New 3rd District Planning Commissioner Chosen

Buellton resident Joan Hartmann — who’s worked for the Department of Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the State Coastal Conservancy — is the new planning commissioner representing the County’s 3rd District. Supervisor Doreen Farr nominated Hartmann on 11/8, and the Board of Supervisors approved the nomination on 11/13. In a statement, Farr called Hartmann a “superbly qualified candidate in all ways.” Hartmann will replace Marell Brooks, who is stepping down after four years on the commission.