Isla Vista, Calif.– The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office joined community partners to discuss efforts underway to prevent accidental deaths along the Isla Vista bluffs. Sheriff’s Lieutenant TeSlaa joined Supervisor Laura Capps and other Isla Vista community partners earlier today in the 6700- block of Del Playa for a press conference where Capps shared an 8-point plan to improve the safety conditions along the bluffs of Isla Vista.

During the press conference, Lt. TeSlaa said, “There is no answer to this challenge of preventing future tragedies that doesn’t involve collaboration and cooperation. It’s an unfortunate reality that excessive alcohol and drug use is common in Isla Vista, and that it is very often a contributing factor to these kinds of tragedies. But we can’t make these tragedies stop just by issuing citations or making arrests. As part of our approach to solving this problem, we’re continuing to evaluate how current laws can support us in our efforts – and where we also might be able to revise or strengthen these laws to meet the demands of our time.”

The staff of the Isla Vista Foot Patrol is actively engaged in collaborative efforts to make Isla Vista a safe place for residents and visitors. As part of their collaboration in the bluff safety review, the Sheriff’s Office is continuing to follow-up on the most recent bluff fall, the September 2, 2023, death of Benjamin Schurmer. The purpose of this follow-up is to capture any information from this incident that would assist in improving safety along the bluffs.  Members of the public who have not yet shared information they have about that incident are encouraged to contact Senior Deputy Colby Carrell at (805)681-4602. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can provide information by calling our tip line at (805)681-4171 or SBSheriff.org.