The Isla Vista Community Services District held a town hall on May 27 to answer community members’ questions about parking, taxes, safety, cityhood, sustainability and more.
Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) Director Katherine Carmichael began the town hall with an introductory presentation on IVCSD and its purpose. She called it “a voice for Isla Vista” and clarified that since I.V. isn’t a city, it cannot enact noise ordinances or collect taxes.
IVCSD General Manager Jonathan Abboud covered IVCSD’s budget and annual revenue reports. The staff then moved into an “ask us anything” panel for attendees inquiring about topics ranging from parking to immigration enforcement. When an attendee expressed concerns about limited parking in I.V., Abboud explained that citations for parking violations recently began to be enforced.
An attendee voiced concern over struggling to find long-term street parking in I.V. IVCSD Public Works and Sustainability Director Jenna Norton explained the ongoing plan to ask property owners if they’re willing to rent parking spaces to non-tenants. She explained that she was able to find “over 1000 off street parking spaces” that landlords were willing to rent to non tenants in the future, which have been published.
A representative from the I.V. Business Association expressed interest in metered parking spaces and one way streets in Isla Vista to boost local commerce. IVCSD staff assured that permit and paid parking in the business district is a goal.
Another attendee expressed concerns over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) presence in I.V., saying I.C.E. agents “cause fear” and called on IVCSD to “denounce these racist kidnappers and abductors.”
Abboud responded by saying that the board “has taken a very strong stance against I.C.E.” and IVCSD has “approved a policy that their facilities can not be entered by I.C.E.”
The same attendee, in reference to the recent rape and strangulation in I.V., asked if there was anything the IVCSD has done “for justice” for the victim of the crime.
Abboud responded by saying IVCSD has worked to ensure that survivor resources are “extremely accessible” to the community, which includes free group therapy and connections to local advocates.
He clarified that they have “no control over the police,” and if I.V. were a city, the IVCSD would have greater opportunity to “ensure justice.”
Next, the staff explained their “guardian angel” approach to policing at Soltopia, to encourage fewer minor in possession charges. This involves policing as a last resort instead of actively enforcing. Abboud claimed they “don’t need cops in situations where they’re not wanted.” They used a “three tier system of harm reduction,” informing the community about safety first and police as a last resort.
Lastly, the town hall discussed the future of local festivals in I.V. Abboud wants to organize “Friday Night Lights,” a weekly music festival with security guards, bathrooms and water.
Two attendees proposed that the IVCSD could bring big-name artists to perform locally comparing it to San Jose hosting artists such as Dom Dolla and Fisher in local streets.
IVCSD staff closed the meeting with a reminder of resources they provide, such as renters advice including talking to lawyers for free about moving out, security deposit information and more.
