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KCPR CONTENT: FALL CONCERT GUIDE
OPINION: SHARKS LOVE NUCLEAR POWER — AND SO SHOULD YOU
SPORTS: MUSTANG MANGLERS
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SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
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MUSTANGNE WS.NET
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LEADERSHIP
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
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PG&E set to pay San Luis Obispo County $16 million to offset effects of Diablo Canyon Power Plant
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Students relocated to Poly Canyon Village apartments after delays in new housing construction
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ADVISERS
Jon Schlitt General manager Pat Howe Editorial Adviser Kim Bisheff Digital Adviser Patti Piburn KCPR Adviser Richard Gearhart MNTV Adviser LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Cal Poly is in tiłhini, the Place of the Full Moon. We gratefully acknowledge, respect, and thank Yakʔityutyu tityu yak tiłhini, Northern Chumash Tribe of San Luis Obispo County and Region, in whose homelands we are guests.
DEAR READERS,
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Happy September! We’re excited to welcome you to the first print edition of the academic year and the first ever semester at Cal Poly! Cal Poly’s semester transition became reality, temperatures have risen and our newsroom has welcomed many new faces. As seniors navigate their “last firsts,” new reporters are just starting their Mustang Media Group journey and bringing fresh ideas and curiosity to the newsroom. As this year kicks off, we can’t wait to continue covering Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo, bringing the news to your fingertips and sharing your stories. We are incredibly privileged to write this letter to you, and we are excited to get to know our audience even better over the next few months.
LAUREN QUIJANO
If you told sophomore-year Kaylin she would be editor-in-chief one day, she would’ve blushed, said “noooooo” and then gone back to LinkedIn stalking that year’s editor-in-chief to memorize her pipeline to success. Ever since I started this position, it’s felt like an out-of-body experience, especially as one of the biggest Gilmore Girls fans out there. I promise to remain much less problematic than Rory Gilmore but just as invested in the success of our college’s news organization. We’re all well aware that news can be daunting and stressful, but I hope that with this year’s Mustang News coverage, you feel a little less overwhelmed and a little more connected to your community. It is only becoming increasingly important to consume the news — on both a national and local level. With our everchanging campus, this year is sure to bring many surprises, and we’re here to help you learn and share your stories. My goal will always be to meet our audience where they are, so if you prefer to listen to, watch or read your news, you’ll find something in our print editions for you.
I wish I could give freshman-year Lauren a hug and tell her everything that was in store for her, but she would probably cry and stress herself out. I didn’t come to Cal Poly planning to study journalism. I switched majors, felt behind and spent the first half of the year homesick enough to consider transferring home. As you can see, I didn’t love change then, and I am learning to hate it less and less now. When I was offered the managing editor position, I was excited but also, naturally, stressed. I had some big shoes to fill after the legendary Jeremy Garza and taking a leadership role in print was very different from the broadcast world I was used to living in. Mustang News has become my home, and I’m so grateful to help lead it this year alongside Kaylin. As the world changes and its effects trickle down to San Luis Obispo, local journalism matters more than ever. It helps us understand the decisions, people and issues that shape the place we call home for four years. As the managing editor, my goal is always to make sure our stories are fair, comprehensible and worthy of your time. I hope you enjoy this print edition, and I hope you stick around for the rest of them.
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This month, we are focusing on issues on every students’ minds. San Luis Obispo has seen temperatures up to 107 degrees while students go class-to-class, some with air conditioning and some without. Housing is always a hot topic in San Luis Obispo and this year is no different. Even with the usual construction projects, housing delays this year have forced more students to squeeze into the Poly Canyon Village apartments despite their original placement in the new building. However, the heat isn’t stopping students from showing their support for all Cal Poly’s sports teams. The football team had its best start since 2012 and a record number of fans in the stadium, and Cal Poly beat UC Santa Barbara in the notorious Blue-Green Rivalry game. San Luis Obispo is full of concerts and music, and a new wellness center opened downtown. We are eager to continue sharing student stories this year, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
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MUSTANG NEWS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
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Fall Concert Guide STORY BY SAGE DECREAMER DESIGNED BY AVA CHEUNG
BELLA WHITE AT SLO BREWING COMPANY
CUPCAKKE AT THE FREMONT
SLIGHTLY STOOPID AT VINA ROBLES
SHAKEY GRAVES AT THE FREMONT
Fall semester is upon us. As the sun sets behind Bishop Peak earlier each day and summer becomes a distant memory, San Luis Obispo has plenty of concerts to check out this season. Whether you’re looking for an excuse to get out of the dorms or escape the impending doom of midterm season, here’s a list of shows worth having on your radar.
Bringing a taste of Appalachia to San Luis Obispo, bluegrass singer-songwriter Bella White will perform at SLO Brew on Sept. 29. Drawing from traditional bluegrass music, the blend of fiddle, mandolin and her haunting vocals creates a sound that is both timeless and distinctly her own. In June, White released her third full-length album, “A Sign In The Weather,” continuing a run of accomplishments, including her music’s feature in the highly anticipated “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” White’s show offers a nostalgic setting for someone looking to trade in the noise of everyday life.
For those looking for a freakier show this Halloween season, the viral sensation CupcakKe will put on a show like no other at the Fremont Theater on Oct. 3. After releasing her most recent album, “The BakKery,” late last fall, she has headlined venues across the U.S. Widely known for her hyper-explicit and sexual rap lyrics, CupcakKe brings that same unapologetic energy to her live performances. Expect hilarious crowd interactions, camp outfits and a crowd that is just as unhinged as the performer herself.
Another option for those seeking an endless summer, Slightly Stoopid will play at Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Oct. 8. Slightly Stoopid’s sound is rooted in hip-hop and reggae, with tangs of ska that make their music appealing for anyone not quite ready to let summer go. The band has had a busy year, traveling coast to coast on their “Road Trippin Summer Tour” while preparing to release their 10th album, marking their return to the studio after eight years. In July, they released their latest single, “Backseat Drivin,” featuring Wiz Khalifa and G. Love, a summer anthem that has only amplified excitement for what they’re up to next. If you’re not quite ready to break out the fall sweaters, Slightly Stoopid’s appearance on the Central Coast gives the perfect excuse to keep summer alive well into October.
Shakey Graves offers the perfect soundtrack for settling midterm season anxieties, bringing his lo-fi, country-folk sound to the Fremont Theater on Oct. 18 for a calming escape from the stress of the semester. While Graves has evolved from his early days as a man-with-a-guitar act to performing with a full backing band, he still nods to his roots by breaking out his iconic suitcase kick drum for solo songs and older tracks. The minimal production of his newest album, “Fondness, etc.”, released in May, features muffled vocals and a bare-bones feel that gives the album a raw sound that is both tender and dream-like. The performance at the Fremont will surely provide a warm refuge as we edge further into the fall season.
