized that:
- The trestle is historical and wants it to be preserved.
- The city can afford to build a trail on the trestle, which will help alleviate traffic and ensure pedestrian safety.
- Supports Measure L, which increased the city of Santa Cruz’s sales tax from 9.25% to 9.75% in 2024
Del Favero believes that the City Council shouldn’t do anything until the report on the trestle is back to review. “We really need that report on the trestle, and that will help us inform our direction and decisions. Because if the trestle is viable and there’s a way to repair the trestle and retrofit the trestle in a way that could serve walkers and bikers, like we’re hoping then it will be brilliant. If that data comes in differently, then we’re going to have to think differently about the rail trail through Capitola.”
Del Favero believes in
- Measure 8.72 to keep the rail trail in the rail corridor, which ensured that the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail remains within the existing Santa Cruz Beach Line rail corridor and directly crosses the historic Captiola Trestle.
Welch believes that because residents voted on Measure L, the City Council should abide by those votes and take them into consideration moving forward. Welch also expressed excitement over the potential bicycle trail. “To have that open to the public is going to be, I think, probably the shining star of the whole trail.”
Welch expressed that:
- The opening of the rail trail would provide a route for cyclists to come and go safely through the village, along with providing a safer route for children going to and from school.
- He’s aware that the RTC owns the trestle, so whatever they decide for it in the future, he understands that ultimate decision.
Wilk believes that the rail trail should be built for both pedestrians and bicycles, and would have to find a way to accommodate e-bikes. “What could happen quickly is we can get the trail going, remove the rails, do what we have to do. The trestle can handle the bike traffic. Then people won’t worry about bicyclists in the village.”
Wilk believes that:
- Getting the trail ready to go as quickly as possible is the best for all parties concerned.
How would you make Capitola safer for cyclists and pedestrians, while addressing the traffic concerns of drivers?
Clarke believes in following what the state outlines for rules and laws in regards to e-bikes, as there has been a huge increase in them throughout Capitola and the county. “I think it is really important, especially with e-bikes, the explosion of everybody using that for transit, which is super awesome, but it also brings up some traffic concerns.”
Clarke said he wants to:
- Continue working in conjunction with the police department to educate children on e-bike safety.
Corvin believes that a safer mode of transportation for cyclists and pedestrians would come if the Rail Trail is finally opened, but believes in having safe transportation options available for people, whether that’s seniors or people with e-bikes.
“I absolutely believe in having safe transportation,” said Corvin. “People walking, people just using their bicycles and traveling back and forth, whatever that might be. I believe that we need to do that, and as far as we need to make it safe where the infrastructure will allow that to happen.”
Corvin said she wants to:
- Create safer streets and means of transportation for residents, but only where Capitola infrastructure will allow it.
Del Favero believes that Captiola needs to think through its means and modes of transportation, while keeping in mind the future of the city. “The other thing that we really need to think about is Capitola is a walking town. Not only are we a biking town, but we’re a walking town, and so we need to pair those two together and really think through what we’re going to do there.”
Del Favero said she wants to:
- Look at the Active Transportation Plan report to be released in January, and use that to help inform her approach to transportation and pedestrian safety issues.
Welch believes in looking at traffic study reports and the reports findings for answers on how to address traffic concerns, and will proceed with solutions from there. “I have my ideas, but obviously I want to hear about these studies and the city’s paid a lot of money for them.” Currently, Capitola is conducting four traffic studies this year, with one recently being released in May 2026, which looked at bicycle and pedestrian accidents all throughout Capitola.
Welch believes that:
- Traffic throughout Capitola Village needs to be improved, as it’s become a big safety concern for residents.
Wilk believes that there are traffic calming measures that can be implemented, such as raised crosswalks and flashing stop lights, especially on Bay Avenue. “I also think that there’ll be modifications on 41st street because as we increase our population, that’s where a lot of the traffic is going to be.”
Wilk believes that:
- Cyclists should be encouraged to utilize that as a main mode of transportation, but he has hesitation about the safety of e-bikes on sidewalks.
How would you move the Capitola Mall redevelopment forward?
Clarke stated that he hopes the Capitola mall redevelopment will be moved forward, with a mix use of amenities offered for residents. “My hopes would be that it would be some housing, a hotel, restaurant, and commercial, because Capitola highly needs the tax base that comes in on 41st Avenue.”
Clarke believes that:
- The 41st Avenue corridor needs a successful project to be placed there in order to bring in the tax revenue that Capitola needs.
Corvin is aware that the mall development impacts the entire city, but also emphasized the effects it could have on the people living in that area. She mentioned that the mall development could be supported by the city’s infrastructure, but believes a development like that anywhere else in Capitola wouldn’t. “I live literally two blocks from the mall, so this not only affects the whole city, but it affects the people that are living in that area. We’re talking about an increase in traffic and all that kind of good stuff.”
Corvin believes that:
- There must be a discussion with the City Council and the Planning Commission to take a look at what infrastructure is supported for the potential redevelopment of the mall.
Del Favero stated that a developer has to come to the City Council with a project. ”There still has to be the dollars and the desire to actually build a project there, and that’s not ours to own.”
Del Favero believes that:
- The mall is a great opportunity for redevelopment.
- The Capitola mall project could be made more attractive, but can’t force developers to build anything.
