The War Against Burning Couches

In Isla Vista, California—the beachside student ghetto of the University of California, Santa Barbara—one of the favored ways to celebrate academic success—in addition to excessive drinking, promiscuous sex and listening to Bob Marley's Legend—is burning couches in the middle of the street.

The student newspaper The Daily Nexus reports that police are fighting this public act of arson/jubilation with plain-clothes officers who are fingering those who are light or fuel the fire.

The best part about the story is that some students can’t understand why the police are becoming so adamant.

“You get to show up … and light a fire. No one ever gets hurt. You’d have to be pretty stupid if you’re jumping over it or something.”

Some students are more wary and logical about the situation.

“I’ve seen them catch someone’s house on fire, but it’s the end of the year, and people are getting rid of things.”

Police aren’t so lighthearted about the situation. Those caught burning their furniture can face up to a $1,000 fine.