Goleta swears in mayor Paula Perotti and two council members; Kyle Richards honored at final meeting

The Goleta City Council on Dec. 17 adopted a resolution declaring the results of the Nov. 5, 2024 municipal election, administered oaths of office to Paula Perotti as mayor and to Jennifer Smith and Stuart Kasdan as council members, and held tributes recognizing retiring city employees and outgoing Council Member Kyle Richards.

Deborah Lopez, city clerk, summarized the certified election results and told the council that Paula Perotti was elected mayor and Jennifer Smith and Stuart Kasdan were elected to the council for four-year terms. The council then adopted a resolution reciting the results and declaring the elected persons. The roll call reflected unanimous approval: Council Member Kiriakou (aye), Council Member Richards (yes), Council Member Kasdan (aye), Mayor Pro Tempore Reyes Martin (aye) and Mayor Parodi (aye).

Lopez then administered the oath of office to Paula Perotti (mayor), Stuart Kasdan (Council, District 4) and Jennifer Smith (Council, District 3). After the oaths, Smith said she was mindful of the city's history and pledged to represent all residents. "I am elected to represent everybody, whether those who voted for me or not," Smith told the council.

The meeting also featured a surprise recognition for outgoing Council Member Kyle Richards. Council members, community leaders and regional officials offered tributes. Robert Miller, a former Planning Commissioner and now SBCC trustee, said Richards is "a true public servant who is smart, policy oriented, and dedicated to achieving the best policies for the residents of Goleta." Multiple speakers from the public and region, including Naomi Kovacs, David Silva and Ian Bauchke (representing State Senator Monique Limn), praised Richards's preparation, environmental leadership and mentorship.

Richards, who served on the council from December 2016 through Dec. 17, 2024, said he was most proud of accomplishments the city achieved as a team. "What I'm most proud of is what the city has accomplished," he said, listing initiatives including the city's renewable-energy goals, new parks, updated ordinances and public-engagement efforts.

The council next selected its mayor pro tempore. Council Member Kasdan was nominated and appointed by roll call to serve as mayor pro tempore until the first meeting of December 2025; the roll call vote recorded ayes from Council Members Smith, Kasdan, Kiriakou, Mayor Pro Tempore Reyes Martin and Mayor Perotti.

Ceremonial recognitions at the start of the meeting included presentations to long-serving city employees retiring this month: Karen Corcoran (Human Resources Analyst, 20 years), Carrie McKinnon (Solvang/Los Olivos/San Ynez Valley libraries, 25 years) and Cheryl Pearson (Goleta Valley Library, 22 years). Staff and council presented plaques and city tiles in appreciation of their service.

No contested policy votes were taken as part of the swearing-in and recognition items; the election confirmation and mayor-pro-tem selection were formal actions taken by roll-call vote.