Isla Vista Leaders coordinate partners with many Safer Alternatives for the weekend Deltopia coming up
ISLA VISTA, Calif. - It's an unsanctioned event, but it draws thousands to Isla Vista each year. Deltopia happens mainly on Del Playa Drive.
Isla Vista Community Service District (IVCSD) Program Manager Myah Mashhadialiereza is a former UC Santa Barbara student and says using locations blocks away like Little Acorn Park will be a way to lighten the impacts. "We have a band stage in the middle, next to that we will have our mocktail bar and VIP area."
That is surrounded by an area with free tacos (while they last) and locations to "chill out."
"The goal is to meet the community where they are at. If the community wants to have fun and celebrate, then we are going to do the same thing," she said.
The district has been working in collaboration with other agencies and groups to have an alternative to cramming everyone into Del Playa Drive, where thousands of people gather everywhere from the street to balconies and sometimes on rooftops. There have been serious falls and deaths in the past.
The beaches will be closed by the county because it has had unmanageable crowds in the past. The closure is from April 4-6.
Mashhadialiereza said, "as we know the beaches are completely closed because of past activity and we want everyone to be safe, and that doesn't mean we can't celebrate our community. There are so many healthy sustainable fun ways that we can celebrate Isla Vista and all the amazing talent that we have here that doesn't overwhelm balconies or medical care, we can do that in the park together."
The Isla Vista Community Center will also be a location for wellness checks, to rest, get medical monitoring and to recharge your phone.
All of the efforts to reduce the crowds and strain on the Del Playa area come with a collaboration that crosses all directions. This includes the the IVCSD , County of Santa Barbara, The City of Goleta, U.C. Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department, the County Fire department, AMR, the County Behavioral Wellness Department, and Santa Barbara City College.
The Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue Team is also ready for calls that utilize their special skills.
Many local entertainers including bands and a DJ are playing a key role in the variety of offerings. Flyers listing the bands and their show times are up throughout the area.
A temporary cell phone tower was also going up prior to the event due to the overwhelming nature of the call usage.
Wednesday afternoon about 900 doses of the drug reversal medication NARCAN was distributed by 56volunteers and the office of County Supervisor Laura Capps. About 100 more will be available Saturday morning when another outreach takes place. That will also include a crew on bikes handing out free bagels and water with electrolytes.
Safety information has also been handed out about the dangers of the bluffs that can have a drop of up to 50 feet.
A second year student, Farhan Taraq said, "people should definitely stay safe. I get that it is a big party ."
There will also be art installations, additional stop signs and "we are doing a lot of traffic calming techniques this year because we know it is a very pedestrian centered event. Everyone is walking in the streets and it is not really accessible for vehicles, " said Mashhadialiereza. ·
UC Santa Barbara has also issued this information:
To ensure the safety of students and the broader community during the annual unsanctioned event commonly known as Deltopia, UC Santa Barbara is again teaming with Santa Barbara County, the City of Goleta and the Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) on several regulations and policies for the first full weekend of April.
As in years past, a number of restrictions will be in effect on campus, in Isla Vista and in the neighboring community over the “Warm Up” weekend (April 4–6), and no overnight visitors will be allowed in residence halls or any university-owned housing.
Programming planned during this period — both on campus and in Isla Vista — is intended to draw students off the streets and into sanctioned events.
The Associated Students Program Board will hold a concert at the UCSB Events Center on Saturday, April 5, that is open only to current UCSB students. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $6 and a valid access card is required for entry.
Also on Saturday, April 5 the Isla Vista Spring Festival, hosted by IVCSD, will be held from 1–6 p.m. at Little Acorn Park, featuring live music and food. Public restrooms will be accessible across Isla Vista, and resources including the IV Recovery Center, Isla Vista Safety Stations and EMT-staffed Wellness Checkpoints will be available throughout the weekend.
Surrounding beaches, including Campus Point Beach and Sands Beach at UC Santa Barbara, will be closed from Friday, April 4, through Sunday, April 6, in coordination with Santa Barbara County’s closure of beaches in Isla Vista. Additionally, the County Community Services Department declared all Isla Vista beaches closed to public entry to protect public health and safety and to protect the beach from excessive waste and litter.
UCSB is also restricting overnight visitor parking and will be implementing traffic safety checkpoints on campus throughout the weekend.
Campus officials have worked diligently to develop a parking plan to help ensure the safety of the campus community of students, faculty, staff and others who are authorized to use campus facilities during the “WarmUp” weekend. Additional measures will be in place to discourage unauthorized use of campus parking facilities to gain access to Isla Vista during the weekend.
Effective Friday, April 4 through Sunday, April 6, the campus will be closed to overnight visitor parking. Campus checkpoints will be set up beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 4, and will continue as needed throughout the weekend to provide safety and security to the campus. Unauthorized vehicles will be denied access without prior approval.
In order to park on campus overnight on the dates identified above, all vehicles must be registered with valid “Reserved”, “A”, “B”, “C,” “H”, or an Annual “Night & Weekend” ePermit.
