First published in Noozhawk on June 14, 2022.
Goleta school board member Luz Reyes-Martín announced Tuesday that she is seeking a seat on the Goleta City Council.
“I’m running for City Council to continue to lead our community forward,” Reyes-Martín said. “Having served our families on the Goleta Union School Board, I know that as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must work together to better support the health and safety of our community, secure our economic future, and ensure residents can continue living, working, and enjoying life in Goleta.”
Reyes-Martin will challenge longtime incumbent Roger Aceves in the newly configured District 1, which includes the Calle Real Center, Fairvew Center, Kellogg School, Lake Los Carneros and Stow House area, Goleta Valley Junior High School and the Goleta Library.
Aceves has indicated he plans to seek re-election but has not formally announced.
Reyes-Martin has already quietly been seeking endorsements prior to her announcement. She is backed by Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte and council members Stuart Kasdin, James Kyriaco and Kyle Richards.
The Stanford University graduate has served on the Goleta Union School District board of trustees since 2014.
“I’m a parent, nonprofit executive, community volunteer, and environmental advocate. I’ve worked hard to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in our community,” Reyes-Martin said. “I have a deep understanding of how city government can and should work, how it should be accountable to the community, and how essential thoughtful planning is to sustainable communities.
“As a council member, I will be a committed, proactive, and responsive representative for the residents of District 1 and the Goleta community as a whole.”
Reyes-Martin, who is the vice president of Community Engagement at Planned Parenthood California Central Coast, will present a formidable challenge to Aceves, a retired police officer who was first elected in 2006, and has been re-elected three times.
The election is Tuesday, Nov. 8.
