C AL POLY SAN LUIS OBISPO ’S NE WS SOURCE
MUSTANG NEWS
COVID SAFETY
Students threatened with expulsion. Employees? A slap on the wrist.
APRIL 20, 2021
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IN THIS ISSUE
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LEADERSHIP
Stephanie Zappelli
Lauryn Luescher
Sabrina Pascua
Solena Aguilar
Sofia Silvia
Lauren Walike
Marcus Cocova
V ID EO Sofia Silvia Video Manager Daisy Kuenstler Blas Alvarado Matthew Bornhorst Brady Caskey Ellie Spink
KC PR NE W S Lauren Walike KCPR News Director Blas Alvarado Daytona Clarke Sophie Lincoln Katherine Lane Ruby Tincup Sierra Hickman Nicole Morgan Tessa Hughes Maya MacGregor Francisco Martinez Lily Dallow Logan Kimball Sean Galusha Jezzia Smith Tony Farias Jennifer Newton Miki Dubery Amanda Wernik Violet Maguire Marcus Cocova Torstein Rehn Olivia Galavan Ava Kershner
Editor in Chief, Mustang Media Group
Managing Editor
Creative Director, Co-Digital Director Co-Digital Director, Radio News Director
MUSTANG NEWS NEWS Cameryn Oakes Editor Catherine Allen Assistant Editor Maureen McNamara Ethan Telles Sophia McDevitt Sarah Banholzer Ariel Lopez Lauren Boyer Victoria Lachnit Sierra Parr
IN THIS ISSUE
MUSTANG NEWS
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
OPI N I ON Kiana Meagher Editor Raho Faraha Rahma Faraha Nicki Butler Izzy Ditztler Anya Popslavska Declan Molony Sophie Corbett Tessa Hughes Kate Inman SPO R TS Adam Birder Editor Garrett Brown Sports Video Editor Kyle Har Jack Clark Rafael Medina Gabe Arditti Diego Sandoval Griffin Kemp Eric Villalpando Derek Righetti Austin McLellan A R TS & ST U DENT LIF E Sydney Sherman Editor Kiana Hunziker Olivia Meis Emily Tobiason Grace Kitayama Elissa Luce Samantha Riordan Alexis Bowlby Naomi Vanderlip D E SI G N Solena Aguilar Director Von Balanon Sophie Kroesche Grace Kitayama Marta Lukomska Nicole Herhusky Sydney Ozawa
PHOTO Kylie Kowalske Editor Connor Frost Kyle Calzia Kate Karson Shaelyn Ashamalla Rachel Arabia Andy Sherar Zachary Regner Emilie Johnson Emmy Scherer Fae Bruns CO PY Grace Power Smith Kyra Soares Brett Vollrath Sarah Banapour SO CI A L Lauryn Luescher Manager Chloe Chin Lauren Brown Brian Brennan Ashley Holly DATA Omar Rashad Lead Reporter Jordy Roth Harrison Kirk Mason Ogden Owen Mastalir
KCPR M A R KETING & PR Mikaela Lincoln Director Melissa Melton Madison McDonald Emily Brower DISC JO CKE YS Hailey Honegger Keagan Scott Liv Collom Zoe Boyd Kyle Himmelein Justin Pioletti Melissa Melton Caroline Seibly Jaxon Silva Liam Reece
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KCPR .ORG Tessa Hughes Editor Alice Sukhostavskiy Lilly Leif Evan Gattuso Jenna McCarthy Sophia Pattison Gracie Walter Kallie Kidder Jonathon Crespin Spencer Egbert Jennifer Newton Lauren Boyer Trey Barbuto Brooke Mylander Cindy Nguyen Emily Brower Alina Jafri
MMG BUSINESS A DVE R TI SI NG & PR Justin Vermeltfoort Director Carley Epple Marketing Assistant Brynna Barton Advertising Manager Clare Giatzis Advertising Manager Von Balanon Design Manager Michelle Kang Ad Designer Elaine Do Ad Designer Katherine Olah Ad Designer A DVI SE R S Jon Schlitt General Manager Pat Howe Adviser Brady Teufel Adviser Patti Piburn KCPR Adviser
Cal Poly is in tiłhini, the Place of the Full Moon. We gratefully acknowledge, respect, and thank yak tityu tityu yak tiłhini, Northern Chumash Tribe of San Luis Obispo County and Region in whose homelands we are guests.
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CAL POLY STUDENTS DODGE GUNFIRE PROTESTING MYANMAR COUP Story by Grace Kitayama Designed by Marta Lukomska
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POWER IMBALANCE IN COVID-19 ENFORCEMENT Story by Catherine Allen & Harrison Kirk Cover and layout designed by Von Balanon
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APRIL 2020-2021: A YEAR IN PHOTOS Designed by Nicole Herhusky
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OPINION: MY GIRL COSTUME Story by Nicki Butler Designed by Grace Kitayama
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BANDS EAGER TO REVIVE LIVE SHOWS Story by Evan Gattuso Designed by Grace Kitayama
MEET YOUR ASI PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
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BY SARAH BANHOLZER
TESS LOARIE Tess Loarie is a liberal arts and engineering studies junior, with minors in dance and religious studies. She served on the Associated Students Inc. (ASI) Board of Directors for the College of Engineering for two years, and is currently the chair of the ASI Board of Directors. To support basic needs for students, Loarie plans to allocate ASI funds to Cal Poly programs that assist students with
food, housing, mental health and healthcare needs. While ASI Chair, Loarie advocated for the board to pass a memorandum that funded the Cal Poly Food Pantry for three years. If elected, she plans to focus on “cultural competency,” or the ability to interact with students from diverse backgrounds in a way that will integrate diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Cal
Poly. She hopes to improve how Cal Poly’s student communities interact with one another and increase Cal Poly students’ cultural awareness education. Loarie said she plans to tackle the process of transitioning to in-person classes by communicating with students to ensure their safety and mental well-being. TESS LOARIE | COURTESY
Loarie is a liberal arts and engineering studies junior running for ASI President.
BRIAN KRAGH
Students can vote for their ASI President and board members from April 21 at 9 a.m. to April 22 at 9 a.m. on the ASI website.
BRIAN KRAGH | COURTESY
Brian Kragh is a political science junior, with minors in city and regional planning and history. Kragh served on the ASI Board of Directors for the College of Liberal Arts during his sophomore year, where he helped pass the endorsement for A.B. 1460, which, starting in 2024, will require students to take an ethnic studies course. He hopes to shift the focus of ASI President from program-based to policy-based. Kragh plans to support clubs by using ASI social media to promote club membership, quickening the reimbursement process, and estab-
lishing a Secretary of Club Relations in the ASI Executive Cabinet. To promote diversity, equity and inclusion, Kragh wants to reform the partner school program to attract higher rates of historically marginalized students. He also plans to build student coalitions that address Cal Poly’s diversity limitations. Kragh hopes to help facilitate a smooth transition for Cal Poly students back to campus in the fall by acting as a resource for students and foster community building.
Kragh is a political science junior running for ASI President.
MUSTANG NEWS
REMEMBERING
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
KRISTIN SMART Students commemorate with candlelight vigil
BY MUSTANG NEWS STAFF
KYLE CALZIA | MUSTANG NEWS
Cal Poly students and community members gathered at Santa Lucia Hall for a candlelight vigil in memory of Kristin Smart.
NEWS
Students held a candlelight vigil for Kristin Smart on Tuesday, April 13 — the day prime suspect, Paul Flores, was arrested for her murder. On Wednesday, District Attorney Dan Dow charged Paul with murder, and charged his father, Ruben Flores, with accessory after the fact. “It’s just a reminder to us all, especially college-age women, that we have to look out for each other,” Michelle Mueller, history freshman and host of the vigil said.
In a letter to President Jeffrey Armstrong, Muller criticized Cal Poly for its lack of blue light emergency phone towers, lighting, and cameras near Santa Lucia Hall and Muir Hall, where Flores and Smart lived, respectively. “Although SLO is a tight-knit community, female students endure daily threats to their safety, still after 25 years,” Muller wrote in her letter.
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CAL POLY STUDENTS
DODGE GUNFIRE
PROTESTING MYANMAR COUP
MEGAN | COURTESY
NEWS
MUSTANG NEWS
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
BY GRACE KITAYAMA
As he hid in the sewers, witnessing soldiers bludgeon civilians to death, this Cal Poly student was forced to learn an important lesson about the Burmese military: they shoot to kill. “This is an act of genocide,” the Cal Poly student wrote in a message to Mustang News over Instagram. “Civilians do not even have weapons and soldiers are using real bullets and machine guns on us.” Mustang News will refer to this student as James for his safety. In the nine weeks since the military overthrew the government in Myanmar, they have killed about 700 protestors, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, by beating them to death, shooting into apartment buildings and mutilating their bodies. James is just one of the millions of Burmese citizens who are taking part in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) resisting the coup by engaging in peaceful protests, not going into work and spreading information about what is happening through social media. “Everyone was waiting for foreign countries to intervene but no one would help us,” James wrote. James took the winter quarter off to participate in the protests. The internet in Myanmar is cut every day from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. making it harder to attend virtual classes in the U.S.
with the time difference. As of April 7, Myanmar citizens could only use fiber internet, and must use a virtual private network to access most of the websites they use daily. James explained that he is experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and survivor’s guilt after seeing his friends being arrested and killed, but is still motivated to be a part of the movement. “I feel devastated and frightened but I’ll keep fighting until the end,” James wrote. Another Cal Poly student who Mustang News will call Megan is also in Myanmar, and was taking two quarters off due to COVID-19 and the time zone difference when the protests started. According to Megan, protestors have had to construct barricades and set off smoke bombs in order to avoid snipers. “Protests these days are not even protests anymore,” Megan said. “It’s like more defense.” Like James, Megan has been active in protests since the military overthrew the government in a coup that occurred on Feb. 1. According to Megan, Myanmar’s largest holiday, Thingyan, Myanmar’s New Year’s festival, will not be observed this year as a part of the Civil Disobedience Movement. “My priority right now is just staying alive,” Megan said in a Zoom interview with Mustang News. Megan has one of the two types of internet
that has not yet been cut off by the Burmese military. However, the internet that Megan is using is popularly rumored to be traceable by the military. Thus, by agreeing to be interviewed, Megan has put herself at a security risk. When protests started in Myanmar nine weeks ago, Megan said that she could not focus on anything, but since then has been more active by teaching an English class through a local non-profit organization and planning events with Cal Poly’s Burmese Student Association (BurSA) to spread awareness about the events in Myanmar.
My priority right now is just staying alive “MEGAN” Cal Poly student in Myanmar
“Weirdly, I’m more motivated now,” Megan said. “I have nothing to lose.” Megan said that she is inspired by a quote from Aung San Suu Kyi, who said, “the only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear.”
