Student Guide 2012

INSIDE: Meet Poly and Cuesta parents juggling more than just homework Discover what makes San Luis Obispo unique Find out why an A may not be so easy to achieve Eat the way you want, from omnivore to vegan Learn about ways to explore diversity And more ‌

2 • STUDENT GUIDE 2012

2012

STUDENT GUIDE •

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4 • STUDENT GUIDE 2012

Welcome,

Y

For some students, studying for exams went hand in hand with changing diapers

7

Check out things you probably won’t find in other towns 16

Students.

ou’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it a million times again: Congratulations, you made it to college. You’re entering the best years of your life; you’re going to learn more than you ever have before; you’ll meet your best friends; et cetera, et cetera ...

Five ways to explore SLO beyond your windshield

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Popular hangouts in town that you’re bound to frequent

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It’s statistics

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Scenic spots that look great on Instagram

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It’s the little things that get you

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Do your part to better your new community

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Find your place on campus

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Getting to know the folks who put food on your table

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Catering to your specific diet

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I don’t have to repeat these college catch phrases to you, as I’m

sure you already know them well.

I heard all of these phrases as well. In fact, I heard them so frequently

during my first quarter at Poly that I furtively rolled my eyes at every wellwishing veteran who bestowed these prophesies over my collegiate career.

What I really wish I’d heard was that my time in college would include the most incredible opportunities to meet people fantastically different from myself—culturally, ethnically, politically, and religiously. That these people would enrich my life in so many ways, helping to not only mold my ideas of the world around me, but also to enhance my personal identity. The experiences I had with the people who were drastically different from myself were, in part, what made these past four years some of my greatest, what taught me more than anything ever had before, and what helped me form some of the deepest friendships I have ever cultivated. I hope this will be true for you as well. I hope you will let yourself be stretched in your relationships and your experiences, because these are the things you will cherish

Make new friends while cutting a rug 37

when all is said and done.

This guide’s purpose is to give you a few resources to broaden your relational and experiential horizons, as well as to help you acclimate yourself to San

SLO’s bests and onlys

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The escape from hairy situations

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Favorite local spots to get your beans

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Luis Obispo—the place you’ll call home for the foreseeable future. It’s my hope that after reading this guide, you will have a richer sense of admiration for this city, a clearer understanding of the unique things SLO has to offer, and a list of activities you’re dying to try before your loads and loads of coursework set in. It’s been a pleasure putting this guide together for you—I’ve even learned a new thing or two in the process. Enjoy these upcoming years, because they fly by too quickly. And yes, you will hear that far too often. Cheers! Δ —Emily Morelli Student Guide editor and Cal Poly journalism alumna

STUDENT GUIDE ’12 1010 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 546-8208 New Times © 2010

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Bob Rucker Alex Zuniga

Student Guide Editor Emily Morelli

Executive Editor Ryan Miller

Managing Editor

Assistant Art Director

Contributors

Editorial Design

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Photographers Steve E. Miller

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

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Susan Stewart

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2012

Apparent For some students, studying for exams went hand in hand with changing diapers

C

lass, food, gym, homework, friends, work, and sleep.

These seven words nearly encapsulate most students’ college experiences. But consider adding the word “baby” or “child” to the mix.

It changes everything.

Imagine the responsibility and maturity required to be not only a parent, but also a college student. Most of us will never understand the pressure facing someone simultaneously working through both monumental tasks. To open our collective eyes, five parents—who are also current or recent college students—told us about their jam-packed lives.

The claim has been made that nonparenting students have about a quarter of the responsibilities as do parenting students. You can judge for yourself.

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

STUDENT GUIDE •

7

BY EMILY MORELLI

challenge

Years of parenting and degree: Sarah has been a parent for 18 months. She was about halfway done with her master of public policy degree at Cal Poly when she had her son, Blake.

Sarah Lawlor

Overlap of being a parent and a student: All 18 months and counting.

A typical school day: When she’s working full time, she gets up at 6 a.m. to get Blake ready for his day at the ASI Children’s Center. She drops him off, goes to work, and comes back in eight or nine hours. When they get home, it’s time for Sarah, her husband Jeff, and Blake to spend time together, usually exercising and eating dinner. Then Sarah bathes her son, reads him a story, gives him a bottle, and puts him to bed at 7:30. From 8 p.m. to midnight, Sarah works on homework, reading, and projects. On the nights Sarah has class, Jeff cares for Blake.

The most challenging aspect of being a parent and student: Balancing everything, she said, meaning school, work, caring for her son, and finding time to spend with her husband—they’d been a couple for 16 years before having Blake. Also, finding time to exercise.

The most rewarding aspect of being a parent and student: Passing on the importance of education to her son, she said, noting that Blake will have the

experience of seeing her study, balance life, and enjoy her studies, which she hopes will help him develop a thirst for education as a core part of his being.

Things and people that helped her along the way: Her “incredibly supportive” husband Jeff, who sacrifices projects and hobbies so she can go to school. Her late mother, who completed her bachelor’s degree when Sarah was a teen and instilled the importance of life-long learning into her. Her advisor, Elizabeth Lowham, who she said is extremely flexible and gracious, recognizing the contribution of older students with families.

Tips for new student parents: First, seek allies and support in your program or field of study. Find an advisor who “gets it”— a strong support person who can advocate for you and help you have realistic expectations.

Second, build networks of support. Find and connect with other student-parents. Having a cadre of support of other people who understand what you’re going through is huge. Third, try to find balance to take care of your own needs, like getting to the gym, eating, and finding social and couple time.

Suggestions for non-parenting students: Remember that we all come from different backgrounds and different places in life. Don’t forget about parents: Invite them out. They may not always be able to go, but invite them anyway.

STUDENT PARENTS continued on page 9

8 • STUDENT GUIDE 2012

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Years of parenting and degree: He’s been a dad for seven years to his daughter, Layla. He found out his girlfriend (now wife) was pregnant when he was 19—the day after he arrived at his San Francisco State dorm. He spent time at SFSU, Cerro Coso Community College, and Cuesta College. He’s no longer a student (he’s now a New Times staff writer), but was a student during the first several years of Layla’s life.

Overlap of being a student and parent:

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

Nick Powell

About 2 1/2 years.

A typical school day: When he was a student, he usually got up at 6:30 or 7 to take Layla to school. He and his wife, Katrina Dorsey, would switch off going to school and working, so they rarely saw each other. When he was going to school, he would be gone all day. In the evenings, he would make his family a healthy dinner and do an enriching activity with his daughter. When she was asleep was the only time he could focus on schoolwork.

The most challenging aspect of being a parent and a student: The isolation was very difficult, he said: “You feel like you’re the only one dealing with the level of adulthood you have being a parent. As soon as class is over, you have to go home and take care of your kid. It’s tough to make friends in a new place when you have a kid.”

The most rewarding aspect of being a parent and student: Having the kid is certainly rewarding, he explained, adding that it gives you a better and truer perspective of the world. Philosophy and sociology classes make more sense when you’re in charge of another life, he noted: “It makes more sense when you have a child.”

Things and people that helped him along the way: His wife, Katrina, as she and Nick care for their child equally. They switched off working and going to school and staying home with Layla while she was an infant. When Layla was old enough, the couple began using the state preschool program through Cuesta. The morning sessions were free, which helped them save money. His sister-in-law’s family was an incredible blessing, he said, providing not only housing for Nick and his family, but also cousins for Layla to play with and babysitting. Teachers were also a huge help.

He said many of his teachers understood the complexity of raising children and cut him a good deal of slack in the classroom.

Tips for new student parents: Go home. Live near Grandma; it will help immensely. Anyone who has their parents to help out with their kids has got it good, he said, adding that you should rely on your family and old friends, as they’re your built-in support system.

Suggestions for non-parenting students: “Give your friends’ kids a chance. Many people assume that kids are crying brats that aren’t fun.

But kids help you rekindle your youthfulness and allow you to get over the ‘I’m so cool’ thing and play on slides at the park.”

STUDENT PARENTS continued on page 9

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

CUESTA KIDS Nick Powell and his daughter Layla hang out on the Cuesta Campus.

10 • STUDENT GUIDE 2012

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STUDENT GUIDE •

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Years of parenting and degree: Sadie’s been a mother for five years to her daughter Brooklyn. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in ag business from Cal Poly.

Overlap of being a parent and a student: She was a parent student for two years and was pregnant during school before that as well.

A typical school day:

LEARNING THE TRADE Sadie Rogers teaches her daughter all about grapes.

She would wake up and work on homework from 5 to 7 a.m., then get Brooklyn ready for the day. They were on campus by 8:30, and she’d drop Brooklyn off at the ASI Children’s Center. Sadie would go back twice a day, usually around 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., to nurse her. Sadie would be in class until 4 and would pick Brooklyn up by 4:30. Sadie also worked four days a week, and on those days she would do the hand-off with Brooklyn’s dad and go straight to work.

After that, she’d go home, go to bed, and do it all again the next day.

Sadie Rogers

The most challenging aspect of being a parent and student: If everything was going on schedule, it was OK, she said, but if Brooklyn got sick or was up all night (and it would always be during the most inconvenient time), she would have no choice but to take care of her child. This created a lot of catching up to do. Financially, the arrangement was stressful. Sadie paid for half of her schooling, so she worked throughout her college years. It was like working two full time jobs while going to school, she said.

The most rewarding aspect of being a parent and student: Because she was a young student, she didn’t get into any of the trouble college brings, she said.

In other words, she didn’t drink and didn’t go out.

If anything, having a daughter motivated her to be more successful. When she had the time to study, she studied. She graduated at 22 years old.

Things and people that helped her along the way: Her parents—they lived in Atascadero and helped out with Brooklyn frequently. The people at the ASI Children’s Center were amazing and helped tremendously, she said, explaining that they helped Sadie learn how to parent and also provided a fantastic education for Brooklyn. Her friends helped her care for her daughter as well, which has made Brooklyn more personable and adaptable, Sadie said. Her professors also got a nod—when she couldn’t be there for the full three hours of her labs, she said, they would be understanding.

Tips for new student parents: Try to get into the ASI Children’s Center.

Having a steady schedule for Brooklyn was important to Sadie and Brooklyn’s father, Ben, and the Children’s Center provided that. Also, drink lots of coffee.

Suggestions for non-parenting students: Try not to stare at young pregnant women; it makes it hard for them to be on campus.

Have some compassion for parents; especially young parents. They have a lot on their plates.

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

STUDENT PARENTS continued on page 12

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

12 • STUDENT GUIDE 2012 Years of parenting and degree: PLAYING AT THE CHILDREN’S CENTER April Worely and Gabe goof off for fun.

April has been a mother for 5 1/2 years to her son, Gabriel. She graduated from Cal Poly with a masters in public policy.

Overlap of being a parent and a student:

April Worley

She was in the graduate program for two years; she started when Gabe was a little more than three years old.

A typical school day:

She would wake up with Gabe at 6:30 a.m. and try to get him to the ASI Children’s Center by 8. They lived in Los Osos, so she’d drive him to town, hit the gym, go home, and work on homework all day, then pick him up from daycare and bring him home where she’d make dinner, spend time with Gabe, and head back to campus at around 5 p.m. on the two or three nights a week she had class. Her classes typically went from 6 to 10 p.m. Her husband, Peter, took care of Gabe at night.

