While already on alert because of the high surf that hit the Monterey Bay coast Monday, Santa Cruz Lifeguards Lt. Isiah Mullen and Lt. Sam Hofmann, stationed on a Jet Ski in the water near Cowell

After part of the iconic Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed into the ocean amid powerful waves on Monday, feathered culprits have been found to factor into the pier’s damage: seagulls.

Mayor, while stressing the value of the wharf in the community, says rebuilding without serious discussions would be “irresponsible.”

Visitors to Seabright State Beach this week walk past debris that came ashore following the collapse of a section of the Santa Cruz Wharf on Monday. Pilings, beams and a myriad of material from

Santa Cruz city officials are keeping climate change in mind as they plan repairs to the Santa Cruz Wharf after pounding surf collapsed a section of the popular tourist attraction.

Santa Cruz officials on Friday said they're working with engineers to study the collapsed wharf to make sure it's strong and stable before they open it to the public.

A part of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed Monday afternoon during a high-surf warning, with authorities confirming two people had to be pulled from the water.

Strong storms have repeatedly pounded Santa Cruz in recent years, most notably collapsing a chunk of its wharf this week. Is it just bad luck that has left the coastal city vulnerable to dangerous surf?

Strong storms have pounded Santa Cruz in recent years, most notably collapsing a chunk of its wharf this week. Is it just bad luck?