BurSA held an Instagram fundraiser to raise money for the Myanmar Students’ Union USA Civil Disobedience Movement and organized a panel to discuss the issue at Cal Poly. The military stopped money from entering the country for the Civil Disobedience Movement, but citizens can still have money wired to them internationally through a series of steps, Megan said. The legitimate government of Myanmar, Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, organized a GoFundMe for its citizens. However, due to an influx of donations in a short amount of time, GoFundMe blocked anyone from accessing the funds. Therefore, they cannot reach people in Myanmar, Megan said. Computer science sophomore Sophia Hsuan said that it is frustrating trying to get people to care because many know so little about the history and severity of the issue. “It gets very tiring to have to explain to people that don’t really know anything in the first place,” Hsuan said. Hsuan said Cal Poly should release a statement saying that they support international students from Myanmar — similar to the email they sent in February when the Jewish Fraternity was the target of a hate crime. Cal Poly offered a grace period to its international students from Myanmar until the drop period for classes on April 8, and $1,000 to international students who were seeking mon-
ey through the Cal Poly Cares grant. However, the grant cannot be used for tuition, so many students must re-apply for tuition extensions until the coup is over, Hsuan said. Hsuan also said that some students still struggle to pay tuition because banks are closed in Myanmar. “There’s no way for them to pay tuition yet,” Hsuan said. “And it will be extra added stress to have to repeatedly contact school admin to have their grace period extended.” While several members of BurSA were emailed resources for mental health counseling, Hsuan said that the Burmese students at Cal Poly have not sought counseling. “We already feel guilty that we’re able to live life out here when people are at risk of dying back home,” Hsuan said. “So it’s kind of like our mental health is not necessarily our priority at the moment.” Everyday, the AAPP publishes updates on the number of people killed, arrested and injured in the protests, as well as what tactics the military has used to suppress the protests. Beneath each update, is the quote “our uprising must succeed.” *Editor’s Note: The names of two students have been changed to protect their identity from the Burmese military
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BY CAMERYN OAKES
MARCH 5
San Luis Obispo County receives its first shipment of 1,950 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which are distributed to hospitals for healthcare professionals.
JAN. 18 Residents 75-years-old and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in San Luis Obispo County. This demographic includes about 26,000 people in the county. This differed from federal and state guidance, which recommended vaccinating individuals 65-year-old and older, but the county had to narrow the age group due to a shortage of vaccines.
JAN. 28 Due to low COVID-19 vaccine supplies, the county warns residents that they may have to wait up to six weeks for their second vaccine dose. This extended period between vaccines is compliant with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
March 1
JAN. 27 In anticipation of a storm, the county vaccine clinic located in San Luis Obispo closes for one day. Damages to the clinic from the storm cause the clinic to move to the Cuesta College Performing Arts Center three days earlier than planned. The clinic was scheduled to move to the new location on March 1, but moves earlier to prevent vaccine appointments on Jan. 28 from being rescheduled.
FEB. 1 California’s Department of Finance announces that San Luis Obispo will receive $11 million for COVID-19 related efforts, including vaccine distribution. Each county receives an amount of funds 50% dependent on population, 25% dependent on poverty rate and 25% dependent on the size Black, Latinx and Pacific Islander populations in the county.
FEB. 11 All residents 65-years and older become eligible for the vaccine, but Public Health Officer Penny Borenstein asks residents to allow more vulnerable people get vaccinated before signing up.
The CDC changes its guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals, allowing them to gather unmasked and without physical distancing with others that are fully vaccinated.
MARCH 19 More than 600 agricultural workers receive the COVID-19 vaccine at a half-day clinic in Arroyo Grande. Agricultural workers and their families are at an increased risk of complications from COVID-19, according to a county press release.
MARCH 10 The entirety of phase 1b – which encompasses the education sector, agricultural workers, emergency services, unpaid caregivers and people ages 16 to 64 who have certain health conditions – are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Student employees are included in the education sector, allowing every student employed at Cal Poly to be eligible for the vaccine.
MARCH 22
MARCH 31
County residents ages 50-years-old and older are eligible to be vaccinated. This occurs 10 days earlier than the state’s recommendation to vaccinate this group starting April 1.
San Luis Obispo County residents ages 30-years and older become eligible to be vaccinated.
APRIL 7
APRIL 13 San Luis Obispo County holds off on administering Johnson & Johnson vaccines after six instances of rare blood clotting is reported in relation to the vaccine. This is upon CDC and FDA guidelines to stop administration of this vaccine.
All San Luis Obispo residents 16-years-old and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This eligibility change is eight days before the state’s implementation of the same policy.
ZACHARY REGNER | MUSTANG NEWS
NEWS
K-12 teachers and staff are eligible to receive the vaccine.
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
A vaccine shortage causes the county to close two of three vaccine clinics for a week.
All healthcare professionals who provide direct, in-person care become eligible to receive the vaccine. This occurrs after the county almost tripled its COVID-19 vaccine supply.
MARCH 8
San Luis Obispo County receives its first shipment of Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccines. The county allocates 1,400 doses of this vaccine to local pharmacies .
MUSTANG NEWS
FEB. 3
DEC. 30
THE LOCAL VACCINE ROLLOUT
DEC. 17
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E N BALA C IINMCOVID-19 ENFORCEMENT POWER
Students threatened with expulsion. Employees? A slap on the wrist.
COVER STORY
MUSTANG NEWS
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
BY CATHERINE ALLEN AND HARRISON KIRK
Biological sciences professor Pat Fidopiastis says he never wears a mask “unless required to do so.” Consequently, he’s sometimes been unmasked while moving between multiple labs on campus or while talking to students. “I’m like a four-year-old in a Sunday suit,” Fidopiastis said. “I just don’t like masks, I don’t like confining — I feel claustrophobic.” Fidopiastis leads the university’s COVID-19 wastewater testing lab and teaches courses on microbiology and infectious diseases. He said he occasionally discusses his views with President Jeffrey Armstrong — views that include deeming masks ineffective and characterizing Dr. Anthony Fauci’s pandemic response as a politically-motivated “fear campaign.” When discussing the university’s COVID-19 response plans with Armstrong, Fidopiastis said he sometimes acts as the “counter perspective.” For “too many students” in his classes this year, Fidopiastis’ rhetoric seemed “offensive,” and his discomfort with masks meant they “didn’t feel safe’’ for weeks, according to interviews with students and others with close knowledge of the class. All asked to remain anonymous in this story for fear of retaliation. When university staff don’t abide by — or even believe in — the COVID-19 safety protocols they’re tasked with enforcing, it’s left students feeling powerless. Students failing to comply with protocols for physical distancing, face coverings, and local ordinances related to gatherings can face disciplinary measures of varying intensity — from losing access to online educational resources to expulsion. Student’s are “strongly encouraged”
to report other students for potential violations of COVID-19 guidelines, according to Cal Poly’s COVID-related Compliance Reporting website. The process for reporting violations from university staff, however, is less clear. University Spokesperson Matt Lazier said people should report an employee to their college’s dean or the Academic Personnel Office if they break COVID-19 safety measures.
Why is it ‘racist’ to call [COVID-19] the ‘Wuhan virus,’ yet we have no problem with all those other names? The politicization is a dangerous game. I could care less what we call the virus. PAT FIDOPIASTIS Biological Sciences Professor
According to Lazier, when faculty are reported for violating mask protocols, the department discusses the situation with the faculty member, and “if the faculty member agrees that they were not wearing a mask,” and they don’t have a medical reason to be unmasked, they are verbally reminded to comply. If breaking protocols is a recurring behavior, the college’s dean may issue a letter of reprimand to again communicate expectations and potential consequences. Lazier said employees “may be subject to additional steps with [Human Resources]
or Academic Personnel.” He added that Human Resources staff has told him they’ve documented about five reports of employee noncompliance, though the exact number is unknown. To Columbia University Public Health professor Morgan Philbin, a San Luis Obispo local, Cal Poly’s enforcement standards sound selective and problematic. “It serves to embolden people to not follow the rules,” Philbin said. “The administration needs to be very clear about its rules and the uniformity of enforcement.” Philbin said Cal Poly lacks both enforcement and transparency surrounding COVID-19 response efforts, leaving it up to individuals on campus to report behavior. Students remain hesitant to do so. “I think [being uncomfortable speaking out about a professor] has to do with the power imbalance between a professor and a student,” public health senior Sydney Johnson said. “Whenever one is going to challenge a professor, it’s going to be pretty intimidating.” When Fidopiastis was reported to College of Science and Mathematics Dean Dean Wendt for not following mask protocols, Fidopiastis responded with a “lengthy email describing his views of the science behind mask wearing.” According to Fidopiastis, routine self-testing means he’s “no threat” to anyone around him. Fidopiastis has also conducted his own tests on mask contamination, which he says provide evidence that masks are mostly ineffective. According to Philbin, however, many masks are designed with multiple layers to account for contamination, and wearers should wash their hands after touching contaminated masks. In a lecture titled “SARS CoV2” Fidopiastis delivered in his fall Gener-
Poly Athletics to University Police. A Cal Poly Football student manager said besides the eight or so student employees, Athletics staff and coaches haven’t been conscientious about COVID-19 precautions in the office — where typically six to 10 people gather in the small space simultaneously.
Anyfaculty that are dismissive of these safety measures create an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe environment for our students, which is not conducive to learning and does not build community solidarity during uncertain times. CANDACE WINSTEAD Biological Sciences Professor
“The athletic staff didn’t really enforce it upon each other — I also didn’t really want to complain too much because it was our job,” the student manager said. The student asked to remain anonymous due to a potential risk of losing their job. The football team experienced an outbreak about three weeks into the season, infecting both players and coaching staff. During a Saturday scrimmage at Spanos Stadium winter quarter, two student employees saw President Armstrong walking around and talking without a mask despite the university and statewide mandates. A student manager said there were likely 50 to 60 people present on the football field.
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heartedly” in following COVID-19 guidelines and he may have “had a lapse on a rare occasion.” Art and design freshman Addie Moffatt recalled a day during fall quarter when the University Police were going door-to-door at the residence halls. Moffatt said she was “taken aback” when she opened the door to an officer who didn’t have a mask in sight. When she realized she forgot her own mask before opening the door and went to grab it, the officer laughed. “They don’t seem to care super strongly about it, which doesn’t shock me; it just is frustrating,” Moffatt said. Moffatt later reported the instance to Student Affairs Vice President Keith Humphrey, who said he’d talk with the police. Lazier said University Police, Athletics and Student Affairs regularly remind employees to follow guidelines and respond quickly and appropriately if employees are reported for failing to do so. While some staff have strayed from guidelines, biological sciences professor Candace Winstead, who specializes in immunology and medical microbiology, said these guidelines are what allow us to have in-person experiences, and students she’s talked to are hoping faculty help maintain a safe environment on campus. “Anyfaculty that are dismissive of these safety measures create an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe environment for our students, which is not conducive to learning and does not build community solidarity during uncertain times,” Winstead said. Whether it be dorm capacity, frequency of testing or even allowing tests on campus, Philbin says Cal Poly has not taken the proactive route on almost any COVID-19 measures. Most of the university’s pandemic response is the result of outside pressure from others, and one of the most powerful groups to apply pressure according to Philbin, are
MUSTANG NEWS
50–60 PEOPLE PRESENT
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
During a Saturday scrimmage at Spanos Stadium. Two student employees saw President Armstrong walking around and talking without a mask despite the university and statewide mandates.
