Isla Vista Cameras Up for Deltopia

Wed Apr 02, 2014 | 10:00am
Paul Wellman

Six tower surveillance cameras (pictured) have sprung up in Isla Vista in advance of this Saturday’s Deltopia. UCSB purchased the mobile cameras ​— ​it’s unclear how long they will stay up ​— ​and Sheriff’s deputies will monitor the live stream on Saturday. Essentially the spring version of Isla Vista’s infamous Halloween celebration, Deltopia attracted more than 15,000 people last year, and Facebook indicates this year’s crowd might be double that. Following recent high-profile incidents ​— ​gang rapes, a near-riot, and assaults ​— ​in the saturated college town, the Sheriff’s department is upping enforcement with more than 100 officers from various agencies. Last year, a Cal Poly student died after falling off the cliff the night before Deltopia, and a crowded balcony also collapsed, leaving several injured. There were 440 9-1-1 calls, 44 hospital visits, 23 arrested, 71 criminal citations, 59 traffic citations, and five DUIs. New this year, authorities will enforce the county festival ordinance, which will prohibit residents from playing music loud enough to attract a crowd unless they obtain proper permits.

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