LOS ANGELES ÷ In an effort to improve the reputation of one of its neighboring communities, the University of California Santa Barbara this year began sending notification letters to parents of students who were arrested in Isla Vista for alcohol-related infractions.

Isla Vista, which is located near UCSB and is home to many of its students, is famous for its wild parties, and infamous for alcohol-related problems.

Brandon Brod, one of three university administrators who initiated the policy at UCSB, said the policy is aimed at making Isla Vista a better place for students. He described the Parental Notification Policy as a deterrent that has been shown to dramatically reduce second offenses.

"This is quickly becoming the best practice that schools on the cutting edge should be using," Brod said.