“It’s seems kind of dumb that the president wants people to follow people’s orders if he can’t go ahead and do it himself,” the student manager said. University Spokesperson Lazier said Armstrong “believes whole-
the students — and parents — who fund it. “If students band together,” Philbin said, “they are ultimately the ones that have a lot more power than I think they realize.” VON BAL ANON | MUSTANG NEWS
COVER STORY
al Microbiology I (MCRO 224) and winter Emerging Infectious Diseases (MCRO 320) classes, he argues against mask and lockdown mandates and defends hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment, all of which counter messaging from top public health experts, including the CDC. One study Fidopiastis defends in his lecture concluded cloth and surgical masks were ineffective against SARS CoV2. But the study has since been retracted from publication due to “uninterpretable” and “unreliable” results, according to the study’s authors. Philibin said the professor’s statements are factually incorrect, which she says is exemplified when states enact mask mandates and in turn see lower rates of COVID-19. “If someone were to follow his advice, [they] would actually put themselves at risk — it’s incredibly callous and it’s unethical,” Philbin said. Concerns about Fidopiastis’ stance against common COVID-19 precautions were echoed in a “Shades of Cal Poly” Instagram post, where an anonymous student said his lectures about the virus “made light of the pandemic.” In the lectures, Fidopiastis accepts the use of the label “Wuhan Virus.” He said “throwing the term ‘racism’ around” was done to intentionally divide the country amid the presidential election. “Why is it ‘racist’ to call [COVID-19] the ‘Wuhan virus,’ yet we have no problem with all those other names? The politicization is a dangerous game,” Fidopiastis said in an interview email. “I could care less what we call the virus.” Several other viruses use regionalized names — such as the Spanish Flu, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and Lyme disease, among others — but many public health experts, including Philbin, have warned that labels like “China Virus” and “Wuhan Virus” play into xenophobia and rising acts of violence against Asians during the pandemic. Philbin says that this terminology gives “license to other students in the class to behave in a way that is racist and disrespectful.” “It’s really hard for students to call him out because he is a tenured professor — he’s in a position of power, he’s giving them a grade,” Philbin said. “It is not fair to have a tenured, white-presenting, male faculty say things like this, and then pretend that they don’t have an impact.” Despite pushback from some students and colleagues, Fidopiastis maintains, “I am definitely not alone in my views on the pandemic among my colleagues at Cal Poly.” While COVID-19 protocols extend beyond the classroom, they often go overlooked by other staff — from Cal
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These photos were made within 48 hours of the beginning of the lockdown. PHOTOGRAPHER: ANDY SHERAR
These photos explore the concept of Zoom fatigue that many students have been experiencing in the midst of virtual learning. PHOTOGRAPHER: KYLIE KOWALSKIE
The pandemic has been full of fun, COVID-19 safe activities like hiking and exploring the city.
PHOTO
MUSTANG NEWS
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
PHOTOGRAPHER: EMMY SCHERER
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Many students have completed class, tests and homework from home. PHOTOGAPHER: KYLE CALZIA
Quarantine has given me the opportunity to do a lot of self reflecting. This in turn has led to discoveries about myself, specifically my gender identity and sexuality. Each month I seemed to cut my hair shorter and shorter, feeling even more confident with each trim. I started to realize how my more masculine features made me feel more confident, and I began to embrace this. The peachy-pink color has been something like a calling card for me this past year, and I wanted this selfportrait to capture that. PHOTOGRAPHER: FAE BRUNS
PHOTOGRAPHER: EMILIE JOHNSON
MUSTANG NEWS
I’ve been locked down in isolation with COVID-19, and it’s a struggle to get all my regular work done without a desk. Boredom, frustration, exhaustion, and some craziness make up this sequence of emotions in photos.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2020
PHOTO
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FRESHMEN LAUNCHED INTO COLLEGE ON A QUIET CAMPUS BY ELISSA LUCE
I was lucky enough that Cal Poly was letting us on campus, and I saw that opportunity and decided to take it. ERIN POWERS Business administration freshman
Schaefer said he is looking forward to in-person classes in the fall, because he has not explored campus
FAE BRUNS AND SHAE ASHAMALLA | MUSTANG NEWS Dorm life isn’t the same as last year, but freshmen are making the best of it.
very much despite living on campus the whole year. “I am an architecture major and I do not know where the architecture building is,” Schaefer said. “I feel like that says something since I am on campus.” Environmental management and protection freshman Alex Siecke said living on campus throughout the year has helped her to understand to not set her expectations too high. “I know a lot of people who came on campus this quarter already have
MUSTANG NEWS
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
Business administration freshman Erin Powers moved to campus because she wanted to “close the door” on her childhood and high school life, she said. “I felt like I could not do that at home, because I was in the same environment I was in when I was growing up,” Powers said. “I was lucky enough that Cal Poly was letting us on campus, and I saw that opportunity and decided to take it.” Powers said being on campus for the whole year has given her a space to have her own life and her own sanctuary to do her work. “It gives me a sense of being an adult and not being stuck at home in my childhood room,” Powers said. “I have had to force myself to grow up, especially with COVID-19 and being accountable for being safe.” Powers said she likes that Cal Poly put in the effort to stay open during COVID-19 because it has allowed her to “keep her life going” while still being safe. “It is a positive to have some sense of normalcy while still being made aware that I do not have COVID-19 twice a week,” Powers said.
Architecture freshman Sam Schaefer said he’s glad he hasn’t had roommates all year since he is living in the South Mountain Residence Halls. “I am in a triple and it is a really small room and I cannot imagine having three people living in this room,” Schaefer said. “It is kind of nice having this space to myself to study, and it is just more calm compared to three people.”
MARTA LUKOMSKA | MUSTANG NEWS
STUDENT LIFE
BY ELISSA LUCE
For many, the freshman year experience is one of life’s many great adventures. Due to the nature of the pandemic, this year has created a barrier between freshman and the “true” college experience, causing many students to choose to stay at home all
year. Roughly 1,200 freshmen at Cal Poly deferred their housing contracts the entire academic year, according to University Housing Marketing Coordinator Julia Bluff. Nutrition freshman Anna Skoglund said she is glad she deferred housing, despite missing out on the “dorming” experience. Skoglund has been able
to spend quality time with her family, which is something she said she appreciates a lot. “[My parents] have been a good source of support for me, especially since everything is online,” Skoglund said. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Skoglund said she doubts how social
really high expectations of what Cal Poly is like,” Siecke said. “I feel like I understand what it means to live on campus here.” Siecke said Cal Poly’s COVID-19 testing requirements are hard because students have to get tested exactly every three days now as opposed to fall quarter which was twice a week. “It is difficult to get there every three days because stuff happens and things come up during the day,” Siecke said.
Wine and viticulture freshman Camilla Mcfall said she has not regretted being on campus anytime during the year. “Cal Poly is my dream school and it has lived up to all of my expectations,” Mcfall said. “I think you just have to remind yourself that this is just a limited experience we are having and that things will work out for the best.”
she would have been if she had gone to campus. “I would have to wear a mask and would limit how many people I interact with, because I want this pandemic to be over as much as the next person does,” Skoglund said. Skoglund meets up with her Week of Welcome (WOW) orientation group every week on Zoom, which she said has allowed her to feel closer to Cal Poly since all of her fellow group members also deferred housing all year. Computer science freshman Nicholas Tan said he hopes his next few years as an upperclassman will make up for the freshman experience he missed out on. “Freshman year, you are still kind of navigating things and trying to figure everything out,” Tan said. “In a way, it is kind of nice for it to be virtual and online because it is a little less stressful.” Tan said it will be a “weird” experience to be on campus a full year after he was supposed to be, because the prospective freshmen for this year will be experiencing the campus at the same time he is.
“If you think about it, if [next year’s freshmen] asks me for directions I won’t know because it will also be my first time on campus,” Tan said. Agricultural and environmental plant sciences freshman Evan Tamayo said he has applied what he learned in his classes by volunteering and later working at a farm that produces for people in need. “I think that became a great opportunity for me to be involved in something similar to my major and having handson experience,” Tamayo said. “I feel like because of that opportunity, I have made the right decision to stay [home].” Tamayo said he was also glad to have stayed home after hearing about all of the COVID-19 cases on campus. “If I had to quarantine at home I would still get my home-cooked meals and get to see my dog,” Tamayo said. “If I was on campus I would have to be by myself for two weeks, and I thought that would be much more difficult than being at home.”
11
HOME AGAIN: STUDENTS NAVIGATE LIVING WITH THEIR PARENTS THROUGH COVID-19
ALL A ABOLHASSANI | COURTESY Alla Abolhassani shared a room with her grandmother when she moved back home. “There was really no privacy whatsoever,” she said. BY ALEXIS BOWLBY
BRIAN EBISUZAKI Kinesiology graduate
to see some of the things her family members were struggling with, so being home gave her a chance to understand them in a way she hadn’t before. “It’s nice to be here and to get to know them better, because now I have a deeper appreciation for all my family members,” Abolhassani said. Abolhassani’s mother, Leila Abolhassani said things were difficult at first. She could tell Alla was missing her college life and friends, and adjusting to having so many people in the house at all times was hard for her too. However, Leila said that she and her daughter were able to bond through cooking, after Alla expressed interest in making a cake for a relative’s birthday. “It helped a lot because Alla [Abolhassani] could do and share something with the family,” Leila said. “It helped us to reconnect again.” Overall, Leila said that having her daughter home was for the best. It kept her daughter safe and granted herself peace of mind. “I think that if Alla was not here, last year would have been much harder for all of us, especially for me,” Leila said. “We were so glad that we were all together.”