Song Recommendations: “Just Like Leaving” “Stuff” “Gutted”
Song Recommendations: “CPR” “Deepthroat” “Squidward Nose”
GUIDE
Song Recommendations: “Officer” “Bandalero” “2am”
Song recommendations: “The Boilermaker” “Tomorrow” “When the Love Is New”
FIRST DAY BACK AT SAN LUIS OBISPO GRANGE HALL
MODEST MOUSE AT AVILA BEACH GOLF COURSE
THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS AT FREMONT THEATER
BUCK MEEK AT SLO BREW
The next rising DIY band to come out of UC Santa Cruz, First Day Back, will perform at San Luis Obispo Grange Hall on Oct. 22. The band self-released their debut album, “Forward,” last year composed entirely of live takes recorded in their friend’s living room. Their sound channels the ’90s Midwest-emo era, combining lead singer Maggie Masumi’s fiery singscream, violin and jamming guitars. Catch them while you can in the intimate setting of the Grange Hall, before they require a bigger venue.
Few songs feel more synonymous with a Cal Poly house show than Modest Mouse’s “Float On,” and on Oct. 22, you can hear it live at Avila Beach Golf Course. Grammynominated Caroline Rose will accompany Modest Mouse in a concert presented by Shabang Music Festival, venturing away from their classic spring festival into a standalone concert. Thirty years after their debut, the band released “An Eraser and A Maze” in June, their first album release following the death of founding drummer Jeremiah Green. The album blends seamlessly with the band’s earlier work, and the setting of Avila Beach makes an ideal backdrop to revisit three decades of Modest Mouse.
The California Honeydrops, a blues and soul band that formed in the underground subway systems of Oakland, are expected to put on a show to remember at the Fremont Theater on Nov. 11. The band’s live performances can feature up to nine performers, including the core five members and joined by a regularly appearing horn ensemble. Renowned for their improvisational skills, no two shows are the same. Anyone looking to add a little spontaneity to their bustling fall schedule should check out this show, which feels less like an overly-produced concert and more like an authentic jam session unfolding in real time.
To cap off our most anticipated shows, the folk musician Buck Meek — also known for his affiliation with the popular indie-folk band Big Thief — will perform at SLO Brew on Dec. 9. His fourth studio album, “Mirrors,” released earlier this year was inspired by a conversation with his Big Thief bandmate and producer James Krivchenia. On the album, Buck Meek experiments with adding subtle electronica elements to his typical folk sound, which adds a sense of playfulness to his sweet vocals that wrap around you like a warm hug. If you’re seeking a little comfort as the colder months roll in, Buck Meek’s performance is a go-to.
Song recommendations: “Upstairs (212)” “Sure, Ok” “Paint”
Song Recommendations: “3rd Planet” “Life’s a Dream” “Dramamine”
Song Recommendations: “365 Flavors” “Call It Home” “Lovin’ Made Easy”
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Song Recommendations: “Pretty Flowers” “Gasoline” “Cannonball! Pt. 2”
CHECK OUT THE ARTISTS
SLIGHTLY STOOPID
SHAKEY GRAVES
FIRST DAY BACK
MODEST MOUSE
THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS
BUCK MEEK
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
CUPCAKKE
MUSTANG NEWS
BELLA WHITE
GUIDE
PG&E is set to pay San Luis Obispo County $16 million to offset effects of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant
NEWS
MUSTANG NEWS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
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LIAM BOWMAN | MUSTANG NEWS Diablo Canyon Power Plant, located near Avila Beach, California
STORY BY ANNIE LANDWEHR DESIGNED BY MEHER ANKLESARIA
Pacific Gas & Electric Company will pay San Luis Obispo County $16 million to compensate for the discontinued unitary tax. Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant’s operations were extended until 2030 as of September 2022. The plant also received a 20-year license from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission to extend the plant’s operations until 2045. However, California lawmakers need to pass legislation approving the longer extension for the plant to operate until then. While the power plant’s
operation was extended, the unitary tax was not. This unitary tax was a property tax that PG&E paid to San Luis Obispo County entities based on the power plant’s value and earnings. The plant’s value comes from producing nearly 9% of the state’s total electricity supply. Some of these taxes went to funding for local school districts. Diablo Canyon’s total unitary taxes from one year were around $25 million as of 2022. San Luis Obispo County will only receive around two-thirds of the original tax amount. PG&E will pay two payments of $8.3 million, one in 2026 and one in 2027, to compensate for the discontinued taxes.
The first $8.3 million payment will be made by Dec. 31, 2026. The money will then be distributed to local agencies like the San Luis Coastal Unified School District, which was affected by the lack of funding and was in about a $5 million to $7 million deficit. Funding will also go to emergency services in the area. State Senator John Laird introduced a bill that allows local governments, schools and services to continue to receive funding. The bill was originally meant to secure funding for San Luis Obispo County, but PG&E voluntarily agreed to pay the $16 million. The Senate bill was gutted and amended to make Sept. 25 Dolly
Parton Day as remembrance and recognition of the country music star. “I authored SB 931 to make sure that the local community, including SLO County, cities, and schools, is adequately compensated for impacts associated with Diablo Canyon Power Plant’s extended operations until 2030,” Senator Laird wrote in his press release. Senator Laird’s press release specified that the $16 million is from PG&E shareholders rather than taxpayers or customers who pay utility rates. Assemblymember Dawn Addis co-sponsored the bill to reinstate funding. While Addis advocated for the funding, she still believes there is more to gain.
“This is just a drop in the bucket compared to what is owed to the school district as well as the community,” Addis said in an interview with Mustang News. “Unfortunately, because PG&E has not been paying its fair share, it’s the students who suffer in the surrounding communities.” Assemblymember Addis also gave a statement in the Senator’s press release. “It is crucial that PG&E fulfill its responsibility to our community by restoring critical funding that was missing from the 2025– 2030 extension of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant operations,” Assemblymember Addis wrote. “This is critical for our students
and the public agencies who serve the most vulnerable throughout San Luis Obispo County.” Jane Swanson is the president and spokesperson of San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace, an organization advocating against the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. However, she spoke to Mustang News on her own behalf. “I’m very pleased that PG&E has agreed under pressure from John Laird’s legislation. I’m glad that they have agreed to resume support for San Luis Coastal Unified School District,” Swanson said. IMPACT ON LOCAL SCHOOLS
These budget deficits also impact Cal Poly students. “Some students work in our local schools, interning or as student teachers. [The new funding] allows for more opportunities for broader educational opportunities,” Frew said. “This is certainly a positive step forward. But also, this is a temporary solution. It doesn’t solve some of the long-term funding questions we’ve been advocating for.” Assemblymember Addis also found connections to Cal Poly. “We bear the responsibility of hosting California’s only nuclear power plant, so any of PG&E’s decisions moving forward should be made with the local community in mind, and Cal Poly students are a vital part of that,” Addis said in an interview with Mustang News. Most people hope that PG&E continues to pay San Luis Obispo County funding installments until 2030, when the power plant is set to go offline. PG&E voluntarily chose to pay San Luis Obispo County from shareholders’ pockets, so it is possible that PG&E could raise customers’ utility rates to pay for further funding installments if there were a future Senate bill requiring continuing payments.
