April 9, 2015

Thursday, April 9, 20 15

E s t abl ished 19 16

w w w.mus t angne w s .net

End of an era

SLO Brew’s move raises concerns

DYLAN SUN | MUSTANG NE WS

DYLAN SUN | MUSTANG NE WS

Mockup of new location on Higuera Street

GRAPHIC BY JORDAN DUNN IMAGE VIA GOOGLE MAPS

Will Peischel Rumor has it that downtown culture in San Luis Obispo is over as we know it.

SLO Brewing Co., San Luis Obispo’s jack-of-all-trades concert venue, bar and brewery has decided that come midsummer, it will pack its bags and move on from its Garden Street location in downtown San Luis Obispo. Music, Pint Night, $2 margaritas as we now know them — they’re over.

Luckily, those rumors aren’t necessarily true.

After moving, SLO Brew will unpack its bags just around the corner, next to Frog and Peach

on Higuera Street.

Live music’s exact role at SLO Brew’s new location is yet to be confirmed, which has caused buzz in the local music community and among frequent concertgoers. General manager Monte Schaller said the Higuera Street venue will most likely emphasize its restaurant and bar over any potential live music.

“It’s tough to say right now (how significant music will be) because we haven’t completed our brand development,” Schaller said. “A lot is to be seen. We want to make

Old location on Garden Street

@CPMustangArts sure we balance equal focus on the brewery, music and restaurant — more well-balanced, tied into the experience of SLO Brew.”

Schaller said SLO Brew has been working on a plan to change venues for almost a decade.

“The plan actually was initiated back in 2007, but the block that we currently reside on has been a development project in the works off and on since then,” he said. “It’s finally gotten its final approval.”

Along with a change in space, SLO Brew is also

looking to become a bigger player in the regional beer atmosphere. Schaller said he hopes it becomes a nationally recognized name.

“We are offering and distributing to several places in SLO County,” Schaller said. “We’re hoping to do pretty much all of California in the next year, year and a half — potentially nationwide after that. Definitely the long-term goal is to go all statewide, and then national distribution.”

see SLO BREW, pg 4.

Alex Campbell elected IFC president for 2015-16 school year

JOSEPH PACK | MUSTANG NE WS SWITCHING IT UP | Albertsons stores on Foothill Boulevard and Johnson Avenue will reopen as Haggens.

Albertsons replaced by health food store Haggen Benjy Egel @BenjyEgel

Both Albertsons grocery stores in San Luis Obispo closed Tuesday night at 6 p.m. When they reopen Thursday at 4 p.m., the sign out front will advertise for Haggen, a health food supermarket slowly expanding across California.

Haggen (pronounced HAY-gen) will offer a number of traditional products as well as healthier foods, according to Barney Davaris, the store director for the Albertsons on Foothill Boulevard.

The other store being converted is located on Johnson Avenue.

“We’re going to have a lot of name-brand stuff

still,” Davaris said. “We’re also going to have a lot of gluten-free, organic things.”

Davaris and the rest of the staff at both Albertsons will be retained after Haggen takes over, he said.

One condition of Albertsons’ Jan. 30 merger with Safeway was that the chain needed to consolidate by giving up a few stores. Haggen, which originated in Bellingham, Washington, opened up its first California store in a former Albertsons in Carlsbad, near San Diego.

Albertsons in Atascadero, Lompoc and Arroyo Grande will also become Haggen, Davaris said.

The stores in Paso Robles and Morro Bay will stay as they are.

JOSEPH PACK | MUSTANG NE WS THE NEXT BOSS | Campbell, the current president of Delta Chi, will be aided by Chief of Staff Kevin Gong.

Olivia Proffit @ojproffit

Mechanical engineering senior Alex Campbell has been elected as the Interfraternity Council (IFC) president for the upcoming 2015-16 school year. After being the chapter president of Delta Chi this past year, he feels prepared to take the reins as IFC president. Mustang News sat down with Campbell to talk about his

background and goals for greek life next year.

