City staff announced on July 24 that Capitola was awarded $3,600,000 in a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) award. Staff said the majority of the award will fund Treasure Cove at Jade Street Park, and a smaller portion—roughly $300,000—will be split between Gray Bears and Second Harvest for food programs.

Public commenters who have worked on Treasure Cove thanked council and staff. Trisha Wiltshire, who identified herself as campaign manager for County Park Friends, told the council the project will place “shovels in the ground very shortly” and thanked volunteers and city staff for completing what she described as a multi‑year effort to deliver an inclusive playground. A youth speaker, Aldo Repotts, said he looked forward to using the new play area next year.

Why it matters: The CDBG award provides funding for an accessible playground intended to serve children of all abilities and helps local food‑assistance programs. Staff did not present an ordinance or budget amendment for immediate vote at the meeting; they announced the grant award and noted project next steps.

Council comments at the meeting praised staff and volunteers and welcomed the news. No formal council action was required that evening beyond acknowledgment of the award.