PG&E approved it. His letter explained that as of April 2026, both the NRC and PG&E approved the Diablo Canyon power plant to continue operating until 2045. These units would be renewed according to NRC member Koenick’s letter. However, this is not yet authorized under current California state law because there is a cap on operational extension till the year 2030 and no later. A new bill would have to be introduced to further extend operations. For now, Diablo Canyon will remain operational until 2029 for Unit 1 and 2030 for Unit 2.
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LIAM BOWMAN | MUSTANG NEWS Members of Cal Poly’s Nuclear is Clean Energy club in front of Diablo Canyon
THE FUTURE OF DIABLO CANYON
Stephen Koenick, a member of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, wrote a letter acknowledging that the NRC renewed the Diablo Canyon power plant operating license, and
LIAM BOWMAN | MUSTANG NEWS View of the cooling towers from up on the hill. MUSTANG NEWS
“The San Luis Coastal Unified School District was in about a $5 million to $7 million deficit, which resulted in cuts to our school counselors, library services, reading intervention programs and extracurricular programs,” said Annie Aguiñiga Frew, a founder of The San Luis Coastal Parent Information Network and a Cal Poly political science professor. “We are hopeful that maybe some of those programs that were cut would be restored [with the funding].” Not only were these services cut, but there were also budget cuts made to the arts, like music programs and band at the high school level. The San Luis Coastal Parent Information Network is a non-profit that focuses on advocacy work. Their goal is to make sure there is information available to parents and community members while pushing for transparency with community partners.
HOW THIS AFFECTS CAL POLY
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
NEWS
LIAM BOWMAN | MUSTANG NEWS Nuclear is Clean Energy club members in front of the reactor.
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OPINION
Sharks love nuclear power — and so should you STORY BY EMILY NIEBUHR DESIGNED BY MARIAJOSÉ BAZÁN-BARREDA
OPINION
MUSTANG NEWS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
Emily Niebuhr is an English senior and an opinion columnist for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group. When people think of nuclear power, they often imagine the white sky of nuclear winter and fallout shelters. Since the Cold War, politicians have demonized nuclear energy while the media has mythologized it with works like “Oppenheimer” and “Chernobyl.” The Cold War ended in 1991, but fearful attitudes toward nuclear power still shape energy policy in our own community. Diablo Canyon Power Plant has acted as a point of conflict in San Luis Obispo for decades. Many public concerns stem from misconceptions about the plant’s safety and environmental impacts.
Education about nuclear power is important so we — the next generation of environmental stewards — can make informed decisions about how we want to meet the ever-increasing energy demands for a growing population, data centers and global trade.
SHARK WEEK AT DIABLO CANYON
Discovery Channel visited Diablo Cove in the spring to film an episode for “Shark Week,” which aired in July. Diablo Canyon Power Plant contains the last two functioning nuclear reactors in California, and it’s right in our backyard. Situated on a scenic, secluded stretch of coastline between Montaña de Oro and Avila Beach, it provides California with 9% of our energy and provides Peaches, one of the juvenile great white sharks tagged by Tenera Environmental’s team of marine biologists, with a home.
Diablo’s cooling process intakes 2.5 billion gallons of seawater and discharges it back into the outtake cove about 11 degrees warmer. Over time, this has resulted in the creation of a subtropical ecosystem that attracts young sharks. Dylan George, the public policy engagement specialist from Diablo Canyon, spoke about these unique, controversial ecological circumstances. “We know we have a huge responsibility. We have some of the last coastlands in California that are not developed,” George said. “We work a lot with Cal Poly, Cal State Long Beach and the Scripps Institute for Oceanography.” Diablo Cove’s biodiversity has shifted, creating new ecological niches. “We thought it was cool that the Discovery Channel called us and wanted to film in our outflow cove. A lot of people think nothing can live near a nuclear plant, but it’s the opposite,” George said. “You see the harbor seals, the Garibaldi and the rockfish jumping around.”
WHAT ABOUT THE NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS?
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an independent governing body that regulates nuclear energy in the United States, released a substantial final supplemental environmental impact study in 2025. Some of the negative trade-offs include the disappearance of native species of bull kelp and the deaths of marine organisms, like fish larvae, that have been swept into the cooling system. Despite this, the reports show fish levels have remained steady and neighboring coves are unaffected by the temperature change. The overarching ecological changes from Diablo are not significant enough to justify shutting down the plant. Decommissioning the plant would also negatively affect the warm water species that have adapted to the new conditions. California has not found an equally efficient renewable energy source to replace the power supplied by Diablo. Relying on fossil fuels to augment our energy needs instead would have far worse environmental ramifications.
DISPELLING MISCONCEPTIONS: THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION
People fear nuclear power because they don’t understand how reactors work. They imagine an earthquake triggering a catastrophic explosion or the leaching of radioactive waste. These misconceptions are understandable and exactly why education is necessary. Nuclear energy is actually one of the safest energy sources. According to Our World in Data, more people have died every year from fossil fuel-related air pollution than from any of the three nuclear accidents in history. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission closely monitors Diablo, and it was constructed and retrofitted with seismic safety in mind to be able to withstand earthquakes stronger than what California’s fault lines are projected to produce. In the unlikely event of a meltdown, Diablo’s reactors are safely contained within steel-reinforced concrete domes. Our generation has grown up without lingering Cold War anxiety, which makes us a clean slate for embracing nuclear power. As students and stewards of California’s environment, we must consider the pros and cons and use our knowledge to educate those around us.
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MUSTANG NEWS
Canyon contains spent fuel onsite in a highly regulated, closely monitored process. “Nuclear power is the only energy source where we know where every ounce of our waste is,” said Pacific Gas & Electric Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer Maureen Zawalick. Storing the waste is safe but reprocessing it would be more efficient. The uranium in the spent fuel can be reused to produce electricity for millions of homes without mining new materials. Unfortunately, residual stigmas have made it difficult for reprocessing to gain political momentum. This is another reason why dispelling misconceptions is important. Embracing a more efficient version of a pre-existing system
could further reduce nuclear power’s environmental impact.
NUCLEAR REACTORS AREN’T NUCLEAR BOMBS
Nuclear power runs on uranium. We combine its weakly radioactive isotope, U-238, with U-235, a radioactive isotope that can be used in the fission reaction. This process is called enrichment. The uranium fuel pellets in nuclear reactors are enriched with 3% to 5% of the radioactive uranium. Weapongrade uranium, like what goes into atomic bombs, is enriched with over 90% U-235. “A lot of people conflate nuclear energy with nuclear weaponry. In the Cold War era, there was a lot of
talk about countries building up nuclear weapons arsenals. What we do in nuclear energy is totally different,” George said. In short, nothing will explode. The reactors in Diablo have multilevel safety precautions, like control rods, which can be lowered manually or mechanically to stop the fission reaction.
