State and city officials joined around 100 people recently to kick off repairs of the storm-damaged Capitola Wharf.
Attendees spoke about a multi-year journey that led to the groundbreaking ceremony.
“This wharf for 130 years has been an essential part of this community,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta, who was in attendance at the event. “This wharf has been a cornerstone of this community. But most importantly, it’s a symbol of what we stand for in this community. It represents the resiliency of Capitola.”
In 2015, city leaders began discussions on how to make the wharf more resilient and reinforce the structure against high surf and climate events. In 2016, Capitola residents passed tax Measure F, which the city used to update various fixtures of the wharf in the following years.
Following the January storms that tore the wharf in two, Panetta secured $3.5 million in federal funds for the wharf’s revival. Combined with state money, insurance payouts and Measure F contributions, the city now has more than $10 million to repair and reinforce the wharf.
Separately, a community-founded fundraiser known as the Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project has raised more than $150,000 to help “beautify” the structure. That money will go toward things such as public art, educational signage, benches and more.