The most challenging aspect of being a parent and student: For her, there was a feeling that no matter what she was doing, she was never all in. She was a perfectionist as an undergrad, and maintained a very high GPA. She wanted to do really well— even better—as a grad student, she said, but had about a quarter of the time to do it in. And she said she never felt like she was being an awesome mom or an awesome student. Her marriage also went completely on hold, she explained, because she couldn’t put any attention into it.

The most rewarding aspect of being a parent and student: Knowing that there will be a time when her son realizes his mom went back to school to get a better job, not just for her, but also for her family.

Things and people that helped her: Her husband Peter—he has the incredible ability to not only be a great dad, but also be nurturing and sensitive, she said, adding that he held the family together while she was in school.

Her mother would always be able to tell when she was stressed, and would come over to help out with cooking and cleaning. Her whole family encouraged her and helped her immensely through the process, she said.

Tips for new student parents: Remember to forgive yourself when you don’t get that grade you want, that you know you could have had if you’d had the time to pull that one, last all-nighter. Forgive yourself for snapping at your kid when you’re studying for a final and he or she wants to play. Forgive yourself and move forward.

Suggestions for non-parenting students: Be flexible about time scheduling and workload.

Realize that when student parents in your group need to reschedule, it’s because they really have to, not because they’re flaky. As a parent, you don’t want to ask for preferential treatment, but you kind of have to, she said.

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

STUDENT PARENTS continued on page 14

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STUDENT GUIDE •

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Years of parenting and degree: Kathy’s been a mother to her son Storie for 18 months. She’s currently a biology major at Cal Poly, and will go on to get her credential in winter 2013.

Overlap of being a parent and a student:

Kathryn Brown

She found out she was pregnant the weekend before she started at Cal Poly in fall quarter 2010. So she was pregnant for most of her first year at Poly.

A typical school day:

She’d get up around 6:30 or 7 a.m., and Storie would wake at 7:45. She’d feed him breakfast and make her lunch, if she had time. She would get him ready and drive to campus from their home in Nipomo. Kathryn would drop him off at the ASI Children’s Center and spend about 15 minutes with him before heading to her 9 or 10 a.m. class. She started taking him to the Children’s Center when he was four months old, so she would have to reserve time, twice a day, to go back and nurse him. During a quarter when she couldn’t reserve time, she had to pump in the bathroom. Either Storie’s dad would pick him up after work, or, on the days he couldn’t come, they would pay someone from the center to walk Storie to her class that got out at 6 p.m. Kathryn’s evenings consisted of going home, making her son dinner, and playing with him after not seeing him all day. Then she would bathe him and put him to bed by 8:30 and spend about 45 minutes trying to get him to go to sleep. Around 9:30 or 10, she would start her homework. She’d only get around five hours of sleep a night, as Storie woke at 3 and 6 in the morning for a bottle.

The most challenging aspect of being a parent and student: Trying to find time to actually study.

Most of the time, she said, there isn’t enough time in the day to get in solid study hours. Also, she battled feelings of guilt for not being there enough for her child.

The most rewarding aspect of being a parent and student: The fact that she’s doing both is rewarding, she said, explaining that she didn’t give up on herself or her goals. She also liked her good grades on top of the balancing—getting an A in cellular biology, “the Lord Voldemort of biology classes” was rewarding, she said.

Things and people that helped her: The willingness of her professors who let her make up labs and midterms. They were totally understanding when she had to miss class, she said. The Noyce Scholarship for people who are going to be teachers took off the financial burden of having to work. ∆

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

2012

STUDENT GUIDE •

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SLO

Unique PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

Check out things you probably won’t find in other towns

BY EMILY MORELLI

L

et’s admit it; SLO is a quirky place. We have our own way of doing things, our own rituals, and our own demeanor. SLO has its own rhythm, which tends to aid in relaxation after a long, stressful day/ week/ month/ quarter of academia. San Luis houses creative and innovative people, who in turn come up with unique concepts, products, and activities. Here are a few places, products, and activities around SLO that you won’t want to miss out on.

Palm Theater

There are three things you should know about the Palm Theater. The first is that it is one of just a handful of independent film theaters in California, and the only indie film theater between

Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara. “There are so many more movies out there than in the multiplex theaters,” said Palm owner Jim Dee. “We want to expose the public to a variety of movies.” The Palm shows films that aren’t typically featured in mainstream theaters, and shows them at a decent price. Tickets put you back $5 on Mondays, and $8 every other day.

The Palm also is host to the annual San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, which is composed of independent films produced all around the globe.

The second thing you should know about the Palm is that it was the country’s first solar powered theater. In 2004, the Palm worked with Pacific Energy to install solar panels at its building. While it was an expensive retrofit, Dee received a rebate from the state of California to

SUN POWERED Behind the scenes of SLO’s solar-powered theater.

supplement the cost. Since they’ve been installed, the panels have lowered the theater’s electric bills significantly. “They’ve paid for themselves,” Dee claimed. The bulbs, popcorn machine, and lights mostly run on solar power.

The final, yet most crucial, thing you should know about the Palm is that it serves hot, buttered popcorn at $1 a bag, fresh from the popper. It’s a deal you won’t find anywhere else in town.

Need I say more?

Bike Night

Bike Night is a notorious town favorite, to say the least.

Every first Thursday night of the month, a fiercely loyal mob of patrons, a distinguished group of frequenters, and a handful of interested rookies wheel their way on bikes, blades, and unicycles to Mission Plaza around 9:30 p.m. Bike Night exists for the sole purpose of having a blast. What could be more fun than riding around a virtually empty downtown late into the night? It has been a very UNIQUELY SLO continued on page 17

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successful venture, as it’s been a monthly downtown event for the past 12 years.

One feature that makes Bike Night a success is that it’s themed. And the themes, in and of themselves, are unique.

Moby Dick’s Boats n’ Hoes Yacht Club Party, American Trash, and Guy Fawkes and Gender Switch have been past themes.

Riders are encouraged to gussie up themselves and their wheeled machines, but aren’t required to by any means.

Themes are posted every month on the blog devoted to Bike Night, bikehappening. org. Anyone and everyone is welcome to participate in this monthly ritual.

Seth Whiddon, a first-time Bike Night rider, said he recently moved to town, and a friend told him about Bike Night.

“It seems really diverse,” Whiddon commented on his first night. People of all ages—from local youngsters and teens, to college kids, to distinguished professors— comprise this rambunctious posse. While Bike Night may seem chaotic, there are three non-negotiable rules that are discussed before every ride: Follow the rule of the road, respect the community and fellow bikers, and have fun. Participants are also warned of the pricey tickets awaiting them if they do not comply with road rules. At 9:30 p.m., the cyclers pedal off with a bang—whooping and hollering their way around town. The riders circle

downtown twice and end the night back at the plaza. It’s an unmatched experience, especially because the ride is through a skeletal downtown that was host to a giant, weekly event just hours before.

Twenty Dollar Traditional Piercings If you are a fan of hardware (I don’t mean hammers and nails), and a bargain enthusiast, then Traditional Tattoo’s $20 piercings are the thing for you. Traditional has this long running … well, tradition of offering $20 piercings of all sorts during WOW and the first week of Cal Poly’s Fall Quarter. Louie Campopiano, a tattoo and piercing artist, has been working at Traditional for the past nine years, all of which contained the biannual $20 piercing deal.

“The owner, Shad Perlich, had just bought the shop and wanted people to know we were under new ownership,” Louie explained. “It was one of those crazy things that just might work. We did it the first time and people were freaking out asking, ‘Really?! It’s 20 bucks?’ ” These were (and are) not just lobe and cartilage piercings, but also navel, nose, lip, tongue,

rook, tragus, and the-list-goes-on-and-on piercings. It was a great promotional deal when it started nearly a decade ago, and continues to be so today. The sale is meant for two niche markets: the first being hardware enthusiasts looking for another accessory, and the second being young adults who are on their own for the first time who want a little crazy and rebellious.

Surprisingly, the most popular piercings during this crazy sale are lobe and cartilage, according to Campopiano.

Regardless of the piercing(s) you will be getting, you will get it (them) at a very low cost and with extremely safe practices.

Delis

If there is one thing SLO has an abundance of, other than obnoxiously intelligent college students, it’s sandwiches. San Luis Obispo houses a crapton of delis. Delicious delis. Gus’s Grocery is one such example. Gus’s has been in the business of serving fresh, customize-able sandwiches for 22 years.

Jordan Rabe, a Gus’s manager, gave away one of the shop’s secrets to success.

“It’s definitely our giant patio. Especially on nice, summer days.” Gus’s is located on the quiet outskirts of downtown, and provides a relaxing sandwich-eating and soda or beer-drinking environment.

Couple this with its expansive patio seating, and you have got yourself one amazing Sunday afternoon. One of Gus’s most-loved sandwiches is the fried chicken strip sando on a soft roll with melted jack cheese. According to Rabe, it’s a college student favorite.

Another local favorite is High Street Deli. High Street gives off an old-school vibe, and also offers fantastic deals for poor college kids. The 420 deal—yes, it is completely intentional—offers sandwiches for $4.20 at 4:20 p.m. High Street is known for its hearty sandwiches and soups, and generous portions. Patrons can also customize their sandwiches to their liking.

Lincoln Market & Deli gives a thisplace-used-to-be-a-1940s-grocery-store feel. Coincidentally, this might be because it was a family owned grocery store and butcher called Ellsworth’s Market in the 1940s. The building was remodeled six years ago, blossoming into the deli and market it is today. “We do a lot of hot sandwiches, which is unique,” said owner Linda Derks. “The Lincoln Ortega, Ruben Pastrami, and Pesto Primo are our big sellers.” Salads, soups, and desserts are also on the menu. ∆ Emily Morelli is a Cal Poly journalism alumna. Send comments to Executive Editor Ryan Miller at rmiller@ newtimesslo.com.

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

Don’t be “That” Guy!

S L O A R C

Stay focused on sobriety. Don’t be drawn into unhealthy party activities just because your friends are.

Leave a party if it becomes uncomfortable. Politely excuse yourself after you have fulfilled your obligation.

The unpleasant “face” of alcohol and/or drugs usually shows itself later in the festivities. Always have your own ride home or another escape plan.

Organize: If your office is planning a party, volunteer to be the “organizer” or another position besides, bartender or the person who goes to the store to buy all the champagne!

Action: This is the MOST important thing when you want to stay clean and sober! Don’t just think you are not going to drink or use drugs. Take ACTION! When you get restless call a sober friend or go to a 12-step meeting. Meditate! Eat! Food can be a very effective way to stop craving for drugs or alcohol.

Respect other people’s right to celebrate. Remember; YOU are the one with the issue of addiction.

Control: You CAN NOT control other people’s actions! People change when they ingest alcohol and other mind altering chemicals and that’s not your problem. If you become uncomfortable, politely disengage yourself from the situation. The only thing you CAN CONTROL is your RESPONSE to situations, and it’s always better to “respond” to things as opposed to “reacting” to them!

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18 • STUDENT GUIDE 2012

SLO Transit

options

Bike!

BY KARL GURNEY

Five ways to explore SLO beyond your windshield

B

y now you’ve noticed that SLO isn’t a sprawling megalopolis where your drive to school takes 20 minutes. A trip in the car will take you from one end of town to the other in about 10 minutes, but there are still plenty of places to explore once you’ve gotten used to campus.