THE FUTURE OF NUCLEAR POWER IN CALIFORNIA
In April, Diablo secured a 20-year permit to stay open until 2045. However, they still need approval from the state legislature to extend operations past 2030. Diablo faces many hurdles, including debates about land rights,
continued concerns for seismic safety and environmental disputes. To mitigate this, additional safety assessments and stewardship requirements for 12,000 acres of surrounding land are a caveat for the plant’s continued operations. As a society, we must acknowledge that our increasing electricity demand has backed us into a corner. We are in an energy crisis. People must be educated about how nuclear energy actually works so they can make decisions based on facts rather than fear. The energy sources we choose to support have a cascading effect on the environment, and we’re running out of time to keep making the wrong decisions.
OPINION
Nuclear waste is the only waste that is tracked down to the molecule. No other energy source is quantified and contained with such precision. Leonard Wyhs, an industrial engineering senior, expressed uncertainty about nuclear power’s longterm viability. “There’s definitely still the problem of the waste management of nuclear material,” Wyhs said. “I do think it is a temporary solution, definitely not long-term.” Nuclear waste may be permanent but so is the waste from non-renewables. Emissions from coal and oil enter the atmosphere unregulated and remain there indefinitely. Common concerns regarding nuclear power relate to the storage of nuclear waste. Diablo
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
WHAT ABOUT THE WASTE?
NEWS
MUSTANG NEWS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
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STORY BY MIA FESSEL DESIGNED BY AVA DONALDSON
On campus, many classrooms lack air conditioning, and the gap showed during the recent heat wave. Benjamin Solano, an environmental engineering junior, sweated through class and struggled to focus. Many professors canceled classes or moved sessions to Zoom for the remainder of the week. In the dorms, the heat never broke overnight. San Luis Obispo hit 107 degrees on Sept. 9, the hottest day of 2026, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Santa Lucia winds and moisture from Tropical Storm Marie drove the extreme heat. The heat wave followed the hottest August, hottest summer and hottest year to date in U.S. history, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. The heat wave exposed how many Cal Poly buildings lack air
conditioning. It also fits a “warming trend” that will keep hitting campus, said Geoffrey Andrew Fricker, a Cal Poly geography professor.
As the years have gone by, obviously the heat’s just gotten worse and worse, BENJAMIN SOLANO Environmental Engineering Junior
“All the extreme heat days, this is all kind of embedded within the general trend of the climate changing,”
Fricker said. “Next year may not be hotter than this, but a year or two after that, it will be.” Solano, who has lived in San Luis Obispo for three years, has noticed the same pattern. “As the years have gone by, obviously the heat’s just gotten worse and worse,” he said. Fricker said Santa Lucia winds blow from the northeast instead of off the ocean, pushed by high pressure sitting over land. That compresses the air and heats it. Ella Vowell, a plant sciences sophomore, lives in Poly Canyon Village, which has no air conditioning. One morning during the heat wave, she woke up to an 85-degree apartment. “Overnight, it did not cool off at all,” Vowell said. “I slept with an ice pack.” Alina Arroyo, a business administration sophomore, works as a resident advisor on the third floor of a red brick residence hall. “I woke up that morning, and I was drenched in sweat, and it was really
gross,” Arroyo said. Arroyo and her fellow RAs organized a last-minute ice cream event to help residents cool down. Kai Fries, a sociology junior, commutes from Morro Bay in a car with no working air conditioning. Her first class that Monday also had no air conditioning, and the sun shone directly into the room. By her second class, she sat in the back row, visibly struggling, she said. “My professor gave me an ice pack from her lunch box because I looked like I was about to pass out,” Fries said. The rest of Fries’ classes were canceled or moved online for the week. Fricker said the gap in air conditioning is a product of the region’s history. “Cal Poly has just been historically blessed with a nice climate. We just didn’t need air conditioning that bad. That has to change,” he said. “Cal Poly is going to need to start
installing some air conditioning.” The fix will be expensive, Fricker said, and administrators will have to choose which buildings to prioritize. Arroyo agrees Cal Poly needs to run air conditioning during heat waves. “It’s really dangerous to be out in a heat wave like that,” Arroyo said. “People are sensitive to it.” The university has no campuswide project to install air conditioning in every classroom or residence hall, according to Cal Poly Spokesperson Keegan Koberl. Retrofitting older buildings often means new electrical service, ventilation and building controls, along with upgrades to the campus utility system itself. The university weighs cooling when it builds new facilities or takes on major renovations, Koberl said. The recent Kennedy Library renovation added a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system with cooling throughout the buildings, along with new classrooms.
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MUSTANG NEWS
My professor gave me an ice pack from her lunch box because I looked like I was about to pass out KAI FRIES Sociology Junior
Farm on campus generates nearly 25% of campus electricity, and Cal Poly calls it the largest solar installation in the Cal State system. The university also says it has cut water use by 31% since 2013, five years ahead of the Cal State mandate. Fricker said the timeline could shift with student pressure. “Students do have a voice and can actually push things through,” he said. Ella Ankney, an art and design senior, sees a gap in how Cal Poly teaches sustainability. “It might be nice if there was more sustainability education in major-related courses,” Ankney said. “Sustainable design is a big thing right now in the industry.” She said the university should also teach waste-sorting practices to new students so everyone knows the rules. “Educating students right when they get here so that maybe it’s a little more ingrained in them,”
Ankney said. Ankney said students pick the sustainable option when Cal Poly makes it free and easy. She pointed to the reusable cups at Julian’s and the tumblers with soda refills the university gives new students. She said she has watched the campus make progress since her first year. “There’s definitely some differences in how they’re managing the waste,” she said. Ankney said students can help through small everyday choices, like sorting their trash correctly, buying secondhand clothes or following Green Campus’ Green Living guide. “Everything you do, really, as small as it sounds does make a difference,” she said. Fricker agreed. Change takes young people who care, he said, and young people who vote. “It’s not like we can’t fix this thing. We can,” Fricker said.
