James Kyriaco, a member of Goleta’s City Council with some 20 years of local nonprofit and public service experience, is running for re-election to the newly created Goleta City Council District 2, which includes Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, Old Town, and Cabrillo Business Park.
“I’m seeking re-election to continue our efforts to keep Goleta a healthy, safe, and fiscally sound city,” said Kyriaco, a lifelong resident of Goleta and Santa Barbara County. “I am committed to continuing to prioritize protecting our environment, providing resources for children and families, and being responsive to community input.”
Kyriaco listed some of his actions that have benefited Goleta:
• Approved a COVID Economic Recovery Plan
• Increased funding dedicated to protecting public safety
• Initiated policies making childcare more accessible for working families
• Voted for policies to increase the supply of housing that is affordable for Goleta residents
• Voted to hire a new Spanish engagement specialist to perform needed community outreach, and led efforts to form a new diversity, equity and inclusion committee
• Supported joining Central Coast Community Energy to help Goleta meet it sFossil Free by 2030 Goal
Kyriaco also noted examples of accomplishments specific to the new District 2:
• Completion of Jonny D. Wallis Park in Old Town and a new Community Garden at Armitos Park
• Helped secure $3,000,000 for the Goleta Community Center renovation
• Voted for a new ssports field and pickleball courts in Old Town
• Approved Old Town parking and sidewalk improvements
• Approved environmental review and project design for the Goleta Train Depot
• Voted to purchase Goleta’s City Hall building, saving some $100,000 annually
Kyriaco’s experience and record of community work have earned him endorsements from local, state and federal leaders, including:
Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte, Goleta Councilmembers Kyle Richards and Stuart Kasdin, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal, State Sen. Monique Limón, County Supervisors Joan Hartmann, Gregg Hart and Das Williams, County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido, Goleta School Board Members Sholeh Jahangir and Vicki Chen-Yaacov, Goleta Water Board members Lauren Hanson, Farfalla Borah and Bill Rosen, and Santa Barbara School Board Members Virginia Alvarez, Laura Capps, Kate Ford, Wendy Sims-Moten and Rose Munoz.
“I’m honored to have the support of such a diverse group of elected officials, as well as environmental, labor and other community leaders who share my values and support my vision for keeping Goleta a safe and sustainable city that shines for all of us,” Kyriaco said.
Kyriaco cited some of his major goals for a second term.
“I’m confident that by working collaboratively with my colleagues, we will launch an Old Town Visioning Process, add new bike lanes and parking on Hollister Avenue, and complete traffic improvements that will make it easier to get to and from the airport,” he said. “And we will make real progress in making housing and childcare more affordable for working families.”
Kyriaco’s history of community service includes his current service on the boards of Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital Foundation, CommUnify and the CAUSE Action Fund. He serves as the city council liaison to the Goleta Valley Community Center and the City of Goleta Library Advisory Board.
He is a member of both the city’s Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness and its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committees. Before being elected to the City Council, Kyriaco served as a member of the Goleta Public Engagement Commission, the County Historic Landmarks Advisory Committee, and was a board member of the Santa Barbara Family Care Center, Citizens Planning Association of Santa Barbara County and the Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County.
Kyriaco earned his bachelor’s degree from Antioch University of Santa Barbara, and his master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Northridge. He lives with his wife Angie Swanson-Kyriaco in Old Town Goleta.