Isla Vista Parking Rules Get Tougher

The town of Isla Vista, already jammed mainly with thousands of college students, is also facing a big parking problem. Next month, a very strict enforcement effort will be launched to keep vehicles from blocking the sidewalks.

It’s common on many properties because of the number of tenants renting units who have cars stacked one behind the other in the driveways and out to the street.

Warnings are out now.

Tickets will be written starting February 15.

It’s already upsetting some residents.

Andre Theus, a resident and student leader pointed out a car that slightly stuck out beyond a driveway and said, “well that car is going to get a ticket now. The wheels are in the perimeter. His back end is in the dip but I don’t think he should not be getting a ticket at all.”

Theus said a community forum on the issue needs to be held and more outreach that includes information, and alternatives to help residents find parking places.

He said many students need to have their vehicles close to their homes because they go to school, work, and often times have internships that require then to be on the move a lot.

The county says many pedestrian safety improvements have gone into Isla Vista including new sidewalks and lighting on several streets.

The Sheriff’s department says it’s the law to keep the sidewalks clear.

There is also a renewed effort to make sure there are unobstructed paths for those with physical disabilities so they do not have to go behind cars and into the streets.

Overall on Del Playa, a NewsChannel 3 count this morning, revealed 50 vehicles that would get tickets under the enforcement plan.

A patroling deputy stopped to write a ticket this morning, not on a car blocking a sidewalk, but for an outdated registration tab. Based on the violations for blocking sidewalks in the area, there could be a large number of tickets written when the enforcement kicks in.

Resident Johanna Savany said her friend just had a car towed because it was blocking a driveway. When it comes to the parking ticket plan, she wanted more leniency. “Like a warning or preliminary warnings or a double warning or something like that. I have had some friends with these unexpected tickets. Now they have to figure out a way to pay for them.”

“Certain laws and regulations here, tend not to apply because of the culture,” said resident Ahmed Elsheikh. “As you see there are so many buildings and apartment complexes with so many people living in it and there’s only limited amount of much space.” He also said a new parking structure nearby to help out will not be the answer and will likely mean more costs for residents.

One resident said even with clear sidewalks, most pedestrians will be walking in the streets, because that is what they are used to in Isla Vista.