Santa Cruz city officials say scammers posing as Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf firms are requesting donations after the building partially collapsed.
Officials said, “This is a scam,” on social media on Saturday. “These actions take advantage of the kindness and generosity of our community.”
The wharf was closed Monday when waves up to 30 feet high, according to the National Weather Service, broke off roughly 150 feet at its end.
“All official fundraising efforts will be clearly communicated through official City of Santa Cruz channels, including our website and social media pages,” stated officials. “If you encounter what you believe to be a fundraising scam, please let us know.”
Due to damage caused by earlier storms in late 2023 and early 2024, the part that collapsed had been closed.
When the collapse happened, three people went into the river, but nobody was hurt.
Local authorities are dealing with some difficult issues regarding the future of the building, which welcomes over two million tourists annually.
The mayor of the city conceded that, given the increasing risks posed by climate change, plans to replace the 150-foot portion that fell off in Monday’s storm are still up in the air.
“It would be irresponsible of us to not ask what is the right thing to do here,” stated Fred Keely, the mayor of Santa Cruz. “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.”
According to officials, it might take a few weeks to a month or more to evaluate the wharf’s structural integrity and remove any large machinery that fell into the ocean.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.