Q: Tell me about yourself. What are your interests and hobbies?

A: I’m from Juneau, Alaska.

It was a nice place to grow up.

I like going outdoors, fishing.

I played baseball and tennis in high school. I like hanging out with everyone in Delta Chi, and school takes up a lot of my time.

Q: What was it like growing up in Alaska?

News... 1-3 | Arts... 4-5 | Opinion... 6 | Classifieds... 7 | Sports... 8

A: It was unique. It was definitely an awesome experience and I’m glad I grew up there. I wouldn’t trade that in for anything. There’s great people there. Juneau is one of the largest cities in Alaska, but it is still pretty small and there’s no roads in or out, so it still kind of has that small-town feel. It was nice. I liked that.

see IFC, pg 2.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

NEWS | 2

JOSEPH PACK | MUSTANG NE WS THE NEXT BOSS

| Campbell will be aided by Chief of Staff Kevin Gong of Phi Kappa Psi next year.

Q: Why did you choose to come to Cal Poly?

A: People kind of expect a crazy story about how I heard about Cal Poly. Basically, I wanted to come to California and I wanted to do engineering. If you Google those two words, Cal Poly usually pops up. It just kind of fell into my lap, I guess.

Q: Have you had any leadership positions in greek life in the past?

A: I’m the chapter president now and that’s where most of my experience comes from. That’s kind of what I think prepared me to take on this role. That experience definitely prepares you for

dealing with people and managing a large number of them, so I feel well prepared for this.

Q: What is the election process for IFC president?

A: Essentially, four people got nominated. One person dropped out. You give your 10-minute speech followed by five minutes of questioning and that’s about it. That’s all you really have to show. But, from my experience, at least when I saw the candidates do their speeches last year, the discussions are mainly based on the body of work you’ve done in the past.

Speeches are nice. If you have a passionate speech, that’s good, but I

think people knew who I was pretty well from just working alongside me. You spend so much time with those guys, you know them more than a 10-minute speech can explain.

Q: What are your ideas for the upcoming year in greek life?

A: Greek life is in a delicate position right now. We don’t have favorable relations with the administration and with the community in general. I think we’re just a bit misunderstood. I think there’s a lack of communication between us and the community.

And I want to improve relations with campus and try to get everyone collaborating a little bit

more, get the chapter presidents working together. I guess that’s kind of the general vision.

I think the job always gets consumed by the things that come up unexpectedly. Getting an IFC board that’s ready to handle that will be my next job. You have to expect the unexpected. Things do come up, but I feel prepared to handle it.

Q: Why are you qualified for the job?

A: I think my experience as chapter president has prepared me for this. I work well with people. I think I have those management and leadership qualities, and I think I could be an effective president and make some positive progress.

Q:What are your duties as chapter president?

A: Chapter president is very similar to IFC president in the way that I have my executive board. It’s helped me to find a balance between delegation and how to run a board and manage a large number of people.

My chapter president duties are kind of similar to the IFC duties on the surface: managing the chapter and being the face and spokesperson of the chapter.

Q: When did you know that you wanted to be IFC president?

A: It’s something I considered after being chapter president for a while this year and seeing the issues that were going on in IFC. Halfway through the year, after things got complicated, I realized

that there were some things I would’ve done differently. I think that Alex (Horncliff) has done a great job in a very difficult situation, but there are a few things I would’ve done differently and that’s just because of the two different people we are.

Q: How do you feel about being elected for IFC president?

A: I’m happy and excited. I may have moments when I’m like, “What did I get myself into?” and I see Alex (Horncliff) dealing with all these things, but I think that the excitement outweighs that at this point. I’m looking forward to getting started and getting work done next year. I’m a pretty level-headed guy. I don’t have many extremes, which is a good quality to have for a job like that.

Q: What are you most excited for?

