Spencer Brandt and Jay Freeman were each sworn in on Dec. 13 to serve another four-year term on the Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) Board of Directors. Their terms will end in December 2026. Olivia Craig sworn in for a two-year term, ending in December 2024.

Brandt and Freeman were both involved in the creation of IVCSD and will continue to serve and advocate for the residents of Isla Vista.

Craig is a UCSB student pursuing degrees in environmental studies and political science. Her goals while on the board include improving Isla Vista’s transportation system to encourage sustainability; adjusting the role that police presence plays in IV; and providing equitable representation and community programs for all of Isla Vista’s residents.

“Through the IVCSD, I want to use creative community solutions to help build a resilient, connected community,” Craig said.

At the event, the Board of Directors honored outgoing directors Ethan Bertrand and Catherine Flaherty.

Bertrand served as the first president of the board for 2017 and 2018. During his tenure, he was instrumental in starting up the Isla Vista Community Services District; securing funding and partnership with community organizations; playing a key role in establishing unarmed public safety programs, alternative events and nightlife for residents; and supporting survivors of sexual violence.

Flaherty has served the people of Isla Vista with distinction since being elected to serve for two years in November 2020. She was elected to serve as vice president for 2021.

She was fundamental in efforts to make Deltopia, Halloween, and nightlife safer; increase awareness of safety resources and communications between police and residents; and worked collaboratively to help renovate and re-open the Isla Vista Community Center.

Directors also elected Marcos Aguilar to serve as board president, and Carrie Topliffe to as vice president in 2023. Brandt served as board president for four years, 2019-22.

“As a community, our list of accomplishments over the last few years is too long to state. During that time, I have been honored to serve Isla Vista as president of our Board of Directors,” Brandt said.

“I am confident that Director Aguilar will lead Isla Vista local government with vision, poise, and passion, and I will be working closely with him during this transition,” he said.

“I am very eager to take on the many hats that Spencer held excellently as president for four years,” said Aguilar. “I am proud to be Isla Vista’s ears and voice to the other local agencies beyond our neighborhood, and I plan to continue to build stronger partnerships with those folks.

“I especially hope to engage more Isla Vistans, whether those are at our public meetings or our multiple points of service.”