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EDITOR'S NOTE College is intense. Those sweet seconds in between are an even greater release than the build up. You need that break. That bite into your sandwich, that footstep into the sand, that plop on the chair. San Luis Obispo has many ways to chill out; which one fits you? San Luis Obpiso hosts a plethora of afterschool activities that entertain a range of interests. California's range of terrain opens up worlds of opportunities. Whatever your interest may be, there is a place in San Luis Obispo for you. Whatever type of people you connect with, there is a group for you. There is a spot for you in San Luis Obispo. Special Sections Editor Carly Quinn
Cover by Steven Nguyen Cover Photography by Michelle Kang & Von Balanon Layout Design by Michelle Kang & Von Balanon
CONTENTS 06 11
SAVE IN SLO
STUDENT APARTMENTS AROUND SLO
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A DIFFICULT BUT DELICIOUS CHALLENGE
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ON CAMPUS RESOURCES FOR OFF CAMPUS HOUSING
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A GORGEOUS GETAWAY FOR THE DAY
AFFORDABLE & HEALTHY MEALS
THREE COOL STUDY SPOTS MUSTANG MEDIA GROUP
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STUDENT APARTME
AROUND S WRITTEN BY
Sophia Lincoln
IT’S THAT TIME OF Y E AR AGAIN WHEN
begin scrambling to find a living situation for next year. When deciding on housing, there are a number of different aspects to consider — location, price, space — the list goes on. The good news is that SLO is host to a wide range of apartments built specifically for students. Here are a few options to consider: RETURNING MUS TANGS
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MUSTANG VILLAGE
Mustang Village is a very popular living space among many mustangs due to its close proximity to campus, affordable price and its social atmosphere. Located just behind the train tracks off of Foothill Boulevard, the living complex is of walking-distance both to campus and the various grocery stores and restaurants lining Foothill Boulevard.
Mustang village offers a few different floor plans and is much more affordable than other real estate in SLO. As can be inferred by its name, Mustang Village is very student centered and it fosters a social community for Cal Poly students.
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THE AC ADEM Y CHORRO
The Academy on Chorro Street is definitely one of the pricier housing options but with its prime location,
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side the front door which goes to and from campus every hour. All of the floor plans at the Academy come furnished with a fifty inch HDTV in the living room, an in-unit washer and dryer, an energy-efficient stainless steel dishwasher and more. Outside of the individual units are more stylish amenities including private study rooms, fitness studios, communal sitting areas and a modern entertainment room with billiards. Lastly, the staff at the Academy Chorro work hard to create an ideal social and academic atmosphere for students with fun community events like Monday night Bachelor watch parties and a “Friendsgiving” dinner around Thanksgiving put on by staff at The Academy.
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THE ACADEMY PALOMAR
PHOTO BY
Zach Donnerfield
upscale student amenities and its valued community, the Academy makes for a thriving social and academic environment. Located on Chorro Street off of Foothill Boulevard, students living there can simply walk across the street to popular hangouts like Scout’s Coffee and Taqueria Santa Cruz. It is walking-distance to campus but also makes it very convenient for students to take the bus to campus as there is a bus stop right out-
The Academy on Palomar Street is owned by the same company that owns the Academy on Chorro Street but there are a few main distinctions that make for a different experience at each one. The Academy Palomar is quite similar to the Academy Chorro in its lush amenities and strong community aspect, but unlike the Academy Chorro which is made up of apartments, the Academy Palomar is made up of eight to ten person “cottages” which are essentially two story houses with separate first and second floors -- the four or five people living on the first floor will share a kitchen, living room and two bathrooms all of which are disconnected from the second floor which contains the same floor plan. The cottages create a more private atmosphere for students wanting to live in an environment similar to that of a house but also having access to state-of-the-art communal amenities and community activities. One drawback of living at the Academy Palomar is that it is not as close to campus
as some of the other housing options mentioned. It is located on Palo-
The good news is that SLO is host to a wide range of apartments built specifically for students. Sophie Lincoln
mar Street just a little ways behind SLODoCo making it walkable yet not quite as convenient as the living complexes off of Foothill Boulevard.
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POLY CANYON VILLAGE
Poly Canyon Village is a great option for students who find themselves on campus more often than not -- if you are frequently studying in the library or are in a major that requires constant work in studios or other classes on campus, Poly Canyon Village could be a great choice for you. In addition to be conveniently located on campus, Poly Canyon Village is also far enough away from the center of campus that it creates a much quieter and very studious environment for students to thrive.
