PACIFIC GROVE >> The Pacific Grove City Council has a full quorum, after appointing a seventh member to a seat left vacant since November 2024.

Cynthia Garfield was sworn in Wednesday, succeeding Debby Beck, in a 6-0 vote.

Garfield is a formal councilwoman, elected in 2016 and previously served as the president of the Pacific Grove Library Foundation.

“I commend all of the council for their attention to doing it right and getting a good result. I know we have a difference of opinion, but I really thank you for the unanimous vote, that means a lot to me,” Garfield said.

Mayor Nick Smith praised Garfield for her presentation.

“I think Cynthia is the right choice, she was really prepared and I was impressed by her comments tonight,” Smith said. “She’s ready to tackle the issues and has served before which is a challenge as we all know.”

Seven people applied for the two-year term; Anna Bornstein, Ross Davison, Melvin Dubee, Garfield, Michael Gibbs, Eugene Loh and Donald Murphy. An eighth candidate, Jennifer Kelly withdrew her application.

Of the group, the council nominated Bornstein, Davison, Garfield and Murphy. They went through a second round of voting where council members can select a candidate and asked for a second motion.

Murphy had a lot of support from the public. Residents wrote letters to the council backing Murphy for his well known persona in the community, and calm demeanor.

“We have a unique opportunity to bring in Donald Murphy who brings in all his experience from the planning commission and his experience with the community,” said Councilwoman Lori McDonnell.

Murphy was nominated during the second round of voting, but the vote failed 2-4.

Bornstien and Davison also got a lot of from the public, many who supported a younger group of candidates making their way on the council.

“I think we need people who are going to live with the impact of our decisions, and I think Anna Bornstein and Ross Davison would serve that well,” Councilwoman Tina Rau said.

The council members said the decision was a difficult one, and encouraged several of the candidates to run in a future election.

“The wealth of talent that came forth is incredible and has made this decision monumentally difficult,” Councilman Paul Walkingstick said.