STUDENT LIFE
“I had to work really hard to reach out and say, ‘Hey do you want to form a study group?’, or ‘Want to form a Zoom room? I’ll host and we’ll figure stuff out,’” Ebisuzaki said. “People were generally appreciative of it, because I think like me, they just wanted somebody to talk to.” Denise Ebisuzaki, Brian’s mother, said that she was excited to have him home, but she said she also recog-
same house for 24 hours a day for over a year was definitely taxing emotionally,” Sriram said. Biological sciences sophomore Alla Abolhassani moved back home due to fears about COVID-19. She said that being in a familiar place brings her a sense of much needed comfort during these times. “Sometimes just being around my family is the best for me,” Abolhassani said. “They are the people who know me best.” Abolhassani’s grandmother was visiting from Iran when COVID-19 hit and was unable to return home, so the two ended up having to share a room. Abolhassani said this was difficult due to their very different schedules. “There was really no privacy whatsoever,” Abolhassani said. Abolhassani also said that readjusting to having less independence was difficult and that she became frustrated with her family at times. “I remember being back and every little thing I would be doing, either my mom or my grandma would be commenting on how I was doing it wrong,” Abolhassani said. However, being home allowed Abolhassani to develop a deeper connection with her family, she said. While she was away, she wasn’t able
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
I had to work really hard to reach out and say, ‘Hey do want to form a study group?’
nized it would be a loss of independence for him. Knowing this, she made an effort to make things easier for him. “I remember saying to him, ‘What can I do or not do that would help you feel comfortable and successful being at home?’” Denise said. She said that having her son home gave her a chance to get to know him as an adult. “You’re with each other through 18 years of age until they go to college, and then you don’t see them anymore,” Denise said. “It was almost like a second chance at growing as a family.” Biomedical engineering sophomore Aditi Sriram said she had planned to be a resident advisor (RA) in Poly Canyon Village (PCV) this year, but when COVID-19 hit she decided it would be better for her to stay home. “I didn’t want to put myself in a position of authority or power when I barely knew what was going on in the first place,” Sriram said. Sriram moved into PCV at the beginning of spring quarter, but spent the previous three quarters at home with her parents. She said that readjusting to life together during the pandemic was difficult. “All four of us being stuck in the
MUSTANG NEWS
Kinesiology graduate Brian Ebisuzaki said he used to love visiting the Starbucks in the University Union (UU). He would always make a point to greet the employees and strike up a conversation about their day. After getting his drink, Ebisuzaki would walk up to the second floor and start a conversation with a friend or even a stranger. All of that was taken away when COVID-19 hit, and Ebisuzaki found himself back in his parents’ house. Ebisuzaki said he decided to stay home when he realized how dangerous COVID-19 could potentially get. “The more I thought about it, the more I realized it’s gonna get really wild,” Ebisuzaki said. “I knew that my parents were safe in regards to COVID-19 regulations.” The biggest challenge for him was being an adult in his parents’ home. Ebisuzaki said he had gotten used to being independent and managing his own life, so having his parents be a part of that again was difficult at times. “I think there were times when my parents would kind of go back to when I was in high school in terms of behavior patterns,” Ebisuzaki said. There were times when being home
felt lonely for Ebisuzaki. He said he didn’t have many people in the area to see, and even if he did, COVID-19 made him cautious about seeing others. To combat this, he made an effort to get to know people in his Zoom classes.
OPINION
12
MY GIRL COSTUME
DRESSING OUTSIDE OF THE GENDER BINARY BY NICKI BUTLER
because I want high-waisted straight cut jeans. Too bad I have to be labeled as maternal to get them. Goodbye to my youth for the sake of pants. Thank God boyfriend jeans are in style, because I love the baggy feel and ripped look. It’s a shame that I have to assume the role of heterosexual girlfriend who stole them from his bedroom floor.
Nicki Butler is a psychology junior and Mustang News opinion columnist. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang News.
OPINION
MUSTANG NEWS
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
My first piece of gender-neutral clothing was euphoric. They were a pair of youth unisex soccer sweats. Zippers lined the sides up to the knee for easy shin guard application, and the pockets were deep enough that I could fit an entire CamelBak water bottle into each and zip them up. These soccer sweats were a sleek nylon black with simple white stripes down the side. No one tried to sell me a pink pair. To my 11-year-old self, these were the perfect pair of pants. Breathable, but kept you warm enough, and built for movement. Once I got past middle school, it became clear that my short stature would never be ideal for goalkeeping and I decided to hang up my cleats and pursue other things. I still wore those amazing soccer sweats until they became too snug and it was time to hand them down. I still think about what it felt like to have enough room in my pockets for every possible treasure.
I still feel shameful sometimes, when I choose the looser, softer, baggier item. I know what my costume is supposed to look like and everyday it feels like I get on stage wearing the wrong one. But when I run, jump, and reach deep into the pockets of clothes that feel once again like mine, it is worth it.
This was the allure and charm of unisex clothing. No assumption was made based on my sex and then sewn arbitrarily into my clothing. For once, I felt free from a label.
This was the allure and charm of unisex clothing. No assumption was made based on my sex and then sewn arbitrarily into my clothing. For once, I felt free from a label. As I got older, the gender differences in my clothing options became stark. In middle school, I got skinny jeans that clung tightly to my legs, unlike the loose fit of my old soccer sweats. Gone were the days when I could run freely at recess. Almost every pair of pants I bought had pockets that were sewn shut. I grew up with boy best friends, who played
COURTESY | ACTION SHOOTERS NORCAL Nicki Butler in her favorite soccer sweats.
soccer and wore the same soccer sweats as me. As we grew up, I watched them transition into different clothes too, but their pants never became skinny and their pockets were never fake. Ironically, they wore a lot of cargo pants, so their pocket storage only grew. Why make gendered clothing? Why have girls wear itchy dresses that cling to the skin while boys enjoy the benefit of soft unoffending fabrics
that lay comfortably loose? Is it to highlight the supposed difference of my sex compared to his? Is it to sexualize my body before I can choose what to do with it? Is it to disarm me from my agency at such an early age that I forget I have choices? Is it to keep me from running or jumping or spreading my legs? Is it to give me a costume for the role I was assigned: girl. It was years until I started to re-
member that what I decorated my body with was a choice. I still feel shameful sometimes, when I choose the looser, softer, baggier item. I know what my costume is supposed to look like and everyday it feels like I get on stage wearing the wrong one. But when I run, jump, and reach deep into the pockets of clothes that feel once again like mine, it is worth it. Thank God mom jeans are in style,
Thank God for wife beater undershirts, because … well, you get the idea. Every step closer we get to more androgynous clothing options, they have the most gendered names possible. I wish I could push against the gender norms in a way that feels like — BANG — like the stunning Billy Porter, Harry Styles, Jonathan Van Ness, Jared Leto and Jaden Smith wearing a dress. But whenever I do, it’s not — BANG — it’s: she’s not sexy. It’s like a punishment for dancing along the spectrum of gender expression — my sex appeal is taken away entirely. I wish I could feel like a woman without feeling every piece of fabric pressing tautly against my flesh. I wish I could feel like a woman without painting my eyes and cheeks. I wish I could feel like a woman without ripping the hair from my body. I wish I could feel like a woman without stupid fake pockets. I wish I could feel like me without becoming a spectacle. I wish I still had my soccer sweats.
BY AUSTIN MCLELLAN
“WE PLAY A LOT, WE WIN A LOT” Women in sports reflect on role models and fighting for recognition
At Cal Poly, women’s sports dominate the headlines with undefeated starts, national rankings and no-hitters. Some of Cal Poly’s top athletes spoke about their female role models as well as the issues they’ve seen in women’s sports. For Women’s Basketball sophomore point guard and Australian native Abbey Ellis, one of her most inspiring moments of women’s sports was when Cathy Freeman went to the 2000 Olympics. “[She’s] one of the first Indigenous runners to even be in the Olympics, it’s one of the biggest moments in Aussie sports history,” Ellis said. “She has done so much for the Indigenous community, she’s amazing.” Cathy Freeman is an Aboriginal Australian runner who won first place in the 400-meter race during the 2000 Sydney, Australia Olympics.. Freeman was the second ever Aboriginal gold medalist. She won in front of a roaring home crowd of Australians, and she celebrated the momentous win with a victory lap in which she carried both the Australian and Aboriginal flags. Volleyball captain and middle blocker Meredith Phillips said her childhood coach inspired her as an athlete. That coach was Tara Cross-Battle, a four-time Olympian, bronze-medalist and former national champion at Long Beach State. Closer to San Luis Obispo, Mustang athletes named plenty of women at Cal Poly who inspire their success on and off the court. Volleyball player Maia Dvoracek said Volleyball Head Coach Caroline Walters is a role model for her. “Her history, doing what she did
at Santa Clara and making a Final Four made her such a model player, and now as our coach, she’s just an amazing person overall – someone we really love,” Dvoracek said. Ellis said she feels Cal Poly could have done a better job promoting more of its women’s sports, especially when teams like Women’s Basketball had one of their best seasons in years with very little promotion from the university. “We play a lot, we win a lot, we’re playing good, and I feel like we should get more recognition and a bit more of a spotlight than we have to get,” Ellis said. “But we still feel loved by this school.” Dvoracek agreed that the university isn’t doing enough to support women’s sports, but she said she believes it’s a much larger issue. “I don’t think it’s a men or women issue at [Cal] Poly,” Dvoracek said. “It’s a Cal Poly issue. Cal Poly needs to do better on promoting all of its sports in general.” On a larger scale, the athletes spoke about their reactions to the NCAA weight room scandal in San Antonio. The NCAA provided a “weight room” that consisted of yoga mats and dumbbells for the Women’s Basketball tournament while a larger, state-of-the-art weight room was provided for the Men’s Basketball Tournament in Indianapolis. The disparity in the two weight rooms sparked outrage from both male and female student athletes. It has also prompted conversations about whether the NCAA is treating their athletes fairly, equally and in accordance with legislation like Title IX. “I first saw it on social media, and I thought it was a joke. It had to be a joke,” Ellis said. “How can the NCAA
be comfortable with this?” The athletes agreed that with the popularity of women’s sports on the rise, the NCAA needs to be doing more, not less, to support their female athletes. Dvoracek and Phillips expressed concern with how the NCAA Women’s Volleyball playoffs field was cut from 64 to 48 teams despite the fact that only two conferences in the nation have canceled spring volleyball: the Ivy League and the Big West. Looking to the future, all three athletes said they believe the world of women’s sports will get better, but at a slower-than-desired pace. “Those leaders in women’s sports — those who’ve made a name for themselves — are doing the most they can right now for women’s sports,” Ellis said. “Once we have generational leadership in women’s sports, we have the community to support one another. It would be nothing but up from there.” Phillips said she is not going to believe change is possible until she sees it happen. “I hope public outbursts saying that ‘This stuff is not okay’ are going to make people start treating women’s sports right in the first place and show that they actually care about making change,” Phillips said. All three athletes agreed on what it takes for them to be role models for the next generation of athletes: hard work and attitude. “I want to make an impact on girls’ lives. I want them to look at me and realize what you can accomplish through sports,” Phillips said. “I want to be a positive example that makes a kid say, ‘I want to be like her when I’m older.’”
13
MUSTANG NEWS TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
KYLE CALZIA | MUSTANG NEWS “I want to be someone that they see off the court as always having fun and how important it is to be a part of a team,” basketball sophomore point guard Abbey Ellis said. “I want little girls to be able to look up to me and see the value in being nice and being a good teammate.”
SPORTS
KYLE CALZIA | MUSTANG NEWS “I want to be known as hardworking and approachable,” volleyball senior Maia Dvoracek said. “I want to be a good person and I want kids to realize how valuable that is.”
14 Group Seeks To Support Houseless Community Out Of Their VW Van
With its doors wide open and ready to offer refuge, Andrew Anderson’s green VW van is often made available to those in need. Anderson’s vehicle is outfitted to be better suited for the aims of his nonprofit Brothers & Mothers...
Getting To Know A Local Grandmother Over Coffee
Under the garden green canopy of Linnaea’s Café, Angi Mullery sipped her morning coffee while waiting on an oil change at a nearby automotive shop....
