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Your Lost Coast Outpost has heard rumblings of several potential candidates in the upcoming Eureka City Council race, but this one took us by surprise: former city councilmember Jeff Leonard is running for reelection.

As detailed in the campaign announcement below, Leonard represented Eureka’s 3rd Ward on the city council from 2002 to 2010. Now he’s vying for the 5th Ward seat, which is currently held by Renee Contreras-DeLoach.

The Outpost will interview each of the Eureka City Council candidates — plus other folks running for local office — when we get a little closer to the filing deadline for the General Election in November. In the meantime, you can learn more about Leonard in the campaign announcement below.

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Jeff Leonard announced today that he is running for the 5th Ward seat on the Eureka City Council.  Leonard previously represented Eureka’s 3rd Ward from 2002 to 2010, serving two successful terms on the council.

“I love living in Eureka,” Leonard said. “We are fortunate to be part of such a diverse and welcoming community.  With innovative local businesses, beautiful neighborhood parks, a zoo, and easy access to ocean beaches, we enjoy a great quality of life.”
 
Jeff grew up in Eureka and attended local schools. After graduating college, he worked as a photographer and taught high school in San Jose.  In 2000, he returned to Eureka to raise his family. He currently works for State Fund, handling workers’ compensation claims for the State of California.
 
During his time on the City Council, Leonard was an active supporter of Eureka’s local business community and advocated for responsible economic growth. He supported projects that helped grow the local economy, including Eureka Natural Foods, the Eureka Co-op, Target, Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center, Bayfront One, and Eureka Fisherman’s Terminal.
 
Leonard has also been a longtime supporter of renewable energy and energy conservation. He was a founding member of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) and served as Board of Directors chairperson for several years. RCEA’s mission is to create a clean, green, and sustainable energy independent future for Humboldt County.
 
As a council member, Leonard also championed outdoor recreation opportunities for local residents. He led the Eureka Trails Committee and helped develop the Eureka Waterfront Trail plan. “Community support has played an integral role in developing public trails in our community,” Leonard said. “I really enjoy biking on the Eureka Waterfront and Humboldt Bay Trails, and it is great to see so many local families enjoying these wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities.”
 
Leonard also served on the Zoo Foundation Board and worked to improve neighborhood parks. He helped secure funding for new playground equipment at Hammond Park on 14th Street and led the fundraising effort to build the Eureka Skate Park.
 
“Eureka is already a great place to live, but I believe we can do more,” Leonard said. “Keeping our streets safe and clean, providing recreation opportunities for our kids, and supporting development opportunities for our local economy are all part of maintaining the quality of life that makes Eureka special.  That is job number one for the Eureka City Council”.