Capitola, California

Capitola is a city in Santa Cruz County, California, United States, on the coast of Monterey Bay. The population was 9,918 at the 2010 census.

City of Capitola, California
City
Beach at Capitola
Location of Capitola in Santa Cruz County, California.
City of Capitola, California
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 36°58′35″N 121°57′17″W
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountySanta Cruz
IncorporatedJanuary 11, 1949[1]
Area
 • Total1.68 sq mi (4.34 km2)
 • Land1.59 sq mi (4.13 km2)
 • Water0.08 sq mi (0.21 km2)  4.92%
Elevation13 ft (4 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total9,918
 • Estimate 
(2019)[4]
10,010
 • Density6,283.74/sq mi (2,425.95/km2)
Time zoneUTC−8 (PST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP codes
95010, 95062
Area code(s)831
FIPS code06-11040
GNIS feature IDs1658216, 2409981
Websitewww.cityofcapitola.org

History
Beach scene at Capitola, 1905

The original settlement now known as Capitola grew out of what was then called Soquel Landing. Soquel Landing got its name from a wharf located at the mouth of Soquel Creek. This wharf, which dates back to the 1850s, served as an outlet for the produce and lumber grown in the interior. In 1865, Captain John Pope Davenport, a whaleman at Monterey, moved his operations to be near the wharf. Unable to capture any whales, he moved his operations the following year to Point Año Nuevo.[5][6]

In 1869, Frederick A. Hihn, who owned the property in the vicinity of the wharf, decided to develop it as a seaside resort. At first he leased the area to Samuel A. Hall and the area became known as Camp Capitola. Most authorities believe that it was Hihn who chose the name of Capitola, but they are unsure as to why he did so. Several possibilities have been asserted, one being that it was named for the heroine of The Hidden Hand, a novel by the popular author E.D.E.N. Southworth, favored by Hall's daughter Lulu. Capitola is known as the oldest beach resort on the West Coast.[7]

Capitola is a popular tourist town because of its trendy shops and restaurants on the shore directly connecting to a fishing wharf and its large, sandy beach.

Capitola lies west of the census-designated area of Aptos and east of the census-designated place of Live Oak.

Geography and soils
Capitola Venetian Court

Capitola is located at 36°58′35″N 121°57′17″W (36.976250, −121.954750).[8]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.7 square miles (4.4 km2), of which 1.6 square miles (4.1 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) (4.92%) is water.

Capitola sits on the northeast shore of Monterey Bay. Steep cliffs mark access to several popular beaches, including New Brighton Beach, or drop directly to the rocky shoreline of the bay. Downtown Capitola sits in a depression among the cliffs so that the popular tourist and shopping area leads directly to Capitola Beach. Colorful houses and hotels line the slopes of the town leading back up to the clifftops.

There have been a number of historic fuel releases to the soil in Capitola; among these the following locations have been identified by the County of Santa Cruz or the California Regional Water Quality Control Board: 819 Bay Avenue, 1649 41st Avenue, 2210 41st Avenue and 1700 41st Avenue.[9]

The historic Venetian Court (shown in photo to the right) that sits on the beach just east of the pier is on the Register of National Historic Places as "The first Condominium Beach Community in the United States, built in 1924".

Climate

Capitola has mild weather throughout the year, enjoying a Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb) characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, mostly dry summers. Due to its proximity to Monterey Bay, fog and low overcast are common during the night and morning hours, especially in the summer.

Climate data for Capitola, CA
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °F (°C) 60.6
(15.9)		 62.3
(16.8)		 64.4
(18.0)		 67.5
(19.7)		 70.1
(21.2)		 72.9
(22.7)		 73.4
(23.0)		 74.3
(23.5)		 74.5
(23.6)		 71.5
(21.9)		 64.9
(18.3)		 60.0
(15.6)		 68.0
(20.0)
Average low °F (°C) 40.8
(4.9)		 42.7
(5.9)		 44.0
(6.7)		 45.5
(7.5)		 48.6
(9.2)		 51.5
(10.8)		 53.7
(12.1)		 53.9
(12.2)		 52.6
(11.4)		 49.0
(9.4)		 44.3
(6.8)		 40.8
(4.9)		 47.3
(8.5)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 6.40
(163)		 6.24
(158)		 4.67
(119)		 1.99
(51)		 0.85
(22)		 0.19
(4.8)		 0.01
(0.25)		 0.04
(1.0)		 0.27
(6.9)		 1.44
(37)		 3.75
(95)		 5.68
(144)		 31.53
(801)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 10.6 10.9 10.0 5.9 3.3 1.3 0.3 0.7 1.5 3.5 7.5 10.7 66.2
Source: NOAA[10]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
19501,848—
19602,0219.4%
19705,080151.4%
19809,09579.0%
199010,17111.8%
200010,033−1.4%
20109,918−1.1%
Est. 201910,010[4]0.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[11]