Similarly to dorm life, Poly Canyon Village provides community areas and amenities including a pool, beach volleyball courts, an exercise room and more. It also features different dining areas right outside your door including Einstein’s Bagels, the Canyon Cafe, Jamba Juice and Village Market. Poly Canyon Village is a great bonus of Cal Poly’s campus and provides just about everything necessary for thriving college students all together in one tidy package.
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FILE PHOTO BY
Mustang News
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SAVE IN SLO WRITTEN BY
ARE
YOU
GROWING
TIRED
OF
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but don’t exactly have the money to grab a bite to eat downtown? Well, with a little bit of investigating, cheap desserts, drinks, and dining are not hard to find. PUS FOOD
With the stress of quarter system, us Cal Poly students could use a sweet saving every now and then. Luckily, Mon Ami Crepe Bar, located downtown on Court Street, offers an array of dessert crepes. From nutella and banana, to berry and chantelle cream, Mon Ami Crepe Bar has a plethora of dessert crepes destined to satisfy your sweet tooth. However, if your pallet is more on the savory side, the crepe bar offers a wide variety of breakfast crepes with bacon, ham, cheese and eggs. To complement the crepe of your choice, Mon Ami Crepe Bar also sells specialty coffees and smoothies. Why should all of these delectable dishes apply to Cal Poly students? Because, if a student ID is shown, you can acquire a student discount. Wednesdays through Sundays, students will receive ten percent off their order. On Mondays, students are offered up to twenty percent off.
Presley Allen
Although Mon Ami Crepe Bar may offer discounts on coffee, there is a place in SLO that gives away free coffee; music to a college students ears. Located on campus off of Foothill Blvd, Front Porch offers students tea, americanos, and espresso all for the price of nothing. Front Porch is a volunteer-run coffee shop that gives students a cozy place to chat, study, and enjoy their free lattes. Let’s face it,
Finding good deals may take a bit of sleuthing, but it is not impossible. Presley Allen
paying approximately $5 every morning for your almond milk latte puts quite a dent in your bank account. So, with Front Porch’s prime location and willingness to offer any individual who walks through the door free coffee, they provide a more sustainable alternative.
corner of High Street, is a landmarked sandwich shop that offers the grooviest discount around. When asked at 4:08 PM if I wanted to wait 12 minutes to purchase my sandwich, I became thoroughly confused and declined the offer. However, as I was just finishing my turkey and provolone on sourdough, all of the workers in the shop counted down from 10 and yelled “Happy 420,” excitedly. People began piling in the restaurant to receive what they call, “The 420 special.” Between the hours of 4:20-5:30 PM high street deli offers sandwiches for $6.99 rather than the typical close to $10. Once you try High Street Deli, chances are you will become hooked. So, be sure to head over when the clock strikes 4:20 every now and then. Finding good deals may take a bit of sleuthing, but it is not impossible. Mon Ami, Front Porch, and High Street are just a few of the gems in the rainbow of bargains. So, do your research and be your own discounting detective.
A place known mainly by locals has the freshest sandwiches around. High Street Deli and Market, located on the MUSTANG MEDIA GROUP
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A DIFFICULT BUT
DELICIOUS C THIS WEEKEND I DECIDED TO TAKE ON
For those unfamiliar with this arduous adventure, the Tri-tip challenge involves hiking the three famous peaks in SLO county: Bishop’s Peak, Madonna Mountain, and the “P.” After completing all three hikes, in order to fully complete the task, one must head down to Firestone Grill and devour a triumphant tri-tip sandwich. Although this challenge may pose as a glorified workout, I thought it might be a good way to get outdoors and put my hiking abilities to the test. THE INFAMOUS TRI-TIP CHALLENGE.
I decided it would be strategic to begin a Bishop’s Peak, the greater of three evils. Standing at 1,546 feet and having a trail of approximately 3 miles,
After completing all three hikes, in order to fully complete the task, one must head down to Firestone Grill and devour a triumphant tri-tip sandwich. Presley Allen this hike was definitely the tough one of the bunch. Although it was the most strenuous, I would rate it moderate difficulty. The vertical nature of the trail presented a pretty hefty leg SLO LIVING 2020
day. However, the scenic, panoramic view of SLO county from the very top was worth it. Next, I took on Madonna Mountain loop. Although the hike was approximately a mile longer and quite rockier than Bishop’s Peak, the incline was
not as slanted, causing the hike to feel easier than Bishop’s Peak. However, about halfway through, I began to lose stamina. Bishop’s Peak was playing devil’s advocate with me, but I ignored my burning calves and strutted my way to the top of the mountain. When it came to the short,
CHALLENGE WRITTEN BY
TOP OF BISHOP'S PEAK TAKEN BY MUSTANG NEWS REPORTER
Presley Allen
Presley Allen
but sweet “P” hike, my aching feet said no, but my heart said yes. Just finishing Madonna Mountain wasn’t about to break my spirit. In a bit of a tired, sandwich-craving daze, I made my way up to the top of the “P.” After a long five hours, I finally could say I completed three hikes on three separate mountains in one day. But it wasn’t over yet. Feeling pridefully exhausted, I marched my way into Firestone Grill to claim my tasty trophy. As I devoured my tri-tip sandwich, I realized victory never tasted so good. Altogether, according to the health app on my iPhone, I had walked almost ten miles. Walking this much in one day may seem outrageous, but it’s simply the essence of the challenge. I want to say this task was a piece of cake, but in all honesty, it took quite a bit of stamina to get through it. However, that is why it is deemed a challenge. It is not supposed to be easy, so if you are going to try it, take the proper precautions.
