sbsheriff
As we approach the unsanctioned festival weekend known as Deltopia, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office would like to share some important tips with visitors. Deltopia is known for attracting large crowds to the Isla Vista area, impacting residents and first responders. Based on hazards from previous years, the Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public of the following information:
- Bluff Safety: The bluffs along Isla Vista’s coastline are dangerous to stand on. Falls from the bluffs occur nearly every year, sometimes with fatal consequences. Please remain on the proper side of all fencing or railing near the bluff’s edge to prevent injury.
- Restorative Justice: The Restorative Justice program will be suspended from April 6th at 6 am to April 7th at 6 am. All citations issued during this period will be sent to the courts.
- Parties: The festival and social host ordinances have changed. Some of these changes include hosts cannot collect fees, donations, or sell tickets to a party in a residential zone. Hosts cannot sell alcohol without a permit, and parties with more than 250 people in attendance on a residential property are prohibited.
- Open Containers: In Isla Vista, it is illegal to possess an open container of alcohol in public, including on the streets and sidewalks. Additionally, if you are under 21, it is illegal to possess alcohol at all.
- Drink Responsibly: Please drink responsibly, avoid drinking to excess, and ensure you have a safe way to get home. Use the buddy system!
- Noise Ordinance: The noise curfew will be in effect during Deltopia weekend starting Friday, April 5th, and ending April 8th. During this period, music cannot be audible from a residence or business between the hours of 6 pm and 7 am the following day, each day.
- DUI Checkpoint: There will be a DUI checkpoint in the area during Deltopia weekend at an undisclosed location. Please drive safely and elect a designated driver if you plan to travel.
- Good Samaritan Exemption: Under the Good Samaritan Law, if you observe a person experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose, and you’re sober, intoxicated, or under the influence at the time you call for aid, you and that person face no liability. This law was created to encourage bystanders to assist in emergencies and is one of the community’s most powerful tools during Deltopia weekend.
- Goleta Parking Restrictions: The City of Goleta’s parking permit program will be in place from Friday, April 5th through Sunday, April 7th. Parking permits are issued for the Goleta neighborhoods closest to Isla Vista: University 1 and University 2 neighborhoods, including the Cannon Green Condominium complex. The boundaries are: Cannon Green Drive to the west, Hollister Avenue to the north, Storke Road to the east and Whittier Drive to the south. A map and FAQs can be found here: https://cityofgoleta.org/parkingrestrictions.
You can also find this information on the Sheriff’s Office YouTube channel. By following these tips, we can all contribute to a safe Deltopia weekend.
Go ahead, have your restrictions, time and attendance limits, suspension of restorative justice, but the kids will still party.
I do like the Good Samaritan Law, though. I do hope that’s in effect always. I wonder if they will be handing out Narcan at UCSB as well? They should. Everyone should be enabled to save a life. Not all ODs are due to intentional ingestion. Scary times out there!