Das Williams Introduces Bill to Enable Self-Governance For Isla Vista

On Monday, Assemblymember Das Williams introduced “Assembly Bill 3,” which seeks to establish the ‘Isla Vista Community Services District’ within the unincorporated area of Santa Barbara County.

With a community of over 20,000 people, Isla Vista is one of the most densely populated urban areas not within a city. Governance of large urban populations typically includes representation and a focus on enhancing the safety and well-being of the local community by providing infrastructure and services including public safety, parks, utilities, and public works including mechanisms for pedestrian safety such as street lights, and sidewalks.

These services are typically funded through revenue bonds, taxes, or special assessments but without any direct government structure or representation these vital infrastructure and services will continue to remain nonexistent in Isla Vista.

“AB 3 is a vehicle to initiate more dialogue among the Isla Vista community about what kind of local governance structure they would like to see. We will continue to work with the community to mold a bill, which will address Isla Vista’s unique needs,” said Assemblymember Williams.

Over the last year, the Isla Vista community has been faced with many challenges brought about by tragic events, including multiple violent sexual assaults, riots, and a mass shooting that has brought focus to the unique needs of Isla Vista.

Following these events, UC Santa Barbara formed an advisory committee to analyze the conditions and dynamics of Isla Vista and develop mid and long term recommendations to establish a viable, safe, and supportive environment.

Among the committee’s recommendations is that the state of California create a Community Services District/ Municipal Improvement District in Isla Vista, with potential powers of infrastructure, utilities, garbage, police services, parks, recreation, cultural facilities, fire, security and roads.

“The problems facing Isla Vista are not new,” stated Third District Supervisor Doreen Farr. “Through state legislation, I’m hopeful that we can begin to address some of the chronic issues that have faced Isla Vista for decades and at the same time provide the diversity of stakeholder representation that the community wants and deserves.”