CAPITOLA — Santa Cruz County will have some extra representation in Washington this week after Rep. Jimmy Panetta announced a Capitola business owner will be his guest at President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address Tuesday.
Chuck Hammers owns the Pizza My Heart restaurant chain, including the location at Capitola’s esplanade which — similar to other restaurants on the block — sustained extensive damage due to heavy rains and a massive tidal surge in early January. He boarded his flight Monday with a solemn sense of responsibility and a minor case of the jitters.
“I’m nervous and I’m excited,” Hammers told the Sentinel. “It’s just an amazing honor to be selected to represent the victims of the storm damage in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.”
Hammers and the entire Congress will take a seat in the Capitol to witness first-hand the storied political tradition that attracts major national attention each year. Last year’s speech attracted a TV audience of more than 38 million, according to an AP report.
But it won’t be the first time Hammers has seen Biden up close. The two previously met as Biden toured Capitola Village following his Jan. 15 major disaster declaration that mobilized federal resources to the region. Hammers said Biden was “really touched” when he saw the severity of the damage and he’s encouraged by the support he has seen from federal, state and local sources.
“The federal government recognizes our little community and our representatives and the president cared enough to be out here,” Hammers said. “Representative Panetta was out there the day after the event. That’s amazing.”
Panetta, who accompanied Biden on his county tour with stops in Watsonville, Seacliff and Capitola, said Hammers’ presence at the event makes it clear that the federal government is committed to seeing the recovery process through.
“The government is here to affect people’s lives in a positive way – especially in times of need,” said Panetta, noting the current storm recovery process and also the recent Paycheck Protection Program that Hammers benefited from in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I wanted to present (Hammers) to the Congress of the United States during the State of the Union as a symbol that this is what happens when government actually works for the people.”
In addition to his pizza business, Hammers also owns the neighboring buildings that house other Capitola restaurants badly damaged from the storms including the Sand Bar, Bay Bar and My Thai Beach. The businesses collectively sustained about $500,000 in damage and Hammers said all are currently navigating the insurance process.
So far, more than 1,800 residents in Santa Cruz County have applied for FEMA aid. Representatives from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will continue to be available at disaster recovery centers in Watsonville and Felton through Feb. 10. Additionally, FEMA survivor assistance representatives are going door to door in Capitola this week to help register community members for assistance. They will be wearing FEMA jackets or vests, government badges and will be holding an iPad for registration purposes.
“I cannot stress enough the president’s message and my message,” Panetta said. “Yes, FEMA is here, yes the federal government is here. But as a representative of the federal government, it’s my obligation to make sure they stay here and provide for the people that need it the most based on the devastation they experienced in these storms.”
Hammers was glad to report that Pizza My Heart in Capitola Village reopened this past weekend, but said the other restaurants suffered more severe structural damage and are aiming to relaunch in time for spring break in April.
“Capitola Strong” T-shirts are available at the Pizza My Heart website and each purchase comes with a free slice and a donation to the rebuilding effort.
As of this week, Capitola is estimated to have sustained about $2.6 million in storm damages, according to a report from city staff. The cost of repairs across all county jurisdictions is estimated to be $76 million, but is expected to climb in the weeks and months ahead.
“To have somebody there is really heartwarming and knowing it’s a fellow business owner and constituent, it’s really nice,” said Capitola Mayor Margaux Keiser, who runs a personal training and nutrition counseling business of her own.
She said while some businesses along the coastline are back up and running, others have a longer path ahead. And while the overall rebuilding effort will still take time even with this outpouring of national attention and support, she says “in the long run, we’ll be stronger because of it.”
If you tune in
What: State of the Union address.
When: 6 p.m. (PST) Tuesday.
How: WH.gov/sotu or cable news channels.
