For the first time in its 22-year history, the City of Goleta has a Councilmember representing each of its four districts. On December 17, 2024, the last Council meeting of the year, Mayor Paula Perotte was sworn in to once again serve her city for another term. She is the City’s first elected Mayor and has been elected now three times. Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, previously at-large, was sworn in to represent District 4 and selected to be the Mayor Pro Tempore. Councilmember Jennifer Smith was welcomed and sworn in to represent District 3. She joins already seated Councilmembers Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1) and James Kyriaco (District 2). The City’s four districts were established in 2022 with elections for Districts 1 and 2 back in 2022 and Districts 3 and 4 this past November. 

A big part of the final Council meeting of 2024 was set aside to honor outgoing Councilmember Kyle Richards who has served the City for 11 years, first on the City’s inaugural Parks and Recreation Commission in 2013 and then on the Council starting in 2016. He was re-elected in 2020 and served as Mayor Pro Tempore in 2019, 2020 and 2023. Richards served his last term as an at-large Councilmember and will continue his career in public service by serving on the Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees.

At the heartfelt meeting, Richards was presented with a City Tile and a surprise video highlighting his engaging career at the City. You can watch the video here.

Councilmember Richards gratefully listened as the Council and public shared what they appreciated most about his leadership. Among the many sentiments expressed, he was applauded for his intense love for Goleta, his sincere focus on public engagement, inclusion of marginalized communities, his care for the environment, his preparation for meetings and thoughtful decision making.

Following the outpouring of appreciation, Councilmember Richards addressed the audience and said, “As I finish my term, I hope that I am leaving things better than I found them, and that I had a role in doing something good for the community. And more than anything, it is my sincere hope that I have served as a steward of the public's faith in government: that I acted in a way that inspired trust, promoted participation, encouraged selflessness, and that ultimately furthered democracy. I encourage everyone to look for ways to be community-minded: to take actions, no matter how small they may seem, that make our community stronger.”

At the end of his remarks, Richards received a standing ovation. You can see the remarks here at the end of Item D.1.

During his tenure, Richards, an avid bicyclist has been most passionate about maintaining and improving our quality of life, through access to our library, parks, open spaces, and other amenities that make Goleta so special. He loves finding opportunities for our diverse residents to come together, share of themselves, contribute to our community, and find common ground. He's very committed to the City's goal of 100% fossil-free energy and supports efforts to transition to renewable resources.

While he has accomplished so much during his years of service to Goleta, some of the highlights include:

1. Bringing the idea of the now Award-Winning LEAD Goleta Bilingual Community Academy to Goleta
2. Supported Creation of the Public Engagement Commission
3. Adoption of City’s 100% renewable Energy Goals
4. Adoption of a Strategic Energy Plan
5. Partnership with Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) and Serving on its Policy Board
6. Installation of 17 Electric Vehicle Chargers at City Hall
7. Creation of Future Battery Storage Project at City Hall
8. Adoption of City’s first Recreation Needs Assessment
9. Implementation of Homelessness Strategic Plan
10. Serving on Beach Erosion Authority for Clean Oceans and Nourishment Board
11. Implementation of Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
12. Approval of Goleta Train Depot and Design Process
13. Completion of Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park
14. Support of Creek and Watershed Management Plan
15. Support for Childcare Initiatives

Richards has also served on a number of boards and committees. He has lived in Goleta since 2008 and has worked at UCSB since 1997. Originally from Pennsylvania, he has a master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania.

We wish Kyle the best of luck in his next chapter. Thank you Kyle, for all you have done for Goleta.

Goleta City Council (pictured left-to-right): Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember Jennifer Smith (District 3), and Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2)

Mayor Perotte, Mayor Pro Tempore Kasdin and Councilmember Smith being sworn in

Councilmember Richards giving his farewell remarks at the December 17, 2024, City Council Meeting

Councilmember Richards after receiving a standing ovation at his last City Council meeting on December 17, 2024; pictured with Mayor Perotte (photo credit: Noozhawk)

Councilmember Richards with his City Tile, pictured left-to-right: Mayor Pro Tempore
Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember Kyle Richards, City Manager Robert Nisbet, and Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2)