The temporary parking permit program for residents near Isla Vista is returning this weekend in anticipation of Deltopia, Isla Vista’s annual unsanctioned street party, which is expected to take place this Friday and Saturday.
Deltopia, which has occurred in Isla Vista since 2010, following the shutdown of “Floatopia” in 2009, typically takes place during the first weekend after spring break, and has been known to attract thousands of college students, sometimes resulting in citations and arrests.
Last year’s Deltopia weekend saw a total of 20 citations and five arrests in Isla Vista, with several citations involving minors in possession of alcohol, open containers, and other alcohol-related offenses, as well as arrests for suspicion of driving under the influence, suspicion of possession of controlled substances, fighting in public, and possession of a loaded firearm on campus.
“Over the past several years, a temporary permit-only, on-street parking program for residents near Isla Vista was implemented and deemed successful in dissuading partygoers from parking in the Goleta neighborhoods closest to Isla Vista, and easing the impacts felt by residents,” said Jaime Shaw, Goleta’s community relations assistant. “This program is designed to enhance the safety of [Goleta] neighborhoods during this event.”
The program will involve each household in affected neighborhoods — University 1 and University 2 neighborhoods, including the Cannon Green Condominium complex — receiving two free parking permits in their mailbox to be displayed on their vehicles during restricted hours.
The parking restrictions will be in effect from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday, and again from 7 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday.
The boundaries for the parking restrictions are Cannon Green Drive to the west, Hollister Avenue to the north, Storke Road to the east, and Whittier Drive to the south.
Residents should have received parking permits by Friday, March 25, but those in affected neighborhoods who have not gotten them can contact the City of Goleta Neighborhood Services Department at 805.961.7554 or bramirez@cityofgoleta.org.
This is also where residents can contact if additional permits are needed.
Vehicles parked in driveways or garages do not need parking permits, but vehicles parked on the street during restricted hours without a permit taped to the inside of the driver’s side window will be subject to ticketing or towing.
Signage reminding residents of the permit-only parking restrictions is posted along affected streets, along with electronic message boards at the entrances of these areas.
The city added that law enforcement officers and tow trucks may also be present in affected areas during the weekend to enforce the restrictions.
A map of affected areas and other frequently asked questions can be found on the City’s website.
If Deltopia is moved to next weekend, then the parking restrictions will be active from 7 p.m. Friday, April 8, to 7 a.m. Saturday, April 9, and from 7 p.m. Saturday, April 9, to 7 a.m. Sunday, April 10.
— Noozhawk staff writer Serena Guentz can be reached at sguentz@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.