NEWS
upgrade to its central plant, which Koberl said would boost cooling capacity across campus. He called the project a high priority but did not provide a timeline. Koberl said that the university
monitors National Weather Service forecasts and issues precautions and alerts to the campus when necessary, as they did during the recent heat wave. He pointed students toward cooled spaces where they can work, study or rest, including the Kennedy Library, the University Union and the Recreation Center. Fries believes that Cal Poly should move classes online whenever the county issues a heat advisory, as it did during the pandemic. “We know we have the tools and ability to be able to do that,” Fries said. While students push for immediate fixes, Cal Poly is more focused on longer-term sustainability goals. The university signed the Second Nature Climate Leadership Commitment in 2016 and has committed to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, according to its sustainability office. The 4.5-megawatt Gold Tree Solar
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Some other buildings already have full or partial cooling, and a handful of individual rooms have air conditioning even when the rest of the building does not. Cal Poly’s student housing program will bring new residence halls and phased renovations to the red brick residence halls, Koberl said. New buildings are set to open between fall 2026 and 2032, and infrastructure work on the South Mountain halls could begin in 2027 or 2028. Each phase gets its own mechanical system evaluation during design, he said. Koberl did not disclose a completion date for any of these projects, but funding, individual project timelines and construction schedules all factor in, he said. Planners also weigh a building’s expected use, its electrical capacity, energy efficiency, upkeep costs and building standards. Cal Poly is also considering an
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Mustang Manglers The revival of Cal Poly Men’s Soccer’s loyal fan base
SPORTS
MUSTANG NEWS
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STORY BY SOPHIA FLORES DESIGNED BY AVA PESCE
On Cal Poly Men’s Soccer game days, one corner of Spanos Stadium belongs to the Mustang Manglers. The group gathers together before the opening whistle and brings energy to each match. Also known as Cal Poly Ultras, the Mustang Manglers have attended every Cal Poly home game so far this season, bringing a visible new presence to the stands. The Manglers show up as a large group with Mustang memorabilia, including a drum, flags and loud chants throughout the match. At the start of each game, they gather in the corner of the stands near the Mustang’s offensive end. From their spot in the stands, the Manglers remain together for the entire match, drawing the attention of fans and players. Although the Manglers have recently regained traction, the group was established in 2006. It was active for several years before going quiet, returning on and off since then. This season, the Mustang Manglers are back and hoping to stay. The motivation for the group’s return is different than before. A group of Delta Upsilon brothers revived the Manglers after one of their former brothers, Parker Mascott, was promoted from the club soccer team to the Cal Poly Men’s Soccer team for the 2026-27 season. Mascott said he and his friends often talk about what it would be like if he made the Division I team and how they would show up to support him. When he earned a spot on the roster, that idea became a reality. Before earning his spot, Mascott played for Cal Poly’s club soccer team. Mascott said he was not recruited to play soccer out of high school and came to Cal Poly primarily for its academics.
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He tried out for the club team during his first year but did not make the cut. “I thought it could have been a mistake, but I just went on with it and was just a normal student for a while,” Mascott said. During that time, Mascott joined Delta Upsilon and continued playing soccer recreationally and through intramurals. During his sophomore year, Mascott tried out for the club team again and made the B team. Later that year, he was invited to play with the A team at the national championship tournament in Texas. Midway through last season, assistant coach Zach Watson invited Mascott to practice with the men’s soccer team. “I thought it was an amazing opportunity and I might as well go out and try my best,” Mascott said “Eventually, I got invited back for preseason after playing in a few games in the spring. It was a crazy experience for me.” Mascott said. After several practices with the team, Head Coach Oige Kennedy told Mascott he had made the roster. “Since then it’s been a blast. I scored a goal. I’ve been playing in
games. It’s been a dream come true,” Mascott said. Mascott said his friends were excited and proud when they heard the news. “All of them have been showing up to the games and supporting me,” Mascott said. Although Mascott is no longer affiliated with Delta Upsilon, he remains close with the members. “We’ve been good friends with him for a while,” said Jackson Pawl, a Mangler and agriculture business sophomore. “When he got the call— up, we took it more as congratulations than we’re losing a friend.” Since the Manglers’ revival, they have shown their support at every home game, and the group has continued to grow. “Anybody who wants to support… we’re happy to have you,” said Jovian Hayden, a member of the Manglers and an industrial engineering sophomore. “It’s definitely not limited to Delta Upsilon members.” Initially formed to support a former Delta Upsilon brother, the group has expanded its support to the entire team and Cal Poly soccer fan base. The Manglers said a fair amount of planning and preparation takes
place throughout the week before game day approaches, but once they are in the stands, they go with the flow. “As soon as we’re kind of together, it’s spontaneous, and we get the atmosphere going however we’re feeling and adjust to how the game is going,” Hayden said. The Manglers’ support does not go unnoticed by the team, nor by their opponents. From the stands, members cheer for players throughout the match and hope their energy carries onto the field. Players often reciprocate that same energy when they point to the Manglers in the stands or come over postgame to high-five the members. However, the Mustangs are not the only ones noticing the Manglers and their impact on the atmosphere of the stadium. Pawl said visiting teams have been surprised by the growing number of fans in the stands in recent weeks. The Manglers are also appreciated amongst the other fans and supporters in attendance at games. “A lot of [supporters] have come up to us after the game and said things like ‘thanks for being here,’” Pawl said.
Beyond creating a more energetic atmosphere, the Mustang Manglers also hope their presence can make Spanos Stadium a tougher place to play for opponents. Their noise and constant movement make the group difficult to ignore. For the Manglers, home-field advantage is not only about the score. It is about making players feel supported and turning a regular soccer match into a louder, more unified Cal Poly experience. “We make sure the players know that we’re here for them; we’re always thinking of being sportsmen like,” said Member Benjamin Muro, a city and regional planning sophomore. Since returning this season, the Mustang Manglers have brought a renewed student presence to Spanos Stadium. Members hope to carry that support into future Cal Poly home games and establish a lasting place in the program’s game-day culture.
Chloe Briote-Johnson | MUSTANG NEWS The Mustang Manglers gathered around No. 28, Parker Mascott
RESPIRE, FIRE & ICE aims to bring a renewed sense of community to San Luis Obispo through cold plunges and saunas my stepdad, and I was barely able to do the warmest one,” Faries said. “But now I am able to get in there and rock the cold one for four minutes.”
RFI’S CULTURE AND GOAL OF GETTING BACK TO CONNECTION
MADELINE CROWLEY | MUSTANG NEWS Evan Macelwee starting a session in the 45 degree tub. STORY BY MADELINE CROWLEY & DYLAN WHITE DESIGNED BY VICTORINE PHILIPPE
BENEFITS OF COLD PLUNGES + SAUNA
Research pamphlets and books are displayed around RFI for customers to learn about the various health benefits that cold plunges and saunas, also known to some as “contrast therapy,” can provide. “I would say that when it comes to the sauna and cold plunge, kind of combining them together, it’s a really nice kind of black and white yin and yang of comfort and discomfort,” said Macelwee. As stated on their website, RFI claims that the combination of heat and cold can help the body in many ways, including reducing inflammation and chronic pain, decreasing stress, lowering blood pressure and improving sleep. Bilvado describes the cold plunge as a “nervous system reset” that can help people “snap back into their equilibrium.” Some find that a cold plunge is a good way to get their blood pumping and wake up the body first thing in the morning. “It’s really good if you’re a morning person and you just need to get that start,” Macelwee said. On the other hand, if customers are looking for sleep, spending the majority of their time in the sauna may be beneficial.