Folks come here from miles around to enjoy downtown, so you’ll find yourself competing with the masses if you drive to Farmers’ Market on Thursday night. My friends, there

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

are other ways to get around this wonderful place that don’t involve that gas-guzzling clunker you’re borrowing from your grandparents.

Walk!

Think about it: Those shops on Higuera, Marsh, and Monterey streets are way more exciting when viewed from street level, and walking around helps give you a better idea why people love it here.

Be warned: After a night out at Woodstock’s that hike back up the hill doesn’t seem as fun as it did when you careened down from the dorms. Don’t worry, though, because they’ll teach you that stuff in Urban Pedagography 204. So if you’re okay hoofing it and exploring the city the same way it’s been experienced for generations, I suggest you bust out the Birkenstocks (everybody here wears them, by the way) and get moving.

You may notice overcrowded green bike racks placed all over campus, and you can find their companions popping up all over downtown. Our city boasts a proud biking culture, with regular events celebrating all kinds of human-powered adventure.

“I find [biking] easier than driving in SLO,” says Sloan Campi, who coordinates the bike valet service every week at Farmers’ Market. “It’s actually a fantastic stress reliever.

I can definitely tell between the days that I bike and the days that I don’t.”

The city and local advocacy groups recently invested in major bike lane improvements that have made getting around by bike altogether easier. One of the most important organizations for maintaining this community’s voice is the County Bicycle Coalition.

If you want to know more, check out their office under the Marsh Parking Garage where you can pump up your tires for free outside, and explore opportunities to learn more through regular workshops, volunteering, and other events, all of which are posted online, of course.

SLO TRANSIT continued on page 19

2012

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

STUDENT GUIDE •

19

SLO TRANSIT from page 18

If you want to range beyond the city limits, consider regional bike paths like the Bob Jones Trail, where you can take a nice 10-mile ride down to Avila Beach. Watch out, though, because it gets windy on the trail, and if it’s nice outside you’ll be biking alongside folks who do this sort of thing all the time.

Bus!

With several fixed-service routes that run on a regular schedule, convenient stops on both ends of campus, and friendly drivers, the city bus service seems like an obvious alternative for those of you disinclined to oil up the old cruiser.

The system, or SLO Transit, even boasts a double-decker bus (that’s right, like the ones in London) that can deliver loads of people to and from campus. From the top deck you can enjoy world-class views of the city in air-conditioned comfort, as well as some fine people-watching.

“The bus is the only place I know where all different types of people come together,” said Sam Wells, 19, of Bakersfield. “I actually prefer traveling that way now.” Plus, you

pay into the system as a part of your student fees. “It seems pretty stupid not to use the bus since you already pay for it,” Wells added. But I’ll give in: Some of you enjoy driving from the R1 lot to the downtown garage and meeting your friends 20 minutes later than you planned.

If you find yourself anxious about missing the bus, you can still resist that temptation to drive by planning ahead. If you use your smartphone, you can easily plan your trip with the directions feature on Google Maps; just turn on the transit feature (a little bus icon) and

makes it simple to catch a ride that can take you from Paso Robles all the way to Santa Maria. Check out their schedule at the Kennedy Library stop or across the street from the Transit Center on Osos Street, downtown.

Your PolyCard won’t cover the fare, so bring cash.

I don’t need to convince you that all these options are easier on your debit account than driving. Plus, our clean air should encourage you DOUBLE DECKING not to clog the rest of our lungs with all those A bird’s eye view of pollutants you people a busy SLO street. enter the time you from L.A. know too plan on leaving. In well. Yes, transportation those cases where savvy is a great way to bus service isn’t stretch into your new college as consistent (think lifestyle; just remember that holidays), you should see sharing is caring, and yes, it can be postings on the signs at each bus fun to take the alternative option. ∆ stop, or you can check the website at slocity.org/publicworks/transit.asp.

Karl Gurney is an underemployed Cal Poly grad who still lives in town because his education taught him to love Jesus, trees, and tobacco Remember there are lovely towns more than working his butt off in a like Morro Bay, Los Osos, and corporate stiff-neck job. Send comments Pismo Beach just over the hills. The to Executive Editor Ryan Miller at Regional Transit Authority (RTA) rmiller@newtimesslo.com.

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20 • STUDENT GUIDE 2012

hotspots

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

BY CHRIS WHITE-SANBORN

SLO

Popular hangouts in town that you’re bound to frequent

N

ew to San Luis Obispo, eh? Well, there’s nothing wrong with that ... unless you’re still pronouncing it “Louey.” If so, desist immediately, preferably before you begin. After doing that, check out some of these great, popular places in and around our fair town. And don’t forget, there’s more where that came from!

Firestone Grill

I have a hard enough time with the alphabet to even try tackling classic literature. At least that’s what I tell myself as, once again, I return to SLO’s beloved Firestone Grill. I’m only ordering my seventh ABC Burger (Avocado, Bacon, and Cheese) of the week for educational purposes. Seriously. You’d think, judging by the throng of loyal customers at the place, that it was Mecca. Firestone’s beautiful menu, displayed on a gigantic

board high above the cash registers, sends eyes upward, as if looking into the heavens themselves. Good tri-tip like the kind served by Firestone Grill does that to people. Those people have no problem with it.

Woodstock’s Pizza

Woodstock’s, a SLO tradition since 1980, was designed to be a place for college students like yourselves to hang out, and from the several televisions perfect for catching the Big Game on, to the arcade machines in the back, the fun is practically a guarantee. There’s even a nice selection of beer for your enjoyment, no bar crawling required! Naturally, though, the highlight of the place is its great pizza, which keeps customers

GET POPCORN You’ll be seeing lots of movies, including cult classics, at the Fremont. returning all the time. You don’t get a pizza place as popular as Woodstock’s without great pizza, unless you’re ChuckE-Cheese. OK, so Woodstock’s doesn’t have a ball pit, but ... thinking about it now, that’s a good thing.

SLO Brew

SLO Brew appears to operate under the impression that people want to hear good music when they drink. If your preferred source of entertainment is videotaping your buddies offering

choruses of songs that you usually pretend were not popular during your childhood after a few too many, this may not be the spot for you. However, if you like a live concert venue with a diverse menu of musicians, a venue where someone you enjoy is bound to be playing at some point in the easily foreseeable future, look no further than SLO Brew.

This hotspot is a great place for live entertainment, and it doesn’t hurt that it offers pool tables to those who seek them.

But of course, one should not forget the fact that, as a brewery, wonderful drinks HOTSPOTS continued on page 21

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The mission

After a hard day of shopping, sometimes you just need a nice place to sit down. Or maybe you need a point of reference for meet-ups; after all, it’s not hard to find the mission. Maybe you’re of historical persuasion and want to soak it in. Or heck, perhaps music is your life, and when scouting acoustics, vintage houses of worship are the first place you go. It doesn’t matter, because San Luis Obispo wouldn’t be the same without its mission, whatever it ends up meaning to you. Gaps must be bridged between the past and the future, just as gaps must be bridged from one side of the pavement to the next if a creek happens to sit smugly in the middle.

The mission has both of these, of course.

And also apparently zombies, if some nearby graffiti is to be believed.

Pismo Beach

There must be something to Pismo Beach if even Bugs Bunny wants to vacation there. Never mind that he took a wrong turn at Albuquerque, it’s the thought that counts. You know

what else counts? Seafood. Heavens to Murgatroyd, we have seafood. We have clam chowder so good that places can go so far as to build additional locations (as well as exist in a spot of the world with many other seafood restaurants) and still gain lines of eager guests. And please, don’t get me started on sand. If you get me started on sand, bad things will happen. Let’s just say we have lots of sand. Let’s leave it at that.

Bishop Peak

Hiking? What’s that? You don’t go to the Central Coast to hike, you go there for oceans. And cows. And suspiciously fair weather. That isn’t stopping anyone from regularly hiking our own Bishop Peak, however. Sunrises/sets are amazing atop that blessed mount. And heaven knows there’s nothing wrong with exercise, is there? But who are we kidding—you don’t go to California to exercise. You go there for questionable diet pills so that you don’t have to. Oh, wait, wrong part of California. Carry on, and enjoy the trek. ∆

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2012

C

Why

ongratulations! You made it to college. You’re among the 68.3 percent of high school graduates enrolled in institutions of higher learning.

Just so you know, however, only about 30 percent of Americans have college degrees. You see, according to the New York Times, a 2011 study shows that “despite decades of steadily climbing enrollment rates, the percentage of students making it to the finish line is barely budging.” It’s worse for those attending two-year colleges. A full 70 percent of California community college students fail to graduate or even earn a two-year degree. If you’re scared, you should be. Many high school graduates aren’t prepared for the rigors of college, where expectations are higher.

To illustrate, I offer my freshman students this analogy.

I ask them, “How many of you played varsity sports in high school?” Invariably, 90 percent raise their hands.

Then I ask, “How many of you are now on NCAA sports teams?” Maybe two hands go up. “That’s the difference in competition between high school and college,” I explain.

“You were all good enough to play varsity high school sports, but only the best high school athletes can compete in the NCAA. You were all scholastically successful enough to earn a spot in college, but those days of easy high school A’s are as out of reach as your NCAA dreams. Out of this class of 25, maybe two of you will earn an A. Statistically, that’s just reality.”

Students do not like this message. In fact, they hate it,

especially in a required general education class. As I return their first papers marked with D’s and C’s, a common lament is, “But I’ve never gotten lower than a B on an essay!” Sadly, I’m sure that’s true, and that’s part of the problem. About one in four students—and 40 percent of minorities—fail to graduate from high school.

What you found fairly easy, many students couldn’t do! And high school teachers—those

BY GLEN STARKEY overworked, put-upon heroes of academia—do not want to fail anyone! So we have grade inflation. Turning in an assignment on time becomes a mark of success in high school. Boom! Here’s your C even though this is an F, but at least you turned it in! Good job!

Not really, because then a C paper becomes a B, a B an A. Can you imagine how hard it is to fail high school?

Those who drop out do so not because they’re too dumb to do work, but for a host of complicated reasons tied to economics, parenting, and race. You’ve most likely had some advantages that other students lacked.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “You were born on third base and you think you hit a triple?” Yeah, that may be you.

If you’re attending Cal Poly, for instance, your parents are probably educated and middle class. They helped you with your homework. Still, take some credit! You made it, and that’s something to be proud of, and maybe you are among the 10 percent of college students who will deservedly earn A’s. Maybe. Or maybe you’re among the vast majority of competent but flawed college students who will do C work.

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The default grade in college is, in fact, a C. If you correctly follow the confines of an assignment, you deserve to earn a C. A B means you’ve excelled beyond mere college-level expectations, and earning an A means you’re turning in work at the highest possible level. I know you want an A, but I can’t give you one if you don’t deserve it, because a handful of your fellow students did earn one, and awarding you the same grade for less worthy work diminishes their achievement.

I know your next response; I’ve been doing this for 13 years after all: “But I tried my hardest!” Unlike high school, college grades aren’t contingent on effort. I’m 5’9” and had in my younger years worked really hard to dunk a basketball. I did jumping exercises, worked on technique, spent hours stretching my fingers and trying to palm a ball. The best I could do was bang the ball against the rim.

Did I earn two points for it? No. It’s not fair I was born of average height, and it’s not fair some students have more of an affinity for music or math or writing than you. You have qualities other students would envy, and vice versa. Get over it. Do your best and then accept your grade. Read and try to understand your teachers’ comments.