FRIDAYS
Meet The Local Shining Shoes To Support His Daughter
AROUND TOWN
Adrian Spears spends nearly eight hours a day shining shoes to earn enough money to provide himself with the makings of a home...
BY MARCUS COCOVA
The following stories are about the lives of those we might pass on the street every day in downtown San Luis Obispo.
NEWS
MUSTANG NEWS
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
On Fridays, reporter Marcus Cocova explored downtown San Luis Obispo to see who he would meet. Mustang News released a series of stories about the locals he met on Fridays.
Three Musicians Find Inspiration In Downtown San Luis Obispo
Months after leaving the United States Air Force, Isaiah Robinson could not wait to be more involved in making music...
Out With The New & In With The Old: Former Professor Reconnects With Film Photography
The new cannot quite perfectly replace the old. This is at least the case for Dara Rosenwasser and her cameras...
Learn How This Couple Kept It Together From High School To College
The transition into college from high school can be abrupt and unsettling. Alvin Tran and Tiffany Zhu rely on each other as partners as they navigate these new times in their lives. The two share with listeners how college is currently unfolding and revisit memories of how they met as they unwind across an evening in downtown San Luis Obispo...
“I Have Five Screens Going At Once”: Local English Teacher Navigates Online Learning
READ MORE
Among the many titles that line the walls of San Luis Obispo’s Phoenix Books, bookworm Danica Wassmann searches for her next read... Listen to their stories at mustangnews.net
HOW TWO SMALL BUSINESSES TACKLED
15
OPENING DURING COVID-19 BY LAUREN BOYER
For small businesses across America, COVID-19 and the shutdowns that followed have brought temporary or permanent closure, layoffs and reduced cash flow. Small businesses make up 99% of America’s businesses and employ half of the workforce. More than 350 businesses closed in San Luis Obispo since the pandemic hit. The typical yearly closure is 230, according to the SLO Tribune Despite these challenges, many small businesses have opened in downtown San Luis Obispo. BUTTERCUP BEAUTY SALON
of these hardships. The workers at the salon have kept the majority of their clients from past locations, which has kept business steady and consistent, even in a new salon. “A lot of [clients] are people who have been with us for a long time and have been so supportive,” Bryan said. BUEN DIA DESIGN
Everyone in our industry has been so disappointed with how they have given zero support. They can’t seem to stick up for businesses. BLAKELEY BRIAN Owner of Buttercup Beauty Salon
Eight people work in Bryan’s salon — six hairstylists, a makeup artist and an aesthetician who offers waxing and eyelash extensions services. Bryan sayid she also wants to hire a nail technician. However, luckily for the salon, their landlords have been understanding
Buen Dia Design, a retail store located on Broad St., sells ecofriendly prints of their own digital photography as well as goods from small brands. The business originally started as a landscape photography company which specialized in national park and city photography. Owner Jonathan Ventura and his team — photographer and videographer Helena Cortez and illustrator Gabrielle de Fontaine — secured a lease in Los Angeles right before the initial shutdowns occurred last March. A couple of months passed by and they started looking in other places. Ventura had been coming to Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo for ten years, so the team took a road trip to check out the area. “Since [Los Angeles] was shut down, it seemed like the perfect time to start new and look at a different way of living, like being out in nature
and not in a big city,” Ventura said. After a difficult time finding a space in Morro Bay, they came downtown and loved the first place they saw, which is now on Broad St. across from the restaurant Sidecar. “Part of our company being that we help small brands bring their brand to the next level with their branding and packaging, we really needed a space to work,” Ventura said. “And then the retail part was secondary.” By coupling with these small companies and helping boost their brands, Buen Dia Design does not have extensive brand recyclability, since they make these long term commitments with these outside companies. For example, they carry
NEWS
have some time to ramp up and learn how to speak to customers, see what they’re buying, have time to reorganize.” With the 25% capacity for retail stores, meaning 10 customers at a time for Buen Dia Design, the team has a chance to engage more with customers and help them to fully understand the business. This also helps the team learn what customers like and dislike. Initially, the store opened at 10 a.m. every day, but they said they realized people do not come in until around noon. They then pushed their opening two hours later. Customers shop as late as 8 p.m., so some nights the team stays in later. “The number one thing people say when they walk into our space is that they’re super excited to see someone take a chance because so many things have closed,” Ventura said. “It’s been really pleasant to have the support from the locals.”
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
DAN L AMBERT | MUSTANG NEWS Buen Dia Design relocated from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo during the pandemic.
a puzzle line from the brand Bright Beam Goods based out of Austin, Texas. With this partnership, Buen Dia Design is not going to carry any other puzzles. “We pick a product that we love and we work with them for longterm growth,” Ventura said. “We committed to work with them and develop new products.” Buen Dia Design opened in December three days before Christmas, and the team said it was a good thing for them to open amidst a larger shutdown. “We could open up our doors without any real expectations,” Ventura said. “There wasn’t this pressure to be 100% ready. We knew we were going to
MUSTANG NEWS
Buttercup Beauty Salon owner and hair stylist Blakeley Bryan always dreamed of opening her own salon with her friends, and oddly enough, the pandemic worked out to be a great time to do so. “We all used to work together and would joke that if someone were to open a salon, we’d all want to work together again,” Bryan said. Amidst all the closures and reopenings in the past year, Bryan finally decided to take time off in July to sign her lease, renovate the building and get her salon open by September. The salon renovations took COVID-19 safety precautions into account, with chairs set six feet apart and plexiglass between them. The salon opened right when the shutdowns were lifted in September, but closed again in December when the regional stay-at-home order was enacted. Again, this led to more uncertainty for hair salons. As Bryan said, some salons closed while others remained open with more limitations. The hardest part about opening her business during COVID-19 among the shutdowns and limitations is how unclear and vague the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology has been on re-openings and capacity limits, according to Bryan. “Everyone in our industry has been so disappointed with how they have given zero support,” Bryan said. “They can’t seem to stick up for businesses.” Bryan said that although she loves her job, she said she understands that haircuts and salon trips are not an essential service, especially if keeping her business open can potentially infect people. However,
closing her doors for an unknown amount of time impacts her and her co-workers’ financial stability, since they do not qualify for unemployment. A number of those at the salon did not qualify for any pandemic relief funds because they are independent contractors, not employees on a payroll.
16
BANDS EAGER TO REVIVE LIVE SHOWS
FAE BRUNS | COURTESEY Autopipe released their first EP at the start of the pandemic, on April 4, 2020.
KCPR
MUSTANG NEWS
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
BY EVAN GATTUSO
Goth freaks, musical magicians, McLovin’ doppelgangers, hardcore punks and weekend warriors would let loose at any house, garage, field or ridge around San Luis Obispo before COVID-19. Up-and-coming “DIY” musicians haven’t played live music for crowds in over a year because of COVID-19. Now, musicians and supporters eagerly anticipate the revival of the music scene when COVID-restrictions lift. Roger Chevalier, an industrial engineering senior, frequented shows at homes, Cuesta Ridge and the student-favorite donut shop SloDoCo before the pandemic. As a transfer student, he had to assimilate into Cal Poly quickly, since he was only going to be in SLO for two years. The DIY scene made him feel at home in SLO. “When you walk into a DIY show, everyone instantly becomes family. It helped me feel comfortable and grounded in SLO because I had someplace to go where I fit in and belonged,” said Chevalier. During the pandemic, Chevalier listened to bands who recorded music, but said he misses the authentic experience of seeing his favorite performers in person. “My favorite band to see is Autopipe. The album they released during the pandemic is great, but there’s something that can’t be matched by seeing a band like that in person,” said Chevalier. Autopipe — comprised of forestry senior Oliver Tawney (rhythm guitar), environmental earth and
soil science senior Liam Graham (drums), architecture senior Arjun Urbonas (lead guitar), and city and regional planning senior Hank McKay (bass) — are known for their outrageous live performance antics and “down for anything” attitude. Autopipe last played on Loomis Street the same week that the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in 2020. At that time, SLO had zero confirmed cases and Cal Poly students had not yet fled from campus. Autopipe thinks live music will return soon — California Governor Newsom set June 15 as a goal to lift most COVID-related restrictions. Still, there is a painful possibility that Autopipe and other graduates may not play another show in SLO. “Maybe I’m super optimistic and foolish, but I believe we’ll be able to play a show before we move [out of SLO],” said Tawney. If the group cannot grace SLO with another memorable extravaganza, McKay and Graham said they would miss the one-of-a-kind social scene and friends they made. Urbonas will miss “the addicting presence of being loud and heinous.” Autopipe is only one of the dozens of acts that haven’t performed for a year. Liberal arts and engineering studies senior Frank Homolka is the guitarist for WUMPUS, a three-piece that mixes country twang with grungy rock ‘n roll. He is joined by wine and viticulture junior Jon Achee on drums and communication studies junior Andy Sherar on bass. Homolka is leaving SLO after he graduates this spring, and will miss the feeling of playing music for others.
“Playing live music for a crowd is the highlight of my life. It’s where I feel the most alive, engaged and where I can get lost in what I’m doing,” Homolka said. “Being able to play live was a dream.” Besides playing music, Homolka contributes to the DIY scene as president of the Music Production Union (MPU). With MPU, Homolka organized events and performances for bands trying to get a foothold in the local scene. Unfortunately, COVID-19 forced MPU to cancel its second annual Arch Graveyard concert that was slated to host numerous artists in May of 2020. Anyone can relive past performances from groups like Honeyboys, Superbloom, Corpse Thrower and Blurred and find resources on venues and bands by visiting @slo.diy on Instagram. Creating and nurturing relationships is a crucial part of “making it” in the music industry, said @slo.diy in a direct message. The owner of @ slo.diy wishes to remain anonymous for privacy and to keep the account as official as possible. “Folks doing DIY shows are open to new bands playing gigs at their houses. That same freshly formed band won’t play at a bigger venue like the Fremont Theater unless they know someone or establish themselves first. If you take the time and effort to make friends with the community, the community will help you,” said @ slo.diy. Musicians have to start somewhere. No band will book a show anywhere in town until they prove to venues that they can fill the building. Because of the DIY scene, rock ‘n roll
magic band Pancho and the Wizards supported national touring acts FIDLAR and Together Pangea in 2019 at the Fremont Theater and SLO Brew Rock, respectively. Tristan Wildey, frontman for the established SLO band, spent many years involved in SLO’s music scene and understands the critical role that the DIY scene plays in developing artists and contributing to the city’s culture. “The DIY scene allows bands to start small and build a fanbase. Once they max out DIY venues, then they can branch out to other venues that hold 200 to 300 people, but there’s not a lot of places like that here,” said Wildey. Pancho and the Wizards performed at the SLO Guild Hall in February of 2020 with Together Pangea and Tropa Magica. The Guild Hall, located on Broad Street, gives off school dance vibes with its hardwood floors and concrete walls, but is a versatile building that can host at least 300 hundred people for a concert. It’s a bridge between DIY venues — houses, bars and SloDoCo — and professional concert spaces. However, Wildey says the Guild Hall, which is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, is hesitant about hosting concerts. Still, Wildey and the band regard it as a candidate for shows in the future. It is challenging to be a musician in SLO, but being a musician is a labor of love. The tenacity, ingenuity and creativity it takes to make successful shows work make the DIY scene exceptional. Musicians and organizers used to
sneak 100 to 200 people into a house on Jeffrey Street plastered with mattresses and strategically placed amps to evade SLO’s unbending noise ordinances. Only their concern to protect the community during a global pandemic trumped their resolve to put on shows. “Music is a moment in time, and once it ends, it goes away forever. Creating that experience for people, whether as a musician or organizer, is my most favorite thing that I’ve ever been a part of, and I miss it more than anything in the world,” said Wildey. Pancho and the Wizards will be storming back to stages with a recharged and refined sound when it’s possible. In a demoralizing time, it’s critical to keep grinding. “Even though it’s super discouraging, and everything sucks right now, all you artists and creatives need to keep going – keep progressing yourselves and your art,” said Wildey. To read and listen more, visit KCPR.org
Scan here to listen to WUMPUS, a threepiece band that mixes country twang with grungy rock ’n roll.
