28 UC Santa Barbara students forced to move out after cliff collapse

A bluff collapse in Isla Vista on Sunday left 28 students without homes. Thursday was the first time they were able to go back only to move out.

Santa Barbara County building inspectors red-tagged four ocean-facing units in 6653 Del Playa Drive.

“The determination that’s been made at 6653 del playa is that unit 1, 4, 5 and 9 are unsafe for occupancy. The rest are of the building are deemed safe for occupancy and we’re getting an emergency demolition permit to take off those four units,” said James Gelb, the owner of Del Playa Rentals.

Initially, students were told they would be able to move out on Friday which would help them out because they still have to attend classes. However, late Wednesday night the students were told they had to move out by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.

“I also have homework due tonight, but I don’t think I can do it because I have to move out by today. I had to go find a storage unit,” said Marilyn Arroyo, a UC Santa Barbara student.

Check back later for additional content.