Listen, Lead, & Lift. Listen You can expect me to start by listening. I want to understand what you are experiencing in Pacific Grove, what is working well, and where we can do better. I care deeply about this community and about making life better for the people who call it home. Lead You can also expect me to get things done! I have led through incredibly difficult situations in the military, business, and government, at all levels. I know how to bring people together, work

Pacific Grove residents for office are able to provide a candidate statement of up to 200 words. Here's mine. Below it, you can find my current issues paper. I’m Tara Leweling – a wife, aunt, woman veteran, small business owner, and proud Pacific Grove resident. My connection to PG began in 1999, when I was stationed at the Naval Postgraduate School and lived on the 100 block of Central Avenue in District 3. I returned to NPS in 2004 for my PhD and met my husband. We dreamed

Pacific Grove faces an estimated $21 million infrastructure investment gap over the next 10 years. Closing that gap will require disciplined prioritization. The American Tin Cannery revitalization could help expand the city’s tax base, while competitive grants can help us make investments that would otherwise be difficult to fund locally. I also think infrastructure planning should be more visible to residents. We should be able to explain what needs attention, what is most u

One of the best parts of this campaign has been the opportunity to connect with people across Pacific Grove. Conversations have covered a range of topics, from opportunities for young people and veterans to our streets, housing, the waterfront, and the future of important properties in our community. Here are a few things I’ve been hearing. Paid Internships Several students in our community are looking for paid internships, which can be an important bridge between education a

The intersection of Lighthouse and Eardley is one of the most visible gateways to Pacific Grove. Hundreds of residents and visitors pass through each day. Thoughtful landscaping could make this entrance more welcoming and better reflect the beauty and character of our city.

What should guide the decision about the roundabout? The intersection of Sunset Drive, Congress Avenue, and Cedar Street needs improvement. It's a complicated five-way intersection used by students traveling to Pacific Grove High School and Forest Grove Elementary, as well as by drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians moving through the Sunset-Congress corridor. There have been at least 13 collisions at or near the intersection over five years. The City has studied both a redesign

Adding bicycle racks to the Central Avenue business district could make it even more welcoming for residents and visitors. Pacific Grove has bicycle racks throughout downtown and along parts of the coast. Adding a few well-placed racks would make it easier for residents and visitors to bike to local businesses on Central Ave, while supporting a more connected, bike-friendly Pacific Grove. It's a small investment that could make our Central Avenue corridor even more inviting.

Our city has a strong record of securing competitive grant funding for infrastructure and environmental projects. As we plan for future capital investments, should competitive grants play a larger role in PG's long-term financial strategy? Pacific Grove Has a Strong Grant Record One example is the Lovers Point stormwater diversion system, which redirects dry-weather runoff from protected coastal waters into the sanitary sewer system. The project helped Pacific Grove comply wi

I recently spoke at two different Pacific Grove Traffic Safety Commission meetings about feedback I've heard from residents as I've been walking neighborhoods and meeting people throughout District 3. I began by thanking the commissioners for the time they devote to representing pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and riders through the city. Their work touches our daily lives, from walkability to maintenance to safety. Prioritizing Street Repairs Many neighborhood streets need

Since filing to represent District 3 on the City Council, I’ve enjoyed spending time with so many people who know and love our city. It’s been a real pleasure to hear from residents, business owners, civic leaders, volunteers, and young people who feel strongly connected to Pacific Grove and have great ideas about what comes next. One highlight was meeting members of the BreakerBots, our youth robotics club. Their curiosity and enthusiasm are infectious! I'm so inspired a

November 2026 marks the first time that PG voters will elect councilmembers by district. The map & election schedule On March 5, 2025, the City Council adopted a six-district map, known during the process as Map 101. The Council favored this map because it: Closely follows PG Unified School District boundaries Keeps neighborhoods intact Creates three coastal districts The transition is happening in two phases: 2026: Districts 1, 3 and 5 elect councilmembers, and voters citywi