Sabrina S
Isla Vista during Halloween (Photo: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office)
By Sabrina K. Sangha
Halloween is a night full of creepy scares and chills, one to look forward to every year, whether you dress funny or spooky. The events near and around the day of Halloween bring everyone together, prepared to have a good time. However, safety precautions and ordinances are in place to ensure the safety of the local community and UC Santa Barbara students.
This year according to local officials, Halloween festivities remained quieter than expected. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s office stated in a press release that, “Due to a reduction in crowds and incidents over the past several years, the Sheriff’s Office was able to reduce the number of law enforcement and other resources again this year for the Halloween Operation”.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been invested to keep the streets safe for all in the Isla Vista community. In past years, the Halloween caused much commotion, as many intoxicated students and out-of-town visitors would take the streets and wreak havoc. However, so much has progressed from the once uncontrollable Isla Vista. This year, Halloween was on a Wednesday, and the weekends before and after were under control.
Several alternative events were held in light of the Halloween season. The UCSB AS Program Board hosted an annual concert for students to attend. The concert was the only time there was a mass crowd this year. Since it was students only, it ensured that Halloween was kept local and not many visitors were present.
Furthermore, to keep things cheerful and the Halloween spirit alive, the school also held several other events on and around campus. The recreational center at UCSB opened its doors from 8 – 1: 30 am last week to allow students to join them for their annual event Hallowheels, known for their roller skating and music in the hockey rink area, a good old spooky movie, a photo-booth picture opportunity and pumpkin painting arts and crafts. The events also gave away free pizza and snacks to lighten up the evening. The event was a success in bringing together the community and keeping everyone safe at the same time.
Another event held at UCSB in light of Halloween that was open to the public and community includes the Halloween Dance Spooktacular event held at The HUB at UCSB. All were invited in and around the community to join SBKlub, for their dance event with free food and drink with an entrance fee as little as $10 for the general public and $5 for UCSB students.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office reported the number of arrests, citations and medical transports had also declined. This year there were a total of 35 citations and 9 arrests as opposed to 225 arrests and 249 citations in 2013. Emergency Medical Services Agency reported the number of medical transports was lower than a typical weekend in Isla Vista. There were only two medical transports for alcohol intoxication. Of the nine arrests, the majority were for public intoxication. Most of the citations were for open container and minor in possession violations.
Overall, the week of Halloween went well, and many had a wonderful time in and around Santa Barbara and in the Isla Vista community. Until next Halloween, remember to keep it safe and keep it local, therefore keeping the fun alive in a safe manner.
