P.G. Councilmember Walkingstick resigns his position to help family less than two years into his term.

Pacific Grove City Councilmember Paul Walkingstick resigned from his position on Wednesday, April 1, citing the need to attend to family business after the recent death of his father-in-law.

He joined the Council in 2024, after winning the most votes in the November election. There is more than two years left in his term.

"This is unfortunately going to be my last meeting," Walkingstick said. "This is not a decision I came to lightly. It is extremely disappointing. But I trust the City Council and the mayor will appoint somebody who can devote the time and attention necessary to do a good job for the people of Pacific Grove." 

He described serving residents as the "honor of my life," and said he was grateful for the opportunity voters had given him.

Walkingstick was new to city politics when he chose to run in 2024. He ran on a platform of protecting the environment and quality of life of the small town, as well as advocating for greater transparency of the city's business.

When the votes were counted, he bested two incumbents on the ticket, including Chaps Poduri who came in second, and Luke Coletti, who ultimately was edged out by Tina Rau on her second attempt to win a seat. 

Since serving on council, Walkingstick sometimes found himself on the losing end of 4-2 votes along with Councilmember Lori McDonnell. For example, they held fast against a proposal to raise the decibel level at downtown entertainment venues and were against raising council compensation without putting it on the ballot for voters to decide.

Walkingstick later voted with the rest of the Council in favor of putting Measure C on the June ballot to raise compensation.

At Wednesday's meeting, Walkingstick's colleagues thanked him for his dedication to the job and wished him and his family well. Poduri called Walkingstick one of the fastest learners of Council business. 

Mayor Nick Smith was absent. No immediate announcement was made about filling Walkingstick's seat. As mayor, Smith is allowed to appoint someone, but he will likely call for applications, similar to what happened when the Council selected Councilmember Cynthia Garfield after the resignation of Debby Beck.