17
ONLINE LEARNING TAKES A TOLL.
HERE ARE SOME RESOURCES. VON BAL ANON | MUSTANG NEWS
BY LAUREN WRIGHT
Anxiety Toolbox Workshop
Let’s Talk
Students who are struggling with online education or managing their success are encouraged to reach out to Counseling Services online or call the 24-7 Crisis Hotline at (805) 756-6525.
NEWS
“Let’s Talk” is a free and confidential consultation with a mental health provider for students. This service is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 2:50 p.m., according to Pedersen. Students can find the Zoom link for “Let’s Talk” on Cal Poly’s Campus Health and Wellbeing website. Pedersen encourages students who may be struggling to attend office hours, communicate with instructors regularly, and seek academic advising. University Spokesperson Matt Lazier reminds us that the challenges faced in-person are very different from the challenges faced at home with virtual learning. “We have worked to ensure we’re mindful of the challenges many students face when learning from their home as opposed to learning in a classroom,” Lazier wrote in an email. “A classroom on campus can be quite different from a ‘classroom’ in a student’s home.” For instance, students may be in a place where they observe familial, cultural, or religious expectations that impact their attire or behavior.
Other students may have limited privacy, family obligations or home environments that may limit their inclass participation. Lazier assures us that the administration is being mindful of students’ added stress and trauma amid current social, political and pandemic-related issues. “With these differing situations in mind, we’ve asked that instructors be aware of the barriers and stressors that their students m ay be facing during virtual learningand do what they can to accommodate students’ needs and support their success,” Lazier said.
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
The Anxiety Toolbox Workshop focuses on helping students understand their anxiety symptoms and build skills to manage these symptoms, according to the Cal Poly Campus Health and Wellbeing website. Unfortunately, anxiety is becoming more common on campus. Cal Poly Dean of Students Joy Pedersen has shifted to provide virtual support services for all students who may be experiencing these same feelings. “We are seeing an increase in students experiencing a lack of motivation and loneliness. Students miss social gatherings, sports, learning in the classroom, research, and engaging with their faculty,” Pedersen said. Supporting students during this year of virtual learning has become
one of her top priorities by meeting frequently with them to see how they are doing. “Some students are thriving without the distractions and have accelerated their academic progress, but most students are feeling more stressed and less motivated,” Pedersen said. In addition to awarding more than 300 grants totaling more than $200,000 to students who have been financially impacted due to COVID-19, The Office of the Dean of Students has two Student Care Coordinators who work one-on-one with students to navigate challenges and access resources such as virtual events and online communities to help them stay connected, according to Pedersen. Cal Poly Cares provides one-time emergency financial support grants to students struggling with housing, meals, tuition, academic supplies, medical or transportation needs. To apply for financial assistance, check out the Cal Poly Basic Needs Initiative website. Counseling Services are also available to help students in need. Their goal is to serve the campus community through advocacy and the provision of confidential and accessible services by promoting the development of holistic student emotional health, according to the Cal Poly website.
MUSTANG NEWS
Maya Moore feels that her online classes are leaving her less motivated than she was in high school. The psychology freshman had been used to a busy life. Managing classes, homework and a social life, she was never really forced to slow down. Until now. “Online school has made me a little less driven, because when things were in person, especially in high school, I was so busy with class, homework and other activities that I didn’t have time to slow down and be lazy,” Moore said. “But now that I have all asynchronous classes, I have a lot of time to be less productive.” Moore has had a difficult time transitioning to a new school where she doesn’t know anyone and does not have the opportunity to meet new friends in classes. “Online school has made me feel lonelier and more anxious,” Moore said. “I miss meeting new people in classes and being able to have small conversations with peers during and outside of class.” Moore is not alone. Studies show that due to online learning, students are at risk for numerous challenges including psychological problems, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. “I’ve used the counseling services a few times to talk about general
anxiety and stress, which was super great,” Moore said. “I was able to meet with a really nice counselor for a few weeks and was also directed towards a program that they offer called the Anxiety Toolbox workshop.”
REOPENING GUIDE 2021 MUSTANG MEDIA GROUP
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EDITOR’S NOTE It’s been a challenging past year for us all, but as we reach what looks to be the beginning of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, I hope this edition can help us all settle into a new normal. Many local businesses are reopening after a year of COVID-19 restrictions and I am hopeful that Cal Poly will also reopen to its students in the near future. It is important for us to support each other during difficult times and this year’s Reopening Guide aims to do just that. In this edition are various articles about some of the businesses that are now open and some of the local activities you can safely participate in. By participating in these activities, you can also help support our local businesses as they recover from the business lost over the past year.
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CENTRAL COAST KAYAKS IS OPEN FOR ADVENTURERS LIKE YOU! CENTRAL COAST KYAKS 1879 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 (805) 773-3500 Retail & Bike Rentals: 9 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. Kayak Rentals: 9 a.m — 1 p.m.
BY TESSA HUGHES Remember that New Year’s resolution you had about taking more risks this year? Being bolder? Choosing adventure? Trying something new? Finding a new passion? You’ll find that it’s easy to uphold these adventurous aspirations at Central Coast Kayaks, SLO’s finest local kayak shop. They have been operating since 1933, and serve as the only full service kayak shop between
Los Angeles and Monterey. Run out of Shell Beach, the shop is just one block away from the water. They have 5 stars on Tripadvisor, Yelp and Google Business, and there’s definitely a reason people trust them with special outdoor experiences. They have it all! They are a local gem for locals, travelers and students alike. Central Coast Kayaks has been serving the Central Coast and, more specifically, the Cal Poly Community for decades. They have everything you need to get out on the water. Whether you are looking to learn, to rent or to buy a kayak, Central Coast Kayaks has you covered. They have been a go-to stop for incoming students during Cal Poly’s Week of Welcome and they have partnered with the university’s kinesiology department for 25 years, offering classes,
certifications and tours. They even provide storage for students’ kayaks and paddleboards and students may receive a 10% off discount with a valid Cal Poly ID. Central Coast Kayaks offers a wide range of paddling gear and accessories, including kayaks from Feelfree Kayaks, Jackson Kayaks, Perception Kayaks, Viking Kayaks, Vibe Kayaks and Wilderness Systems Kayaks. You can even find the best accessories to flaunt from the best kayaking brands such as Yakattack, Yak-Gear, Northwest River Supplies (NRS), Marine Technologies International (MTI) Life Jackets and Werner Paddles. Additionally, they have a selection of marine electronics from Shark Shield, Lowrance, Raymarine, Cobra and Standard Horizon. More than just kayaks, Central Coast Kayaks also offers equipment
MUSTANG MEDIA GROUP | REOPENING GUIDE 2021 and opportunities to fishers. They can provide those interested with supplies to engage in enterprising freshwater fishing in SLO county lakes such as Santa Margarita Lake, Lopez Lake and Lake Lacimiento. For those who are less experienced with kayaking or fishing, Central Coast Kayaks also offers kayak fishing classes! Central Coast Kayaks recommends paddling before noon for the optimal experience. Paddling early will maximize your time and experience
For those who are less experienced with kayaking or fishing, Central Coast Kayaks also offers kayak fishing classes!
on the water and provide the best conditions and offer the best opportunities for seeing wildlife. In addition to offering their services to students, Central Coast Kayaks is also looking to hire them. They offer unique internships and job opportunities to young, enterprising students. They are conveniently located at 1879 Shell Beach Road in Pismo Beach, just ten miles south of San Luis Obispo and right off of U.S. Highway 101. Their hours from now until June 15 are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for kayak rentals and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for retail and bike rentals. Then, from June 16 to September 15, kayak rentals can take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and retail and bike rentals can take place from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To learn more about their services and job opportunities, you visit their website www.centralcoastkayaks.com, their Instagram @centralcoastkayaks or their Facebook @centralcoastkayaks. They can also be contacted directly through their shop phone (805) 773-3500, their tour line (805) 931-6348 or their email momentumpaddlesports@gmail.com.
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UNIVERSITY BARBER SHOP: SERVING THE “JUST RIGHT APPEARANCE” FOR 50+ YEARS UNIVERSITY BARBER SHOP 888 Foothill Blvd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (805) 543-8253 Tues — Sat: 8:30 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.
BY TESSA HUGHES Do you need a new haircut after a year in quarantine? Are you ready for a fresh, new look? Well, University Barber Shop has got you covered. University Barber Shop Barbers offer exceptional services to everyone — men, women and children — to help you achieve that “Just Right Appearance”! There are four barbers (John, Bob, Eileen and Kurt) to serve you and offer excellent customer service, all at competitive prices. The shop has been operating in San Luis Obispo since 1957, all the while using quality hair products and tools to make sure each customer leaves
happy with their new cut. The current owner, John Philips, began working at the shop when he was 19 years old -- back then, it was known as College Barber Shop. When he turned 21, he bought the shop and helped it become the place Cal Poly students and SLO residents know and love today. The name was changed to University Barber Shop when College Square Center changed its name to University Square Center. It remains around the corner from its original location where John first began working. The shop also offers customers a little look into SLO’s history when they walk through the doors. Over the more than 50 years, John has collected various photographs of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area that he proudly displays in his shop. The barbers are highly community-oriented, as can be seen by the
generations of Cal Poly students and former SLO residents that take time when they are visiting the area to stop by to get a haircut or just to say hello. Children of all ages are also welcome and the shop will even give you a “My First Haircut” certificate to commemorate your child’s first cut. During the more than five decades since he purchased it, John has never had to close the shop, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas. That was until the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020. The shop had its doors shut for 6 months, following state safety guidelines, but they have recently opened back up and are excited to serve the community once again. The barbers are taking all the necessary safety precautions as well to ensure all their clients feel comfortable. Face coverings must be worn at all times, hand sanitizer is
Walk-ins are welcome, as appointments are not always necessary. A regular haircut is $17, a child’s or senior haircut is $16, beard trim is $11, and razor fade is $20. Gift certificates for haircuts can also be purchased at the shop.
