City officials in Santa Cruz say swindlers claiming to represent businesses on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf are soliciting donations following the structure’s partial collapse. 

“This is a scam,” officials said on social media Saturday. “These actions take advantage of the kindness and generosity of our community.”

The wharf was closed after about 150 feet broke off at its end on Monday when it was battered by waves that the National Weather Service estimated at up to 30 feet high.

“All official fundraising efforts will be clearly communicated through official City of Santa Cruz channels, including our website and social media pages,” officials said. “If you encounter what you believe to be a fundraising scam, please let us know. “

The section that collapsed had been closed because of damage from previous storms in late 2023 and early 2024.

Three people fell into the water when the collapse occurred, but no one was injured. 

Local officials are facing some tough questions about the future of the structure that draws upwards of two million visitors each year.   

When asked about plans to rebuild the 150-foot section that broke off in Monday’s storm, the city’s mayor acknowledged that remains an open question given the growing risks posed by climate change.

“We’d be irresponsible if we didn’t ask the question what is the right thing to do here,” said Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keely. “But to say we’re simply going to put it back is, I think, frankly much more risky and irresponsible than having a very serious conversation.” 

Officials said structural assessment of the wharf and removal of heavy equipment that fell into the water could take several weeks to a month or longer.

• Santa Cruz
• Storm Damage
• Fraud
• High Surf Advisory
• Scam Alert