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Isla Vista, CA – Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) held a ceremony on December 14, 2024 welcoming new board members and electing board leadership for 2025.
In the November 2024 election, Kylan Hobart and Edward Pilotte were elected to serve four-year terms concluding in December 2028. Additionally, Annabelle Sipos was appointed on February 4, 2025, to fill a two-year term through December 2026. All three are UCSB students ensuring student voices remain at the forefront of local governance and decision-making.
Hobart, a pre-law student at UCSB, is passionate about environmental conservation and social justice. She plans to use her background in community activism to inform decisions that impact local policy and environmental stewardship. “I look forward to using my time on the board to advocate for sustainability, student well-being, and equitable policies that uplift our community,” Hobart shared.
Pilotte, a political science major at UCSB, is deeply committed to public transportation and infrastructure improvements in Isla Vista. His focus on accessibility and transportation equity stems from his belief that strong public transit systems create safer, more connected communities. “I’m excited to work with the community to enhance mobility in Isla Vista and ensure our modes of transportation serve everyone,” Pilotte said.
Sipos, a UCSB student pursuing a degree in Anthropology and Global Studies, aims to advocate for student-centered policies, increasing accessibility to community resources, and fostering a more inclusive and engaged Isla Vista. Sipos shared, “It’s been so rewarding living in Isla Vista, where the culture is emerging around us as we speak. I’m excited to serve on the board and help shape the future of this unique and dynamic community.”
The Board of Directors also honored outgoing Board President Marcos Aguilar, Director Olivia Craig, and Director Ela Schulz for their dedicated service to the Isla Vista community. Marcos Aguilar served four years, while Olivia Craig and Ela Schulz each served two years. Their leadership, advocacy, and commitment to Isla Vista have left a lasting impact on the District and its programs.
Marcos Aguilar, who served on the Board since 2020, is a longtime Isla Vista resident and an integral leader in the District’s growth. As Board President in 2023 and 2024, he helped guide the District through its transition back to in-person meetings and services post-pandemic. His leadership extended to critical initiatives, including the Library Ad-Hoc Committee, where he worked to expand library services, and the Parking Committee, where he helped develop the Isla Vista Parking Action Plan. IVCSD honors Marcos for his ability to lead thoughtful discussions and bridge diverse community perspectives.
Olivia Craig, elected in 2022, brought a strong student voice to the Board. She was instrumental in shaping the future of the Isla Vista Compost Collective and ensuring student perspectives were considered in policy discussions, particularly as one of IVCSD’s representatives to Isla Vista Safe. Olivia also contributed significantly to the Policy Committee, Finance Committee, Community Festivals Ad-Hoc Committee, and the UCSB Contribution Negotiations Committee. Her dedication to civic engagement and sustainability left a lasting impact on Isla Vista’s governance.
Ela Schulz, appointed in February 2023, played a vital role in structuring the District’s Community Spaces Rental Fees Policy, ensuring accessibility and sustainability. She also worked extensively on community safety and festival programming as a key member of the Community Festivals Ad-Hoc Committee and Isla Vista Safe, advocating for student involvement in policies. Ela also contributed to the Library Ad-Hoc Committee, helping establish mobile library van services in Isla Vista.
During this meeting, Directors elected Spencer Brandt to serve as Board President and Edward Pilotte to serve as Vice President for 2025. Brandt, who previously served as Board President from 2019 to 2022, continues to be a leading voice in Isla Vista.
Reflecting on the transition, outgoing Board President Marcos Aguilar shared, “Serving the Isla Vista community has been an incredible honor. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I look forward to seeing the next generation of leaders continue this work.”
Incoming Board President Spencer Brandt added, “I am excited to serve as President of the Board of Directors, where my top priority will be working collaboratively with my colleagues to improve quality of life for all in our beloved town. A decade ago, Isla Vistans came together in the aftermath of unrest and tragedy, and demanded better local government. Now, I look forward to working with the next generation of Isla Vista leaders to enact that vision, and continue making our community safer, more sustainable, and healthier.”
