INTRODUCTION
The Isla Vista Community Relations Committee (IVCRC) works directly with the local community. It educates the campus community about issues within Isla Vista and Santa Barbara County in general. These issues include safety, police/community relations, landlord/tenant relations, emergency and other vehicle access in Isla Vista, parking, and County and University funding for programs and services in Isla Vista. IVCRC often collaborates with the Office of the External Vice President Local Affairs. It also works with the Community Affairs Board (CAB) on two community events that bookend the academic year, Pardall Carnival and Chilla Vista. The latter was combined with Earth Day this year. More on that below.
PARDALL CARNIVAL
Pardall Carnival opened the year with a big welcome from students to the entire IV community, including families. It was a multi-colored outpouring of good vibes that included carnival rides, including a mini-Ferris wheel, games, including a dunk tank, and, of course, informational booths about AS’s many services and other campus and community groups serving students and IV. Crowds of students and families thronged IV’s main thoroughfare and fun-in-the-sun was had by all!
CHILLAVISTA X EARTH DAY
This year IVCRC and the Environmental Affairs Board (EAB) joined forces to produce the Chillavista x Earth Day Festival, which brought together two of Isla Vista’s signature spring festivals. Both festivals were sustainable and environmentally friendly celebrations of the IV community, so it made sense (and saved a lot of planning time and resources!) to bring them together under one sky. Chillavista x Earth Day featured local bands, including The Crash Landings, UCSB’s a cappella vocal ensemble Naked Voices, and local reggae band The Olés, performing on the stage at Anisq ‘Oyo’ Park. There was also a space for artists to display their work, including one that spelled out HOPE in large white wooden letters that people could share their thoughts on with provided Sharpies. The sign now stands in the courtyard of the Art Department. Several candidates for local and national offices put in appearances. In addition, the event provided food from many organic and local vendors, including the IV Food Coop, which has supported both festivals for several years. Like Pardall Carnival it included games and informational booths, including Blunite, Life of the Party, and Save the Mermaids. With the mix of students and IV families, the vibe was definitely chill. The festival is a great example of what happens when students produce community building events and invite their friends and neighbors to enjoy some California sunshine!
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