Notes from the Gas Station

IVRPD Newsletter

June 2025

Hello Luis! Welcome to our monthly newsletter from all of us here at Isla Vista Recreation & Park District. We’re excited to be sharing updates, news, staff spotlights, and meeting notices from the Park District.

What’s Inside

Regular Board Meeting June 12th

Queer Fest Recap

Rainbow Bridge

Garden Meeting Recap

Goleta Beach Community Gathering

Apply for IVCSD Board of Directors

Move-Out Resources

Regular Board Meeting Announcement

June 12th

Queer Fest Recap

Isla Vista showed up and showed out for UCSB Trans & Queer Commission's Pride Festival on Day 1 of Pride Month!

IV Pride ran from 3pm to 7pm and hosted people of all ages and backgrounds at Anisq'Oyo Park to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community in Isla Vista. Participants enjoyed a variety of activities ranging from tie-dying old clothes, jewelry making, tote bag painting, photo-booths, bounce houses and so much more. Naan Stop provided for all to enjoy. Local band performances from The DEI, Callisto, Imaginary Friends, Oh Honey, and Ex-Girlfriends Anonymous brought the event to life.

Isla Vista Recreation & Park District extends a heartfelt thank you to UCSB Trans & Queer Commission for hosting such a memorable start to Pride Month!

Rainbow Bridge

We are proud to announce that the Rainbow Bridge will be up for all of Pride Month. While the Rainbow Bridge might look like our regular bridge installed at Anisq'Oyo Park during the day, during the night our Rainbow Bridge lights up to a new world of color. If you happen to pass by the bridge after 7pm, feel free to take a picture at the bridge and tag us @ivrpd on Instagram.

IVRPD would like to thank The Environment Makers for their support in installing and designing this light installations. Below is an article you can follow on the symbolism and importance of this light installation.

Garden Meeting Recap

IVRPD hosted its Community Garden Meeting at Estero Gardens on June 8th from 10am to 12pm. Gardeners enjoyed pastries and coffee from local a Goleta panaderia and coffee from an Isla Vista brewer. Gardeners with the aid of Danielle, our Garden Coordinator, reviewed our garden policies and asked questions regarding the garden.

Goleta Beach Community Gathering

Join Laura Capps and her team for a community gathering at Goleta Beach Park on Thursday, June 26th from 4:30pm to 6pm to welcome summer and celebrate recent park improvements! Over the past few years, millions of dollars have been invested into updates at Goleta Beach Park -- repaired and repaved parking lots, new irrigation systems in the park, and of course, the opening of the Ellwood Restaurant. These improvements ensure Goleta Beach remains accessible, sustainable, and one of our County's most beloved public spaces.  

Enjoy empanadas and lemonade, connect with neighbors, and hear about the latest upgrades and investments to Goleta Beach from a Santa Barbara County Parks Ranger.  

Apply for IVCSD Board of Directors

A vacancy on the Isla Vista Community Services District Board of Directors occurred on June 8, 2025, following the resignation of Jay Freeman. The District is seeking to appoint a new Director to serve the remainder of the term, ending December 2026, in accordance with California law. The application deadline to apply is June 21, 2025 at 6pm. The appointment will take place June 24, 2025 at 6pm.

APPLICATION DETAILS:

·   Deadline: Applications are due by June 21, 2025

·   Submission: Applications must be emailed to the General Manager at generalmanager@islavistacsd.com.

·   Required Documents:

·   Resume

·   Letter of intent

·   Optional: Letters of recommendation

·   The applications will be made publicly available with the Board agenda as per the law.

Move-Out Resources by IVCSD

IVCSD Webpage: Planning your move this June? IVCSD's Move-Out Webpage has all the information you need for a smooth and sustainable transition. Learn where to donate unwanted items, how to sell through Facebook Marketplace, and what to do with hard-to-dispose-of materials like worn textiles or e-waste. Whether you're downsizing or just clearing out your Isla Vista rental, start here for tips and local resources.

Give Sale: Easily donate unwanted items in good condition at convenient drop-off sites within Isla Vista! Drop-off sites are located at Embarcadero Hall and Rottapel Park beginning June 11th and ending June 27th. Hours vary per location. (Mattresses are not accepted)

Free Bulky Item Pick-Up: Don’t abandon large household items like couches or fridges on the curb this year!

Instead, schedule a free bulky-item pickup with The Junkluggers of Santa Barbara. All items must be in good condition, as they will be donated - not thrown away. Pickups will take place from June 12–15, so be sure to schedule yours now before spots run out! (Please note: mattresses are not accepted.)

Park Rental Inquiries Changes

Isla Vista Recreation & Parks District is changing its park rental inquiry protocols. From now on please request and mail all park rental inquiries to ivrpd@ivparks.org. Thank you for your understanding!