2010

The 2010 United States Census[12] reported that Capitola had a population of 9,918. The population density was 5,919.0 people per square mile (2,285.3/km2). The racial makeup of Capitola was 7,963 (80.3%) White, 123 (1.2%) African American, 59 (0.6%) Native American, 424 (4.3%) Asian, 10 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 869 (8.8%) from other races, and 470 (4.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,957 persons (19.7%).

The Census reported that 9,770 people (98.5% of the population) lived in households, 25 (0.3%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 123 (1.2%) were institutionalized.

There were 4,626 households, out of which 1,011 (21.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 1,515 (32.7%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 539 (11.7%) had a female householder with no husband present, 232 (5.0%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 339 (7.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 55 (1.2%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 1,735 households (37.5%) were made up of individuals, and 608 (13.1%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.11. There were 2,286 families (49.4% of all households); the average family size was 2.78.

The population was spread out, with 1,643 people (16.6%) under the age of 18, 930 people (9.4%) aged 18 to 24, 2,801 people (28.2%) aged 25 to 44, 3,005 people (30.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,539 people (15.5%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.4 males.

There were 5,534 housing units at an average density of 3,302.7 per square mile (1,275.2/km2), of which 2,152 (46.5%) were owner-occupied, and 2,474 (53.5%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.3%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.8%. 4,430 people (44.7% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 5,340 people (53.8%) lived in rental housing units.

2000

As of the census[13] of 2000, there were 10,033 people, 4,692 households, and 2,280 families residing in the city. The population density was 6,220.2 people per square mile (2,406.1/km2). There were 5,309 housing units at an average density of 3,291.5 per square mile (1,273.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 83.84% White, 1.17% African American, 0.57% Native American, 4.00% Asian, 0.20% Pacific Islander, 5.53% from other races, and 4.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.63% of the population.

There were 4,692 households, out of which 22.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.1% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.4% were non-families. 37.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.11 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 18.4% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 32.8% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $46,048, and the median income for a family was $59,473. Males had a median income of $47,879 versus $35,444 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,609. About 2.0% of families and 7.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.

Government

In the California State Legislature, Capitola is in the 17th Senate District, represented by Democrat Bill Monning, and in the 29th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Mark Stone.[14]

In the United States House of Representatives, Capitola is in the California's 20th congressional district, represented by Democrat Jimmy Panetta.[15]

Economy

Capitola is home to the Capitola Mall, the only enclosed regional shopping center in Santa Cruz County. Also, in the downtown square of Capitola there are many clothing, food, dessert, and knick-knack shops.

Principal employers

According to Capitola's 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[16] the principal employers in the city are;

# Employer # of Employees
1 Subaru, Toyota, Kia of Santa Cruz 205
2 Target 173
3 Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria 161
4 Whole Foods Market 144
5 Shadowbrook Restaurant 140
6 Pacific Coast Manor 115
7 City of Capitola 115
8 Macy's 111
9 Trader Joe's 106
10 Kohl's 103

Media

Television

The Monterey-Salinas metropolitan statistical (or service) area (MSA) is served by a variety of local television stations, and is the 124th largest designated market area (DMA) in the U.S. with 222,900 homes:

Local news

Capitola-Soquel Patch capitola.patch.com

Radio

Newspapers
  • Santa Cruz Sentinel – (daily)
  • Watsonville Register-Pajaronian – (daily)
  • Metro Santa Cruz – (weekly)
  • Good Times – (weekly)
  • Capitola/Soquel Times – (monthly)
Beach in Capitola, 2014

