As my time in Isla Vista comes to an end, I look back and reflect on my days living in the 13th biggest party town in the nation. I noticed how it has drastically changed in just one year.

Moving here from San Francisco two years ago I could not believe the huge scene of students occupying Isla Vista. There were parties everywhere. It seemed as though everyone had the same weekend agenda and outlook on life. Party hard enough, and you could hook up with the drunkest person around. Lord knows we have all woken up next to someone we didn’t remember meeting.

This was all part of Isla Vista’s livelihood. If this hasn’t happened to you, you haven’t experienced what college is all about. We are all here for only two reasons, to go to school and to party. At least until we have to enter the real world. Isla Vista is just the place to do this.

I am sad to say none of this is true any longer. What was once a breeding ground for drunken binges and raging hormones is now a quiet college town regulated by callous laws. What the hell happened to my Isla Vista?

Last year Alcohol and Beverage Control granted the Isla Vista Sheriff’s Department $100,000 to crackdown on the I.V. party atmosphere.

Since the grant, I.V. Foot Patrol has become obsessed with busting anyone and everyone they can. Anyone caught with a minor consuming alcohol in their house is now cited a $3,000 ticket. The threat of this ticket has drastically reduced parties.

I think 70 percent of the people who drink alcohol in I.V. are minors. Anyone who has music playing late at night is cited with no warning. The I.V. Foot Patrol always find a reason to enter a household and bust anyone they can.

Now, you can’t walk into a party without being asked to show proof of ID, or questioned, “Who do you know here.”

To get action you now have to gather a lot of cash and venture to downtown Santa Barbara on Bill’s Bus. Or pay a visit to the Spearmint Rhino. The latter of the two will undoubtedly send you home feeling cheated.

The I.V. Foot Patrol has raped this town. They raped it of its reputation, a reputation we all bragged about to our friends back home.

One might think I am a beer-guzzling meathead; I can assure you I am not. I can see how this crackdown has done some good for I.V. There are those who needed the scene to die down because they were not getting anything done. Good for them.

However, this has not prevented any crime. Two weeks ago three people were stabbed and a cab driver was assaulted. Those who advocate for the taming of the I.V. are merely ruining it for everyone.

Those who choose to live in I.V. definitely know its reputation. If they want a change they should move to Goleta or downtown-it’s that simple.

Who asked the students if they wanted the change? No one asked me. Students make up most of the population. Where is our representation?

We need to take a stand and let or voices be heard. I.V. Foot Patrol need to put their time and effort into more important things instead of harassing innocent students. We have to keep hope alive. The innovative students in this town who like to party should be able to come up with something sound and effective to combat these rules. I would say throw more parties but there is no way around the $3,000 fine.

I am moving this summer, but I want future students to experience what I was able to experience, the joy of a healthy college lifestyle. So hold your red cups high, the best is yet to come-I promise.