Carmen Lodise AN ACTIVIST ADIOS Isla Vista Legend Carmen Lodise Retires By Cathy Murillo The Santa Barbara Independent Dec. 16, 2004 Carmen Lodise  —  an Isla Vista activist, community leader, journalist, and most recently, development coordinator for the Community Action Commission — was honored at a retirement party December 10 at Javan’s Restaurant, the former site of Borsodi’s Coffeehouse, which for many years served as the hub of Isla Vista’s political and cultural life. High spirits, loud laughter, and bawdy anecdotes animated the celebration attended by former 3rd District supervisor Bill Wallace, I.V. Medical Clinic founder David Bearman, retired professor and promoter of the I.V. Peace Monument Bob Potter, and members of the Isla Vista Guerilla Theater and juggling troupe the Fabulous Strombolis, among other friends, radicals, and well-wishers. Tables were strewn with old copies of the Isla Vista Free Press — of which Lodise was a publisher and writer — containing stories about issues still crucial to the dense, unincorporated town: police brutality, self-governance, redevelopment, bluff erosion, parking, and traffic. On a serious note, Lodise said he is more than sad that Isla Vista hasn’t become a city — he’s angry.  On a lighter note, he said, “Isla Vista was such a nicer place when the drug of choice was marijuana. Now it’s alcohol and people are not nearly as thoughtful.” Lodise leaves his position at CAC this week, then is off to Jalisco, Mexico, to retire in the seaside village of Barra de Navidad. Visit islavistahistory.com for more about Lodise and the community he fought for and cherished. ©islavistahistory.com 11/17/06 home