Sure, you can complain to your teacher that it’s not fair, that you tried your hardest. You can blame your teacher, because the assignment was boring, or too much work for a general ed class. Believe me, we teachers have heard it all.

Or, when you receive a C, you can know you’re on your way to being one of the 30 percent of Americans who earned a college degree. You made it into college, which is a gift. Don’t squander it on petty grade complaints. ∆ New Times Staff Writer Glen Starkey teaches writing classes in Cal Poly’s English Department. Contact him at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

24 • STUDENT GUIDE 2012

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Central Coast

photo ops Scenic spots that look great on Instagram

BY CHRIS WHITE-SANBORN

T

he Central Coast is beautiful, with its wonderful blend of ocean, wine country, and mountains. SLO, with its signature eucalyptus trees creating beautiful shade over winding creeks and happy bike lanes, helps assert that fact.

But there are a few places around here that you should get a picture of—or you can’t truly claim to have been to SLO.

Bubblegum Alley

As a SLO native, this is always the first thing I tell people unfamiliar with the area to check out. Their hopelessly forced grins as I bestow such knowledge

upon them always triggers a great, reassuring feeling. But don’t take my word for it; hop along downtown to the most happenin’ place in the world—a miracle of modern art and hidden lesson about moral hygiene—the World Famous Bubblegum Alley. This is oddly enough not the only world famous thing in SLO, but I’ll get to that in a minute. First bask in the glow of a few decades worth of used gum assembled strategically upon a city alleyway. It’s a SLO tradition. Not that we know why.

The Madonna Inn This high-class restaurant of rocks and pink sugar, this marvelous inn

full of different, zany, rooms, this monument to all that is magnificent is an establishment SLO natives continue to take great pride in. You must try the delicious black forest cake. You must see the lavishly decorated ballroom (and perhaps enjoy an evening of swing there).

And—and I can’t believe I’m typing this, even after all my years of appreciating it—you absolutely must enter the downstairs men’s bathroom.

Your friendly, neighborhood New Times writer isn’t kidding you—that particular bathroom is WORLD FAMOUS. The urinal, dear friends, resembles a waterfall. Because I’ll be honest, fellow college students: If a glorified urinal and alleyway of used gum don’t impress you, you have no business being here. Leave immediately.

The Mission

The Mission is a beautiful place for a photo, both inside and out. Whether you’re appreciating the craftsmanship that went into the blessed interior (no pun intended), getting a nice family pic by the fountain statues, or building

STUDENT GUIDE •

25

memories down at the creek, you are guaranteed to find something nice for your photographic needs.

Mountains

The view is gorgeous from any of our major mountains, be it San Luis Mountain, Bishop Peak, or the one conveniently obstructing Diablo Canyon from our line of sight.

Beach

I was going to call this the beach, but there’s more than one of them.

If you honestly don’t visit a beach even one blasted time while you’re here, I’ll have your diploma revoked.

Beaches are fun to play at, nice to relax at, beautiful to look at, and easy to get to. Don’t bring ridicule upon yourself—visit a beach while you’re here. ∆ Intern Chris White-Sanborn is a senior project someone was kicked out for making. He writes for New Times now that the chemicals have set in. Send comments to Executive Editor Ryan Miller at rmiller@newtimesslo.com.

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

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27

Laws and rules

BY EMILY MORELLI ill Watton, Cal Poly’s campus police chief, and Adrienne Miller of the Campus Rights and Responsibilities office gave insight into the rules and laws on campus that tend to “get” students.

Penalties range from a slap on the wrist and hurt pride, to fines of up to several hundred dollars, to county jail time. Regardless of the severity of the consequence, students should be aware of what seemingly small things can land someone in hot water with both Cal Poly and the city of San Luis Obispo.

Students should also note that many significant laws they break on campus will be processed on three levels: the first by the police, the second by the university (according to the CSU Code of Conduct), and the third by Campus Housing. More serious cases are rarely cut and dry, but rather take a lengthy amount of time to process and contain different levels of fines, punishments, and actions. Fines and punishments are determined on a case-by-case basis, and can range from probation to suspension and even to expulsion.

B

STUDENT GUIDE •

you’ll want to follow

Bikes & Skateboards

The Cal Poly campus teems with bicycles during the week. Bikes are a great way to get around SLO and Cal Poly, but they can also cause you pain and strife if you’re not careful.

The first thing you should know about using a bicycle, Watton advised, is that bikes are treated as vehicles by the law. Cyclists must follow the rules of the road. This includes coming to a complete stop at all stop signs, observing traffic lights, staying off sidewalks, riding on the correct side of the street, and walking bikes on designated campus locales. If you break traffic rules on your bike, you can get a traffic ticket, just as if you were driving a car. Driving under the influence? Try biking under the influence. Well, don’t really try it; just imagine it. Cops will see the swerving light on the front of your Schwinn and pull you over without thinking twice.

Skateboarding is strictly prohibited on campus: period. Due to Cal Poly’s rolling terrain, skateboarding is considered dangerous. According to Watton, there have been several injuries surrounding skateboards on campus in the past year. Thus,

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

It’s the little things that get you Campus Police will give fewer get-outof-jail-free cards during the upcoming school year. They still will give you a warning the first time you get caught skating, but after that first, lucky time, you can be issued a ticket of up to $150. If a skateboarder flees from a campus cop, the officer may refer the case to Miller of Campus Rights and Responsibilities. The Rights and Responsibilities Office is a branch of the CSU system dealing with student contact. Typically, boarders referred to Miller will be on probation and have to complete educational activities provided by the Rights and Responsibilities Office. Such educational activities usually take four to five hours to read through, and another three to five hours to write an essay pertaining to the material.

Alcohol

Everyone knows the laws on underage consumption or possession of alcohol, but there are a few additional things to note about Cal Poly’s stance on underage drinking/possession of alcohol.

First, Cal Poly has zero tolerance for alcohol on most parts of campus.

Some might call it a damp campus.

Many will be happy to know that Campus Housing recently decided to allow Poly Canyon apartments, completely comprised of students 21 years and older, to enjoy alcohol (responsibly) in their apartments.

With this new freedom comes hefty responsibility: These students will face serious charges if they supply alcohol to underage friends, or use a keg. But other than very, very select areas of campus, alcohol is strictly prohibited.

The second thing you should know is that obtaining a DUI on campus not only holds the usual ramifications— loss of license, major fines, jail time, etc.—but that Cal Poly students

will also be suspended for an entire quarter. Automatically. You can’t drive and you can’t go to school, and there is no wiggle room in this rule. Getting charged with a DUI on campus always results in suspension, and sometimes even expulsion depending on the case.

Students caught drunk on campus or with open containers will have to complete an educational activity through Cal Poly, which usually requires 10 hours of reading and writing.

If this all weren’t complicated enough, city laws regarding alcohol also applies to Cal Poly campus.

Open containers in public on campus are just as illegal and punishmentgarnering as they are in every other San Luis Obispo public place.

Parking

Parking on campus is, and will forever be, a headache for anyone who uses it. The police chief agrees.

Parking is a huge issue at Cal Poly, according to Watton. He suggests that if you are going to drive to campus, get a permit. If you get caught parking without a permit, you can be fined anywhere from $31-$200 depending on where you park. Metered parking is also scattered around campus, and is equally monitored. The silver lining to Cal Poly’s strict parking rules is their hourly and daily passes. Now, visitors and infrequent student drivers can buy hourly or daily passes upon entering campus.

The cost of a quarterly parking permit will set non-residential students back $125, and residential students $175. Yearly permits range from $345-$495.

Marijuana

Is it tolerated in the state of California? Perhaps. Is it tolerated on the Cal Poly campus? Nope—not

even with a coveted green card. Weed is strictly off-limits on Cal Poly’s campus, Watton said. Federal law prohibits all marijuana, including medical, on college campuses. Even medical marijuana is banned from the dorms, much to the chagrin of many students. Students who test this rule in the privacy of their dorm rooms— and get caught—will be in big trouble with Campus Housing. Housing has strict rules surrounding the use of marijuana in the dorms, and is used to enforcing it.

Getting caught with weed on campus carries varying punishment: Less than an ounce will cost you about as much as a traffic ticket. More than an ounce, however, is enough to deal, according to the law. This will land you with a misdemeanor or felony, and most likely a brief stay in the Big House.

Theft

In the words of Miller, “It’s just not worth it.” According to her, campus theft has increased in the past several years. This includes thefts at entities on campus such as the El Corral Bookstore and Campus Dining spots. Sometimes, it will be as simple as students not having enough cash on them to buy pencils at the bookstore, or forgetting their PolyCard and taking a piece of fruit from VG’s. Getting caught lifting from campus entities will usually cost you a couple hundred dollars, along with probation and educational activities on theft, provided

by Poly. Getting caught stealing from students or faculty, on the other hand, will usually result in suspension or even expulsion, depending on the severity of the cause. ∆ Emily Morelli is a Cal Poly journalism alumna. Send comments to Executive Editor Ryan Miller at rmiller@ newtimesslo.com.

28 • STUDENT GUIDE 2012

BY EMILY MORELLI ave you ever thought to yourself, as Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes says, “I’d rather be a functioning cog in some great machinery serving something beyond me?” And no, I’m not talking about socialism: I’m talking about community service. Volunteer SLO, a local community service guide, states that San Luis Obispo’s homeless shelters alone benefited from 17,500 hours of volunteer community service last year. If enriching your community and investing in something beyond yourself is your scene, there are numerous opportunities for you in your new community. San Luis Obispo community service opportunities are vast, ranging from taking care of animals to providing hospice, and many, many things in between.

H

San Luis Obispo Women’s Shelter Program

“If you’re going to go into advocacy, this is a great place to get started,” Beth Raub, shelter staff, said. The Women’s Shelter Program (WSP) specializes in providing support and shelter for both

Getting involved Do your part to better your new community adults and children who have been subjected to or threatened by domestic violence. The shelter provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal support, child mentoring, counseling, a 24-hour crisis line, and more for community members in need. Their diversified services provide hopeful volunteers with ample opportunity to get involved. Anyone older than 18 is welcome to apply to be a WSP volunteer. Applications can be found on the shelter’s website (womensshelterslo.org) which, when completed, will be emailed to Raub, who will then interview applicants and conduct a background search.

Volunteers do not need to have previous experience, according to Raub. WSP mandates that all its volunteers complete a 40-hour training session on domestic violence, after which they can progress into many different volunteer positions. Internships for psychology, sociology, and political science students

are also available. It’s a great way to serve others, and learn to be an advocate.

Cal Poly Cat Program

The Cal Poly Cat Program—or CPCP— has had a presence on campus for the past 20 years. The cat program started in 1992 as a senior project by a student and a handful of faculty members who saw the need for the hundreds of feral cats living on Cal Poly’s campus to be cared for. Now, it is a campus program that takes care of about 60 cats at a time, in both the shelter and through various feeding stations on campus. CPCP has been successful in giving students the opportunity to volunteer with animals.

“It’s nice to have animals around when you’re a student and can’t have pets,” said Edie Griffin-Shaw, one of the program directors. Students, faculty, and San Luis Obispo community members are welcome to volunteer with CPCP by helping out at the on-campus shelter. Volunteer duties

for the shelter include feeding the cats, cleaning the shelter and litter boxes, socializing with the cats, and helping with fundraising events.