Welch believes in the Capitola Mall redevelopment being mostly made up of retail space, and emphasized that the low income housing in the development plans won’t add enough opportunities for housing in Capitola.
Welch believes that:
- He has already led the charge in saying no to more housing, as he’s led many conversations as the Planning Commissioner, specifically in saying no to a proposed residential site at Bay Avenue.
Wilk stated that he doesn’t want the new redevelopment to just be luxury houses. “My goal for that is to make sure that it’s not just luxury houses. We can dictate family housing. We can dictate low income, medium income, a variety of housing, so that people, as they and their needs change and their families grow, know there’s always a place in Capitola to move to.”
Wilk believes that:
- The redevelopment is needed to meet Capitola’s housing goals and needs.
How would you create spaces for residents to share their needs and desires?
Clarke shared that he will continue meeting with residents and keeping the line of communication open for residents who want to voice their concerns. “It’s kind of refreshing when you meet and greet people.”
Clarke wants to:
- Continue having in person listening sessions for residents.
Corvin shared that she would like to create areas for people to become more involved in what’s happening in Captiola. “We need to offer flexibility and avenues for these people to not only attend council meetings but understand.”
Corvin wants to:
- Continue town hall meetings and discussions with the public.
- Push to understand resident’s needs and concerns and will then do her research on how to address them.
- Emphasize using regular language, and less political jargon in council meetings so that everyone can understand things in layman terms.
Del Favero shared that she would like council information and decisions to be accessible to residents and make sure everyone has the ability to voice their concerns and opinions. “I would absolutely fight to keep some accessibility. I would create opportunities. I would really think through having a community meeting at the library and really thinking of rotating those meetings.”
Del Favero wants to:
- Be available to residents.
- Connect with and understand people’s point of views.
- Make sure that Capitola voters and residents know that their input will play a part in her votes and direction.
Welch shared that he wants to continue the work he’s done in reaching members of the community and creating a space for them to share their input and ideas. “I 100% believe that it’s a community. It’s not me and TJ’s idea of how the city should run.”
Welch wants to:
- Welcome social media discussion and interaction, including using platforms such as Instagram and NextDoor, as a way of reaching him and having voices heard.
- Collaborate with Vice Mayor Gerry Jensen for town hall style meetings for residents to attend and share their thoughts and concerns.
Wilk shared that he wants to hear the voices of working people and renters voices in his community outreach meetings. “I looked around and I said, ‘you know, where are the working people? Where are the families? Where are the renters? So I think there’s a missing voice there.’”
Wilk wants to:
- Create a Facebook page for Capitola renters to voice their concerns and opinions.
Do you have plans to address cliff erosions?
Clarke, who is an avid surfer, has seen the cliff erosions problem first hand, and has pushed for the Cliff Resiliency Project while on City Council. “Climate change is for real, and we need to be prepared.”
Clarke thinks:
- The Cliff Drive Resiliency Project needs to move forward, which is a public works initiative designed to stabilize severe bluff coast erosion along Cliff Drive, from Wharf Road to the Hooper’s Beach Staircase.
- Santa Cruz County will be fighting cliff erosion and climate change forever because of its geographical nature.
Corvin shared that she wants to work in conjunction with the Coastal Commission and other agencies to pursue state and federal funding where available.
Corvin thinks:
- The city has to look at projects and see if they create or increase impact on neighboring property.
- The city should assess if that impact can be avoided or mitigated.
Del Favero shared that the community needs to be very real on the issue of the sea level rising in Capitola Village, and also the problem of cliff erosion around town, and believes that both need to be talked about at the same time.
Del Favero thinks:
- The city council needs to have reserves in its budget “because we are going to have challenges based on Mother Nature.”
Welch shared that he has advocated for a local coastal plan with the Coastal Commission that covers all of Captiola, not just West Cliff Drive. “I’m hopeful that we can work through the coastal commission to save all of the bluffs.”
Welch wants to:
- Focus on helping the bluffs at Depot Hill and New Brighton State Beach.
- Meet with the California Coastal Commission quarterly to discuss Capitola’s plan against cliff erosions and jetty implementations.
Wilk shared that he believes that there needs to be a conversation with the RTC regarding Cliff Drive, and posed the idea that the road could be moved over, which he believes would be the cheapest solution. “I believe in the graceful retreat approach, and the notion that we’re just cementing our cliffs is not the kind of thing that makes California the beautiful state that it is.”
Wilk wants to:
Prioritize the idea of moving the road over on Cliff Drive, as opposed to honoring the cliff. “I worry that nothing is going to happen, and then the cliff is going to crumble and we’re going to lose that road, and it’s only then will we then start talking to the RTC.”
About the city council
The Capitola City Council is a five-member elected body that creates city laws, sets the city’s budget and oversees city functions.
The council has the power to:
- Decide where and how much housing gets built in the city’s General Plan.
- Reject or approve programs.
- Allocate money to projects, departments and programs.
- Hire and fire the city manager.
- Propose taxes.
“The purpose of the city council is to establish local laws, to set policy, to reject or to approve programs, to allocate funds and provide direction, through the city manager, to city staff to implement its policy. The council can also appoint members to various local and regional committees, commissions and other boards,” according to the City of Capitola website.
Desirable qualifications for candidates include:
- A willingness to work with other council members to craft policies.
- An ability to understand complex budgets.
- Broad interests: The council’s oversight includes contracts with city employee unions, the police department, planning for growth, and public buildings and parks.