Anonymous
Isla Vista (courtesy photo)
By Andrea Estrada, UC Santa Barbara
Halloween is a week away, and the campus already is embarking on plans aimed at ensuring another safe and locals-only celebration.
It’s a campuswide effort with students again playing a significant role, working together to dissuade out-of-town visitors and provide alternative events for their peers.
As it has done the past four years, the Associated Students Program Board will put on a major concert at the Events Center, with attendance allowed only for UC Santa Barbara students.
Many other special events and efforts are slated for the weekend, both on campus and in Isla Vista, from roller skating to dances, to the student-created, student-staffed UCIV, which sends volunteers into Isla Vista to act as liaisons between the community and law enforcement.
“By creating and supporting UCSB-only events, students have changed the culture of Halloween over the past few years,” said Katya Armistead, assistant vice chancellor and dean of student life. “These events provide opportunities for UCSB students to socialize in an organized and safe environment, and to demonstrate the pride they have for their campus and their community.”
As in years past, no overnight guests are allowed in any of the UC Santa Barbara residence halls and university-owned apartments Friday, Oct. 25, through Sunday, Oct. 27, and from Thursday, Oct. 31, through Sunday, Nov. 3.
Also as in years past, a number of restrictions will be in place on camps, in Isla Vista and in the neighboring community. The campus will be closed to visitor parking Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, and Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. Only vehicles with valid permits will be allowed to park on campus during these times. The restrictions will cease between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to allow for normal business operations. Daily permits will expire at midnight Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, and Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 31 through Nov. 2.
In addition, police roadblocks may be in place at several intersections in Isla Vista Friday through Sunday, Oct. 25-27, and Thursday, Oct. 31. The blockades will prevent vehicle access to the 6500-6800 blocks of Del Playa, Sabado Tarde and Trigo roads.
As has been the case in previous years, some campus parking locations will be subject to closure and limited access to support enhanced safety and security measures. Checkpoints also will be in place on all roads entering campus, and unauthorized vehicles will be denied access. More information is available via UCSB Transportation and Parking Services.
Further, the festival ordinance prohibiting amplified music at residences will be in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday, October 26, through 7 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4. Emergency first aid for the public will be available in front of the I.V. Theater from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday, Oct. 26, and Saturday, Oct. 27.
In other restrictions, out-of-town visitors will not be permitted to park in local Goleta neighborhoods or in area public lots, such as those at Camino Real Marketplace, Girsh Park, Target, University Village Plaza, Fairview Center and Calle Real Center. Cars parked in violation will be towed.
Halloween for adults centers around cool costumes–not that partying isn’t part of it. I get a kick out of shapely young ladies showcasing their ‘wares’ and young guys all macho in their super hero, bare-chested or Dapper-Dan outfits. Fluff and feathers mating games. UCSB has found a venue for their students and put a partial kabosh on outsiders, especially smash and grab types who prey on trusting, inexperienced college kids. Can’t fault SBCCers who want to be part of “the scene”, but perhaps SBCC could do something similar now that their student enrollment is so large. Or if the logistics could be worked out, local college credentials, particularly picture ID, might get passes if their colleges contribute to event costs?