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Santa Barbara County Advances Deltopia Restrictions to Final Vote

A final vote on Jan. 27 will determine if new limits are in place for this year's Deltopia.

Overview

  • Supervisors voted unanimously on Jan. 13 to move forward an ordinance targeting the first weekend of UC Santa Barbara’s spring quarter in Isla Vista.
  • The measure would run from midnight April 3 to midnight April 6, banning amplified music and aiming to curb unpermitted street gatherings.
  • Officials cite emergency calls surging up to 60 times typical levels and more than $465,000 in overtime costs since 2023 as justification.
  • The proposal allows permitted events sponsored by government entities, including the Isla Vista Community Services District, as a sanctioned alternative.
  • Student leaders oppose the plan and warn it could push parties underground, noting last year’s estimates of 30,000 attendees, 485 citations, 84 arrests and 122 EMS calls.