The Capitola City Council meeting on April 24, 2025, highlighted several key developments, including the reopening of the Capitola Historical Museum and discussions on community initiatives and local governance.
The Capitola Historical Museum, which reopened in mid-March, is now welcoming visitors from Friday to Sunday, noon to 4 PM. The new exhibition, titled "The Naughty Surf Fashion: Turning Points in Capitola, 1860s to 1960s," has already attracted nearly 600 visitors in April alone, nearly doubling last year's numbers for the same period. Council members expressed gratitude to curator Deborah Osterberg and the volunteers who keep the museum operational and free to the public. The museum is actively seeking more volunteers, encouraging community involvement.
Council member Jensen congratulated the new police captain and shared insights from the recent Monterey Air Resource Board meeting, where discussions included fee structure increases and upcoming legislation regarding battery management. Jensen emphasized the importance of community unity and the formation of a steering committee to explore future possibilities for Capitola, aiming to strengthen connections within the community and with broader regional entities.
Additionally, council member Orbach reported on the metro board's goals, which include doubling ridership, transitioning to zero-emission buses, and developing affordable housing units on metro properties. Orbach also noted the ongoing redevelopment of transit centers in Santa Cruz and Watsonville, which will feature mixed-use developments with affordable housing.
The meeting concluded with a focus on community engagement and the importance of local initiatives, setting a positive tone for future collaborations and developments in Capitola.