Politics & Government
Capitola City Council Looks to Ban Skateboarding in More Areas
The fatal collision in early July has current and former officials scrambling for solutions.
At Thursday's meeting, the Capitola City Council ordered city staff to draft a plan that would extend the prohibition of skateboarding in the Village to include the entire area on the beach side of the train trestle.
This “no-skateboarding zone,” as Mayor Dennis Norton referred to it, would also include all hills leading into the Village (Wharf Road, Cliff Drive and Capitola Avenue).
Norton also insisted that city planners explore locations for a skateboard park in the city.
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“You will find a skateboard in the garage of every kid in our community,” Norton said. “Do we [want to] make these kids outlaws?”
See the five most important moments of the meeting below:
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The council discussed what should be done about skateboarders in the city who ride for transportation rather than to do tricks in Esplanade Park. Police officer Christian Thompson said many of the people he stops are passing through from Live Oak and Santa Cruz on their way to Cabrillo College. Resident Kathi Howart voiced opposition to a widespread ban.
“I question the constitutionality of taking skateboards off the streets,” said Howart.
Councilman Stephanie Harlan and others shot down Councilman Kirby Nicol's proposal to ban skateboarding everywhere in the city, except at skate parks. Capitola has no skateboard parks.
“They don't have cars," Harlan said. "They don't have bicycles. That is their form of transportation. I think skateboarding is here to stay, and we just need to encourage people to do it more safely.”
In response to the news that the city's insurance claims for flood damage suffered in the spring were denied, the council postponed the Public Works Department's purchase of a pressure washer as well as a trailer and accessories for the appliance, saving $19,611.
The council voted to spend $25,000 to begin removal of the pine trees that line Monterey Avenue and Lawn Way, but declined to decide Thursday on what will replace the trees. One of the trees has been a safety risk for months, said Steve Jesberg, public works director.
Former Mayor Bruce Arthur invited all community members to Jade Street Park for National Night Out on Tuesday. He said the event will have food and games that families and residents of all ages will enjoy. The fun kicks off at 5 p.m.
Quote of the night:
“[Skateboards] fall into two categories. They fall into a transportation category as well as a recreation category. It's cheap transportation, but it is still a danger.”
—Councilman Kirby Nicol
Councilman Micheal Termini was absent while visiting a Native American reservation.
The council's next meeting is Aug. 12 at 7 p.m.
