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

My approach to Pacific Grove local government is focused on respectful dialogue, open-minded leadership, and practical solutions.

My current issues paper is available for download below.

Listen, Lead, & Lift. Listen You can expect me to start by listening. I want to understand what you are experiencing in Pacific Grove. This includes what is working well and where we can do better. Lead You can also expect me to get things done! I have led through incredibly difficult situations in the public and private sector, at all levels. I know how to bring people together to find practical solutions. Lift Most of all, you can expect me to be approachable, thoughtful, a

The Pacific Grove Public Library Friends and Foundation, recently invited candidates to share thoughts on our library. Here are mine. My Family History In the mid-1960s, my mother put herself through college by working at a campus library. Her closing shifts often meant walking back to the dorms late at night. One evening, after noticing a studious young man in the library night after night, she asked him to walk her home. Four daughters and more than 40 years of marriage lat

I was grateful for the chance to join neighbors to help clean up Lovers Point Park. A big thank you to Save Our Shores for organizing the effort and giving so many of us a way to pitch in. Much of what we picked up was ordinary, everyday trash. Between what I found and what I heard from other volunteers, there were cigarette butts, food wrappers and takeout packaging, food like peanut shells, pistachio shells, and banana peels, plastic fragments, bottle caps and lids, straws

I look forward to the forum at CSUMB on September 10th. It’s a great opportunity to learn more with leaders and experts from across the peninsula about how AI is affecting our region. Please say hello if you are attending too! Disclaimer: Any reference to external entities is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement.

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.

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

Some people have been asking about how the Better Arguments Project could apply in Pacific Grove. I was honored to partner with the Aspen Institute and Facing History and Ourselves as we explored how communities, large and small, can strengthen civic dialogue. How We Started The project began with a hopeful premise: disagreement can be constructive. Different perspectives can deepen understanding and lead to better decisions when people approach one another with curiosity,

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

I’m officially a qualified candidate for Pacific Grove City Council District 3. I’m grateful for the encouragement I’ve received and excited to keep listening and working for PG.

One thing I've learned through service on the California Governor’s Military Council is that national security spending has a much larger impact on our local economy than many people realize. California’s National Security Economy California is home to more than 30 federal military installations. During fiscal year 2024, military and national security activity generated an estimated $207 billion in economic activity, representing approximately 5% of the state’s economy. The s

One of my most rewarding experiences has been investing in the next generation by mentoring students at California State University, Monterey Bay. Every conversation with today's students reminds me they're preparing to lead in a world that's changing fast. Artificial intelligence, geopolitical uncertainty, climate change, and shifting expectations about work are reshaping nearly every profession. For many young people I know, starting their professional careers is proving 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