A: Right now, putting together the new IFC board. I’m excited to do that and meet the people I’m going to be working with all next year. Get some great guys to help out and do some good work, hopefully. I’ll be working with Chief of Staff Kevin Gong and (Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator) Kathryn O’Hagan to pick the team. It’s important to get the people in their positions as soon as possible so they can start shadowing and learning from the guys who are doing it now because there is a lot to learn.

Q: How do you feel about Kevin being elected as chief of staff?

A: I’m excited. Kevin is a great guy. He’s extremely enthusiastic and very upbeat. I think we balance each other well. I’m a little bit more level and I think he’ll bring an excitement and maybe light a fire. He’s come up with some great ideas this year, so I’m excited to see what he’s got.

Q: What are you most nervous for?

A: Again, the unexpected. I’d hate to see another situation like we’re in because I don’t think that’s reflective of our organization as a whole. I don’t know if nervous is the right word. I guess I’m cautious for something like that to come up.

Q: Do you have any advice for anybody looking to get involved in the leadership side of greek life?

A: Do it. I didn’t even expect to join greek life. I came from a place where it doesn’t really exist, and when I came to Cal Poly it was introduced to me and I kind of got off on a wrong foot. I never thought I’d be a part of it, and once I got involved, it completely changed my view.

And once I started taking on more responsibility, I realized that there’s a lot to gain from experiences like that. There’s things in college you can’t learn in a classroom. Obviously, don’t take it on lightly because there’s a lot of responsibility and a lot of people looking to you for help, guidance and leadership; so it’s not easy, but I like it a lot and I definitely recommend it.

Oh, SNAP: Why you may want to keep it down next time you turn up Julian Del Gaudio Special to Mustang News

Turn down for what?

This question has captured millennials and made rapper Lil Jon millions. It’s been everywhere from T-

shirts to coffee mugs to radio waves, but here in San Luis Obispo, a group has been turning down since 1993.

Welcome to the Student Neighborhood Assistance Program, or SNAP — the hipsters of turning down. And for what?

The San Luis Obispo Police Department (SLOPD).

SNAP was created in response to the large number of noise complaints made to the police department. SNAP officers spend their weekends addressing noise com-

plaints and handing out penalties, allowing police officers to focus on more serious offenses such as DUIs. “The program was developed to use students because of its peerto-peer communication,” said

Christine Wallace, the Neighborhood Outreach manager in San Luis Obispo who has been working with SNAP since 2013.

It’s easier to have someone around your age tell you to quiet down than a patrol officer, who

may not be as well received, she said.

SNAP is the first response. If SNAP officers come across a viola-

see SNAP, pg 3.

Thursday, April 9, 2015 SNAP continued from pg 2. tion, they have the ability to issue a disturbance advisement card, or DAC, which is a formal warning that stays in effect for 24 hours.

If SLOPD receives another noise complaint within that period, an officer will come to the residence and issue a citation.

The first citation a police officer issues usually has a fine of $350. A second citation could cost you $700; after that, each citation is $1,000.

The citation does not just fall on the tenant renting the house — the landlord is also on the hook for the fines. If a noise citation is issued, the police department sends a letter to inform the landlord of the noise disturbance as well.

For students to be considered for employment, a SNAP candidate must submit an application to SLOPD’s human resources office. If chosen, a full formal interview is conducted with the potential candidate.

“After we do that, we narrow it down and have people go through a background process where they basically have to put down their entire life in front of our administrative sergeant,” Wallace said.

The job is only limited to students who attend Cal Poly, Cuesta College or Allan Hancock College. Their jurisdiction is in San Luis Obispo.

Students go through a three- to four-month training process before being dubbed “field ready” by SLOPD. During training, applicants learn how to issue citations, write tow tags and effectively communicate with those on the receiving end of a noise complaint.

“We bring in conflict resolution training to really show our staff how to read body language and how to assess a situation; how to use specific words when talking to someone intoxicated; how to phrase things so the intoxicated person isn’t going to pop off,” Wallace said.

Currently, there are seven officers

on staff who have gone through this process and been appointed.

