Joe ClarkeIncumbent
Candidate for City Council (At-Large), Capitola
Clarke is a retired Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office deputy who served as a K-9 deputy, on the department's search-and-rescue unit, on the SWAT team, and as a hostage negotiator. He was elected to the Capitola City Council in 2022, was appointed vice mayor for 2025, and became mayor later that year after the previous mayor's resignation. During his term the city rebuilt the Capitola Wharf, reopened Rispin Mansion Park, and advanced the Treasure Cove universally accessible playground at Jade Street Park. He has also been involved in the city's response to the Coastal Rail Trail debate, the Capitola Mall redevelopment, and state housing mandates.
Positions in brief
Clarke's priorities include responsible development, public safety, and preserving Capitola's small-town character amid state housing mandates and the mall redevelopment.
Clarke points to his current term's record: rebuilding the Capitola Wharf, reopening Rispin Mansion Park, and advancing the Treasure Cove universally accessible playground at Jade Street Park. He says his focus going forward includes responsible development, public safety, and preserving the city's character, and he has been involved in the city's response to the Coastal Rail Trail debate, the Capitola Mall redevelopment, and the city's response to state housing mandates.
On the issues
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