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SCAN FOR FULL AUDIO STORY Wakui says that the sleep he gets after the extended sessions in the heat is exactly why he does it. “After taking a sauna, I really have a good sleep, and that is the most beneficial point to me.” While some customers may find it it can be difficult to force their body into the extreme temperatures, Bilvado explains that customers leave feeling a sense of accomplishment for challenging themselves. “When you get in that cold water, that’s all you can feel,” Bilvado said. “So there’s 1 million different benefits, but honestly, at the end of the day it also just feels good.” “You can’t deny the way you feel after this.”
EVAN MACELWEE RFI customer
MADELINE CROWLEY | MUSTANG NEWS Shot of the saunas.
MADELINE CROWLEY | MUSTANG NEWS The ad for this business that sits outside the building.
MULTIMEDIA
The intention is for members to move through cycles of these contrasting temperatures, working their way up to the most extreme levels over time. Jackson Faries, an RFI front desk employee, explained that incorporating the sauna and cold plunge into his daily routine has slowly become easier for him. “Before I worked here, I came with
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There’s a very strong community aspect, part of it, if you want to come, you want to meet people, you want to push each other together … doing anything hard is a lot easier when you do it in a group.
disappointed that here in the USA there is no sauna culture, but now I am really so excited.”
MUSTANG NEWS
Respire, Fire and Ice, or RFI, a wellness center, opened its first San Luis Obispo location in March. Through intense rotations between sauna and cold plunges, RFI invites the community to come in and challenge their bodies and minds. The San Luis Obispo facility is the second-ever RFI location to open, with the original location having opened in Visalia, California in 2024. In bringing the business to San Luis Obispo, General Manager Jacob Bilvado hopes RFI will serve as a social setting, fostering a renewed sense of community. “I essentially see us as being like a wellness social club where people come to not just get in the sauna or ice, but to hang out and chat and have coffee and tea,” Bilvado said. The idea for RFI began in 2020, when two brothers, Brit and Tyler Baxley, hosted ice bath hangouts in their backyard during the COVID-19 pandemic. As their hangouts grew, the brothers also decided to purchase a sauna. Over time, they welcomed a total of more than 200 people to their home. After uniting a whole community of cold plunge and sauna lovers, the brothers decided to turn the idea into a business. RFI San Luis Obispo has four cold tubs, maintained at different temperatures, which range from 35 degrees to 50 degrees, and three six-person saunas, which are set between 200 to 230 degrees. RFI customer Evan Macelwee likes
to rotate through the sauna and cold tubs specifically after surfing or working out as a form of recovery. “You can feel your muscles relaxing, the sweat, everything kind of loosening up, and you just feel better and, like, more energetic,” said Macelwee.
Aside from the physical experience of the cold plunge and sauna, Bilvado explained that the saunas create intimate pods that spark conversations between people who may have otherwise never interacted with one another. He noticed that when his customers left their phones outside the sauna, they were ultimately encouraged to get back to true social connection. In alignment with part of RFI’s mission statement, which is “to revitalize the human spirit through community and the vigorous pursuit of presence,” Bilvado hopes to connect with local businesses and host events that bring people together. He envisions bringing in live music and DJs as well as organizing coffee shop pop-ups in the future. For customer Masaki Wakui, the business also offers a familiar experience and culture he says was difficult to find after moving to the United States from Japan three years ago. “Japanese people take a bath every day. Especially younger people really love to go to sauna, and so when I first came here, I was really
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Students relocated to Poly Canyon Village apartments after delays in new housing construction STORY BY RIYA MINGLANI DESIGNED BY VICTORINE PHILIPPE
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MUSTANG NEWS
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After spending her freshman year living in a triple room in North Mountain, Maddy Romine, a biomedical engineering sophomore, was excited to have a room to herself in Poly Canyon Village, or PCV. But now, she lives in an even smaller space with more roommates than she signed up for initially. “It felt unfair. There wasn’t a lot we could do about the situation. It was pretty unexpected,” Romine said. Due to delays in new student housing construction, Cal Poly has moved some new transfers and continuing students to PCV. Some apartments have received two relocated students, making their four-person, four-bedroom apartment into a six-person, three-bedroom apartment, with the fourth bedroom converted into a study room. The change affected 80 PCV apartments as of Sept. 9, according to University Spokesperson Keegan Koberl. The relocated students will move into the new building, łktoʔ, when it is complete. The university has not informed students of a move-in date.
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“It was hard not to feel frustrated with the school,” Romine said. “That is their poor planning. [Now] students have to deal with it.” Romine said that because of how cramped their current living space is, due to the arrival of new students, her current bedroom feels smaller than her freshman-year residence hall did. Romine’s living room also has two study desks since one room could only fit four study desks for the six roommates. The two desks take up about half or a quarter of their living room. “It is definitely tight in here, as you can tell,” Romine said. The kitchen, Romine and her other roommates noted, can be one of the tightest spaces when students want to eat or clean at the same time. Romine’s roommate, Samantha Sweet, a nutrition sophomore, described feeling shocked when she received the email while she was on vacation. Sweet has a nut and fish allergy, so adding unknown students to the apartment made her nervous. “Adding two more people into such a small room and a shared kitchen means shared utensils, shared food,” Sweet said. “At some point, it just brings in a lot more risk.” Sweet reached out to Cal Poly’s Disability Resource Center about this issue. The DRC looked into it and gave her options such as an exemption from living in PCV or moving to another building. However, Sweet wanted to live with her original roommates. “In the end, I decided to just stay because they told me it was basically this or find new roommates or find new housing,” Sweet said. At the time of the new students’ assignment to PCV apartments, the DRC informed Sweet that every apartment in her building would also have two additional students. However, some students who were told that they would get new roommates did not actually end up receiving any. Due to students withdrawing their enrollment from Cal Poly or finding other housing before the school year started, not as many students received the additional roommates, according to Koberl.
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Transfer students made up the majority of the students who were assigned to new housing. They are not a part of Cal Poly’s two-year housing requirement, so transfer students were free to decide if they wanted to live off campus. Transfer student Seth Ondo was relocated and was originally supposed to live in łktoʔ. The psychology junior received his housing assignment in July. He received an email that he would instead live in PCV in early August. In the new suite-style łktoʔ housing, the layout is similar to how Ondo lives now. This is two students per bedroom in a six-person suite. However, the bedroom dimensions for łktoʔ are about 180 square feet while the PCV bedrooms are about 108 square feet. This makes the łktoʔ double bedroom about 66% larger than Ondo’s PCV bedroom. “I was expecting a lot worse going into it,” Ondo said. “Considering that, it hasn’t been too bad.” However, Ondo noted the inconvenience of moving out again, especially if Cal Poly makes students move out in the middle of the semester. “It’s still weird because they were saying you would have to move to the new building eventually,” Ondo said. “But there has been no updates on that, so I don’t know what to expect.”