One of those seven is materials engineering senior Calvin Noetzel, who has been working for SNAP for about two and a half years.

There’s a lot of subjectivity, Noetzel said, since officers don’t necessarily need to issue a DAC. But they do have to address violations of the noise ordinance.

The municipal code states that any noise after 10 p.m. that can be heard 50 feet from the property line can be considered a noise violation.

Most violations begin with a phone call. Once it’s been called in, SNAP goes into action and shows up at the door.

“General reaction: They’re obviously a little bummed they got called on and they’re obviously a little distraught about it, but after we explain to them why we’re here and what our purpose is, they calm down,” Noetzel said.

In January alone, SLOPD had approximately 164 noise complaints specific to people socializing. Of those, 40 DACs were given out, and police issued 18 citations.

If a DAC is issued, only one resident has to take responsibility for the party, but the entire house is placed on a nine-month premise list.

“This means that for the next nine months, the police come out instead of SNAP, and it would be in their hands whether or not to write a ticket,” Noetzel said. “So it’s kind of an intermediate step to try and get people to calm down.”

But sometimes, a SNAP officer’s job isn’t as easy as knocking on a front door. Some of the common things Noetzel deals with are people being belligerent, outright refusing to sign the DAC or hand over an ID. In those cases, SNAP protocol is to call police for backup.

“We’re out there doing everything an officer wouldn’t necessarily need to do quite yet,” Noetzel said.

SNAP officers do not put on a patrol uniform before they go to work. They operate a decommis-

NEWS | 3 sioned police car during their shift.

But SNAP responsibilities don’t end at noise complaints; they also conduct parking enforcement in the residential districts around campus, tag abandoned vehicles for towing and do a good amount of graffiti abatement.

The SNAP program isn’t just backed by the police department, it’s also influenced by the San Luis Obispo city government.

In 2014, Mayor Jan Marx devoted every effort to increase neighborhood services and enhance the SNAP program. “(Noise) is a fairly major problem in San Luis Obispo, and it’s gotten worse over the years. That’s partly because the neighborhood around the university has become dominated by people in the student age group,” Marx said.

With a melting pot of families and students living in San Luis Obispo, Marx says SNAP officers’ presence is especially helpful.

“There’s a conflict in the lifestyle between families and working people and student-age people, whose responsibilities are really limited to their own education or their own work, so they tend to be more individualistic and less communityminded,” she said.

Marx said the SNAP program not only benefits the community as a whole but also offers great experience for students who participate.

While some students can add club participation and academic achievement to their resumes, SNAP officers are members of local government and law enforcement before they graduate.

“I think the program should be expanded if possible. A lot of times, the students who participate find that it’s actually a good career move for them in the future,” Marx said.

Visit mustangnews. net for the full multimedia story.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

ARTS | 4 SLO BREW continued from pg 1.

For this reason, the company is preparing a second location for brewing. The 10,204-square-foot space is in the works near the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport — that’s where the potential for live music comes back into play.

If zoning permits allow it, the brewery by the airport could offer more room for event audiences than the current 457-person capacity at its Garden Street location. In its new venue, SLO Brew could ideally hold 500-700 people.

“We’re definitely hoping that between both locations opening we’ll be able to balance the same amount of draw,” Schaller said.

“We just might have to utilize two different spaces to do so.”

That said, a music venue near the airport rather than near the bustle of downtown could present an obstacle for concertgoers. Journalism senior Matt Giancanelli said the inconvenience of the additional distance would keep him from attending shows there.

“People aren’t going to want to go that far,” Giancanelli said. “Students aren’t going to want to drive all of the way out there. It’s too far; it’s going to be more expensive to get there and get back.”

But if the zoning board doesn’t approve SLO Brew’s application, San Luis Obispo may lack a go-to music venue.

Leonard Bessemer is the founder and owner of Lee Golde, an art gallery and venue in San Luis Obispo. He pointed out that, for better or worse, SLO Brew

was the only option for larger touring bands.