Signing up to volunteer is simple: Students can contact the scheduler at cpcpscheduler@gmail.com, who will then pass along the information to the program directors, who will then contact the students to set up a training time.

Regular volunteers will be scheduled for the whole quarter.

Prado Day Center

The Prado Day Center began in 1997 as a place for homeless members of the San Luis Obispo community to access necessities such as food, laundry machines, and health care. Prado also helps homeless community members transition into living responsibly and obtaining jobs. Many of our homeless community members benefit from the Prado Day Center which not only provides hot meals and a safe haven, but also provides a place for volunteers and the homeless to socialize, share stories, and become friends. According to a Prado staff member, there are many opportunities to serve the homeless community at Prado: Volunteers can perform clerical duties, GETTING INVOLVED continued on page 29

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check people in and out, serve food, care for children, and clean. The application process is very simple, but there are a few conditions to volunteering at Prado.

Volunteers must be of a reasonable age, must have been out of homeless services for at least two years, and must not be a registered sex offender. Prado holds volunteer orientations on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons every week.

Volunteers must fill out an application during their orientation.

Finer Things

Finer Things involves weekly potlucks and forming relationships with the local homeless population. It was created accidentally by a group of Cal Poly students several years ago. A small group of friends decided to take their potluck dinner to a downtown park, where they encountered homeless men and women in need of food. The group began to meet at Mitchell Park every Thursday night to eat dinner and spend time with their new homeless friends. Word-of-mouth spread news about the weekly meetings, and soon many of the homeless and transient population in SLO started attending and bringing friends to Finer Things. Jillian Webster, one of the founders of Finer

Things, does not consider this weekly gathering a volunteer opportunity.

“It’s more about sharing than serving,” Webster stated. “We try to merge the gap between the two groups of people and be one community.”

Finer Things has been in full motion for three years, and accommodates anywhere from 15 to 40 homeless and transient community members every week. There are about six regular facilitators, and several more students that come on occasion. Getting involved is incredibly simple.

“It’s not so much about volunteering; it’s more about being there, hanging out, and sharing a meal,” Webster said.

Anyone who is interested in spending the evening with homeless community members can come, with or without food. Bringing food is in no way required, but is always welcomed, as the group usually runs out of food before the summation of their gathering. The group meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. in Mitchell Park, and they post updates and meal themes on their Facebook page, Finer Things Thursday. While the meals are themed differently every week, people aren’t required to bring a dish adhering to the theme. Finer Things has a simple goal: to cultivate relationships between

two different communities and raise awareness of the homeless population.

“It’s an awesome way to see a different side of San Luis Obispo,” Webster added. “[Homelessness] is usually something that people will turn a blind eye to, but it’s a very real thing.

These people are part of SLO and make it just as great as anybody else.”

Central Coast Hospice

Central Coast Hospice is a locally owned organization that has been around for a year and a half. The organization specializes in providing medical, social, and spiritual support and care for hospice patients. Volunteer Coordinator Melodee Quiroz welcomes anyone and everyone to volunteer with Central Coast Hospice. There are many different ways for volunteers to spend time with those receiving hospice: through respite care (staying with patients while their caregivers are out), playing cards, listening to music, reminiscing, gardening, pet therapy, cutting and styling hair, running errands, and much more.

“We want people to use the skills they have,” Quiroz said. “They will get back more than they could ever

give.” Working with hospice patients creates an incredible bond. “It’s such an honor to work with people on that level,” Quiroz added. Clerical work is also needed, so volunteers gifted in administration are encouraged to join the Hospice team.

Central Coast Hospice offers monthly training sessions for those interested in volunteering, which one can sign up for by calling Central Coast Hospice or emailing Quiroz (melodee.quiroz@ mycchh.com). The training is 16 hours in total, either split up between two Saturdays or four weekdays in a month period. The training session acts as a way for potential volunteers to decide whether or not they are interested in hospice care. If they are interested in becoming volunteers, they must fill out an application. Quiroz will conduct an exit interview with every interested applicant to find where their skills can be used. Volunteers are asked to spend four hours a week with their assigned patient, and the specific time can vary from quarter to quarter. ∆ Emily Morelli is a Cal Poly journalism alumna. Send comments to Executive Editor Ryan Miller at rmiller@ newtimesslo.com.

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BY BLAKE WILLIAMS he first time I walked onto Cal Poly’s campus as a student in September 2008, one thing was overwhelmingly and abundantly clear: It looked and felt like the identical twin of the middle-class, small town I was trying so hard to get away from.

Light-skinned faces outnumber all others 70 to 1, and almost no one in my dorm had the added pressure to hold a job while going to school. I’m sure it wasn’t a perfectly accurate assessment, but it felt like everyone on all three floors of my dorm listened to the same bands, used the same hair products, and laughed at the same jokes. It was several weeks before I heard a language other than English, and months before I saw a faculty member who wasn’t part of a direct line of European decent.

In my dorm, filled with several hundred students, I was the only African American male, and one of two African American students. I had heard that college was a diverse place, filled with people from all over the world. Almost everyone was open-minded, and everyone had great ideas. I thought I would hear dozens of languages in the University

T

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clubs Finding your place on campus Union, and I thought my teachers would have accents and talk about growing up in different parts of the world. I thought maybe I would have a roommate who had a big family like mine, and I thought college was going to be filled with students who had to work to pay their rent and didn’t have

time for frivolous spending and sexual exploration. I thought college would have more brown people and fewer blondes, and I was wrong.

Perhaps some of my observations were simply initial and faulty observations. Because now, I must admit that as I go to start my senior

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year, I have had the pleasure of being exposed to people who challenged my stereotypes of the typical Cal Poly student. While Cal Poly has a reputation for many great things, ethnic diversity is not on any list I have seen. Looking back, I can laugh at the 18-year-old version of myself, and the irrational, ignorant belief that my dorm experience would look anything like my older brother’s experience living in UC Berkeley’s African American Student Dorm.

I don’t, however, laugh at the reality that I shared an ethnic background similar to just one of the more than 300 students in my freshman dorm.

I don’t laugh at the effect that it had on me, and the disappointment I felt within my first few weeks at what was supposed to be the start of the most exciting four years of my life. College is a time of learning and personal development; it is also a time full of some great surprises, and others that leave you wondering where all the hype comes from.

Thankfully, my story doesn’t end there, and although I felt like my journey toward exploring my ethnic identity had come to an abrupt and painful halt, I would find in the

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following weeks that some of the greatest things in life come from the most unlikely places. I knew the moment I applied to college that once I arrived, I wanted to make connections with other minorities and expand my world-view. I grew up in a town where having a friend of Asian descent wasn’t possible, and my immediate family made up nearly 10 percent of the African American population.

To be frank, I knew I needed and wanted friends who weren’t white. I knew that having ethnically diverse friends was important to me. After walking the halls of my dorm and realizing I couldn’t accomplish that there, I started finding out what clubs had been started on campus. I still remember the moment I walked into a meeting for the Black Student Union, and was overjoyed. It was as though I had found another world: a secret society of minorities. As I started to explore further, I found clubs for Arab Students, Filipino Students, Spanish, French, and Mandarin speakers. There were students (at Cal Poly) who were from Africa! I met students from the Native American club who were from Native American tribes! My dear friend’s dad was part of a political revolution in Nigeria, and I had friends who had immigrated from Mexico recently or as children, and were still fighting for their right to citizenship.

I ate homemade food from all over the world, cooked by students eager to share their culture. I saw the difference between minority culture in the Bay Area and Southern California.

I met students who did each other’s braids, and understood how hard it was to find good hair products and salons in San Luis Obispo that catered to their needs.

“Where have you all been hiding?” was a common question whenever someone would bring a friend to any ethnic-specific club gathering. We would share stories about being the only minority in a class of 70 or more people, and the pressure professors would put on you to represent your entire ethnic group by verbally sharing the minority perspective in front of the class. I knew I could share any frustrations or concerns about being a minority on campus and I knew that nobody would roll their eyes or tell me I was overreacting, and nobody would tell me I was wrong about how I felt. I finally felt comfortable and welcomed with open arms and minds. For the first time, Cal Poly felt like a place that might become a home full of colorful people with diverse ideas.

A few months into my freshman year, when I thought things couldn’t get better, I discovered the Multi-Cultural Center (MCC). Upon entering the MCC office, I knew that this would become one of my favorite spots on this

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

beautiful campus. There were students from everywhere, speaking multiple languages and working together to celebrate and encourage ethnic diversity at Cal Poly. The MCC became my first place of employment in college and the catalyst through which I met some of my closest and dearest friends. It’s a beautiful place where every ethnicity is welcomed and encouraged to partake in the mission of developing a more diverse campus climate. I had opportunities to work alongside Caucasian and Mexican students to develop programs for Black History Month. It was, and remains, one of only places on campus that is truly filled with ethnically diverse students whenever its doors are unlocked. It is a home away from home for so many students, minorities or not.

As I begin my final year at Cal Poly, I am so grateful for all that the MCC has offered me, and I’m pleased to say that it is just one of the many places that celebrates, promotes, and protects ethnic diversity on our campus.

The importance of finding a place on your college campus that feels like a haven, and where you can develop a sense of “family,” is not by any stretch of the imagination limited to minority students. Thankfully, along with the MCC, Cal Poly offers a remarkably diverse selection of ethnic-specific clubs and organizations. While it may be difficult to locate these groups or find when and where they meet, with a little bit of diligence and a couple of Google searches, new students will find that almost every major ethnic group is represented in a number of different clubs. There are athletic, religious, and academic clubs that find their roots in ethnic-specific issues, and work toward embracing ethnic diversity and education.

Vanessa Rodriguez is a senior nutrition major, and has been the leader of a religious club called “La Fe” (meaning “The Faith”) for one year. Her club focuses on studying and exploring Christianity through the perspective of Latino students, many of whom are first-generation college students.

Their meetings are often full of delicious homemade recipes from Latin America, and Spanish is commonly spoken among members. When asked how leading “La Fe” for more than one year has affected her, she told me: “As the leader of La Fe, I am humbled to know that this group is more than just a Bible study. Close friendships developed, and it became a place where you can fully and comfortably be Latino at Cal Poly. It’s a family.”

I met Devon Buddan as a freshman through the Black Student Union. We have had several long conversations about the minority experience at Cal Poly, and both of us had considered transferring to more diverse schools.

However, Devon decided that instead

of leaving a place that challenged her personally, she was going to fight to promote diversity on her campus. And before graduating this past year, she, along with some close friends, founded a group called “Driving Towards Sister” (DTS). While reflecting back on her time developing DTS, she says: “My greatest experiences in college were with DTS, and it wasn’t until I was graduating that I realized how much DTS was a mentorship for younger students. Many of the younger girls told me that ‘If it wasn’t for DTS and being able to connect with older women of color, I would have left Cal Poly.’ They made me realize how important it is to build a community for people of color on our campus.”

With just a few personal testimonies, you quickly begin to realize that not only is it important for minority students to find and have a community, but there exists thriving communities on our campus. Cal Poly Muslims, MEXA, Native American Club, Society of Black Engineers … the list seems endless.

Multiple studies have found that minorities face unique challenges while living on college campuses, and that without a community where they feel supported and comfortable expressing their ethnic culture, they are much more likely to drop out and not finish college.

At Cal Poly, it’s easy for students who don’t come from an ethnically diverse

community to not give much thought to ethnic relations on campus.