Having a personal cheerleader to encourage you through each hike will help you get through the challenge confidently. Presley Allen
Always check the forecast. Be sure to go on a sunny day to fully admire the beauty of SLO county from great heights. Bring a hypeman or hypewoman. You are going to get very tired and maybe want to give up. Having a personal cheerleader to encourage you through each hike will help you get through the challenge confidently. Lastly, bring plenty of snacks. But, be sure to save room for that tri-tip sandwich. MUSTANG MEDIA GROUP
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A GORGEOUS GETAWAY
FOR THE DAY WRITTEN BY
WITH IT’S VAST SAND DUNES, BREATHTAKING BEACHES, AND GORGEOUS VIEWS
OF THE PACIFIC it is clear that Montaña de Oro is something special. Located approximately 40 minutes from campus and down Los Osos Valley Road, Montana de Oro provides a nice getaway for the day.
Montaña de Oro has the best of both worlds: a natural area with trees, grassland, and rolling hills, and the beach. It offers a place where you can hike all day and watch the sunset over the ocean by night. The most popular place to hike in Montaña de Oro is the “Bluff Hike” that runs right along the ridge of the of the cliffs. The trail is perfect for beginner level hikers to see a plethora of different vegetation, wildlife, and breathtaking views of the ocean. Benches along the trail provide the perfect place to stop and admire the view or to watch the sunset with friends, family or a significant other. This wildflower-filled hike stretches 4.6 miles long and branches off to handful of beaches. So, if you are working up a sweat from all the hiking PHOTOS BY
Presley Allen
Presley Allen
you have been doing, a cooling dip in the ocean is never too far away. At Montaña de Oro you can make sand castles, play spikeball, and sunbathe in the presence of striking blue-green waters, rock formations, and California poppies among the bluffs.
Montaña de Oro has the best of both worlds: a natural area with trees, grassland, and rolling hills, and the beach. Presley Allen The large amount of rock formations at Montaña de Oro creates tide pools booming with sea life. Places such as Corallina Cove and Hazard Reef are home to many species of sea life. Corallina cove gets its name from a
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species known as Corallina algae, a rose-colored algae that thrives in this part of Montaña de Oro. Upon peering into the tide pools you’ll notice bright green and blue sea anemones waving their tentacles, orange or purple starfish resting on rocks, and hermit crabs scurrying around the sand. Another popular spot at Montaña de Oro worth merit are the colossal sand dunes along the coast line. Although walking up the highest dune may feel like leg day at the gym, the view of the rolling dunes and Morro Rock is worth it. The dunes provide the perfect picture and picnic spot with friends. The picturesque nature and views of the dunes will make you and your friends pop and add some aesthetic to your instagram feed.
The dunes provide the perfect picture and picnic spot with friends. Presley Allen Although some would use the dunes for a photoshoot, there is a fun activity for the adventurous type: sand sledding. Sand sledding involves getting boogie boards, surf boards, and, for some, tables and sledding down the biggest sand dune. You can race your friends, compete to see who can get down the dune the farthest, or simply just have fun with it! Montaña de Oro is a place that proves you don’t have to go far to have a getaway. With all the different areas and activities in this state park, you will always have somewhere to go and something to do. So, the 40 minute drive is worth it for the experience.
