A new member of the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission was appointed a day before the panel said farewell to longtime member Larry Ferini.

On Tuesday, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors appointed Roy Reed to serve as the Fourth District planning commissioner.

Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson nominated Reed, whose appointment becomes effective this Friday. 

Reed retired from the medical industry and is a taxpayer advocate, rancher and multi-generational resident of the Santa Maria Valley, Nelson noted.

“He’s been a director on many nonprofits up here, so I think he’s going to do an excellent job serving our county and the Fourth District,” Nelson said. 

Reed led the board of the Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association.

He owns more than 2,500 acres with diverse agricultural production and another smaller property limited to grazing because of California tiger salamander. 

He graduated from Cal Poly with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in microbiology/plant pathology. 

On Wednesday, at Ferini’s final meeting, the Planning Commission saluted his service to the panel he joined more than 11 years ago and his role representing agriculture industry in various issues.

The recognition included the reading of Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors resolutions honoring Ferini — “a fair and even-handed gentleman,” “valued colleague who was well prepared,” “thoughtful and compassionate” and “outstanding timekeeper ensuring timely meetings for all.”

First District Commissioner C. Michael Cooney said Ferini set an example for how to carry out the important work of the planning panel.

“If I was a real baseball coach, instead of a high school coach, I’d want Larry on my team every time,” Cooney said. 

“He’s not all about just his view; he’s really trying to find a solution,” Second District Commissioner Laura Bridley said. “I’m going to miss you greatly.”

The newest member, Fifth District Commissioner Vincent Martinez, said he appreciated Ferini’s invaluable voice as a member of the agriculture industry.

Ferini brought common sense to issues before the commission, chair John Parke added.

“We sometimes need a big dose of that,” Parke said. “Also he has probably the strongest moral compass that I know of. He wants to do the right thing and treat people the right way.”

Additionally, Nelson and former Fourth District Supervisor Peter Adam, who initially  appointed Ferini, spoke about the departing planning commissioner.

While people use the terms thoughtful and wise about Ferini, he’s actually known for being a mentor to many people in the community, Nelson said. 

“He’s generous with his time, with his talents, with his resources,” Nelson said. 

Ferini said he plans to focus on the business, Rancho Laguna Farms, which grows berries and vegetables while employing approximately 1,000 people.

“It’s been a great time up here,” Ferini said, noting the support of county staff and commissioners through the years. “Thank you for a really good rewarding time.”