Updates from City Hall

Current Update

May 25, 2018

This column is intended to provide the community with updates about City of Capitola projects and activities of interest. If you have any suggestions for future topics, or feedback, please let me know at jgoldstein@ci.capitola.ca.us or by phone at 475-7300.

Council to Discuss Taking Retail Marijuana Tax and Ordinances to Voters

Over the next couple months, the City of Capitola will be considering ordinances and a potential ballot tax measure for November 2018 to allow limited retail marijuana sales. Preliminary City Council direction has been to consider allowing retail sales only in the “Regional Commercial” zoning district, which is limited to the 41st Avenue corridor between Capitola Road and Highway 1, and Clares Street. Adoption of the ordinances to allow limited retail marijuana sales would be tied to passage of a tax by Capitola voters, giving them the final say on whether they want to see such shops in their city.

Wharf and Jetty Improvements Moving Forward

Protection of the beach and wharf were primary goals of Measure F, a local sales tax extension passed in November 2016. Several workshops were held this spring, and in May City Council supported moving forward with plans to rebuild the jetty off Esplanade Park. The jetty is key to preventing currents from sweeping away the City’s beach.

Discussions have also begun on improvements to the wharf. The City’s design team presented some conceptual project designs and potential pedestrian improvements at public workshops this Spring. City staff will be bringing a report to the City Council in June with updates on the flume, jetty, and wharf projects

Summer Bicycle Patrol Program

Beginning in the early summer you may see Capitola Police Department officers once again patrolling on bicycle in several areas of the City. Supported by state grants, the Police Department is in the process of upgrading its bicycle equipment and training. The program’s focus will be high-visibility patrols facilitating community engagement and problem-solving efforts related to nuisance activities in neighborhoods, as well as deterring illegal activity. For more information, including requests for bicycle patrols, call Sergeant Andy Dally at 831-475-4242.

Library Bids and Demolition Coming Soon

The plans for the new permanent Capitola Branch Library are out to bid, with the City Council currently scheduled to award a contract on June 14. Demolition of the old portable building on Wharf Road will follow soon after. The branch has already closed and a new temporary drop box at the Jade Street Community Center was installed to give residents a local option to return library books. Watch for special programs at the Porter Library in Soquel. The Aptos and Live Oak branches have extended hours for library patrons during the construction of the new library.

Sarah Ryan Promoted to Police Sergeant

Sarah Ryan, a 12-year veteran of the Capitola Police Department, was promoted to police sergeant on May 20 by Chief Terry McManus. Sergeant Ryan was selected from a pool of six highly qualified candidates. She will be assigned to the Patrol Division, with many ancillary duties that include management of the City’s police department volunteers, the Reserves program, and the youth Explorer program. In addition, Sergeant Ryan will oversee the entertainment permit and Alcohol Beverage Control regulatory process within the Police Department. Congratulations to Sergeant Ryan on her recent promotion.

Monterey Bay Community Power Coming Soon to Homes

Monterey Bay Community Power (MBCP), a three-county public clean electricity partnership, is already delivering power to commercial customers locally. Capitola residential power users can expect to begin receiving power from MBCP on July 1. Look for informational postcards being sent in the mail to all residents that describe options for carbon-free power. In just the first six weeks of service, MBCP helped our community eliminate an estimated 119,442,645 pounds of CO2 from the atmosphere!

Summer Fun Just Around the Corner

Capitola’s Twilight Concert series kicks off June 6, with free live band performances every Wednesday evening 6-8 p.m. through August. The Village will host the annual Capitola Rod and Custom Classic Car Show June 9-10, and Sunday Art and Music at the Beach begins June 24.

Jamie Goldstein