10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY NOVEMBER 5-11, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com As the first vote counts dropped for candidates in the Monterey mayoral and City Council races Tuesday night around 8:25pm, a roar of excitement rang through Oscar’s Playground on Cannery Row, where Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson, District 1 Councilmember Kim Barber and Alec Manas, candidate for District 2, held a joint watch party attended by about 100 supporters. The trio was elated at the initial results. In the race for the Monterey mayor, Williamson has received 5,170 votes, or roughly 72 percent as of Wednesday, Nov. 4. Candidate Vince Malfitano, who declined to comment on the results, received 2,025 votes, or 28 percent. “I feel amazing,” Williamson said at the party. “I am so thankful for everybody coming out. I am excited.” Barber, who says she heard many concerns about affordability from residents on the campaign trail, took an early lead in the District 1 race, with 1,062 votes, or 52 percent. “I’m ecstatic and very grateful to have the support of the people to get a second term and go back to work for them,” Barber says. Barber’s challenger Tom Reeves, a retired Monterey city engineer, is trailing Barber by 59 votes as of Nov. 4. “I appreciate all the support I have received from throughout the community,” Reeves says. “It’s been a very humbling experience to have so many people engage with me along this campaign. “And no matter what happens, I will continue to support and advocate for this community. I’ve been involved ever since I arrived here 38 years ago and I’m not intending to go away.” In the three-person race for an open seat in District 2, Jeff Whitmoyer, who did not fundraise for his campaign, has received 400 votes or 23 percent of the early count. Vicki Nohrden, who ran for state office in the past and received support from retiring Councilmember Ed Smith, received 633 votes or 37 percent. Manas, a first-time candidate, is currently in the lead with 688 votes or about 40 percent of the tally as of Nov. 4. “I knew I had support coming into this but I didn’t realize how much support I actually had,” Manas says. “I put my best foot forward with this campaign and I feel confident.” Measure S would extend a 1-cent tax first approved in 2014. It looks likely to win based on initial results, with 1,665 votes cast against it, and 5,752 votes in favor, nearly 78 percent of the total. It needs two-thirds to pass. As the first election reports were posted around 8:30pm on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Alex Miller could only smile and shrug. “Well, I tried,” he says. As of Wednesday, Nov. 4, incumbent Ian Oglesby tallied 57 percent of the vote in Seaside’s mayoral race, compared to 43 percent for the challenger— despite Miller raising five times more in campaign donations and ringing some 4,000 doorbells. “I think it’s a statement about my leadership and ability to get things done,” Oglesby says. The mayor, who has held the seat for eight years, cites strides made by the city toward projects such as Campus Town— known now as Pacific Landing—and Main Gate on the former Fort Ord property. He expressed confidence in the outcome even before results began to come in. “We’ve shared our vision,” he says. “We will continue to invest in our community.” At a festive gathering on Tuesday night, as votes are still being counted, Miller’s supporters seemed optimistic. Earlier in the day, Miller thanked his team of volunteers. Oglesby wrapped up some final campaign calls before joining followers at a quieter event. Miller, who has served on Seaside’s City Council for four years, pinned his campaign hopes on a desire for change. But, he admits, “Ian has been good.” The City Council seat forfeited by Miller is one of two up for grabs. Of the six candidates vying for those positions, incumbent Rita Burks leads the way with 25 percent of the vote, followed by Lacey Raak with 24 percent. Both are well ahead of Annalisa Mitchell (at 16 percent), Ken Fittro and Dennis Volk (both with 14 percent) and Karla Lobo, who managed 8 percent of the vote. “It was the consistency of knocking,” says Raak, who will be a first-time council member. “I felt like I was talking to my neighbors.” Speaking for all of the elected officials, Raak says the next step is to “keep working really hard.” Finish Line Mayor Tyller Williamson heads to commanding win for another term. By Aric Sleeper NEWS LIMMUD LOWDOWN Congregation Beth Israel presents Limmud, a day of learning about the Jewish experience. People of all backgrounds are invited to attend. 9:30am-4:45pm Sunday, Nov. 8. Hidden Valley Music Seminars, 104 West Carmel Valley Road. $36; sold out. (831) 624-2015, carmelbethisrael.org. SHOT IN THE ARM Salinas Valley Health offers a community flu clinic. The clinic is open to all. 4-7pm Monday, Nov. 9. Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, 85 Maryal Drive, Salinas. Free. (831) 759-1890, salinasvalleyhealth.com/flu. CLEAN UP Salinas City Council meets to consider a Quick Quack car wash facility at the Northridge Mall, among other city business. Public comment is accepted. 4pm Tuesday, Nov. 10. Council Chamber Rotunda, 200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. Free. (831) 758-7381, salinas. gov. STORM SURVIVAL The Monterey County Department of Emergency Management and Supervisor Kate Daniels host a winter storm preparedness town hall for Carmel Valley residents. 5-7:30pm Tuesday, Nov. 10. Tularcitos Elementary School, 35 Ford Road, Carmel Valley. Free. (831) 647-7755, readymontereycounty.org. AT YOUR SERVICE Show your appreciation for members of the U.S. military at the annual Veterans Day parade in Salinas. An opening ceremony and remarks kick off the event. Noon Wednesday, Nov. 11. Salinas High School, 726 S. Main St., Salinas. Free. (831) 214-9781, montereycountyveteransdayparade.org. SEA CHANGE Marina Planning Commission meets to discuss projects in the Sea Haven development, including removing 371 trees. Public comment is accepted. 6pm Thursday, Nov. 12. Council Chambers, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. Free. (831) 884-1220, cityofmarina.org. FOR HOUSING To maintain its Prohousing Designation from the state, the City of Salinas is submitting an application outlining its efforts to support housing development. The public is invited to weigh in on the application. Comments due Dec. 1. housingwebmail@salinas.gov, or send written comments to Community Development Department - Housing Division, Attn: Lisa Brinton, Community Development Director, 65 W. Alisal St., 2nd Floor, Salinas, CA 93901. bit.ly/ ProhousingSalinas2026. Status Quo Ian Oglesby leads in Seaside’s mayoral race; Rita Burks looks certain to retain council seat. By Dave Faries A slate of allies headed for victory celebrate on Nov. 3. From left, Councilmember Gino Garcia (who is midterm), Alec Manas, Kim Barber and Tyller Williamson. E-MAIL: publiccitizen@montereycountynow.com PUBLIC CITIZEN “I put my best foot forward with this campaign.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
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