Events

Capitola Jr. Lifeguards

The Capitola Jr. lifeguard summer camp has been using Capitola beach during the summer months since its founding in 1980. The Capitola Jr. Guards program provides instruction in the fundamentals of ocean water safety, first aid, lifesaving, fitness, and good sportsmanship. Activities include mock rescues, beach and water games, fun work-outs, and competitions. The program consists of Little Guards, aged 6–8, Jr. Guards aged 9–15, and a Captains Corp., aged 16–17.[17]

Birds

In the summer of 1961 hundreds of birds attacked the town. Most of the birds were sooty shearwaters, a normally non-aggressive species that rarely comes to shore. Alfred Hitchcock was a regular visitor to nearby Santa Cruz and read about this episode. He went on to direct a film—The Birds—based on the idea of hundreds of birds attacking humans. The reason for this attack remained unknown for over 25 years until it was discovered that the birds had been affected by domoic acid, a toxin produced by red algae.[18]

Capitola Classic

The Capitola Classic was a skateboarding event held in Capitola village in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Capitola Classic was known in skating circles for its annual downhill race, which was a head-to-head speed competition that drew top names in the sport, many local as well as international, including Santa Cruz, California local John Hutson, who held the world speed record for skateboarding at 53.45 mph and dominated the event each year. Starting in 2009 efforts were made to revive the event.[19]

Flood

On March 24, 2011, a drainage pipe burst following heavy rains, sending a surge of water through the historic village area.[20] A mobile home park and many businesses suffered damage.[21] Two days later cleanup operations were interrupted when the area was flooded again.[22][23][24][25]

Notable people
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References
  1. "California Cities by Incorporation Date". California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions. Archived from the original (Word) on November 3, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  2. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  3. "Capitola". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  4. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  5. Clark, Donald Thomas. Santa Cruz County Place Names: A Geographical Dictionary. [Santa Cruz, CA: Santa Cruz Historical Society, 1986]. See pages 61, 349.
  6. Bertao, David E. The Portuguese Shore Whalers of California 1854–1904. [San Jose, CA: The Portuguese Heritage Publications of California, 2006]. See pages 180–183.
  7. Clark, Donald Thomas. Santa Cruz County Place Names: A Geographical Dictionary. [Santa Cruz, CA: Santa Cruz Historical Society, 1986]. See pages 61–62.
  8. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  9. Earth Metrics Inc., "Phase One Environmental Site Assessment, Parcel 34-11-31, Capitola, California", Report 10226, October 4, 1989.
  10. "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  11. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  12. "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA – Capitola city". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  13. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  14. "Statewide Database". UC Regents. Archived from the original on February 1, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
  15. "California's 20th Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  16. City of Capitola CAFR
  17. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on June 12, 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-10.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. Siegenthaler, Marie. "The Marine Mammal Center's Domoic Acid Trip". Archived from the original on October 29, 2007. Retrieved September 26, 2007.
  19. Judi Oyama. "Capitola Classic". blog. Archived from the original on February 24, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  20. "Cleanup Begins In Capitola". KSBW. March 25, 2011. Archived from the original on October 4, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  21. Shanna McCord (March 27, 2011). "Capitola Village residents and business owners clean up after second flash flood". Santa Cruz Sentinel. Archived from the original on April 29, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  22. "Crews face mud, flash flood in Calif storm cleanup". San Jose Mercury News. Associated Press. March 26, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  23. "Crews Capitola Village Battling Major Flooding". KION-TV. March 26, 2011. Archived from the original on March 16, 2012. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  24. "Floods Prompt Capitola Village Evacuations: Red Cross Setting Up Temporary Shelter". KSBW. March 26, 2011. Archived from the original on October 4, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  25. Linda Fridy (March 25, 2011). "Capitola-in-the-Sea: Burst Storm Pipe Floods Capitola Village". Mid-County Post. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved April 2, 2011.
  26. "Ralph Peduto obituary". Legacy.com. Santa Cruz Sentinel. May 31, 2014. Retrieved June 12, 2014.
  27. As described by bandmate Peter Lewis, who regularly visited Spence during the latter years of his life, "The last five years I'd go up‚ he lived in a trailer up there‚ Capitola. I used to hang around with him; we'd spend the weekends together. But he just basically kind of hit the…he was helpless in a way, in terms of being able to define anything, or control his feelings." See Interview with Peter Lewis by Doug Collette, July 2007; www.stateofmindmusic.com.
  28. "RAW Data: Musings from Robert Anton Wilson". January 11, 2007. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
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