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PHOTOS BY
Presley Allen
AFFORDABLE & HEALTHY MEALS
FOR STUDENTS LIVING OFF CAMPUS | AS CONVENIENT AS CAL POLY’S MEAL
not having one can be an equally efficient option if you know where and how to shop for groceries. Surrounding Cal Poly is a myriad of student-friendly grocery stores. PLANS ARE,
Regardless of where you shop for groceries or what your culinary experience entails, one of the best tips I’ve been given is to “meal-prep”. Meal prepping involves planning out your
meals in advance and then reusing the same ingredients for the rest of the week. For example, buying carbs like rice or pasta work well as you can make a big pot of it at the beginning of the week and reuse the same carb throughout the rest of the week but with different vegetables or other toppings incorporated. This saves both time and money as you can reuse the same ingredients rather than buying new ingredients for each meal or spending time cooking a whole new meal each night. While a healthy diet may seem difficult to maintain amid the many stresses and deadlines of college life, recording what you eat can be a great start. This can be very helpful for those who tend to miss a meal here and there or unintentionally exclude one or more of the essential food groups — like vegetables or protein — from their diet. Keeping an eating schedule can SLO LIVING 2020
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help you keep track of your diet and ensure you are getting the nutrients necessary to thrive at school. In terms of where to shop for groceries, I find it useful to go to various different stores depending on what I am in need of, how much I am planning on actually cooking and how much money I am willing to spend. Going to Costco every few months has saved me the time of making multiple trips to smaller grocery stores. Moreover, Costco sells products in bulk which is great for items that I know I will use and reuse which I may buy there for an affordable price. During a busy week, on the other hand, I find it most efficient to go to Trader Joe’s for their plentitude of surprisingly tasty frozen meals which can be heated up in a matter of minutes amid studying.
Regardless of where you shop for groceries or what your culinary experience entails, one of the best tips I’ve been given is to “meal-prep”. Sophie Lincoln Lastly, California Fresh Market is an extremely student-friendly option. Though it is a bit pricier than the two
Sophia Lincoln above stores, it’s great for fresh fruits and vegetables and even a quick grab-and-go lunch from the sushi bar or fresh deli inside. California Fresh is also close to campus, making it a great option for students without cars. Also useful to students without cars are Campus Market and Village Market which sell groceries in addition to campus food. For those who struggle more so with deciding what to make and knowing how to make it, programs like Hello Fresh can also be very useful. Hello Fresh is an online program popular among Cal Poly students wherein users pay a weekly fee to receive easy-to-follow recipes, along with fresh ingredients called for in the recipes all of which is delivered right to your door. Some similar programs include Blue Apron and Home Chef. Food 4 Less and Grocery Outlet are also great options for college students as they are very affordable. Both of these stores provide a wide variety of products and are in close proximity to other stores that are popular among students like Trader Joes and Target so you may get all of your errands done at once.
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L E A R N M O R E AT M U S TA N G N E W S . N E T / M M G
THREE COOL STUDY SPOTS THAT AREN'T PACKED WITH STUDENTS |
AS THE SCHOOL YEAR CONTINUES TO HARBOR MORE PROJECTS AND MIDTERMS,
the Kennedy Library can become increasingly crowded and for some, it can become a monotonous study spot. Of course, there are other popular study spots like Baker and Dexter
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CAL POLY’S LEARNING PINE ARBORETUM
Located behind the Poly Plant Shop off of Via Carta road, the living laboratory of plants provides a quiet and calming atmosphere for students and others to enjoy amid stressful college
Sophia Lincoln
The arboretum is a great place to concentrate with no distractions -- with the exception of an occasional bird singing. I find it most useful for heavy reading and studying complicated concepts. It’s also just a great escape
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from the daily bustle of classes.
THE CHANDLER LOUNGE IN THE UNIVERSITY UNION
OCOB PHOTO BY
Lawn, but if you are feeling ready for a change of scenery and some quieter study spots, these less familiar areas may make for your perfect new studying environment:
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Carolyne Sysmans
life. The arboretum occupies five acres of Cal Poly’s campus and contains lots of benches where one can settle and work in the quiet and beautiful environment.
While the University Union tends to be frequently packed with students, certain designated rooms within the UU including the Chandler Lounge can be a perfect place to study in silence. The Chandler Lounge is always very quiet as there is an implied policy of silent study. Filled with outlets, couches and study desks, it makes for a great place for individual studying without the noises and potential distractions within the rest of the UU. Much like the Learning Pine Arboretum, the Candler Lounge maintains a peaceful atmosphere as the walls are lined with large windows with beautiful views of campus. The lounge has a maximum capacity of 45 students, making it much less packed than other study spots on campus. Also located in the UU is the San Luis Lounge
The arboretum occupies five acres of Cal Poly’s campus and contains lots of benches where one can settle and work in the quiet and beautiful environment. Sophia Lincoln which provides similar amenities for a quieter studying experience.
