UC Santa Barbara Howls on Halloween

Visitors to the Santa Barbara area on Halloween weekend should be aware of the annual UCSB Halloween frenzy. Up to 65,000 college age trick-or-treaters are expected to swoop down like bats on Isla Vista and Goleta for what is anticipated to be a Friday and Saturday night haunting.

Although the UCSB students are aware of the havoc this wreaks on the community, they say that the majority of those attending the Halloween festivities are out of towners and not UCSB students.

A student government poster campaign aimed at Halloween safety awareness is in full swing. "Don't be that person" posters are warnings to educate students of the dangers and their responsibilities in the days before, during and after Halloween.

Among the most interesting warnings that seem to address problems from previous years are:

People have been seriously injured or died by falling off the cliffs while urinating. Please don't be that guy.

The festival ordinance (no live or recorded music) is in effect from Sunday 10/26 until Wednesday 11/5 from 6pm til 7am each night.

A ticket for Minor in Possession of alcohol can cost up to $500 plus 1 year license suspension.

Any object or prop may get confiscated over the weekend. (Think swords, grim reaper sickles, and other potentially dangerous props.) You can pick up your confiscated items at the IVPP office on Trigo beginning Monday, November 3rd.

Sexual harassment and sexual assault are NOT acceptable, regardless of what the person is wearing. Ass grabbing is considered to be sexual battery and is an arrestable offense.

Other safety posters include advice about checking the landlord's rules for guests, sensible alcohol consumption and safe sex.

Increased numbers of law enforcement personnel will be on duty to offset the negative effects of the partiers, issuing citations, making arrests, setting up DUI checkpoints, with additional officers patrolling on foot and with motorcycles. This is a joint effort of the UCSB Police, Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department, Santa Barbara Airport Police, and the California Highway Patrol.

The Emergency Medical Services Authority will attempt to keep the local hospital emergency rooms from being flooded by setting up a tent with eight beds in Isla Vista for triage.

The estimated cost for extra law enforcement and medical services for these two days is $1 million.

Parking is obviously going to be a major problem. Cars must be off Del Playa by 5pm on 10/31. Students can order a permit to park on campus at http://tps.ucsb.edu. Visitors to the area are advised that parking laws are strictly enforced.

The CHP will be closing roads, setting up DUI checkpoints, and working closely with towing companies, busses and taxicab companies to alleviate gridlocks and accidents.

In an attempt to reduce the number of local high school students taking part in the revelries, San Marcos High School will be hosting a public meeting on October 27 at 6:30pm. The possible legal and medical consequences of attending the Halloween bash will be explained to high school students attending the meeting.

The community is working together and has started early to prepare for the yearly Halloween invasion which most wish would just go away. This is a tradition that has taken on a life of its own and it looks like the residents of Goleta are in for another year of tricks rather than treats.

Those who would rather find a less frenzied form of entertainment for Halloween might want to consider the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride in Calabasas or the Hollywood Forever Cemetery tours which are safe and offer great entertainment value.