“ABC agents routinely support local law enforcement departments at events, even non-sanctioned events, such as this to help enforce laws and keep the public safe. It is important for young people to have fun, but we want them and everyone impacted by their celebrations to be safe.”
– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
ISLA VISTA –On April 5-7, 2024, California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents assisted the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office with public safety protection during the unsanctioned spring break event in Isla Vista known as Deltopia.
Despite a wet and windy start to the three-day event which resulted in a calm day one, the number of citations issued and arrests made during the event was higher than last year’s numbers.
ABC agents along with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and partner agencies issued 256 citations and made 32 arrests (all misdemeanors). In 2023, there were a total of 151 citations, and 23 arrests made.
According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, the crowds were largest on Saturday, April 6th and significantly higher than last year’s event. The attendees were concentrated at residences along the ocean side of Del Playa. Attendance spiked in the early afternoon along with an increase in emergency medical calls, most of which were for acute alcohol intoxication.
Law enforcement officers assisted fire and medic personnel in pre-planned rescue teams, responding to calls and clearing the roadway for access to patients in the densely populated areas that were inaccessible by ambulance. Patients were taken to a pre-staged medical area to regulate flow to area hospitals.
Most residents complied with the Outdoor Festival Ordinance, however, 13 citations were issued for illegal parties, in accordance with the new Social Host Ordinance where deputies encountered rooftop partygoers and noise violations. One paid party was also shut down. There were no incidents of cliff falls or fentanyl overdose fatalities. Sheriff’s detectives are following up on two separate reports of rape.
The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office offered its appreciation to:
- Santa Barbara County Fire,
- American Medical Response,
- Alcoholic Beverage Control,
- University of California Police,
- California Highway Patrol,
- Santa Maria Police Department,
- Sheriff’s Search and Rescue,
- and Santa Barbara County Emergency Medical Services.
