Santa Cruz Wharf approves declaration of existing state of emergency

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The City of Santa Cruz voted unanimously to declare an existing state of emergency for the partial collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf.

The city had agreed to move forward with a resolution with some additions. One of those additions is the creation of an Ad Hoc Committee addressing climate change and the future of the wharf.

The resolution would also help look into continued relief and support for businesses on the wharf that faced economic impacts due to the collapse.

Prior to the vote, the city had been making proclamation about over the current state of emergency. This came after the partial collapse that saw the end of the wharf fall into the ocean due to high surf.

The Dolphin Restaurant and public restrooms where swept away with debris washing up ashore. Three people were also left out on the ocean with two being rescued and one rescuing themselves.

The rest of January will also have two hours of free parking for those looking to stop by. The wharf was reopened on January 4th.