Goleta, CA-- The Goleta Valley has a long history, but the City of Goleta is only just over six years old.

Despite tight economic times, and many government layoffs the City of Goleta says it's actually hiring new employees.

That word comes from the new mayor Roger Aceves who was sworn into office Tuesday night.

Mayor Aceves says he hopes to work on projects that will revitalize the aging downtown. He also says the newly approved hotel project on the corner of Storke and Hollister will likely go to a high end operator, "like a Hyatt or Hilton, something we've never seen."

Community safety is number one with Mayor Aceves who is a former Santa Barbara Police Sergeant.

He also plans to work closely with UC Santa Barbara which is adjacent to the city and has both benefits and impacts.

KEY News Reporter John Palminteri spoke with the new mayor and has our story.