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Capitola City Council 07/23/2026
Published: Jul 23, 2026
Public Art Sculpture 'To Honor the Women of Water' Proposed for Capitola
The City Council is considering approving a public art sculpture titled 'To Honor the Women of Water'. The sculpture, a female surfer, is intended to be a companion piece to the existing male surf statue. The estimated value is $350,000, and it will be privately funded through a campaign led by County Park Friends. The project team includes artists Brian Curtis and Thomas Marsh, landscape architect Allison Hobbes, and board shaper Bob Pearson. An interim location is proposed for the statue, which would allow for installation while the Esplanade Park Enhancement and Adaptation Project is ongoing. The Art and Cultural Commission recommends approval, and staff will work with County Park Friends to develop an MOU for fundraising.
Bay Avenue Corridor Improvements Discussed, Focus on Pedestrian Safety and Lighting
The City Council discussed potential improvements for the Bay Avenue corridor, focusing on the Bay Hill intersection and other identified areas. For the Bay Hill intersection, staff recommended a raised pedestrian crossing with ADA curb extensions and a refuge median, estimated at $300,000-$350,000, along with solar lighting. For the Hill Street intersection, staff suggested solar lighting and more permanent flashing signage. Other intersections identified with documented pedestrian collisions include Crossroads Loop, Oak Drive, and Burlingame Avenue, with potential improvements like solar lighting and high-visibility pavement markings. The council also discussed the active transportation plan and the need for a holistic view of transportation projects. Funding sources, including grants from Congressman Panetta and RTIP funds, were discussed. The council voted to proceed with lighting enhancements and painting at Bay and Hill, with a decision on the Center Street crosswalk pending traffic count studies.
Capitola Selects District Map and Election Sequencing for District-Based Elections
The City Council is in the process of transitioning to district-based elections. This meeting focused on selecting a final district map from 12 public submissions and determining the sequencing of future elections. The council selected map 412, with a vote of 5-0, and then used a coin toss to determine that District 3's seat will be up for election in 2028 along with the mayor's seat. The city attorney addressed concerns about legal challenges, referencing the Huntington Beach case and the benefits of the 'safe harbor' provision for voluntarily transitioning to districts. The council also voted unanimously to introduce the ordinance establishing the districts and election sequencing. Future council work plan items related to residency procedures, council vacancies, term limits, and appointment procedures for advisory bodies were also mentioned.
City Council Reviews Transportation Projects, Interconnectivity, and Future Plans
The council received an overview of ongoing and future transportation projects, including planning studies, current construction, and proposed future projects. The presentation highlighted the interrelation of various projects and addressed questions about project sequencing and funding. Key planning efforts include the Active Transportation Plan and the Stockton Bridge evaluation. Current projects include 41st Avenue, Bay Avenue, Raposa, and Cliff Drive Phase 1. Future projects are dependent on council direction and funding availability. The presentation also detailed regional coordination with agencies like Caltrans and the RTC, as well as Metro's upcoming Rapid Corridors project. A living document or map to visually represent the connectivity of these projects was requested to improve public understanding and transparency.
Police Chief Addresses Community Following Tragic Incident, Emphasizes Resilience
Capitola Police Chief Sarah Ryans addressed the council and community following a tragic incident on Monday. She extended condolences to the victim's family, acknowledged the community's shock and unease, and commended the swift work of law enforcement in apprehending the suspect. Chief Ryans emphasized the community's resilience and encouraged residents to seek support. She also mentioned efforts to debrief and learn from the incident, including coordination with other agencies and mall security. The council members expressed their support for the Police Department and extended their condolences.
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