Let's Fix It PG!
Experienced leadership. Transparent government. A safer, stronger Pacific Grove.
My wife and I love living here, cherishing our small town, the glorious Pacific Ocean. But our council is not measuring up, serving the essential needs of residents.
They have no plan to shore up the eroding beach path along Ocean View Boulevard. Nothing to prevent catastrophic fire risk at George Washington Park. Road, sidewalk repair gets short shrift. No Downtown Revitalization Plan. Nothing to address frequent winter power outages. Speeding vehicles get a free pass.
Despite a cornucopia of property, hotel tax revenue, a 9.25% sales tax, they created a $2 million budget deficit; emergency reserves are dwindling. No wonder PG voters turned down the council's attempted 135% pay raise.
Before we moved here 6 years ago, as a nonpartisan Mayor, councilmember in Auburn, California, I helped revitalize the business district, lowered fire risk, balanced the budget 12 years in a row. Pacific Grove needs energetic, transparent, fiscally responsible leadership.
As a former naval officer, Chief Health Policy Consultant, California Legislature; Chamber of Commerce CEO; Economics Instructor, I work collaboratively, get things done.
I will hit the ground running, a nonpartisan team player improving services for residents. Together, let's fix it PG!
I would be honored by your vote.
Kevin J. Hanley
Pacific Grove City Council · 2026
District 1 is the pink northern section of Pacific Grove on the city's adopted district map. Only District 1 voters will see this council race on their 2026 ballot.
Council members must address challenges affecting the entire city. Kevin welcomes volunteers, endorsements, and campaign help from every Pacific Grove district.
Why Kevin decided to run
Moving to Pacific Grove six years ago was a dream come true for Kevin and his wife. He had no intention of running for City Council, but after raising concerns about the catastrophic fire risk at George Washington Park and the eroding beach path along Ocean View Boulevard without action, he decided to run.
Kevin attends Monterey Fire Safe Council meetings to stay informed about reducing fire risk. His local-government experience and education in public policy analysis will help build a more efficient, effective city government focused on residents' public-safety and essential-service needs.
City of Auburn, California
Elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2006 and 2010; served as Mayor in 2012–13. Helped balance 12 city budgets and worked on economic development, public safety, transportation, land use, roads, sidewalks, and wastewater. Initiated performance-based budgeting and transparency in bargaining. His service was recognized with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition and the McCann Award for Lifetime Achievement.
California Legislature
Wrote thousands of bill analyses and crafted laws related to insurance, health policy, and the State Budget for Assemblymembers and State Senators. Analyzed budget issues involving natural resources and transportation and received Assembly and Senate resolutions.
State of California
Advised the Governor on signing or vetoing 309 insurance and health-care bills and represented the Governor on the California Earthquake Authority.
Auburn Chamber of Commerce
Assisted more than 500 businesses through budgeting, government advocacy, business-owner training, fundraising, economic development, and promotional events.
Butte-Glenn Community College District
Taught microeconomics and macroeconomics in person and online and earned an Online Teaching Credential.
USS Midway (CV-41), Yokosuka, Japan
Led and managed 35–150 sailors in Electronic Warfare, Main Engines, and Supply divisions. His commanding officer called him the best and most trusted Underway Officer of the Deck aboard the forward-deployed aircraft carrier. He earned the American Expeditionary Medal and was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant.
Claremont Graduate University · Thesis: “The Future of the Aircraft Carrier” (391 pages)
University of California, Berkeley · Graduated cum laude
Four priorities for safer neighborhoods, responsible government, and a stronger Pacific Grove. Select a priority to read the details.
Along Ocean View Boulevard the council is allowing our beautiful beach path to erode, crumble into the bay without a plan to preserve it. In one area the path is only 6 feet from the road with a 40-foot drop for anyone who mistakenly steps too close to the edge, especially children! That's dangerous, unacceptable. Our town is famous for our treasured beach path. Past generations built stone retaining walls to save the beach path. Thank goodness they did. I will work to fund permanent solutions to preserve the beach path for us and future generations. I have experience working with state and local agencies to solve big challenges.
The council has negligently allowed the creation of a 17-acre tinderbox of dead trees and dry grasses. CALFIRE says the park is a "significant fire risk due to fuel accumulation and proximity to residential structures." In high wind conditions, embers can fly one mile, igniting spot fires. The residents of Paradise, Lahaina and Pacific Palisades paid a high price for thinking a catastrophic fire would never happen to them. Let's protect our city now! I will work with the Fire Chief and Pacific Grove forester to responsibly reduce excessive fuels to help prevent the loss of human, animal and plant life.
I will work to dedicate additional funding for neglected road and sidewalk repairs, crosswalk accessibility, and implement a Pedestrian/Bicycle Master Plan and Safe Routes to Schools program. I will work with our Police Chief to prioritize pedestrian and bicyclist safety by deterring speeding vehicles and enforcing the law.
If PG voters approve increasing the city sales tax by 0.375% on the November 3 ballot, the council is not obligated to spend one dime on essential public services. They've said any future tax increase could fund an increase in "council pay." If elected, I will fight to direct General Fund money to serve residents' needs, not councilmember pockets. We can do better!
Campaign platform
Read or save Kevin's original one-page platform.Two examples of Kevin raising important public-safety and infrastructure concerns.
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Questions, endorsements, and volunteer inquiries are welcome.
