Council approves "to honor the women of water" sculpture, directs fundraising partnership

Capitola’s City Council voted unanimously on July 23 to accept a recommendation from the Art and Cultural Commission to site a sculpture titled "to honor the women of water" and to direct staff to pursue a partnership with County Park Friends to administer fundraising. The project team presented the concept as a privately funded companion piece to an existing male surf statue, with an estimated sculpture value of $350,000 and a target installation in fall 2027.

Project lead Carrie Lochhead said the piece is meant to complete a cultural story and to be “a companion piece to the sculpture that is on the West Side,” adding that the team seeks to create a surrounding space with seating and landscaping so the work can be appreciated and protected. Staff noted no city public‑art funds would be used; the project will rely on private fundraising managed in part through a memorandum of understanding with County Park Friends. Several residents and business owners spoke in favor, citing cultural and economic benefits. The council’s motion asked staff to approve the proposed location, allow minor design changes in coordination with the project committee, and direct staff to pursue the fundraising MOU; the motion passed 5–0.