The application period is open to fill a vacant P.G. City Council seat and two have already stepped forward.

The application period to fill a seat on the Pacific Grove City Council vacated by former councilmember Paul Walkingstick opened on Thursday, May 7 and is set to close at 5pm, Friday, May 22. Two people have already applied for what is a short-term gig, since the seat goes back up for grabs in the Nov. 3 election.

The two that have applied as of Monday, May 11 are Chalet Booker and Kevin Phillips. Booker is a longtime resident who works for the Community Foundation for Monterey County as a senior administrative officer. Phillips is a local restauranteur who, among others, owns the Beach House restaurant and Lovers Point Beach Cafe in P.G.

Walkingstick resigned his position on April 1 due to a family situation, less than two years after he won as the top vote getter in 2024. Although he was elected to a four-year term, in 2025 the Council approved moving to a new district voting system, with Walkingstick's district, District 1, up for election on Nov. 3, 2026. 

(Districts 3 and 5 are also up for election in November. Districts 2, 4 and 6 will be decided in 2028. A detailed map is available here.)

On Wednesday, May 6, the Council voted 4-1 in favor of opening up the application period the following day. Councilmember Chaps Poduri voted no, suggesting the council leave the seat vacant. He cited potential bias, should the council select a candidate who then chooses to run in November. 

Councilmembers also directed staff to post applications to the City Council webpage within 24-48 hours of receiving them so the public has access to them ahead of selection. 

The Council will hear from candidates during its June 3 meeting and vote to select the new councilmember. Should the vote be successful that night, the selectee will be sworn in immediately.