However, I think it should be a paramount part of your collegiate experience to promote ethnic diversity and be part of communities that look different from the one in which you grew up. How remarkable would it be to live on a college campus that emulates the diversity found in many parts of our country, and to learn how people from different cultures perceive the world? As minority students, it’s important when you arrive on campus to actively seek out organizations that appreciate, respect, and celebrate your ethnic culture.

For many (though not all) minority students, Cal Poly—despite being one of the most beautiful campuses in California—can often feel lonely when you look around at the sea of excited new faces and fail to find any that remind you of home. Don’t lose hope. There are many sub-communities at Cal Poly, and if you take the time to find them, they will welcome you with everything from your grandma’s native tongue to your mom’s famous recipe, and they will quickly feel just like home. ∆ Blake Williams is a fifth year psychology student at Cal Poly. Send comments via Executive Editor Ryan Miller to rmiller@newtimesslo.com.

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Faces of

farmers Getting to know the folks who put food on your table

SHAKE THE HAND THAT FEEDS (l-r)Catarino Chavez proudly holds up his farm-fresh berries, Anna Othman stops for a quick picture while unloading her dairy, and Robert Hayashi flashes a familiar grin.

PHOTOS BY STEVE E. MILLER

BY EMILY MORELLI armers’ Market affects everyone living in San Luis Obispo. It is an absolute guarantee that you will visit SLO’s downtown Farmers’ Market at least once during your occupancy. It is one of the city’s most celebrated events, as locals and tourists pack our infinitesimal downtown every Thursday night. It’s lively, loud, and feels like a microcosmic county fair. Not only do farmers and ranchers sell their prized produce, but other community organizations, restaurants, and companies also share their ideology, foods, and goods with passersby, and weekly street performers and numerous samples add to the enticement of the evening. It can be hard to familiarize yourself with the multitude of vendors, so here is a way to connect a few, friendly farmer faces with their stories. These farmers all regularly, participate at SLO’s downtown Farmers’ Market, so keep an eye out for them during your next visit.

F

Anna Othman

Anna Othman of Troy Martin Dairy has been involved with Farmers’ Market all her life. “One of my earliest memories was carrying a box of kittens at a Farmers Market,” she said. Farming is in her blood, as is her involvement with local farmers’ markets. Her mom was on the board of directors for one of the first farmers’ markets of San Luis Obispo

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

County back in the ’80s. Othman grew up in the San Luis Obispo region, and was heavily involved with the farming and ranching community. Now, she helps Troy and Barbara Martin sell their premium dairy products at farmers’ markets in the county, including the markets in Cayucos, Cambria, Morro Bay, and two locations in San Luis Obispo.

The 300-acre dairy is in Lemoore, which is about two hours northeast of SLO. Othman sells the dairy’s product line, Dairy Goddess.

The line includes whole milk, chocolate milk, and six varieties of artisan cheese— including sweets like cheesecake and savory, spicy, and aged cheeses. Though Othman had been working the downtown Farmers’ Market for a short six weeks, she enjoys it immensely.

“I do this for fun,” she said. “The fact that everyone is so happy selecting their produce makes me happy. Everyone’s so happy. It brings out the hedonist in me. It brings out the farmer in me.”

Catarino Chavez

Catarino Chavez is the owner of Chavez Family Farm in Santa Maria. He has been in the farming business for 24 years, and has been involved in the farmers’ market industry for the entirety of his farming career. The farm truly lives up to its name; Chavez’s family members work with him, as do his sons on the weekends,

assisting with farmers’ markets.

Chavez sells at numerous markets in California, including markets in Morro Bay, Arroyo Grande, Solvang, two San Luis Obispo locations, and even in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Chavez and his sons get up at 3 a.m. every Sunday morning to sell their popular products in L.A. Rising before the crack of dawn every Sunday and driving for hours may sound like utter torture, but it’s completely worth it—the market in L.A. is by far the most profitable market for Chavez and his family. Southern Californians pounce on his Central Coast produce.

Chavez grows potatoes, blueberries, apples, asparagus, brussel sprouts, peppers, lettuce, strawberries, spinach, beets, and several more. When asked what his best selling crop is at Farmers’, he answered with a grin: “Strawberries, of course.” His favorite aspect of working Farmers’ Market is that he gets to meet a lot of people, and create connections and relationships with his regular customers.

He’s made friends not only in San Luis Obispo and the surrounding community, but also in the farther, southern regions of California.

Robert Hayashi

Hayashi is the owner, operator, manager, and jack-of-all-trades for Y Hayashi & Sons. “I do a little bit of

everything; I clean the bathrooms,” Hayashi claimed. He is a third generation farmer, still farming the same land that his family settled on years ago in Arroyo Grande.

The family farm has since expanded all throughout the county, spreading out everywhere between Arroyo Grande and Morro Bay. He has been in the business for 30 years, and has made many connections in the farmers’ market community.

“I’ve seen your girls grow up and have babies, and their babies have babies,” Hayashi said. “I see the full cycle.” Hayashi’s produce spread at Farmers’ Market is unmatched; his of bins splay out before him and his workers, displaying varieties of kale, cabbage, lettuce, green beans, squash, celery, artichokes, strawberries, and more. His most popular produce are his strawberries.

Hayashi sells his lovely spread at farmers’ markets all throughout the county, including the Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria, both San Luis Obispo, and Templeton markets. He, like other farmers, enjoys his weekly interactions with the different farmers’ markets in the county. ∆ Emily Morelli is a Cal Poly journalism alumna. Send comments to Executive Editor Ryan Miller at rmiller@ newtimesslo.com.

34 • STUDENT GUIDE 2012

V

egan. One of the worst things you could be if you intend to survive on-campus dining.

Here’s another scary one: gluten-free. It’s hard enough maintaining a vegetarian diet while living on campus. You can have soup or salad every night. Or mac-n-cheese, if you’re the kind of vegetarian who doesn’t give a crap. The point is, following an alternative diet, either by choice or necessity, while living on campus, is incredibly difficult. But there’s hope for you, the progressivespirited and unfortunately allergy-ridden. The city of San Luis Obispo can add variety to your palate. Here are a few places around town that offer varieties of food that adhere to organic, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and raw diets.

Alternative

food

BY EMILY MORELLI

Catering to your specific diet

Natural Foods Co-op 2494 Victoria Ave. • 544-7928

This quaint market is the alternative foodie’s dream.

It’s loaded with fresh organic and local produce, grain bins, healthy snacks, and packaged goodies. They cater to vegetarians and vegans with their veggie burritos, wraps, and salads. They also carry raw packaged snack bars and treats. The store is stocked with gluten-free goods, including cookies, flours, breads, crackers, and snacks. One unique feature of the co-op is that you do not have to be a member in order to shop or benefit from their abundant deals. One of their deals—again, no membership required—is their 15 percent mark-off on special orders.

Special orders can be made in “household proportions”

New Frontiers

1531 Froom Ranch Way • 785-0194 As San Luis Obispo’s super-sized health food store, New Frontiers offers an overwhelming array of natural, organic, vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. It also draws sustainability-conscious customers, as the store carries ethically produced meat and fish. New Frontiers explores ways to synthesize the mainstream and unique food markets in this one-stop shopping center.

It’s true; there are tons of “regular” items for those on niche diets—like gluten-free flours, noodles, and breads; vegan ice creams, desserts, junk food, etc. It also carries “regular” items for those on a more typical diet—wheat bread, flours, pasta, and ice cream made with actual milk—creating a space where alternative foodies and everyday foodies can join, harmoniously, in the joyous task of buying groceries. The store is an aesthetic rainforest, dripping with colors, smells, and textures. New Frontiers also has a fresh deli and salad bar, and a large food court for customer dining. They serve tons of entrees and packaged goods, as well as in-house, gluten-free deli items.

to distributors. Members of the co-op can receive an additional 10 percent mark-off. Several of the employees also follow vegan and gluten-free diets, and can help customers decide which products to buy and recipes to experiment with. Also, the co-op is Also, be sure to try Big moving from its current Sky (1121 Broad St., SLO, 545location on Francis Avenue, 5401)—especially the vegetarto a new venue about a block down the road on ian traditional New Mexican Victoria Avenue, and the staff pozole garnished with members are excited to show pumpkin seeds. It’s off their new digs.

Editor’s note

delicious!

Natural Café

698 Higuera St. • 546-9200 This downtown eatery is a great place for weekend dining. You can even bring your carnivorous friends along— ALTERNATIVE FOOD continued on page 35

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

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STUDENT GUIDE •

35

ALTERNATIVE FOOD from page 34

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Natural serves poultry and fish alongside its vegetarian and vegan entrees and desserts. Even gluten-free patrons can nom on a variety of Asian, Mexican, and all-American inspired dishes. Natural offers vegan burgers, vegan salads (with dressing), gluten-free tacos, and enchiladas, and a host of veggie-based entrees. Natural boasts of their glutenfree chips, tortillas and rice, and for being one of the few restaurants in town that carries such a variety of entrees for vegan and gluten-free customers. What’s best is that it fits a student budget while still serving undeniably generous portions.

Bliss CafĂŠ

adventurous omnivores and carnivores.

The glass case below the menu and register features freshly made vegan and raw desserts and treats. Vegan cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, and quiches entice you while you order. Many of the desserts, such as the cheesecake, are made with ground cashews to give it a creamy taste and thick texture. The cafÊ also boasts a healthful juice and smoothie selection. There are boost options as well—think Jamba Juice, but vegan.

If you get a warm, calming vibe when you’re chowing down, it’s no coincidence: “Everything is made with love,� according to cook and hostess, Rachel.

1035 Chorro St. • 547-0108

Roxanne’s CafÊ

This tiny, brick-interior cafÊ might be easy to miss if you stroll down Chorro Street, but it’s definitely not lacking in its options for vegans and alternative foodies.

Everything, and I mean everything, on the menu is 110 percent vegan. The restaurant’s philosophy adheres to that of the Hindu moral code Ashima, which advocates non-injury. All are welcome here: Vegans for ethical purposes, vegans for health purposes, vegetarians, raw-foodies, gluten free-ers, and even

Roxanne’s is tucked conveniently behind Smiling Dog Yoga on Higuera Street. It is, in fact, associated with the yoga center, and the two serve many of the same clientele. Roxanne’s is a vegetarian lunch cafe that uses only local and organic food to complete the menu. Because Roxanne, the owner, depends solely on local produce, the menu is completely seasonal. The menu changes about twice a week, depending on the produce available. Her

1227 Archer St.

producers include local farmers, co-ops and markets. She tries to experiment with her recipes, always adding excitement to her everchanging entrees.

Roxanne’s offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and raw dishes, desserts, and beverages. Her hope is that her customers will leave feeling good and fully rejuvenated. It’s also a convenient and energy-fortifying spot to grab lunch after an intense yoga session. ∆ Emily Morelli is a Cal Poly journalism alumna. Send comments to Executive Editor Ryan Miller at rmiller@ MADE newtimes WITH LOVE slo.com.

The Peace Plate is a popular Bliss CafĂŠ entrĂŠe.

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

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Dance,

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STUDENT GUIDE ’12

37

PHOTOS BY STEVE E. MILLER

dance

BY EMILY MORELLI an Luis Obispo is home to an expansive community of dancers— from occasional, to social, to religious, and yes, even professional dancers. People become dancers in different ways, through different means.

