Hi all. First and foremost, I would like to thank each and every single one of you who have signed, shared, donated, and left condolences. By doing so, you have contributed to the news that I am about to share with you below:
On this past Thursday, I was invited to attend a press conference being held by District Supervisor Laura Capps. You can google “isla vista news” to read more in-depth reports as to what the conference entailed.
Essentially, Capps issued the county’s 8-point plan that is intended to be implemented in the coming months. This plan addresses three of the requests made in our petition, including several more measures requested by community organizations; such as increasing lighting, replacing warning signs that are often stolen as souvenirs, etc. Following the press conference, I was informed by both Capps, and an IVCSD representative that this action plan was entirely incentivized by the traction gained from our petition. This would not have been possible without the participation and support from all of you in the community. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
All of that being said, our fight does not stop here. Action has yet to be officially implemented. Going forward with this project is going to be an extremely long and rigorous process, as the board must complete negotiations and gain funding and support from numerous stakeholders, property owners, and higher-ups in order to move forward.
So what can we do right now?
Until the government approves infrastructure developments, students are STILL at risk. The safety hazards have not changed.
Therefore, temporary action is imperative.
- Fence Lighting
We are looking into installing solar-powered lighting along the fences. Community members may reach out to me if interested in participating in funding or helping install these. - Signs/posters
It is within our rights to put up signs and posters along the current fencing at cliffsite properties. - Student Support - TENANTS IN ISLA VISTA. If you are a tenant housed on any property that borders the ocean either on Del Playa or nearby (or if you have connections to those who are), please fill out the survey* below and leave me a reply at the bottom with your contact information. I want to support and represent you; and I have questions and information I can provide you with. We need your help.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemJCJ922CGaZmrUSndNrKMDX37KdXnISsmcZ2uSQiLaneeOw/viewform
*there is an official student survey in development that will be issued in the near future, but for the time being, you may fill out the following form.
IF YOU WANT TO SUPPORT ANY OF THE ABOVE MEASURES OF ACTION, OR HAVE ADDITIONAL IDEAS, you may fill out the survey or leave a comment below.