Rishi Koteru

Hello Gauchos! My name is Rishi Koteru. Im a first year student here at UCSB and majoring in Political Science.

To me, Running for College Senator is, about taking the everyday realities of student life seriously and then actually doing something about them. We all come to college expecting a balance: a place where we can feel safe, pursue our goals, and enjoy the social freedom that makes this time memorable. Right now, that balance isn’t where it should be. My platform focuses on three areas where students consistently feel the gap: campus safety, bike theft and transportation security, and protecting the social culture of Isla Vista while preparing for its future as a city.

First, safety shouldn’t be something students have to think twice about. Whether you’re walking home from the library late at night, leaving a party, or just going about your daily routine, you deserve to feel secure. That means more than just increasing patrols— it means smarter, more student-centered approaches. I want to expand access to late-night safety escorts, improve lighting in high-traffic student areas, and push for faster response systems that actually reflect where and when students need them most. Safety also includes transparency. Students should know what’s happening in their community in real time, not through rumors or delayed reports. I will advocate for clearer, more accessible communication between campus safety organizations and the student body so people can make informed decisions.

Second, bike theft is one of those problems that everyone experiences, but no one feels is seriously addressed. For many students, bikes are their primary mode of transportation. When a bike is stolen, it’s not just an inconvenience, but disrupts your ability to get to class, work, and everything in between. Right now, prevention efforts are scattered and often reactive. I want to push for designated high-security bike zones with better surveillance and lighting, increased availability of secure racks, and partnerships that make high-quality locks more affordable for students. At the same time, there should be a stronger system for recovering stolen bikes, including improved registration programs and coordination with local law enforcement. This is a solvable problem if we treat it like one.

Third, we need to talk honestly about Isla Vista’s social environment. One of the reasons students choose this campus is because of the unique, vibrant, and open social culture. Parties, gatherings, and a sense of freedom are part of what makes the experience here special. But too often, policy responses swing between neglect and overcorrection. I believe in a balanced, realistic approach: one that respects students’ ability to make their own choices while also promoting safety and accountability. That means supporting harm reduction strategies, ensuring access to resources like safe rides and medical assistance, and working with student organizations to create environments where people can enjoy themselves without unnecessary risk.

At the same time, we have to acknowledge that Isla Vista is changing. The conversation around making Isla Vista an official city is becoming more real, and students need a voice in that process. This transition could shape everything from housing policies to policing, infrastructure, and local governance. If Isla Vista becomes a city, students cannot be an afterthought. We are the majority of the population, and our needs should define its priorities. I will advocate for strong student representation in any city planning discussions, ensuring that affordability, tenant protections, and student-focused services remain central. We should be thinking ahead now about what kind of community we want to live in, not reacting after decisions are already made.
Ultimately, my goal is simple: to make student government feel relevant again. Too often, it feels disconnected from the issues that actually impact daily life. I want to change that by focusing on tangible improvements. Things you can see, feel, and benefit from immediately. Better lighting. Safer streets. Secure bikes. A social environment that’s both fun and responsible. A future for Isla Vista where students have real influence.

I’m not running to make empty promises or push abstract ideas. I’m running because these are problems I’ve experienced myself, and I know how much they matter. If elected, I will prioritize listening to students, following through on commitments, and making sure that your concerns don’t just get acknowledged—they get addressed.

This campaign is about building a campus and community that works for us, not against us. A place where you can focus on your goals, enjoy your time here, and feel confident in the environment around you. That’s the standard we should expect, and it’s the one I’m committed to working toward.
I’d be honored to earn your vote