“It takes a village of law enforcement officers and other first responders to keep people safe during unsanctioned events such as this.  California ABC agents work large events and gathering throughout the state to combat underage drinking, overdoses, DUIs, and assaults often associated with underage drinking.  We thank all of the first responders who worked to keep everyone safe from harm.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY – On April 7, 2025, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office released preliminary figures from the unsanctioned Deltopia spring break event in Isla Vista which took place from Friday, April 4, 2025, to Sunday, April 6, 2025.

During this time, law enforcement and partner agencies, which included California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents, issued 485 citations and made 84 arrests.

Additionally, three DUI arrests were made at a DUI checkpoint in Goleta, located at Los Carneros Road and Discovery Drive and two more DUI arrests were made by saturation patrol. All five DUI arrests involved underage drinkers aged 18 to 20.

To provide context:

• in 2024, there were 256 citations issued and 32 arrests,
• in 2023, there were 151 citations issued and 23 arrests.

On Friday night, the event was relatively calm, with 10 citations issued and one arrest made by the Sheriff’s Office with an additional 10 citations issued by California ABC agents.

Saturday saw a significant increase in both crowd size and emergency medical calls, most of which were related to alcohol intoxication. Deputies and officers coordinated with fire and medical teams, using pre-planned rescue units to respond to calls and clear roads in densely packed areas, ensuring swift access for ambulances. There were no reported fatalities from cliff falls or fentanyl overdoses. There were no injuries to law enforcement officials or uses of force.

At 10:54 a.m., deputies contacted a group of subjects in the 6900-block of Marketplace drive who were on their way to Deltopia. One of the subjects was found in possession of a loaded firearm and arrested.

Deputies arrested six suspects as the result of a month-long investigation into conspiracy to commit a violation of the festival ordinance. At approximately 11:17 a.m., deputies served a warrant in the 6600-block of Del Playa for a paid party in violation of the County Ordinance with tickets sold using a ticketing platform.

Lieutenant Schmidt, manager of the Isla Vista Foot Patrol Station, said, “This year’s Deltopia operation showcased the strength of teamwork and efficiency. Our team, made up of nearly 300 deputies and officers from 8 law enforcement agencies, worked tirelessly to maintain public safety and respond quickly to medical emergencies. With the larger-than-usual crowds, our officers did an excellent job keeping up and ensuring the safety of the community.”

The Sheriff’s Office extended its gratitude to community partners and first responders, including:

• Santa Barbara County Fire,
• American Medical Response,
• Alcoholic Beverage Control,
• University of California Police,
•  California Highway Patrol,
• Santa Maria Police,
• Lompoc Police,
• Ventura County Sheriff,
• Santa Barbara Police,
• San Luis Obispo Police,
• and Santa Barbara County Emergency Medical Services

 for their collaboration and support during the event.