STUDENT COMPENSATION
MUSTANG NEWS
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her room. Borbon noted she has enjoyed having new roommates. “I like having the company,” Borbon said. “It’s really nice to come home and see the five of them…I didn’t think it would work out, but it kind of worked out perfectly.” The roommates reached out to their new roommates after they found out they were living with them and hung out before moving in. Sweet noted they get along great and are respectful of her allergies. “[It is] obviously small quarters, and the rooms are a little small,” Sweet said. “But it’s the best that it could be.”
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Originally, Cal Poly emailed impacted students stating they would receive a couple hundred dollars to make up for the unexpected situation. Residents still living in a single room but with new roommates would receive $100, PCV residents temporarily sharing would receive $200 and relocated students would receive $300. However, after students complained about the lack of compensation, Cal Poly changed it, so all impacted students only had to pay half of the original rent. For the fall semester, affected PCV students originally owed $8,600 in housing fees but now pay $4,300. Students who were supposed to live łktoʔ originally owed $7,384 in housing but now pay $3,692. “It’s definitely more fair than the $100 or $200 off,” Sweet said. Now, about a month into this new living situation, Romine and Sweet say they feel used to living in a smaller space with new people “I would say that everyone in my apartment has been able to adjust pretty well,” Romine said. Eliana Borbon, a mechanical engineering sophomore, is one of Romine and Sweet’s original roommates and lives on the top bunk in
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BILINGUAL
MUSTANG NEWS
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Mariachi Mustangos se une a la lista de clubes de Cal Poly, trae musica tradicional
K ATHERINE GOMEZ | MUSTANG NEWS El nuevo club de mariachi en Cal Poly, Mariachi Mustangos. STORY BY KATHERINE GOMEZ DESIGNED BY MARIAJOSÉ BAZÁN-BARREDA
Basado en el género de musical tradicional de mariachi, los Mariachi Mustangos demuestran cómo la cultura y las tradiciones siguen formando parte de sus vidas fuera de sus hogares. Mariachi Mustangos tuvo su primera presentación durante el banquete Latinx, un evento creado para celebrar el inicio del mes de la Herencia Hispana. Para muchos de los miembros, el club los ayuda a conectar con su cultura, hogar e identidades. “Lo que me atrajo de este mariachi es que estaba regresando a mi dormitorio un día y los escuché tocar mientras estaban practicando y se me hizo algo extremadamente
bonito,” dijo estudiante de ingeniería civil de segundo año Victor Hugo Jimenez. “Me recordó mucho a mi mamá y cuando tocaba sus canciones, ella y mi hogar.” Aunque la presencia de mariachi no es una novedad en Cal Poly, su presencia no se ha formalizado hasta recientemente por medio de la creación de Mariachi Mustangos. El año pasado, Camila Fernandez, una famosa cantante de mariachi de México tuvo un concierto en el Centro de Artes Escénicas (PAC), donde presentó su música que fue creada con elementos musicales del mariachi. Por medio de Mariachi Mustangos, estos elementos musicales serán presentados por estudiantes de Cal Poly, creando la oportunidad para
conocer este género musical. Una de las grandes metas para este club es establecer una presencia permanente como club para que futuros alumnos tengan la oportunidad de ser parte de este grupo y construir un legado, dijo Scarlett Martínez, estudiante de desarrollo infantil y sociología de segundo año. Desafortunadamente, establecer esta presencia no ha sido nada fácil, según Martinez. “No tenemos un presupuesto ni un salón de práctica oficial. Tenemos que usar el UU para practicar,” dijo Martinez. “Practicábamos en un salón de clase, pero nos removieron porque había quejas por ruido.” Integrantes Samantha Albarrán, Antonio Zalde y Víctor Hugo Jiménez tocando enfrente de Mustang
Commons. Katherine Gomez / Mustang News Adicionalmente, otra de las dificultades a las que se enfrenta el grupo es la falta de entrenadores. Samantha Albarran, una estudiante de tercer año de administración de construcción, dijo que muchos de los miembros también tienen la responsabilidad de enseñar a otros. “Aveces si me gustaria tener personas que se dedican a [enseñar música] para darnos unos consejos que a lo mejor yo o el presidente o alguien mas que es encargado no sepa dar. Si seria algo bueno,” dijo Albarran. Otra de sus grandes metas para este año escolar es aumentar el número de miembros de su grupo. Con solo una presentación realizada,
esta meta está en progreso. “Yo pienso que cuando se hace algo, se tiene que hacer de corazón y eso atraerá a las personas, entonces se me hace muy bonito que estemos influenciando a otras personas a poder querer venir a tocar y a lo mejor a cantar,” dijo Albarran. A pesar de estas dificultades, Mariachi Mustangos continúa con su lucha para convertirse en una fuerza permanente. Por medio de una mezcla de cultura y música, los Mariachi Mustangos están creando un espacio donde los miembros se sienten en casa y continúen desarrollando sus talentos musicales. Mariachi Mustangos tendrá su próxima presentación en Oct. 2 para celebrar el Día de Muertos en la UU.
AFTER STEPPING DOWN AS HEAD OF TRUMP MEDIA, FORMER CEO DEVIN NUNES OPENS A WINE BAR IN PISMO
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MIA DAHLGREN | MUSTANG NEWS Nunes wine company at Pismo Beach. STORY BY JOSCELYN MARTINEZ DESIGNED BY NHI DUONG
NUNES WINE COMPANY
ELLA KELLERMANN Environmental Protection and Management Freshman
GOVERNMENT
Congress, where he became a prominent advocate for increasing the water supply to Central Valley farmers,” the team said. Molly McBride, an environmental earth and soil sciences freshman, weighs the idea of the former politician operating a business out of neighboring town. “If he is just focused on the wine and selling it and just putting his career focus on this new winery, then I feel like it would probably be okay, but if he’s trying to use his past as publicity, then maybe not,” McBride said.
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The Nunes Wine Company specializes in Portuguese and Bordeaux wines. Nunes collaborated with Cal Poly alum Mike Sinor, the co-founder of Ancient Peaks Winery in Santa Margarita, to create the wines for the local customers. They began developing the wines in 2023 while the tasting room opened this July. The most recent wine release was the 2023 Vintage Collection. The Nunes Winery Company is preparing for its sixth vintage with new releases planned for this November, according to the team. “Devin grew up among grape vineyards on his family farm in Tulare County,” the Nunes Wine Company team wrote in an email to Mustang News. “He later became a founding partner in several small California wineries and vineyards, which heightened his interest in the winegrowing process.” Nunes leans into his political past with wines like the 2023 Patriot Cabernet Sauvignon, a Bordeauxstyled wine with an American flag adorning the bottle. “Devin’s background in farming strongly influenced his service in
I feel like there’s two different sides: people would either really not want to support him or they’d want to support him because they favor Trump. It’s a two-sided coin.
