Spike in COVID-19 cases in Isla Vista alarming as some college students return

ISLA VISTA, Calif. -  A dangerous spike in COVID-19 cases in Isla Vista area has alerted Santa Barbara County Health officials and Isla Vista community leaders to a problem in the town known for a large population of college students.

Already there's been a return of students who are attending Santa Barbara City College is a remote learning climate and who also live in Isla Vista which is about 20 miles away.

The increase in cases led to a call from the Third District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann to have a strong outreach about safety protocols during the pandemic. "We need all hands on deck effort in Isla Vista and I don't think we have it yet."

Nearby in Goleta there's also been an increase.

Santa Barbara County Health Director Van Do-Reynoso said the measurement was over a two-week period.   In Isla Vista the increase was 255 percent.   In real numbers, that is a jump from 22 cases to 78 cases.

Isla Vista is known as one of the most densely populated communities of its size in the western states when students are present and classes are taking place on campus at nearby UC Santa Barbara.  That's not the case now with remote learning although some students have come back to be with their classmates for studying purposes, and also because their apartment leases are paid.

Social gatherings,  parties,  and the lack of face coverings are also considered contributing factors.

"I just see a lot of people walking outside of my house and they   are not wearing a mask," said Isla Vista resident Janay Lee.  "I'm a little worried to see about where  the trend is going to go.  A lot of people say they are coming back for the fall but I am not sure that's the safest thing. "

 It's still unclear if the housing will be as jammed as we've seen over the years, or if students will learn remotely.

 Beyond the students there are many working class families also living in tight conditions, "where there's five, ten, 15 people in a single household in order to make ends meet.  That is really fertile ground for the spread of Covid 19," said Isla Vista Community Services District President Spencer Brandt.

One business owner says the mask requirement is tightly enforced in the restaurant and retail areas.She also says the increase in cases did not come as a surprise.

"People's leases  are starting back up, I think it was honestly just bound to happen.  It just makes sense.  The more people that are here the more    cases are going to go  up," said Richie's Barber Shop Manager Nariay Tsushima. Her staff cuts hair outside on Pardall Rd. in a new set up approved by the county. Everyone was wearing masks either on the staff or in the chairs.

Those we have spoken to in Isla Vista say there is a significant change between the daytime behavior and the night time behavior where there may be more parties and social interaction and those attending either forget a mask or simply don't want to wear one.   

"We are adults here,  we kind of  know what to do, " said Adam Shafer a student who lives on Del Playa Drive over looking the ocean in Isla Vista.   He says, many messages have been sent out by the school.  "It is the same thing over and over.  Wear your mask, keep your distance  don't be stupid."

More notices and an awareness campaign through social media is on the way.
"I think it's important that we don't let up in that messaging and really double down  in our campaign," said Brandt.   "There's mask distribution happening every day at the Isla Vista Food Co-op  and the Pardall Center and they have been great partners in that."

 For many students it's surprising when they see others  ignoring the safety guidelines.

"It is weird to see how like unbothered and how unphazed they are about the whole pandemic going on," said Lee.

Marella says he believes if this is done, there will be classes on campus and athletics in the winter quarter.

A UC Santa Barbara swimmer who can't compete due to Covid rules , did 10-miles in an ocean swim fundraiser Saturday for front line health responders .  Dan Marella got out of the ocean and  urged his fellow students to follow the rules, prevent the spread and get back to normal.
"Be patient. Trust me it sucks.  I want to have my season as much as you guys want to party.  Just wear a mask,"  he said.

For more information go to: Isla Vista Community Services District