The shop has been operating in San Luis Obispo since 1957, all the while using quality hair products and tools to make sure each customer leaves happy with their new cut. available, equipment is sanitized in between customers and the barbers are routinely checked for COVID-19 symptoms.
Just a short walk from campus, they are currently located on 888 Foothill Boulevard (University Square Center), conveniently located between Blaze Pizza and Scout Coffee. They are also near Rite Aid and other shops which you can visit after your fresh, new cut. University Barber Shop is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. Call (805) 543-8253 to learn more about their services. The barbers at University Barber Shop invite you to stop in to get your hair cut or beard trim for that “Just Right Appearance”.
MUSTANG MEDIA GROUP | REOPENING GUIDE 2021
22 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
VALENCIA APARTMENTS: TOWNHOUSE-STYLE HOMES WITH A PRIME LOCATION FOR STUDENTS VALENCIA APARTMENTS 555 Ramona Drive San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (805) 543-1450 Mon – Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat – Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
BY DAISY KUENSTLER Valencia Student Apartments is now accepting housing applications for the 2021-2022 school year. Located right next to a shopping center and bus stop, the apartment complex is an ideal spot for college students and young adults. There are 160 units in the complex and Cal Poly is less than one mile away. Valencia offers two leasing options to serve their two main demographics: Cal Poly students and Cuesta College students. The Cal Poly student lease begins on September 13, 2021, and lasts through the end of August of 2022. The Cuesta student lease starts August 14, 2021 and goes until the end of July 2022. Valencia offers spacious and open townhouse-style homes that allow students to live comfortably. Their goal is to be flexible with their residents, while also offering affordable prices for off-campus housing. About a block away from the complex, there is a shopping center which includes the San Luis Obispo
staple SloDoCo Donuts, as well as a grocery store, a post office, a coffee shop, a nail salon, restaurants and more. It is also a short walk from Foothill Boulevard, which features even more restaurants and popular hangouts for college students. The location also allows for easy access to U.S. Highway 1 and the 101 Freeway. From the apartments, downtown is less than two miles away and Bishop’s Peak’s trailhead is less than one mile away. This is a prime spot for students who want to be able to explore the wonders of San Luis Obispo. In addition to the large rooms and great location, Valencia has numerous amenities available to its residents, including a fitness center, pool, tv room, clubhouse and laundry room. The clubhouse features ping pong tables, comfortable study spots and even a movie room. The Fitness Center is open until 11:00 pm for all questions or concerns and there is an evening courtesy patrol that can assist all residents. The office is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., during which walk-ins are welcome. They are also available Saturday and Sunday for weekend appointments and here is an after-hours line available to residents. Units come fully furnished, so that residents do not need to buy new furniture if they do not want to. All units differ a bit, but most come
with a couch, chair, coffee table, end table and two to three stools in the living room. All units are two stories tall. Single rooms have a full bed and shared rooms come with twin beds. The kitchens are featured with granite countertops, and some of the units have stainless appliances. Valencia is also committed to supporting students with their studies. They encourage students to do well by offering a three-tiered GPA discount plan. This plan rewards students $50, $75 or $100 depending on their GPA, starting with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This program can help students save $600 or more annually, as long as they are enrolled in at least 12 units each quarter. Transcripts are due by September 1 for all Cal Poly students to qualify for this program, and then again after each quarter has ended. If your GPA raises during your lease, making you eligible for a larger discount, Valencia will provide an updated lease agreement to include the new discount. Finding a roommate is not always the easiest task, so Valencia Apartment created an application to help match up students who don’t already have roommate plans. The application is made up of questions relating to lifestyle, hobbies, interests and other information to help determine who could be the best match for you. Of course, residents may choose to determine their roommates beforehand, but this is always an option for those who are still unsure who they want to live with. With the prevalence of virtual learning now more than ever, residents can utilize study centers and a computer lab on site. This allows for residents to have a separate space from their apartment to get work done, meet new people and have a change of scenery during remote school.
Courtesy of Valencia Apartments
On top of the study amenities, Valencia Apartments has plenty of spots around for students to relax. There is a game room in the clubhouse that is open to all residents. In the
Courtesy of Valencia Apartments
game room, there is ping pong, foosball and pool. Residents can also use the barbecue pits, as well as the fireplaces. There are both indoor and outdoor fireplaces available for
Valencia offers spacious and open townhousestyle homes that allow students to live comfortably. Their goal is to be flexible with their residents, while also offering affordable prices for off-campus housing. use. For many hard working college students, it is nice to also have amenities available for your enjoyment. Valencia Apartments encourages good grades, but also wants its residents to relax.
Residents may also bring their cars and utilize the reserved parking, for an annual fee. There are three different options for reserving parking, which vary in price. The least expensive option is general reserved parking, but residents can also choose to pay more for assigned spots and covered parking. The application process is very simple and can be found on their website. In order to guarantee your spot at Valencia Student Apartments, make sure to submit your application and references. Once those are checked and approved, you will need a security deposit to secure your unit. The lease agreement is then prepared in three to five business days, which you can then sign to guarantee yourself a space for next year. Valencia accepts various payment methods including checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, credit cards and check payments. Payments are due on the fifth of each month by 5:00 p.m. Residents can also drop off checks or money orders in person, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the main office. Take a look into these homes with an immersive video-guided tour seen on their website, www.valenciaapartments.com.
REOPENING GUIDE 2021 | MUSTANG MEDIA GROUP
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 25
Courtesy of SLO Transit
SLO TRANSIT HELPING STUDENTS AND COMMUTERS SAFELY
SLO TRANSIT (805) 541-2877 Mon — Fri: 6 a.m. — 8 p.m. Sat — Sun: 8 a.m. — 8 p.m.
agencies quickly dedicated their efforts to creating procedures that promote and maintain healthy and safe transportation for riders.
Accordingly, SLO Transit implemented modified bus service as well as enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures. These procedures
include disinfecting vehicles every 24 hours and cleaning frequently touched surfaces during daily service. UV light sanitation was introduced to the cleaning procedures for an extra level of safety.
BY SLO TRANSIT SLO Transit is prepared to welcome Cal Poly students with safe and sustainable transportation! SLO Transit provides fixed route public transit service throughout San Luis Obispo including direct routes from Cal Poly to downtown and adjacent areas. Currently, eight bus routes operate on weekdays from approximately 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and four bus routes operate on weekends from approximately 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In response to the pandemic, transit agencies quickly dedicated their efforts to creating procedures that promote and maintain healthy and safe transportation for riders.
SLO Transit encourages riders to download the SLO Transit mobile app. Within the app, riders can view real time bus locations and identify nearby bus stops. A friendly user interface provides easy access to routes, schedules, rider notices and more. In response to the pandemic, transit
Courtesy of SLO Transit
Drivers now wear nitrile gloves and face coverings when operating the bus. In accordance with the federal mask requirement, SLO Transit requires passengers to wear a face covering while waiting for the bus and while on-board. SLO Transit encourages regular use of the on-board hand sanitizers along with maintaining a minimum of six feet between passengers when able. Ground decals along with mask dispensers have been provided to help promote a healthy ride. SLO Transit encourages all community members to help prevent the spread of viruses by following healthy guidelines such as wearing face coverings that completely cover the mouth and nose, regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, refraining from touching eyes, nose and mouth, covering coughs and sneezes, maintaining appropriate physical distancing and remaining home if feeling ill. As our city moves forward together, SLO Transit will continue providing essential travel to those who need it. We’re here for you now and always.
MUSTANG MEDIA GROUP | REOPENING GUIDE 2021
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CALIFORNIA WEST: RENTING MADE EASY AND CONVENIENT CALIFORNIA WEST 1380 Broad St #1, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 543-9119 Mon — Fri: 9 a.m. — 12 p.m. 1 p.m. — 5 p.m.
BY DAISY KUENSTLER California West Real Estate Management is a full-service property management service from Santa Maria to Atascadero. They currently have two locations, one in Arroyo Grande and the other in San Luis Obispo. Both of these locations have a property supervisor who looks over all of the property management processes. Additionally, each location has teams that are ready and available to best serve your needs. California West knows that San Luis Obispo is a college town, so they have adapted their leases to coincide with the academic year. The leases typically begin over the summer sometime between June and September and most of them last 12 months. The process to pre-lease houses, condos and apartments for the upcoming 2021 to 2022 academic year began on February 1. All of their available properties may be found on their website. Each property listed on the site features various photos of the different rooms, as well as details regarding the lease, appliances, utilities and more. California West also emails out monthly newsletters to keep their current and potential renters up to date on new properties available to lease, COVID-19 regulations and other information that could impact housing. This newsletter is also intended to make sure that tenants are informed and know their rights. On the website, available properties are divided into sections based on the type of housing they are. The types of housing that can be found on their site include house, studio, apartment, condo, triplex, commercial and garage space. With a wide
variety, there are plenty of options to find the space that you need. This page is updated daily to make sure that possible tenants know all of their options. Each property description includes the number of baths, beds, rent, deposit and when the property will be available. Even with a quick scroll
California West knows that San Luis Obispo is a college town, so they have adapted their leases to coincide with the academic year. through the page, it is easy to locate which of the properties fit your budget and requirements. There are also photos of each property taken from the street view. You can also filter your search based on housing type, number of bedrooms and more using the quick search or advanced search features located on their website. This makes it easier to find a home that works with your needs. California West also has a specific page on their website designated for clients with pets. This feature filters out properties that do not allow pets, so you can explore only the properties that accommodate your furry friends. There is also a pet application available on the website to give some information about your pets. To make sure their renters are well informed, California West also links to renter resources on their site. These resources range from rental policies to pet applications
Courtesy of California West
to COVID-19 showing agreements. There is also information available about how to clean and move out properly, as well as how to pay rent online. These resources are available to ensure that renters feel fully prepared.
for the listing. Showing schedules are constantly updated and listed on their website. Applications can be found on their website under the “Renter Resources” tab. These applications can be filled and signed digitally.
California West also has an email subscription service so that subscribers are alerted whenever a new property becomes available. You can also set certain requirements, such as a number of bedrooms, so that you will only be alerted of properties that meet the criteria that you are looking for. So, if you are considering a home, this is an easy way to know what is out there at all times.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, California West has taken all of the necessary precautions to make sure that their clients, renters and staff are safe during this time. As more information becomes available and restrictions continue to change, they too have adapted their operations in order to meet state and local requirements. At this time, they are allowing in-person showings of the properties, but face masks are required to be worn at all times, only one person is allowed to come to each showing, social distancing is enforced and sanitization methods are in place. California West is also only showing vacant properties, meaning the owners have relocated or are not present at the unit to ensure that all parties are safe. These measures are all put in place to keep everyone involved healthy.
