by Rebecca Caraway, Noozhawk Staff Writer on October 28, 2024 | 8:37 pm
It’s Halloween season, and for Isla Vista that means two weekends of costumes and parties — and some laws that residents need to know before making their plans for the holiday.
An outdoor festival ordinance is in effect from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. every day until next Monday. It prohibits amplified or live music audible from a residence or business within the area bounded by, and including, El Colegio Road, Camino Majorca to Storke Road, Ocean Road to Stadium Road and the Pacific Ocean in the unincorporated area of Isla Vista.
The ordinance does not apply to permitted concerts or festivals, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
This Halloween, there are no additional parking restrictions in or around Isla Vista.
There also are no changes to the Restorative Justice Program, which offers a two-hour presentation and an hour of community service to individuals with minor infractions who live in Isla Vista.
Lt. Garrett TeSlaa of the Isla Vista Foot Patrol station said there were no major incidents related to Halloween festivities and parties last weekend.
Sheriff’s deputies issued 83 citations and had 10 arrests, mostly related to alcohol, public intoxication, and fighting.
Because the festival ordinance didn’t go into effect until Saturday evening, Friday night was the busier night, but it was still consistent with a typical Friday in Isla Vista, according to TeSlaa.
He said Saturday was very quiet because of the ordinance and that people “were cooperative and aware of the laws.” Even parties on Del Playa Drive were mostly compliant with the ordinance. However, there were some issues with the fraternity houses.
“Our biggest concern is the lack of cooperation and intentional obstruction we saw at several fraternities throughout Friday night,” TeSlaa said. “We will be addressing this with the UCSB leadership. The fraternities were largely responsible for the majority of our problems this weekend.”
TeSlaa said they are expecting a fairly quiet weekend ahead but will be “upstaffed” in the event of any issues.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the Isla Vista Recreation & Park District is hosting the fourth annual Halloween Pumpkin Patch at Anisq’Oyo’ Park in Isla Vista from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The event will include free pumpkins, an interactive adventure, a silent disco, carnival games and a photo booth. On Wednesday, there will be silent movies throughout the night, and on Thursday, there will be a costume contest at 7:30 p.m. with a $750 grand prize.
The contest is limited to 60 entries, and participants are encouraged to arrive 20 minutes early. Click here to enter the contest.
Rebecca Caraway, Noozhawk Staff Writer
