Isla Vista, California is made up of a majority of students who attend the University of California, Santa Barbara. This college town, known for its vivacious energy and beach scenery, is paradise for Gauchos. But, when daylight savings hits every Fall, that paradise becomes a bit scarier. With the sun setting as early as 5 p.m., Isla Vista’s lack of properly lit streets turn into a risk for everyone biking or walking home at night. The lack of lighting creates unsafe conditions. The risk of crime, harassment, and accidents all increase in the dark. Many students, like myself, feel scared on their way home because the streets are too dimly lit.

 The lack of adequate lighting in Isla Vista can no longer be ignored. The evidence in support of properly lit streets is clear: 

• 
  In a 2019 study from Chalfin et. al, it was found that when lighting increased in New York City, 36% of nighttime outdoor crimes were reduced
• Welsh and Farrington (2015) found that street lighting significantly decreases crime in public
• Enhanced lighting was determined to improve driver awareness and reduce pedestrian risk according to The Federal Highway Administration (2023)

Our community deserves better. We are calling on Santa Barbara County, UCSB Administration, and the Isla Vista Community Services District to: 

1. 
   Install new street lights in high traffic areas— such as Del Playa, Sabado Tarde, and local parks
2. Repair and upgrade existing lighting to ensure consistency
3. Add lighting across bike paths to protect against accidents 

These measures are necessary to make Isla Vista a more welcoming place for everyone. Lighting can reduce crime, improve pedestrian safety, and ease the fear of commuting at night. By signing this petition, you are joining our efforts to improve public safety and prevent avoidable risk. Lets light up Isla Vista— because everyone deserves to feel safe walking home, no matter the time of day.