California West will also help tenants with maintenance issues. On the website, you can request maintenance and fill out a form about the issue. They give you an option to let California West know if you want them to enter your home, or to call to make an appointment. If there is an emergency after their regular business hours, they also have an after-hours emergency maintenance line. To start the application process, potential renters can explore the various properties available on the website. Then, once you have a particular property in mind, you can meet with a staff member for a tour and if you like it, you can then apply
All California West tenants can pay their rent online through an online portal. As their offices are currently closed to the public, this option allows tenants to safely continue to pay their rent from the courtesy of their own homes. There is more
information located on their website to inform renters about different methods of payment. Renters are even able to go to CVS or 7-Eleven to pay their rent. It is secure, fast, convenient and flexible. They accept three types of payment: eCheck, credit/debit, and electronic cash
At this time, they are allowing in-person showings of the properties... payments. To start online payments, just send them an email and they will send you a link to your new secure Online Portal. For more information about California West Real Estate Management and their properties, you can visit their website at www.california-west.com.
REOPENING GUIDE 2021 | MUSTANG MEDIA GROUP
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 29
LET’S GO CLUBBING AT THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING (805) 756-2131
BY CAL POLY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING Four years after Beth Parris lost two feet, an arm and several fingers during a harrowing bout of sepsis, a team of students in Cal Poly’s EMPOWER club began designing prosthetic devices that would allow the mortgage loan officer and grandmother to better perform basic functions, such as holding fruit, washing dishes or using a keyboard. “All of our projects, whether large or small, are based around the human experience,” said Pearse Lipscomb, president of the club. The College of Engineering features dozens of clubs, including many, like EMPOWER, that further hands-on experiences while making a dif-
ference in the lives of real people. And while the pandemic drastically changed the way we do things for a bit, club members are excited about the prospect of returning to in-person activity in the fall. Clubs like the Society of Women Engineers have continued virtually through the pandemic, but members have missed some of the mainstay functions that require physical attendance, like outreach events to elementary, middle and high school students. “Typically, we have members travel to local schools or invite the students to the Cal Poly campus to work on projects and teach students engineering skills,” said Sanjana Gundala, president of Cal Poly’s SWE chapter. “These events are beneficial for members because it gives them an opportunity to make an impact on the community and educate the next generation of engineers.”
While clubs like SWE and Engineers Without Borders seek to make a positive impact, others, like the National Society of Black Engineers and the Society of Hispanic Engineers, also provide key bonding and support. Club teams, such as the Rose Float, Concrete Canoe and Human-Powered Vehicle, combine fun competitions with Cal Poly’s trademark Learn by Doing approach.
the fall, and I can say with confidence that I would not have been offered those opportunities without my involvement in Cal Poly Racing.” The Aero Hangar, where Cal Poly Racing cars are built, has been unusually quiet through the pandemic. But when campus returns to “normal,” take a stroll throughout the College of Engineering, and you’ll
find several locations humming with club activity. While innovation in the College of Engineering has continued through the pandemic, the college is excited about showcasing our talent to the public – be it through club activity, senior projects or the every day classes that will produce future change agents.
Jenna Hartley, former lead of the Baja SAE racing team, said the Cal Poly Racing club, which builds and races cars, has played a key role in her development as an engineer. “Building a vehicle for competition is an inherently difficult problem that requires an extremely wide range of skills across the team and in each individual subsystem, thus the list of really valuable things I learned from SAE is very long,” she said. “I have had internships at Apple and SpaceX, and will return to SpaceX full-time in
In 2019, members of a student club, now known as EMPOWER, work on prosthetic hands they created for a 10-year-old boy who was badly injured in a suspected DUI accident. Pictured, left to right, are Bryson Chan, Janis Iourovitski and Austin Conrad. Courtesy of College of Engineering
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MEATHEAD MOVERS: THEY’LL MOVE YOUR STUFF OR HIRE YOU TO MOVE OTHER PEOPLE’S Meathead Movers 3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 544-6328 Mon — Sat: 7:30 a.m. — 7 p.m. Sun: 8 a.m. — 6 p.m.
BY TESSA HUGHES It’s been a long year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and many people have lost their jobs or decided to stay home instead of returning to San Luis Obispo. However, now that it is time to move back to school and look for a job, Meathead Movers has you covered. Meathead Movers is the reliable moving company you need, whether you need assistance moving or you need a job. The company is looking to hire new movers that are passionate about promoting their brand and what it
represents. They do not want career movers. They hire many student athletes because they want to help athletes achieve their future goals, especially since the founders were once student athletes themselves. Brothers Aaron and Evan Steed founded Meathead Movers in 1977 because they needed a way to make money outside of athletics. They offered to help their friends’ parents move in exchange for compensation. As they grew, they eventually earned a good reputation locally, and their side work turned into a real business with numerous customers. So, they saved up to buy a truck and the rest is history. Now Meathead Movers is the largest independent moving company in California. Now, the brothers aim to help out the new generation of student athletes by offering them jobs where
they can use their strength and athletic abilities to help people move. The name “Meathead Movers” comes from the Steed brothers’ time as student athletes. Other athletes would jokingly call them “meatheads”; so they decided to own it. Of course, Meathead Movers’ employees are so much more than “meatheads”. The student athletes who work at Meathead Movers are able to gain professional experience including creating resumes, developing a long list of references, honing in on physical abilities and learning how to drive commercial trucks. Meathead Movers also pays more than minimum wage with the competitive salary of $17 an hour. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s negative effect on the company’s business operations, Meathead Movers had to briefly pause hiring. But
now, business is increasing as many customers are moving again and require the company’s services; so, they are back! During this spike in business, Meathead Movers has completed more long-distance moves than they had ever done before, helping customers downsize and move to more rural areas. The company is also taking COVID-19 precautions to ensure the safety of their customers and themselves. Some of the precautions in place include required face coverings, sanitization of high-touch surfaces, electronic paperwork and daily COVID-19 screening for employees. Meathead Movers’ services are pricier than some, but that is because customers are paying to support student athletes. By allowing them to gain the experience, you are also supporting their academic and
athletic lifestyle. In addition to Cal Poly, the company maintains positive relationships with other local high schools and colleges, where they hire and support students. Currently, there is a boom in moving as students return home for the summer and relocate for the next academic year. Meathead Movers offers storage promotions and a variety of payment plan options for customers. They prioritize their customers and know how to adapt to each individual client’s needs. You can contact Meathead Movers to move your stuff or to be hired at (805) 544-6328 or via their website at www.meatheadmovers.com.
REOPENING GUIDE 2021 | MUSTANG MEDIA GROUP
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MUSTANG VILLAGE: THE APARTMENT COMPLEX DESIGNED FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS Mustang Village 1 Mustang Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (805) 783-2500 Mon — Fri: 9 a.m. — 7 p.m. Sat: 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.
BY DAISY KUENSTLER Mustang Village, located right off Foothill Boulevard, is a popular housing location for students. With numerous amenities available for residents, vacancies are already filling up. With students being the main demographic at Mustang Village, the location’s layout provides a blend of social and academic activity. The complex includes a pool, outdoor fire pit and an on-sight community park. The apartments come fully furnished and are cat and dog friendly. There are 17 different floor plans to choose from, making it easy to find the
It is important to Mustang Village that residents know they are protected and cared for during all hours of the day. perfect fit. The numerous floor plans offer various different combinations, including studio apartments as well as four-bedroom apartments. Friends, fraternities, sororities, athletic groups or student organizations can rent out an entire building
at Mustang Village. This building consists of 16 individual studios and is perfect for any large group. Each apartment features wood plank flooring, as well as stainless steel appliances in renovated apartments. There is a beautiful creek view, large balconies throughout the location and air conditioning units with select floorplans. Mustang Village prides itself on being spacious, while still going above and beyond to make sure students have a comfortable living situation. Each lease comes with a bed, nightstand, desk, desk chair, dining table and chairs, couch, coffee table and side table. This is optimal for many students, as they do not need to purchase their own furniture and already have everything they will need. Mustang Village features various academic settings for students to study or attend online lectures. Residents can study at any of the outdoor locations in the space, as well as in the community study lounge. The complex, only a short walk away from Cal Poly, has evening courtesy patrol so residents can feel safe when traveling around the location. It is important to Mustang Village that residents know they are protected and cared for during all hours of the day. There is also an on-site maintenance team to make sure everything runs smoothly. Maintenance is available 24 hours a day, to make sure residents are comfortable, no matter the time of day. Mustang Village has thought of everything to make the moving process and living process as simple as possible. To help tenants who need to find a roommate, Mustang Village has a roommate matching service available to help residents find the best fit for them. The service allows tenants to answer various questions relating to their living preferences, interests and more, in order to match residents with each other based on their similarities in answering the questions.
During the summer, Mustang Village staff spend weeks sorting through applications to make sure the matches work and will result in a successful and productive living situation.
also allowing tenants to let loose and have some fun. During these events, residents can mingle and free food is provided as well. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, Mustang Village has remained a
To further simplify matters for tenants, all utilities are included in the price, so residents do not have to worry about separate sewer, electricity and water bills. All utilities and other costs are included in the monthly rent, making it a much more simple process for tenants. Mustang Village also prioritizes their resident’s health and has a state-ofthe-art fitness center available for all residents. With treadmills, stair steppers, TVs and much more, their gym is decked out with all of the necessary equipment to support healthy living among their residents. Like all of Mustang Village’s other amenities, the gym is available at no extra cost to residents. It is like having a gym membership included in your rent! The location also includes a clubhouse, as well as two pools where student tenants can take a break from school, relax and socialize. Mustang Village also puts on events for all residents. These events offer great ways to get to know your roommates and neighbors, while
Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, Mustang Village has remained a community. community. They have worked hard to stay involved with their residents and have virtual events. It is important to Mustang Village that everyone feels cared for and that they are taken care of. They have even held some in person social distanced outdoor events for their residents. These events are important to Mustang Village to make sure their residents
are still going outside and enjoying their time in college. With plenty of outdoor activities and sports, it is easy to still get out and enjoy the outdoors during this time. Throughout the pandemic, Mustang Village has been dedicated to keeping its residents safe and healthy. They even released some guidelines outlining numerous ways that students can stay safe during this time. Some of those listed include recommended cleaning procedures, consistent sanitization of all common areas and signage to promote social distancing. Face coverings are also recommended in any public setting in the complex. These areas include management offices, gyms, elevator banks, meeting spaces, package hub, study lounge, laundry centers and more. These guidelines are put in place to keep staff and residents safe. Mustang Village truly prioritizes students, as the majority of their tenants, which can be seen in their policies, amenities and other resources. At Mustang Village, residents can tan in the morning by the pool and then head to the park to do some homework. With hammocks throughout the location, there are also plenty of spaces to chill after a long day of studying. This space was created for the hard-working college student. With spots going quick, you do not want to miss your chance to live at Mustang Village for the next school year! Make sure to check out their Instagram @mustangvillage to learn more about starting a lease and to see the fun activities they are putting on. The location alone is hard to beat and the amenities just add to this amazing spot. Check out Mustang Village at www.mustangvillage.com.
Courtesy of Mustang Village