UCSB lived up to its party school reputation on Saturday.
Thousands of college students and other young people, some of them scantily clad, partied in Isla Vista and on Del Playa Drive on a sunny and warm day to revel in the annual post-Spring Break tradition known as Deltopia.
Although law enforcement officers and medical crews were busy, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said the event overall was relatively safe.
“So far, 2025’s Deltopia operation has been a demonstration of teamwork and efficiency,” said Lt. Joe Schmidt, of the Sheriff’s Office. “Our team of eight law enforcement agencies and nearly 300 deputies and officers have been keeping the public safe through consistent enforcement of laws and streamlined response to medical emergencies.”
Even with an “uptick in attendance,” Schmidt said, deputies and officers were working hard and keeping pace with the crowds.
As of about 3:30 p.m., authorities said, there were about 60 arrests for alleged violations, including drunk in public, obstruction of law enforcement, and one weapons violation.
By noon, about 19 people were treated for medical emergencies.
Authorities said that by 10:45 a.m., a man who was on his way to Deltopia was arrested for possession of a loaded firearm.
In preparation for Deltopia, the sheriff’s office closed several roads, but by 7 p.m., all roads were re-opened.
“We would like to commend residents on the ocean side of Del Playa for refraining from hosting parties on overloaded balconies,” Schmidt said. “We sincerely appreciate their cooperation in keeping the Isla Vista community safe.”
Among those enjoying themselves at the event was Olivia Renfro, who said she enjoys the creative outfits.
“I love just wearing a bikini, definitely the socializing, and the drinking culture,” Renfro said, adding that she was looking forward to going to the water slide.
The Isla Vista beaches were closed from 8 a.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Monday.
This year’s event drew national attention, with the San Francisco Chronicle and the Los Angeles Times writing stories about the potential impact.
The event began in 2004 as Floatopia, because it was on the water. It eventually moved to Del Playa after authorities closed the beach during the event.
In 2014, a few sheriff’s officers were hammered with rocks in what observers at the time called a “riot.”
Authorities used tear gas to defuse the situation.
Noozhawk interns Liliana Anguiano and Olivia Blair contributed to this report.