With a goal to ensure the safety of residents and visitors celebrating in the Isla Vista area, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is advising the community about its plans for the Halloween weekend.
In collaboration with community stakeholders and partner agencies, the Sheriff’s Office has created a flexible operations plan that adjusts staffing and presence as needed to help first responders effectively manage safety and security throughout the event.
“The Sheriff’s Office is looking forward to a safe and enjoyable Halloween weekend for Isla Vista residents,” said Garrett TeSlaa, station lieutenant for the Isla Vista Foot Patrol.
“We’d like to encourage everyone to celebrate safely and ‘keep it local,’ and remind everyone that existing laws – particularly those related to alcohol and noise remain in effect despite the holiday,” Lt. TeSlaa said.
Section 6-70.01 of the Santa Barbara County Code is a general regulation related to amplified music during specific time periods and includes Halloween weekend.
The Sheriff’s Office offers some general information from the ordinance to help Isla Vista residents and visitors understand how it applies. The full ordinance can be found online here.
· Applies to and 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.
· Effective Oct. 26-Nov. 4, 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following day.
· Does not apply to permitted festivals or concerts.
· Violations of this ordinance is an infraction.
The Sheriff’s Office plans to offer its Restorative Justice program for some minor infractions. The Restorative Justice class is a voluntary program that requires participants to attend a two-hour presentation.
The class focuses on safety in Isla Vista, as well as improving community relations and partnerships. Participants will be assigned an hour of community service in Isla Vista.
Upon completing the class and community service the participant’s fine will be waived and the citation will not go on their criminal record. Learn more about the Restorative Justice program on the Sheriff’s Office website.