ISLA VISTA, Calif. — The effort to clean up and revitalize several areas of Isla Vista is in full swing with the Community Care Project.
Multiple organizations have collaborated to take on tasks in various parts of the community. The targeted streets range from Cordoba to El Colegio and Campus to Camino Pescadero. The initiative includes neighborhood cleanups, mural painting, community garden expansions, and parkway beautification.
Both students and permanent residents are involved in the effort.
One of the most popular sites has been the community gardens, including a large one recently established at St. Michael’s University Church.
Organizations involved in the project include the Isla Vista Community Services District, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County, and the Edible Campus Program.
The Isla Vista Recreation and Park District has also teamed up with various groups, including a one-day effort at Greek Park, where volunteers installed a new volleyball court and boundary lines.
Funding for the projects has come through donations. Volunteers have contributed their time both during the week and on weekends.
“It’s students, it’s long-term residents, it’s families, and everyone can enjoy the benefits of a project like this,” said Myah Mashhadialireza with the Isla Vista Community Services District. “And that’s the goal—it’s not this neighborhood and that neighborhood, it is our neighborhood.”
The Isla Vista Community Care Project is active in 10 areas with the help of 300 volunteers. Organizers agree that no single organization can accomplish this work alone.
“When we collaborate with our partners, we find we all have our unique areas of expertise,” said Susan Renehan with Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County. She noted that they also seek grants to fund supplies in addition to what they already have. “We were able to help organize volunteers and provide resources like tools.”
Community gardens have been of particular interest to many volunteers, ranging from those with gardening experience to beginners.
“They’re kind of interested to see what that kind of activity would be like,” said Fiona King with the UCSB Edible Campus Program. “We also have some volunteers who do know how to garden and know exactly what to do.”
As vegetables grow, community members can harvest them through an honor system.
At St. Michael’s University Church, the community garden previously featured a large, peaceful labyrinth. Some of its rocks were relocated into the current garden to maintain a connection to its past.
“It’s a really good way to be more outdoorsy. Walking around here, you can feel more connected with nature,” King said.
Rev. Tim Black with St. Michael’s University Church emphasized the project’s broader vision.
“We’re hoping that it will be a place where people in the community can come and experience an oasis of peace and tranquility,” he said.
Greek Park also underwent a major transformation to upgrade its sand volleyball courts.
“It was three hours of a lot of scooping, moving, and settling,” said Kimberly Kiefer, general manager of the Isla Vista Recreation and Park District. “We got some new line courts in, and we actually had some players play, so it was fantastic.”
The Community Care Project has fostered a newfound sense of pride and ownership among Isla Vista residents.
“We realize there’s a need here in Isla Vista to do things that make the community more beautiful and more accessible,” Renehan said.
As for volunteer engagement, King emphasized a long-term approach.
“We’re trying to encourage people to volunteer on a daily or weekly basis, fostering a commitment to long-term volunteering,” she said.
The project aligns with a broader master plan for the community. Black highlighted how it connects with his church’s mission.
“We want to have events and other initiatives that promote beauty and truth in our world,” he said.
Organizers say the visual improvements—from new gardens to mural paintings—have positively impacted the living experience in Isla Vista.
