On Dec. 23, 2024, the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed during a high-surf warning. Dangerous swells were slamming into the structure, and authorities confirmed two people had to be pulled from the water.  The structure collapsed into the sea, and construction workers had to be rescued, suffering minor injuries. The climate conditions led to road closures and coastal evacuations in Capitola. The Wharf was closed until further notice after the collapse.

“They lost many pilings, a lot of the deck of the wharf itself, as well as the restroom and what was left of the Dolphin restaurant,” Fred Keeley, the mayor of Santa Cruz, said. “[We are] assessing the structural integrity of the Wharf, given the incoming storm that can have additional impacts.” 

Clean-up has begun around the Santa Cruz Wharf, however many beaches and the Wharf itself have been closed to the general public due to safety issues. The bomb cyclone of the current wave conditions closed more than just the pier; it led to the flooding of East Cliff at 9th Ave, East Cliff at Moran Lake, Marina Ave. at Aptos Beach Dr., Moosehead Dr., and Rio Del Mar at Aptos Beach Dr.                                                         

The collapse of Santa Cruz Wharf affects more than just the people who live in Santa Cruz.

Looking back on my childhood, some of my most cherished memories are of riding shotgun with my grandpa driving and heading towards Santa Cruz. We would be listening to country music as we snaked our way over the mountain from Santa Clara, through the endless redwood trees, heading to the world-famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a whole day of fun and sun by the ocean. 

I can’t wait for the Santa Cruz Wharf to be rebuilt.