Kayla Jones announces a run for Seaside mayor.

Flanked by her supporters at Laguna Grande Park on March 27, Seaside councilwoman Kayla Jones announced she is running for mayor of Seaside in the 2018 election. 

The announcement is notable on many levels: Jones is 24—she will be 25 on Election Day—and would be the youngest mayor in the state if elected. 

She would also be the first woman mayor in Seaside's history. 

At the moment, it appears she will be facing at least one opponent: former Seaside councilmember Ian Oglesby, who was unseated by Jones in the 2016 election. 

Oglesby has not announced yet, but he says that's in the works. 

Mayor Ralph Rubio has repeatedly indicated to others over the past months that he will not seek re-election, though the Weekly has not yet confirmed that with Rubio, who has not responded to calls for comment. 

Jones, who is proudly progressive in her politics, has been a dynamic and articulate presence on the dais since taking office, and has been a vocal proponent of issues like affordable housing.  

A Seaside native, Jones was exposed to politics from a young age—her grandmother was an aide to former congressman Sam Farr, as well as former county supervisor (and former Seaside mayor) Jerry Smith. 

In later years, Jones volunteered for both of Barack Obama's presidential campaigns, and more recently, Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign.

Over the past two years, Jones has been continuing to attract supporters as the community comes to know her, and among those endorsing her mayoral campaign are State Assemblyman Mark Stone, D-Scotts Valley, District 4 Supervisor Jane Parker, Marina Mayor Bruce Delgado and Seaside councilman Jason Campbell. 

At Jones's announcement March 27, Parker and Campbell spoke to why they're lending their support. 

"Now, more than ever, we need multi-generational leadership," Parker said. "We need to respect younger voices…

"We need inspiration, we need hope, we need leadership that can build bridges and provide a forward-thinking vision. We need a leadership that is not stuck in the past, burdened by old grudges and alliances…

"Councilwoman Jones has demonstrated in the past two years that she provides a level head, a common-sense approach to issues facing Seaside," Parker continued. "She knows the issues, she understands the opportunities, and she can lead Seaside into the future."

Campbell emphasized the transformational effect Jones, as mayor, could have on regional boards, and in turn, regional outcomes. 

"Seaside is changing, and moving into the 21st Century," he said, noting that Jones was responsible for starting city committees last year on homelessness and the environment. "Kayla represents that youthful perspective we really need."

Jones spoke last, saying, "Seaside is moving in a prosperous direction, and we need a strong, progressive mayor." 

She said it was time for the city to be done with "backdoor deals" with developers, and for the council to be able to "talk about sustainable and smart development without everyone losing their minds."

Jones also mentioned that she views the City Council as a team, and that regional board appointments should be more even. 

"I'm very excited about the campaign, and coming months," Jones said.