As outrage over Facebook’s shady ways flows like never before, there remain a few sunny corners of goodwill, warm memories, and great laughs within the social media beast. Though often used to fire up political ire or fuel conspiracy theories, Facebook Groups are places to connect with people of similar interests, ensuring that conversations usually stay on point rather than veer into vitriol. I’ve long been a member of the “ Memories of Old Santa Barbara ” group (founded August 2011, 15,000-plus members) and joined “ Support Santa Barbara Biz Online ” (March 2020, 6,800+) during the pandemic.
But now one fast-rising group dominates my Facebook feed, making me and most of my college buddies smile every day: “ I partied in Isla Vista ‘95-’02 .” Just founded on August 27, the group also already boasts nearly 12,000 members, some of whom are now pushing for a real-life reunion next summer.
“I’ve heard that there’s been an uptick in people visiting Isla Vista to see their old haunts, going to Sands, going to Freebirds, going to Island View Outfitters to get shirts,” said founder Drew Wendland, a West Virginia–raised contractor who attended UCSB from 1996 to 2001 and now lives in Thousand Oaks. “I’m glad that people are excited about reconnecting with the community.”