It is hard to believe summer is nearly over for most of us. The weather has been beautiful and it has been so nice to see everyone out. As we imagined, we are seeing COVID cases rise again and it is still very important for all of us to stay vigilant and follow CDC guidelines.
Also, I ask all residents to please watch out for children while driving. Schools are back in session and more children will be out walking, biking, and scooting throughout the day. Please be cautious while driving and patient as we see traffic increase.
Yvette Brooks
COVID protocols
The city of Capitola has updated its policies to ensure the safety of our staff and community. Staff has been asked to wear masks while indoors in shared spaces, regardless of vaccination status. In addition, Capitola City Council meetings will continue to be held virtually. To attend one of our meetings, visit cityofcapitola.org/meetings.
Tobacco grant
A city-wide tobacco compliance check was completed on 11 local tobacco retailers. The objective of the check was to inform the retailers about the grant obtained from the state, determine initial levels of compliance with state law and code regulations prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco in the city, check for appropriate licensing and signage, and answer any questions businesses may have regarding the compliance process. All retailers were found to be in compliance with the municipal code. Of the 11 retailers contacted, four were provided direction related to the improper display of expired state licenses and adherence to appropriate signage. All retailers were very cooperative and appreciated the information during the operation.
In addition, a subcommittee has come together in partnership with Soquel Union School District, Santa Cruz County Health Department and the Capitola Police Department to create a program for tobacco prevention. The committee met and plan to explore a teens teaching teens model in collaboration with youth in the community to train them to help lead the program.
Fun Facts: waste disposal
As staff was compiling data for an annual report to CalRecycle, some interesting data jumped out.
• During 2020, the total waste disposal (Trash, Recycling, Greenwaste) decreased by 800 tons compared to 2019. For reference, from 2014 and 2019, the total increase for that time period was 300 tons, so this is a huge reduction.
• In 2020, Commercial waste decreased by 1,100 tons from 5,400 tons to 4,300 tons while residential waste increased by 300 tons from 4,600 tons to 4,900 tons.
• After speaking with GreenWaste, this is what most of their clients saw. Much of the change from commercial to residential was due to take out dining and mail-ordered products during 2020.
Chief recruitment
A virtual community meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 23 to discuss the chief of police recruitment with the public. To join and offer input, visit us02web.zoom.us.
Job opportunities
The job opening for an associate planner/senior planner is posted on our website. For information or to apply, visit cityofcapitola.org/jobs.
Implicit bias training
From 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 24, the City Council and management will participate in an Implicit Bias Training by CircleUp Education. This training comes from the request of myself and the council to create a more inclusive organization.
Youth Action Network
The city of Capitola is happy to announce a partnership with the Youth Action Network. The network is a newly reformed initiative that is building a multi-sector collaborative of youth, adult allies, community partners, stakeholders, and youth-serving organizations across Santa Cruz County to increase youth voice and youth leadership in local decision making. For details or to participate. visit bit.ly/YANApplication2021.
Art hike installations
The frames from the Outside the Frame initiative are still available for viewing and photo ops throughout the month of August. This temporary art installation in parks across Santa Cruz County Frames will be auctioned to support scholarships and equity programming. For details, to obtain a map or to support the organization visit countyparkfriends.org.
Twilight concerts
All concerts begin at 6 p.m. Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand.
Here is the schedule: Wednesday, Everyday People; Aug. 25, Beggar Kings; Sept. 1, Digbeats.
Food truck event
Live music, beer garden, and great food are scheduled for Aug. 27 and Sept. 24 at Monterey Park on Monterey Avenue in Capitola.
Art & Wine Festival
The festival is admission free. Wine tasting requires the purchase of a 2021 festival glass ($15) and tasting tokens ($2 each). Free parking and shuttle will be provided at the Capitola Mall on 41st Avenue or ride your bike to the festival and park in the free bike valet parking at the festival entrance.
Thousands fill Capitola Village on Sunday afternoon to enjoy food, art, wine and entertainment during the annual Art and Wine Festival. (Kevin Johnson — Santa Cruz Sentinel)
For information, to volunteer or check out the latest updates, visit capitolaartandwine.com.
Movies on the beach
Movies begin at 7:30 p.m. (or dusk) on the bandstand stage in Esplanade Park.
• Sept.10: Dolittle.
• Sept. 17: Frozen 2.
Bring a picnic dinner or dine locally at area restaurants. Low-back chairs, blankets, and jackets are recommended.
Golf tournament
The 15th annual Capitola Foundation golf tournament tees off at 1 p.m. Oct. 1. For information or to register, visit capitolafoundation.org/golf. All proceeds go to local nonprofits.
As always, should you have any questions feel free to email me at brooksforcitycouncil@gmail.com. You can also email citycouncil@ci.capitola.ca.us and your note will automatically be sent to all five councilmembers, the city clerk, and the city manager.
Mayor’s message is a Sunday column written by Capitola Mayor Yvette Brooks.
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