Nicki Arnold

NEW EYE FOR I.V.: Meet Nicki Arnold, the new author of independent.com’s Eye on Isla Vista column. A 21-year-old San Ramon native and political science major who will spending her senior year editing the opinion pages at UCSB’s Daily Nexus and pursuing that lofty goal of timely graduation, Arnold will apprise readers about life in this tiny-yet-bustling chunk of Santa Barbara County. “It’s not just a shithole party place,” she said of I.V. “Some of the greatest minds in the country live right on Del Playa Drive.” Enthusiastic though Indy editors may be to have Arnold on board, they’re still searching for a second Eye on I.V. columnist to provide a “grown-up” counterpart to her student perspective. Those interested should contact drew@independent.com. And follow I.V. news online at independent.com/eyeoniv.