“I think it has an adverse effect in the sense that SLO Brew is the only place that bands are playing right now,” Bessemer said. “Then again, I wasn’t a huge fan of SLO Brew as a venue in the first place.

It’s just the only option.”

Bessemer said he’s optimistic about the state of music in town.

He’s confident that, regardless of whether SLO Brew can host large shows in its future location, San Luis Obispo will become a destination with a greater array of musical options than before.

“It would be great if SLO Brew was doing the big bands and other bands playing could play at a smaller location,” Bessemer said. “That’s the best-case scenario.

I’m not worried about the music scene. I have a feeling everyone is kind of chattering about it. It’s more of an opportunity, rather than its getting taken away.”

Schaller seemed to agree.

He pointed to SLO Brew’s former co-owner, Todd Newman, who is in the process of phasing out of his relationship with the brewery to pursue his own promotion company in San Luis Obispo, called Good Medicine Presents.

“He’s been putting a lot of energy into Good Medicine Presents — a couple sold-out shows,” Schaller said. “Fremont, Madonna Expo Center, wineries, resorts. He’s alive and well and continuing to do music. He’s also continuing to do the remainder of Garden Street.”

Changes are surely coming to San Luis Obispo’s music scene, but in the words of Schaller, “It’s not as if music will be wiped.”

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LISA WOSKE | COURTESY PHOTO RADIO TO THE STAGE | Ira Glass will visit Cal Poly to lecture on how to create riveting radio content, told from the radio star’s perspective.

From ‘This American Life’ to San Luis Obispo: Ira Glass to speak at PAC Frances Griffey @cpmustangarts

Renowned radio personality Ira Glass will share stories and secrets about all things radio at 3 p.m. on April 12 in the Christopher Cohan Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Glass will discuss the creation

of his own radio show, “This American Life,” and divulge tips and tricks for how he creates engaging radio content. But this is not your average lecture. Cal Poly Arts Director Steve Lerian said Glass is unlike most speakers who come to Cal Poly. “(He) has interviewed and done stories about (al)most every important person and topic throughout the last couple of decades,” Lerian said.

Lerian praised Glass’ intel-

ligence and ability to connect with his audience. The ways he will incorporate audio and visual elements in his lecture on Sunday will no doubt captivate the entire auditorium.

“He is incredibly compelling as a speaker,” Lerian said. “He’s very, very, very smart (and) fun to listen to. The guy is two steps ahead of you all the time.”

Though Cal Poly students who listen to the radio and already know of Glass will be interested

in this event, Lerian said there is appeal for all students, especially those involved in communications and journalism.

“If you are interested in communications, journalism and anything of that nature, this would (be something) you wouldn’t want to miss,” he said.

Tickets for this event can be purchased online at pacslo.org from $23 to $58. Lerian said it is likely there will be $10 student tickets available at the door.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

ARTS | 5

Idaho indie rockers Built to Spill to shake up SLO Brew

JAMES HUCK ABY | CRE ATIVE COMMONS BUILT ANTICIPATION

| After years of attempts to book Built to Spill, SLO Brewing Co. will host the Idaho-based band on April 11, one week before it releases its first album in six years, Untethered Moon.

Annie Vainshtein @AnnieVain

Following its set at Coachella, Idaho-based indie rock band Built to Spill will perform at SLO Brewing Co. on April 11 at 7:30 p.m. The band is set to

release its first new album in six years, titled Untethered Moon, on April 18.

Built to Spill was formed in Boise by guitarist and vocalist Doug Martsch, along with Brett Netson and Ralf Youtz.

The group has released seven studio albums, and its stop at

SLO Brew is part of its North American tour.

SLO Brew manager Monte Schaller said the venue has been pursuing Built to Spill for six or seven years now. Schaller said they anticipate the show to sell out, so those interested in attending should get tickets

in advance.

“The band is really cool,” he said. “They have a tendency to jam and ad-lib on stage.”

