From Sept. 4 to Nov. 5, substance-related arrests were the primary classification of arrests in Isla Vista. Theft- and property-related crimes also increased, with more buildings broken into and belongings stolen compared to previous quarters.
The start of the academic year at UC Santa Barbara brings new freedoms and social activities, often leading to increased risk-taking behaviors and minor arrests as students adjust to campus life. The Nexus reviewed and mapped the UC Santa Barbara Police Department’s Daily Crime & Fire Log from Sept. 4 to Nov. 5, revealing 492 citations issued and 119 arrests made during this period. The locations on the maps are generally accurate, and some crime report locations were unable to be mapped.
There were 83 substance-related arrests over Sept. 4th to Nov. 5th, accounting for almost 70% of all arrests.
Between Sept. 4 and Nov. 5, the 119 arrests were scattered across both Isla Vista and UCSB campus locations. However, the highest concentration was along Del Playa Drive, a street renowned for its oceanfront houses and frequent social gatherings. Arrests made on Del Playa Drive accounted for 35% of the incidents. Arrests were also made in campus housing areas and on nearly every street in Isla Vista, indicating that incidents occurred throughout the community.
Arrest locations from Sept. 4 to Nov. 5: Del Playa as a primary spot
The heat map illustrates the concentrations and locations of all arrests in Isla Vista from Sept. 4 to Nov. 5, 2024. Warmer colors indicate increased arrest occurences. (Anna Gornyitzki / Daily Nexus)
After substance-related arrests, the second most common category of arrests at the beginning of this academic year were theft and property crimes: larceny, shoplifting, vandalism, trespassing and burglary. Spencer Brandt, Director of the Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD), said that among all crimes reported in Isla Vista this quarter, home burglaries have shown a notable increase.
Substance-related arrests in Isla Vista from Sept. 4 to Nov. 5: Del Playa as a primary spot
The heat map illustrates the concentrations and locations of all substances-related arrests in Isla Vista from Sept. 4 to Nov. 5, 2024. Warmer colors indicate increased arrest occurences. (Anna Gornyitzki / Daily Nexus)
“I am hearing that things have been quieter on the neighborhood conflicts front, but home burglaries are on the rise. Living in a house with six, eight, 10 or more people, it can be easy to forget to lock your door. I know the consequences of this firsthand because I’ve had my laptop stolen before when I lived in a large house,” Brandt said in an email statement to The Nexus.
“IVCSD is working with the Sheriff’s Office and [UC Police Department (UCPD)] on a future public awareness campaign to encourage people to better prepare and prevent home burglaries. This is especially timely as we approach the back-to-back holiday breaks when there will be less people in town and we usually see a rise in thefts,” Brandt continued.
Alex Kjellen, a fourth-year sociology major at UCSB, lives on Del Playa Drive. Recently, Kjellen and her housemates were alerted that their neighbors’ home had been broken into.
“I live on Del Playa, and a few days ago we found out that someone broke in and entered our neighbors’ home. It’s a serious reminder of the importance of taking safety precautions,” Kjellen said. “People should definitely stay alert and remember to lock their doors.”
At the start of the school year, 14 arrests related to theft and property crimes were recorded. Similar to general arrest patterns, theft and property crime offenses were scattered throughout Isla Vista, with several arrests also made in UCSB campus housing areas.
Theft and property crimes on the rise in Isla Vista from Sept. 4 to Nov. 5
The heat map illustrates the concentrations and locations of all theft and property-related arrests in Isla Vista from Sept. 4 to Nov. 5, 2024. Warmer colors indicate increased arrest occurences. (Anna Gornyitzki / Daily Nexus)
As the fall quarter unfolds, there is a significant increase in substance-related arrests in Isla Vista. There were notable spikes during the weekend preceding Halloween. From Oct. 18 to 21, nine alcohol-related arrests were recorded, despite a somewhat lower turnout compared to previous years.
According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, Halloween celebrations in Isla Vista have dwindled since the 2010s. In 2013, the Sheriff’s Office estimated that there were up to 15,000 attendees, with each following year declining significantly in numbers. Despite these lowering numbers, alcohol and substance-related citations and arrests remain frequent.
The increase in substance-related arrests and theft in Isla Vista mirrors ongoing political discussions in the state over how to best address these issues.
In the 2024 election, California voters considered amendments to Proposition 47, which was passed in 2014 and allowed nonviolent drug offenders to receive alternative sentencing instead of prison time. Proposition 36 attempts to change this, increasing penalties and sentences for non-violent drug crimes as well as theft, if the defendant has two prior convictions for these offenses.
This proposition is en route to being passed, with 69% of reported votes in California voting “Yes” as of November 11, 2024.
In the recent vote on Proposition 36, Isla Vista and UCSB residents voted against the measure, a voting pattern that contrasts with stronger support in other parts of Santa Barbara County and California. Brandt commented on the stance of local voters regarding Proposition 36.
By large, voters in Isla Vista/UCSB opposed the proposition. “As of now, over two-thirds of Isla Vista/UCSB voters rejected Proposition 36. That is roughly the complete opposite of the results in other parts of Santa Barbara County and California,” Brandt said, when asked about Proposition 36 in relation to Isla Vista and UCSB.
This viewpoint is further emphasized when considering the potential consequences of Proposition 36 on local services.
“I am worried about what the passage of Proposition 36 will do for local services that divert low-level crimes away from the jail. One of these is the CREDO47 Stabilization Center in Santa Barbara. I was on the committee that worked to secure funding for this center in 2018, which was ultimately funded with a grant from Proposition 47. Because of the passage of Proposition 36, funding for critical services that connect people with substance use disorder with services (rather than crowding our prisons with nonviolent offenders) are in jeopardy,” Brandt voiced.
According to Brandt, while Proposition 36 may aim to address broader criminal justice issues, it could inadvertently harm targeted, locally successful initiatives.
“We need to invest in evidence-based solutions like diversion programs, restorative justice, mental health and substance use treatment and education. These are the things that address the root causes of crime and make our community safer. Unfortunately, the passage of Proposition 36 undermines these goals,” Brandt said.
Kiki Reyes, UCSB’s Media Relations Manager, urged students to utilize campus safety resources and practice personal security measures in an email statement to the Nexus.
“For Isla Vista and campus, UCPD strongly recommends that students use the free Safety Escort service whenever they feel uncomfortable or unsafe walking or biking alone. They can contact the CSO Safety Escort Service at 805-893-2000. When students are at home, they are encouraged to lock their doors and windows. UCPD encourages people to plan their outings and always tell someone where you are going and when you return,” Reyes said.
According to Reyes, as Isla Vista experiences a surge in arrests and crime, community safety and awareness is more crucial than ever.
“We encourage everyone to stay alert at all times and to trust their intuition. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are,” Reyes said.
A version of this article appeared on p. 15 of the Nov. 14, 2024 edition of the Daily Nexus.
