The City of Goleta is excited to welcome four new Commissioners who have joined the Planning Commission, Public Engagement Commission and Design Review Board.

Thank you to everyone who applied and congratulations to those selected! Here is a little background on each of them and what drew them to get involved.

Planning Commission

Cary Penniman was appointed to the Planning Commission to fill an unexpired portion of a term ending February 1, 2027. Born and raised in Goleta, Cary believes effective government relies on resident participation. Cary’s goal is to make informed decisions that serve our community.

Cary brings over a decade of experience in land use issues and has presented before various governing bodies including the California Coastal Commission, Goleta City Council, Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, and LAFCO. Additionally, Cary actively participated in the creation of the initial General Plan and Local Coastal Program (LCP).

Rita Serotkin was appointed to the Planning Commission with a term ending February 1, 2029. Rita is a 10-year resident of the City, and has served on numerous community and professional boards, commissions, and committees. Rita has been following the City’s developments and is passionate about infrastructure, roads, and how other city interests interact with the need for new housing.

Rita brings a diverse and rich background in education, administration, and community engagement. Rita has a BA in History from Douglass College, an MA in Higher & Adult Education from Columbia University, and an EdD in Higher Education Administration from Widener University. Rita is excited to bring her skills in planning and development, marketing, public relations, writing, and research to the Planning Commission. 

Public Engagement Commission

Gareth Kelly was appointed to the Public Engagement Commission to fill an unexpired portion of a term ending November 1, 2027. Gareth has spent nearly two decades working as a self-employed entrepreneur and filmmaker and aims to provide a unique take to the City in the hopes of moving Goleta forward with its goals while also strengthening and developing community engagement.

Gareth is a member of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, an alumnus of the City of San Luis Obispo Leadership program, a volunteer and former player for the Santa Barbara Grunion Rugby Club, active in local non-profits, and is a 2024 graduate of the City’s LEAD Goleta Community Academy.

Design Review Board

Tamesha Schumacher was appointed to the Design Review Board as an At-Large Member for a term ending February 1, 2028. Tamesha has over 25 years of experience in leadership roles working in procurement for capital projects, hiring landscape architects, and interior design firms. Her goal is to guide the City toward a cohesive feel that is sensitive to the beautiful natural surroundings of Goleta.

Tamesha has a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and a Master of Business Administration from Mount St. Mary’s University. Her design philosophy is that work should be done on a human scale, where it is accessible and respectful of the environment where it stands to create a Goleta that is welcoming and considerate of user’s physical abilities. She is also a graduate of the City’s most recent LEAD Goleta Community Academy (January/February 2025).

Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved with the City. Open Board and Commission vacancies can be found on the City website when available: www.CityofGoleta.org/BoardsCommisions. While there are none at this time, check back regularly.