Sterling University Vista Apartments

Now under new management and renamed University Village, this apartment complex sheds its old image. Sterling University Vista Apartments was the site of an infamous Davis riot that broke out on Picnic Day in 2004. Sterling University has since been bought out from Sterling University Housing, is under new management, and been renamed University Village (current apartment information there). One look at Sterling University Housing's website, and you'll understand how the groundwork had been laid for this event.

On the Friday evening of Picnic Day 2004, multiple private parties within the complex joined to form a massive event. As Davis Police responded to complaints, partygoers became increasingly aggressive; bottles were thrown, individuals jumped on vehicles, and obscenities hurled. Police estimated the crowd size at 500, and because of this called in California Highway Patrol, Yolo County Sheriff's Department and the UCD Police Department to assist. Riot gear was donned and law enforcement re-entered the complex and fired tear gas as they continued to be pelted by glass and other items.

(Please note that other apartment complexes in Davis, Sterling Court and Sterling Pointe Apartments, are unrelated to Sterling University Vista Apartments.)

See Police Misconduct Stories for commentary on the Sterling riot.

Rumor has it that a change in management was the reason for the name change. It is unknown whether this bureaucratic change has anything to do with the riots and parties etc. It is also rumored that the new management is having difficulty filling the complex because of the raise in rent, parking situation (not enough spots), and the location. Rumor also has it that the previous management foresaw this situation and abandoned ship when they realized that parking as well as proximity to campus was going to hurt leases from being signed. Many individuals have also complained of cheap workmanship... there are many issues that an architect should have addressed but obviously did not do anything. University Village's party scene had completely dies down!