Truth Social was created as an alternative social media platform for “free speech and fighting back against harsh censorship from big tech,” according to the company’s mission statement. The site planned to expand past social media and into streaming services. They claimed to eventually be bigger than Netflix with options to stream family-friendly content. By the end of June 2026, the site experienced a reported net loss of $238.1 million. Kevin McGurn, adviser to Trump Media and former executive at Hulu, was appointed as interim CEO after Nunes left the company. Since McGurn took the position, the company announced Truth API, where subscribers can pay up to $100,000 a month for quicker access to the “highest ranking Truth Social accounts.” These officials include, but are not limited to, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, FBI Director Kash Patel and Vice President JD Vance. According to Business Insider, Truth API subscribers receive market-altering information that can impact stock trading before other Truth Social consumers. The Intercept and Freedom of the Press Foundation are suing President Trump and Truth Social. Plaintiffs voiced concerns about
potential insider trading with the Truth API business model. They claim that the business model goes against First and Fifth Amendment. The First Amendment prevents the government from regulating public service announcements. Truth Social’s paywall allegedly violates the First Amendment because paying users will get access to high-ranking users’ statements before the general public. In 2024, Trump signed an agreement with Trump Media that included a “Social Media 6-Hour Exclusive.” Any social media communications must be made on Truth Social first and cannot be reposted on another platform for six hours. The Fifth Amendment prevents the government from placing “unfair” restrictions or conditions on public resources. The prosecution argues Truth Social violates the Fifth Amendment because it creates a financial barrier to information. “I don’t feel like it’s really ethical for someone in leadership in government to operate any form of business whatsoever. I feel like that should bar you from any type of trading,” said Elliot Lopez, an interdisciplinary studies junior. Nunes continues to remain in politics as the chairman of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board, where he advises the president on security challenges for the country.
MUSTANG NEWS
Former Republican Congressman and Cal Poly alum Devin Nunes opened a wine tasting business, Nunes Wine Company, in Pismo Beach in July of this year. The business venture follows his resignation as the CEO of Trump Media & Technology Group in April. Nunes attended Cal Poly as a transfer student from the College of the Sequoias and graduated from Cal Poly with a master’s in agriculture. At 23, he became one of the youngest community college trustees in California history. In this position, he helped guide decision-making for California community colleges. After he was elected to Congress, he spent nearly two decades representing parts of the San Joaquin Valley. Nunes became CEO of Trump Media & Technology Group in January 2022, leading to his departure from Congress. The company owns Truth Social, a social media app created by President Trump after he was banned from multiple platforms following the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. Nunes remained the CEO of the company for four years. The press release did not clarify why he left the business. “I feel like there’s two different sides: people would either really not want to support him, or they’d want to support him because they
TRUTH SOCIAL AND TRUTH API
favor Trump,” said Ella Kellermann, an environmental protection and management freshman. “It’s a two-sided coin.”
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SATIRE
Dear Malia Monday Dear Malia,
STORY BY MALIA MUNDY DESIGNED BY AVA CHEUNG
The Manure is a satire column created to find the humor in the daily life of Cal Poly students. I had anonymous Cal Poly students ask me questions. This is the best advice I could give them. If you’re looking for news, this is not it. If you’re looking for sports, this is kind of it, because we’re having a ball. Malia Mundy is a journalism senior and a satire columnist for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
I just got food poisoning from Vista Grande, but every time I try to report it, I get an email from JeffreyJeffrey Armstrong telling me to “use discretion or face the consequences.” Is he serious? Should I tell everyone not to dine there?
Dear VGsGate, I’m afraid he’s deadly serious. No further comments. They’re watching me too. Xoxo, Malia
Dear Malia, My long-distance boyfriend is bothered that I keep going to frat parties. He said he trusts me, but doesn’t trust other guys. He wants me to stop going out. How do I make him stop worrying and trust me?
Dear GirlWithLoser Boyfriend, First of all, I want to congratulate you on the long- distance. It’s notoriously one of the hardest forms of dating, and I commend you both for pursuing one another despite the distance. If you want him to trust you, I suggest turning off your location every time you party, and blocking his number during the night. In the morning, send him all your photos from your fun night out to show that he doesn’t need to contact you to ensure your loyalty! If that doesn’t make him trust you, I’m not sure what will. If he is still irked, you could suggest you both only communicate by letter, where he would be notified you went to a frat party two business days after it occurred, and therefore couldn’t say anything about it.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
Xoxo, Malia
Dear Malia, I’m a freshman in the dorms and feeling homesick. I don’t love my roommate and feel isolated. What should I do?
Dear Lonesome Freshman, That suckkkkkss omg. Honestly, idk, thug it out WOWie? (Also, you WILL regret going home every weekend. Dominate that dorm!) Xoxo, Malia
Dear Malia,
Dear Malia,
Cal Poly is such a competitive school. I am a biological sciences junior, and I have no idea if I want to go into the medical field. I’m not sure what to do with my life. Any advice?
I’m down in the dumps. The guy I’ve been crushing on for months just invited another girl to his date party. Only last week we were going on dates, and he said he could see us being serious. I’m so hurt and want to confront him but don’t want to seem desperate. What should I do?
SATIRE
Dear Careerless, Uh-oh! This is a big problem. Everyone is one hundred steps ahead of you, so it’s time to play catch-up! Most people have already done their internships and have return offers at this point. I would suggest you harness your anxieties into focusing on graduate school. For the small price of $200,000, you can extend your pondering on a career choice for two or more years. Best of luck! Xoxo, Malia
Dear DatePartyDitched, Show up at the date party. Dress as his mother. Embody the role. Plead with him about why he refuses to come home and visit her and Dad. Tell him his family dog died. Major apologies for his dating misdirection. It seems like he was not worth your time. Xoxo, Malia
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4 . Type of complaints that forced mariachi practices to move to the UU
1 . San Luis Obispo wellness center offering contrast saunas and cold plunges
7 . California state marine fish thriving in Diablo Canyon
2 . Bed arrangement implemented in Poly Canyon Village apartments
11. Assemblymember who co-sponsored a bill to restore district funding from county power plant
3. Name of power plant in San Luis Obispo County
12 . Central Coast beach town home to the new Nunes Wine Company tasting room 13. One of the types of relationships in the Dear Malia Monday advice column
5. State Senator who authored a bill to secure $16M in PG&E funding 6. Heritage month celebrated with the Latinx Banquet where Mariachi Mustangos debuted 8. Products sold by former Truth Socials CEO
14 . Chumash word meaning “caretakers” for the first new housing building
9. Energetic Cal Poly Men’s Soccer fan group revived at Spanos Stadium
15 . A personality trait of a mouse
10 . Campus solar farm generating nearly 25% of Cal Poly’s electricity
16 . Feature of Respire, Fire and Ice
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