Santa Cruz could reopen the end of the Wharf by 2026

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) - The city of Santa Cruz will discuss plans to reopen the end of the wharf that has been closed since high swells in December 2024 collapsed 180 feet of the structure. 

This comes after the Santa Cruz City Council settled on creating a $1 million rebuild plan back in April.

The goal is to rebuild the part of the wharf that was destroyed and also bring back the popular sea lion viewing holes.

The project is expected to start this fall and be completed by spring 2026.

The same report indicates the council will also discuss long-term recovery plans for the wharf. This could include raising business rents and parking fees.

Staff say this is because over the past several years, revenues for the city fund, including wharf tenants' lease payments and parking fees, have remained relatively flat while costs have increased.

Other options council members will discuss include adding new vending opportunities, modernizing parking operations to reduce costs, and prohibiting large trucks.