Anonymous
Source: IVCSD
Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) Board of Directors approved the first Pop Up Halloween Programming Grants at the October 12th Board meeting. The grant program was designed for businesses and nonprofit organizations to host Halloween pop-up events in their own spaces. The approved funds supported creating a safe and fun Halloween weekend in Isla Vista. Three organizations worked with the Community Services District to host events, Isla Vista Food Cooperative, St. George Youth Center, and the Associated Students EVPLA office.
A Halloween Costume Contest hosted by Isla Vista Food Co-Op and IVCSD drew in a large crowd. Over 50 people entered into the Costume Contest for a chance to win $1000. Four runners-up received $100 in gift certificates to local businesses. The event included a photo booth and costume show that residents of all ages enjoyed. “I heard about the event from seeing the digital flyers on social media and thought it would be so fun to take my costume to. The best part was seeing all the other amazing costumes that everyone wore and the free snacks,” said the grand prize winner.
Earlier in the day community members enjoyed a pumpkin carving contest at St. George Youth Center. Closing out the weekend festivities, the Associated Students EVPLA office hosted Haunt the Loop. The family-focused event provided a safe and fun trick-or-treating experience along with raffle prizes.
Grantees entered into a facility-use agreement with IVCSD to fund their Halloween program and temporarily become a community facility. The criteria to host an event included being open to the public, family-friendly, and promoted a positive, safe, and healthy environment. The goal was to provide an array of events to draw people away from private parties. The entire community came together to develop and organize events for everyone to enjoy.
Pop-up events funded by IVCSD’s grant program were featured in the District’s outreach campaign for Halloween. This included a door hanger to every household and social media promotion. In addition to Halloween events, the door hanger included health and safety resources available in Isla Vista. With several new residents in Isla Vista this year, it’s important that everyone has access to the multitude of resources available.
The door hanger included a message from the youth at St. George Youth Center, “This year, remember that everyone wants to have fun, including the kids and families of IV! Please be safe for them, yourselves, and your own families. Happy Halloween!” Isla Vista has over 3,000 people living in family households.
Community members have consistently indicated that the heavy law enforcement presence, fencing, and restrictions imposed during Halloween weekend are detrimental to the quality of life of our community. IV Safety Stations had extended hours from 6pm-2am on Friday and Saturday evenings. Safety Stations provide a space for people to request an escort, phone charging, get water, and a safe place to rest. The IVCSD is committed to working with partners to create a more positive atmosphere in Isla Vista during Halloween.
“Great things can happen when the community comes together to try something new. I’m excited for us to build off of this year’s successful Halloween programs as we continue to improve the experience for local residents and businesses,” said Ethan Bertrand, IVCSD Board Director.