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THE ORFALEA COLLEGE OF BUSINESS GARDENS
In addition to the three-acre green lawn behind the College of Business, the area behind and surrounding OCOB is home to three other Cal Poly gardens including the Remembrance Pond, the Rose Garden and the Cal-
ifornia Natives and Cactus Garden. All of these gardens tend to be much less populated by students and provide a beautiful natural scenery to concentrate freely. The Remembrance Pond was originally created by former Cal Poly students as a memorial to the late department head of ornamental horticulture Ted Howes. It provides a little pond and waterfall
and the area is dotted with quiet seating areas. The Rose Garden was created as a construction management student project a few decades ago and it features rows upon rows of beautiful roses, making for another great natural environment for quiet reading or studying. Lastly, the California Natives and Cactus Garden -- once just a vacant parking lot, is now comprised of various california native plants and cacti. Nestled in the center of the garden is a myriad of artwork designed and built by Cal Poly students and professors. Hopefully these study spots give you a fresh outlook on studying whatever test you have next.
ON CAMPUS RESOURC
OFF CAMPUS H CAL POLY OFFERS ON-CAMPUS HOUSING
in addition to resources provided through the Office of Rights and Responsibilities for students who plan to move off campus. THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY
One of the main resources provided through the Off Campus Programs is the Educated Renters Certification Program (ERCP). This program is designed to give students information on what to do before, during and after renting their off-campus home. The certificate functions to give students validity when they do not have renters’ history. Biological science senior and student assistant for the Off Campus Programs Kelsie Hilty said that in order to determine the material that is discussed in the ERCP, they reached out to local complexes and property
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management companies to see what they were looking for when it came to tenants. In order to receive the ERCP certificate, students complete an online course and then meet with Hilty to go over important information regarding being a responsible renter and informational material to have as questions come up while they are renting. Students discuss renters rights, what to do if you get a citation, how to handle conflicts with neighbors or landlords and any additional questions they have. After this appointment, students receive their ERCP certificate and can attach it to housing applications to give them an advantage in the housing market. Properties that accept the ERCP include: Castle Keepers, Inc., Com-
et Reality, College Gardens Apts., FarrellSmyth Inc., McNamara Realty, Murray Station, Patterson Realty, Horizon, SLO Rental Shoppe, Stafford Garden Apts., Valencia Apts., Western Realty, Mission Property Group, De Tolosa Ranch Apts. and The Academy Chorro. Hilty said that adding this certificate to housing applications does give students an advantage because it shows that they are responsible.
It gives the landlord that sense of security knowing that they are going to have a good tenant. Kelsie Hilty
It’s helpful if someone takes this course because it shows me that they are willing to take the extra step. Susie Brans
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Carolyne Sysmans
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HOUSING WRITTEN BY
“It shows the landlords that the students are putting in the time and effort, they understand what it means to be a good tenant and they are less likely to cause issues for the landlord,” Hilty said. "It gives the landlord that sense of security knowing that they are going to have a good tenant.” Local real estate broker, rental owner and property manager Susie Brans did an informational session with Cal Poly students and parents about off campus housing and explained from a property manager’s perspective, the benefits of completing the program. “They go over the city ordinances, they’ll talk about how to be a good tenant and a good neighbor, if you have issues with the landlord how to bring it up, rights that you have as a tenant that you might not be aware
Lauryn Luescher
of,” Brans said. “It’s helpful if someone takes this course because it shows me that they are willing to take the extra step.” Although the Off Campus Program is only about seven years old, Hilty said she has seen an increase in the number of students taking the course. In January 2019, Hilty met with 30 students instead of her 15-25 monthly average. Along with answering general housing questions and certifying students through the ERCP, the Office-Campus Housing Program connects students with other resources that can help t hem wi t h t heir housing related is sues .
a free conflict resolution service offered to all San Luis Obispo Residents to help with issues regarding noise, parking, trash, parties, trees, securit y deposit s, lease agreement s, communication, expec tations and roommates. The Off Campus Program also supports the Party Registration Program and has found that allowing students to register their parties to get warnings for noise complaints, has decreased the number of students struggling with what to do about their noise violation. Regarding helping students find off campus housing, the Off Campus Program connects students with both the Cal Poly (CP) Housing, Sublets & Roommates and the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo - Housing/Rooms/Apartments by housinganywhere Facebook pages and Poly Rents. These Facebook pages and resources post listings for students throughout the year. For more information on the different programs and resources offered through the Off Campus programs, visit : www.ercp.calpoly.edu/content/resources www.osrr.calpoly.edu/off-campus-programs.
If students are having trouble with a landlord or need mediation help, the Office Campus Housing Program will connect students with SLO Solutions,
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