According to Schaller, Built to Spill usually plays a unique set every time the band has a show, and the sets can be pretty long. He also said this show will

sport material from the band’s new album.

“Everyone is really stoked,” he said. “It’s a high-energy, fun atmosphere.”

Biological sciences junior Michael Viera won’t be attending the SLO Brew show, but he will see Built to Spill in Los Angeles

next week.

Viera said the band’s sound is “somewhere in between Pavement, Modest Mouse and Dinosaur Jr.” Tickets are available for $25 online at Ticketfly, Boo Boo Records or at the door. This event is open to all ages.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

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Thursday, April 9, 2015 Publishing since 1916 “What’s a pay-tronus?”

New season, new start: Can the Cubs claw their way up from the bottom?

Amelia Parreira @CPMustangSports

Amelia Parreira is a journalism junior and Mustang News sports columnist. These views do not necessarily reflect the opinion or editorial coverage of Mustang News.

You were probably expecting something about the Final Four. Sorry, but I’ve got baseball fever.

Almost six months ago, my San Francisco Giants became the 2014 World Champions, the team’s third title in five years. Now that a new season is underway, it’s time to see which team will take the next championship title.

While it would be amazing for the Giants to do it all again, it’s time for another team to step up.

If anyone deserves that chance, it’s the Chicago Cubs.

That statement might take you by surprise. But sometimes statistics, while they do matter, shouldn’t be all that matters.

The Cubs haven’t won a World Series since 1908, which makes their droug ht the longest in baseball history. The team hasn’t even set foot in a Fall Classic since 1945, and it has held some of the worst records since then. The Cubs saw their biggest streak of bad luck in the 2012 season, limping away with an overall record of 61-101, their worst finish since 1966.

Thirsty for a big comeback,

it’s safe to say the Chicago organization and its fans have suffered enough. They could really use a big break.

Despite the Cubs’ past and their 15-17 spring training record, this season could very well hold something great for them. The team will invest in more young players this coming season than it ever has before. The newly formed roster could definitely bring success both offensively and defensively.

One of Chicago’s biggest keys for the 2015 season is third baseman Kris Bryant. The 23-year-old rookie batted .425 during spring training. Bryant spent last season playing Double-A and Triple-A ball, where he hit a total of 43 home runs and 110 RBIs in just 138 games.

This year, he was ranked the No. 1 prospect in MLB, according to NBC Sports. While Bryant will start the 2015 season in Triple-A, the Cubs plan to

The Cubs will host multiple other power hitters this season as well. Outfielder Jorge Soler is one to look out for. Also 23 years old, Soler knocked out five home runs and 20 RBIs within his first 24 games with the Cubs back in 2014.

Another essential puzzle piece is first baseman Anthony Rizzo.

The 25-yearold hit 32 home runs last season and could very well make an even bigger contribution this season.

Along with a talented offensive lineup, the Cubs have a strong pitching staff, which is one of the most important sources of a

The Cubs haven’t won a World Series since 1908.

AMELIA PARREIRA

bring him back up to the big leagues shortly.

team’s success.

Chicago recently signed 31-year-old ace Jon Lester, who came in with a 2.46 ERA last season. Lester struck out 220 batters over 219 innings pitched. If he keeps up the good stats this season, Lester just might help the Cubs go far.

Following Lester in the rotation is 29-year-old Jake Arrieta, who sported a 2.53 ERA last season. Arrieta struck out 167 batters over 156 innings last year with the Cubs.

Next to take the mound is 32-year-old Jason Hammel.

Coming from the Baltimore Orioles in 2013 with a 4.97 ERA, Hammel brought his ERA down to 2.98 with the Cubs before Chicago sent him to the Oakland Athletics on a trade deal in July 2014, where he struggled. Now he’s back

with the Cubs for 2015, where he will hopefully find his wind once again.

Next in the rotation are 28-year-old Travis Wood and 25-year-old Kyle Hendricks.

