Candidate for
Mayor; City of Morro Bay

JANICE PETERS, MAYOR OF MORRO BAY

Although I was elected to office throughout my school years, I took a long hiatus before running for office again as an adult! Born in Chicago, Illinois, my family moved to Salinas, California, when I was 12, and then to Los Gatos when I was in high school. At age nineteen, I moved to Los Angeles to major in theater arts at UCLA. For the next 20 years I worked in various aspects of the film industry, as an actress, script analyst, and production manager. It was a great experience, always interesting and exciting, and I had a wonderful time.

Eventually disenchanted with city living, I returned to UCLA to get my Legal Assistant certificate, which opened up work opportunities outside of Los Angeles. A friend suggested Morro Bay, and on my first visit I fell in love with the beauty and charm of the town. I drove over Highway 1 in a downpour, and turned off at San Jacinto to see what the beach was like. As I turned towards Morro Rock, the rain stopped, the sun came out and the Rock literally sparkled. It was a pretty clear message that I was where I was supposed to be.

In January 1989, I moved into my new home and was hired by the San Luis Obispo law firm of Andre, Morris and Buttery, where I worked as a paralegal for twelve years.

I first stepped into the political arena by applying for the Morro Bay Franchise TV Board, with the goal of meeting people and participating in my community. A year later, I applied for an opening on the Planning Commission, where I served for six years.

In 1996, I was appointed to a vacant seat on the City Council, and I subsequently won election to two additional terms before being elected Mayor in 2004 and re-elected in 2006.

In addition to my Mayoral duties, I have been the coordinator of the annual Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival since 1999. I also sell my photographs at local art shows and galleries, and still occasionally do film production work for companies on location in our county.

On a personal level, I enjoy spending time with my mom, Geb, also a Morro Bay resident. My brother, Greg Peters, CFO of RRM Design Group, lives in Los Osos with his family. I have two admittedly spoiled dogs who take me for walks. My spare time, when I can find it, is spent reading mystery novels, going to the movies and karaoke singing.

Although I hadn't planned on becoming a public official, I enjoy the work. Being involved in the political process, not just locally, but in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., makes one very patriotic and grateful for our form of government. It's frustrating at times, but every one of us can be a part of the process.

Serving as Mayor is the most challenging and rewarding job I've had. I'm very proud of our community and proud to be able to serve. This is definitely the happiest time of my life.