Santa Cruz wharf reopens after partial collapse

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Saturday morning marked the reopening of the wharf in Santa Cruz after parts collapsed in a coastal storm days before Christmas.

The reopening was celebrated with a ceremony with music and began with Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley speaking.

"First and foremost…what we want to do is let you know, let the community know, let the people all over Northern California know, it is safe to come to our wharf," Keeley said.

The mayor shared that professionals have come to examine the wharf from "beginning to end, wall to wall, side to side," including using sonar technology and diving underwater to determine its integrity.

"What we know is that this wharf is sound and safe for you to be here, for our merchants to open back up, for people to come here and visit again, in what is one of the most cherished, and iconic, wooden wharves in the United States of America," Keeley said.

Dozens of businesses were forced to close, impacting 400 employees around the holiday season.

Several thanks were given to emergency crews who aided during the collapse, but also to residents who donated to the relief fund to help reopen the wharf.

Other officials present included several councilmembers and assemblymembers, some of whom also spoke.

"Support these local businesses. Together, let's keep our small businesses strong, and keep the wharf a thriving, iconic asset in our community," said Councilman Scott Newsome, who represents District 4, which includes the wharf.

Councilwoman Renee Golder informed visitors that during the first two hours when the wharf is open, free parking will be available throughout January.

"It was really tough. This is a busy time of year for us, and we missed out on a lot of sales. Our employees missed out on a lot of work, rent and bills are coming due, and so we were all kind of stressed out," said Gino Marini, owner of Marini's Candies. 

Marini’s Candies has been at this location for more than 40 years. The owner said he’s thankful he's able to reopen.

"We hope that the community comes out and keeps supporting us, and helps us get through these slower times as it gets into January, February, things kind of slow down a bit," he added. 

That's exactly what Steve Carmassi and his family and friends did on Saturday. 

"Our plan today is to go to Stagnaro Brothers and get some oysters and possibly go to the brewery and sit down there and have some oysters and beers, and for lunch we’ll probably go to Olitas and have a burrito," he said. 

The mayor said the end of the wharf that fell into the ocean had been closed for repairs due to previous storms. This fenced-off section will remain closed.

"It’s not a debatable point about whether or not climate change had a pretty serious impact on our wharf, and I think going forward we should examine whether we want to put that part of the wharf back or not," said Keeley. 

A wharf business recovery fund package will be presented to the City Council this month as a way to support employees and businesses.

Part of the wharf collapsed around 12:45 p.m. on Dec. 23, 2024. The area was under construction and was not open to the public. Three construction workers fell into the ocean in the collapse. Two were rescued and one was able to make it to the shore on his own.

The Dolphin Restaurant and a restroom fell into the ocean as well. 

Officials closed Main Beach and Cowell's Beach at the time due to the high surf advisory and the large amount of debris in the area.

The end of the pier remains closed until further notice as it undergoes construction.