Elijah Obando

November 4, 2026

Senate considers student referendum on UCSB academic system

By Elijah Obando

The A.S. 77th Senate considered a resolution that would poll students on whether UCSB should transition from a quarter-based system to a semester-based system. 

November 2, 2026

A.S. senator runs for IVRPD Board of Directors in midterm election

By Elijah Obando

Endorsed by the Democratic Party, A.S. Senator Alec GeoSimonian is running for a seat on the IVRPD Board of Directors in the Nov. 3 election.

October 28, 2026

Senate endorses Measure E2026 on I.V. ballot

By Elijah Obando

The Associated Students 77th Senate passed a resolution endorsing Measure E2026 — a utility tax increase on Isla Vista residents — at its Oct. 21 meeting. 

October 22, 2026

IVCSD plans to permanently use Soltopia’s harm reduction methods every weekend

By Elijah Obando

The Isla Vista Community Services District directors supported a proposed weekend harm-reduction program for Del Playa Drive at its Oct. 13 meeting.

October 21, 2026

Senate hears update on lagoon lights and cameras, tax on I.V. ballot

By Elijah Obando

UCSB representatives presented the lagoon lighting and camera path project design proposal to the 77th A.S. Senate at its Oct. 14 meeting. 

October 14, 2026

Senate establishes permanent student safety committee, discusses funding concerns

By Elijah Obando

A.S. Senate established a permanent student safety committee under the Office of the President at its Oct. 7 meeting.

October 8, 2026

UCSB admit rate increases by 5.3 percentage points

By Elijah Obando

UCSB admitted around 47% of its 127,382 undergraduate applicants for fall 2026 — a 5.3% percentage point increase compared to the previous year. 

October 7, 2026

Senate introduces bill to establish permanent student safety committee

By Elijah Obando

The 77th A.S. Senate introduced a bill that would establish a permanent student safety committee under the Office of the President at its Sept. 30 meeting.

October 1, 2026

A.S. IVP Victoria Ly summer update

By Elijah Obando

A.S. 2026-27 IVP has been streamlining internal senate communication systems and developing plans to connect A.S. with the larger student body.

September 30, 2026

A.S. Senate condemns Flock cameras in the greater UCSB area

By Elijah Obando

The 77th A.S. Senate passed a resolution condemning the use of Flock Safety cameras in and around UC Santa Barbara, during its Sept. 23 meeting. 

August 28, 2026

The struggles of owning a small business in a college town

By Elijah Obando

At the start of each academic year, new students discover what Isla Vista has to offer while returning students flock back to their favorite spots.

August 28, 2026

What it’s like living long-term in America’s No. 1 college party town

By Levi Kauffman, Elijah Obando

Mixed amongst the fluid population of Isla Vista are the residents that continue to call this beach town, known for its party culture, home.

August 12, 2026

Senate condemns sexual assault in light of recent reports

By Elijah Obando

In response to recent reports of sexual violence on campus, the Associated Students Senate passed a resolution voicing support for sexual assault survivors.

July 13, 2026

Coastal commission under investigation by Trump administration

By Elijah Obando

NOAA launched an official review of the CCC in an effort to bypass state legislation, following a request from Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. 

July 8, 2026

Senate debate over proposed staff advisory position, former senators voice concerns

By Elijah Obando

Senate approved the addition of a new Associated Students staff advisory position, which will oversee marginalized student Boards, Committees and Units.

May 29, 2026

UCSB Gamelan Ensemble brings Indonesian music to campus

By Elijah Obando

The UC Santa Barbara Gamelan Ensemble presented a concert showcasing ancient gamelan styles of music from Cirebon, West Java at Karl Geiringer Hall on May 23.