While Wood struggled in 2014 to an 8-13 record and 5.03 ERA, Hendricks had a strong debut with the Cubs. With a 7-2 record and 2.46 ERA, the young Hendricks is just what the Cubs need to come out strong this season.

Now that the Cubs have built up a competent team both offensively and defensively, they just have to work hard at getting run support while excelling on the mound. If both occur at the same time, Chicago will be golden.

Though the curse may live on for now, it is far from time to give up hope. After all, miracles do happen.

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Thursday, April 9, 2015

SPORTS | 8

Baseball sinks Waves, opens home conference schedule

ANDREW EPPERSON | MUSTANG NE WS LOW TIDE

| Junior second baseman Mark Mathias (above) knocked in two runs and drew two walks in a 9-1 victory over Pepperdine on Wednesday night. The Mustangs will face Hawaii at home this Friday.

Stephan Teodosescu @steodosescu

Conference play is underway, and for the Cal Poly baseball team, making a third straight postseason appearance will rely heavily on winning the Big West crown this season.

The Mustangs are 11-18 overall and went 1-2 in their first three conference games against perennial power Cal State Fullerton this past weekend. Unlike last season, where Cal Poly was 24-5 at this point and well on its way to hosting an NCAA Regional, winning the conference title is the Mustangs’ only hope

of sneaking into the postseason by virtue of the Big West’s automatic qualifier. A spot in regional play is granted to the regular season champion.

“We’re gonna have to win series, and when we have the opportunity we’re gonna need to sweep series,” head coach Larry Lee said at Monday’s press conference. “The latter third of the conference schedule, we just want to be in it within shouting range of whoever is at top.”

Cal Poly will begin the home portion of its Big West title defense on Friday night against Hawaii (12-20, 3-3 Big West Conference) in a three-game series at

Baggett Stadium.

The Mustangs are coming off a nonconference win on Wednesday night against Pepperdine (1717). Cal Poly avenged last month’s loss to the Waves with a 9-1 victory at home.

Cal Poly’s struggles started early in 2015, as it lost six of its first seven matchups. Since then, the Mustangs have played near .500 ball but dropped a tough series to the Titans this past weekend.

Friday’s game will feature junior right-hander Casey Bloomquist on the mound, who’s been one of Cal Poly’s bright spots. The Mustangs’ ace is 3-2 with a 2.56 ERA. All three of his wins have come

in the past three weeks, where he’s defeated two top-25 powers from the Pac-12 (USC and Oregon State) and posted a shutout against Cal State Fullerton.

The Mustangs’ freshman southpaw, Kyle Smith (2-5, 3.76 ERA), has also provided an anchor on Saturdays. He’s coming off a five-hit, one-earned-run performance that had him dueling with one of the Titans’ top pitchers before Cal Poly gave up a tie-breaking unearned run in the sixth inning to hand him his fifth loss of the season. “(Bloomquist) has been very good the last three weekends,” Lee said. “He just beat (two)

ranked teams, threw extremely well and hopes to continue in that direction. And Kyle Smith has thrown three solid outings against those same three teams.”

Lee said he’ll throw either sophomore right-hander Justin Calomeni or senior reliever Taylor Chris in Sunday’s start on the mound. Cal Poly has struggled in that spot this season, having won one time in the final matchup of a multigame series.

It would be Chris’ first career start, but the veteran lefty has shown he can go long outings out of the bullpen before. He pitched a careerhigh 6 ⅓ innings in relief against Pepperdine in last season’s San Luis

Obispo Regional. Calomeni’s start is contingent on a good performance in a simulated game on Thursday.

Entering the home portion of Big West play, Cal Poly’s offense has been paced by junior Brian Mundell, who’s leading the team in batting average, and junior shortstop Peter Van Gansen. Van Gansen is hitting above .350 and leads the Mustangs with 41 hits.

Hawaii, meanwhile, has struggled in games off the island. The Rainbow Warriors are 1-7 in true away games this season, but they’re coming off a home sweep of UC Davis this past weekend.

First pitch for Friday night’s contest is set for 6 p.m.