From left, City Manager Robert Nisbet, Councilmen Roger Aceves and James Kyriaco, and Mayor Paula Perotte smile and laugh while members of the public speak about Aceves during Tuesday’s Goleta City Council meeting.
From left, City Manager Robert Nisbet, Councilmen Roger Aceves and James Kyriaco, and Mayor Paula Perotte smile and laugh while members of the public speak about Aceves during Tuesday’s Goleta City Council meeting. Credit: Serena Guentz / Noozhawk photo

The Goleta City Council recognized longtime City Councilman Roger Aceves during his last regular City Council meeting Tuesday evening as he finishes out his term.

Aceves served on the City Council for 16 years. He was first elected in 2006, and he served as mayor in 2009 and again in 2012.

“I’ve had a wonderful time on this council, with the many councils that we’ve had,” Aceves said. “Yes, there’s been some disagreement, but we’ve worked together. … We have done so much, but it isn’t because of me, it’s been because of you. It’s been because of this incredible staff that we have and their dedication. … It’s also the community. It’s also knowing that we’re not always going to agree, but we have to always be prepared to look and hear from the other side.”

Aceves is the longest-serving council member in city history and has never missed a meeting. 

Before being elected to the council, Aceves worked in law enforcement for 32 years at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Barbara Police Department.

Aceves also has been part of several local organizations, such as the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge, serving as the board president of the United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County, as el president for Old Spanish Days in 2001, and many more.

Mayor Paula Perotte and Aceves’ fellow council members showed their gratitude and praised his determination, dedication and commitment to the community over the years.

“You’re leaving the city in better shape than when you started,” Councilman Kyle Richards said.

Several community members, former council members and others who have worked with Aceves spoke during public comment to recognize and thank him.

Several community members came to Goleta City Councilman Roger Aceves’s last regular council meeting on Tuesday to recognize and thank him.
Several community members came to Goleta City Councilman Roger Aceves’s last regular council meeting on Tuesday to recognize and thank him. Credit: Serena Guentz / Noozhawk photo

“You have served with integrity, and I hope you can see this time has been a complete success,” former Goleta Councilman Eric Onnen said. “Goleta will be forever changed by your efforts.”

Gina Fischer, district representative at the office of Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, said the Santa Babrara County Board of Supervisors will be recognizing Aceves at its Tuesday meeting, and Erica Reyes, a representative from Congressman Salud Carbajal’s office, presented Aceves with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his 16 years of service on the Goleta City Council.

After everyone spoke, Aceves was met with a standing ovation from the audience and the rest of the City Council.

While Tuesday was Aceves’ last regular meeting, his term officially ends on Dec. 20.

Serena Guentz, Noozhawk Staff Writer

Noozhawk staff writer Serena Guentz can be reached at sguentz@noozhawk.com.