Isla Vista board authorizes parking citations under county schedule, directs staff to seek escalating fines for repeat offenders

The Isla Vista Community Services District adopted Resolution 26-15 to authorize enforcement of county parking regulations under the California Vehicle Code and the County of Santa Barbara's bail schedule so the district can begin issuing parking citations as part of its parking program.

General Manager (Speaker 1) told the board the county’s current uniform bail schedule lists many tickets at $37.50, with $25 returning to the district and $12.50 to the state. He said the district is asking the county to consider an updated schedule that better covers program costs and to explore a mechanism for escalating fines for repeat offenders.

Directors framed escalation as essential to changing behavior and addressing a small number of repeat 'scofflaw' violators who disproportionately generate problems. "The goal is to get the repeat," Speaker 1 said, describing an escalating model as an incentive to change behavior.

Public commenters raised concerns about policing jurisdiction and enforcement by UCSB Police (UCPD). One commenter argued UCPD should limit traffic stops in the community; another speaker responded that UCPD is a state police entity with jurisdiction across California. Several commenters urged the board to build a database to track repeat offenders and noted that tickets reported to the DMV create a financial incentive for payment.

The board adopted the resolution by voice vote and directed staff to work with county, court and state legislative partners to determine whether the county can adopt an Isla Vista-specific fee section or another pathway for escalating fines for repeat offenders. The resolution authorizes immediate citation issuance under the county schedule while staff pursue enhancements.