San Luis Obispo provides various means for these dancers to further pursue the hobby, ritual, or trade they find in dance. Through various clubs, groups, and venues, San Luis Obispo dancers can strengthen their dancing and gain friends. Local social dancer Alex Bozarth and the Danza Azteeca Iztak Cuauhtli dancers share their experiences of dancing in San Luis Obispo.

Alex Bozarth, a Cal Poly graduate student, has been deeply involved in the dance community for several years.

Bozarth is what some might call a “social dancer,” but I would venture to say he is a religious dancer: He dances at least three times a week, without fail.

Bozarth has been dancing seriously since 2009, and since that time has added several different genres of dance to his repertoire. It began with line dancing. “It all started week three of fall quarter my sophomore year—October 2008,” Bozarth explained. “That’s when I started dancing at Country Night at the Grad.” After catching the bug, he began line dancing regularly at the Grad, and he joined Cal Poly’s line dancing club.

A year later, Bozarth was introduced to swing—this is when he started to dance seriously. He and his dance partner were at a line dancing workshop, when a friend

STUDENT GUIDE •

invited the two to try West Coast Swing.

“My partner and I started taking Lindy Hop lessons in 2010,” Bozarth recalled.

(Lindy Hop is a lively branch of swing, for those of us who are dance illiterate.)

He started frequenting the Madonna Inn on Monday evenings—where local dancers meet to swing the night away. He also started participating in Cal Poly’s swing club and attending workshops and exchanges hosted by the club.

The following year, 2011, is when Bozarth took a stab at blues dancing. And he fell in love. Now, Bozarth line dances, swing dances, and blues dances every week. While these genres of dance are near and dear to Bozarth’s heart, a new style of dance emerged, glorious, from these three: Fusion. Fusion dancing is relatively difficult.

“Fusion is for more experienced dancers,” explained Bozarth. “You should be comfortable with two or three different genres of dance before getting into Fusion.” Fusion is gaining popularity among San Luis Obispo dancers, according to Bozarth. “It’s started to influence other dance scenes.”

SLO dancers started to experiment with Fusion in 2008 in different club and house party settings, and have since formed a club on campus.

It’s not solely the act of dancing that attracts Bozarth to this social scene—it’s the connections he’s made and continues to make. “My favorite thing about being part of the dance community is the people. At least half of my friends in

town I’ve met through dancing, and I’m constantly trying to get my non-dancing friends to go to my events,” Bozarth said.

People tend to enjoy different dancing experiences, according to Bozarth.

Of his three favorite and most practiced genres, he suggests different ones according to what people desire.

For his friends who enjoy a more familial environment, he suggests trying out Madonna Inn on Monday nights, as a lot of families and couples in town participate. For people who like pattern dancing (engineers tend to enjoy this), he recommends line dancing at the Grad.

And for those who enjoy a simple and easy form of dance, Bozarth suggests blues.

“Every dance community is different, but every group is like a family. Just like real families are different.” Bozarth also appreciates the welcoming spirit of the dance community, not just in SLO, but all over California. “If you are visiting a town, and you go to the town’s dance venues, chances are you will have a place to crash that night.”

Bozarth’s story is just one of many.

Cal Poly and Cuesta are home to many different dance clubs and organizations, including ballroom, salsa, hip hop, square, contemporary, jazz, tap, and ballet.

Several local groups practice cultural dance as well.

One such group is Danza Azteeca Iztak Cuauhtli. This group began practicing Aztec/ Mexican dance together 2 1/2 years ago. It all began when Cal Poly students requested that Cuauhtli Galindo,

a local Mexican dancer, teach them the art and practice of the dance. Now, the group is 30 strong, comprised completely of Cal Poly students and alumni of Mexican descent.

The group meets once a week to practice their dances. “We’re learning every time we come together,” said Cal Poly graduate Cynthia Diaz, who is one of the dancers. During certain times of the year, they convene to make their ceremonial outfits. Depending on how elaborate their regalia is, this process can take several months to complete. Every aspect of the dance—from the feathers they wear to the beat they dance to—is incredibly symbolic and important.

The dancing itself is much more than dancing. It is a way to remember and honor their heritage, and show that this type of spiritual practice hasn’t died.

Danza Azteeca Iztak Cuauhtli is not alone in this ritual; there are 40 branches altogether throughout California that practice the same dances and wear the same symbolic regalia. The 40 branches have quarterly gatherings, during which 500 Mexican dancers participate in the same dance for five hours. “It’s so different seeing it from the outside and being in it,” commented Cal Poly fifth year, Nury Mendoza. “When you’re in it, you feel the beat of the drum, other peoples’ energy, and your connection to the earth and sky around you.” The group also participates in solstice dances with the Salinan Tribe, which is a tribe local to the North County area.

These dancers are much more than a group of people sharing a common interest; they have truly become a support system for one another, celebrating each other’s successes. Galindo gives each member of the group a feather to symbolize important milestones in their lives, such as graduating from college or getting married. These feathers are worn during each practice and dance, adding to the celebratory and symbolic aspects of the dance.

San Luis Obispo is home to a colorful variety of dancers, genres of dance, and dance purposes. If you consider yourself a dancer or dance enthusiast, SLO has a place for you to create your own story, and form your own dance community. ∆ Emily Morelli is a Cal Poly journalism Almuna. Send comments to Executive Editor Ryan Miller at rmiller@ newtimesslo.com.

38 • STUDENT GUIDE 2012

SLO’s bests

BY EMILY MORELLI y this time, everyone knows Oprah named San Luis Obispo America’s happiest city.

Yes, we are surrounded by nature; yes, we have wide sidewalks all over and eager pedestrians and cyclists; and yes, we abhor drive-thru windows. But there is much, much more to SLO than Oprah’s five-minute segment gave us credit for. We are unique. We are outstanding and innovative. Can we help if this makes us giddy? Here are a few local businesses and organizations that have gained national and international recognition for unique excellence and innovation. These are institutions we should beam with pride over: They add to our city’s individuality, quality, and happiness.

B

and

onlys

Boo Boo Records

We all know that when Rolling Stone Magazine speaks, it means business.

So when Rolling Stone decrees that SLO’s very own Boo Boo Records is one of the top 30 record stores in the

country, the world had better take heed. You may wonder how a little, local shop is bequeathed with such an honor.

Maybe it’s because Boo Boo carries a well-thought out and varying selection of records, CDs, tapes, and merch.

Maybe it’s the entire room dedicated to old-school, kick-ass, cheaper-than-dirt records. Maybe it has to do with the fact that many store employees have been formally trained in music and are extremely knowledgeable on the subject.

Maybe it has to do with their rooster logo.

Who knows?

Mike White, the store owner, gives insight to this recognition: “We are carrying the torch of how the music sales industry should be. We have a very unique connection with the community, even in the shifting landscape of our industry.”

Boo Boo Records has been in business for 38 years, and has gained international recognition in the recent past as well, in both Sunset Magazine and Let’s Go Travel Guide. Boo Boo also has a special relationship to different concert shows in town—the store sells tickets for local venues. Some of the venues sell tickets exclusively through Boo Boo, to keep people from scalping tickets. What a way to maintain an honest industry.

KCPR

Cal Poly’s very own KCPR might maintain its fame through its connection to Weird Al: The zaney artist was a DJ for the station. But KCPR is much more than Weird Al’s leftovers. The student-run station has also landed itself as one of the top 20 college radio stations in the country

by Mens’ Health Magazine. It has also been ranked as one of the top 50 college stations by College & Music Magazine for many years, according to KCPR’s general manager Kelly Stewart.

With an eclectic cobbling of genres and shows, live performances, weather, news, and ironic humor, the station has made

a name for itself. KCPR is respected and admired as a quality college station by Cal Poly, the greater San Luis Obispo area, and even national listeners. KCPR stands out as a unique college station for several reasons, Stewart says. One unique aspect is KCPR’s nearly 24/7 live programming by volunteer DJs. The station is completely run by volunteer students who are passionate about music and create and broadcast their own shows all day, through the nights, on weekends, and during summer and holidays.

“KCPR also has a significant amount of freedom—more so than many other college stations,” says Stewart. “Many college stations broadcast under an overhead station, but KCPR runs independently. This gives us the freedom to create our own radio culture.”

SLO Op Climbing Gym

SLO Op is the first nonprofit bouldering gym in the country. It was started by Yishai and Kristin Horowitz in a small storage rental, and has since gained local popularity. “It used to be a warehouse with just friends,” Kristin said. Years later, SLO Op is in a much larger space, and boasts an avid community of SLO’S BESt continued on page 39

StUDENt GUIDE ’12

Enlightening Your Path

ARt AND CAFFEINE Drink in coffee and art at the Steynberg Gallery in SLO.

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2012 Slo’S bEST from page 38

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

members want to have a party, we’ll throw a party. If they want to show a movie, we’ll show a movie. We’re very open to whatever.”

Members and friends of members often gather at SLO Op for themed parties, holiday celebrations, movies, games, DEFYING and loads GRAVITY and loads of climbing. It’s Mitch brimage (in a laid-back purple) and Khiyle environment, batin (in green) scale run by their way up Slo people who are passionate op’s wall. about climbing, and even more passionate about helping others love to climb. ∆

members and volunteers.

All of the employees, other than the Horowitzs, work on a volunteer basis in return for membership to the gym. Volunteers have to be members for about a year before they can gain volunteer employment. Each volunteer works at least two hours a week to receive free membership. SLO Op is unique as it caters to its community, rather than its earnings. According to Horowitz, “If the

Emily Morelli is a Cal Poly journalism alumna. Send comments to Executive Editor Ryan Miller at rmiller@ newtimesslo.com.

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

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STUDENT GUIDE •

39

40 • STUDENT GUIDE 2012

Tame your

mane The escape from hairy situations

BY EMILY MORELLI an Luis Obispo has no urgent need for hair stylists; salons and barbershops can be found on nearly every block downtown and in surrounding areas.

It can be tricky to navigate where to get your mane tamed when there are so many choices. You can get anything from a simple trim or buzz to a full spa treatment or hot shave. Here are a few places in town where you can get whatever you fancy.

S

Ray’s Barbershop 2030 Parker St. • 543.3931

Ray Pierce has been in the hair-cutting business for 52 years. Paige Vierra has worked alongside Ray for 26 of those years. The unlikely duo offers the boys and men of San Luis Obispo good old-fashioned

cuts and shaves. They have several unique services, including shaving around the ears, hot shaves, and shaved heads. If you like watching sports, you will definitely want to hit up Ray’s, as baseball or football is always on. They’re open Monday-Friday, 7:30a.m.-5 p.m. However, in the words of Ray, “If you come after 5, bring beer.” He might bend the rules for you.

downtown, and wears its local pride well.

Tigerlily can be likened to an art gallery, as pieces from local artists rotate through the salon constantly. “Coming here is like walking into a big, tight knit family,” said stylist Jenna Edwards. “We are all very individual people with different personalities.” Great vibe, great cuts: What more could one ask for?

Renaissance Salon

Salon GLO

With an upstairs boutique and several lines of hair care products, Renaissance is a “one stop beauty shop,” according to stylist Nicole Starlings. The salon opened in June 2011 as an expansion of its sister salon in Visalia. Salon owner Brian Cody has been successful in building one of the biggest salons on the Central Coast. The salon is in the Network downtown, with the boutique on the ground floor and the styling stations “nestled” in the luxury basement. Every cut comes with a free shampoo/conditioner and head massage. Renaissance is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sundays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Jacki Leonard and Amy Gamble worked together for years in the salon business before opening their own salon.

