Keeping Isla Vista (IV) Safe In 2015 – Thwarting Deltopia
Verdin recently partnered with UC Santa Barbara to minimize the notorious Spring Break party known as Deltopia for 2015. During the 2014 event, crowds swelled from 20,000 to 25,000, almost doubling the 2013 turnout.
Deltopia 2014 ended in rioting and violence. 26 civilians were injured, along with six Sheriff’s deputies and one UCSB Police officer. Those injuries were the results of rocks, bricks, and bottles thrown during the altercation.
After extensive investigation it became apparent that the most destructive rioters were from out of town, and a plan to deter visitors began to take shape for 2015.
Planning Takes Shape To Keep IV Safe During Deltopia 2015
After a successful Halloween 2014 campaign, UCSB expanded their partnership with Verdinto address the problem Deltopia presented. More local partners became involved and included SB City College, Keep IV Safe student coalition, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s office, Santa Barbara police, allied agencies, local police and local fire departments.
A comprehensive outreach plan to deter young adults from visiting Isla Vista included networking, public relations, social media, and digital advertising. Outreach targeted 16 to 22 year olds with engaging, peer-to-peer messaging regarding the potential dangers of participation in Deltopia.
Results of the outreach collaboration were incredible and beyond expectations, but were exactly what UCSB and all those involved had hoped.
Attendance for Deltopia was down over 50% from 2014…
…with an estimated 10,000 partiers dwindling down to about 500 by 9:30PM. Over 300 officers were visible in and around Isla Vista, giving citations and making arrests as needed.
Overall, no major incidents were reported during Deltopia with most of those citations and arrests being alcohol related, which dropped by 26% and 7% respectively.
Most important however…
…injuries resulting in medical transports to local hospitals were reduced by 82%!
UCSB’s major priority is the safety of its IV residents; so the significant decrease in hospital-required injuries was a big win for the entire community.
Just Another Gorgeous Weekend In Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office thanked students from Isla Vista who made a conscientious effort to not invite out-of-towners, along with all of their campaign partners, for the improved results.
They also thanked all first responders and the IV Community at large for their support. Many locals commented that Deltopia seemed “just like any other Saturday night in Isla Vista” which relieved the partners, students, and entire community.
If you’d like to find out how Verdin can help you keep your community safer through targeted marketing, call us at 805-541-9005or contact us here.
