Capitola Storm Damage Tour — Briefed POTUS on Esplanade Recovery
Biden · Biden Administration
Advance Lead for President Biden's tour of storm-ravaged Capitola, Santa Cruz County. Personally briefed POTUS on esplanade recovery efforts and local business impacts. Biden arrived via Marine One at Watsonville Municipal Airport, then motorcaded to Capitola Village where he walked the damaged esplanade with Gov. Newsom, toured the gutted Paradise Beach Grille, and met with business owners. Continued to Seacliff State Beach for remarks to press. First presidential visit to Santa Cruz County since George H.W. Bush after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Thousands of onlookers gathered. Biden pledged 100% federal cost-share for the first 60 days of emergency work. Coordinated across USSS, FEMA, local law enforcement, and state officials.