In 1940, he and Barbara came to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California on vacation and they decided to make it their permanent home.[4] The Gunnar Norberg House, on the southeast corner of Carmelo Street and 10th Avenue was a wedding gift for the newlyweds from the brides parents. The American Craftsman-style home was built in 1909.[5]
During the summer of 1941, Norberg opened a travel service which he operated until his retirement in 1979. He also started an accounting service in Carmel during the war years.[1][3]
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Norberg was drafted by the United States Army during World War II, serving from 1943 to 1945, but was never assigned to a combat unit due to his poor eyesight. He became a citizen of the United States when he enlisted in the Army.[3] He was inducted at the Presidio of Monterey and ended up at Camp Beale. Private Norberg became editor for the camp's newspaper, and helped set up the military installation's first football team and symphony orchestra. He received an honorable discharge to embark on a new role within the Office of Inter-American Affairs. Eventually, this organization evolved into the Voice of America.[1][6]
Norberg's political journey in Carmel began with his election to the City Council in 1958. He was loved for his efforts in safeguarding the village's character, yet despised for his abrasive approach in doing so.[7]
Although Norberg faced a temporary setback in 1962 because of his outspoken views, he made impressive comebacks, winning elections in 1966 and 1970. He was vice-mayor from 1972 to 1975. In 1976, Norberg was elected Carmel's new mayor succeeding mayor Eugene Hammond.[8] He won a second term in 1978 when he was reappointed mayor of Carmel by the City Council.[9]
Throughout his tenure, he encountered resistance from his peers regarding his progressive ideas, such as advocating against increased hotel square footage and proposing a 500-foot distance between similar tourist-oriented shops. Feeling like a "lone voice in the wilderness," Norberg's unwavering commitment earned him the name of the "Abominable No-Man" among some pro-development residents. Additionally, under Norberg's leadership, Carmel took legal action, filing two lawsuits to protect the city from unfavorable development in Carmel Valley. He continued the legacy set by Perry Newberry, standing firmly against unrestricted growth, excessive freeway development, the unchecked expansion of motels, and the overwhelming influx of tourism. Norberg ardently advocated for preserving the natural beauty and embracing a simpler, more authentic way of life.[1][4][2]
As vice-mayor, he persuaded the city council to buy the Flanders Mansion and adjoining 14.9 acres (6.0 ha) in 1972 from the Flanders heirs for $275,000 (equivalent to $2,067,204 in 2024) to prevent the Flanders Estate from development.[10][4] In May 1979, 20th Century Fox purchased the Pebble Beach Corporation for over $71 million (equivalent to $307,601,559 in 2024). Norberg expressed his concerns about the purchase as he believed that 20th Century-Fox had a significant surplus of funds due to the success of "Star Wars." The City Council, in response, passed a resolution opposing the acquisition.[11]
Upon Clint Eastwood's decision not to seek re-election as the mayor of Carmel from 1986 to 1988, Norberg and former mayor Charlotte Townsend expressed their hopes for a return to a simpler, more ordinary way of life, with diminished commercialization in the city. Norberg emphasized his belief that Carmel had experienced a surge in commercialization during the previous two years, asserting that the essence of "Carmel wasn't made by spending money. It was made by spending the time and effort of dedicated people." The preamble to the city charter of Carmel underscores its primary focus on being a residential, with business interests taking a secondary position in importance.[12]
Norberg and his wife both acted in plays at Edward Kuster's Golden Bough Playhouse.[4] In 1971, Norberg and president of the Forest Theater Guild, photographer Cole Weston, played a role in a campaign to preserve the Forest Theater, an outdoor venue. Recognizing the theater's cultural significance and historical value, they rallied the community, igniting a collective effort to ensure its survival for future generations.[1]
In 1972, to raise funds for the Theater's preservation, Norberg and Weston produced a full production of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. The success of this production showed the city that there was still public interest and support for the Forest Theater.[4]
The city council commissioned a study to evaluate the efficacy of the theater. The public was invited to comment and, after several months of often heated discussions, several recommendations were made: The city council decided to continue city operation of the facility, and the outdoor theater would be leased to the Forest Theater Guild on a two-year trial basis. The trial was a success, and the lease with the Forest Theater Guild was renewed.[13]
