Chris Thomas for Pacific Grove City Council, District 5.
Secure a vibrant future for Pacific Grove. Join us as we advocate for District 5 with transparency and grassroots grit. All within a vision for Pacific Grove.
Communication with residents is vital;
Text PG5 to 831.280.9864 to join the
District 5 text list for news and updates.
You can opt out at any time.
About Chris Thomas
For the first time, PG will have six districts that will elect their own council member. Our representative should be accountable to the people of District 5, have a vision for PG, and help carry on the progress Mayor Smith and City Council has achieved. As a member of the Pacific Grove Library Advisory Board, I have the opportunity to serve our community and learn more about the challenges and opportunities our city faces. My dog, Maya, and I walk 80-100 miles/month through PG. I've gotten to know the people of Pacific Grove by walking the neighborhoods, talking with residents, and listening to what matters most to them.
I've lived in San Antonio, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Houston. When I retired, we had the freedom to live anywhere, and after considering what mattered most to us, my wife, our dogs, and I moved here. We didn’t end up in PG by chance; we chose it. We committed to being here with intent, and it’s where we want to build our future. We chose Pacific Grove because it represents the kind of community we believe in: a walkable town, engaged neighbors, beautiful natural surroundings, and people who care enough to get involved. Its character, culture, and values are exactly what we were looking for. We chose PG before I ever had the opportunity to represent it. Now I'm asking for the opportunity to help protect what drew us here and to work alongside our neighbors to make it even better.
Professionally, my background has centered on solving problems, managing budgets, and making thoughtful decisions. Generating revenue and managing expenses were paramount in my career. I admire Mayor Smith and City Council's financial stewardship and what they have done to maintain Pacific Grove's financial stability. Responsible budgeting isn't just about balancing this year's budget—it's about making wise investments in roads, parks, public buildings, utilities, and other infrastructure that will serve residents for decades. It's a challenging task, but one we have to solve, and I hope to be able to contribute to as a Council Member.
My goal is to preserve what makes Pacific Grove special while making thoughtful decisions that strengthen our community for the next generation.
current mayor
Mayor Smith joined the Planning Commission in 2014, was elected to the City Council in 2016, reelected in 2020, and elected mayor in 2024. Nick and the current Council have made progress in paying down the pension bonds issued in 2006. This liability wasn't created by the current council. It was initially created by benefit increases enacted in 2002 and early 2000s CalPERS investment losses. He has also led a never-before-effort to create a 10-year infrastructure improvement plan for PG; a politically courageous move. Nick has consistently made civil, constructive Council deliberation part of his political identity. He is supportive of Pure Water Monterey, affordable housing, environmental initiatives, maintaining city services and public investment, while emphasizing fiscal sustainability and civil Council relations.
Measure R
The sales-tax increase
I support Measure R, the .00375 increase in sales tax that expires in 10 years. In real numbers that's 18.75 cents on a $50 purchase. On an individual basis it's very little, on the whole it will help immensely. It will raise about $1,000,000/year, half of that or more from our visitors. When visitors shop and dine in Pacific Grove, they use our infrastructure too. We can generate revenue for local services without putting the entire additional burden on Pacific Grove homeowners through property-based taxes. PG has real infrastructure needs, and postponing them doesn't make them go away, it makes them more expensive. My support comes with an expectation of accountability. I want residents to be able to see every year how much Measure R raised, where that money went, and what projects were completed.
What/Who I Support
for this Election
Candidates and Measures
Cynthia Garfield: Cynthia's website
CURRENT City Council Member, DISTrict 1
Cynthia has served on the Council from 2016–2020 and returned in January 2025. In 2018, Cynthia served on the Council's Water Policy Subcommittee. The group met repeatedly with local leaders to work through Pacific Grove's water-policy issues. She represented Pacific Grove on the Fort Ord Reuse Authority and participated in its transition-planning process. She served as president of the Pacific Grove Public Library Foundation. She served on the Point Lobos Foundation board, volunteered at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and with Pacific Grove Public Works at Perkins Park, and belonged to organizations such as Friends of Hopkins Marine Station and the Natural History Museum. Cynthia has consistently emphasized using complete information, planning, fiscal analysis and consensus-building rather than taking highly ideological positions.
CURRENT City Council Member, At large
Lori McDonnell was elected to City Council in 2022. She currently chairs the Climate Action and Adaptation Committee. She serves as the city representative on the Community Human Services (CHS) Board of Directors, which supports mental health, addiction, and homelessness services in Monterey County, and on the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG). She also serves as council Liaison to the Beautification and Natural Resources Commission and Library Board. Lori is an active volunteer with the Black Oystercatcher Monitoring Project through the Monterey Audubon Society and the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, BayNet through NOAA, which focuses on educating people about our Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and the Harbor Seals of Pacific Grove monitoring and research program. Lori is a strong protector of our natural environment and citizens rights.
Candidate for City Council, District 3
Tara first came to PG in 1999 when stationed at the Naval Post Graduate School. She served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, including at the White House National Security Council. She has held senior corporate roles in financial services, including Exec. Dir. of Intl. Policy at JPMorganChase, VP Corp. Relations & Chair of Sustainability Council at Allstate, & VP Corp. Affairs & Chief Sustainability Officer at USAA. Today, Tara serves on multiple nonprofit & corporate boards. She also serves on the California Governor's Military Council and runs a local strategic advisory firm. She's a graduate of Leadership Carmel, a 10-month program focused on strengthening civic leadership in communities across the Monterey Peninsula, and has mentored students at CSU Monterey Bay. Tara brings direct experience in governance, fiduciary oversight, and public policy to the work needed in Pacific Grove.
The Neighborhood District
District 5 is the working heart of everyday Pacific Grove. It is a neighborhood of families, workers, longtime residents, and people who quietly contribute to making our city special. It represents the diversity, energy, and future of Pacific Grove. As our city moves to district-based representation, District 5 deserves a strong voice focused on practical solutions, responsible government, and a future where every neighborhood can thrive.
District 5 brings an important perspective to Pacific Grove: the perspective of families raising children here and building the next generation of our community.
I want to hear from you.
We are building a stronger Pacific Grove. Your time and energy are the foundation of our success. Please leave a complaint or suggestion here. Or use it to join my mailing/text list to receive updates on District 5 and PG.
Fill out this form or leave a voicemail at 831.813.1513
Latest Updates
Stay informed on our campaign progress and community initiatives in Pacific Grove. We share updates on District 5 and our shared vision for the future.
