Authorities concerned about the potential for a massive unsponsored beach party closed beaches in Isla Vista Saturday, but some residents and visitors moved the party into the community.
Santa Barbara County officials were worried about the potential for a “Floatopia” event similar to one which happened in 2009, when social media spread word of a party on the beach, and on rafts in the water in Isla Vista. That spring, a crowd estimated at 12,000 people overwhelmed public safety agencies, and left tons of garbage behind.
The county closed the beaches to all visitors on Saturday. A number of parties in apartments, and homes led to more than a dozen arrests, and 70 citations over the weekend, most for alcohol related offenses.