Salon Glo, their brainchild, has been in business for more than seven years, and has employed the same stylists for most of that time. “The girls that work here have been here for years and years,” Leonard said. Glo has a very familial and welcoming atmosphere. The salon also offers free consultations by appointment. The salon’s esthetician offers free skin analysis consultation, and stylists offer free hair consultations. The salon is open from 10 a.m.- 6:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

778 Higuera St., Suite F • 784.0110

Tigerlily Salon

670 Higuera St. Suite D • 541.9911 Tigerlily Salon is in the heart of

3212 Broad St. Suite 130 • 541.1803

Salon Lux

1040 Court St. • 1907 Broad St. • 781.6188 Salon Lux has two locations—one downtown and the other quite close

to downtown. Salon Lux is an Aveda Lifestyle Salon, which means that every product they carry is from the Aveda brand collection. This includes their color, highlights, shampoos, conditioners, and hair products. The salon offers a unique and enticing feature: a free aromatherapy scalp massage with every haircut. Salon Lux’s hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Also check out

Faces and AlaMode (“miles of hair cut”): 1601 Osos • Shift (“in a modern world where life moves fast”): 1050 Broad • Clippers (beer and haircuts): 1351 Monterey • Ahshé (“bring out your natural glow”): 1112 Garden • Bladerunner (a regular New Times poll winner): 894 Monterey • Hive (certified eco-friendly): 2033 Santa Barbara • Bluebird (“Happy and beautiful in California”): 722 Marsh • Hep Kat (tons of attitude): 785 Higuera • Salon Red (“an unforgettable experience”): 641 Higuera • Salon 544 (“fun and friendly”): 544 Higuera • and so many more … . ∆ Emily Morelli is a Cal Poly journalism alumna. Send comments to Executive Editor Ryan Miller at rmiller@newtimesslo.com.

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

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2012

The

craft coffee

BY EMILY MORELLI

of

Favorite local spots to get your beans

I

t’s not the four or five bucks you consistently drop on a cup of java that compels you to return to your favorite coffee shop; it’s the gestalt, the sounds, the smells, and the comforting, familiar taste of your favorite beverage.

It’s the contemplative, pensive atmosphere that makes studying bearable. San Luis Obispo has its fair share of coffee shops beyond Starbucks. Here are a few a places in town that will feed your insatiable caffeine addiction and provide space to study and hang out with friends away from campus.

BlackHorse 1065 Higuera St. Unit 101 • 3590 Broad St. • 796 Foothill Blvd.

BlackHorse has three locations in town, each catering to its own hubbub of a crowd. The coffee houses serve coffee, espresso, teas, and specialty drinks (like their Cafe Genera, an orange zest mocha). They also serve a host of fresh-baked pastries. A steaming cup of coffee with a thick slice of their carrot cake is bound to make O-Chem more intriguing.

Linnaea’s Cafe 1110 Garden St. • 541.5888 Linnaea’s has everything a cafe connoisseur could dream of. Not only does this downtown coffee house serve quality coffee, chais, teas, Italian sodas, and speciality drinks, but it also is host to local poets, musicians, singers, and artists. The café serves a vegetarian meal every day of the week excepting weekends, and Monday nights are waffle night. It’s also a great place to chat with friends or meet to study.

Customers can bask in the open-air front window, or enjoy their beverages and goodies in the cafe’s tranquil and private garden, perfected by its very own Koi pond.

Sally Loo’s 1804 Osos St. • 545.5895

To say Sally Loo’s is wholesome is a complete understatement. Everything served at this cafe, from the baked goods to the coffee cream, is organic, fair trade, free range, or local. The cafe proudly serves Intelligentsia Coffee, exclusively. Intelligentsia is a Los Angeles coffee roasting company that works directly with the farmers, providing ethical business relations.

Apart from their delicious beverages and food, Sally Loo’s also frequently is host to concerts and shows.

Steynberg Gallery 1531 Monterey St. • 547.0278 Part cafe, part venue, Steynberg has a full cafe and snack bar, coupled with a large room to fit in concerts, art shows, open mics, lectures, film showings, and poetry readings. This progressive establishment serves up java, tea, beer, wine, breakfast and lunch, and space to soak up culture.

STUDENT GUIDE •

41

Outspoken Cafe 1422 Monterey St. • 788.0885 Outspoken offers a cool, relaxed environment to sit back and watch the rest of the world fly by. It doesn’t hurt that the cafe offers fine espressos, coffees, and organic teas to further your relaxation. Outspoken also serves fresh pastries, soups, sandwiches, and signature smoothies made from fruit and frozen yogurt.

Nautical Bean 11560 Los Osos Valley Road Suite 150 • 543.3559 The Nauty Bean is one of the farthest San Luis Obispo coffee shops from Cal Poly campus, making it a wonderful place just to get away for awhile. The cool decor and constantly rotating photographs and paintings create a pensive environment, perfect for studying. Nautical Bean’s Mexican Mochas and fresh paninis make excellent study buddies. Fresh pastries, baked goods, sandwiches, and beverages give you the energy you need to crank out hours and hours of studying for finals.

Groundz Peets Coffee and Tea Higher 3230 Broad St. • 783-2264 1075 Court St. • 597.9478 The Peets downtown is a marvelous place to study— classical music streams constantly, the coffee is reliably delicious, and there is a friendly mix of students and community members enjoying the cafe. You won’t feel as if you’re in a library, nor at an annoyingly social family reunion. Peets usually cultivates an ideal noise level for either studying or chatting over a cappuccino.

Kreuzberg, CA 685 Higuera St. • 439.2060 Kreuzberg is the quintessential college coffee house. With walls lined with books (all on sale), lamps suspended upside down from the ceiling, a corner for music gigs, chess tables, menu items named after famous authors, and a conference room featuring a rough hewn table, this place has got it all. It also features a beer and wine bar, with several brews on tap. Its large seating capacity and student-centric environment makes it a perfect place to do homework.

Though not quite downtown, Higher Groundz Coffee House and Eatery has drawn locals for six years.

As the name implies, you can get much more than simply coffee. Try the pastries, wraps, or sandwiches, and enjoy live music and work by local artists. And be sure to check highergroundz.com for daily specials.

West End 670 Higuera St. • 543-4902 West End Espresso and Tea—serving locals for more than 30 years—prides itself on “providing the bright spot in any day.” Its corner location downtown means you can sit in a window and people watch, or pick a table farther back to focus more on what’s in front of you, be it textbooks or friends—all paired with pastries and 25 varieties of coffee and 35 varieties of loose-leaf tea. ∆ Emily Morelli is a Cal Poly journalism alumna.

Send comments to Executive Editor Ryan Miller at rmiller@newtimesslo.com.

HIPSTER HAVEN The Mac lords study away in Kreuzberg.

Bello Mundo 980 Monterey St. • 345.2155 Bello Mundo is a tiny, vibrant coffee shop downtown that prides itself on its brewing technique and eco-friendly beans. The walls are festooned with bright art, adding to the warm and friendly environment. The shop also boasts a selection of cupcakes that are as close to perfect as baked goods can be. The recipes have been tested and reformulated for years, and the cupcakes have emerged fluffy and victorious. Just don’t try to do homework here; the cafe does not offer wi-fi, with the intention of forcing customers to breathe in the rich smell of coffee, and enjoy the day.

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

42 • STUDENT GUIDE 2012 PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

Thrifting

BY EMILY MORELLI

Oh, the deals you can score!

O

ne fantastic feature of being a college student is that, for the most part, you don’t have to adhere to a dress code. Casual Fridays have yet to be what gets you through the workweek. Another awesome aspect of student-dom is that you can get away with wearing zany, ridiculous, or so-old-it’s-back-in-style garb without those around you getting concerned. It’s also common knowledge that most college students do not have the funds to buy new—or matching—furniture.

So embrace the haphazard lifestyle.

Buy a corduroy couch and a floral loveseat.

Students, enjoy it while you can—celebrate your youth and shop at thrift stores. Give back to thrift stores as well. Many thrift stores in town will take your (useable) residual items.

Curio 570 Higuera St., No. 180 • 544.1204

wardrobe. Every time they are asked where they got that amazing shirt of fantastic sweater, they answer, “Oh ‌ I got it at such and such thrift store.â€? And we always wonder, “HOW do you find these thrift stores?!â€? Well, this is your lucky day, unlucky thrift shoppers—Curio is one of those thrift stores, for women. “Our motto is to give all the great thrift store finds at just above thrift store prices,â€? said store manager Kayla Hooper. “It’s all the best stuff—already weeded out for you.â€? Their shirts and blouses, mostly between $7-$10, are located in the front room of the yellow store. The back room holds the bottoms and coats, which are mostly priced between $12-$15. Curio offers 30 percent store credit for the items they accept.

Hospice Partners Hope Chest 445 Higuera St. • 545.5955

We all have that friend who has the most eloquent, unique, and trendy

Hope Chest has been in business for a

HIDDEN TREASURES Lauren Buzzetti stands among Curio’s awesome finds.

Mission Thrift 2640 Broad St. • 544.0720

little more than three years. This small, tidy shop prides itself on its cleanliness, order, and high-quality goods. Hope Chest offers a wide variety of clothing for men, women, teens, and children, and accessories and shoes—all of which are distinctly and individually priced.

And clean. Everything is very, very clean. As its name suggests, the Hope Chest partners with San Luis’ hospice care program—with 100 percent of its proceeds going toward hospice care. You can score a fantastic purchase and put money toward the best of causes.

Mission Thrift is geared toward college students. At least, their Facebook page is.

Mission posts student discounts up to 25 percent every month on Facebook. This not only keeps students abreast of what sorts of clothes and items are filtering into the store, but also how inexpensively they can purchase these items. Mission Thrift carries everything you could ask for as a THRIFTING continued on page 42

STUDENT GUIDE ’12

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STUDENT GUIDE •

43

THRIFTING from page 42 student: furniture, clothes, all ages, even carrying books, music, shoes, food infant clothing. The (ok… not food), knickfront of the store knacks, and hats. is a giant wall Mission Thrift is of windows, organized. so there is Yes, organized always plenty Goodwill has several branches in such a way that of natural you can easily find lighting. The throughout the county: not only what you’re second room Atascadero, Grover Beach, Paso looking for, but also holds the odds Robles, and two in San Luis find the exact prices and ends, as Obispo. Call 544-4965 for of the items you find. well as rows and Students can score on the shop on Higuera. rows of glassware. clean, professional attire— Items such as an entire section is devoted to blankets, linens, shoes, slacks, shirts, skirts, blouses, dress books, and hats can be found socks and dress shoes. Mission also has in this center room. The back room, a hefty collection of holiday and themed a recent addition, is full of furniture costumes. This may seem insignificant and books. Georgia Lee, the manager, now, but it’s guaranteed you will attend at explained the store’s connection to least a handful of themed parties during community outreach. “We’ve been open your college career. for about three years,” she said. “We were opened by the First Assemblies Church of San Luis Obispo, and all the sales we make go into the Church’s funds. Many of the funds go towards community outreach.” ∆

So many

options

Family Christian Center Thrift Store 532 Higuera St. • 593.0255

Emily Morelli is a Cal Poly journalism alumna. Send comments to Executive Editor Ryan Miller at rmiller@ newtimesslo.com.

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STUDENT GUIDE ’12

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