Capitola voters will choose three of five candidates for the five-member City Council on Nov. 3.
Who's running
- Joe Clarke (incumbent)
- Cami Corvin
- Tory Del Favero
- TJ Welch
- Peter Wilk
You can vote for up to three. The top three vote-getters win four-year terms.
Why this election is different
The city says it is moving to district elections, but the districts won't take effect until 2028. People elected this year will serve four-year terms and can run for district seats in 2030. The city also extended the filing period by five days, to Aug. 12, because two eligible incumbents didn't file to run again.
The issues
Lookout Santa Cruz says the central question is how Capitola fits in state-required housing while keeping its small-town character and handling the effects on infrastructure and city finances. Other issues include the proposed rail trail through town, redevelopment of the Capitola Mall, pedestrian and bike safety, coastal erosion and climate change, and government transparency. The city also has to hire a full-time city manager to replace Jamie Goldstein.
How to vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.