Ildefonso “Jojo” Fantone is the newest member of the Carpinteria Architectural Review Board, following a Carpinteria City Council vote Monday night. 

The board serves as an advisory body to the city Planning Commission. Six people applied for the seat vacated by Richard Johnson earlier this year. 

Fantone has 31 years working in the architectural field. He has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and worked with the American Institute of Architects until his retirement in 2022. 

According to his application, his wife was born and raised in Carpinteria. He has lived in the city with his wife and two children for 27 years. 

He previously served as a fill-in Architectural Review Board member for a year in the mid- or late-2000s, per his application. 

“Carpinteria is non-pretentious,” he wrote in his application. “Hence, we need to continue to create and develop a non-contrived but evolved environment which possesses elements that are complementary, harmonious and appropriate — not necessarily conservative but can be progressive.”

The council was originally split between Fantone and Steven Zick, but ultimately went with Fantone, calling him “well-rounded” and experienced.

“He’s very level-headed,” Councilman Wade Nomura said. “He’s not quick to make decisions. He’s got roots here, married to a longtime family that’s been in Carpinteria for generations. He does have a lot of experience.”