Capitola Wharf grand reopening event tentatively set for September 25th

CAPITOLA, Calif. (KION-TV)- UPDATE ON JUNE 22, 2024 AT 6:52 PM -- According to a city report, Capitola has set Wednesday, September 25th as the tentative date for the wharf's grand reopening and ribbon-cutting event.

On Thursday, city council could approve a single-day Major Special Event permit for that day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The city report said the event would be free, open to the public and held from 2 - 6 p.m. on the wharf. The event is expected to include three food trucks, a live band, a small beer garden and public acknowledgement from city officials.

Capitola Police will assist with limited road closures at the base of the wharf and will provide foot patrol during the event. Anticipated attendance for the four-hour event is between 200 to 300 people, according to the city.

The event is expected to held following the completion of the Wharf Resiliency Project, highlighting renovations and repairs that have been made since the series of winter storms in 2023 that caused historic wave events and significant damage to the wharf.

UPDATE ON MAY 30, 2024 AT 5:38 PM- The City of Capitola announced the grand-reopening event for the Capitola Wharf has been pushed back from it's original date in August.

The event was originally scheduled for August 14th. Assistant City Manager Chloe Woodmansee said the grand-opening event is now scheduled for September. Woodmansee told KION that a specific date has not been announced.

Delays in the shipment and installation of items like new benches, trash cans and an upgraded entry gate are to blame in the delay.

However, Woodmansee said that the city is planning to open the wharf back up to the public on a rolling basis before August.

Repairs and infrastructure work should be finished within the next month per Woodmansee.

Capitola's wharf expansion, what's approved and what's next?

City staff anticipates reconstruction of the Capitola Wharf to be complete by August 14th and plans to host a grand reopening.

At the city council meeting Thursday night, they approved: three food trucks, a beer and a wine garden. The public showed interest in bringing back the fishing and boat shop, food and beverage, as well as live entertainment to the wharf.

"I think i’m fine with them adding the vendors, I think it would be nice to have both you know maybe a fine dining fish-oriented place," Don Wagner from San Jose said.

The famous Boat and Bait shop that once sat at the end of the wharf, is in discussions with the city, having come to an agreement on a short-term lease will go last through the end of 2025. This agreement is scheduled to be presented to the city council for approval in June.

As 2025 arrives, a temporary facility and short-term lease is set for the beer and wine garden. This is confirmed for Winter through Summer.

“I think it’s just if they’re local I really think we have expanded outside of the area and it would be nice to really support them," Rosie Hamilton from Aptos said.

April, a survey was sent out to the public asking about temporary wharf usage and received over one thousand responses. the survey asked about experience and an input of additional ideas.

Some businesses in the Capitola Village spoke of the impacts that the three food trucks might have on their shops.

“We already paid enough rent and taxes and everything else has all the appropriate permits, so we would appreciate it if it was just local businesses," Josh Fisher owner at Left Sausage works said.

With the increase of foot traffic and alcohol being served at the wharf. We reached out to Capitola police on how they will be adding safety measures.

“The police department will evaluate the event and make the appropriate recommendations to ensure each event is safe and adheres to our local rules and regulations," Andrew J. Dally, Chief of Capitola Police said. "we are confident this will be a welcoming and family-oriented event.

The planning commission reviewed and approved an updated capitola wharf design permit including a new entryway arch design, enhanced lighting, bathroom design, water fill stations, benches, trashcans, viewing stations and bike racks.

The city hopes to have a contract this summer and to have concepts by the end of this year for long-term plans.

The city is putting out a request for proposals next week to hire an architectural or planning firm for the Capitola wharf's long term plans.