Short-term ePermit, including Daily, 15-Day Night & Weekend, and Visitor permits issued from the TPS Permit Portal, Permit Dispensers, andParkMobile will expire at Midnight, Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5. These permits are not valid for overnight parking. Unauthorized vehicles parked overnight on campus are subject to a $300 citation and having the vehicle impounded at the owner’s expense.
The enhanced parking restrictions will cease between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to allow for normal business on campus.
As in previous years, a number of campus parking locations are subject to closure, and access will be limited to support enhanced safety and security measures.
In addition to parking lot closures, traffic in and around the campus will be impacted. Access to El Colegio Road and/or Isla Vista may be closed for safety reasons if deemed necessary by law enforcement. If roads are closed, proof of residency may be required to enter. Certain roads in Isla Vista may be barricaded and closed to vehicular traffic.
Additional parking restrictions will be in place for certain blocks in Isla Vista and in Goleta neighborhoods around UC Santa Barbara.
Per the county noise ordinance, no audible music of any kind is permitted Friday, Saturday or Sunday between 6pm–7am. In addition, any party or gathering that violates the county outdoor festival and social host ordinance, which prohibits paid entry, alcohol sales, attendance above 250 people and allowing people in rooftops or cliffs, among other things, will be immediately shut down by law enforcement and violators will be charged with a misdemeanor.
(A link for this information can be found here.)
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department released this information:
Important Tips for 2025 Deltopia Weekend
Isla Vista, Calif. – As we approach the unsanctioned festival weekend known as Deltopia, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Barbara County Fire Department would like to share some important tips with attendees. Deltopia is known for attracting large crowds to the Isla Vista area, impacting residents and first responders. To ensure safety, the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department would like to remind the public of the following information:
Rooftop/Deck/Bluff Safety:
Safety is the number one priority. The bluffs along Isla Vista’s coastline are dangerous and falls occur nearly every year, sometimes with tragic results. Stay behind all fencing or railings near the edge to avoid injury. The bluffs are not a safe place to stand or gather.
Additionally, partygoers are reminded that it is illegal to party on rooftops. Local ordinances allow law enforcement to take immediate action if this happens. Avoid partying on roofs and stay safe.
Residential decks are intended for single-family use and not generally designed to hold large groups. Overcrowding can lead to dangerous structural collapses that cause severe injuries or even fatalities. The Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office will be monitoring overcrowding of decks and residential units closely. Residential units or decks found to be overcrowded will be evacuated by law enforcement. Additionally, overcrowding may result in citations.
Make Way for First Responders:
In case of an emergency, please remember to always make way for first responders. Whether it's medical, fire, or law enforcement, clear access is crucial for ensuring help arrives quickly. If you see emergency vehicles or personnel, please stay out of their way and help create a safe path for them to get to where they are needed.
The Sheriff's Office and Santa Barbara County Fire Department are working together to make sure everyone stays safe, and your cooperation in ensuring first responders can do their jobs is a key part of that.
Overdose and the Good Samaritan Exemption:
If you see someone overdosing, calling for help immediately can save their life. Under the Good Samaritan Law, if you observe a person experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose, and you’re sober, intoxicated, or under the influence at the time you call for aid, you and that person face no liability. This law was created to encourage bystanders to assist in emergencies and is one of the community's most powerful tools during Deltopia weekend.
Restorative Justice Program Suspended:
Restorative Justice is a diversion program that allows for certain citations to be dismissed through attending a class and completing community service. Restorative Justice will be suspended during the Deltopia weekend. This means that all citations will be forwarded the court process where sustained violations will become permanent record. Hosts and attendees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with applicable ordinances and laws that apply to the Deltopia weekend. The Sheriff’s Office has compiled an information sheet that can be found here.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office and County Fire Department urge Deltopia attendees to stay safe, act responsibly, and look out for one another. Remember, cooperation with law enforcement and emergency responders helps maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all. Let’s ensure that Deltopia remains a memorable experience for the right reasons, with everyone’s well-being at the forefront.
The county of Santa Barbara released this information:
Isla Vista County Beaches Closed April 4th – 6th, 2025
Due to potential for a “Deltopia” event
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – The beaches in Isla Vista will be closed from 8:00 a.m. Friday, April 4th through Monday April 7th at 8:00 a.m. due to the potential for a “Deltopia” event. The closure is to prevent a re-occurrence of the destructive and dangerous conditions that resulted from the 2009 Floatopia. The Santa Barbara County Code (Section 26-11) authorizes the Community Services Department to close any County recreation area including beaches.
Following the Floatopia event of 2009, the beaches at Isla Vista were left strewn with trash and debris, including human waste. This event had no provisions for the health and well-being of the public, including no facilities for human sanitation or trash collection. The County of Santa Barbara, therefore acted to close the Isla Vista beaches for similar events since 2010.
The Deltopia event planned for April 4th- 6th, 2025 is not a sanctioned event and there are no approved permits issued. As such, the County Community Services Department will declare the Isla Vista beaches closed to public entry to protect public health and safety and to protect the beach from excessive waste and litter. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office will enforce the closure.
(More details will be added here later today.)
